Well HELLO Readers and a Happy New Year to you all 
As Rebecca announced earlier this week, she is back blogging and I’m happy to say that that means I’ll be resuming too. I’ll be writing the usual two posts every month, but I may also dip in here and there with some anecdotal pieces.
2015 went by in a flurry of renovations and baby arrivals, so I’m hoping that the 2016 pace slows a little to let us breathe and enjoy. The start of the New Year invariably heralds “resolutions” and whilst I like the idea of starting afresh, I’m loathed to call them resolutions, as they are more than often broken before the month is out. Like Rebecca, I’ve given myself some “goals” which I’d like to try and live by for the year (and beyond), by and large, plus five seem achievable. Here they are:
So I know you are thinking, what has this got to do with “What to Buy”. The second of the goals is key for me. I’ve (and actually we’ve) just got too much stuff. I’m in the process of a real edit of my clothes and I’ve started to read this (fulfilling another goal!) which just cements my feelings (after having first read this too and resonated with most of it – Rebecca and I are obviously on the same wavelength here 
).
Whilst though I am purging a lot, mostly through eBay and then Charity Donations and local Facebook groups, I’m not saying I won’t buy a thing throughout the year. That to me is unachievable. I can however be clever in my purchases, hopefully favouring things that will last, or at least go with 50% of my wardrobe, therefore making them hard workers. There will also be some seasonal additions I’m sure. I’ll be looking carefully at my current clothing stash before purchasing anything to see if something I already own does the job of filling a fashion need. As I go through this edit, I’ll let you know how I’m getting on, and my approach to how I’ve found/done it, if that’s of interest… Ultimately, I’m hoping the clean out will just make like that little bit easier – it’s certainly got a LOT busier with two small men in my life!
On to January purchases then… These are some things which I’ve seen on emails and some in store that I think will work hard for you all year, starting now.
Fur Gilet
H&M // New Look
These are showing no let up, and with the milder winter we seem to be having, they are a great addition to your wardrobe to throw over a jumper and some jeans to give it that extra edge.
Roll Neck Jumper
Uniqlo // La Redoute // H&M
I’ve learnt to love these over the past couple of months. I favour a turtleneck kind of style, or if it is a roll neck, it needs to be in Merino or some such other fine wool to keep the bulk to a minimum. They are a wardrobe saviour IMO – again, something to slip over skinny jeans or leggings with boots or pumps. Go for a size larger than you’d usually wear to balance out the slim silhouette on your lower half.
Chelsea Boots
Ash // H&M // ASOS
Actually a boot style that I don’t own, Chelsea boots automatically make a casual outfit look smarter. The right pair can also work well with dresses and skirts too. Just make sure that the sole has a thin profile.
Cross Body Bag
French Connection // Cambridge Satchel Co. // Topshop // M&S
This style has come into its own for me in the 7 months since Oscar was born. Wearing him in the sling, or at least pushing him in the buggy whilst trying to hold Calum’s hand, called for a new bag solution. From the small and neat, to the larger, yet practical, you won’t be sorry for making this purchase. Having your hands free is a revaltion!
Long Sleeved Dress
ME&EM // Topshop
Something that can be worn now, with a jumper or waistcoat and boots, or into the spring with sandals, pumps or wedges, the long sleeved dress is something of a wardrobe updater. Keep the style either maxi, or a midi-length that works for your height to avoid frumpiness, but don’t be afraid to play with patterns. Block colour is obviously the classic choice though to make sure you get the most wear out it it.
So there you have it… five things to seek out if you can brave the shops and you have some Gift Cards perhaps burning a hole after Christmas. I’ll keep you posted with my Edit progress. It’s not something that’s going to happen overnight. In my head, I’ll be done by the end of 2016, but that does include the rest of the house too, not just my wardrobe. I’ll also let you know how I’m getting on with the rest throughout the year too.
It’s nice to be back! Until the end of the month…
Erin xx