What I Added to My Wardrobe in 2021

Reviewing your purchases is a great way to make you more conscious about what you're buying and where you’re spending your money- what’s worked and been a good investment and what's not? What I purchase has to work hard and so it's important that anything I buy has to fit my lifestyle. I've been working from 3 days home, except when seeing clients, and then been on mum duty for the other 4 so my wardrobe is mostly casual. My body has also seen some changes this year, at the start of the year I was a year post partum with my second child. As with my first, it took my body a good 18-20 months to recover and although I’m my pre-pregnancy dress size, my tummy is more rounded than before, which means that a lot of the bottoms I used to wear no longer fit right.

My 10 Most Worn Purchases

1. Pink John Lewis Jumper

A summer weight jumper for everyday. I've worn this alot, although as my bodies deflated I find it a bit long for me now and not the easiest to tuck in. John Lewis are great if your looking for longer length jumpers and tops.

2. Birkenstock Rose Arizona

I love in Birkos through the summer, they give my feet the support I need. I had bought some dupes from M&S the previous year in the same colourway which were really versatile but unfortunately the quality didn't match Birkenstock and they only lasted a year. So I decided to upgrade. I purchased them at the same time as the Nike High Tops whilst on offer.

3. John Lewis Python Print Skirt

I'd tried this skirt on the previous season but it had sold out in my size. I came across it heavily discounted in the sale the next season. I love that it is pleated but the pleats around the waist lay flat, which makes it really flattering on rounded tummies.

4. Protected Species Trench Coat

My biggest investment of the year. My reliable Seasalt waterproof which I've had for many years started to look worn around the hood and despite regularly re-waterproofing it it started to fail around the shoulder seams- it had taken heavy downpours over the years! Protected Species had been on my radar for a while, I loved the fabric they used, their contemporary designs and ethos. I took advantage of a 50% sale in spring and love the fact that the trench style is a bit dressier. The only complaint I have is that I don't find the hood stays on as well as the M&S one and would benefit from more structure. I still love it though!

5. Nike Blazer High Tops

These had been on my wish list for a while! I purcahded them in the late summer when ASOS had 20% off everything and I had just received a gift voucher.

6. Mint Velvet Jumper

I love a printed jumper in the winter to lift spirits when it's a bit dreary outside! I found this on eBay. It has a metallic thread running through it which elevates it a bit more. Perfect to wear with jeans!

7. Jigsaw Lea Jeans

In a classic dark indigo. Well fitting to replace those that no longer work for me!

8. M&S Black Padded Coat

Last year I invested in a navy Seasalt Janelle winter coat, which is perfect for the school run but I wanted something lighter and smarter for personal shops when in and out of shops. I had seen this one on a lot of influencers, which usually puts me off (I don't like being the same!) but sometimes there's a reason its so popular! I love its longer length and the hood is brilliant- it stays up even when it's really windy.

9. Clarks Black Suede Boots

I walk at least 3 miles a day on the school run and it's imperative for me that they are comfortable and durable and I have to wear orthotics to keep me in alignment. My previous boots had started to wear down on the outside of the heel and I found myself starting to suffer from knee pain so a replacement was needed! I found these in-store but they didn't have my size and were OOS online. So after some research I found them half price on Brand Valley, a think they may have been last season.

10. Rains Back Pack

I love the convenience of a back pack and have two I rotate through the year- a light blue denim one from Hershel Supply for the summer and a grey felt one from Jack Wills for the winter. Unfortunately the zip on my grey one started to fail after 4 years. I wanted something waterproof given the amount of time I spend outside and have always loved Rains. I found the navy one on eBay, brand new for £30.

Other purchases:

Black Whistles Jersey Blazer- another eBay find! I regularly recommend these to clients and although I haven't had an opportunity to wear this much yet, I definitely will do!
Jigsaw Navy Crepe Trousers- I adore these and they fit perfectly! Technically part of my Jigsaw uniform allowance and am wearing them every time I'm in store!
Me & Em Grey Jersey Top- an everyday basic to layer from eBay.
Mint Velvet Summer Top- not had the opportunity to wear it yet as I bought it on eBay late in the season but I adore it and know i’ll love it for years to come. I’m intending to wear it with jeans in the spring.
Boden Jersey Basic Top- one of my staples as I love how they wash and have are a lovely weight that skims. Have a great range of colours too!
Nobody’s Child Dress and Skirt- for summer. The first time I had bought from this eco-conscious brand. The pieces were both on order at less than £30 each. I adore the floral prints of both these items, but have a couple of niggles with the fit and style of the items. I find the split up the skirt a bit too revealing for my tastes and the buttons up the dress tend to pop undone. A great brand, but feel like I need to find alternatives and not the best investment for me.
M&S Linen and Pattern Shorts- purchased for beach holiday to Norfolk as I didn’t have any shorts. Perfect for the beach, will come out every year when it’s REALLY hot and on holiday!

I did buy a couple of other pieces on eBay but they didn't fit quite right, so I resold them on eBay for the same price.

My Jigsaw Crepe Trousers during the AW21 fashion show

Summary

In total I purchased 19 items (not including underwear)
3 items were to replace items that had worn out.
No need to buy any more jackets!

Next year I need to concentrate on buying:

Everyday tops/knits
Jeans
Casual dresses
Smart casual bag, for when I’m not with children!

Review Your Purchases

Why not take some time to review what you bought last year? What have you worn a lot? What haven't you worn and why not? What do you need to buy less of next year or prioritise?