12 Women in Their 30s on the Best Thing They Bought This Year
I've learned a number of things since turning 30 a few years ago, like that Delta Comfort is worth every penny, life is too short for cheap wine, and every cookie should be sprinkled with sea salt (trust me on all three). But, perhaps most importantly, I learned how to be a more mindful shopper. As a result, I'm more content with the purchases I make, and I don't find myself donating or selling them as quickly as I did in my 20s.
Assuming I'm not alone in my post-30 shopping enlightenment, I asked 11 other women in their 30s what the single best thing they bought in 2018 was. Reading the responses of these stylish women was intriguing and enlightening, and it's clear that they, too, are proud of the mindful purchases they made this year. Keep scroll to shop the best things 12 women in their 30s bought this year.
"Well, I hope this isn't considered cheating, because I designed it, but I'm very obsessed with my 2020 Mini Island Bag. It's textural but not overly seasonal, and I love the outward expression of carrying that yin-yang symbol with me. It also matches with literally everything and has a way of making me feel more pulled together even when I'm dressed a little overly casual." — Aurora James, Brother Vellies creative director and founder
"The Chloé Rylee boots were quick to sell out last season—they were everywhere on the streets of fashion month, in plain leather and snake-print iterations. This season, Ramsay-Levi updated this cult sellout in various styles and heights, including this clean-line cream pair, without the buckles. This fresh hue elevates even the simplest vintage denim–and–oversize hoodie look, one of my go-to outfits for comfort during buying appointments." — Tiffany Hsu, MyTheresa.com fashion buying director
"The J Brand patent leather Selenas! They look cool with boots and a slouchy sweater or a silk blouse tucked in, blazer, and slides. I've literally packed them for every trip since I bought them. Bonus: They are also great in the rain." — Mary Peffer, J Brand VP of global market and brand creative
"I am a jeans-and-T-shirt girl, so I truly value special pieces like this nylon Prada bustier that I can add into my look without having to think too much about the end result." — Jessica Minkoff, Bergdorf Goodman fashion content editor
"This is without a doubt the most versatile bag I own. If you treat it like a neutral, you'll find it goes with almost anything. Plus, the size fits everything I need: my card case, phone, keys, and some lip product." — Kat Collings, Who What Wear editor in chief
"I bought this celestial-ish Reformation dress earlier this year, and it's become my go-to wrap dress that's beyond versatile and flattering. While it requires zero styling effort on my end, it's super easy-breezy to dress it up or down with accessories. I occasionally doll it up with heels, but more often than not, it's paired with my black Repetto ballet flats or white sneakers, an oversize Levi's jacket, and gold hoops." — Shelly Bhalla, actress
Similar style:
"I wear my Balenciaga patent leather heels nonstop. The extra-pointed toe and embellishment make them wearable statement shoes, and you can rock them with or without socks." — Brittany Xavier, blogger
"Like many women, Phoebe Philo's time at Céline played a pivotal part in how I discovered and defined my personal style over the last 10 years. While the brand helped serve as a guiding light for taste, I wasn't always able to afford the actual products. This year I was able to track down a beautiful Céline caramel leather belt with a croc-effect finish (pictured below) from a consignment store in Upstate New York. The moment I laid eyes on it, I instantly knew it had to be mine and that I'd own it forever—the true hallmark of an investment-worthy piece!" — Nicole Kliest, fashion writer
"I'm a big Comme des Garçons fan. I bought a few Comme blazers this year. They are all quite special. My favorite is this asymmetric button blazer. It's practical enough to wear during daytime, but it's also perfect for nighttime events. I just love it!" — Acielle, Style du Monde photographer
"I love shoes by By Far. They're comfy and really tie in all my looks." — Stella Simona, Amarilo/Haati Chai Jewelry co-owner
"I thought I was over my logo belt phase, but this one is so subtle and has a vintage feel to it. I preordered it (which is something I never do) and waited months for it to come in. I've worn it more times than I can count since it finally did." — Allyson Payer, Who What Wear editor
Next up: 47 everyday jewelry pieces to buy when you're bored.
Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.
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