Things I’ve Bought + Loved Recently

I’m consider myself a very thoughtful shopper; these days I try to buy very little and instead choose fewer but better quality pieces I know I will use and love for years to come. But although I only acquire new pieces that I genuinely recommend, Covid restrictions mean I’m not able to meet my photographer as often as I’d like (indeed, we managed to fit this shoot in a few days before this current lockdown but before that hadn’t been able to shoot all year) and things don’t always make it to the blog while they’re still available to buy.

So inspired by my friend Meghan (who is a *much* better blogger than me + who regularly does these posts of things she’s bought + loved) and my old ‘recent favourites’ posts (which I stopped doing years ago when I made a conscious effort to shop a lot less, but they’re still amongst my most-requested posts), I thought I’d start a new regular series of recommendations. I try to only buy a few things a month, so these will always be a curation of good things.

In my wardrobe:

This black spot face mask. I have several masks I liked from the spring when they first became a requirement, but I wanted something darker that would work with my autumn / winter wardrobe. Coordinating our face masks to our outfits is a truly bizarre concept, but here we are…

This embellished headband that I’m wearing in these pictures. Anyone who knows me knows how much I love a hair accessory, and this is a perfect addition to my autumn / winter wardrobe. It looks a lot more expensive than the £10 it actually cost, definitely sparks joy when I slip it on + is actually comfortable to wear all day. In 2020, it’s all about the hacks that look like we’ve made an effort to get dressed, but actually take almost zero effort.

This midi dress that I’m wearing here. It looks a lot more expensive than it’s modest price tag, makes me look like I got dressed up (but feels as comfortable as pyjamas), works as well on its own as it does with a coat, and I can throw it in the wash with no need for ironing afterwards.

This cashmere sweater. I was on the hunt for a cream cashmere sweater and ordered a few different versions from various retailers, and this was hands-down my favourite version for the price in terms of colour, quality, softness and being ethically produced (not all cashmere is created equal, so it’s important to look for brands who demand ethical production lines). I know I’ll love it for years, and I like it so much I’ve bought my aunt the pink version for Christmas (she doesn’t read my blog, so I know I’m safe to mention it, ha!)

This black faux fur-trimmed coat. I’ve been on the hunt for a classic black double-breasted coat that I’ll wear and love for years to come, and while this isn’t a forever piece in terms of quality, it does look gorgeous and classic and seems to work so perfectly with my winter wardrobe that I’ll happily wear it for a few years until I find ‘the one’.

This checked pea coat. I had been looking for a classic pea coat for years, and I love that this has taken my wardrobe seamlessly from autumn-winter. It pairs perfectly with all my jeans, is cosy without being too hot, and will look timeless for years to come.

In my bathroom:

Re-stocked my favourite jasmine toothpaste. I fully believe in turning my most-used ordinary items into tiny luxuries, and once you try fancy toothpaste you can’t go back.

Bought a second of my favourite lipgloss. Since masks make it almost impossible to wear bright lipstick right now (a mistake I will only make once), I love that this gives a hint of colour and makes your lips look pretty without transferring all over your mask by the time you reach your destination.

Re-stocked my favourite Jo Malone fragrance. Even though I’m only at home most days, I still love the act of putting on my perfume every morning to make each day feel a little more special.

In my home:

Bought this photo frame + a few beautiful Christmas ornaments at Anthropologie (my favourite spot for special festive decorations)

A set of gorgeous holiday candles from Diptyque. It just isn’t Christmas in our household without the pine candle, which smells exactly like a fresh Christmas tree with a hint of eucalyptus + cranberry (perfect if, like us, you don’t have space for a real tree).

And this limited edition candle which the brand kindly sent me; each year Diptyque release a limited edition version of their bestselling Baies candle (everyone’s favourite scent) for Black Friday, and this year 15% of sales are going to the WHO Covid response fund. Be quick; it’s only available from today until Monday.

Since we’re still in lockdown and spending approximately 99.5% of our time at home, I treated my feet to these super cosy slippers.

Wearing: H&M dress (also comes in a gold foil spot + floral print) // Coach trench coat (past season, similar style here + here) // Sam Edelman boots (also available in tan) // ASOS headband // MISSOMA necklaces // ASTLEY CLARKE earrings c/- // Celine sunglasses // Chanel bag (similar styles here) // Michael Kors watch // ASOS face mask // BOBBI BROWN ‘New Romantic’ lipgloss*