If you’re reading this then a massive THANK YOU for ignoring my moody face in the header. I’m not that bad in real life, I promise.

But on to the good stuff. The shopping.

Today I’m giving you a run-down of my favourite shops for wardrobe staples such as jeans and day dresses, and bikers and bretons. They’re all tried and tested and I could wax lyrical about each and every item. Apologies in advance for any credit-card bashing that may ensue.

Day Dresses {Hush}

Hush and Topshop are AMAZE for day dresses. On its website Hush describes its Ivy frock as ‘a modern take on the T shirt dress’ but with a pair of pointed loafers it would also be perfect summer office attire. I bought the black version back in Spring and got so much use out of it I figured I probably needed the Haze version too. I wore it with leggings driving up to Leeds this weekend (the ultimate in comfy), then off came the leggings when the sun came out: it’s short but not TOO short. I clearly need the latest version – the leopard print – too.

For a dungaree dress or a pretty ditsy you can always count on Topshop (this one is calling to me), and Oasis also do ditsy really well.

  • Hush Haze Print Dress
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  • Hush Ivy Dress
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  • Topshop Pinafore Dress
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  • Hush Leopard Print Dress
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  • Topshop Shirred Midi
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  • Oasis Ditsy Midi
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Slogans {Whistles}

I wrote so much gumpf in this paragraph and found so many lovely slogan tees to shout about that I’ve decided that slogan apparel deserves a post of its own, so stay tuned. All you need to know for now is that Whistles is the king of slogan tops (the Belle Etoile tee that I’m wearing above is a Whistles one), with Hush coming in a close second.

  • Hush Slogan Tee
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  • Whistles Slogan Tee
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  • Whistles Slogan Sweater
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Bags {Whistles}

For budget bags I’m a big fan of Accessorize (SO. MUCH. PRETTY) – it’s where I got the cross-body bag that I’m wearing in the header. It’s perfect for taking to soft play as I can keep my phone/purse/keys on me whilst being buried in ball pits and whizzing down slides. It’s also smart enough to be used at work/on nights out. They don’t seem to stock it any more but Whistles sell a near-identical one. Which brings me nicely to my Go To for investment bags…

WHISTLES. I would quite happily wear each and every one of the bags in their current selection. They’re timeless, simple and elegant. I use my foldover clutch (get it quick! It’s in the sale!) on nights out and weddings alike and know I will get years more use out of it.

Oliver Bonas is also brill for bags. My friends treated me to a gorgeous OB tote for my birthday last year and this red one is sitting patiently in my online basket.

  • Whistles Mini Rucksack
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  • Whistles Cara Bag
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  • Oliver Bonas Cross Body Bag
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Shoes {Next} and Trainers {Superga}

How good is Next for cute-but-smart shoes? The red suede loafers I’m wearing above are from Next: I was looking for a pair of shoes that would bring a pop of colour to my wardrobe and I’ve had so much wear out of these. Wear with the aforementioned Oliver Bonas cross-body bag.

I also swear by Aldo shoes: my go-to shoes if I’ve got a wedding or I’m out-out are the Fiollas, but these LK Bennetts are turning my head. They’re dusky pink, have a tres flattering V shape cut into the front, and a wearable block heel. Need, need, need. (I don’t need the £195 price tag but a girl can dream, right?).

And as for trainers, you can’t beat Superga for a pair of classic white pumps. The leather Supergas are brill on rainy days cos they’re waterproof.

  • LK Bennett Mules
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  • White Leather Supergas
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  • Aldo Fiolla Heels
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  • Next Loafers
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  • LK Bennett Mules
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Leather Jacket {Mango}

The biker jacket in the header is a Mango number and if I ever lose it (god forbid), I will be stomping straight back down to Mango to try and hunt down a replica. Yes, leather jackets are pricey, but the way I see it is, they’re an investment piece. I’ve had my Mango one for around five years and I know I’ll be wearing it for at least five more.

I’m also coveting Whistles’ summery take on the biker jacket (sorry, I’m beginning to sound like a broken record!): it’s white with wide sleeves (oh-so-flattering), and am all over this star studded Hush biker.

  • Mango Biker
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  • Hush Star Leather Jacket
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  • Whistles Wide Sleeve Biker
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Breton Top {Joules}

You know when you have to do the school run and you just need to grab something that looks vaguely presentable? Well the Joules Harbour is what I turn to again and again. It has ¾ length sleeves, so it’s not too cold but not too hot, and doesn’t cling to your tummy. But don’t just take my word for it…take the word of the 937(!) reviewers on the Joules website who have given it 5 stars. Wear with a leopard print scarf or the aforementioned red flats or ripped jeans (or all three!).

  • Joules Navy Breton
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  • Joules Harbour Breton
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  • Joules Classic Breton
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Jeans {Topshop}

Topshop has been my go-to shop for jeans ever since I started wearing denim. The Joni ‘holding power’ jeans that I’m wearing in the header (I was sold at ‘holding power’) are the perfect jeans. They’re ankle grazing without being baggy at the ankle – so super-flattering – and look just as good with trainers/flats as they do tucked into boots. They’re also slimming (the ‘holding power’ is REAL), a perfect mid-wash blue, and extremely comfy. In fact I’m wearing them as I type. I was obsessed with the maternity Jonis too and can totally see why the Joni has been Topper’s bestselling item for the last few years.

  • Black Joni Jeans
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  • Blue Joni Jeans
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  • White Joni Jeans
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Anyone else a Joni jeans girl? Which shops do you head straight to when your wardrobe’s looking worse-for-wear?