My Shopping Bag: Winterwear

So I had to do some winterwear shopping since I don’t really own much in the way of winterwear suitable for London winters. Except, of course, my trusty Forever New black peacoat and my tailored light duster coat.

Item 1: Zara leather biker jacket + coat

I loved this coat the first time I saw it. And when I saw it I was in India with no need for a winter coat.  So I did the sensible thing. I made my then boyfriend, now husband, actually get the coat and keep it for me. That was, of course, the sensible thing to do.

(To be honest, it actually was the sensible thing to do since this coat became a major celebrity favourite and is now selling on e-bay for about £250 bucks, more than double of what I paid for it!)

Item 2: Primark fur trim parka

I wanted to try out a parka – they looked so casual and comfortable. But I knew my tolerance level for cold weather isn’t great. A parka would definitely not be something I could wear even halfway through to winter but only in the autumn. So I got a cheaper one from Primark which was perfect – faux fur trim on the hood in army green, my current favourite colour.

I have worn it casually off and on but the one look I want to try is a parka with heels. That is an interesting look I can’t wait to try!

Item 3: Wills long black cardi

This is the cosiest cardigan around – and definitely the coolest one I own. It almost looks like a bathrobe and is definitely just as comfortable. I wanted a big, cosy, loose knit cardi in a colour so the only issue was this came only in black (like almost all my clothes so honestly, I was only fake dissappointed). The best thing about it is its perfect for a long flight but also great for going out for dinner or drinks with heels in the evening. Something like this cardi will also see you through winter – layer it under a coat or jacket for an interesting layered look. I will definitely be trying that soon.

Item 4: Topshop coat

I needed a sturdy winter coat this year and got myself this Topshop coat. Not to brag about my shopping skills but this is pretty much one of the best coats you can get this winter. I wanted to feature this on my sensible winter coats post (coming up next). But when I bought it, I decided to stick to coats I wouldn’t really be using for that post and mention this in this shopping bag post.

This coat pretty much ticks all the boxes:

• basic and neutral with interesting details – if you look closely you will see the red checked lining,
• toggles – I am currently obsessed with toggles,
• hood,
• 80% wool – this is pretty amazing for a high street brand,
• petite Size 4 – people of normal build, you will never understand this frustration. But the petite people know where I am coming from. To find a coat in a petite size is an achievement in itself but to find one in a size 4, is almost a miracle.
• less than £80.

This photo is from last night (posted on Instagram) on the Bakerloo line. I am wearing my orange Carlton shoes, faux trousers from H&M and this coat.

Do you need any other reasons? If you are on the look out for a solid winter coat, this one is highly recommended.

Item 5: Black Felt Fedora

I am a major hat person. So its actually quite strange I have been in London for more than a year now and had not managed to purchase a basic black felt hat. Sadly, hats my size are hard to come by. None of the high streets really do XS in hats so I always frantically try the S/M sized ones and then put them back disappointed. So when I found a hat my size in the Spitalfield Market, I ignored everything I had been told about shopping at Spitalfields Market and just bought it. I actually wanted a moss green one but practicality made me settle for the black one instead. I can’t wait to wear it!

Whats in your winterwear shopping wish list?

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– Anisha