Two posts from me in two days – the sales are starting all around us so I thought I should quickly cover off my best chic buys 2015 (there are lots more but obviously I’m only going to feature things that are still available to buy). Sometimes you make mistakes when you shop and sometimes you strike wardrobe gold. This is a recap of the style staples that I’ve bought and worn consistently (as you will know if you’re a regular reader). Most are already in the sale and some will go in any day soon.
The best jeans
The super skinnies – I have them in black, black wax, white and eggplant. They’re great because they are not an obvious denim fabric so for me, they’re smart enough to wear for work as well as at the weekends. The only colour I’ve tried that I didn’t like was the indigo (but I just don’t like the denim that Boden use in any of their jeans).
The best faux leather jacket
This is still the best faux leather jacket I’ve found, it’s a very flattering cut and people always expect it to be from somewhere expensive.
The best layering piece
You don’t see pictures of me wearing this down jacket because I use it as a thin but very warm layer under other coats and wear it to the gym. It packs down into a tiny sack so you can keep it in your bag in case the weather changes. I find it really handy when I know I’m going to be going in and out of shops in winter. I have it in black but it’s available here in a rainbow of colours and others are in the sale here. It comes up small so size up, I have a large.
The best breton
Lots of people rate Boden bretons really highly, I don’t. These Harbour bretons are my favourites – the fabric is thicker so it skims rather than clings.
The best plain long sleeved tee
This is a terrible picture but these Ashwin tees are incredibly flattering, made from a beautiful fabric with a lovely sheen and an amazing price. They come in grey, black and ivory (I wish they did more colours) and are quite big so you might want to size down if you’re between sizes.
The best cashmere v-neck
Machine washable cashmere jumper, upsize for a slouchy Parisian feel
The best white shirt
No peep and bib fronted so no unsightly crinkling, this shirt looks so much more expensive than it is.
The best long cardigan
The long cardigan has been my surprise discovery of the season, I like to wear quite fitted clothes underneath so that the whole look doesn’t become too baggy. These are luxurious and not in the sale yet but it must be coming very soon plus there is 15% off until midnight tonight (14th December) using code ADVENT1412.
The best jumpsuit
I love these jumpsuits, I dress them up for work and for relaxed evenings with friends and down for easy days at home when I want something a little nicer than jeans. I have both the black and burgundy colours, they’re made of a rayon mix so they don’t crease badly and they sell out fast so as soon as the sale starts, grab one. Sale not started but there is 15% off until midnight tonight (14th December) using code ADVENT1412.
The best classic court shoe
Why are these shoes the best? Because they are incredibly comfortable and beautifully designed so that they give the elegance of a very high heel with a relatively modest 6cms. They are made from luxurious Italian suede and they are often reduced to half price in the sale which means they are still an investment, but definitely worth it. (Sale not started).
The best flat shoe
Again, elegant and yet outstandingly comfortable, these scallop points add a chic finishing touch to jeans and look equally good with an above the knee skirt.
The best ankle boots
Look at photos of French style icons and you will often see them wearing pointy kitten heel ankle boots like these. They are a core wardrobe classic and this pair are half the price of any others that I’ve seen with cushion plus technology built in. They also sensibly have a painted black heel which can be easily touched up in case of scuffing. (Sale not started).
The best all round bag
Ok so bags are a very personal thing. These Fleet totes (also available here if stock is low) are the ones that I have in a few different colours and I use most days. A new collection is released every season, they have very subtle branding but are lovely quality and withstand a lot of daily bashing. I’ve seen the sale preview and there is limited stock but this will be 50% off tomorrow (15th December).
So, there you go, as I’ve said all of my best chic buys 2015 are style staples and the best kind of investment you can make in the sales. They’re endlessly versatile and you’ll wear them again and again. But before you shop, remember the sales mantra, only buy if you can answer yes to the following questions:
Do I need it?… and can I afford it?
Before you go…
Just to confuse you I’ve written two posts in two days. Yesterday’s piece was ‘Winter outfits and a bit of Christmas sparkle‘ in case you’ve missed it, it’s here.
Other Christmas posts you may have missed
Christmas gift ideas for women over 40
Christmas party dresses for women over 40
The best Christmas jumpers on the high street
Winter outfits and a bit of Christmas sparkle