SF Shopping Experts Share Their Favorite Purchases of 2012

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As 2012 draws to a close, we're surveying our friends in the fashion industry about the year's biggest news stories and most exciting developments. We've looked at the best and worst trends of 2012; and we asked our local luminaries to describe it all in one word. We also asked for their favorite newcomers in Bay Area retail, and today we find out what their favorite purchases of the year were. Readers, let us know what you think in the comments.

Dr. Jordan Deschamps-Braly, plastic surgeon and menswear aficionado: My favorite purchase of 2012 was my soon-to-be wife's engagement ring. It is made up of family stones and is on a custom band.

Adrienne Armstrong and Jamie Kidson, co-owners of Atomic Garden: One of my favorite yarn stores in NYC, Purl Soho, developed their own super soft merino yarn. I have to say, I was pretty darn excited about that. Jamie found a vintage plastic Briar donkey that she has on her shelf in her kitchen. It was her favorite purchase of the year!

Joanna Riedl, publicist: A perfect sized tote that was made from a Turkish kilim rug that I picked up from General Store. I wear it with everything and don't care if it doesn't match.

Jeanne Chen of Shop Sweet Things: A Rachel Comey striped blazer

Katie Hintz-Zambrano, Senior West Coast Editor, Refinery 29: I'm having my first child, a baby boy, in April. So, I've become a baby consignment junkie! I love, love, love Chloe's Closet in Bernal Heights and also Peek-a-Bootique in Noe Valley. Everything I've purchased for my unborn son has been my favorite — especially a pair of navy sweats with a bear on the butt and a Baby Dior onesie for posher occasions.

Jessican Mullens Engelman, founder Mullens Public Relationss: Our new house

Erin Hiemstra of Apartment 34: The one I waited for all year long: my Celine white wedges

Melissa Davis, founder, Ruby Press: Well, I'm not sure I could pick my favorite of the year, but one of my favorite recent purchases was Astier de Villatte's dishwashing liquid. It has a lush sage scent and it's spectacular. The whole kitchen smells great after using it. It's pricey, but a small, fun extravagance.

Claudia Ross, founder of Cross Marketing: My new Hermes Birkin bag! It's one of those "forever," classic purchases and I absolutely love it.

Erin Hagstrom of CaliVintage: It's a toss-up between a pair of Manolo Blahnik pea green patent leather mary jane kitten heels and a buttery yellow tweed Carven coat. They were holiday presents to myself!

Sarah Sung, San Francisco editor at Urban Daddy: That's tough—maybe it's a tie. There's a white leather Joie jacket I got at Jeremy's and bright, lapis blue wedges from JCrew that are actually comfortable. I also love my Leifsdottir dresses from Anthropologie.

Marilyn Cabak, philanthropist: My favorite purchase was a cocktail dress that looks very much like lingerie! It is sexy and ladylike at the same time!