I almost never try things on, preferring the comfort of my own home and would rather make the extra trip to return. My rules are simple: if it's a classic I'm prepared to splurge, if it's a seasonal buy I would rather go high street. I hate overpriced things and I've come a long way in understanding whats worth the dosh and what not. What has most certainly changed is that these days I get into a changing room only to realise that I've been walking around all day with a Gymboree sticker stuck on the back of my jumper...
Anyway...
I've had an itch for skirts (which again, I couldn't really wear whilst pregnant), for pops of bright colour and for quirky mad accessories to dress us up my go-to uniform of jeans and simple tops. I've also been on the hunt for you-can-never-have-too-many wardrobe staples like perfect white tees (COS), light knit sweaters (GAP) and rediscovered the beauty of a fitted dress (Zara) and a pretty broderie anglais top (Whistles). Here's a little bit of what's made its way into my shopping bag...
Christian Louboutin flats
I wear a lot of jeans and flats but when a ballerina doesn't cut it or a heel is not an option, you need something WOW to jazz up an outfit. When I saw these fabulous shoes I imagined wearing them on a tanned foot, with a pair of ripped rolled up jeans and a simple white T-shirt- that sealed the buy. Pricey, but fabulous, they are comfortable, durable and.. red soled! They are also very flattering on the foot and the pointy toe has a gorgeous elongating effect.
Whistles broderie anglais top
I went back twice to try this top on as it's a bit out of my comfort zone: I don't really do pretty or hippy so how did I fall in love with it? I thought I would make it cool. Since buying it I've worn it with my military print skinny trousers, jeans and flats and even with my leather leggings. You could probably buy a similar top to this from Top Shop or Mango, but the quality wouldn't be the same. This one has two layers, it's cut beautifully and both the cotton material and the broderie details look expensive- more expensive than what you pay for. If money were no object, I would probably buy a Chloe broderie anglais top and love it forever but white is too delicate, it's risky with a baby so this one will do the job.
J.Crew Monogrammed cashmere sweater
I recently went to the J.Crew launch of their London pop up store (brace
yourself- the Regent Street store opening in November!) and as well as
having the immense pleasure of meeting the amazing Jenna Lyons, I
invested in another one of my absolute wardrobe must-haves: the Tippi
cashmere sweater.
I already own a grey and a neon pink one and I've worn them on countless amounts of occasions. This time I went for a timeless navy with orange LF monogramming (and a grey one for Greta too). My plan is to slowly own one in every colour, I simply love the fit which is so cool and relaxed and they literally go with everything.
Carven midi skirt
I must admit I had a voucher to aid the purchase of this skirt, but I would have considered buying it (or waited for the sale) even without it. Ok, things I love about it: the midi length, perfect with a flat, high heels and oh so now. The colour: I'm loving bright hues at the moment especially ones that you can offset with more wearable ones. I'm going to wear it with my navy J.Crew boyfriend cashmere sweater or one of my grey tees and sparkly necklace.
Top Shop jacquard trousers
I went shopping with my friend Claire and we called this "the trophy trouser", it's such an easy way to introduce colour to your wardrobe without making too much of an effort. I wear mine with grey sweaters and even with a stripy tee for maximum impact. Unfortunately since buying this pair in Top Shop I haven't been able to find the exact same style on their website, so I've selected a few similar styles below. Hope they satisfy your itch for a trophy trouser too!
PS. Since buying it last month, I've also worn my Chinti and Parker stripy top with neon heart. It really is the ultimate jazzed up stripe tee and love it so much! (Sadly sold out)
Make up and nails
Now that Greta has a lunch time nap and that I've stopped breast feeding, I have a little more time to myself which means I can get manicures again! I've been experimenting with new colours (found the perfect coral) like greens and yellows and I'm loving nude nails . I also finally came around to hanging up my nails cabinet to display all of my nail polishes. Obsessive I know but I love it!
I also added a few buys to my make up bag one of them being this gorgeous coral red lipstick from Top Shop's new range of lip crayons. I thought this was perfect to slather on on a hot summer night with a pair of sparkly earrings, metallic sandles and my new Marni nude dress..
Lip Bullet in Heartbeat £8.00 earrings from a selection at Whistles from Lulu Frost
Unfortunately this Marni dress I bought last week has sold out, but I've made a selection from The Outnet that has lots more fabulous ones
And Other Stories and Boden black bikinis
For a recent holiday in Tunisia, I bought this
classic black bikini from new Regent Street store And Other Stories. It
looks a bit Eres with a cheap price tag, I love the shorts briefs and the
sporty style top. I also satisfied a long standing temptation and bought a 60's bandeau style bikini with big knickers from Boden- I'm still unsure whether it will look any good on my body shape but I thought I would give them a go!
Not quite in my shopping bag but on my radar..
Lovely WIT readers thank you again for all your love and messages in the past months (especially since my last post last in April), I will be back soon with my daily updates but in the mean time come and say hi on Twitter @WITblog and Instagram.
Love
Laura x
