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BEST FASHION & BEAUTY BUYS OF 2017

My Best Purchases of 2016 was super popular on the blog last year, so I made a note to myself in my Google calendar so I’d remember to do a 2017 version. As I look back at that post, a lot of those items are favorites that I still use all of the time, which proves that they were indeed good purchases! I had to dig deep to make a list for 2017 that competes with my 2016 list, but I think I nailed it. You’ll have to let me know what you think.

Before we dive in, I feel like I should make a disclaimer that a lot of these are big ticket items. It makes sense because I spend less on passing trends and more on things I hope to use often and keep for years, which is the way it should be. That said, I tried to include a variety of price points for variety’s sake and because I know it’s a turnoff when everything is super spendy.

Best Handbag Purchases of 2017

I always start out with this category because it’s my favorite. I love a good handbag. Handbags don’t turn against you when you gain 5 pounds, and besides being useful, they make such a great accessory. Your handbag can really elevate (or ruin) an outfit. (See my Fight the Frump: Handbag Edition if you want more on that!)

I’ve definitely made several significant handbag investments over the past year or two, and I think (hope?) I’m pretty well set for a while. (But don’t quote me on that…)

Kate Spade Mylie Hobo // I purchased this bag last spring because I wanted a go-to bag in a light neutral. The leather is like butter, and it’s the perfect medium everyday size. I can’t wait to pull it out again this spring. It’s currently 30% off in the Soft Porcelain.

also wearing: AG Legging Ankle Jeans // Peep Toe Booties

Tory Burch McGraw Chain Shoulder Slouchy Tote // I decided in the fall that I wanted a go-to black bag that’s dressy enough to carry for a night out, yet large enough to hold the essentials. After much debate and deliberation, I settled on this Tory Burch tote. The full retail price is pretty steep, but I stalked it until it went 25% off during a Bloomingdale’s sale event. I’ve loved carrying it, and I’m so glad I took the plunge. It’s the perfect versatile size, the leather is gorgeous, and the gold hardware gives it a touch of glam.

also wearing: AG Farrah High Rise Skinnies // Pumps

R Minkoff  Crossbody // This is another bag I stalked until it went on sale. I love how it has the look of a Chanel without the 4-digit price tag. It’s a great size for when you don’t need to carry everything but the kitchen sink, and the taupe color is super versatile. While it’s on the smaller side, it holds my full size wallet along with a few other essentials. This bag is also on sale right now with an additional 30% off, so if you like it, now’s the time to grab it!

also wearing: LOFT Cuffed Ribbed Sweater // AG legging ankle jeans

Best Shoe Purchases of 2017

Peep Toe Booties // These were my first spring shoe purchase of 2017 and by far my favorites of the season. They’re super flattering, incredibly comfortable, and highly versatile. I cannot wait to bring them out again, and I’m so glad Nordstrom still has them in stock! Unfortunately these do not ever seem to go on sale, but if you will wear them a lot, they’re definitely worth the full retail price.

Sam Edelman Hazel Pumps in New Nude Leopard // After wanting a nice pair of leopard pumps for several years, I finally bit the bullet and purchased these, and I love them. I already knew the SE Hazel pumps fit me well, and I think this leopard pattern is so pretty. These rarely go on sale, but they were included in Shopbop’s Buy More, Save More Sale last spring, so I snagged them for 25% off. #score

also wearing: Mock Neck Sweater // Hudson Nico Ankle Super Skinny Jeans // Tory Burch McGraw Chain Shoulder Slouchy Tote

R Minkoff Mules // It took me a while to warm up to the backless loafer trend, but once I found these, I was sold hook, line, and sinker. I’m really loving this menswear inspired look, and since falling for these, I’ve added a couple more pairs of loafers to my closet. These Vince Loafers are another favorite purchase.

Jeffrey Campbell Booties // I love and adore these booties I picked up at the #NSale. They’ve got such a great cool, casual vibe, and they are sooo comfortable. Unfortunately they’ve sold out, but these Vince Camuto booties are very similar.

Best Clothing Purchases of 2017

AG The Legging Raw Hem Ankle Skinny Jeans // This version of my beloved AG ankle legging jeans was part of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, and it was love at first try-on. I really like the raw hem and the casual mid-indigo wash with subtle distressing.

They recently sold out, but I highly recommend any of the AG legging ankle skinny jeans if you’re in the market for a pair of amazing go-to skinny jeans. The price tag is pretty steep, but they do go on sale occasionally if you’re patient. Shopbop often includes them in their Buy More, Save More sales, and sometimes you can find them on sale at Nordstrom or Bloomingdale’s as well. They come in both raw hem and regular, distressed and non-distressed styles.

Front Zip Leather Moto Jacket // This jacket came from Trunk Club, and I’ve worn it so much this fall and winter. The fit is amazing, and it’s a really good quality for the price point. Definitely a great find! (For size reference, I have a medium. It’s TTS, or if you’re in between sizes, I would size up.)

also wearing: camel cashmere pullover // Clare V. Foldover Clutch // AG legging ankle jeans // photo credit: Alison Cornell

Halogen V-Neck Cashmere Sweater // I’ve actually purchased two of these this year. Last spring, I picked up the emerald green (shown in this post) and this fall I added the charcoal grey to my closet. This sweater is such a great basic. It has such a flattering fit, and it’s a great price for cashmere. Last year these went down to 40% off but so far this year, 20% off is the best price I’ve seen except for during the Black Friday/Cyber Monday weekend. (For size reference, I have this sweater in a small. Size down if in between; otherwise it’s TTS.)

also wearing: AG legging ankle jeans // Stella & Dot Yves Wrap Bracelet // R Minkoff Mini Perry Satchel // Maui Jim Moonbow sunnies // scarf: sold out

Old Navy Maroon Twill Field Jacket // I love the unexpected color of this field jacket as well as the shorter style. It’s really fun to wear for fall (or winter, if you live in a warmer climate), and I can see bringing it out again in the spring as well. Bonus, it’s on sale for $34 right now! For size reference, this is a small.

also wearing:  ON Plush Rib-Knit Tee // Hudson Nico Ankle Super Skinny Jeans (similar for less at Old Navy) // Kork-Ease Bootie // R Minkoff Mini Perry Satchel // faux pearl earrings // photo credit: Alison Cornell

Best Accessory Purchases of 2017

Haitian Coin Pendant // I found this necklace at Nordstrom, but now it’s only available on the Half United website. I love the casual vibe and that every purchase benefits children in need in Haiti.

also wearing: Rip Curl Coast of Maine Stripe Sweater

Stella & Dot Yves Wrap Bracelet // Even though I’m a Stella & Dot rep, I didn’t notice this bracelet until I attended a demo at a friend’s house. I love the mix of leather and metals and stones. It easily stands alone, but it also looks nice layered with other bracelets. I’m tempted to order that silver spike cluster bracelet to wear with it.

also wearing: Halogen V-Neck Cashmere Sweater // J.Crew Vest // AG legging ankle jeans // R Minkoff Mini Perry Satchel

Aqua Plaid Blanket Scarf // I purchased this in the Black/White for a collaboration with Bloomingdale’s, and I love it. It’s gorgeous, big, soft, and warm. The Black/White was sold out yesterday, but they have one in stock at the time of this posting, and it’s eligible for the Bloomies Buy More, Save More sale going on right now. The Burgundy/Navy is pretty too.

also wearing: Burberry Quilted Jacket // Maui Jim Moonbow sunnies

Best Coat Purchase of 2017

Andrew Marc Coat // I added this coat to my wardrobe this fall when I saw it on sale for $87. It was a total impulse purchase, but I couldn’t resist a coat of this quality and style for that price. I’ve since seen it for 3X that price at Bloomingdale’s and other retailers. For size reference, I have the 6 and it’s plenty big.

Best Beauty Buys of 2017

Okay, you guys! We’re in the home stretch! It’s on to beauty buys! I don’t tend to try a lot of new beauty products, but I’m trying to get better at that so I can be a better resource for you. And also, I’m getting old and I need all the help I can get!

AQUIS Hair Towel // I saw this recommended on another blog, and I’m so glad I ordered it. I’m having a problem with my hair thinning again, and I’ll willing to try anything to keep it healthy. This towel is supposed to be softer on your hair, and really like how it dries my hair without rubbing it. I just wrap my hair in it when I get out of the shower and wear it while I put my makeup on. Then I take it off, comb out my hair, and dry and style as normal.

L’Occitane Shower Oil // I received a sample of this at the rewardStyle Conference last spring, and when it ran out, I purchased another. I love the scent and how soft it makes my skin. I wash with it and also use it when I shave my legs.

GrandeLIPS Hydrating Lip Plumper // I discovered this lip plumper last Christmas, actually, when I needed a red lipstick. This year I purchased it in this Midnight Purple so I could do a darker lip with some of my formal looks. I like how it’s glossy so it isn’t as dramatic as a lipstick would be.

Colleen Rothschild Radiant Cleansing Balm // I reviewed this product more thoroughly in this post, but it’s basically my new favorite facial cleanser. It smells wonderful because it was created to feel and smell like the spa, and it gets my face super clean.

I’m also still using and enjoying the Olay Total Effects Moisturizer with SPF 15 and Eyes Deep Hydrating Eye Gel that I reviewed in this post.

I wanted to have more to share with you in the beauty category, but I just looked back at my makeup routine, and there is nothing new. I’ve been wearing the same products for years. I’m also still using Rodan + Fields Lash Boost, and I swear by it for fuller, longer lashes.

I hope this post was fun and informative! It’s definitely an enlightening one to write. I enjoy seeing which of my purchases have the staying power, and I hope it helps me make wiser purchasing decisions going forward.

I’d love to hear from you. What do you consider your best purchases of 2017???

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44 Responses

  1. Hi.. thanks for a great post! 
    Do the AG Raw Hem ankle legging skinny jean stretch out? I have it and wonder if I should exchange it for a bigger size..also what is the quilted black jacket in the post with the black and white scarf?

  2. I love all of your favorite pieces ! The AG jeans are also on my top 2 favorite jean list tied with my Paige Transcend skinnies.  I love love love that TB chain bag and it is my mission to make it mine this year! I just need to recover from the holidays ! ???? 
    Glad you had a nice holiday and now it’s countdown to Spring as far as I’m concerned ! ????

  3. Thank you for the great 2017 review!! I also LOVE the L’occitane shower oil. Even though I try many beauty products, it’s the one thing I can’t be without! When I use another shower gel, I usually add a little squirt of the shower oil to give it a boost! HA!!! Looking forward to another fun year of shopping with you. Happy New Year!

  4. One quick question, did you post a copy of the 2017 photo Christmas card? I missed it if you did. Your family shots are always awesome!!

  5. I may not always have the budget for the price range of the items you post but I really appreciate the knowledge I am getting about quality and brands to trust and what things to splurge on so I don’t think you ever need to apologize for the price points you use.

  6. Jo-Lynne..I would love to hear more  about the Whole Food Program. I need to lose some weight but I need a simple program. Can you share some simple recipes. I love your blog and look forward to reading it everyday.

  7. If I wasn’t commited to my no fashion purchases this month, the Kate Spade and Rebecca Minkoff purses would be on there way to me right now! They are great prices!! 

  8. I love your favorite pieces.  I’m in the market for a new wool coat.  Is your Paloma coat warm?  I live in the south but want to add a coat that will keep me warm when traveling to cold weather climates.  Puffer coats are so bulky and at size 12, I feel like they would make me look like the dough boy!

    1. It is quite warm. I wore it Sunday and it was like 12 degrees. I don’t know how it would be if I were going to be outside for a long time, you’d want to layer under it. The fur trim is removable too, if you feel it’s too dramatic for casual wear.

  9. Love this post! Your 2017 favorites are classic and will stand the test of time I think. Is your Kate Spade bag the soft porcelain color? It’s hard to tell from the photos if soft porcelain is a pale tan or more of a cream color. Thanks!

  10. Great post! I love your classic casual style! Just wanted to pass on something I’ve found for thinning hair–I have always had fine hair, but several years ago started to notice extreme loss in the temple area… I started taking a supplement of Collagen, Type 1, 2 & 3 by Youtheory…6 capsules a day (I know!) and although it takes awhile to see results, the hair HAS grown back in, and I’ve been very pleased with the results! Bonus, is that collagen is great for the skin too–I have definitely noticed an improvement in my skin texture as well!

  11. Thanks so much!   I just purchased the Kate Spade Mylie and like you can’t wait to use it this spring!  

  12. These are such fantastic pieces. I hope to improve my buying habits this year and focus on more quality staple pieces like you’ve shown. I have way too much and really need to start scaling back on the extras. I love seeing how you wait for the amazing sales to come along too. You seem to have a great strategy for knowing what to add to your closet and when.

    And one last thing! Although not mentioned in this post, I had to share that my patience finally paid off waiting for the Halogen cashmere cardigan from the nsale. I saw over the weekend that not only was it *finally* on sale, it’s 50% off! I ordered two, hoping I can choose just one to keep when I try them on. 😉

  13. Jo-Lynne,
    I always enjoy stopping by and reading your content.  Good stuff!  I noticed your post about thinning hair, which I have dealt with lately as well.  I recommend Nutrafol vitamins.  They are a little pricey, but I have had wonderful results!  That, as well as using Monat hair products have really helped the issue.  Both products could be blog worthy!  Keep the good stuff coming!

  14. I love the v neck Halogen cashmere sweater. I got red for myself and grey for my daughter for Christmas and got them on the black friday sale. Please let us know if you see them go down in price again. I’d love to get one more. I also love a hair towel. Been using one for years! I wanted to mention that I found a great dress at Ann Taylor yesterday for $32 and Dillard’s had their new years day sale; extra 50% off. I landed some Sam Edelman boots for $45. Some super great sales out there. Happy New Year! 

  15. Thanks for the help! You save me so much time and help me look my best! Is the geo quilted bag mushroom color or taupe? I especially like that the chain strap is not too shiny but I don’t want too dull either.

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