The Style Edit: The Plaid Shirt Edit, My Jacket Collection & Lifting The Corduroy Curse

I think I want a tote bag that looks like my Grandma’s curtains.

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There were a few questions that cropped up off the back of Tuesday’s ‘What I’m Wearing, Buying & Bringing Back This Autumn’ post. You all loved the cords that I hope will cure me of my corduroy curse (linked here*; they run TTS), but I think there’s a v.good high-street pair that are another good option if you too find cords a little tricky to style:

Judging by how much I enjoy wearing my brown vintage Levi’s, these are an option that feels different enough, without feeling too much*. I’d wear them with a black leather jacket and a white or grey long-sleeve underneath.

Another option is these navy straight-leg cords*, which conveniently come in three different leg lengths. I’d size up for a slightly baggier fit. I think the key to making cords feel easy is to opt for denim-adjacent colours.

You also wanted a dupe for my vintage YSL leopard print bag (FYI, it was called the Roady and was released for A/W 2009-2010 if you ever want to go on a preloved hunt). If you want the real deal/have recently won the lottery, YSL do a current version*, but I actually prefer the toned-down print of this Massimo Dutti tote*. Animal print isn’t really something I gravitate towards in the summer - it can feel a little loud when there’s less clothing on my body - but in the cooler months, when I’m bundled up in layers from head-to-toe, it becomes my go-to personality piece.

Leopard Print Tote*, Zebra Swing Jacket*, Leopard Print Leather Belt*, Tiger Print Heeled Mules*, Bambi Heeled Sandals*, Dalmation Heeled Pumps*, Bambi Leather Jacket* & Zebra Tassel Bag*

Just like leopard print, another thing I’m far more likely to wear at this time of year: necklaces. Summer jewellery to me is all about anklets and chunky rings - I like wearing the type of jewellery that you forget is even there - but come autumn I’m ready to make a fuss around my neckline. It’s a way to layer and add interest to the never-ending cycle of crewneck knits I’m about to wear. I’m kind of in a less-is-more mood right now, so if I’m wearing a necklace, I might leave on my watch, but simplify my ring stack, or vice versa. Two options I’ve been wearing recently: the Missoma Ridge T-Bar Chain Necklace* for something simple, or the pearl version, which feels a little beachy to me*; perfect for this shoulder season.

*Sponsored mention

Wearing the Ridge T-Bar Chain* with my Flore Flore Steffi Top* on the left, and the Pearl T-Bar Necklace* with my newest ARKET knit*.

I’m still not ready to say goodbye to my anklet* - I quite like the contrast of it with my loafers*. And on the right, my current ring stack - this Malachite Signet Ring* with the chunkiest ring of all*.

Super slouchy tee* + refined jewellery. I’m into it.

I love being thrown down a rabbit hole. Case in point:

Morgan, this one goes out to you…

L-R: Madewell Easy Shirt*, J.Crew Men’s Cotton Shirt*, OZMA Marcie Shirt* & WNU Brushed Shirt* (use ANNA10 for 10% off)

L-R: By Malene Birger Flannel Shirt*, MATTEAU Checked Flannel Shirt*, Rohe Flannel Shirt* & Rohe Boucle Checked Shirt*

Alternatively, pop a content idea in the comments and your wish is my command:

Whenever I show my jackets, the most common FAQ is ‘Do you have a dupe for the leopard print jacket?’ and although last year both Madewell and & Other Stories had really good options, neither has made a return this season. Your best bet is to search high-and-low for a vintage one (though for the best deals and range, your best time to find one is during the summer months). I searched for years and in the end just bit the bullet for a full-price, ‘not budget-friendly in the slightest' option, which I am ultimately very happy with. This autumn’s version of that is probably this coat that just landed in my inbox:

WARNING: It’s extremely expensive*, but dare I say it’s the best dupe for what will forever be my dream jacket*.

If I didn’t have the basics covered in my coat and jacket wardrobe, I’d be checking out House of Dagmar - their outerwear section has me SWOONING. L-R: Shearling Jacket*, Wool Coat* & Slim Tailored Blazer*.

After trying on my 79019 jackets, I’m not saying that there are any gaping holes in my collection. BUT, if I were to add anything, I’d want it to be fun. Either a little jazzy jacket (train your Vinted algorithm by searching for one like this*, and it will throw up some good’uns). The kind you can button up over just a bra, wear as a top, and be done for an evening out. Or something long and witchy - is the Practical Magic 2 press tour rubbing off on me when I haven’t even seen the first one? SORRY! I will rectify this immediately, promise.

It’s only ever going to be green, right? The question is deep olive green* or mottled acid-wash green*?

Just a heads up: DONNI have updated my code to ANNA15 for the month*, so you can now get 15% off your first order. To me, their Cotton V-Neck* is perfection and would be my top DONNI rec for the season ahead.

See? We go waaaayyyy back.

My Instagram Explore page has never been so algorithmically aligned as this week, when it served me a video of baby ducks meeting puppies for the first time, followed by this reel suggesting niche Etsy shops. Maybe I do want a tote bag that looks like my Grandma’s curtains*? I don’t really feel drawn to these sorts of patterns and fabrics in top or trouser form, but in a bag? I’m game. The sort of piece that adds something to the longline blazer jacket, jeans and a long-sleeve T-shirt that I plan on wearing all autumn long.

…and I’m supposed to pick a favourite?

…and rounding things off nicely with a beauty recommendation, because Sarah Creal Beauty has just launched at Space NK in the U.K* (you U.S folk can find it at Sephora*). It’s specifically formulated for the 40+ crew, so think rich, luxurious, hydrating formulas. I picked up a few things to try when I was in New York last year, and although everything I gave a go was nice enough, The Adults Are Talking Solid Serum Lip Repair* has been the real star of the show for me. I mean, look at my tubes! I’ve been digging out the remainder of the clear balm for what feels like months, so I’m glad I’m finally able to repurchase it! But if you fancy a light wash of peachy pink, give the shade ‘Energetic’ a go.

You know it’s true love when they are all smooshed.

That’s it for the week - no style smorgasbord today, as I’m NYC-bound and excited doesn’t even begin to cover it. I'm attempting to read a whole book in one flight because I love nothing more than setting myself unrealistic goals. Packing post coming your way Sunday because you know I live for that s**t and somehow managed to fit everything into a carry-on-size suitcase! I’m as surprised as you. See you then!

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