Reader Poll: What Was Your Favorite Purchase of 2023?
In a comment on the previous post, Laura asked “Preston, do you ever poll your readers and ask them what their favorite purchase of the past year was?” Great question and I hope everyone will weigh in. I, obviously, failed the buy-only-five-new-items-in-2023 challenge, but I was mindful of my purchases and there were things I took a pass on with the challenge in mind. Above are my six favorite purchases and I posted on each of them, except for the navy Comme des Garçons dress. I suspected that you would think I was off my nut for buying a dress with smocking and a Peter Pan collar — which were indeed not me — so it just hung on a rail. Once the collar was removed, I wore said dress to numerous events and received a shocking number of compliments. It’s great with both the Celine boots and The Row pumps. The Saint Laurent bucket bag is hands-down an all-time favorite purchase, not just from 2023. And, the Gauchere and Phoebe Philo wrap skirts are comfy and cozy — a win-win for sure.
Your turn.
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My favorite purchase was the Derry jean by Frank & Eileen. So comfortable and flattering!
Preston- I bought the same The Row pumps and they were so comfortable that I also bought their Glossed Leather Pumps, which you’d also posted on. Happy 2024!
Hello Preston, the Theory Maxi Trouser Skirt in Wool Canvas is a winner! The versatility surprised me and the fit is perfect. I’m certain this will be in my wardrobe for a very long time.
My favourite purchases & most worn items for 2023! Bottega Veneta Monsieur 50 leather loafers, Anine Bing oversized black cashmere blazer
I really didn’t buy much in 2023 I enjoyed shopping my own closet but my absolute favorite purchase was The Dior Academy loafer in black!! Second would be my black Lisa Yang wide leg cashmere pants.
Best purchase was Annina jeans from Citizens of Humanity. Also loving my Agnes boots from Margaux. I’ feel comfortable and pulled together in both.
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year! My favorite purchases were Lisa Yang’s cashmere coat and pants, Aesther Ekme bucket bag, and ATP’s suede loafers. And I wore to death Officine Generale sweater that I believe Preston’s featured in one of her posts…
My favorite purchase was the Tibi black wool crepe Melee dress. I have worn it with a crisp, striped button up for day and shirtless to an evening wedding. The fabric and shape is just perfect.
The leopard Walter silk wide leg trouser from Mister K is aces. Chic as can be and they feel like PJs.
Could you please identify the maker of the shoe/bootie worn with the great looking black skirt in the photo? Thank you and a Happy New Year to you and yours. Lynn
Phoebe Philo
My favorite purchase was a white cotton shirt (The Agent) from Grammar NYC. It is the perfect shirt so I bought the blue and white striped version also. My second favorite purchase was finding a new jean, straight but not too tight, rise not too high, from AG called “Mari”. I had previously been a Rag & Bone jean only person so I was glad to find another good jean. Finally, right at the end of the year, I found a perfect block heel bootie in caramel from Prada. I was afraid to wait to see if the bootie made it to the sales so I pulled the trigger right away, and I’m glad I did. The white shirt, the Mari jeans and the Prada bootie have been my uniform (with blazers and sweaters already in my closet).
The caramel Toteme bag you posted about has been my constant bag since purchasing. I also bought a black Chloe loafer, and black Gianvito Rossi boots that are both getting a lot of use. I wear jeans daily, so updating bags and shoes help me look a bit more current. Also (not sure it was this year?) the Officine Generale black crewneck sweater! I’m becoming a wool or a wool/cashmere fan, as opposed to pure cashmere.
Hi Preston, instead of buying clothing , I repurposed two rings that were gifts from my husband. I could no longer fit them over my aging knuckle! I took them back to Cartier and had them remade one size larger. I feel like I have two beautiful new rings and now wear them all of the time. ST
A gold Rolex Datejust, a pair of YSL Le Loafers and a pair of Ferragamo suede Bella drivers are among my favorite purchases this year. I plan on purging versus buying in 2024 as I move towards a smaller, more curated wardrobe.
My favorite items are a Studio Nicholson sweatshirt with cropped sleeves, a Des Phemmes embellished skirt, the Row Eel loafers and my permanent gold chain bracelet. Did anyone buy any favorite household items? I got a vintage silver ice bucket, a few new knives and some vintage china salad plates that I am in love with.
I bought the YSL bucket bag (in a smaller size) on your recommendation and I love it!
The Max Mara 101801 icon coat in camel. I bought it 2 sizes larger than my normal size bc I want to be able to wrap myself in it. It instantly elevates my casual outfits, and gives dressier clothing a slouchy insouciance.
What a fun question! Favorite purchases inclide a Gorski parka in navy with a black lining, a custom Leavers gold lace dress and several,Valentino purchases-a silk scarf (red and black), black pants with a slight flare, Valentino black ankle boots, and 2 Valentino purses-one red, one brown.
This is the year I will redo my walk in closet and some hard editing will be in order!
I finally gave in and treated myself to Chanel Ballet Flats, traditional tan and black.
But my black Tod driving loafers are worn daily as I want to “save” my Chanel.
Shoes were my 2023 winner purchases. Khaite silver water heels and the row eel loafers in cream and black were hands down the winners! I never thought I would wear silver shoes to death but they were the GOATs of the year.
An another tomorrow navy suit with wide leg pants and a double breasted blazer, a la double j swing dress, the Celine motorcycle boots Preston posted, and a circa 2006 YSL downtown bag after Preston posted. That’s less than 5, right? Oh yeah, tickets to see U2 at the sphere…
This is a fun post!
My best purchase was my Celine Ava bag (and the leather cross-body strap to match). Not sure if it’s because it is such a functional bag for me every day or because I bought it on my mom’s 80th birthday trip to Paris (she’d never been and was blown away that they give you champagne for big purchases).
I love reading these comments! I’m splitting hairs here, but I have a ‘favorite’ purchase and a ‘best’ purchase ~
the best purchase – in terms of highly wearable, great pricing, a one-of-a-kind find – it would be the dark dark blue wool boucle unlined two-button coat which I found in Paris last December. My eye went to it immediately, tried it on, fit perfectly, and I wore it out the door, like a child in new shoes! My ‘favorite’ purchase is a beautiful gold link bracelet and matching ear clips, which, the moment I slip them on, make me feel absolutely fabulous – pulled together, polished, quality, and simplicity.
Off topic, but to respond to Tracy’s inquiry about favorite household purchase, the answer is Yes! A silver footed ice bucket/wine cooler with matching tongs. Perfect for a formal toast or the back porch.
Loved many of Preston’s ideas and inspirations in 2023, including focusing on fewer, but forever pieces, so my shopping successes are: The Row black silk shirt (goes with everything!), Crimson cashmere sweater, Spanx zipperless jeans, Frank & Eileen white/blue striped shirt, Bottega light blue slides, and Hermes leather jacket (amazing RealReal find, new with tags). Happy hunting in 2024, Preston and KiC crowd!
*meant to add, ‘Coincidentally, like Tracy . . . silver ice bucket . . .’
It’s fun to see the pleasure in these comments. My favorite purchase was a gold cuff with a personal backstory. Somewhat like Paula said, I match it to gold earrings, and it feels like immediate polish and simplicity. I also bought two new jean silhouettes last year and wondered what took me so long. If I may loosely borrow Paula’s rubric again, AG denim won my best-purchase category.
Max Mara full leather midi skirt. Goes. With. Everything.
Khaite studded belt, Freda Salvador fisherman sandals and vintage Levi’s!
My favorite purchase was the Chanel black and gold T strap heels that Preston posted about. I found them on consignment and absolutely love them!
What a great exercise! Favorite/best purchases of 2023 – a Max Mara cashmere turtleneck in a camel color; a long black quilted Barbour jacket; a navy silk pleated dress from Ulla Johnson – instantly put together and works across various seasons. xx
Great question! I love my black Kule cable-knit rollneck sweater, Hartford grey velvet blazer, Cuyana fabric crossbody bag, and my tiny Nespresso machine. All wins in my opinion.
My favorites are the Frame slim Palazzo jeans( so hard to find wide leg jeans flattering on petites) an YSL belt in the perfect taupe. and my Loewe Paseo satchel ( the perfect travel shoulder bag with a removable crossbody strap) . I just bought some Bottega mules in the post Christmas sales which I think will become favorites .
Good to think over the last year. The Elsa Peretti silver bone cuff (long considered) has given me the most pleasure. Also two ice blue dresses – one from Zimmerman and the other from Ganni. And some black midi dresses from Matteau – really versatile.
I loved reading these ! I bought a Saint Laurent blazer in black with perfect shoulders and dull brass buttons, I loved it so much I bought it again in navy , My favorite jean is the Zara Women’s Marine jean in white . I am going to try the ones mentioned above . I also bought a small cashmere and silk Hermes neckerchief in burgundy , mustard and black , I wore it knotted at my neck almost daily . It looks great with my yellow gold jewelry . I searched and finally found another in blue grey and black ,that works well when I wear white gold .
Bit late to the party here but just loved reading everyone’s comments. Think my favourites from last year are white and black tuxedo shirts from Novo London, wide leg AG jeans with a cuff (can’t remember the name), ivory ankle boots with a lug sole from Proenza Schouler and a cashmere set from Allude. Oh and a silk blouse from Novo London, highly recommend their small edit.
Thanks for all the great ideas and insights.
Love these comments. So many good ideas, as always. Thank you, Preston!
I’m late, too, but wanted to add a 4th vote for AG jeans – and a 2nd vote for the Mari style, in denim and in corduroy. I splurged on a Brunello Cucinelli jacket that shrugs on like a sweater, over everything. The Khaite Benny belt (I bought the Julius for my daughter).