2023: Cinq a Sept Holly jacket | White tank | Rag & Bone Peyton jeans | Clare v. bag, similar | Schutz sandals | Gorjana necklace
These were my favorite purchases of 2023!
… and they’re still available
Several years ago (four to be exact), when I started this little fashion website journey, I was devouring every podcast, YouTube video, and blog post possible. I wanted to do my own research. One of the first podcasts I listened to was “How I Built This,” and it was the episode with Emily Weiss, the founder of Glossier. She wasn’t a beauty artist or a businesswoman initially, and also wasn’t claiming to know everything about makeup. However, since she was doing lots of photo shoots, she was discovering amazing makeup products that, in her words, were “too good to not share.”
Well, that’s exactly how I feel. While at Nordstrom, I was a personal stylist working out of Room 3 and helping clients one on one with whom I had built relationships over years. It was a dream job, and I loved every minute of it. When a new arrival would roll in, if it was good, all the stylists would grab it! If I liked it, all the clients I helped that day went home with it as well 😉 It was too good not to share, and those finds is what this blog is all about.
Today’s post is about the best purchases of 2023. I try to feature items that are bound to sell out, that will stand the test of time, and that will help you all get dressed every day and feel stylish and confident. For this post, I walked around my house looking at everything from the Sophie blanket to my favorite book to all the cool things in my closet, and I’ve included them here. This has been one of my most fun post to write so far, and I hope you enjoy it too! Happy days before Christmas ❤️ Susie xx
Dresses I wore on repeat in 2023
Cinq a Sept McKenna dress | Frank & Eileen Mary dress | Tuckernuck feathers dress
Feather dresses – It all started when I found the perfect dress for the September 2023 wine event. It was comfortable, festive, and I felt a little extra in it. Then I found this gorgeous green one that I wore to the special Dallas LTK awards ceremony. Both were major splurges, and then this past Christmas I found this affordable pink one from Tuckernuck. It goes in and out of stock, and if you prefer a longer version, look at this one. The feather trend isn’t going anywhere, so if you find one you love, go for it. I’m certain you’ll feel beautiful in it!
Cinq a Sept McKenna – This dress is a best-seller, with good reason. It’s super flattering, and the neckline is a touch sexy, but really tasteful. If you prefer something not as low, just add a little hook like I did. This one also comes in a longer version, which you’ll find here and here. Frank & Eileen Mary dress – This casual button front dress was one of the most-worn things in my closet in 2023. On warm summer days, I’d wear it around the house with the sleeves pushed up. And, it was also perfect for vacation or just running errands around town. It comes in many colors and different fabrics. This is the one I prefer, and I have in two colors. Vince Trapeze dress – This linen blend dress ended up being one that I wore to so many event this past summer. I sized down to a 2, and I had it hemmed a little. It was super comfy, and perfect with either flats or heels. I just noticed it still available at Vince, and on sale! TWP shirt dress – I splurged on this cotton poplin shirt dress, and it was an absolute favorite. It’s a tiny bit more polished than the ones above. I wore it with these Larroude sandals and with a white sweater tied over my shoulders. I always received compliments. It’s currently on sale here and in a different color way here.
2023: The year of Sparkly things
David Yurman initial necklace – Initial necklaces make the best gifts, and I love this pretty gold one by David Yurman that has a little sparkle! It layers perfectly with the Gigi Clozeau one I wear every day, and its a classic piece you’ll have for years to come.
Chanel brooch – Years ago, when I was working at Nordstrom, I used my discount to splurge on a Chanel pin. And then for some reason, I sold it on Ebay, and always regretted it. So, this past fall while shopping in Selfridges, I decided it would be my London purchase. I’m so glad I’ve got it back now!
Denim, denim and more denim
Left: Utility jacket | Rag & Bone Peyton | Right: COH penny top | COH Isola jeans Lil Mother denim – This was probably the best discovery of the year! Mother denim took their best-selling fits and added petite sizes, calling them “Lil Mother”. The best part is the knee placement and rise are adjusted for those of us who are petite. The best selection is at Mother or at Anthropologie.
Rag & Bone Peyton – This is another favorite jean that feels modern and updated. It’s comfortable, I love the lighter wash, and these are my favorite long length jeans.
Citizens of Humanity Isola – These faded black jeans (in the color Stormy) are my favorite pair of black ish jeans. They feel less stark than solid black jeans, and the fit feels a little more modern.
Shoes
Sam Edelman sandals – These comfy sandals are SO good, I highly recommend them. I took them on trips with me last year in the black, and this year I decided to pick them up in the raffia color which I just wore in Mexico. These are best-sellers that lots of people love. Larroude sandals – These clear strap sandals literally go with everything. I love the small heel shape, and you can wear them with jeans and dresses. I still wear the similar Schutz ones, but these are a touch dressier.
Jackets
Left: Theory peacoat | Middle: Theory brown suede trench and matching pant | Right: Rag & Bone Slade Theory peacoat – I’ve been wearing this peacoat on repeat lately! It’s warm, and the shorter length is a nice change. In case you’re wondering … I love it with black jeans and boots. Yes, navy and black look great together!
Max Mara green coat – This coat was a total splurge, and I was a little worried about the green not being versatile enough. But, it’s been perfect and it’s nice having a fun color instead of black that most of us wear all the time.Rails denim jacket – This is a brand new find, and the sparkle buttons were the clincher! It’s a great length, runs true to size, and I can’t wait to wear it when the weather warms up.
Rag & Bone Slade blazer – This best-selling blazer is super comfy, and the camel color is so versatile. If you prefer black, then the wool version is amazing. I wear my usual 4 in the wool and took a 2 in the ponte. Theory Suede trench – Chocolate brown was the color of fall, and I picked up this trench early in the season. I absolutely love it, and just today I styled it with faded denim and a light blue top. It’s a great color combo as we head into the new year.
Bags
Tory Burch tote – This is brand new, and I’m so excited about it. I’ve looked all year for a tote option that’s a little more affordable. Well, this is it, and it looks like a designer piece. There are several colors, but I LOVE the grey and cream version. Heart pearl bag – I bought this fun pearl heart bag for a special event I had in Dallas. It’s a fun piece that makes any outfit you have look not quite so serious! I absolutely love it and I’m trying to find a way to wear it again soon. Dior book tote – When we went to London last year to celebrate my dad, we flew home from Heathrow, has the best shopping duty free department in Europe! I had been eyeing this tote, and decided to go for it. It’s been one of the most worn bags in my closet. The color just works with pretty much everything. Naghedi mini tote – The larger totes are amazing, and I’ve had mine for a couple of years. But, I noticed recently that this smaller style is the perfect size and comes with a crossbody strap. The blue and black patterned one is so cute, and definitely worth checking out.
Best Tops of 2023
Vince blouse | Rag & Bone Peyton jeans Frame striped popover shirt – This top sold out last year, and so I was really excited to see it back in again this year. I can’t say enough good things about this stripe shirt. At first I wasn’t sure, but it ended up being a top I reached for over and over again.
Frame Gillian blouse – This pretty silk blouse is SO good, I highly recommend it! I’ve had it in black for over two years, and when the pretty lilac color arrived, I had to try it. Well that color is long gone, but just this week a new denim blue color arrived along with this taupe color one. They’re both gorgeous!
Rails striped cardigan – These sweaters are classics you’ll own for years. I love this pretty soft blue striped sweater I found at J.Crew, and this Rails one has been a go-to as well. Agolde t-shirt – If you’re looking for a relaxed, slightly dressy t-shirt in a new color – try this one. It’s elevated and it will go with pretty much everything in your closet. Vince striped blouse – Another 2023 brand new blouse, this new Vince piece is SO good, and I know it will get lots of wear when the weather gets a little warmer.
Travel favorites
Vuori shirt jacket Frame Jetset jean – This is a travel favorite, and the Frame website has several options available, including a long length style or a cropped version. These travel jeans are a pull on style with no hardware, making them super comfy for long flights. There’s some style inspo on the Frame website, which you can see here.
Frank & Eileen knit blazer – Once you try this knit jacket, you’ll be hooked! It’s comfy, and casual, but it feels a little more refined instead of a sweatshirt. It runs a touch roomy, and for reference, I went with a size XS. Vuori shirt jacket – I’ve been talking about this piece lately since it’s one of my most worn winter items. It’s cool, super comfortable and layers nicely over any sweatshirt or hoodie you already have.
Intimates
Silk robe Chantelle bra – I’ve been a Wacoal loyalist for the last few years, and I still am. But recently I picked up this everyday bra, and it’s a new favorite. It’s soft, supportive and pretty!
Haven Well Within robe – I haven’t loved a robe this much in a long time! There’s something about a silk robe that makes you feel glamorous. This one is machine washable, and comes in several colors. I highly recommend this robe — it’s luxurious.Haven All Within knit pajamas – I’m wearing my knit pj’s while writing this post, and I’m always a little bummed when they go in the wash! Here’s the top and the bottoms. They’re so comfortable, and are my current 2023 favorites.
Pretty things for your home
Astier de Villatte – Last summer while wandering the streets of Paris, I popped into this shop because the store front caught my eye. This artisanal ceramics brand is the only one of its kind, and their pieces are beautiful. I walked out with this butterfly dish, and this incense — mainly for the packaging!
Paris Chic book – This is another Paris find that I saw in the Bon Marché book department, which was incredible — full of Assouline books and so many more. But since books weigh so much, I decided to come home and order it online 😉 3 in one charger – My husband found this on Amazon last month, and everyone in the family is getting one for Christmas. If you have AirPods, and Apple Watch and an iPhone, then this is perfect. If you’re like me and only have a phone, it’s still amazing since it acts as a stand. Anthropologie Sophie blanket – We’re on our second Sophie blanket and my husband sits on one every night while watching TV. It kind of does double duty: it protects my white sofas, and he loves how soft and cozy it is. Shhh … he doesn’t know about the sofa part 🙂 Boll & Branch Duvet set – The pretty eyelet detail adds just a little texture to the duvet cover and pillows. The sheets are soft and comfy, and this is what I’ve had on our bed for the past year.
2023 New beauty finds
Sisley Rose Mask – Last summer, I started using a new retinol product, and a week later my face was peeling which wasn’t working with my everyday foundation! While visiting my friend DG Stylist (and complaining), she immediately brought me the Sisley Rose Mask and declared it would do the trick. It did, and talk about the most luxurious face cream you’ll ever use … I’ll never be without a tube!Rouge 540 bath gel and lotion – I’ve gone on and on about this fragrance, which everyone loves. When I was purchasing a travel size in New York this past fall, the sales associate in Bloomingdales gave me a sample of the bath gel. At the time it was sold out, and believe it or not, the only place I found it was in Selfridges. Now that it’s Christmas, I found it in stock here. Talk about another incredible luxury beauty product! I use mine in the shower every single day.
Thank you for reading xx
