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My Best Kept Purchases of 2022

As we wrap up 2022, I want to take a moment to thank everyone who stops by my blog and leaves a comment. I really look forward to them and I always try and respond to each and every one. Even if you don't leave a comment I really appreciate your support! This blog has developed into a little community for us petites and I love the chats we have. So thank you ALL so much for being a part of this. I look forward to 2023 and wish everyone a Happy New Year!

I looked back at all my purchases and picked out the items that I am glad I kept from this year. It was a pretty good year overall. I'll also go through the numbers in January, but I think I spent about the same as I did on Athleta and Lulu last year. Although I think Aviator Nation might have beat all of them but a lot less in quantity just because of how expensive each piece is. 

Side note - I do want to mention that for my workouts, my favorites are still Hotty Hot HR ShortAlign Short 6"Ebb To Street Cropped Tank, and Fringe Fighter Headband, which is why I am skipping a few categories (shorts, tanks, etc.) That is pretty much what I wear everyday for my workouts, I almost see it as my uniform. It works for me and I stick to it. I'm also going to give Vuori Performance Joggers a shout out because after 2 years, they are still my favorite joggers ever. Without further ado, here are the winners for 2022!

Best Hoodie goes to Scuba Oversized Full Zip Hoodie. After a couple of years of NOT liking this hoodie, I ended up buying two this year and really enjoy wearing them. Sometimes it takes a while for an item to grow on me.



Scuba Oversized Full Zip Hoodie is probably my most surprising purchase of this year. I purchased the Natural Ivory and Carob Brown in trying to switch over to a neutrals wardrobe. I obviously failed with the rainbow Ebb To Street Cropped Tank though, but I think it still works.


Runner-up goes to Aviator Nation 5 Stripe Hoodie. Aviator Nation still is probably my favorite hoodie. I have maybe 7 of their hoodies and they're just so comfortable to wear. 


Best Pullover goes to Lululemon's Brushed Softsteme Ribbed 1/2 Zip. I know I just got this top, but I already wore it a couple of times and I like it so much more than the Softstreme Perfectly Oversized Cropped Crew.


Best Pant/Bottom goes to Lululemon's Brushed Softstreme Split-Hem High-Rise Cropped Pant. Honestly, if Lululemon released these in black, gray, navy, olive green, I would buy them all in a heart beat. They're the perfect length if you're petite like me and so comfy. Plus, it's Softstreme! I haven't tried the Ribbed Joggers, but I have a feeling the length would be an issue.


Best Cardigan goes to Naked Cashmere Amber Ribbed Cardigan. I've been wearing it to the office on a regular basis. It's just so comfortable and easy to wear, and it looks great. 


Honorable mention goes to Naked Cashmere's Rowen Cardigan. I purchased this cardigan last year for Christmas, and I don't regret spending the money one bit. It's the most expensive sweater I own, but this has been a life saver for me this winter. I love it so much, I am seriously debating getting a second one in the new color, Lake.


Best Wrap goes to Lululemon's Softstreme Dropped Sleeve Wrap. I pretty much wore this all summer long. I love it so much, I purchased it in black too. Also, it's no secret that my favorite Lulu pieces are made of Softstreme. 😆

Sold out | My Review

Runner-up goes to Athleta's Pranayama Wrap. This wrap is just so soft it's one of those pieces that's so easy to put on for errands, lounging or even to the office. Athleta is slowly phasing out the Pranayama Wrap and replacing it with Pranayama Restore Wrap. I have one in the updated version, but I think I prefer the original. The updated version is more casual and less versatile in my opinion. 


Best Down Coat goes to Athleta x Keys Velvet Luxe Puffer. I had a feeling this winter was going to be a cold one and purchased this for my New York trip. It kept me warm and toasty and even has room to layer a hoodie underneath. I even had to break it out while in Atlanta this past week. This jacket is so unique in design and made with high quality materials that it is easily worth the current sale price.


Runner-up goes to Aviator Nation's Sunburst Acres Puffer Jacket. I purchased this back in May when there was a 30% off outerwear sale and couldn't pass it up. I am just in love with the sunburst on the back of the jacket. Neutrals wardrobe be damned. 


This concludes the clothing categories. Let's move on to footwear! As we know I tried a lot of shoes this year. 😬

Best Trainer goes to APL TechLoom Bliss. I follow Alexia Clarke's workouts and she's always wearing these in all her videos. Of course I had to try them, and now I understand why. These shoes are super stable and great for squats and lifting. They are my go to when I'm not doing cardio, and by cardio I mean hiking or running on the treadmill. 


Best Running Shoe goes to Allbirds Tree Dasher 2. These just fit so well and are super comfortable. I love the updated sole. I have worn these for everyday walking and my runs as well.


Runner-up goes to Allbirds Tree Flyers. The sizing is a little weird on these, they run narrow compared to all my other Allbirds. I still love them for running but I added a heel liner. If these fit like my other Allbirds, they might have won Best Running Shoe. They are lightweight and bouncy.


Best Everyday Shoe goes to Allbirds Tree Dasher Relay. I just love that I don't have to tie any laces. I slip these on and kick them off. I think I have three pairs of these.


*I've partnered up with Allbirds! Click on my link for a free pair of Trino socks with your purchase of shoes or apparel. Offer will automatically be applied at checkout if socks are added to your cart.*

Looking back on 2022, I realize I have acquired a lot of bags this year. Which is to no one's surprise, because purses are my biggest weakness. To me, they're equivalent to a safety blanket. I just feel naked without one. Plus they make me happy! I mean how can anyone not smile at this adorable Winkie bag?

Best Purse of the year goes to Coachies Rogue 17 Winkie. Sold out now as it is a limited edition item. It's teeny tiny, but can still hold everything I need.


Runner-up goes to Mulberry Amberley. I've always admired Mulberry bags. The Amberley Bag is the perfect little saddle bag and the Oak color is classic. I know I'll enjoy this bag for years to come.


Best On The Go Bag goes to Lululemon's Grid Belt Bag. It's a little bigger than the Everywhere Belt Bag and doesn't overwhelm my petite frame. It's perfect for when you want to carry a little more than your everyday essentials.


Best Vintage Bag (I totally made this category up. 😆) goes to the Prada Fairy bag! It was always on my wish list and when I came across this on Vestaire Collective for an amazing price I pulled the trigger. After 14 years I was able to cross this special limited edition bag off my list!


Best Gym Bag goes to Caraa Studio Bag back in March of this year. I actually use it whenever I have to go into the office. I've been meaning to post up my review of this bag. It's been a work horse for me. The quality is amazing and it's worth the money. I've also took this with me when I went to New York. I promise I'll get this review up in 2023!

Caraa Studio Bag Medium | Review Coming Soon!

With that, this closes out 2022. Let me know in the comments what your favorite purchases are from 2022. If there isn't an upload before 2023, I wish you all a safe and Happy New Year!



Comments

  1. Leslie, thank you for your consistent posts and helpful reviews! I have a few of the pieces that you made your favorite list because of your influence :). I wish you and your family a happier and healthier 2023!

    Wei

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Wei! Ohhh do share what those pieces are!

      Yes, here's to a healthy and happy 2023! Health is wealth, it really is!

      Delete
  2. This is a great list, Leslie! I always look forward to your blogs and reading others’ comments. I love my Softstreme Half Zip and can’t believe I didn’t like it at first.

    LNY items should launch on the 10th. I saw a preview of what’s in China but am not sure I’ll grab anything. We shall see!

    Here’s to a happy, healthy 2023! :)

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    Replies
    1. Hi LZ! That's cutting it close for LNY since it's January 22nd this year. I hope to see some goodies, I'm a fan of the rabbit year! It's my husband and brother's year.
      Here's to a fantastic 2023!

      Delete
  3. I like that you add variety to your reviews and don't just stick to Lulu, esp now that it's become so boring. Would love to hear your review of Alexia Clark! I haven't heard of her before and I am seriously in the workout doldrums!

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    Replies
    1. Hi there! I love Lulu, but I do have my small group of favorite brands and Lulu is just one of them. I would say my top 5 brands at the moment are Lulu, Athleta, Aviator Nation, Naked Cashmere and Vuori. And Allbirds for footwear!

      I can definitely post a review on Alexia Clark! I'll work on that for a January post. =D

      Delete
  4. Hi Leslie,
    Thank you so much for putting together this post! Sadly I didn’t get any of the clothes or bags you mentioned above but agree that the Best Everyday Shoe goes to Allbirds‘ Tree Dashers Relay! I hope Allbirds is going to release more colors this year. Wish I got the Sesame color ones you have!

    Wishing you a prosperous 2023!

    Andrea

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    Replies
    1. Hi Andrea! The Tree Dasher Relays are the best!! I hope they release more colors too.

      It was really hard to pare down the jackets. Athleta's Westbound Sherpa Jacket should probably be on the list. I've been wearing it a lot too and the inside is so soft.

      Here's to 2023! Happy New Year to you and your family. =)

      Delete
  5. Great list! I think I also bought quite a lot more from Athleta this year than Lulu. Lulu still has great basics, but Athleta has more variety and better sales. I feel exactly the same way as you about the cropped scuba hoodies…not onboard at all in the beginning but now I’m a total convert! You are 100% responsible for my new love of the Vuori performance joggers - thank you!! I really enjoy your posts and reviews - you’ve had a lot of influence on my purchases which is both good and bad. =)
    Happy New Year!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Karen! Totally agree, Athleta has more variety and the sales are hard to beat. 60% off happening right now and I caved and bought another pair of Brooklyn Lined Jogger in black for under $50.

      You're very welcome, Vuori joggers are the best! Even my oldest pair is still going strong, slightly pilled and not as soft but still comfy. Let's see what 2023 will bring!!

      Delete
    2. I love the Brooklyn lined pants & joggers,too!

      Delete
  6. Always appreciate your blog and reviews, Leslie! Other than the scuba OS full zip, I don't think I have any of the items u mentioned here! I think for me, my most worn Lulu jacket this year is the nulu cropped define. It's part of my gym uniform and I wear it as streetwear too. Hope to get summer LNY merch soon. Saw some interesting pieces but nothing is a must-have. Will probably pick up the red scuba tho since I have been waiting for it since last LNY! A LNY cropped define would be nice but probably not in the work :(

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Blueberries! Ah, I tried the cropped Define one year. A little too cropped for my tastes, but I did like how it looked! I just picked up a red Scuba with gold hardware, so not sure if I will get another for LNY edition. But we'll see if anything really catches my eye.

      Delete
  7. Hi Leslie thank you so much for all your blog posts this year and for this one! We’re the same height and clothing sizes so I always read your blogs to see what you love and what works for you!
    I also bought the Allbirds Tree Dasher 2s recently! So comfy!
    Wishing you and your family a wonderful New Year 😍

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Karina! Happy to help! Glad you are loving the Tree Dasher 2s. I would totally get another pair, just waiting for a color that I love. Happy New Year!

      Delete
  8. That's a fun list! The only item I have in common with you is the Tree Dasher Relays, and I agree, they're great shoes!

    I think my favorite purchase this year was Lulu's Strongfeel shoes. They have become my go-to for all of my workouts. Love them!

    Happy New Year!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Lola! I actually do want a pair of the Strongfeel shoes. I'm just waiting for a color I really love. When I tried them on I was really impressed but didn't love the pink shade. Hopefully there will be new colors next year!

      Happy New Year!

      Delete
  9. Thank you for another year of fun posts and community! I always enjoy your fit reviews and your thoughts on the newest releases. I found Vuori and Allbirds because of your recommendations.

    My top picks for shoes are Allbirds too. I have little collection going now, 6 pairs!! I wore a pair of Tree Dashers for a few days in Disneyland last week and my legs/feet have never been so happy after a long day of walking and standing. Usually, I'm sore the next day, but this time, I was fine!! My top pick for a jacket is the Vuori Alpine jacket. I ended up buying 2 colors- cream and grey. (It also has no inside liner for the sherpa, but I haven't had a problem with shedding.) Like you, I'm also loving the Vuori joggers. My Aviator Nation ninjas are my favorite for cold weather tops, but I agree the striped hoodies are fun too. During the Summer, I was able to find an older "California is for Lovers" sweatshirt in great condition on poshmark and I wear it constantly.

    My favorite Lulu purchases this year have been aligns with pockets, the return of the "retro" unicorn print, like a cloud bras and getting a new color in the scuba plush (finally offered in pink!) I discovered Lulu's socks this year and have been slowly replacing my other socks. For Athleta, my favorites were the lined salutation joggers and a pair of black floral embossed salutation leggings.

    For new to me companies, I found a brand called Haute Shore for purses that are really cute. That's all for me! Happy New Year!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Stacy! I love it, another Allbirds fan! Which style is your favorite?

      The Vuori Alpine Jacket is nice also, good to know you haven't had any issues with it shedding. I am hoping the Cozy Sherpa jacket doesn't shed too much. Ohhhh you're an AN fan too! Nice! I am actually wearing one of my Ninja Pullovers right now. I have a few of those and I love their crewneck pullovers too but the Ninjas just look so cool with the cowl neck. Their new collection is a little wild for me though, velvet and animal print is kind of a no in my book. I can do a little velvet trim, but not an entire top.

      I want to get another Scuba Plush hoodie but waiting for more colors. Maybe next year! Happy New Year!

      Delete
    2. I think my favorites are the tree dashers. Those are the ones I wrote to Disneyland. I really like the way the tree flyers feel, but the way the soles stick out at sharp angles kind of bugs me. The tree runners are great errand/everyday shoes, but I find them too hot and the fabric uppers not supportive enough for excerise. I tried to play tennis in them once and that did not go well, haha! (They were just okay for Disney last time, which is why I tried the dashers this time.)

      The full animal print in the new AV release is too wild for me also!! I keep eying it in the black hoodies with just the small accents of it. I've added it to my cart a few times, so far no purchase. It feels like too much to spend on such a trendy piece. Maybe on MD or if I found one secondhand in good condition?

      Delete
    3. I have heard the sharp angles of the sole bothers people. It doesn't for me, I think it's unique and they remind me of icebergs which I actually quite like. It's also sporty looking and it fits my style. I keep looking at the Silver Fern color because of the cool reflective design on the front. But I have so many pairs I really need to cool it.

      I used to like the Wool Runners, but haven't gone back to those since the Tree Dashers came out. I find the Tree Dashers to be so much more comfortable.

      Have you seen the pullover sherpa hoodie? I keep looking at it in the half zip vintage white. It looks so cute, but it also looks kind of big. The price tag is also makes me cringe a bit! I would say try second hand, sometimes you do find some pieces for great prices. Their sales are usually 20% but I think these animal prints might end up going into the 40% flash sales they have every so often. I need to do a closet clean out soon!

      Delete
    4. Good point about the animal.print getting marked down. It doesn't seem to be moving as quickly as other releases. I love the Sherpa pullovers. I saw one while out and it was cute! But yes, that price! Ouch.

      Delete
  10. Happy New Years! I can't believe another year has passed! My favorite pieces have been my Scuba Oversized Full Zips (favorite is natural ivory then carob brown then silver blue) and I prefer these over the half zips. Close second is my Aritzia BF (full length) hoodies. I use my EBB every day dog walking. My favorite sweatpants have been my Aritzia Mega Cargos.
    My favorite leggings have been my Aligns and Groove flares.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Janessa! Seriously, this year went by really fast for me. I really need to use my gift cards at Aritzia, they have been sitting there for over a year now! Seems like whenever I look, my size is always sold out in whatever I want.

      Happy New Year!!

      Delete
  11. Replies
    1. Hi Romytisa, it's super cute. Can't help but smile whenever I see it on my shelf.

      Delete

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