This year, I've made a resolution to only buy vintage or second-hand where possible, and anything that I buy new has to be worth it, and I mean really worth it. Of course, it is worth disclosing here that I am lucky enough to be gifted with some pieces as part of my job, but the fact remains that deciding where to spend my own hard-earned money is something I put a serious amount of thought into. If you're wondering which pieces pass the "really worth it" test, let me share a recent example with you: a navy top from COS which is, so far, the only new item I've bought this year.
The COS top is pictured here with my vintage knitted skirt and vintage cowboy boots.
I had spotted the style a month or so ago, and it had stuck in my mind thanks to its clean-lined simplicity, premium-look plissé fabric and boat neckline. It immediately reminded me of the classic Issey Miyake Pleats Please pieces that I've always loved, and I knew that I would be able to dress it up with a midi skirt and heeled boots and keep it casual with high-waisted jeans.
I've only owned it a few weeks, but I've already worn the top out to dinner and for countless work Zoom meetings, and each time, it has been greeted with so many compliments. If that's not a sign of a good investment, then I don't know what is. I'm usually a UK 8 on the top but prefer a looser fit so decided to get a small, which, as expected, offered a slouchier silhouette. The sleeves are, however, fairly long, so keep this in mind if you usually buy petite sizes. Scroll down to see and shop the top and other winning styles from COS's summer drop.
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