my winter downtime ‘uniform’ has long been a pair of skinny jeans, simple tee, cosy knit and minimal jewellery adornment. it’s actually been a while since i treated myself to anything new, and if it were acceptable to wear the same outfit day-in-day-out without anyone commenting, i probably would! but as with any new year, i’ve found myself evaluating my ‘capsule’ wardrobe and realising there are a few tired items in the mix, and some key style essentials sorely lacking. so over the winter break i reconnected with a few of my favourite fashion blogs and found a wealth of wonderful inspiration for new brands to seek out and styles to consider.

here are a few of the lovely pieces i’ve been lusting over this month:

1 / introduced to me by alex stedman of fashion bible the frugality, the high-waisted looker in coffee, tea or me? (surely the best name for a pair of jeans ever!) by mother denim is a classic skinny jean in a deep navy wash, with a flattering 10″ rise, that promises to be the fit of dreams! this los angeles based label is available in the uk through farfetch and mytheresa.com.

2 / i discovered lois avery’s beautiful cashmere scarves via amanda start from the online stylist. after losing my brora cashmere scarf on a flight to dubai i’ve been on the look-out for another to rival to soft, snuggly feel of my long lost travel staple. this soft-as-butter cashmere shawl in cappuccino is definitely calling my name, especially after discovering their cashmere comes from different breeds of asiatic goats including capra hircus blythi, which produces one of the finest natural fibres in the world.

3 / & other stories has been one of my favourite shops for off-duty dressing since it launched in the uk in 2013. this creature sweater in dark red is definitely not my usual style but something keeps me coming back to it and now that its reduced in the sale i think i need to snap it up sharpish! there is something quite classic about leopard print and the unusual shade and subtle shimmer elevate it to ‘special’ everyday staple status.

4 / my go-to fashion store on the high street is always zara, although i can never bring myself to brave the madness of their sale months! instead i’ve contented myself by perusing their new season collections online, and have fallen for this sweet little mini tote with contrasting handle which would be perfect for weekend day trips when i’m not having to carry my laptop all over town!

5 / i discovered the-acey after falling down a rabbit hole on a marathon instagram session, and immediately connected with their contemporary clothing, consciously created philosophy. described as “an online destination with style with purpose”, the company was set up by holly allenby, formerly of leading social enterprise brand toms, who strives to give women the option to buy better without compromise on ethics or aesthetics. i’d pretty much snap up everything on the site if money were no object, but this by boe gold hexagon ring has gone straight to the top of my wish list..

6 / lastly, i’ve been on the hunt for a perfect pair of loafers after wearing my last pair from kate kanzier to death pounding the pavements during last year’s london design festival. these mayfair loafers by french online fashion label sézane look to be just the ticket: simple, chic and elegant in the perfect buttery soft shade of camel i’ve been searching for!

which fashion products or brands have you been lusting after lately?

p.s. if you like your style musings heavy on the cosy knits, denim and stripes then be sure to follow my pinterest board: