Happy Friday, friends! Today I’m sharing my best fashion and beauty buys of 2019.

I always enjoy this post because it allows me to identify the things that work for me longterm, and hopefully helps me make wiser purchasing decisions going forward.

I said in last year’s post that many of my favorite things are getting older — a few of the things I went to add, I realized I purchased one or two years ago.

This year, it’s the opposite. I’ve updated a lot of my old favorites — particularly denim and handbags — and while I still have a lot of sweaters from last year, I’ve added quite a few newbies to the mix.

What amazed me, as I finalized the post, is how many items are from the #NSale. Even though many of us were a bit disenchanted with the whole thing this year, this post is a good reminder that it really is a sale worth shopping.

If you’ve made any of these purchases this year, chime in and let me know how they worked for you!

BEST FASHION & BEAUTY BUYS OF 2019

When I do this post, I try to choose things that are still available, because otherwise it’s not very useful to you. However, I did make exceptions for a few, because I really love them and I think it’s helpful to see which items I’ve kept and continue to wear.

Ironically, by doing that, I found that a few of my favorite pieces have been restocked, and I was completely unaware!!! Read on to find out which ones…

BEST SHOE PURCHASES OF 2019

I had a really hard time narrowing down my shoe selections because there were so many good ones this year!

Veja Esplar Sneakers // I purchased these after I bought and tried a bunch of white fashion sneakers. (You can see my full fashion sneaker review, if you’re interested. Many are still available.)

These shoes are made in Brazil using organic or recycled and fairly traded materials, which is cool. I love the clean, minimalist aesthetic, and the subtle logo. They fit my thin, narrow feet very well and don’t look heavy or clunky, as some sneakers do.

They did take some breaking in, but I’ve worn them way more than I thought I would. Even though I’ve since purchased these grey Everlane Trainers, the white Vejas continue to be the go-to fashion sneaker in my closet.

Vince Blair 5 Slip-On Sneakers // I went back and forth on these and hemmed and hawed for days before I decided to keep them, and I am SO glad I did.

For one thing, they are super luxe and so comfortable, with the softest leather lining, and they add a great punch of pattern and texture to so many of my casual outfits.

I also love how easy they are to slip on and go. (I hate dealing with laces.) Best of all, they just went on sale! They’re 20% off at Nordstrom.

Vince Camuto Kimora Cutout Shield Sandals // These were an #NSale purchase, and they sold out, but I included them because I wore them so much throughout the end of summer and fall, and I’ll definitely bring them out again this spring.

They’re the perfect heel to wear with jeans and a casual top when you want to be a little dressed up but not over-the-top, and they have just a slight edgy vibe, which works well with my style aesthetic.

Eileen Fisher Lee Espadrille Flats // I purchased these on a whim for a sponsored post, and I ended up wearing them a bunch. They’re still available in both black and white washed leather, and they are sooo comfortable, but cute too. I like how they stay on the foot (better than sandals and flip-flops) when I’m going to be doing a lot of walking.

If you’re not familiar with Eileen Fisher, this brand is known for comfort and quality and ethical business practices. You pay a little more than you do for fast fashion, but you’re getting a good value for the price point and supporting an ethical company to boot.

Tory Burch Minnie Flats // I love my TB Minnie flats, and while they’re a splurge, they do go on sale from time to time. I got this leather pair in the Goan Sand early last spring to replace my grey ones which were looking really beat. These are so, so comfortable, and very versatile.

Jeffrey Campbell Snakeskin Embossed Booties // I am SUPER EXCITED to tell you that these boots have FINALLY been restocked! They’re called the Rosalee, but from anything I can tell, it’s the exact same snake print.

These are probably the most comfortable boot I own. They’re super soft and padded inside, and I can wear them all day in complete comfort. Plus I love the snake print color palette, and the design of the booties with the split shaft. So, so good.

They also come in solid taupe suede (I the grey ones from last year) and black suede.

Vince Camuto Gigietta booties // These were another #NSale purchase, and I’m so glad I grabbed them at the very end of the sale. The quality is fantastic, and they’re very walkable and have a leather lining that feels nice against the foot. (I do not wear socks with these.)

The pointed toe and western vibe is very much on trend this fall, so these are a great way to update your shoe wardrobe.

I have the tortilla suede, but I also really like their snake prints. If I didn’t have the Jeffrey Campbell ones (above), I would definitely pick up one of those. I’m also happy to report that these booties are still available and on sale! (Size up half.)

UGG Quincy Boots // Okay, one more pair of boots… These were a spontaneous purchase in-store, and I absolutely love them. They are so, so cozy and comfortable, and I find myself wearing them a lot just here at home, as well as when I’m going out and about and I want to be sure I’m warm.

They play into the hiker boot trend, so they’re current as well as practical, and they’re not a bad price for UGGs. They also come in black, and I recommend sizing up half.

BEST HANDBAG PURCHASES OF 2019

Okay, moving on to handbags… I’ve made a couple of luxury purchases this year, but for this post I’m going to stick with the contemporary brands. I use and love both, but these bags are more accessible and inline with the price points I typically post.

Tory Burch Kira Shoulder Bag // This bag is super luxe and gorgeous, and I love how it dresses up a casual look and also supports my dressier looks as well. Yes, it’s spendy, but I stalked it until it went 30% off, and it’s a classic bag that I plan to carry for years. I also sold a similar bag to help fund this purchase. #winning

This bag also comes in a really pretty shade of taupe, but I really like the contrast of the gold hardware on the black. I find myself carrying black bags a lot in the wintertime, but I still love my taupes and greys.

R Minkoff Jody Feedbag // Speaking of grey, this bag sold out, but I’m including it in this post because I really love it, and it’s a good reminder that there are so many things I got at the #NSale that have served me well throughout the entire season.

This is the perfect size for a crossbody, in my opinion. It’s large enough to hold all the essentials, and the large slip pocket on the back is perfect for holding my huge smartphone. The leather is soft and pretty, but it’s also durable and doesn’t scratch easily.

Tory Burch McGraw Leather Hobo// I almost forgot about this bag because I packed it away till next spring, but this is such a nice size, and the pebbled leather is beautiful.

I like the understated logo and the hand-sewn pick stitching. The ivory is sold out, but it’s available in 3 other great neutrals.

BEST DENIM PURCHASES OF 2019

2019 has been the year for updating my denim collection with higher rise styles. I’m still a huge skinny jean fan; I just can’t quit them, so most are high rise skinnies.

AG Farrah Ankle Skinny Jeans // I’ve pretty much replaced all my AG legging ankle jeans with the Farrah ankle because the higher rise is more modern, and I also find it more comfortable, as I’ve put on a few pounds this year.

I have these in two denim washes as well as black. They have the same great fit and feel as the legging ankle jeans, just with a higher rise. The inseam length is similar, as well. For size reference, I wear a 29 in all of my Farrahs.

Madewell 9″ Mid-Rise Skinny Jeans in Pure White // While I still love and wear my white Paige Verdugo skinnies that I’ve had for years, I wanted to add a higher rise style to my closet.

It’s not easy finding white denim that fits well and is not see-through, so I was thrilled to discover these, and the price is great too.

They’re skinny without being a body-conscious legging fit, and they have a nice 28 1/2″ inseam that works well with sandals and pumps in the summertime.

AG Prima Ankle Cigarette Jeans // These were another #NSale purchase and one of the top sellers of 2019 across my blog and social media channels. I didn’t see any other blogger talking about them, but I love them. They read more as a straight cut, but without looking so bulky.

That said, I’m finding them harder to style for winter than my legging-style skinnies, so I’ve put them away till spring, but I’m sure they’ll be on constant repeat again this spring and summer.

FRAME Le High Skinny Jeans in Burton // It’s really hard to find a good dark grey jean right now, and I searched high and low for these. Most are off-black (very trendy at the moment, but not the look I was going for) or a lighter grey (which I don’t find as flattering on me).

I waited a while for these to go on sale, and it seemed like they never would, so I finally splurged… Let’s call it blog research, okay?

Well, I loved them, and I kept them, and I’ve worn them A TON. Considering that I paid full price, my cost per wear is pretty impressive.

BEST CLOTHING PURCHASES OF 2019

Paige Mayslie Jogger Pants // These are a little different for me, and I’m so glad I snagged them when they were on sale because I wore them a ton. They’re as casual as jeans, but nice for something a little different.

Size down if ordering; I returned the 29 and got the 28 after wearing them for a while.

Vince Textured V-Neck Sweater // I usually invest in at least one high end sweater during the #NSale, and this year I ended up with several. I’ve worn them all a ton, but I chose this one for this post because it’s the one I’ve worn by far the most. It’s made of a soft, fuzzy stretch knit — a blend of cotton, polyamide (nylon), and elastane, so it doesn’t require dry-cleaning, which is a huge plus.

It’s funny to look back at that Try-On Haul and see that I was on the fence about this one, because now I wouldn’t part with it if you offered to pay me!

And here’s the best part: I came a this link from a July Try-On Haul, and discovered that it is back in stock! I had NO idea. Every time I wear it, I say it’s old and don’t link it. 🤦🏻‍♀️ Unfortunately it’s also back to full-price, but I got it for 40% off. Maybe it will go on sale again at the end of the season…

Bobeau Side Tie Tee // I am shocked to find this still in stock! And it’s on sale too. Such a cute top, I wore it a ton last year. It is quite sheer, though, so you may like it with a cami. (I didn’t bother.)

Everlane The Soft Cotton V-Neck // I love this sweater so much, I bought it in both grey and navy. I got a stain on my grey one and had to toss it, and I’ve been sick about it ever since. I still wear the navy a lot in spring and fall, as it’s rather lightweight for winter.

I am tenaciously stalking their website, as it is supposed to be restocked later this month. I just love the neckline, and it’s the perfect length.  The quality is outstanding, and I love supporting Everlane. It’s TTS; I have the small.

Treasure & Bond U-Neck Tank // This tank is perfect for wearing when I want something easy to throw on with shorts and flip flops for a day at home or running casual errands, and it also makes a nice layering piece. I like it so much, I have it in the stripe and the solid grey.

It’s such a nice weight and super soft, it has a flattering neckline, and it’s regular-bra friendly. AND IT FINALLY WENT ON SALE. I don’t think it ever went on sale before. It’s TTS; I like it best in the small. (I have the grey in medium, but prefer the fit of the small in stripe as shown above.)

1901 Ruched Stripe Sheath Dress // This dress is super flattering, and the material is nice and thick and stretchy. Plus, the way they designed the side ruching is such a unique touch. Unfortunately, it sold out.

I rarely find a dress I like this much, and I can’t wait to wear it again next summer.

Joe’s Frayed Denim Bermuda Shorts // These are sold out, but they were definitely my best shorts purchase of last summer. I hope they bring them back this year.

They’re a great length, with a 5″ inseam, and they have a modern frayed cuff and the perfect casual wash.

Chelsea28 Cowl Neck Sweater // This sweater probably needs no introduction — it’s the one I saw in the #NSale Preview Catalog and immediately scoped out the first day of the sale. It sold out almost immediately, so I was really glad when it got restocked, and now they’ve brought it out in a bunch of new colors.

I still love this beige oatmeal, but the teal and both shades of pink are calling my name… I don’t like to buy duplicates, so I keep holding off, but I may need to bite the bullet and get one of those for the rest of the winter. I love wearing bright, cool colors in January and February.

BEST COAT PURCHASE OF 2019

The North Face Miss Metro II Water Repellent Hooded Parka // My old long puffer was needing to be replaced, so when I saw this one at the #NSale, I snapped it up. Unfortunately this sold out, but this one is comparable.

BEST ACCESSORY PURCHASES OF 2019

Anna Beck Reversible Pendant // I’ve been trying to invest in some higher quality fashion jewelry, and I purchased this mixed metal necklace last spring to wear in my open-neck tops. (It’s actually reversible, and the other side is solid silver, which is nice sometimes as well.)

Anna Beck jewelry is handcrafted in Bali, and it has a really nice weight to it. I like how it works with both casual and dressy looks, plus the mixed metal makes it super versatile. I’m hoping to add another one of her pieces to my collection this year.

Lucky Brand Coin Collar Necklace // For a more budget-friendly price point, I’ve purchased some Lucky Brand jewelry that I like a lot — these double drop earrings and these hoops are both great for everyday wear, this necklace is a nice statement piece for casual looks, and this layer necklace (shown above) is another really fun piece to wear in open-neck tops.

Victoria Emerson Bracelets // I was also introduced to Victoria Emerson’s jewelry last year. I work with them monthly, so I get to sample a lot of her pieces.

I have so many favorites, but most have been retired. She has a ton of new styles, though, and I’m actually shooting a few looks with them this week!

BEST BEAUTY PURCHASE OF 2019

Dyson Hair Dryer // I had to include my new Dyson Hair Dryer, of course! You can read my full review here, but suffice it to say, this hair dryer has been a game changer for me.

I have thin, frizzy hair, and when I style it with this hair dryer and my big round brush, it stays smooth and frizz-free all day. (I also use Monat Blow Out Cream.)

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I hope you found this fun and informative. And by way of disclaimer, I realize some see these products adding up and it seems excessive, but always keep in mind that this is my job — scouting out the best products, trying new styles, and sharing them with you. While I definitely have fun with it, my goal is to be a resource, not show off what all I have. I hope it never looks that way.

Also, this post contains compensated affiliate links, which help support this site and keep it running. It also allows me to do this as a full-time job. As always, I appreciate your support!

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