Winter uniform

Coat - Isabel Marant Etoile, Bag- Céline, Shoes - Unbranded eBay find, Beret - Topshop

The temperature in London has hit its winter low, making this heavy wool coat by Isabel Marant my every day essential. Although it is rather short, it is incredibly thermal due to its thick material, and when worn with tights makes it all the more warming. 

I bought the coat in November on Vestiaire Collective, after scouring the internet for a similar alternative to my Isabel Marant Chester coat. This coat is pretty much identical, with the exception of the colour and location of the pockets (it is a quite a bit warmer too). 

I am wearing it with my technically not new, but new to me, bag. You may remember earlier this year, for my birthday I purchased the Celine Cabas Phantom and my sister purchased this triple Cabas bag second hand. However after a couple of months of not wearing the Phantom as much as I aimed to, my sister and I decided to swap bags. My heart has always lied with this shopper, I initially tried it on in 2013 and fell in love with its minimal design and functional shape, but at the time didn't have the amenities to purchase. But luckily it became available, with a decent fraction taken off the price!

Historic wishlist

White mock neck jumper - MHL Margaret Howell, Navy and white sailor style jumper - Chloé, Flecked grey roll neck jumper - Isabel Marant, Grey roll neck jumper - Margaret Howell, Black mini skirts - The Row and Stella McCartney. 

It seems like it has been forever since I found myself transfixed by multiple items at one time. I remember this time two or three years ago my mind was overspilling with a never-ending unattainable wishlist. At the moment it would be hard for me to construct a wishlist of 10 items that I would love to buy ASAP, which feels rather odd, and quite sad to be honest. Although I knew it was impossible for me to ever purchase more than three of the items on my theoretical list, I almost enjoyed the feeling of my brain being inspired and focused on these pieces I wish I could have. 

Such predicament has got me thinking, am I really lacking anything, or is is my lack of wanting a result of fulfilment? I don’t really know the answer to this, part of me can say yes, and part a big huge NO. In all fairness I could probably construct up to 20 different outfits out of what I own, but sometimes I feel that I am becoming bored with what I own, and want to find new essentials. Maybe I am fussy, but I just cannot seem to find anything I truly like.  

As a result of such lack, I have found myself seemingly always drawn to items available from the past. I find I always refer back to the autumn winter 2013 collection by Isabel Marant. I actually own the Chester coat from this collection, which is positively one of my favourite items within my wardrobe. This year I have actually purchased a similar coat to it, in black this time, almost as a way of reminiscing, whilst simultaneously replacing (and thus preserving) my grey alternative. The ivory cable knit jumper featured in the collection, is also an item I constantly think about and do wish I had purchased it at the time. However, saying this I would really love it in black or dark grey. I may have to begin a search for a current day option.  

Additionally, over the past few days I have found myself re-visiting polyvore, which I haven’t used in a long while. And it has quickly become apparent that my historic wishlist still stands, my liked items are the epitome of everything I wish my wardrobe was filled with now. A white mock neck jumper by MHL Margaret Howell, a navy and white sailor style jumper by Chloé (that I absolutely regret not purchasing), roll neck jumpers by Isabel Marant and Margaret Howell, and numerous black a-line mini skirts are all but just a few of my selection that I deeply desire. 

I can safely say, if they were available they would all be in my shopping basket right now; genuinely and theoretically. But, all I can do now is filter through my most lusted after items, and trawl the internet for them. Surely somewhere will sell at least one piece (please, please someone!!!) and if not, I guess I will have to find something similar. 

My week

With the dawn of education and university on my agenda, my blog has suffered and I do apologise to it, and my readers for this. But rather than dwell on the situation, I have discovered a new regimen for keeping at least some stability. I find myself taking a fair few photographs throughout the week, (or getting photos taken of me without my awareness - thank you sister), which I thought could be interesting to share weekly. I also thought I would share a brief monologue of how the photos came about. 

1. My sister very kindly took a photo of behind me, to show me wearing my new coat by Isabel Marant. I call it new, but it actually isn't as it was purchased second hand. I am planning to feature it within an outfit picture later this week. 

2. The view from my bedroom, my current abode for the foreseeable. The orange turned tree is my current turning point for when my mind wanders, I shall miss it when the leaves eventually fall. 

3. As I am spending a lot of time within my flat, plant buying is an activity I try to do regularly. I never realised how essential it was to me to have a new flower or leaf in the room. I strongly advise it if you feel you are becoming bored with your surroundings. 

4. A snippet of the decor within Margaret Howell, Wigmore Street. Whenever I visit the store it never ceases to instigate my awe. The table, the lamp and the spring-time flowers were something I wish I could steal and place within my home. 

Chanel slingbacks

It has been just over two years since I bought my first pair of Chanel slingbacks, so I thought it was about time for a new pair. Unfortunately, Chanel no longer produce the flat slingbacks with the grosgrain toe cap, but fortunately their beautiful alternative of the patent leather toe cap has provided me with two reciprocal styles. 

I don’t really buy shoes that often, as I find I stick to my usuals; (obviously) Chanel slingbacks (heeled and flat), Valentino tango pumps, Isabel Marant Dicker boots and Chanel ballerinas for autumn, winter and spring, and A.P.C. wedges and Castaner espadrilles for summer. So when I do buy shoes as expensive as these, it is a big deal for me, and the decision didn't come lightly. But as I know they will last me a long time, they are certainly a great investment. 

As the sole is rather thin on these shoes, I will probably get them resoled at the tip after a few wears as to not ruin the leather toe-cap (a mistake I have learned from my first pair…). I plan on wearing them with jeans, and will attempt to wear them with tights if the slingback component obliges to the sleek texture, as I do love the appearance of a patent leather paired with tights. 

Faded black Isabel Marant Dicker boots

I purchased my first pair of Isabel Marant Dicker boots in 2012, in khaki. Since then I have worn them each autumn, winter and spring. Somehow they are still serving me well, although I do feel they are due an imminent resoling to take me through another season.

As the colder climate is now approaching, I thought it would be a perfect time to invest in a new pair to save my current boots from becoming worn beyond repair. I have always wanted a pair of black ankle boots, but it wasn't until recently that the Dicker boots became available in this colour. However, when looking into making the purchase the £375 price tag was rather off putting, as I have seen them reduced to £115 during the sale season (plus the fact I that didn't pay the full retail price for my first pair also increased my uneasiness to this cost). 

Luckily, after a search into eBay I quickly came across the exact pair I was looking for (only worn a couple of times) for £85, which is less than a quarter of the original price. As I have always purchased shoes brand new, I was initially dubious about purchasing second hand, but once they arrived I found they were in practically perfect condition. My advice to anyone wishing to invest in a costly item, is to take a look at second hand websites such as eBay, or Vestiaire Collective (which is another website that I have purchased from and trust due to their quality and authenticity checks). 

Now I am looking forward to seeing how long this pair will last, hopefully as long (or longer) than the first! 

Camel coat for autumn

Coat - Zara (old season), Jumper - Zara (old season), Jeans - Marks and Spencer, Bag - Louis Vuitton Sofia Coppola, Shoes - Chanel 

Does autumn always arrive so early? To me it seems to have arrived prematurely this year, as I am almost certain I was to yet wear a coat in mid-September last year. I am a little bit disappointed about the rapid change of season as I was enjoying the warmer climate and long days (it seems I have only just hung my winter coats and jumpers away...). However, change is fundamental and I am becoming excited for the beauty that the new season brings.

I am wearing a coat I have had for a few years now, which is perfect for pre-autumn days when it’s not too cold but where there is a crisp trace in the air (it must be noted that the hood addition is perfect for unexpected downpours). It may be just me, but I feel this coat is reminiscent in silhouette and colour of this jumper by Totême, which slightly reduces my need for it.

I am also wearing my jeans from Marks and Spencer, which after having worn around a half a dozen times are slightly losing their original vibrancy. The denim is gradually loosening, which worries me for future maintenance. I may have to buy another couple of pairs to sustain their original quality, although this is a bit of a hindrance I can’t really complain as they aren’t insatiably costly. 

Another dated item I am wearing are my beloved Chanel ballet flats. Startlingly I am on my 6th year of owning them, which presents me with a pleasantly satisfying feeling that a good quality shoe has lasted so long. Saying this, a new pair wouldn’t be declined.