There has not been a lot of purchasing going on in this past year.  The items I have bought are carefully chosen pieces that I’m either replacing or I know will last – and this doesn’t have to mean “dull”.  I fully intend to continue buying in this way going forward, making room for items worthy of space in my limited storage, for the long-term.

I have reconsidered how I dress, what I wear and why I wear it. Comfy clothes have come into their own. But I’m not convinced that loungewear will be the way I enjoy dressing as the norm, even if it’s luxury.  I want to feel comfortable and relaxed but still have that air of style that a vibrant dress or fashion item can bring.  An example of this is the skirt, below.  I receive a regular newsletter from “Hush“ giving examples of their new stock.  I usually have a quick glance and delete. But, this time, I paused for a few minutes – looking with “longing” at this skirt, wow!  The price tag is a little steep – but, for a feel-good item, this, for me, would be it.  It’s quickly sold out, but I’m going to keep checking. Hopefully, I’ll be lucky.  It’ll look great worn with flat, stomping boots and a tee, or heels, and a little satin cami in the months ahead, when we will, hopefully, begin to get some normality in our lives.

Here are some of the items I have been buying over the last year.

Knitted waistcoat (Zara)

Sweater vests or waistcoats, as we call them in the UK, are having their time in the limelight, once more.  They are a perfect choice to survive the chilly, spring months.  The knitted waistcoat is perfect to layer over a shirt as I have done, here, or with a tee. Or, alternatively, on its own, when the weather warms up. It is a great transitional staple for spring/summer.

I had been searching for knitwear that I can wear with my joggers as an alternative to a sweatshirt.  The whole tracksuit thing just doesn’t do it for me.  I had received a voucher (“Zara”) for my birthday in September from my youngest son and spotted this knitted waistcoat.  As usual, I dithered too long, and it quickly sold out. So, I had to join Zara’s mailing list until my size came into stock.  Within a week, it was available!  I was looking for a slouchy look so went for the large.

Here, I have styled it with a shirt in a neutral colour from “ Mint Velvet”.  It would look equally good with a crisp white shirt, underneath. This is such a versatile “ fuss free” item that I know I will get a lot of pleasure wearing.

Shop the Post:

Cardigan (Mango)

The modest cardigan seems to go through various style changes every season.  The cropped cardigan was a style I was a little unsure about.  So, when I was having a browse on the “Mango” website, I came across this boxy style cable knit cardigan at the ridiculously low price of £9.99, reduced from £35.00.

As well as the low price, I did like the on-trend style and neutral colour.  I decided to send away for it – then have a “try on” with various items, to see how it worked.  When I first took it out of the wrapper, I noticed how soft the wool is.  I had ordered a larger size as I wanted an oversized look.

Here, I have styled it with my Khaki cargo pants and leopard print cami.  In the summer months, it will be ideal worn with a dress.

Shop the Look:

Slim Cut Jeans (Warehouse)

A few years ago, I found my perfect pair of jeans.  They were not too skinny, baggy, or saggy, a comfy mid-rise and a slightly cropped leg, flattering on my not so long legs.

They were my perfect summer jeans that I literally loved to bits!  After a lot of wear, they frayed and fell apart.  Since their sad demise, I have been continually searching to find another pair. Hence, when I saw these similar jeans, again on offer from “ Warehouse” at the end of December, I ordered them in both the mid and light wash.  When I received them, I was so pleased to see they are so very similar to my original jeans – so, I’ve kept both.

Luckily, they had been reduced to £15.00 from £49.00.  Hopefully, with acquiring two pairs, they will last me longer – as they will be worn a lot.

New stock for Spring:

All items featured in this post are my own.  Thank you for reading  – I hope you have enjoyed it and found it helpful.  If you have any questions, please let me know in the comments.

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Alison xx