Favorite Purchases of Last Year

Happy Wednesday everyone! I wanted to share some of my favorite purchases and trends from the last year.

Spring and Summer Fashion

1. Basket Bags

I have been very interested in the basket bag trend, but did not want to spend a lot on one. I was very excited when Target had a really great selection last spring, and I snagged one. It was such a good buy, and I used it all summer long.
I was a little bit concerned about the practicality of carrying it, but I often carried it over my arm with the handle straps, or just held the straps. I am glad I went with this style, because it has plenty of room for things inside, and the two carrying options of the longer shoulder handle, as well as the handle straps. The drawstring closure is also great for keeping everything safely inside.

I definitely plan on carrying it all this coming summer, including some summer trips. I will probably also add another option, maybe a smaller one or a beach tote for a beach vacation.

Vineyard Vines for Target dress

I had originally wanted this dress more than anything in the Vineyard Vines for Target release, but wasn't able to score one the day of. I serendipitously found one with my mom at her local Target one day that had probably been returned, and in my size! It is even nicer than I imagined and fits like a glove. I got to wear it for a great event with the Tall Ships at the Buffalo waterfront, and it came with me to the Finger Lakes. I love the ruffled neckline and the blue and white striped ribbon. It is a classic piece I will be wearing for years. I love the nautical vibes.

Gal Meets Glam Dress

When we planned our honeymoon trip to Northern California, I knew I wanted a Gal Meets Glam dress for our day in Napa Valley. I absolutely love the dress I ended up getting. It is such a fun flowy fit, and a beautiful pink color.

I absolutely love the look of the Jody dress from the December Collection.

Boater Hat
I purchased this hat from Target this summer on a whim to try with a few outfits, and ended up loving it. I'm sure it will be coming with me on our trips this summer. I love the navy ribbon on this hat.

2. Fall and Winter Fashion
Jcrew Factory Cape

I am so excited that I was able to snag this cape at a great price. It is even nicer in person than in the photos. I love everything about it from the navy color and rope toggle closures, to the fit. It falls in just the right place, and fits like a dream. This cape definitely filled an outerwear hole in my closet.

This year I would like to add another winter coat to my wardrobe.

Draper James

I was lucky enough to snag some beautiful Draper James pieces during their Halloween and Plaid sale. I am blown away by the quality and fit of the pieces.

I am pretty excited to see the release of the Draper James Essentials Collections. Great price points for dresses!

Looking at all these photos makes me think of where we took them and the great days we had doing so! If anyone is curious, here are the locations that I thought were super fun to shoot at, and things to do in the area that we did to make a day of it!

1. Farmers Market. We took some photos at the East Aurora farmers market, and I am already looking forward to a visit back this spring/summer. We had so much fun making our own flower bouquet and getting fresh coffees and breakfast.

2. The Elmwood Village. So many great places to eat, shop, and walk around.

3. The Outer Harbor. We walked around a lot this day before a fun afternoon with friends at the Barrel Factory. I am so excited about all of the awesome places to go downtown now.

4. Canalside. We did the Tall Ships weekend, and it was such a blast despite the crowds. I love how the waterfront here has been developed.

5. Trip to Seneca Lake. The Lakehouse we stayed at was so beautiful, and spending the week here with my family is definitely some of my very favorite memories from this past year.

6. Northern California Trip. I will never forget our memorable trip to San Francisco, Sausalito and Napa.

7. Beaches. Some of my favorite photos we took are from Hamburg.

8. Knox Farm in East Aurora. This will always be one of my favorite photo locations in every season.

9. Canalside ice rink. It was so fun to watch the skaters, and they decorate it beautifully for the holidays.

10. Glenn Falls Park in Williamsville. So many great options for eating the village, and the park is beautiful for walking around, including the large waterfall.

11. The Botanical Gardens. I recommend going before Christmas for the Pointsettia exhibit, and in the spring when you need some color and sunshine before the weather gets nice.