We might be dealing with some of the most wintery weather to hit our shores in a while, but the sales are slowly winding down and the new, transitional lines have started to hit the rails. SEASONS ARE CHANGING in the fashion world. It’s that breath of fresh air after stewing yourself in Christmas jumpers and fleecy pyjamas, it makes me feel really inspired to put together new looks, and consider updating the old wardrobe with some new pieces.

Though this time around, I’m definitely looking at items that will work with what I already have, and that I’ll get a lot of wear out of. I didn’t purge my wardrobe to fill it up with trend-led purchases and things that were impulse buys. And I definitely don’t want to end up with more things I’ve bought and never worn again.

So with that in mind, here’s a wishlist of ‘new in’ items that I’m currently coveting.

For inspiration, I’ve actually been in store for once to search for things that pique my interest in the likes of h&m, forever21, and topshop. I’ve been trying to look less towards my favourite fashion bloggers/youtubers/instagram accounts as I’m trying to work out what it is I like and not what I’m completely influenced to buy. Though there are a few crossovers, and I’m not exactly doing a mass purge of my social accounts because I do love having that well of inspiration there. The main things is: I don’t want items that I can’t make work for a couple of seasons; anything statement will have to be either shoes/accessories (you can check out some of my faves here), or an item that I know I can style repeatedly.

h&m

patterned blouse £19.99 // biker jacket £39.99 // bomber jacket (powder) £29.99 // a-line skirt £14.99 // oversized bomber jacket £59.99 // 2 pack bangles £9.99 // v-neck jumper £24.99

I haven’t got anything in the way of frills yet, and this patterned blouse has finally won me over. It has a sister top in a red & white stripe (very deckchair) material, but I think the little daisies tipped it for me. I’m not entirely sure if it looks too busy though?

Likely to style it with solid coloured skirts, potentially ‘pattern clash’ with a print that’s almost oversized compared to the mini spots of daisy, jeans are also a good shout. Ankle boots to dress up, low rise trainers or converse to dress down. 

Three jackets may seem a bit much (well…), but h&m jackets last. I have a cropped biker/moto style I picked up about 5 or 6 years ago now, and it’s still going strong, but it’s never been the best for layering underneath. The biker jacket is answering all sorts of prayers right now, slightly oversized, silver hardware, would instantly grunge up even the girliest of outfits. I have a need.

The bombers are both really cute, I think. The powder pink, slightly more fitted style would instantly soften any outfit, and would work with my wardrobe really well. It’s a versatile colour to add in the spring, as it’ll take you right through the next three seasons, and it looks like you could chuck a coat on top to wear right now. The oversized bomber looks like you’ve nicked your S/Os (if they’re a larger size than you) jacket, and are holding it ransom for Fashion Reasons. I’m kinda slightly in love with the oversized aesthetic, even though I’m not that tall. There’s just something that makes everything look a lot cosier, and a lot more playful.

If you’re after this a-line skirt (as I have been for the past couple of months now), the last size they have on the website is a size 16, so get it fast. I love the larger check pattern, we all know I have a soft spot for tartans as is, and the way the pockets and waistband contrast the main body of the skirt adds an extra bit of detail in something quite simple.

I’d style this with: a ringer or a raglan style tee, if I was going for something more casual, or a floaty, perhaps ruffled blouse/shirt if I was going to dress it up a bit. I think it’d look really cute in that aspect with flat t-bar dolly shoes and an ankle sock, but this skirt would work equally well with fishnets and big boots.

I’m on the hunt for a v-neck sweater that’s long enough for me to wear as a dress. This is a contender, but I’m not sure on the length.

missguided

pink popper side detail wide leg trouser £30 // black mesh blouson sleeve bodysuit £18 // black piping slogan pj set £28 // nude oversized faux suede shearling lined biker jacket £65 // mini denim ripped skirt black £28 // black cut off flared sleeve top £12

The perfect pair of wide leg trousers still elude me, but this pink pair with popper detail looks interesting. They also look long, but as the colour is uniform all over, and the detailing is down the side, altering them should be too difficult if I need to. I think they’d make an interesting piece for daywear looks in spring, and they can easily be dressed up for an outfit more suitable for parties or formal occasions. I also think they would look pretty snazzy worn to evening drinks.

How I’d style: I have two white crop tops that would work well with this, and similar heels as to the picture; but if I were to switch things up, I think a high neck, or turtle neck, ribbed top that’s form fitting would work well. Colours I’d probably go for darks or neutrals: black, navy, grey/charcoal, cream/white, tan/camel, so that the pink really grabs the attention. Throw on a more masculine style coat (the tailored trouser really lends to this), maybe a baker boy or baseball style cap, and I think to round it off I’d stick on a boot? Depends on how tall you are, I guess. I’d probably go with something fairly dark, and the style would work well with a pointed, rounded or square toe.  

I said to Lizzie when I met up with her recently, that I was looking for more adult type pieces to add to my wardrobe. As in, pretty sleepwear and potentially more tailored pieces than anything gutter-minded, thank you v. much. Piped detailing pjs are something that I’ve been after for ages, and I’m so happy that there are more and more appearing from different brands. This set has ‘I’m sleeping’ in embroidery across the back, so it’s still a lil’ bit cheeky. But ahhh, silky pyjamas.

THIS JACKET THOUGH. Jacket number four on my coveting list, but holy heck it’s beautiful. If you remember when I talked about my own aviator jacket in grey, I was thinking about potentially getting it a friend in a black, tan, or a nude, as I think they’re the best colour for investment coats. They go with everything, and that’s what you want in a coat that’s going to set you back a bit. This is in a biker style, shearling lined faux suede, and is oversized – yay! I also love the belt detail and the double pockets.

Black, black, black, the next 3 items are things you can’t really go wrong with. I don’t have a black denim mini skirt. I don’t think I’ve ever actually owned one, which… it’s a wardrobe staple and I don’t have it. This one has ripped detailing, which looks cool, but I’m not sure if it’ll be practical as those rips sit kinda high? I might opt for one that’s pretty standard instead, or with a frayed hem if I want to go down the distressed style.

How I’d style: wardrobe classics are really something that goes with everything, so I’d be a little spoiled for choice. Stick on a tee, docs or trainers, and it’s a really wearable everyday outfit. Swap the tee for a shirt (maybe the h&m frill patterned blouse), a slightly smarter pair of shoes, and it’s less casual. 

The blouson sleeved bodysuit is really pretty, isn’t it? I love the contrast between the sleeve and the body, and it’d work really well for a more girly, floaty, everyday outfit as well as something for the evening. Mesh or sheer fabrics for night-out outfits are something I really love, they add a little bit of romantic flair to a look.

How I’d style: daytime? Button down skirt, or a skirt with a little bit of movement to it (there are some great pleated options around at the moment), I have a fab jersey circle skirt from Asos that’d be really cute with this. As the top is black, you can really play with colours, prints and textures – match the mesh with something chiffon overlay and you have instant, cute, romantic. For night time, I’d pair it with some high waisted shorts – I have a pair in a navy brocade fabric from forever21 that are a go-to for me – or a wrap-front skort, stick on some cute heels and you’re good to go with a coat if it’s cold! 

Finally, the flared sleeve cut off top – I’ve been eyeing up these extreme flare sleeves for a while, but have wanted one that is more versatile and less fast fashion. The fluted/trumpet sleeves look cool, and the tops with designs on the chest are really fun, but… can I wear them with things in my wardrobe already? Probably… but will I continue to wear them after next season? This black flared sleeve cut off top is a versatile colour, plain so will work with a variety of bottoms I already own, and is a point of interest rather than the main part of the outfit. It’s a casual top that I really like.

How I’d style: as it’s black, it’ll go with so many things I have – the check skirt from chuu, any of my american apparel tennis skirts, shorts… basically this will work wonders with everything. 

river island blue slogan ripped amelie super skinny jeans £48 // river island medium blue ripped ashley boyfriend jeans £45 // river island dark blue wash molly jegging £40 // new look coated skinny jeans £24.99 // asos ridley high waist skinny jeans (clean black) £25 // forever21 love patch boyfriend jeans £28 // monki oki deluxe high waisted skinny jean £30

There are two styles of jeans I’d really like right now – the first is a decent pair of black high waisted skinny jeans. Suggestions as to who does the best pair (not Topshop, please don’t mention Topshop) down below? I’m thinking that the ASOS ridley might be a good bet? I like the look of the Monki Oki too. I know River Island also do fab jeans, but I wasn’t really taken by any of their black styles, although the Molly in the dark blue wash has been tickling my fancy recently. I’d love something that could work as a day and night jean, really.

The second style is ripped. Preferably wider or larger rips, with a straighter leg, or more boyfriend fit in the leg? Not exactly skin tight – though the River Island Amelie super skinny jeans with the slogan did make it to the graphic. I do love the look of the embroidered writing on the leg in the same way I love the patches over the Forever21 pair. The Ashley style was the look I was going for with the rips & leg, I really like the look of fishnet tights under jeans and think these would work really well with that. I’d probably have to cut some of the threads on the Forever21 pair. It definitely wouldn’t work with the Amelies.

How I’d style: jeans are such a versatile item, they go with everything. For the blue ripped style, I’d go more relaxed day to day, throw on a band tee, or slouchy knit, slider or comfy shoes, beanie, shoulder bag and I’d be out the door in no time at all. For the black pair, it’d be more of the same, but a nightime look would see me swapping the comfort for heels, probably something chunky, a cute crop top, maybe a choker. Aiming for sleek. 

activewear

I’ve been really stoked about the fact more and more high street stores are creative activewear lines. Although they’re obviously made for a lower price point than sportsbrand items such as Nike, Adidas, and New Balance, and therefore don’t have the same technology or r&d into new materials and how they react, it’s fab to see more affordable gym kit on the market. Seriously, looking at the price of activewear kind of makes you really not want to go to the gym; for good kit it’s an added expense on the top of memberships or classes, correct footwear (always, always get your trainers/sports shoes right), and sometimes it’s just not feasible.

So although the quality might not be as good as the big brands, or other sportswear specific brands, for the price, availability in store, and the variation in styles and colours, it’s pretty damn fab. My favourites at the minute are Forever21, and missguided really stepped up their activewear game and I love the leggings I purchased from them last year. Now that ASOS have their own specific section for activewear, I’m excited to see if they introduce their own lines. Oh, also, I’m considering doing a comparison / review of some high street workout clothes – so if that’s something you’d be interested in reading (or watching) let me know!

forever21 active contrast-panelled leggings £19  // forever21 active colorblock jacket £23 // forever21 active high impact mesh sports bra £9 // forever21 active seamless hooded jacket £20 // boohoo nancy marble print panel detail running leggings £10  //  missguided active wrk it zip hooded jacket £20 // h&m outdoor tights £29.99 // h&m fleece jacket with hood £24.99 // adidas originals 3 stripe sweatshirt £45 // Nike free RN distance £73.49 currently in sale!

things I’m looking for: 
A running jacket; either warm and cosy, or more windbreaker style that I can wear layers underneath. Running in the cold is effort.
More leggings; it’s good to have a few to rotate when they’re in the wash. I haven’t tried h&m or boohoo yet, but I’ve heard good things about h&m especially.
I need some actual proper running shoes stat. I’m doing OK with an old pair of trainers, but I’d like something that I know is designed for what I’m doing. Nike are always pretty solid with their sizing, and they’re a brand I trust so the Free RN distance seem like a good choice.
Oh and Forever21 sports bras are really good for the price. And they look cute!

Wow, so many words. I know wishlists are usually short and tip the other way in the image-to-text ratio, but I feel that I kind of need to outline what I’d style this with to, not necessarily justify the desire for an item, but definitely show that it can be incorporated into my wardrobe rather than me just saying ‘I like it so I’ll have it’. If I can’t move away from fast fashion entirely, I can at least be more conscious about what I’m shopping and how it will work with what I’ve got already.

Let me know what’s on your wishlist currently! Have you seen something that’s really caught your eye?  Oh and please let me know where you think does the best black jeans!

♥

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