The 5 Best Things I’ve Ever Bought: #FashionEdition
I’m here to offer up my tested and true winners starting with a category you and I talk about a lot... FASHION!
I love having options, BUT don’t you find the sheer volume of stuff, things, recommendations and possibilities totally overwhelming? We’re living in an age of excess, and yet a lot of us still feel like we’re lacking. I’m here to offer up my tested and true winners so that we can cut through the noise and prioritize items that are actually worth our while (and hard earned cash!) Starting with a category you and I talk about a lot... FASHION!
01. UNIVERSAL STANDARD’S BODYSUIT
This is such a magical piece of clothing. And yes, for the price? It should be. IF you’re able to invest, I highly recommend it. I have two: one short and one long, both lasting me over 4 years. I wear them at least twice a week and wash them once a week, so if we’re scoring based on cost per wear? A+.
What I love about these is how easy they are to pull on, they have juuust the right amount of freedom, and the hold (stretch vs. compression) is CORRECT! No bra needed, unless I’m working out; then I’ll add a sports bra underneath. They’re your casual go-to with a shacket or sweatshirt, an open white button down, denim jacket, or a fanny pack with no topper at all. I love the design of the double strap; it looks so cute and the way they cut their seams (especially around the tummy and hips) shows they know how to design for curves.
My top picks: Long Next to Naked Bodysuit, Short Next to Naked Bodysuit
02. THE STATEMENT COAT
Do you know how easy it is to transform a simple look with a statement coat? I think we always feel like we need to go with a “safe” colour because a coat is usually a more expensive purchase. We want it to last for years and go with everything. Am I speaking your language? I’ve been there too. And hey, I’m not knocking neutrals, but I also absolutely adore my hot pink teddy, my houndstooth and my bright silver coats. If you see something you love, go for that over “safe”; our wardrobe can be a HUGE mood booster, and during these cold winter months, we need as much of a boost as we can get!
My top picks: Hilary MacMillan has a beautiful collection of statement coats. Check out ELOQUII (I love this green Kate Spade collab and this pink cropped faux fur coat). Go long with Pretty Little Thing’s black faux suede panelled coat.
Our wardrobe can be a HUGE mood booster!
03. BATHING BELLE SWIMSUIT
Swimsuit shopping is always up there as one of the retail experiences we dread the most – and I’m not immune to that. BUT, the good news? I have a solution for us! You must check out Bathing Belle. This design team LOVES designing swimwear for everyone. They are constantly experimenting with new patterns, introducing fun new materials and just generally injecting MEGA JOY into an otherwise soul-crushing shopping trip. My favourite design of theirs is called “Peek a Boo,” and it is THE perfectly designed one-piece. I feel sexy but comfortable, supported but never matronly. If you need/want a custom suit, they do that too. You will never go back once you try BB.
My top pick: Peek a Boo one piece
04. A 3 PIECE SUIT
A suit is something you may or may not have a lot of use for in your day-to-day life, but I still feel like it’s a #Best5 purchase for me. So much so that I designed one as part of my very first holiday collection with PENN. I really feel like ALL bodies deserve a great suit — it’s not easy to achieve, because suits require specific proportions, and as bodies get bigger, brands struggle to update those proportions consistently. That’s why I wanted to take on this design challenge, to prove it can, indeed, be done. TAKE NOTE OTHER BRANDS – IT CAN BE DONE!
The feeling I get when I put on that 3 piece suit is one of elegance and power. It’s a great feeling. Of course you can break it up and wear all three pieces in different ways; so yes, there is versatility, but I’ve included this pick mainly because we deserve access to that feeling at any size. I love this for us!
My top picks: The Meredith × PENN. Collection: Black Buttoned Down Velvet Vest, Black Velvet Flared-Leg Suit Pant and Black Velvet Blazer with Tailoring Collar.
Pssst! Hot tip:
Use code MEREDITH when shopping PENN for 15% off.
Image courtesy of PENN.
05. MY FAVE HEELS *chef’s kiss*
I couldn’t share this post without mentioning THESE shoes. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve worn these on Breakfast Television, hosting events, attending weddings, parties; if you need a dressy shoe, but the thought of heels makes you want to hurl, here you go! I like them so much I bought ANOTHER pair of the same shoe; I’ve never done that before! And to get ahead of the DMs, no, they’re not specifically wide width. But because of the stretchy strap at the open back and the material used for the pointed toe, there’s enough give. Did I read your mind just then? You’re welcome.
My top pick: Pearl Healed Slingback
I hope you love these picks as much as I do!! Don’t forget, if you’re looking for more of my faves in fashion, lifestyle and beauty, head this way.
