Having spent the last 13 years or so looking at expensive clothes and accessories up close means I can spot a worthwhile investment from a mile off. I may not have the available budget to always splurge on said pieces, but they’re building up into one heck of a wish list in my head—a wish list that I’m willing to share with you here, in a monthly shopping gallery that features only the most-obsessed over and adored creations I’ve bookmarked.
Two investment pieces I have made for the year: Sleeper Belle Dress (ÂŁ215) and Nanushka Gimma Sunglasses (ÂŁ305). Once upon a time, it was easy to get carried away with the seasonal carousel-like shift in trends—in came one colour and out it went again when a designer said it should be so—and my list of desired items kept changing to suit. But these days, it’s the same “forever” types of buys that remain important to me, simply waiting for that lottery win to roll in. However, classic doesn’t have to mean boring: My personal-style essentials include less obvious things such as knitted co-ords (been wearing those for years, and before they were available in the mass market I was snapping them up from vintage stores in Spitalfields and Brooklyn) or snake-print knee-high boots (seriously, they’re neutral enough to work with almost anything). So below you’ll find an edit of luxury items that I believe will stand the test of time in my wardrobe. It doesn’t mean I have the money to buy them all, but a girl can dream!
Everything about this dress felt right for me. The fact I can never find navy pieces and I love navy. The flattering shirred bodice and square neckline. The swishy, super-lightweight linen skirt. It’s no wonder this brand’s summer dresses are so popular.
I have been searching for years for the perfect tortoiseshell sunglasses, and it took Nanushka launching eyewear to finally end my quest. These have an exaggerated oval shape that will stay in style forever, but with extra-cool details like the tinted lenses and little gold moon inlay on either side. J’adore.
La Double J’s extraordinary prints first came to the fore via a clothing collection, but now the brand has extended them to homewares and I’m hooked. These mix ‘n’ match plates are the ultimate tablescaping weaponry.
I had been looking for a lightweight spring coat that could elevate my basic weekend leggings-and-jumper formula and I think this is it! So glamorous and yet entirely casual—a genius creation from everyone’s favourite, Ganni.
So I’ve heard that these chic sandals (which also come in black) keep selling out. And I can understand why. This chunky-soled thong style is very in 2021, but these are a particularly elegant version from a celebrity-adored footwear brand.
My skin has been looking rather lacklustre lately (think I need to get out of the house more…) and everyone I know raves about this moisturiser, so I think it’s about time I tried it.
My entire Etsy wish list is filled with fancy white blouses. There are plenty of new style available in stores now, but nothing beats a vintage version IMHO.
Rixo’s prints and silhouettes seem to always suit my frame (hourglass, 5’1”) so I’m always happy in their dresses. This new print—a dreamy mermaid and seascape—feels like the perfect style to wear for park meet-ups and summer walks.
This painting is called In Between the Margaritas, and TBH it’s where my head is at! On a more serious note though, Liberty is now selling some really fabulous artwork online which is well worth checking out if you’ve got some wall space to fill…
Anyone else craving heels again? If you’re looking for something a little more unique, then Miista’s directional designs do the job. Not only is the colour of these mules brilliant, but I love the curvy heel, square toe and terry-towelling straps too. A good companion to some loose-fit cropped trousers and a plain top, but also a tip-top option should I ever go to a party again…
Rectangular sunnies is where it’s at for summer ’21. These black ones tap into the trend without looking too tied to a year or season—I think this silhouette and classic colour means I’ll be wearing them for many summers to come. Karen Wazen is a newÂ
I have had my Elleme raffia bag for a few summers now and I just don’t get bored of carrying it. The unusual shape, leather trim and classic straw colour makes it at once timeless and totally special too.Â
Marloe Marloe is a very chic new interiors brand that Browns have started stocking alongside their legendary fashion collection. This vase is super-modern and yet has all the charm of an antique find—it looks rather fun on my mantlepiece in a newly-painted pink living room!
Bretons are back, and the nicest one on my extensive research list is this beauty from TotĂŞme. It will last forever.
Meadows is an east London-based brand who specialise in super-romantic pieces like this shirred and tiered frock. The pieces are created consciously, in small batches and in more sustainable fabrics than your average. This one is 100% GOTS certified organic cotton.
The team bought me this candle for my birthday last December and it brings so much joy to my home. Gorgeous packaging and a delightful scent.
Green is having a moment. Ribbed fabrics are having a moment. Co-ords are still having a moment. All signs point towards this being a really great thing to wear on repeat hence forth!
Don’t forget the matching skirt, which you can unbutton or button up depending on your sass-factor each day.
Is it too soon to think about sandals? No! I’ve been hunting for the perfect pair of fisherman sandals for some time now (convinced they’re going to be big news for summer 2021), but Church’s have been creating them for years and have therefore got the style completely licked. These are a top-notch classic and make all others pale in comparison.
Tove is the new British brand many fashion editors, stylists and influencers have recently fallen for. And you can see why, right? The brand’s detailed-yet-minimalistic cotton dresses are comfortable, elegant and even washing machine-friendly.
In my head, at least, I’m planning my 2021 holiday! Goodness knows if it’ll happen but this hat will be with me for the ride, even if all the sunbathing I do is in my back garden.Â
I’ve been really into Dinosaur Designs’s resin jewellery creations for some time but their homewares are just as stunning. Sure, this says it’s a dessert bowl but I use my little lemon-coloured platter (pitctured above) for purely selfish jewellery-storage purposes!Â
I mean! It’s like the ultimate pick-me-up for our weird, uncertain times: A cuddly, candy-pink, super-cute handbag. I’ve fallen in love with this padded-out Tabby bag (an adaptation on a classic house style from Coach) and would be happy to hold it very close for this season and many others to come.
Mother Denim is one of my favourite designer denim brands, and I’m thrilled to see they’ve launched a very cool patchwork project called 60% Mother. This jean skirt has been pieced together using overstock, so each one is unique and full of character. Denim skirts are back, and I like the idea of owning one that has a story to tell!
Fashion houses are leaning into their logos and monograms once more, but I prefer a subtle hit like with these denim Christian Dior slides. So chic and a little bit retro, they’ll go with everything from mismatched jeans to summer dresses.
This is bias-cut and just fits like a really slinky, light-weight slip dress but with plenty of extra coverage and volume in the sleeves. Even the little cowl neckline and black velvet-covered buttons makes this simple midi feel even more special.
I’m 100% invested in buying classic bag styles that could pass as vintage and will look chic forever. This new (but very retro) monogrammed style from Saint Laurent ticks those boxes and comes in a super-practical cross-body satchel style too—perfect for the many walks still to come this year…
I didn’t think I was a fan of designer logo tees and then this beauty from Celine came along. It’s the muted ’70s colours, baby tee-fit and ringer edging that makes it feel less like a ubiquitous luxury buy and more like a well-loved archival piece.
Two years ago I bought a suede fringed jacket and have worn it on repeat ever since. Mine was a secondhand style from a French brand, but this style is now something that Nili Lotan is known for and hers epitomises the look. It’s a dream ticket for many a woman.
I found this and instantly thought of editor Emma Spedding, but I think we’ll have to timeshare it. Beige jumpers don’t sound exciting, but a good one will last you a lifetime and make everything in your wardrobe look more elevated.
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Smart midi skirts and snug knits are what I wear most days for work (even if I’m not in the office), so there’s always room for more options. This has all of the vibes of a vintage piece but with a more modern and flattering fit around the hips. It’ll be a good all-year-rounder, is and I’d wear it in the summer with a plain white tee.
I only wear quite simple plain gold jewellery on a day-to-day basis, and this Daphine ring would be a popular addition to my collection, without having to cost a fortune.
It’s rare that I’ll get excited about a pair of jeans, as I just don’t wear them that often, but there’s something very timeless about a flattering pair of leather trousers. These bring together the best of both worlds, and they’re made from a recycled leather blend, so extra “conscious” brownie points for me. Agolde are known for being a great fit for both jeans and more tailored styles like these, so I have high hopes that they’ll suit my hourglass figure.
Gucci’s retro-inspired bags are my favourite styles from the brand, and while I already own a black secondhand Jackie (that I managed to find about a decade ago for ÂŁ75 in a charity store) I’d be very happy to add a monogram to my “collection.”Â
As I mentioned previously, knitted co-ords and I go way back. I have some plain versions, some patterened, but nothing quite as exciting as this from Barcelona-based Instagram-adored brand.
Why not add the matching pants?
I have shamelessly stolen this beautiful jewellery find from Sarah Jane Bea, an NHS nurse whose personal style is fantastic and whom we recently included in a shopping picks roundup of women working outside of the fashion industry. I will probably get a T to represent the name of my son, Teddy, once it’s back in stock…
Talking of heels, they don’t get much lovelier than Bottega Veneta’s right now. These white slingbacks have all of the charm of a pair of vintage shoes minus the scrapes, un-glued soles and super-narrow fits that don’t suit my wider feet. White shoes are handy to have in one’s spring/summer armoury, effortlessly working with everything from jeans and casual trousers through to flouncier dresses for weddings.
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