It might surprise you to know I really haven’t bought many clothes in the last 18 months. I didn’t bother much whilst I was expecting and since becoming a Mum I have to admit to losing my fashion mojo somewhat. Expanding on that statement might be another post entirely.

In the last few months I have ordered what feels like an entire new wardrobe online only to send 99.9% of it back. I think it’s a combination of my lack of confidence to make the right bloody decision, the realisation what I purchase needs to be more practical than perhaps it did before, and that more than ever, I am looking for a flattering fit and good quality. “Quite nice” just won’t cut it anymore. And I don’t have the time or the inclination to spend a small fortune on alterations.

Without realising it I have always had a capsule-ish approach. I’ve invested in spendy “forever” staple basics and interspersed with more fashion-y cheaper items to mix things up a bit. My problem is I buy too many of the latter and don’t give enough thought to the former.

A few weeks ago I decided to REALLY sort out my closet. I took into consideration Lauren’s “But would you buy it if you saw it now?” wisdom and actually tried most things on to decipher if they were in fact worth keeping – it was a marathon session but well worth the effort. After I had removed what turned out to be a rather scary amount of stuff, I wrote myself a wee “wish” list of pieces I desired and with my birthday approaching, booked in the diary a whole day of actual real life shopping with my husband (I can’t pretend he looked enamoured with the idea to be honest but at least he was feeling generous).

These are the things I’ve actually bought thus far and do you know what? We actually had a really nice day shopping…..although there’s no denying the promise of pancakes for brunch certainly helped build James’s enthusiasm for the trip.

The Shirt – The Kooples £110

I have been after a denim one for a while but to no avail, I do love a shirt tucked into skinny jeans and this soft blue chambray is casual in style yet fits really well around my shoulders and arms (I often find this is the area they “bag” too much). This is very versatile and looks super smart underneath a blazer or jacket.

I was very tempted to buy the silk boyfriend design but as it is decidedly “No baby” I refrained. How sensible of me.

The Jeans – All Saints Button Mast £98

I am a fan of the Topshop “Leigh” as are many of you I’m sure, but mine are beginning to look a little shabby due to general wear and tear and I wanted something that was just that little bit smarter. I LOVE these Mast jeans. They fit so well, and the button fly make them different to many other varieties. They are especially flattering on your backside.

The Trainers – Nike Internationalist £66.99

I take no credit for the discovery of these sporty shoes, my friend Maria told me I HAD to get them after bemoaning my inability to work a flat (short leg syndrome – I feel naked without some sort of heel). I have them in Dove Grey , surprise! but they go with everything, are extremely comfortable and have acquired many a “Wow love your trainers, where did you get them?” compliment in the last few weeks. I bought them from Office and like to wear them with a faux leather legging. They are also much easier to run around after Mabel in than my much loved cowboy boots.

The Blazer – Zara £79.99

I hate it when this happens, as writing this they have sold out – really sorry. This design is quite similar though. I have had my beloved Whistles black blazer for years but much like my Leigh jeans, it’s beginning to look tired. Fine for mooching about in the daytime but I needed something fancier for evening. I liked the zip detail in particular and although Zara blazers are notoriously too roomy for me, this one is nicely nipped in at the waist and the shoulder pads (yes really!) give it a great shape.

The Dress – The Kooples £165

This was a lovely surprise, my husband chose and ordered this drape jersey number all by himself. No prompt from me at all. In fact I hadn’t mentioned I needed a dress and had I seen this in store on the hanger I’m not sure I would have even tried it on. Just goes to show sometimes you have to be a bit adventurous I guess. It’s a very “pull you in” design and even though it’s a little on the short side, the 3 quarter length sleeves make it elegant enough to warrant giving your pins a decent flash. I seem to have a thing for zips right now clearly.

Has your husband/partner ever bought you a surprise item of clothing that you loved?

What have been your Spring staples?

Do you wear trainers often (not in a gym/sport capacity) – what do you like to wear with them?