And Now, My 10 Coolest Buys of 2019 (So Far)

It’s my job to scour high and low for the most-desirable, bound-to-sell-out new fashion items on the market—and there’s nothing that gives me more pleasure than sharing these finds with you, dear readers. But this also means I tend to shop a lot. Once I spot an item that excites me—be it a versatile basic I know I’ll wear on repeat or a bold statement piece that is sure to turn heads—I find it pretty darn hard to exercise restraint. (Luckily, I purge my closet as much as I buy, otherwise my poor husband would seriously have no space in the closet at all.)

I’m also trying to be more thoughtful and conscious of my spending habits and fashion choices. Don’t get me wrong; I still love a great of-the-moment Zara or H&M find, but I'm taking the time to think about the longevity and quality of pieces before I immediately add to cart—opting to invest in jeans, dresses, and tops that I know will last me a lifetime. Today, I’m sharing some of my best fashion buys of the year so far. From trendier pieces to really simple staple items, these are my personal picks I’ve been wearing and loving. Scroll below for a peek.

Wear-to-Everything Summer Dresses

This season is already filled with engagement parties, weddings, baby showers, al fresco brunches, and birthdays galore, so a pretty frock that I can dress up or down has been essential. I invested in two very charming ones this year. A silk long-sleeved midi dress for more elegant soirées and a super-cute floral number that is sure to get me through every event in my Google cal.

For all my morning, afternoon, and evening situations. It's such a pretty print, it has a flattering neckline, and the slit gives it a modern flair. (I'd recommend wearing a strapless bra with this one due to the wider neckline). 

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Another floral dress for the win! I've seen this one on some of my favorite fashion muses, and it looks super pretty in photos and IRL. It also comes in a red hue. I actually think the lavender shade is rather versatile and perfect for the warm season ahead. The dress is made of silk, is super flattering, and well-suited for fancy soirées with the right shoes and accessories. Buy a nude slip to wear underneath as the material is slightly sheer.

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White Tank Top

The basic white tank is having somewhat of a resurgence in popularity this year—with our favorite celebrities sporting the simple staple with cool high-waisted jeans. 

This season I opted for a great quality, modern silhouette that is ribbed and has a slightly higher neckline by one of my favorite new brands, The Range. Its minimalist tops are amazing quality and can easily be dressed up or down.

Shop the tank top:

Strappy Sandals

If there's one trend I've really got on board with this year it's barely there strappy sandals—currently dominating an Instagram feed near you. Thankfully, the warm weather has finally arrived so I can actually start wearing them. I bought a well-priced pair in black and white from Zara (couldn't help myself), which I literally wear alternately nearly every day.

The black pair look great with jeans and skirts alike for a chic day-to-night look.

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The white pair look great with dresses, jeans, or a cool pair of khakis.

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Breezy Blouse

I'm such a huge fan of California based-brand Dôen. It has the best romantic, effortless, and breezy pieces in the prettiest vintage prints. I snapped up one of its beautiful blouses from the latest summer collection.

This is unquestionably my go-to weekend top for brunches, beach days, early evening drinks, and everything in between.

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Straight-Leg High-Waisted Jeans

Earlier this year I was adamant on finding the perfect straight-leg jeans that I could wear to work, on the weekend, and for nights out. After trial and error, I met my match. This Citizens of Humanity pair is on the higher end of what I like to pay for denim, but I will say given the amount I wear them (which is basically every other day), they have unquestionably been the best in investment piece I've made this year. 

They sit at the perfect height on the waist and have an ideal straight-leg fit. 

Pistachio Polo Top

The vintage-inspired polo tops that have been around this year have been such a great alternative to the T-shirts I usually default to in my day-to-day dressing. I opted for one in this season's most popular hues—minty pistachio green (seen all over the recent fall runways). 

The top looks so good with crisp white jeans. I'm wearing the Joan Crop by J Brand in this picture.

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Silky Slip Skirt

I love the luxurious look and utmost versatility of a satin-silk slip skirt. Topshop does some really amazing ones, but this Zara silvery one caught my eye. I like to dress it up with those white stappy sandals mentioned above or wear them it with sneakers for a more casual look. 

This silvery slip skirt looks way more expensive than it actually is.

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Sporty Sandals

I'd never thought I'd fall in love with the "ugly" sandal trend, but here we are. The day has come where I'm professing my love for sporty sandals. They're not only comfortable but super on-trend right now, and they look great with dresses, skirts, and jeans. Whether you go for a luxe designer pair or—my personal favorite—a trendy pair of Tevas, you'll be so happy when you're walking the cobbled stone streets on vacation in them—with no blisters in sight!

I'm wearing my cool flatform Tevas with a Réalisation Par leopard print midi skirt and Madewell tee.

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Shell Jewelry

I'm not going to lie, I tend to favor classic, timeless jewelry over anything else, but it's fun change it up once in a while—especially with the warmer season ahead that calls for more free-spirited and bohemian pieces. This season I'm all over the shell trend. I've already bought a necklace and anklet—it unquestionable adds dimension and a playful touch to my look.

I like the opposing look of a polished blazer paired with a bohemian shell chocker necklace. It's a great way of integrating the trend into your look during the work week. The added pendant necklaces also give it a cool-girl touch. I'm wearing the shell necklace with a Maje pendant and pink Theory blazer. 

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This anklet looks so cool with sandals, sneakers, and heels alike. I'm sporting by ballerina-meets-boho look with Joy Lab leggings.

Shop the anklet:

Up next, the nine Zara buys that earn me endless compliments.