SHOP THE POST

Hey, y’all! While the New Year is all about the year ahead and looking forward to new goals and endeavors, I also love looking back at the previous year and seeing what worked, what didn’t successes and data. Working in marketing I use data all the time to inform the strategy of campaigns, budgeting, content and everything in between, so doing the same for The Creative Brief is just as important. I thought it would be fun to share a bit of an inside look at what The Creative Brief Community bought the most this past year from what I shared!

Before I share, I want to extend a huge THANK YOU to everyone who supported me this past year and always. While it might seem like fun pictures and clothes, this is a small business you’re supporting and I couldn’t be more grateful for those of you that shop with me and use my links. When I started the blog, I didn’t do so with the intention of making money or taking it as far as it has come, but I’m so proud of the little community we have and the amazing friends I’ve made along the way through this corner of the internet. I’m so grateful you’re here and wouldn’t have a lot of this without y’all so, again, thank you!

Through affiliate marketing platforms like LTK I can see what people click on, what item leads them to buy something, and how many pieces they ordered. I can’t see who the customer is or any personal information, but seeing what items readers like most is really fun and interesting. So, the above graphic is showing the top 10 items that sold this year through the blog.

I’m breaking down the categories and best-selling pieces amongst the TCB community and why I personally love them!

Boots on Boots on Boots

This year was the year of boots! I sold more Billini Urson White Cowboy Boots than anything I’ve ever sold on the blog! This somewhat amazes me because I honestly didn’t think too much of my audience would like them, but y’all LOVED them! But, also not super surprised because they are so cute, very comfortable, and a huge trend this year. They are currently sold out, but I’ll be on the lookout for them so be sure to follow me on Instagram and I’ll keep you posted!

Y’all also loved Steve Madden this year! Much of my audience are millennials so it makes sense that we gravitate toward the shoe brand that ruled the 90s and 00s. The top-selling pair? The Tackle Bootie. I first wore these booties at the end of 2019 and they’ve been a staple in my wardrobe ever since. The unique block heel and pointed toe make for a very chic shoe and they go with just about everything! While they are a bit on the higher end of price points for the rest of the blog’s best-selling items, I can promise you they are worth the investment. After just over 2 years of wearing them, they still look incredible and are some of my most worn booties!

TEXTURED FABRICS AND ACCESSORIES

This past year I really focused on incorporating different textures and fabrics into my looks and y’all did the same in yours with outfit staples like faux leather shorts and fun accessories. These Abercrombie Faux Leather Shorts (currently on clearance!) were worn at least once a week for me and are so versatile. I even wore them into winter with tights a few times. These are definitely here to stay in 2022 and beyond so finding a pair that works for you and even a pair of faux leather pants or a skirt (both available at Abercrombie and on clearance) are great pieces to add to your closet this year.

Another textured item y’all loved this year? Tweed handbags. Actually, y’all have loved the Gabby Tweed Monogram Handbag for THREE years in a row. It has been in the top 10 for three consecutive years and I couldn’t agree more that it is one of the best products I’ve shared! It is affordable, great quality, and comes in several colors. Most sales are for the fun pink color, but I also love the gray and black! You can also get it without the monogram if you prefer! Right behind this bag was a black and white tweed look-a-like bag to the Chanel 19 Tweed Handbag that I found on Amazon. It definitely has the look for A LOT less! I don’t personally own this one so I can’t speak to the quality, but it is pretty popular in my Amazon analytics, and haven’t seen any returns so that tells me y’all like it!

DRESSES AND CHIC TOPS

2021 was the return of weddings and I was seeing a lot of that in my reporting! Wedding guest dresses were consistently coming up in search data and sales and this pink showstopper from Red Dress was a popular choice! I think it would be flattering on anyone and it is a great color! Y’all also loved this sweater dress from Nordstrom. Its cut is amazing and I think a great staple for your closet for years to come!

I wore this corset top from Amazon to The Jonas Brothers concert this summer and it was one of my top-performing posts in 2021! I paired it with the leather shorts above and the cowboy boots y’all went crazy for! Was this the outfit of 2021?! Anyways, it doesn’t look like much when it arrives and with your girl not being very well-equipped in the top half area, I was worried it wouldn’t be flattering, but I loved it! I think it would look good on anyone! Be sure to size up one size if you have a larger chest as I think it could be tight and doesn’t have a ton of stretch.

KENTUCKY ROOTS

Having moved quite a bit since starting the blog, I was worried that my home state following would dwindle, but Kentucky remains one of my highest concentrated areas of readers to this day and I’m so grateful for y’all! I’m not sure if it’s my UK girls alone or friends and family, but either way, y’all loved these UK vintage sweatshirts this year. I love vintage sports pieces and haven’t personally ever loved much from the “women’s section” at sports stores. I think the vintage look adds a cool, chic aspect to your outfit and I got so many compliments when I wore mine to a UK football game this year (Go Cats!). Just a side note - they are not actual vintage sweatshirts - they’re designed to look vintage - but, there are some Etsy sellers who sell authentic vintage pieces that are super cool!

HAT GIRL SUMMER (EVERY SEASON REALLY LOL)

Personally, I always felt weird in hats when they came into style in the early 20-teens so I didn’t really purchase any. When we moved to Nashville they were, understandably, everywhere. As the city of country music, you’re hard-pressed to walk a block without seeing a few Stetsons before the next intersection. After shopping in person a few times here, I finally tried one on at the store and the rest was history. It was officially Hat Girl Summer. My first hat came from Altar’d State and then I got a more neutral one from Urban Outfitters. I rounded out my 2021 collection with a bit of a splurge from Lack of Color with the Palma Hat (obsessed). Needless to say, I am loving hats and think they are such a fun accessory to add to your closet. Y’all loved this Urband Outfitters one and it comes in a bunch of colors for a great price! I also received this one from Mint Julep Boutique as a gift from my mom (hi, mom!) and love it!