I think it’s really important to reflect on how you spent your money over the year. It gives you clarity on what were good and bad purchases, how you spent your money, and how you can improve. Here are my top 10 investments of the year that I have no regrets buying!
My Top Purchases from 2023
I made some really fun investments in my closet this year! Here are my favorites that I’m glad I got and that I would buy again! Notice that they are all pieces that are versatile, well made, and will elevate your look.
- Coat Check Room Wool Coat– This wool coat is not only gorgeous, but it’s comfy and versatile! I show different ways to style it HERE. Save 10% on any Coat Check Room coat with this code: JOELLEN10
- Adidas– I love a good sneaker. I didn’t buy these because everyone and their dog has a pair but I bought them because I truly love the look of them! I can honestly say that they are my favorite shoe in my closet! I wear them ALL THE TIME! They go well with jeans, trousers, skirts, dresses. They are so good!
- Cashmere dress– I love Quince cashmere because it’s so affordable! I have lots of their cashmere sweaters so I got this cashmere dress. It is so pretty and so versatile! And a great price!
- Summersalt ruffle swimsuit– Since we live right near Lake Powell, we are playing at the lake all summer long! This was my very favorite style suit that I wore over and over…it’s comfy and it’s classy! And it comes in 14 colors! Save $10 with this code: JOELLENJS10
- Suede jacket– Outerwear is a great way to elevate your look! I got this suede jacket in navy and it’s gorgeous! And the price is incredible!
- Silver flats– I love shoes and purses! They’re the perfect way to elevate your look! I was on the hunt for a good pair of silver flats and these were the winners! They are so so comfy and versatile! Look at other silver flats options HERE.
- Sapahn purse– See, I told you I love purses 😉 I love the size, style, and color of this purse. I use it everyday! Save 20% on all Sapahn purses with this code: JOELLEN20
- Levi jeans– I just can’t get behind the wide leg pants trend. The style looks terrible on me. I hunted long and hard for a flattering pair that wasn’t a skinny jean and these won! This pair come in lots of different washes, sizes, and lengths. They’re one of my favorite pairs of jeans!
- Leather belt– I found this belt on Etsy and I have worn it so much! It’s the perfect slim belt that polishes off any dress. It adds the perfect touch to your look!
- Ruffle Sleeve denim jacket– When I tried this jacket on, I knew it was meant for me! I love the femininity of the ruffle sleeve. It’s the perfect spin on a closet staple.
My Worst Purchases from 2023
It’s good to reflect on what purchases you loved and didn’t love so you can avoid making the same mistakes again and build better habits. These are some purchases that I regret buying…
- Old Navy tee– I was on the lookout for a navy long sleeve tee. I bought this one because it was inexpensive, but it is so hot and not well made.
- Amazon Dress– I bought one in green and loved it so I bought another one in gray. It’s cute, but I didn’t need another one.
- Dress from Down East– After I got my colors analyzed, I was on the hunt for colors that were in my palette. I loved the color of this green dress so I bought it but I never really loved the style.
- Ring from a local market- I bought it because it was a good price and it was cute. But I have only worn it once!
- Shirt from Madewell– This shirt made sense. It’s a good classic style and color but I have never reached for it!
The moral of the story:
- don’t buy things just because the price is good
- truly love what you buy
- sometimes you don’t need more than one!
How to Make Good Investments in Your Wardrobe
If you want to be wiser with your time and money, then it’s important to be intentional with your purchases. It’s easy to see something you love and quickly click add to cart. It’s harder being intentional before and during you purchase something. Here are some tips that help me make good investments in my wardrobe that I won’t regret…
Take Inventory
Before you go shopping online or in person, you need to do a little homework. It will take some time, but it will be worth it in the end!
- Go through your closet and see what it’s missing. Are there shoes, accessories, outerwear, basics, or other items that you feel could help round out your closet?
- Look through your clothes and see what you need to replace. Are any items worn out, don’t fit, or stained/ripped?
- Is there anything that you’ve been wanting that will go well with other pieces in your closet?
Make a list of all the things that are missing, need to be replaced, or that you want. Keep the list handy on your phone so you can refer to it when you’re shopping. When you shop with a plan, you will make better purchases!
Take Your Measurements
To avoid wasting time and money on clothing that doesn’t fit, it’s crucial to know your sizing! You can’t rely on the size on the tag to know something will fit. If you’re shopping online, you can check the size charts and the item’s size details to get an idea if it will fit.
Here are the steps to take your proper body measurements:
- Bust– Wearing a bra, take a flexible measuring tape and wrap it completely around the fullest part of your bust and back. Make sure the measuring tape is level all the way around to get an accurate measurement. Record your measurement where the tape meets the beginning.
- Waist– Either wear a tight fitting shirt or measure directly on your bare skin. Place the flexible measuring tape above your hip bone, near your belly button. Wrap it around your front and back. This should be loose enough that you can easily breathe, but without any slack in the tape. Record your measurement where the tape meets the beginning.
- Hips– To get the most accurate measurement, wear very tight bottoms or just your underwear. Wrap the tape measure completely around the fullest part of your bum and hips. Record your measurement where the tape meets the beginning.
- Inseam– Take a measuring tape and measure from just below your crotch to the bottom of your ankle.
Pause and Ask
While you shop, you’re bound to find clothing and shoes and accessories you love! And it will be really easy to like something because the price is amazing! But before you commit to buying something, it’s crucial to pause and ask yourself some questions:
- Do you love it?
- Does it fit?
- Do you look & feel great in it?
- Is it well made?
- Is it versatile? (can it go with other items in your closet?)
- Will you use it?
- Would I buy it even if it wasn’t on sale?
If you can answer yes to those questions, then it’s safe to say that it will be a good investment! That pause and reflection can save you so much wasted money!
Hopefully my top 10 investments of the year will help you choose good pieces for your closet that you will love!
Here are other blog posts you might enjoy:
Elevate Your Look with Silver Flats
What’s the Best Makeup Routine for Older Women?
5 Extremely Relatable Summer Beauty Issues & How To Avoid Them
About the Author
JoEllen is a licensed aesthetician, certified makeup artist, and certified John Maxwell coach, speaker, and trainer. She works with women helping them look and feel confident. She loves teaching women simple beauty techniques so they can feel empowered to try it at home. Her motto is that when you look and feel good, you do good!
*This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase an item featured in this post, I get a small portion from the sale. Thank you! It does not affect you at all.
