It's not true when they say Fashion Editors only wear designer labels. If only it were...
The devil may well wear Prada, but the rest of us are relentless bargain hunters at heart (can you blame us, when our job quite literally requires us to scout out all of the very chicest hidden gems?).
And while that may break down the fourth wall illusion that I'm sitting at my desk right now with my hooves parked in some new season Stella sneakers, it does mean that I know our good old British high street like the back of my hand.
Here's what I'm buying, wearing and wanting this week...
1. The strappy summer set
If I'm sure of one thing as we gradually make our way towards autumn, it's that I'll be bypassing the new colour of the season (red, if you're wondering) in favour of something a whole lot earthier. Swapping out my go-to black and navy repertoire for shades of brown may not sound like the most exciting switch-up, but there's no denying the aesthetic power of this new neutral. And while my long-term eye is on outerwear and boots, with a few weeks left of summer this chocolate two-piece has stolen my heart thanks to the excess straps, baby peplum and cinched ankles.
2. The pointed kitten heels
After this country's frankly pathetic attempt at a summer, it's no wonder many of us are over our sandals - not to mention the up-keep of the pedicures - and are looking for something more transitional. I love a pointed kitten heel, and this white pair complete with ankle strap is undoubtedly the best I've seen on the high street for some time; not least because the ultra tiny heel renders them far comfier than most. I'll be wearing them with everything from denim midis to cargo pants, tailoring and even evening dresses.
3. The denim midi dress
It's nothing new to see a midi dress in this edit - I am, after all, devoted to them - but denim iterations have so far evaded my wardrobe. I've been tempted by a number of washed blue and indigo styles this season, but it looks like this off-white shade might be the first to see me commit. The collar really dresses it up, while the zip - instead of buttons - and contrast top-stitching give it a tougher edge than your typical white summer dress. The long sleeves also render it perfectly transitional, and I'll be wearing this with everything from sneakers to sandals, kitten heels to cowboy boots, whatever the weather.
4. The asymmetric cotton shirt
Does rust count as a shade of brown or red? Because I'm very into it, which makes me think it must surely be the former. I particularly love the gathered sleeves and exaggerated adjustable ties, and the unusual cross-over front is an ultra chic statement detail which makes the piece feel a whole lot more high end than its price-point. Thanks to the longer back it's a super easy top to throw on with leggings and a sandal and still feel polished, bit I'm picturing it worn with a cream cargo skirt and loafers for a casual office-wear look.
5. The splatter-print two-piece
Again with the two-piece sets, I know, but there's something very hard to resist about a ready-made outfit that requires little-to-no brain power at 7am. I particularly love sets which comprise a extra long shirt, as it not only skims over any insecurities I might be conscious of but can also be unbuttoned from the waist-down to give a super subtle peek of the trousers at every step. I'd wear the full set with a slimline black sandal for a late summer date night, and the dress alone unbuttoned over a swimsuit on the holiday I'm still yet to book.
6. The drawcord open-back shirt
So I'm really into shirting right now, it seems? Whether I'm craving a little sartorial structure or it's the back-to-school September feeling creeping in early, I'm evidently feeling the pull of a more pulled-together look. And this shirt, as it happens, is one of the best right now - high street or otherwise. The double drawcord to the front is a delicately impactful design accent which gives the piece a wholly more premium feel, while the inconspicuous cut-out to the back provides the perfect example of taking a Gen-Z trend and giving it a more grown-up spin.
7. The metallic ballet flats
Ballet flats are, as we all know, back in a big way, but while I've so far avoided falling for their inevitably-fleeting resurgence I'm finding the skinny-strapped, metallic iterations somewhat harder to resist. I've seen several takes on this look, but I think this square toe and barely-there sole might be my favourite. They would, of course, look great with a cute midi skirt or dress, but to avoid them looking too saccharine I think it's crucial to embark on the wrong shoe theory. I'm thinking cropped cargo pants, oversized tailoring, distressed denim… Anything that would provide the antithesis to these sweet, dainty flats.
Looking to treat yourself?
