Upgrading the basics

*Please note that this post contains affiliate/ad links*

After my big wardrobe clear-out last week, I have felt a real desire to go back to basics when getting dressed each day. I admitted to making some mistakes last year and so many wanted me to share what those were. I wouldn’t say they were ‘mistakes’ in fashion disaster terms, and I could definitely justify why I was drawn to each item I considered a mistake, but the simple truth is that I didn’t wear them enough, and if you buy something and wear it once or twice, then I don’t think it was a wise purchase.

These tend to be pieces that I buy for a specific occasion. I bought a Rixo dress for a party late last year that I ended up not going to. Needless to say, after 8 weeks I haven’t really had the occasion to wear it and it’s too late to return it, so that is the sort of piece that I would consider a mistake. It’s a beautiful classic dress, and I am sure that I will wear it in the future, but I think the money would have been better spent elsewhere.

So my aim this year is to start upgrading my basics. To begin I am on the lookout for a very simple, good quality black modal vest with a high neck. I found this one at Marks and Spencer (£9.50) which I wear backwards to achieve the high neck I am after, but I wonder if there is a slightly higher end brand for basics that I should be looking at. If you know, please shout!

So instead of focussing on the mistakes, let’s look at my best purchases in 2019.

Black Puffer Coat

My Stradivarius coat has sold out, but they do still have this one which is very similar and currently in the sale.

If you find black too harsh, then All Saints have this brown puffer reduced from £358 to £179.

Black Boots

I literally haven’t taken these boots off since I got them. Now I have to admit that I am a bit of a leather snob when it comes to shoes and definitely wouldn’t seek out vegan boots, but I bought a pair of these boots for Milla and loved them so much I had to buy some for myself. They are incredibly comfortable and seem to go with everything. I don’t think I have ever had such positive feedback from people who have bought something I have recommended before, which was really lovely. Just goes to show you don’t always need to spend fortunes.

However, if £20 boots don’t float your boat, then All Saints have some gorgeous pairs in the sale.

Anine Bing and Isabel Marant Sweatshirts

A statement sweatshirt and jeans is such a simple but effective outfit for when you want to feel pulled together but comfortable. I have worn both of these sweatshirts so much.

I took my usual size in the Anine Bing Sweatshirt as I found her t-shirts to come up fairly big. I think I could probably have sized up for a slouchier fit. This white one is next on my wish list.

Commando Leggings

These leggings need no introduction. I have blogged about them before and I wear them all the time. I’d go as far as to say they were my best buy in 2019 and I have just invested in an oxblood pair. You can find them on Netaporter for £110, or Amazon via Luxury Legs for £30 less!

Black Leather Flap Bag

This has definitely been my preferred handbag for the last few months. I love the simplicity of it and that it’s so easy to open and close. My handbag is from Mango but has sold out since I bought it a few months ago, so I have found two very similar bags for you.

Tomorrow Denim Jeans

These are without doubt my favourite fitting jeans. I bought them from ASOS last year and they are called the Tomorrow Teresa Crop. (I am afraid I haven’t been able to find these exact jeans but ASOS stock Tomorrow and often have them on sale) I really love the denim and the way it keeps it’s shape. Founded in Copenhagen in 2017, Tomorrow is the world’s first sustainable denim brand certified by both the Nordic Swan Ecolabel and the EU Ecolabel, so a good one to keep your eyes on.

All my knitwear from Sezane

I cannot recommend Sezane enough for knitwear. Their pieces are amazing quality and under a £100. I have invested in a few Sezane knits over the years and still wear all of them regularly.

See the full collection HERE.

Grey Poloneck Jumper

I wear this jumper all the time. It is a few years old so no longer available but &Otherstories do have this one.

A pair of gold hoops

It’s rare that I am not wearing a pair of gold hoops. For every day I wear these Tilly Sveaas gold t-bar hoops. (I sometimes take the t-bar off) And for dressier occasions I wear these Lucy Williams X Missoma Entwined hoops. Tilly Sveaas is definitely my favourite jewellery designer though.

Family duties call, so I had better leave it there. I hope it was helpful!

Love,

Chloe x