Weekly 'essentials' list... because January is weird right now
Biscuits, a mirror, Bella Baxter boots, cosy country stays, jeans for the year, a lovable blazer, a jug that’s put a spring in my step, and a top that’s going for gold - my version of essentials 😎
It's that strange time of year isn't it, where the seasons are yet to shift and we're still in hibernation mode, so instead of a wishlist as such, here's a mix of things I feel the need for / are in my orbit right now.
Some genuinely are essential… I’ve managed to crack a mirror in January, thus need to replace, dear lord please don’t say this is bad luck for the year! And wait until you see the *boots (essential, surely? Feet need boots).
*Boots inspired by Bella Baxter (below), I’m yet to see Poor Things but I am desperate to! Purely, for the costume design. And also for the phallic shape windows 😂 I’ve seen this image so many times and can’t believe I missed this until now!
I’m hoping I have (will make!) time this week to take myself off and go to the cinema alone, something I’ve never done, but feels like the ultimate treat! Wine in a tin, family size bag of Revels (I don’t have to share) and frilly Victorian costumes. Divine!
Also quickly adding this article from
as it made me smile. With her ‘ten looks inspired by Bella Baxter’… singling out this one below as I already have that top (SEA NY) and the jeans are marvellous or marmite (I love marmite btw - and the jeans are old Osman). Also there’s a goose / horse on here. Wondrous!
Aaaand back on topic!
In terms of style/shopping, January is just a funny ole month. I used to dread this time when Studio B was my online store; it’s just too early for pre-spring collections, that usually drop around end November, and then get forgotten about by the time everyone is actually ready for spring! Basically a dead season. But, as a buyer of wholesale brands, you couldn’t just skip it in the ‘fashion cycle’ (which really needs to change, and this is why I love smaller brands and made to order makers, but this is a whole other article!).
Anyway! We’re now at the stage where it feels like we’ve been wearing our winter wear forever, doesn’t it? I’m starting to get sick of layering for the cold; the leggings under everything, two pairs of long socks, base layers under knits, and the giant coat… makes going to the toilet a lengthy 10 minutes process, just to untuck and retuck one’s self 😂 (summer dressing feels so freeing!).
Other than the captivating obsession with Claudia’s Traitors wardrobe (styled by the magnificent Sinead McKeefry) I can’t say there’s much really floating my sparkly rainbow boat right now - the January slump!
The dregs of sale are still being pushed, with extra discounts (although, I do say don’t despair with this, it can be the time to get a steal!). The weather is weird: freezing, chances of snow, extreme winds and oh more rain (but those sunny blue sky days really do rejuvenate the soul!). And people are embarking on challenges (didn’t I say January is weird).
Heard of the 75 day style challenge? No, me neither 😂 but I read about it in Anna’s
(who, if you’re into analytics, did an amazing deep dive into her 2023 wardrobe, tracking everything she wore! I do enjoy a pie chart). Sorry, the challenge - capture your outfit each day and don’t buy anything new, yes for 75 days.I’m all for wearing your wardrobe, I just don’t need the challenge to do it. What I wear massively impacts my mood, sad but it’s true. Actually I take that back, it’s not, it’s who I am and I don’t give a damn (imagine loud singing voice). And if a *new little something-something here and there makes me smile, then I’m all for it!
*When I say new, it can be ‘new to me’. I love resale and keep mentioning Vinted… I just found this puffer this week, £28! Not going to lie, I was delighted, sorry 75 day challenge.
So, like I said, January is just a bit of a meh time for dressing. But! On a positive note, there’s still plenty I can show you to banish the blues!
Everything I’ve seen / been loving / been looking for this week
NEED - A new mirror
Okay, I had a candle incident this week that has left me furious! For years we’ve had candles on the mantle above our (disappointingly fake) fireplace, which there is a big round frameless mirror above. Basically, a tall candle burnt down and was positioned too close to the rim of said mirror, and… CRACK!
Onwards and upwards (as in, hopefully, a new mirror will be going upwards on the wall soon). I had already been very tempted by this West Elm mirror (thanks to Emma Hoareau and her flat) but it is out of my budget at £447. JUST WAIT…
… strangely they do have this in SALE but only with the black frame. BUT at a huge discount, it’s £133.95. Which I do deem reasonable for a mirror this size (103 x 129cm). I just do like the oak much more 😭
On the hunt for a reasonably priced mirror I have then found Dunelm has come up trumps! I know not very ‘insta cool’ but the below is £80, size 80 x 80cm. Just imagine this in the same image above from Emma’s flat. I do think it could look so good… just needs better styling than in this image below.
I also think this Pond Mirror could work. A bit smaller at 63 x 63cm but I do enjoy the shape. I know lots of brands do similar, but at much more than £50!
LOVES - My kind of capsule pieces
Some classics here, don’t worry not plain style (this is me after all!). Thank you to Sarah Macken for including my comments in her article last week ‘How To Build A Capsule Wardrobe With Personality’
“A capsule wardrobe doesn’t have to mean basics. A good capsule wardrobe is about knowing the amazing pieces that work for you, that you can dress up or down, day or night. For me, that’s an oversized pink sparkly dress that I can wear on repeat. I can add big boots and layer it with a long sleeved top for day, or for night I’ll add sparkly heels.”
Right now I’m thinking a little about the core pieces I may be missing / need to update in my wardrobe… such as the jeans I’d like for the year.
I’m still considering those Horseshoe Jeans from my edit two weeks ago (scroll to the end, found them for 21% less at one site). Actually, I have found a very similar, more affordable, pair from Free People - We The Free Good Luck Mid-Rise Barrel Jeans £88.
They have a variety of wash/colour options and a good jean size range, 23 - 33. I tried the darkest wash and do rate the fit (I got 25 inch as a small size 8). I just didn’t love the colour for me, and frankly do still want the Citizens of Humanity pair I’ve mentioned above (damn the price!). But I would say try the Free People pair!
However! I am also toying with these slightly less extreme styles: Aligne - Markus Horseshoe Jeans (mid blue) - £95.
I’ll B honest, I did order the Aligne diamante jeans I’ve mentioned before, but felt the denim quality was thinner than I expected. However, I did love the shape and fit! I am willing to try again, as the shape on the above looks so good! And lighter weight denim might not bother me now we’re heading towards spring.
RAEY - Dad Organic Cotton Boyfriend Jeans (blue) - £160. I’ve tried Raey denim (Matches own brand) before and the quality is amazing. I do love the feel / weight of the denim and really do recommend trying them. I’d say they surpass so many premium denim brands.
Only thing, I would say Raey jeans seem to come up big to size (in any style I’ve so far tried). I would size down at least one size. I’m usually a 25/26 inch in jeans, depending on the brand, but in Raey I’ve ordered before a 24, and even a 22 (which I did get on but were a little tight on the waist! This was in the Drop Baggy Jeans).
I also like the look of this Cos Tapered Arch Jean, £69 and have had on my radar for a while the Levi’s Baggy Dad Jeans, £120.
Okay, moving on! I think a fun blazer could be KEY for this time of year, and beyond, seasonless! It’s something I’m lacking as I never really considered myself a ‘blazer gal’ but I think I may have been influenced by some bad shapes in the past, and seeing people (those shall not be named) wearing badly cut, bland check ones.
Obviously, this I LOVE 💗 I’ve mentioned the matching trousers in my sale edit before, but the blazer is a very good reduction… comes in red too!
And this below, looks so classic cool, with a twist, the corsage detail has got me! 50% off in sale but she’s selling out!
And another Aligne number here (not that I work with them in anyway, or anyone, I wish!). How refreshing is this shape! Love the spring shade too, although I’m not sure it would suit my pallid skin tone right now. I do like the thought of this with one of those pairs of jeans I’ve mentioned though.
Going a little golder now, ahh more me! I always say I prefer sparkles in summer and this year I’m going to test that theory with metallics too. I’ve seen this in person (in Liberty) and the gold is nice and juicy and bright; I think it’ll look amazing for spring / summer! I’m imagining with light wash wide leg denim and an open toe simple sandal.
I have the same shape blouse from last year too - voluminous peplum, exaggerated shape, very Stine Goya. I love it.
And a sweater, because comfort is key! Plus, it’s something you’ll need any season (summer ain’t always sunshine is it!). Another mens / unisex item actually, but picante’s are universally delicious.
I also really really would love this Farm Rio fish one, but I’m gutted it’s all sold out. Kicking myself I missed it! But putting it here in case it comes back (or if anyone sees it on resale anywhere, please alert me!).
Alas, I may just have to go for fish fingers for now 🐟
JUST BECAUSE - Posh biscuits
Okay, the most expensive biccies I’ve ever seen (perhaps £14 more than a pack of choccy digestives from the corner shop) but the Christmas chocs have all gone and I hear from my secret sources these are THE BEST.
ESSENTIAL - THESE BOOTS!
If you’ve seen Poor Things they’re right on style. And oh my how I’ve longed for a pair of knee high lace up Victoriana boots… but any I’ve loved before have always been stupidly expensive! These are in SALE at around £200…
I have a frilly blouse for you too, to see you into spring and all through summer, but she would also look amazing teamed with these boots! They kind of remind me of that episode of Friends with Monica’s boots… but I think they look comfier!
The blouse I mentioned… a little one of my shopping secrets, I don’t think many of you will know this Spanish brand. I have to tell you more about them soon (they operate an on demand production model, making them much more sustainable, which I do always think is genius / the future).
Want to know where they’re from?
The boots, the blouse, some spring stripes, the quintessential english getaways I’m hoping to go on (soon!) AND another resale tartan puffer I want someone to buy for 45 quid - all below for your pleasure ❤️
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