I’ve been working on adding some essentials to my wardrobe lately and below are some of my favourite recent acquisitions—along with rambling little anecdotes, ’cause that’s how I roll.
If you’re so inclined, you can see me actually wearing them on my Instagram.
1. Black cardigan
Contemporaine, $39.95
I had a black cardigan that I loved very much, for many years, but I finally had to say goodbye. I’d successfully ignored the rattiness of the sleeve cuffs for a while, but once there was a hole in the front, I had to face facts.
I tried on a lot—and I mean A LOT—of cardigans before I found one that was the right length and fit for what I wanted. I’m also very happy I ended up with this one because it’s 100 percent linen.
2. White blouse
I actually recently bought two white blouses, but I want to feature the silk one because it’s my favourite. I wanted to add a white blouse to my wardrobe because it’s a pretty obvious essential, but I also had this other issue that came up after moving back to Edmonton: sometimes you need to dress up when it is -30°C outside (#yegproblems).
But then I was watching this video from Shea Whitney, where she suggests a silk blouse, and I decided to kill two birds with one stone: buy a white blouse that could act as an essential while also giving me something lux to wear out when it’s cold (underneath a thick coat, obviously).
I got super lucky and found one for under $80, but then realized even an inexpensive silk shirt is a precious one and decided I also needed something that could handle early morning rush and the very real possibility of coffee spills—so I also grabbed a cotton one for $19.99.
Sadly, neither shirt is still available on the Simons website, but you may still be able to find them in store.
(Note: I know silk isn’t vegan. While I prefer to follow a plant-based diet, I’ve tried to stop using the word vegan because I do occasionally eat omnivore food and I do buy silk, wool, leather, etc.)
3. Dark wash skinny jeans
Warehouse One, $49.99
These are the same jeans from my spring outfit post and, as I said, I was always afraid wearing skinny jeans would make me look like an ice cream cone, but I’ve found I really love them and I’m going to have to buy a second pair eventually—maybe in black.
4. Black skirt
Contemporaine, $59.95
I got to a point where none of my skirts fit me anymore except one of my costume pieces so I was on the hunt for something simple that could be styled a number of ways, and I found this great skirt at—where else?—Simons. (This is probably a good time to mention that this post is NOT sponsored.) It’s also super comfortable.
5. Trench coat
London Fog, $150.27 – 176.99
I’ve been wanting to add a trench coat to my wardrobe for a while now, and living back in Edmonton, with a chillier spring, it seemed like the perfect time to finally get one—and I was right.
While shopping for this coat I quickly discovered that the classic camel colour did nothing for me, but blues like this one are very popular this season. It took me a while to find this one though. The first few trench coats I tried on just weren’t right somehow (even though they technically fit) and I’m so glad I hung out for this one because I love it!
(Note: I got mine at Hudson’s Bay, but they seem to be sold out on their website, so I linked to Amazon instead. Might be worth checking in store though.)
6. Statement belt
Simons, $39
I’m not big on belts. As someone with wider hips, they just spark anxiety. For instance, the chain belt trend is one I would totally like to get in on, but after trying a bunch of them at three different stores and not finding one that fit, I gave up.
Still, there’s something to be said for having a statement belt in your wardrobe, and I’d been seeing this Gucchi one around that I thought was really cute. But then I found out it costs hundreds of dollars and I was like, “I don’t think so.” Luckily, Simons has this double ring belt that I think has a similar effect, with a much lower price tag.
(Note: The belt is real leather. See above.)