Almost like a capsule closet, at the end of each season I like to write down a list of things I feel may be missing from my closet and would like to get for next time. At the end of winter my list looked something like this:
- trench coat
- long black wool coat
- a black and a white wool/cashmere/cotton cardigan
- tight black high neck sweater, wool or cashmere
- skinny black jeans
- black wool beanie
- black/camel wool scarf
None of these items were chosen due to their trendiness, but they are all versatile pieces that can be used forever, no matter how much my style may still change. Now, this would all be a lot easier if I still shopped at fast fashion stores, I could literally find all of these in one store without much effort, but ever since I stopped buying from them and decided to buy secondhand only, it takes a little bit more time to find each piece, but that also makes it a bit more special.
As much as I would love this Holland Trench from Reformation, or my original love, the Waterloo Trench by Burberry, realistically I can't even begin to afford any of these, so my only choice to buy a good quality option, and sustainable, is to buy secondhand. I've been looking for the perfect one since winter 2019 began, I know I like my trenches to be longer than usual, 100% cotton, and I know I prefer tortoiseshell buttons, so those are the first three things I look for, but so far I haven't been so lucky. I've found two I liked but one had a belt I didn't love - and I do want to make sure I absolutely love whatever I buy - and the other one sold quite fast, that's the problem with secondhand buying, once it's gone, it's gone.
Last winter I was lucky to find a secondhand wool and cashmere coat that I love so so much, and better yet it was only €10. Sure it had a few problems, but they were all easily fixed once I got it and I barely wore anything else the whole winter, it kept me warm in both Portugal and Norway during Christmas, so you know it was a good choice. Besides, the cut is such a classic, so is the camel colour, that I know I'll keep it for years and years to come! My goal for this year is to find something very similar but in black, and then I'll be sorted when it comes to essential coats. I did find one on my go-to app for secondhand clothes, but as it is so heavy the lady prefers to sell it face to face rather than ship it, which is the only reason why I don't have it yet but, if all goes to plan, I'll be in her city soon and I might finally get my hands on it.
Lastly for outerwear, cardigans! Almost a year ago I bought a dark grey secondhand cardigan for 3€ and I wore it until April this year, that's how you know it's love. A few months ago I also got my hand on a different type of cardigan, a 100% cashmere button up to wear as a sweater, for 10€, and I can't wait to wear it, and even though I'd love to find similar ones in white and black, those can wait. But the only thing missing right now are regular chunky cropped cardigans, my faves. While I can' yet afford this beautiful Bee Bomber by GoldFreckles, handmade by order with 100% Peruvian sheep wool, and I'm yet to find the perfect ones secondhand, I think my only option is to make my own. I recently bought this Vintage Cable Cardigan pattern on Etsy, but I also have these options saved for later: Cable Knit Sweater, Lacy Cardigan and Turtle Neck, and I'm really excited to give them a try.
A few years ago I bought a ribbed high neck sweater from Bershka which I still love dearly but, I've worn it to death, it's getting so thin and stretched out and I really want to find a substitute for it. This Cashmere Ribbed Turtleneck from NAADAM isn't the exact match, but I love it and it might be a contender if I manage to save up for it, but after reading Good On You's article on How Ethical is Cashmere, I would really prefer to find a secondhand option.
For a few years now I've been wearing only straight cute mum jeans, somewhat resembling a vintage cut, but when it comes to wearing them with boots in winter I find them too bulky, so after years of not wearing skinny jeans I'm on the lookout for a new pair again. These INGAA Skinny Fit High Waist by Armedangels look perfect, skinny without being too much, the right waist height, and they're made with organic cotton, the whole brand is like a dream so here's hoping I can save up for a pair soon. Still on the subject of bottoms, I'm really trying to find a black wool mini skirt and a pair of black wool vintage pants, but those are proving to be hard to find, one day maybe...
Finally, for accessories, I'm in desperate need for a warm beanie, something along the lines of this Ribbed Beanie by Mango, but better for my head and the planet, I'm thinking the best way may be for me to make my own, so I found this Ribbed Beanie Knitting Pattern on Etsy which would look wonderful in a black merino or cashmere wool, both super warm and soft, but still breathable. Lastly, I'm missing a super warm scarf, I could obviously make my own, but I really like the look of a super solid scarf, so my only option is to buy one, this NAADAM Cashmere Solid Scarf - both in camel and in black - is exactly what I'm looking for but it's also way out of my league, so I'll need to find something similar secondhand.
So this is my list of basics lacking in my wardrobe, let me know which basics you're still trying to find yourself and if any of these tickle your fancy!
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