The Sunday List
Everything I have bought this year - and what I returned...
I’m currently on holiday with my eldest daughter, and it’s been such a special time. I hadn’t seen her at all this year — she headed back to uni on New Year’s Eve and hasn’t been home since! Safe to say, there were some very big hugs when I picked her up from the train station.
We’ve escaped to the Canary Islands for a short but much-needed dose of R&R while she’s home for the Easter holidays, and it’s just been heavenly. So grateful for this precious time together. Although I do feel dreadful for my youngest who’s back home working her long shifts as a barista. Sorry Pippa!
I’ve done a major wardrobe clear-out this year and sent everything over to Relove to sell on my behalf — you can check out what I’m selling here! Over the past 8 months, I’ve lost around 2 stone by sticking to a no-sugar, low-processed diet, which means a lot of my clothes no longer fit me.
Rather than holding onto pieces that no longer serve me, I’ve decided to let them go. I’ve kept a few investment pieces that are no longer available and plan to have them tailored to my new size, but the rest needed to find new homes.
Because of the clear-out (and the wardrobe gaps that came with it), I’ve added a few new pieces that fit my current size — including a couple of things that have been on my wishlist for ages. I don’t usually buy this many new items in just a few months, but this time it felt necessary to rebuild a wardrobe that actually works for me now.
There has been some purchases that haven’t worked out and I have had to return. I’ve listed them below too. But firstly let’s take a look at the pieces I decided to keep.
Toteme logo shirt, £420. Matching trousers, £410
I bought this set when I was in Copenhagen at the beginning of February. I have loved the silk version for so long, but this grey brushed cotton set will work for all seasons. They have an elasticated waist so are super comfy. What I would say is size down 2 sizes in the trousers. They come up so big.
Toteme parachute skirt, £435
The sales lady in the shop knew exactly what she was doing when she showed me this skirt, which wasn’t even out on the shop floor yet! It is a real beauty and perfect for summer. Light and airy with the most gorgeous shape.
Vintage Chanel skirt suit from Loop Generation, £1,050
I’m a sucker for a vintage store and the Loop Generation one in Chelsea is two floors of designer vintage heaven. I tried on a few pieces and couldn’t leave without this perfect Chanel skirt suit. Yes, it was a huge investment. But I can’t say no to Chanello!!!
I’m also wearing with vintage Puma Speedcats which I got for £8. But they are now available in all sizes brand new (see below). Also come in a tan brown too.
Puma Speedcats, £100
Tabi boots, £1,090
These have been on my Wishlist for so long and while I was perusing Liberty one day, I saw they had them in stock - in my size - it was meant to be right? The question I get asked the most is how comfortable they are with the split toe. I find then so comfy. I don’t even wear Tabi socks, I just squish my socks or tights between my toes and they’re fine. But if this sounds too weird, then you can buy Tabi socks to wear with them.
White linen top, £69.95
This is a beauty of a top. So floaty and easy to wear. I’ve taken this on holiday with me and have been wearing it with white linen trousers for an easy day look.
Sezane trousers, £130 (bought with voucher)
I fell in love with these stripy trousers as soon as I saw them. They’re a gorgeous rust colour and I’m trying to add more colour to my wardrobe and I feel these are the perfect way to add in some colour without going overboard.
Sezane 70s trousers, £125 (bought with voucher)
Another Sezane purchase was these 70s style jeans. Super flattering especially with a high heel. I have quite short legs, annoyingly, so these with a heeled boot are perfect to make my legs look way longer.
Sezane knee high boots, £270 (bought with voucher)
Can you tell I love Sezane? These boots were sold out for a while and I put a notification on and as soon as they came back into stock I snapped them up. They’re a great shape to wear with dresses and skirts especially if you don’t like to wear heels. They are so comfy and also look so good with leggings too.
Lace trimmed tee, £9.99
This little lace trimmed tee has been worn to death ever since I bought it. Only £9.99 it’s perfect under blazers, knitwear, with jeans and satin skirts. It also comes in a few other colours too.
Mesh t-shirt dress, £37.99
Such a cute dress. Perfect for holiday. I love the see through mesh with a long length t-shirt effect as it gives that chilled feel with a touch of creativity.
Deck shoes, £32.99
The deck shoe (or boat shoe) has had a real moment this year. And i’m here for it as they are so comfortable and smarten up any outfit without overdoing it. Wear with cute little socks and skirts or with relaxed jeans, they’re a great shoe to take you through the summer.
Comb necklace, £49.95
I think I squealed in delight when I saw this necklace online. It is sooooo cute and the perfect way to add some personality to a simple outfit. You can adjust the length of the necklace too which makes it a great option for different necklines.
Satin and lace midi skirt, £89.95
Another item having a moment is the satin and lace trimmed skirt or dress. I love this one as it’s a great midi length, but as it’s an elasticated waist skirt, I can wear it above my bust as a dress with a jumper/tee over it for a shorter length.
Stone necklace, £49.95
Another great necklace find. Simple, yet effective. I’ve been wearing with simple plain tees and jeans to give a bit of elegance to finish off an outfit.
Red polo knit, £59.95
I absolutely love this knit. It’s super fine and the perfect summer knit. So far I’ve only worn it over my shoulders, but I’m planning on wearing it with jeans and one of my new necklaces.
Brown flowing polo knit, £69.95
I featured this on my Instagram the other day and my DMs blew up. It is such a great top. The sleeves are loose and floaty and the fine knit makes it the perfect layering piece as well as great for the summer months.
Grey layered knit tee, £59.95
Another great simple piece that is perfect for this weather. It has a layered effect which is so cool but doesn’t come with the bulking that usually happens when you layer two t-shirts. It’s a wool/silk mix too so is super soft.
Leather jacket, £299
I’ve been looking for a leather jacket that has a high neck for a while and I eventually settled on this one. It is made from a buttery nappa leather and has toggles on the inside so you can draw it in for a gathered waist effect. So nice.
Satin top, £49.99
I wore this top to my pop up last Saturday and it got a lot of love. It has a beautiful draped neck and shirt style deep cuffs and works for both day and evening.
Keyring necklace, £22.99
Another necklace purchase, this one is a leather key holder and gives a really elevated finish to an outfit. I love it styled like this with a white bandeau top. Perfect.
Set of footless socks, £12.99
Anything that gives a little bit of interest is what I always search for and these cute little footless socks look so good with sandals. It comes as a pack of two - one grey and one white.
Tailored white shorts, £135
The Cos runway show was so good this season and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a few pieces. One of them had to go back, but these shorts are a keeper. They are such a great shape and length.
Open work scarf, £246
I had to think about this purchase as it was from the US but I’m so glad I bought it. Again, it has a different aspect to it that gives so much interest and personality to an outfit. I’ll be wearing as a top all through Summer then as a scarf into Winter. The perfect all year round item.
Red jeans, £27.50
These red trousers are so soft and easy to wear. They are wide leg and drawstring waist are so comfortable . I like to wear with an oversized white shirt and a loose trench coat and pair with barely there sandals.
Suedette jacket, £55
This faux suede cropped jacket has the most gorgeous shape. The sleeves have a slight gather which gives a puff effect and the round neck and buttons make it look so much more expensive. It has Chloe vibes but without the price tag.
Ayllón necklace, £130
This was a purchase from Australia and it is just beautiful. This tassel style necklace is a trend to look out for this summer and this one has a beautiful bead made from handblown Venetian glass, a soft suedette strap and silk tassels.
Caes jumper from Curate & Rotate, £135
I’m a big fan of Caes so when Curate & Rotate did an archive sale of some of their pieces I was all over it! This beautiful jumper is so simple from the front, but has this gorgeous open back detailing. They still have a size Small and Extra Small available.
St Agni top, £135
This was another preloved find for me from Curate & Rotate but it is still available from St.Agni and it is in the sale. It’s beautiful layered halter neck vest made from tencel. It has a fine strap that ties to the back. Such a beautiful simple piece.
Daisy London textured chunky ring, £115
Jewellery is such a great way to elevate your look and this beauty form Daisy London is a winner. I’ve had many people ask about it when i’ve worn it. It goes with everything.
Polly Sayer x Daisy earrings, £69
Likewise these square earrings from the Polly Sayer edit at Daisy London are a great addition to any outfit. Even if you’re wearing a t-shirt and jeans, add these to the mix and it’s instant sophistication.
Green satin mules, £38
These green satin mules were a bargain find from Topshop. I love the way a simple black and white outfit is instantly elevated with the pop of green. By the way, the top I’m wearing above is the satin top I mentioned earlier.
White structured beret, £23.99
I was on the search for a hat like The Row Xhefri hat which is about £600. I found this one and it’s a dead ringer. I love how it instantly elevates a look and makes it much more interesting.
Here’s some pieces that didn’t make it into my wardrobe.
Linen tailored skirt, £155
I was so excited to nab one of these skirts before it sold out, but when it arrived, alas it wasn’t to be. It’s a funny length on me and doesn’t look nearly as good as it did on the runway. It had to go back.
Sezane Brut jeans, £95
I should have known that the skinnier fit jeans weren’t going to be for me, but I was influenced when I saw them on someone who looked amazing in them. My short legs just do not do these justice!
Stripe layered wool tank, £49.95
I really loved this and could easily have kept it, but I know I wouldn’t get the wear out of it, so I made the decision to return it.
Linen suit jacket, £149. Linen suit trousers, £99.95
I thought this was going to be so good, but it just didn’t look right on me. The jacket has a gathered waist and I don’t think it benefits from it. It would be such a better fit if it had a boxy straight waist. The trousers, on me, looked awful. Not a great fit, so they went straight back.
Combined trousers, £89.99
I saw these on Leandra Cohen and they looked amazing on her ( as does everything). But on me, the jogger style satin waistband was really unflattering and made me really self conscious of my tummy area. Returned!
Silk chemise, £63
I had high hopes for this silk little dress. It was just what I was looking for to wear over jeans. But they only had a size L left and it was too big. Gutted as it’s so pretty and a great price.
Arrange suede barrel trousers, £220
Now these looked amazing on, but I had a long hard word with myself and decided to send them back. I had already spent too much and I couldn’t justify the spend on some trousers that I might not wear enough. Reluctantly returned.
Arrange barrel jeans, £65
These are the same jeans as the suede so I had high hopes for them. I’ve been trying to find a pair of barrel jeans similar to my Tibi black ones but in blue as they don’t sell them here in the UK. I really hopes these would be the ones, but they didn’t fit well at all.
I just did a tally of what I’ve spent recently and… let’s just say it adds up! Eek! But I’m justifying it (quite reasonably, I think) — I’ve lost weight, cleared out a huge chunk of my wardrobe, and made room for pieces that actually fit and work for me now.
Around half of what I’ve spent has gone toward wishlist items I’ve had my eye on for ages — thoughtful additions I’ve taken my time to consider. Some pieces, like the Chanel suit, are forever investments that I hope to one day hand down to my daughters (if they’re lucky!).
Looking through everything I’ve bought, I feel good knowing these are pieces with longevity — the kind that will work hard in my wardrobe and stick around for the long haul.
See you next time
Anna x
Such a good one! Makes me excited to have a little look at what pieces I can add for pre-summer to shush up what I already have!
Anna you have impeccable style. Thank you for sharing where you have invested your money and why. It’s also interesting to hear your reasons for returning clothes.