Shea’s Favorite Buys from 2021

With 2021 drawing to a close… 

I’m looking back on the year and the momentous changes we’ve experienced – both myself and our Studio McGee and McGee & Co. teams. From a brand-new baby to a new office, and filming Season 3 of Dream Home Makeover, my wardrobe has bounced between flowy dresses to fit my growing bump, to athleisure, to on-camera and in-office attire. I’ve gathered all my most-loved purchases from 2021 that will see me into 2022. 

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Closet heroes  

One thing is for sure: I solidified my love of jackets in 2021. This plaid shawl-collar jacket was a staple in my wardrobe all fall and continues to be this winter. The cut is perfect for layering, the pattern elevates the look, and the colors make it easy to wear with just about everything. By the end of my pregnancy with Margot, the mid-summer weather had become SO hot; I was looking to cool off in any way possible, and dresses were my fool-proof favorites. The black linen Mae dress from Rachel Pally was one I reached for over and over again. Thanks to a flattering fit, I was even able to wear it during those hard-to-dress-for postpartum months. And I’m sure it comes as no surprise to anyone since we are all living through these unprecedented times, but athleisure, you have my heart. These Nike crewneck sweatshirts are as comfortable as it gets and so easy to pair with leggings or jeans. I like to layer with a favorite jacket and look effortlessly pulled together; an outfit recipe I’m happy to repeat in the new year!  

Fancy (and casual) feet 

2021 saw an introduction of a handful of new footwear favorites to my closet. These Stella McCartney x Adidas sneakers are the best of two worlds – on trend and stylish, and sooo comfortable. I shared my love of these JCrew Gwen lug sole boots a handful of months ago and I think many of you have been as taken with them as I have! The slightly taller shaft makes them so flattering on the ankle and the slip-on style makes them easy to throw on and go. Although Covid didn’t allow for too many opportunities to dress-up, I was grateful for some Netflix filming and holiday festivities that required slightly dressier shoes, like these heels and these velvet flats.  

Elevated and essential accessories  

THIS bag. Need I say more? I toted around this wardrobe staple with me just about everywhere this year. From packing my bag for the hospital, to trips to California for Netflix filming, this tote does it all and MZ Wallace tops my list of Best Purchases in 2021. While I love a practical bag, I had to splurge on this elevated classic. And let me tell you, I’m so happy I did. The color is gorgeous, and the gold chain makes any outfit instantly look chic. The size is just right; just large enough to hold the essentials (even my favorite sunglasses), but not so large that I can’t take it out on date night.  

Beauty favorites

I’ve shared my beauty routine, hair routine, and skincare essentials with you in 2021, but these are my repeat purchases and top beauty buys from the year. I love a lipstick and you will find either this or this on me at any time. For traveling, the Calpak cosmetics case is essential. I love that I can see everything thanks to the design and the size holds all my beauty essentials when I’m on the road.  

Home picks

Our family settled into The McGee Home in 2020, but we have continued to work to make life beautiful in our home ever since. We’ve spent time sprucing up some spaces and finishing larger projects in others, but I have really loved getting into the organizational details. Reset Your Nest helped get everything in full functioning order in the latter part of the year, and I am trying to keep things just so – these spice jar labels are as functional as they are beautiful, and these storage containers are just what we need for keeping the girls’ snow gear contained to one space.  

It’s been so fun to reflect on our lives this past year and I’m excited to see which new favorite designs, trends, and styles we’ll explore in 2022! 

Keep scrolling to see what else I loved in 2021: