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

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(Image credit: 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.

Retro Aviator Sunglasses

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(Image credit: 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.

Black Chelsea Boots With Contrast Stitching

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(Image credit: 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.

Clarifying Shampoo

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(Image credit: 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.

Neutral Shirt Jacket

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(Image credit: 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.

Effective Clean Mascara

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(Image credit: 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.

Small Chunky Hoop Earrings

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(Image credit: 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.

More Things I Have My Eyes On

Next: I Scanned J.Crew, Banana Republic, and Mango—These 7 Trends Were Everywhere

Jennifer Camp Forbes

Jennifer Camp Forbes is currently an editor at Who What Wear, where she has worked in a variety of capacities for over a decade, including creative director and various editor roles. She’s well-known as a shopping expert that’s sought out for advice and insight on the latest trends, outfit ideas, and fashion picks thanks to her thoughtful shopping roundups, digital moodboards, and extensive knowledge of up-and-coming brands, plus the new arrivals sections of the chicest retailers. Jennifer has had a lifelong interest in fashion which led her to intern at Harper’s Bazaar as an undergraduate. Later, while working towards her masters degree in psychological counseling at Columbia University, she founded two digital fashion publications: Le Fashion and Olsens Anonymous. The popularity of both sites grew and after graduation she decided put her plans to become a therapist aside to pursue a career in fashion. While she has called Los Angeles and New York City home in the past, she currently works remotely from Massachusetts. When she’s not obsessing over and writing about her latest fashion finds, she is delighting in raising two little ones with her highschool sweetheart, perusing TikTok religiously, listening to podcasts and audiobooks, creating abstract photographs, and eating the best Mexican food she can get her hands on.