For what will probably be my next to last post of 2020, I decided to round up my absolute favorite things from this past year featured here on the blog. This list includes both clothing and beauty items. All of these items are things I kept and wear or use regularly.
Now, you might be wondering why this list is so short when I’ve wholeheartedly recommended a lot of things to you here at Dressed In Faith over the year. Or, you may be asking why I don’t wear and keep all of the items I share if I truly like them?
First, I have a personal wardrobe budget that I try to stay within like most of you do. Fashion blogging calls for purchasing an insane amount of clothing, especially if you post very often. I cannot possibly afford to keep everything, and many times, it’s a tough decision on what to send back! Also, keep in mind that I work at home so my needs and lifestyle are actually pretty simple. It’s just not possible for me to justify keeping that many clothes if I cannot wear all of them.
Second, there are items not on this list that I do wear, love, and use that I could have included, but it would have made this post rather long. So, I tried to pick out the best of the best that I wear the most or use the most or just like the most. Also, some of these things were complete surprises or hidden gems as far as uses go, so that earns them a special spot on the list.
Last, I hate to list things that are no longer available to purchase. Now, that doesn’t necessarily stop me from sharing an absolute favorite thing, but what’s the point of sharing if they can’t really be shared with my readers?! You know what I mean?!
So now in no particular order, let’s get to my favorite things from 2020.
I want to start with the Leith long cardigan. Y’all know how much I love a good cardigan, and I have really enjoyed wearing this one! I still get hot with flashes often, so layering is a necessity for me when it’s cold. While a lot of colors are sold out, they do have some sizes available in the black and most sizes available in the creamy beige color.
Next, I have a couple of great long sweatshirts I love wearing with leggings and jeans. They are cozy for staying inside, but I find myself reaching for them just as much when I have to venture out.
The camo sweatshirt above is super comfortable and comes in lots of colors and patterns. I did see the brown color I’m wearing above is pretty much sold out, but it does come in a heather gray and olive green camo that are fully stocked in all sizes.
The purple tie-dye one below is getting low in inventory but comes in lots of other color choices too. It is so soft for lounging at home. I have to stop myself from wearing it everyday!
I think 2020 will become known as the year of the house slipper. Ha! I typically choose to wear warm socks over slippers at home, but this little shoe has totally changed that for me. Yet, I think these are meant to really be a street shoe!
Hey Dude brand shoes come in lots of styles for men and women and are a hidden gem my youngest son introduced me to this year! I wear these little clouds for you feet around the house all the time!
I cannot find my fur-lined, light sparkly gold colored ones online, but I did find another pretty color. My link will take you to three options, and the fur-lined, shimmery rose gold colored slip-ons are the exact same as mine featured here.
My next favorite shoe from the year may not be practical to wear in the dead of winter. Come spring, I will definitely be reaching for these Madewell mules again though! For a flat style, I found these mules comfortable to wear, and they stayed on my feet better than most. They are still well stocked in this snakeskin pattern too.
Next, I have gotten so much wear out of this tiny necklace. I have to warn you that it is very small and subtle, but that is what I like about it! For my personal style, I’ve decided wearing smaller scale jewelry and keeping it simple just suits me better since I’m vey petite.
Yet, that doesn’t mean you wouldn’t like this necklace if you are taller. I think the trend in jewelry has been towards more delicate or simple pieces. Plus, this one has a lot of sparkle, is well made for it’s size, and makes a great layering piece with other necklaces.
My favorite earrings from the year are these Kendra Scott hoops. I actually got them for Christmas last year. I love them because they are an appropriate sized statement earring for me (note my previous comment above about favoring smaller scale jewelry pieces).
These are not only the perfect size, but they are not heavy. In fact, these earrings are very light-weight making them very comfortable to wear.
This next beauty item on my list was such an aha moment for me! While this Clairol temporary root powder works well for covering up your gray roots between salon visits, I use it primarily to fill in my eyebrows.
Finally, I have some hair products that I just fell in love with this year. As I turned 50, I noticed my hair becoming frizzier and dryer. To combat these changes, I have been using Matrix Biolage Ultra Hydra Source shampoo and conditioner. This shampoo and conditioner have made such a difference in how my hair feels and looks!
My last item on the list is this Paul Mitchell curling iron. I highly recommend this traditional curling iron if you are looking for a nice quality curling tool but want a more reasonably priced one.
I believe I actually purchased this in 2019 but made it a goal to curl my hair more this year. My hair is thick with some natural wave but very stubborn. Ha! In other words, it doesn’t hold curls very well. Yet, I’ve had a lot of success with this curling iron.
I love that it has a specific temperature dial so I can adjust the heat just enough to make some waves without damaging my hair too.
I also use this silicone travel pouch (not pictured below) under my heated iron to protect my counter and for storage.
Okay, I just thought of one more recent item to share here – I promise this will really be the last one. It’s a cute puff sleeve sweatshirt I ordered recently and regret I didn’t get a chance to take a picture of it. I think I’m really going to enjoy wearing this pretty top from Ann Taylor that can be dressed up or down. Right now, it is 50% off and sizes are getting limited.
Well, that a wrap on fashion and beauty for the year! Thank you so much for reading along. I hope my blog has been a helpful resource for you in 2020!