First up, thanks for choosing to read this piece or for subscribing - it is very much appreciated! I firmly agree with Linh Niller, who said in her opening post, Substack feels like a safe space. Feeling a bit gushy about it actually! š
If you remember my first post was about setting an intention for this journey of ours. This post, called The Starting Line, is intended to be an honest wortās-and-all look at where we are starting out from in terms of our shopping habits, behaviours and driving forces. Iāll tell you mine if you tell me yours!
So here goes. My style journey may be very similar to yours - buying cheap incoherent disposable āfashionā in my 20ās, to feeling a bit muddled about my style in my 30ās as my body changed during and after three pregnancies, to more clarity in my 40s. But one thing that has stuck throughout these eras (that makes me feel ancient!), and which I would consider as my starting line, is shopping preloved. I remember one of my first ever preloved purchases at the age of around 13 was THE coolest Leviās flares, followed closely by a chestnut suede straight fit style jacket. Actually these sound amazing now too! Suede jackets are everywhere at the moment. Two feelings come up when I recall these choices (1) I felt unique against a backdrop of Dunnes Stores and Penneyās identi-kit clothes (yes Iām Irish), but without wildly standing out in the crowd (think shy teenager š„“) and I felt completely like myself.
Actually thatās one of the lessons Iām learning as I get older. You donāt need to be stand out unique to have style. You can be dressed in your best basics and feel completely you and feel completely confident, and that is just right! For example, I absolutely LOVE Portuguese girl style and uniqueness - think Rita, Ines and Vicky on IG - while I know that my own style is different. You can love someoneās style without having to feel as though you need to replicate it for yourself.
In relation to shopping habits, behaviours and driving forces, Iām just going to say it. I probably buy too much. There I said it! Itās out there! However saying that, what I do buy is either preloved (as is approximately 60% of my wardrobe) or generally (not always) carefully considered to:
(1) a gap in my wardrobe that I have identified by way of a wish list (next post!),
(2) work with at least 3 outfits in my wardrobe already
(3) fit with my notional three words to describe my style - minimal, casual and street (sometimes this is swapped out for feminine, depending on my mood).
What I fall down on is what I can only describe as style FOMO! Fear of missing out on knowing how something might look/ feel, on what excitement it might add to my life and on an epic bargain in the sales (even though I donāt need it and it wasnāt on my wish list). This feeling can also lead to being influenced, when in reality I didnāt need the item and it doesnāt quite fit the brief. Do you know what I mean?
But saying all this, Iām cleaning up my act and learning as I go - hence sharing my thoughts on here and with you. Reporting to someone else will force me to be more responsible! I would LOVE to hear about your journey to reading this and to being on Substack. See you on the chat function?
My way of unwinding at the end of a busy working day is to look at inspiring outfits and to browse preloved sites (I plan to write a complete post on how I shop preloved, as I know it can often feel daunting and time consuming). Hereās whatās caught my eye this week, and if we had to put a theme on it, I would say excellent basics and chinos/ cargos. See below for inspiration from Natalie Borton (her Minimal Track Packing Tips and reelsšš», honestly just brilliant), Pinterest (sorry I canāt seem to identify the content creator, but OMG, what an outfit!) and Lucy Alston (love her styling of the COH cargos š which are linked below).
In keeping with our journey to more sustainable style, Iāve used this inspiration to shop my own wardrobe for my OOTD. Iām so pleased that I remembered these preloved H&M cargos which are a great fit and scratch the (buying) itch.
Jumper - old Mint Velvet, cargos - old H&M, trainers - preloved Axel Arigato, leather belt - old Zara, necklace - old Missoma and my beloved St Agni bag.
This theme weaves nicely into this weekās wish list pieces. Excellent basics are from Sold Out NYC , who are stateside (anyone planning at trip from the UK??) but these pieces are firmly and fervently on my wish list, while the COH cargos are, well, in all honesty out of my price range - but we can dream, right? Iāve slipped in a fourth wish list piece this week, which are similar-ish and at a more reasonable price point.
You might remember I shared an Arket white tee last week. Unfortunately the slightly longer sleeves didnāt suit me so the hunt continues. This one looks like it lives up to its namesake - the Iconically Soft Perfect Tee.
I absolutely LOVE the high neck line on this vest. While I have some excellent ones from H&M which have lasted the course, I really like the slight variation in this style.
Could these possibly be the best all round trouser that would work with everything from boots, to trainers, to strappy sandals? My heart says yes, but my brain is trying not to listen!
I spotted these on Emma Roseās wish list. They look soooo good. I may regret sharing these if they sell out before I get to try them!
Next week weāll look at how to start and maintain a wish list, but for now, have a good week and see you next weekend! Jenny x
Did anything resonate from todayās post, or did you spot anything you liked?