CGN Wardrobe Edit: December
City Girl Networks monthly fashion and beauty edit, curating some of our favourite products from the brands we love…
One of my favourite ways to spend a few hours on a Sunday afternoon is a bit of online window shopping, wistfully adding items into my shopping basket.
When I came to put together my top picks for this month for this new feature, I turned to this now well practiced hobby- thankful that I had years of experience to hone this craft. Did I create this feature just so those few hours on a Sunday afternoon didn’t feel wasted? Maybe…
There has been a shift this year to slower fashion practices, one that I absolutely love seeing- collecting pieces for a capsule wardrobe has been my shopping practice for a few years now, and lockdown with nowhere to go definitely made conscious shopping an easier experience.
We also witnessed the boom of supporting local, ethical, made in the U.K. independent brands making the front page of our social media feeds on a daily basis. We are a few years away from mainstream fashion brands making this standard practice- (looking at you boohoo and pretty little thing- you practices are unforgivable)- therefore more affordable.
For now we can attempt to learn a little more patience and save up for the pieces we truly love and want in our wardrobe.
This first Edit is an homage to my own wardrobe, and I am looking forward to inviting others to produce their own monthly edits for City Girl Magazine thorough 2021, because style is so individual and personal and what I love and suits me, won’t be to everyone's taste. This edit isn’t always going to be about what’s ‘in fashion’.
I describe my own style as comfortable, understated elegance, with clean lines and earthy tones- khaki green is my go to colour, otherwise it’s mostly black or grey with the odd rusty orange piece. Jewellery for me is antique, my late grandmother's rings and earrings are my treasured pieces, and I am a firm believer of wear your best always- even if it’s with a pair of jeans and t-shirt- why only bring it out occasionally for special occasions?!
This month I sat down with three key words in my mind- comfy, cosy and golden. The months are getting colder, so staying warm and cosy is a must. Even though I am a ‘silver’ tone for jewellery, I prefer gold. It feels lux and has a bit more character, especially when you pair it with warmer shades. Berry red is an obvious choice for the season, but I prefer it on my lips to my clothing- think lipstick and sipping Sloe Gin cocktails.
& Other Stories Turtleneck Jumper- £65
Starting of this months edit is the one wardrobe staple everyone needs- a turtleneck. Wear with a cotton bra underneath on a warm indoor day or layer with long sleeve thermals and a black sweater-vest- The must have clothing piece of the year, look at depop for some great second hand buys- to keep cosy while outdoors. The earthy colour is humble, simple and understated. It’s going to take you from the end of Autumn, all through winter and into the cooler months of spring.
Pack it away once spring is in full swing and bring it out again at the start of next Autumn. A colour as classic as khaki that suits everyone’s skin tones isn’t going to go out of fashion, and turtlenecks have been a wardrobe staple for colder months for decades.
White Stuff Black Straight Leg Jeans- £49.95
Avoid skinny for a comfy day-to-day jean and opt for a straight leg so you can roll out of bed and pull them on, but still feel like you've made an effort. Black is classic, and adds a warmth that you can't get away with in hotter months.
The straight leg cut also means you can wear long socks underneath and chunky laced up leather boots when it gets colder, but also pair it with sandals and a silk cami when the weather starts to get warmer. Put it away with the polo necks for summer and when you get it out in winter it’s like having a brand new wardrobe without paying for it.
Estee Lane Terna interlocking hoop stud earrings- £25
Gold, subtle statement earrings are pretty much the only type of earrings I wear- I love these, they are perfect for dressing up, put your hair in a chignon and a smoky eye and you have understated elegance- leave your hair down and French messy and you have an everyday classic.
Estée Lane offers worldwide delivery and speedy next day delivery in time for Christmas (UK only) so it’s the perfect present -for yourself, or someone you love- if you’re reading this with only a week to go until the big day!
Paravel Mini Fold-Up Backpack-£45
Don't be upset about not buying a glittery clutch for Christmas parties this year and instead snap up this practical mini backpack- equally perfect for slinging over one shoulder with a maxi dress and camel coat for a socially distanced coffee in the park or leggings and a thick jumper for a long winter walk.
I have a mini black backpack that I take everywhere- a handbag is too big and not always the best accessory for a long walk, but a water bottle doesn’t fit in your pockets if you decide to go without! It will also make for a great travel backpack once the restrictions are over, so you’re doing yourself a favour by investing in a good one now.
John Lewis Slippers £28
Slippers are a must have investment this year, and make sure you don't get a pair that will fall apart after one weeks wear- also make sure you get some that don't make you shuffle across the floor. I can attest to these- they are so comfy, keep my feet toasty and are built to last.
You're going to be spending a lot of time indoors over the next few months, and they are going to be cold ones, so make sure you have these ready to go. The faux fur is dreamily soft and if you suffer from aching feet at the end of a day there is enough of a cushion underfoot to support the soles of your feet.
Accessorize Gold Pearl Hair Clips- £2.25
I love these clips- hair accessories are the one area of my wardrobe where I am happy to go cheap and flow with the trends- these gold pearl hair clips would be great for a Christmas eve party, lift those Christmas day PJ's and add some much needed sparkle to your New Year Zoom celebrations.
Clips have endless hair style opportunities too, and if you’ve not managed to hold off for a hair appointment and attempted another lockdown fringe trim then they may be the perfect antidote to clip any disasters away- out of sight, out of mind and all that.
Glossier Generation G Sheer matte lipstick- £14
Do your bit this year and help one of the worst impacted markets this year- Lipstick! It definitely isn't practical for out of the house wear a mask days, but swipe on at home for a pick me up. Berry reds are always in this season so you can't go wrong with a darker shade- make it glossy for a 'I put no thought into this but look amazing' vibe.
The glossy sheer look of these means it won’t be such a shock to your system either when you look in the mirror. The first time I wore lipstick a few weeks ago It felt so weird to see bright red lips in the mirror looking back at me- these make your lips look stained as though you’ve been eating a bowl full of berries all afternoon.
Final Fashion & Beauty Tip For The Month:
Not everyone has the mental energy or physical energy to do the due diligence to research the ethics of shops before you purchase from them. Not everyone has the income and financial privilege to buy from small ethical businesses either. This December, just do your best. Be kind to yourself and to others.
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Written by Rachael Mole
Editor In Chief & COO of City Girl Network
For any PR requests or inquiries, you can email me at editor@citygirlnetwork.com
