Shop Like an Editor
Dec 14, 2022

The Very Best Things I Bought This Year (So Far, By Far)

by Jennifer Camp Forbes

As another year comes to an end, it’s always fun to take inventory of all the the purchases I’ve made through the months. There are guaranteed to be duds (like those unfortunate pieces that didn’t pan out in your wardrobe or beauty routine as you had hoped), but there are always some resounding wins to celebrate. What I find most interesting is that, most of the time, the wins are more mundane and everyday in nature. In my case, this year was no exception.

It turns out that some of the very best things I bought this year happened to be practical and used on heavy rotation. For instance, a pair of standout black Chelsea boots were my main go-to's through winter, spring, and now fall. In the beauty department, my scalp was blessed every week with a clarifying shampoo like no other I’ve tried (goodbye, flakes). Keep scrolling to see more of my favorite purchases this year, plus what I have my eye on to try next.

6 Best Purchases From a Fashion Editor Retro Aviator Sunglasses

Photo:

Jennifer Camp Forbes

I wanted to switch things up from my usual black cat-eye sunglasses and these retro aviators fit the bill. I love wearing them with button-down shirts and a low bun.

Urban Outfitters Patrizia Plastic Aviator Sunglasses

Urban Outfitters

Patrizia Plastic Aviator Sunglasses

These under-$20 sunglasses come in a variety of colors.

6 Best Purchases From a Fashion Editor Under $100 Chelsea Boots

Photo:

Jennifer Camp Forbes

These cool black boots reminded me of the Proenza Schouler boot style I had been obsessing over. At under $100, there was no way I was passing them up. I wear these boots with everything from jeans to leggings.

Billini Valeska Chelsea Boots

Valeska Chelsea Boots

I am a huge fan of boots with contrast stitching.

6 Best Purchases From a Fashion Editor Ouai Detox Shampoo

Photo:

Jennifer Camp Forbes

I have dealt with a flaky scalp for most of my life and I have tried everything under the sun to help treat it. This shampoo not only keeps the flakiness at bay, it smells insanely good as well. I am hooked.

Ouai Detox Shampoo

I like to comb this shampoo in to make sure I get every inch of my scalp.

6 Best Purchases From a Fashion Editor Plaid Shirt Jacket Shacket

Photo:

Jennifer Camp Forbes

I went on a deep dive to find a shirt jacket I love and this one was the stand out thanks to the neutral coloring and the price. Another plus is that it is thicker so it offers a lot more warmth during the colder months.

Sebby Plaid Shacket

I am tempted to get the blue version of this jacket as well.

6 Best Purchases From a Fashion Editor Merit Mascara Clean Beauty

Photo:

Jennifer Camp Forbes

I am super picky about mascara and this sleek option is my latest obsession. It is clean and makes a huge difference in my lashes with just one coat. It also doesn't get all flakey at the end of the day like most mascaras.

6 Best Purchases From a Fashion Editor Madewell Chunky Small Hoop Earrings

Photo:

Jennifer Camp Forbes

I am pretty committed to wearing my diamond huggie earrings on most days, but I wanted a pair of hoop earrings with a little more weight for when I wanted more of a statement look. These were under $25 and the perfect yellow-gold color.

Madewell Small Chunky Hoop Earrings

Small Chunky Hoop Earrings

One reviewer called these a "jewelry staple."

H&M Merino Wool Dress

Merino Wool Dress

This is the chicest ribbed dress I've seen in a while.

Valentina Rangoni Fiera Block Heel Bootie

Valentina Rangoni

Fiera Block Heel Bootie

I love the flair of color from the blue heel.

Dorsey Moss Round Cut Riviere Necklace

Moss Round Cut Riviere Necklace

I know I am not the only one covering one of these trendy tennis necklaces.

Zara Patent Effect High Heel Sandals

Patent Effect High Heel Sandals

I want these '90s sandals in both the black and white versions.

Mango Striped Jersey Dress

Striped Jersey Dress

I have had my eye on this dress all year—it's perfect for a warm-weather vacation.

Staud Kaia Shoulder Bag

Kaia Shoulder Bag

White and cream bags have been top of mind this season.

Ceremonia Aceite de Moska Hair Oil & Scalp Massager Set

Aceite de Moska Hair Oil & Scalp Massager Set

I keep hearing rave reviews about the benefits of this hair oil.

Dickies Sawyerville Paneled Relaxed Fit Twill Pants

Sawyerville Paneled Relaxed Fit Twill Pants

These cool green pants would look great with a pair of sleek black boots.

Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66

Tiger Mexico 66

I've been spotting these on cool Scandi It girls lately.

Eliou Telly Earring

Statement earrings like these are great for dressing up the most minimalist of looks.

Toteme Signature Wool-Blend Coat

Signature Wool-Blend Coat

This camel coat is an absolute dream.

Agolde High Waist Organic Cotton Bootcut Jeans

High Waist Organic Cotton Bootcut Jeans

I've been looking for a great pair of longer jeans and these fit the bill.

Saie Hydrabeam Brightening + Hydrating Under Eye Concealer

Hydrabeam Brightening + Hydrating Under Eye Concealer

After seeing so many TikToks singing this concealer's praises, I am curious to try it out.

Dragon Diffusion Nantucket Large Woven Leather Tote

Dragon Diffusion

Nantucket Large Woven Leather Tote

I don't care what season it is, I would wear this woven tote all year long.

Zara Sequin Midi Dress

Sequin Midi Dress

I can't this whimsical sequin dress off of my mind.

H&M Turtleneck Sweater

Turtleneck Sweater

This oversized turtleneck sweater looks cozy yet elevated.