It’s become customary for me to share my favorite designer purchases at the end of the year. Now that we’ve only got a week left to go and I’m pretty much done shopping for designer pieces in 2021, I thought it’d be the perfect opportunity to look back on the investments I made and share the ones that were truly worth the splurge. This year was a tricky one to navigate when it came to luxury fashion. There were so many unique pieces to get excited about that it made it incredibly hard to hold back. But, of course, with countless pieces on my wish list, I had to make a conscious decision to pass on many of them. Below, you’ll find 11 of my favorite designer purchases that will be wise investments for years to come.

 

Anine Bing White Sweater (also here, better for budget here) | Revolve White Pants | Fendi Sunshine Tote | Lack of Color Hat | Christian Louboutin White Pumps (similar here, better for budget here)

The Fendi Sunshine tote is probably more of a trend piece, but I just knew I needed it. For one, I don’t own many spacious bags, and knowing that totes will always be in style, I was able to justify the splurge. I’ve carried it so much while traveling in the spring and countless times in the fall and winter. It’s hard to be without it when I’m out and about.

Anine Bing Chunky Knit Sweater (better for budget here) | L’Agence Camel Coated Jeans | Gucci Horsebit 1955 Mini Bag | Gucci Lug Sole Boots | NY Yankees Cap

This bag has quickly become one of the most loved bags in my collection. The modern design meshed with the classic heritage print is just so iconic yet understated. It always makes my outfits feel more elevated. I love that it can be carried as a shoulder bag or a crossbody, so you can use it daily. For more on this bag, check out my full review here.

Mango Shearling Biker Jacket (exact style sold out, similar here and here) | Frame Gray Jeans | Revolve Knit Top | Prada Monolith Combat Boots | Similar Shearling Handbag | Saint Laurent Sunglasses

It’s safe to say that combat boots were my weakness this season. One of the first ones I splurged on were the Prada Monolith Combat boots. Although they’re trendy, the bold statement look is unparalleled. I haven’t seen anything quite like them. Fortunately, they’re also the definition of fashion meeting function. They don’t just lift me out of the slushy Minnesota streets but also keep me grounded.

Anine Bing Houndstooth Blazer (also here) | Commando Bodysuit | Commando Patent Leather Leggings | Saint Laurent Sunglasses (similar here) | Similar Chanel 19 Shearling Bag (better for budget here) | AllSaints Combat Boots

I don’t always splurge on blazers, but I also won’t hesitate when it’s the right one –  like this Anine Bing blazer. I knew it would be a major hit this season, and I’m so glad I jumped on it because it’s sold out almost everywhere. The heavier weight makes it wearable as a coat, so it’s incredibly versatile. I also love how the oversized fit doesn’t come off frumpy in the slightest way.

Zara Tweed Blazer (exact style sold out, similar here and here) | Amazon Biker Short Set | Saint Laurent Solferino Bag (small size) | Golden Goose Pearl Sneakers | Balenciaga Baseball Cap | Bottega Veneta Sunglasses

While I own several designer bags, one that was missing from my collection was the box bag. That made the case for the Saint Laurent Solferino bag. The simple shape and clean design makes it a good accessory for every look. I love that it’s crafted from smooth leather that looks as buttery as it feels. You can read my full review here.

Perfect Moment Wool Turtleneck Ski Sweater | SAM. Bungalow Cropped Puffer Jacket | Commando Patent Leather Leggings | Prada Monolith Combat Boots | Saint Laurent Toy Puffer Shoulder Bag

This year, I delved more into non-leather bags. The one I’ve been carrying nonstop this fall and winter is the Saint Laurent Louou Toy Puffer. The white bouclé tweed rendition is so feminine and ladylike. I often use it to add contrast to edgier looks, although it complements dressier outfits beautifully too.

Topshop Houndstooth Coat (wearing a US 2) | English Factory Sweater Dress (wearing an XS) | Schutz Croc-Effect Boots | Balenciaga Neo Classic City Bag (small size)

It’s been a while since I saw a Balenciaga bag that really caught my eye. However, the Neo Classic City was a completely different story. Equal parts edgy and structured, it’s the kind of bag that you reach for when you need more than just your phone and card case. The bag features Balenciaga’s iconic detailing, which is something I really appreciated. The long zipper pull and moto-inspired hardware sets this bag apart from others.

Spanx Faux Leather Leggings (wearing an XS) | SAM. Shearling Trim Puffer Jacket (wearing an XS) | Theory Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater | Fendi Rockoko Combat Boots | Saint Laurent Toy Puffer Shoulder Bag

I had these boots on my Christmas wish list last year and I was finally able to get my hands on them. Unlike the Prada boots, these look way sleeker with the sock-like high top. For that reason, they’re also more likely to stay relevant years down the road.

White House Black Market Herringbone Blazer | White House Black Market Sweater | White House Black Market Faux Leather Leggings | White House Black Market Suede Boots | Louis Vuitton Coussin Bag | Saint Laurent Sunglasses

Louis Vuitton’s It bag of the season has to be the Coussin. The bag features a three-pouch interior as well as an adjustable (and removable) leather strap and chain strap. My favorite thing about this bag is that you can wear it in many ways whether that’s as a clutch, a dressy shoulder bag with the chain, or a casual bag with the canvas strap. Either way, it doesn’t disappoint!

Free People Chunky Knit Sweater (also here) | Commando Faux Leather Leggings | Gucci Horsebit 1955 Mini Bag | Gucci Lug Sole Boots | Bottega Veneta Sunglasses

I strongly feel that these Gucci boots will be a collector’s item down the road. The quilted leather detail, GG canvas and chunky lug sole will always be distinguishable and chic. The trend-forward bulky design is also done in a way that will never go out of style.

Neiman Marcus Feather Trim Top | Bottega Veneta The Pouch Bag | Mignonne Gavigan Statement Earrings | Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Perfume

I’ve been wanting the Baccarat Rouge 540 perfume for so long but wasn’t sure if it was worth the splurge. Now that I have my hands on it, I wonder why I waited so long to take the plunge. The decadent, sophisticated scent is so alluring and instantly recognizable. Best of all, it’s so long lasting that you really only need one spritz for each wear.

xo, Maria