I might be a fashion editor, but it might surprise you to learn that I don’t shop a whole lot. I know what you’re thinking; Isn’t that counterintuitive? I liken it to my friend who’s a baker and doesn’t eat much cake. It’s not that you don’t enjoy it—the opposite, in fact. The difference is that you don’t indulge in it for the sake of it.
For the last 10 years or so, fashion has been my livelihood and my greatest passion. I preview collections before they’re released, analyse the runways to pick out the need-to-know trends and scour new-in sections daily, all to bring you the very best that fashion has to offer. As a result, I’ve become very particular when shopping for myself. For one thing, I have to be in the right mood to shop. Shopping is a big part of my job, which can make doing it on my own time a chore. I also have to be willing to part with some cash. (I was raised to be very money-conscious.) Plus, my increased exposure to fashion means my taste has become all the more specific—something has to really impress me before I’m willing to invest in it. I’m picky, and I don’t care who knows it!
That’s not to say that everything I buy is an investment—at least, not in terms of cost. I love the high street, and in Britain, we have access to some of the best affordable brands in the world. Although I shop from it, I do so mindfully. And I apply that same mentality to any high-end purchases I’m considering. In the past, I’ve been swayed into purchasing on name alone, but in my tenure at Who What Wear, I’ve developed a thicker skin for designer pieces, which allows me to look past the gilded embossing and instead see the piece for what it is and determine whether it’s actually worth it.
As you can see, I’m very particular about the clothes I wear, the story they tell, and the impact they have on my life. So why not share my shopping picks with you? These are pieces even a perfectionist can’t find fault with. I hope you find something you like and can see yourself wearing for a long time.
I currently have this jumper on order for London Fashion Week, and I can’t wait to wear it with cream outerwear.
The side-splits allow you to show off statement boots to full affect.
I swear, this is going to be the bag of spring/summer 2023.
Part of H&M’s Premium edit, this chic blazer is made from an elevated wool blend.
I’ve been looking for the perfect pair of Mary Janes for years. Now, I think I’ve finally found them.
Pixie Market does some of the best relaxed tailoring.
These earrings have been worn by Hailey Bieber and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley of late.
Hands down, the chicest puffer coat I’ve ever laid eyes on.
What I love most about this denim jumpsuit is the fact that the trousers emulate my favourite jeans; wide-leg with a high waistline.
H&M’s tweed blazers have a track record of selling out, so I definitely didn’t hesitate when it came to adding this classic cream iteration to my basket.
I spotted this in my local & Other Stories store and I had to take a closer look. Between the ’90s buckle detail, patent finish and impeccable stitching, I think this is worth every penny.
Off-the-shoulder necklines are big news for SS23 so, naturally, Reformation is already ahead of the curve.
Brit brand Marcéla is gaining more and more momentum on social media thanks to its timeless aesthetic. Right now, I keep coming back to this elevated take on the bomber jacket.
Part of French It girl brand Rouje’s latest venture, this Re-Rouje dress is made from the fabrics that featured in its past collections.
I’m a huge fan of Ninety Percent’s latest collection; particularly this cutout top which I know will instantly improve my jeans outfits.
A fresh take on the denim skirt as we have come to know it.
Mary Janes are set to be one of the biggest shoe trends of the year and this, in my humble opinion, is the perfect pair.
I’ve just booked a holiday for this summer, and you better believe this beautiful dress is at the top of my warm-weather wish list.
I’m becoming a bit fatigued with my jeans this winter, so I’m thinking of switching things up with this ’90s-style midi skirt.
We’ve entered dream bad territory with this Saint Laurent shoulder bag. I don’t use the word “perfect” a lot, but I think it applies here.
This looks just like the cult Anine Bing blazer that sold out in my size before I could snap it up. Sold.
Sézane knitwear is my ultimate weakness; I especially love this style, which happens to share a name with my beloved Granny.
After years of opting for light layering jewellery, in 2023 I’m keen to embrace chunky pieces again. Starting with this amazing necklace.
I have a winter wedding to attend, and I’ve just found a fancy take on the knitted dress. That cape detail? Divine.
Designer loafers don’t come better than Prada’s. I’m very into this heeled pair.
I missed out on COS’s sell-out grey coat pre-Christmas, but I have no intent on letting this fresh iteration pass me by.
An elevated way to tap into the cargo trouser trend which isn’t going anywhere.
Long fluted sleeves, check. Contrast edging, check. Sweetheart neckline, check. This top looks tenfold more expensive than it actually is; H&M at its finest.
I told myself I wouldn’t buy a new pair of boots this winter unless they were really special. And then I saw this Boden pair. With an on-trend square toe and a sleek gold zip to the front, these are a flat boot of a different calibre.
I already own this in the original charcoal hue, and it’s my most-prized possession. Still, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t tempted by this fresh olive green iteration.
My beloved Gabine bag is easily the most-complimented accessory I own, and while I get so much wear out of it, I’m keen to try something else other than black this season. This dark brown hue is the perfect substitute.
I swear, this looks just like the belt Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen use to cinch their winter coats with. If that’s not incentive to snap it up, I don’t know what is.
It’s no secret that I’m a fan of Dôen dresses—keep scrolling into my past edits and I’m sure you’ll find at least one—but in lieu of its prairie-like florals, right now, I’m taken with this pointelle knit dress, which I know will work hard in both my winter and springtime wardrobes.
This feels like the grown-up version of the Tiffany & Co padlock necklace I used to wear in my teens; the fine chain and gold finish, are incredibly elegant, while the heart-shaped lock taps into the nostalgia of my youth.
At this point I’m practically a slip-skirt collector, but there’s definitely a gap in my selection of neutrals for this dusty blue hue.
Like a siren call, I’m drawn to anything with a bow, and this ribbed cardigan allows me to do so whilst honing my minimal aesthetic. It’s make from 90% recycled materials, too, which makes it all the more appealing. I’d style it with a bra top underneath, and pair it with leather trousers for a casual night-out outfit.
There are two things I find impossible to resist; corduroy and blazers. Put the two together and it’s as if all my Christmases have come at once.
I’m really taken with this sleek evergreen hue; it’ll work seamlessly with all of my tonal coats and accessories this season.
& Other Stories consistently deliver the best blouses, turning its attention from statement collars to show-stopping sleeves.
I ordered this the moment I saw it; I’ve only worn it once, but I received at least five compliments on it.
I feel like treating myself to a new pair of shoes; although they’re certainly an investment, with their square toes, patent finish, and cute little buckle, this Saint Laurent pair feels pretty timeless.
Someone I know who works at Massimo Dutti shared this perfect cropped coat on their Instagram Stories, and it’s been on my mind ever since.
At this point, you could say I collect black dresses, I have that many in my wardrobe. However, that doesn’t mean I can’t dream about wearing this midi for all my festive outings.
I realise I’ve already featured an item from & Other Stories—what can I say, it’s a strong week for the brand!—but this knit is too good to ignore. It also comes in an equally chic beige-and-black colourway I’m also contemplating.
This berry hue is going to be extremely prevalent for spring/summer 2023, making this tote a wise arm-candy investment.
Cable knit cardigans are one of the most comforting things you can wear (at least, that’s what I think). i love this style from independent brand Tach Clothing. Handmade in Uruguay, the attention to detail is stunning; you had me at the words “scallop contrast stitch”.
I have a serious soft spot for Reformation dresses and, my, isn’t this one a beauty! It comes in a handful of colours, but this wine hue is hard to beat in the luxury stakes. The ribbon tie straps are a gorgeous touch, too.
My wardrobe is full of Zara blazers, but this shade of khaki is notably missing. Between the boxy fit and minimal aesthetic, I can already think of so many pieces I already own that I’d wear it with. Sold.
I’m something of a magpie, which is absolutely the reason a piece of jewellery always makes it into my weekly edit. Part of stylist Kate Young’s capsule with Monica Vinader, this cocktail ring is made from natural black onyx and will add personality to any outfit.
I feel like I’m forever on the hunt for the perfect pair of jeans. And you know what? I think I’ve just found them. The could-be-vintage wash and raw hems make them look as if they’re thrifted, but the cut and high waistline give them that elevated finish that we’ve come to expect from brands like Boden.
