( The knitted headscarf. A current trend that is bringing me much joy.)
Considering my day job is as a stylist, ironically I shop for myself very little. Side note - this blog starter was shared with my children last night to loud guffaws that all I do is 'buy things'. I forcefully dispute this. They are clearly confused with the daily run to the co-op and way too many dinners at Wagamama, the second of which occurs with concerning frequency.
But when it comes to clothes? I can count new pieces this year on two hands. My purchasing has gradually become more streamlined over recent years: we all know the mantra of buying less buying better (thank you Vinted for helping us in this task); but I also get pleasure from rewearing, and if I buy something I really want it to work hard in my wardrobe. And yes I will not deny that the factor of my scratching the itch by working with clothes as my job does help all the above.
.However there are some times of year that glaring holes of need (also want) appear, and Autumn is one of these times. There are a few pieces I feel are lacking in my wardrobe that either I haven’t realised I’ve needed before or the versions I’ve had have reached the end of their lives. As per above my new method of shopping is researching to fill a gap rather than working on a magpie grab.  Here is my research into 5 pieces that will be adding to my wardrobe this autumn. (Disclaimer-the albaray kilt and hood are already on route.)
A Kilt
A 'just right' kilt has has been on my radar for over a year. I bought a vintage one online that sadly arrived with the proportions of a child ( even though it’s a women’s size 12 ; The change in sizing over the years is a conversation for another day) I’m also currently feeling my bottom half options need upping to bring my wardrobe of top halves back into the game. Le Kilt is the dream but there are treats to be found both new and preloved. ( PS my criteria is that a kilt has to buckle on the hip. Non negotiable)
Two Tone Loafers
The loafer is another item I’ve been circling for a few seasons now. The dream is a Gucci horsebit which ticks all the longevity boxes but is also eyesquintingly spenny so I’m considering my options. I have a chunky loafer but the preppy look is are calling and a slightly slimmer version feels more right for now. PS Socks are optional but yes, I'm feeling them.
Knitted Headgear
I wanted to love the balaclava trend, but large curly hair squeezed into the equivalent of a knitted swimming cap has sartorial disaster written all over it. Side note: The swimming cap hat is tres chic for next season if you want to accept the challenge. Personally there is joy in the knitted headgear available to us this A/W. An oversized hood is calling me, or a large knitted headscarf to tie under the chin babushka style is feeling like an excellent idea. ( which can be doubled up as scarf over shoulders, yes please.) Alternatively trapper hats are an option or the good old beret never loses it's charm. ( PS the Damson madder is out of stock but you can register interest)
Faux Fur
A nostalgia driven purchase: A fur coat and skinny jeans ( with kate moss as muse obvs) was my go to for a long time- usually charity shop bought. This season faux fur is everywhere but it throws up a quandary if you don’t want to buy polyester. (The overwhelming majority are polyester) Personally I will be buying only by second hand or new from one of these few brands who work with recycled polyester or alternative eco faux fur, although Stella mccartney is the dream if budget allows. And the vibe? longer length beatnik vibes
The Winter ShortÂ
A divisive topic perhaps, but my interest in every permutation of the long short/culotte currently borders on the obsessive, following on from my skater denim shorts this summer. (Yes my children hated them) I'm still having palpitations about a pair of grey wool YSL culottes for under £100 that I missed out on on Vinted recently. Once I have nailed a pair I will be wearing with my Nashville cowboy boots for a bit of edge, or the ‘loafers to be’, Princess Anne Style. Both are equally pleasing imho.
So there we have it. My current wardrobe addition projection, that worn together hold a high probability of making me look like an eldery female version of Little Lord Fauntleroy but I will take that chance. You may be searching for similar in which case these may help direct- but the main point is to think about the jigsaw puzzle of your wardrobe and what is going to help it all work better rather than a ‘supermarket sweep’ approach (Dale Winton era. Please say you remember). Happy Autumn shopping!
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