Wow, narrowing it down to one is difficult! This year I've purchased some beautiful things that thrill me to the core every time I put them on: a pair of black Louboutin calf-hair pumps with white snake heels, a black longsleeve knit top by Max Studio that I wear with everything, a super-fun multi-colored flamenco scarf that I have worn almost daily since the beginning of October....

But my hands-down winning item is my steel grey Danier leather moto. The color was an unexpected surprise - I had originally thought to look for black, but it softens up most of my outfits and looks great with creamier colors. I wear it at least 4-5 days of the week, and the more it breaks in, the better it looks!

Chiming back in to say what a fun thread, and that I really enjoyed reading about your treasures.

Gryffin, Shevia and Karymk, I'm touched by your comments. Thank you. xo

Lisa - great score on the jacket I love mixed media!! and gosh who can survive without boyfriend jeans esp with the holiday "groaning table" looming!! PS how would any of us manage without Angie's advice!! So totally agree!!
La Belle - wow Louboutin's!! they must be divine - I so look forward to a picture! I agree a great basic like your long sleeved top cannot be underestimated. They are our beloved work horses. A steel gray danier moto sounds amazing. I love my black moto and I am sure it just makes every outfit so much cooler!! enjoy!!
Angie - I should have said at the top of my gratitude list for 2013 it is a pleasure and honor to be a part of this wonderful community and to have the benefit of your thoughts, advice, andto bask in your warmth of your caring heart. Wishing you and Greg a wonderful holiday!!

This year has been fun for me; I ignored fashion and style for several years, and this year I rediscovered it. This forum has been a great help, along with some blogs.
My favorite purchases are:
denim jacket from Macy's - classic, comfy, goes with everything
charcoal gray Converse Hi Ness wedges - classic with modern flair, comfy

These two items really feel like me, and are so versatile and easy to wear. I love them!

The Loubous are divine, and I always feel beautiful when I have them on my feet. I bought them on eBay - they were pricey, but a fraction of what I would have paid if I had bought them new. They were celebration shoes, purchased with my bonus check from a massive project that I worked on for all of 2012.

I will post some pictures soon

The jacket really has been my favorite and most useful purchase in 2013. I went in with a list - it had to be sleek, not too bulky, I had to like it equally open and closed, and it couldn't have too much hardware (because seriously, I didn't want to listen to Village People or Harley-Davidson jokes every time I wore it). And it had to be durable, because I intend this jacket to be a workhorse. And so far... it has been!

I have made very few purchases this year but one definitely stands out for me: my DKNY Cozy. Although most of my time has been spent at home, (and looking decidedly NotFAB) whenever I am going somewhere, I look to wear this in a new way. It has really contributed to my having fun with fashion. There are lots of videos out on YouTube show many ways to wear sweaters of this type and watching them helps jump-start my style juices.

shortly before my 50th bday, i found a great bathing suit, that has the advantages of a 1 piece (tummy control etc), but the sexiness of a 2. it made me feel fab, and that's what i needed right then

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ro.....efined_2_A

Wendi - what great purchases and what work horses!! They would give a polished finish to so many outfits!! Great choices!

Belle - I await with bated breath photos of the "loulous!!" Jacket sounds awesome too. Sounds like a great score. Perhaps the juxtaposition of both in the photo? What an outfit that would make!!
Refugee - I have often admired the cozys!! It looks so doable in the videos but I am so inept with graceful ties? Do you find it easy. I'd love to see you in your cozy if you were so inclined!! I bet you look awesome!!
Kkards - wowza girl!! Great score. I fabulous bathing suit is a think of beauty. I am still working on that since my nice suit fell apart. I can't believe that suit has tummy control!! No wonder you love it!

I'm another who "suffers" from an embarrassment of riches. I'm so lucky

I'm enjoying reading about everyone's treasures!

Amy - I am learning that an "embarassment of riches" usually means a carefully thought out and curated wardrobe!! Kudos!!

I am not really good with graceful ties either and I find them a bit bulky at times. But I am a fan of the buckle you can buy to go with it. I also found this video that shows how to use 2 basic bangles to tie it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYn6mZ1Z-Rs
I am working on getting myself back on track style-wise and need to do some WIW posts. I'll put outfits with the cozy at the top of the list since it is a favorite item.

Looking forward to them Refugee!!

A striped knit maxi skirt I would never have thought to try on except for Angie's Blog post Ensemble: Striped Pencil Skirt for Moms on the Go. Totally different from anything else I own, fresh, fun & comfy.

I'd wanted a denim jacket, but never found one I really liked until I saw the Hinge white embroidered jacket on the Finds Page. (It looks like Runcarla has one too? :D)
Looked great in the dressing room; the hem was really flattering, and even though it (any denim jacket, really) widened my shoulders, I didn't care. Still don't.

Just by chance one of my favorite skirts, above-the-knee pleated tangerine from BP, was also posted on the Finds Page earlier this year; bought it around the same time before finding YLF, so it was pretty cool seeing that skirt again!

Thank you Angie, Greg, and Inge for all your hard work!

Laurinda - very pretty skirt and it looks like it would be heaven to wear!! Enjoy!
Marillen - Great jacket. I am a huge jacket fan and I can see where might never want to take it off!F! The skirt sound fab, swingy, fun and sassy!! What could be better!!

Chiming back in to say that I'm thrilled you de-lurked, Gryffin. You are a wonderful positive voice on this forum. So kind, engaged, polite and encouraging. I'm thankful for your participation.

It's a tie between my b&w houndstooth oxfords (L.A.M.B.) and my Dawn Levy wool coat (Adelaide). I never thought I'd be able to wear statement shoes since my feet are so fussy! And I thought wool coats were mostly a plain essential. I love the interesting aspects of this one!

Wow Pastrygirl - did I not have a chance to tell you how much I love your houndstooth oxfords!! They are so awesome!! and comfortable..could it get any better!! I am so glad you are loving them because it gives me so much pleasure to see them in your outfits!! That is such a great coat too!! It shows off your face and haircut so beautifully. What lovely cloth and closure. As you say unique but looks snug and elegant!!

Angie - thank you so much. Now you'll have me blushing. Inserting head under wing, would crawl back under rock but seems I have misplaced said rock whilst having so much fun!!

Happy to hear it. That's the point on YLF. xo

Whoah, I missed those houndstooth oxfords. I am totally jealous!

I don't think I have any major scores this year, although I am pleased to have finally acquired some low-heeled ankle boots that are actual leather, grey oxfords, and a padded jacket.

Mander - sounds like you did very well this year!! I am a bootie girl so contrats, weren't there a lot of low heeled options this year!! Congrats on the oxfords and jacket but I think we are all crushing on pastrygirls b&w oxfords!! Talk about living vicariously!!

Excellent question! I have been thinking about this since I first saw you post, but couldn't come up with anything. Last night I figured it out.

I am most grateful for my new coat. I was shopping for my imaginary life and happened to run across this coat at TJ Maxx. It is perfect for my real life. I am a slooooow learner when it comes to shopping for my real life needs.

A close second would be my Clark's limbo booties. Took me in a whole different style direction.

Pastrygirl- I want those oxfords!

I am most grateful for updating my footwear this year .Especially in finding knee boots for my 21'' calves!!!!
Basic black 1'' wedge knee boots with a stretch back -they're pleather but I got them at 60% off $80 so not too bad price-wise.

Mtgirl - I am impressed. I used to shop for the imaginary life too. So that is something I struggle with too. That is a fabulous but practical coat!! I think you have achieved the best of both worlds here!! Also love your booties!! Hope you really enjoy them both, wonderful!
Jennifer - Is there absolutely anything better than footware? I used to have one pair of shoes for work. Now I am the boot and bootie princess. Nice boots upgrade any outfit!! PS major score on the wedges. kudos!!