It’s that time of year again where we have to start thinking about Christmas (eeeep so exciting). I had quite the reaction to last years gift guides and if anyone is struggling as much as I am then hopefully this might give one or two ideas! I’m starting with fashion as it is definitely one of my main passions (although I have had to seriously cut down on my shopping addiction thanks to the rise in freakin’ EVERYTHING! So here’s the lowdown on some of my favourite clothing items this year…
Tops
I’ll start with something that I can never have enough of…jumpers! One brand that I can’t seem to stop buying which is Beaumont & Bear…let me just say that these jumpers are honestly the softest and comfiest that I have come across so far…and they actually stay that was rather than going hard and scratchy! My favourite items at the moment have to be the quarter zips, I love the Cliff Road Quarter Zip and although I have the green Kingswear Quarter Zip, I am hankering after many other colours (including the newly released burnt orange shade). You can get 10% off Beaumont & Bear with the code KIRSTYJ10
Another of my top brands for cosy knitwear is Ivy & Rigg which is a Northumberland based company and although I am just across the Border, I consider this to be a fairly local brand for me (and they are also a fabulously ethical brand so bonus points there). When I’m looking for a thick, wooly jumper, I reach for the Hadrian Wool Guernsey Jumper. It is so perfect for the colder months and looks gorgeous too, I like to add a tartan scarf to this when I’m out and about. For something a little thinner, look no further than the Bamburgh Recycled Quarter Zip…these come in three colours and are the perfect lighter layer. I actually have two of these and wear them all year round. This year however, I’d love to see the Cheviot Wool Jumper under my tree…I love both the navy and cream versions and can you really have too much knitwear? I think not, especially if you’re a cold tattie like I am. For £10 off your first order use code https://i.refs.cc/qnB9V0g7?smile_ref=eyJzbWlsZV9zb3VyY2UiOiJzbWlsZV91aSIsInNtaWxlX21lZGl1bSI6IiIsInNtaWxlX2NhbXBhaWduIjoicmVmZXJyYWxfcHJvZ3JhbSIsInNtaWxlX2N1c3RvbWVyX2lkIjo2Njk3NzQzMTN9
A wardrobe staple that I could not live without is a nice shirt…or ten. Whether it’s work, casual wear or evening attire, the right shirt will always look good. One of my favourite brands is Beaufort & Blake and I have a number of their shirts hanging in my wardrobe…checked, plain, cord, you name it, I’ve got it! However one shirt that I don’t own and I wish I did is the Stroud Cord Shirt (I’m lusting after the pink Rosewood shade). The material is slightly thicker than the usual shirt but still incredibly flattering and oh so stylish. I’m also loving the Bibury Flannel Shirt which comes in four colours and is made from the softest cotton material. These shirts will last from season to season and can be styled for all occasions. For £20 off £100 spend, click here.
As someone who spends a lot of time outdoors, a cosy rollneck is something I would consider a practical necessity rather than a stylish one. However, Ginger & Jardine have somehow managed to transform this often drab item of clothing into something rather special. G&J are a UK based offering clothing made from sustainable bamboo. Now as much as I love their checked rollnecks (I have three, they are amazing and I thoroughly recommend), I really, really love their hunting and pheasant patterns. The most recent addition to my collection was the Hunt Jump Cosy Roll Neck and it so amazing. I adore the pattern and often wear this while I’m out on the horse to keep me cosy. The material is unbelievably soft and as it says in it’s name, very cosy! However, there are another couple of patterns that are still on my radar and that’s the Pheasant and The Hounds. I just love how beautiful these designs are perfect for those who spend time in the countryside.
I feel like so far, most of these suggestions have been fairly casual so let’s smarten up a bit. For evening tops, I always like to have a nose in Zara as it offers a huge selection, usually at a reasonable price. At the moment I am loving the selection of cropped satin tops and this bottle green Open Back top and this deep purple Satin Crop are up there at the top of my list. The jewel colours are so opulent and perfect for this time of year. Zara also has the most amazing selection of satin shirts in a rainbow of colours and I am loving this Stone shade Satin Oversized Shirt…perfect tucked into a pair of black skinny jeans (yes skinny jeans, don’t @ me).
Outerwear
Something else I find I need in every style/ colour possible are gilets, jackets and coats! The ever changing weather here means we need to be ready for every element all year round! Starting with gilets, and a brand we all know and love, Fairfax & Favor. I already have the Elizabeth gilet in tan (it’s beautiful) but I also have my eye on the newly released Reversible version in mushroom…it just looks so snuggly soft and I love the colour!! For something a bit warmer (aka with sleeves), I would head straight for the Charlotte Padded Jacket. I may also have the gilet version of this but the jacket is perfect for the colder months, the material is padded and super cosy, the colour is gorgeous and I love the new shorter length (compared to the long version). For 10% off your first F&F purchase you can use this code https://fairfaxandfavor.mention-me.com/m/ol/qb5nz-cf2c95165f
Looking for a beautiful tweed coat or jacket? Look no further than Holland Cooper. If you want to make a statement (and have money to burn), I’ll direct you towards the Full Length Marlborough Trench Coat which comes in two patterns but I love the Tawny version. As much I wish I could, this is not a style I think I can pull off but if you know someone who could, then this would make an incredible gift. If you’re looking for something than can be worn anywhere, The Knightsbridge Blazer may be the one for you. I have loved this design since it first came out and it is still going strong! I love all the patterns, but I think if I had to choose right now I would go for the Blackwatch or the Houndstooth – both classics!
For something a bit easier on the purse strings and probably my favourite high street brands for coats and jackets, I thoroughly recommend having a look in Zara. I cannot go into this shop without finding at least two or three jackets that I want to take home. For something that can be dressed up or down, you can’t go wrong with a double breasted blazer and this one comes in a variety of colours so there’s something to suit everyone. I also love the look of this longer Houndstooth version and this Textured Round Neck Blazer for something a little bit different. Aviator jackets just keep coming back again and again and this year I love this dark brown Double Faced Jacket instead of the usual black…fashionable and functional – tick. Last but not least, another coat that I have been eyeing up over the past couple of weeks is this Wool Blend Coat with Faux Fur Collar. It is so smart but also super cosy, perfect for the colder weather.
Trousers & Skirts
People can say what they want about skinny jeans going out of fashion but I can safely say, you will have to prize mine out of my cold dead hands! I have two go to brands, both of which are high street and at the lower end of the price range. Firstly the High Waist Bum Sculpt Skinnies from River Island and also the Lift & Shape High Waist Yazmin Skinnies from New Look. I find both of these fit really well and keep their colour even after multiple washes.
For something a little smarter, I love the Zara Full Length Trousers. The material is lovely and they just look super chic, especially when paired with heels. These come in a variety of colours (I already have the cream and pink versions), can be dressed up or down and are perfect for all seasons.
When it comes to skirts, I think you can never go wrong with classic tweed and for this, I’ll point you in the direction of Vantage Atelier. The Henrietta Skirt is the perfect length and comes in a variety of different tweeds (Personally, I love the City Houndstooth and the Bracken designs). VA also offer a bespoke service so you can order a skirt perfectly fitted to your measurments, as well as customise the length or adding additional details.
Activewear
Moving on to something I wear pretty much on a daily basis – sportswear (or shall we call it athleisure)? There is one brand that I buy from over and over and over again…Sweaty Betty. I can’t help it, I love their leggings SO MUCH and cannot recommend them enough (I think at my last count I had 9 or 10 pairs)! My go-to are always the Power Leggings…high waisted and bum sculpting, what more could you want?! These leggings are super soft, the material is thick so it really sucks you in and more importantly, are very much squat proof. They also come in an array of fun designs or block colours so there’s something to suit everyone. When I have managed to pry myself away from the power leggings, I also have a few pairs of both the Super Soft Leggings and the All Day Leggings which unsurprisingly, are incredibly soft and super stretchy…they are also ideal for every day even if you are just lounging around the house. I’m really not kidding when I say I live in these (thanks WFH).
Another gymwear brand that I only came across in the last year or so and am now completely obsessed with is Voxy. Now when I say I hate my legs, I mean I really hate them, always have and probably always will. But the short-shorts from Voxy are so damn cute and comfy that even I have been wearing them…and have bought multiple pairs in a pretty short space of time. Voxy offer Booty shorts (the shortest short-shorts) and 5 inch shorts as well as leggings, bra tops and socks in an amazing array of colourful designs. There is a core selection but Voxy often drop limited edition prints throughout the year and these sell out FAST! My favourite design are the Electric Avenue Booty Shorts – a super hot pink with lightning bolt design…I may also have the matching bra in this print. Next on my wishlist are these Amazonia Print shorts and the Marble Madness leggings. You can get 10% off your order by clicking here and use the code KIRSTYJ.
One more activewear brand I want to mention is Gazelle Activewear. Based in East Lothian, Gazelle Activewear offers comfortable clothing, perfect for the outdoors (or just for daily wear). Seeing as winter is fast approaching, the Thermal Leggings are a great place to start. Thermal lined and with not one but TWO pockets (game changer), these leggings are perfect for those who spend a lot of time outdoors. I’m also loving the look of the newly released Padded Jackets which are lightly padded and showerproof but still super flattering. These come in navy and red but personally, I’ve got my eye on the red version! GA is also offering a Christmas Duo deal at the moment where you can get a pair of leggings and a crew neck jumper for just £60! See ya at the checkout!
Nightwear
Let’s forget about clothes for a minute and move on to another of my favourite things…pyjamas! Anyone who knows me will know that I love a fancy pair of pj’s, especially now that it’s getting chilly. There is one brand that I am a regular customer of and would recommend time and time again, and that’s Chelsea Peers. I have so many pairs of their satin pyjamas, both long and short versions and I never get tired of them. They are almost too nice to sleep in and I’ve been very tempted to wear the satin tops as shirts. Anyway, these Satin Sets are to die for and won’t break the bank. I think my top picks at the moment would be the Navy Bee Satin Button Up Set or the Hot Pink Jaguar design. If satin isn’t your jam, I 100% recommend the super cosy velour sets. I have a double breasted pink velour pyjama set and always feel like I should also have an extravagant feather trimmed gown trailing behind me. Take a look at this Velour Hot Pink Button Up set and tell me you aren’t tempted. I’d more than likely buy these for myself rather than as a gift for someone else!
So hopefully that may have given you a few ideas, whether for yourself of someone else is up to you!
*Some discount codes are ambassador discounts but most are just for being a paying customer 🙂
Until next time,
K x
lifewithkirstyjane.com 