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 don’t wear a lot of pink, but this beautiful blazer is convincing me to change that.
I live in jeans, and I’ve found my new favourite top to wear with them.
I consider Neous’s Phoenix bag to be a timeless classic; one that’s instantly recognisable.
I missed out on COS’s best-selling denim skirt, I won’t make the same mistake with this perfect Arket style.
Call off the search—I’ve just found the perfect pair of Mary Janes.
I don’t know about you, but I’m still not ready to stop wearing comfortable, wide-leg trousers.
Ruching is a key dress trend this season, and this midi from Ninety Percent is one of the sleekest interpretations.
The cutest little spring jacket I’ve come across.
If it’s got stripes, I’ll always be interested.
I’m a sucker for knitted co-ords, and this is easily one of the best I’ve seen.
The fluid shape of this skirt will hang beautifully on the body.
I’ve been seeing Polène bags cropping up all over the place lately (most recently on Kate Middleton). This is the one I have my eye on.
I’m over wearing my puffer coat—this woollen jacket is the ideal transitional cover-up.
I have an early spring wedding to go to, so I’ve been on the hunt for a chic knitted dress that strikes the balance between being cosy and chic. I think I just found it.
I have a serious soft spot for pearls so, naturally, I’m desperate to add this chunky necklace to my jewellery box.
I’ve never spent money on a decent belt, but this Toteme style might just tempt me to do so. I’m picturing it buckled over a blazer and tailored trousers.
My knitwear collection is extensive, but it doesn’t include anything like this elegant wrap-over knit.
Part of H&M’s Premium edit, this chic blazer is made from an elevated wool blend.
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.
Pixie Market does some of the best relaxed tailoring.
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.
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.
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.
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.
An elevated way to tap into the cargo trouser trend which isn’t going anywhere.
Designer loafers don’t come better than Prada’s. I’m very into this heeled pair.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
