Christmas is over.
The family have left, paper cups and festive hats have been tidied away, I’ve helped (and hindered) for 48 hours and I’ve finally been allowed to sit down and peruse the internet’s best post-fest offerings. Selfridges reported their best hour of sales EVER this morning, retailing just over 1.5 million pounds between 10-11, and shoppers are expected to have spent over 5 billion pounds when the clock strikes twelve.
My mother gifted some invaluable advice when it comes to sales, and I will pass her three golden rules on here:
1. Make a list of things you need, and don’t purchase anything you wouldn’t have looked at anyway.
2. If it’s the wrong colour, the wrong size or the wrong style, you will regret it later.
3. ‘YOLO’ is a phrase reserved for the Willow, not for your wardrobe.
That wisdom in mind, TWU have chosen some of the best picks for 2013:
THE DRESS
Day or night, rain or shine, this dress will suit any social occasion. The bright colour is perfect with black tights for spring, and will carry you right through to leg-baring summer temperatures. The Lucie dress is a ‘safe’ night-out option, thanks to it’s flattering cut and petticoat skirt, and an irresistable option for daytime drinks, lunch, or even on a date. Pair with winter boots, cute slippers, sparkly heels or strappy sandals depending on your mood (and the weather!)
The dress is fully-lined and gathered at the waist, providing you with a fabulous silhouette and absolutely no embarrassing transparency where it isn’t wanted. Where it is, however, the polka-dotted mesh and 3/4 sleeves add a little cheek to this otherwise demure party piece.
THE STAPLE:
This jumper is one of my favourite pieces from J. W. Anderson’s AW12 collection for Topshop. Inspired by traditional school uniforms it’s a timelessly flattering piece; pair with a white Oxford shirt for best and with a silk cami for relaxed, or over a floral dress for a cute preppy look in the library. The jumper is 30% wool, part of a limited-edition collection, and is over 50% off, what’s not to love?
Besides, you can’t go wrong with navy.
If jumpers aren’t your thing, try All Saints or Malene Birger’s DAY/2ND DAY collection for a selection of basic knits, vests, camisoles and tees in silk, lace and cotton.
THE SHOE
If you’ve not invested in a pair of smoking slippers yet, now is the chance. This trend started in summer and is set to last the fashion year – the perfect way to express a little tough love this January. Let’s just hope it stays dry!
Other key investments would be basic trainers, cute boots and some snazzy new (sensible) heels! Net-a-Porter are selling Hunter Wellies in various colours and styles from £42 – get ’em while you can!
THE MAN
I’ve said it before, time and time again. Gents, you really can’t go wrong with a good shirt, and this offering from Brit classic Fred Perry (via ASOS) will only do you good.