You guys know I am all about a capsule wardrobe this year, and so I sat down and made a concise list of the simple basic pieces I needed for Spring that would work with my existing wardrobe, and I wanted to share these with you today. It seems like you’ve been really interested in this topic (I still can’t believe my Winter Capsule wardrobe video has that many views!), so here are the 10 Capsule Wardrobe Basics I’m buying for Spring/Summer 2016, featuring a mix of investment and budget options. Plus, with many of the bigger online retailers currently in sale at the moment (ASOS, Shopbop, River Island,) now is the perfect time to invest in those capsule-pieces, or snap up some sale bargains for the season ahead.
Let’s get started!
Clothing
1: Leather biker jacket:
Okay, I know investing in leather coming into Spring might seem crazy, but living in Ireland, you’ll pretty much always need a jacket with you when leaving the house, even in the Summertime. Biker jackets have always been one of my absolute go-to wardrobe essentials, but I’ve never invested any real funds in a great quality leather one. So when I saw that Shopbop were starting their big sale today, I decided to have a peek at their biker jackets, and sure enough, there was my actual dream leather biker jacket from Veda on sale, in my size, and my heart actually stopped. It was reduced, I also had a gift card, AND they are doing an extra 25% off everything (sale and non-sale items!) with the code INTHEFAM…. so I bought it! It’s more than I’ve ever spent on one item of clothing before, but it’s the most perfect version of one of my ultimate wardrobe staples, and I know I’ll have it for life. Fingers crossed I ordered the right size, haha!
If you don’t want to go for an investment option, here is a more budget-friendly version (but still in real leather) right here.
2: Tan Double Breasted Blazer:
I bought a tan boyfriend style blazer on Misguided a few months ago and I absolutely love it, it’s on constant rotation in my wardrobe. The material is now starting to bobble unfortunately, (which is to be expected given the price so I’m not really complaining) so now I’m on the hunt for a better quality version, and I’m willing to spend that little bit more if I need to. Here’s an Investment Option I love (also on sale) and also a Budget buy
3: Bomber Jacket:
Another style of clothing I’ve fallen in love with for Spring/Summer is the bomber jacket. They’re comfortable and so versatile, and I’ve picked up quite a few cheap-and-cheerful pairs over the past few months (here, here and here) and since I wore those all SO much, a good quality one is right up there on my SS16 wishlist.
Investment Option (love the oversized fit of this one!) | Budget buy (if you’re trying out the trend)
4: Black skinny Jeans:
Another item in my wardrobe that I’ve never spent much money on is my jeans. I often pick them up on the highstreet only to find that they sag and stretch after a few months when the elasticity in the fabric eventually goes. If you follow me on Snapchat (CiaraODoherty) you’ll also know that yesterday a pair of my jeans ripped right at the bum when I bent over! Cheap and cheerful is fine for jeans in trendy colours or prints that you wont want forever, but for a good pair of black skinny jeans, I think it’s wise to spend a bit more if you can. I’ve done some research online and apparently the best jeans in the mid-range market are 7 for all Mankind, J Brand, and MiH jeans.
I decided to take advantage of the 25% off Shopbop code I mentioned above and also bought this pair of jeans with my Veda jackets (these are supposed to make you look a whole size smaller – WIN!) If you want a more affordable option, this pair from River Island have a similar look.
TOP TIP: When buying jeans, always go one size down (as long as you can close them!) as the material stretches slightly after the first wash.
5: Black denim shorts:
Another summer staple that I don’t yet have in my wardrobe are denim shorts. I have a light blue denim pair, but surprisingly, no black pair. There are lots of different options to choose from, but in my opinion you needn’t spend too much on these as with our Irish weather, odds are we’ll only get a few weeks of weather for them. So instead of an investment, here are three options under €100 here, here and here.
Shoes
6: Black Loafers:
You may have spotted from my recent basics wishlist post that a good pair of loafers are high on on my wishlist. My dream is a Gucci pair, but they’re rather pricy, so I just might have to hold off on this one until next season.
Shop the Investment Option (I WILL invest in these someday!) and also a budget version.
7: Leather espadrilles:
I don’t know about you guys, but I don’t really like wearing sandals or open-toed flats in the summertime. Sure, they look pretty and all, but I find them so flimsy, and once the sun goes down my poor feet get freezing! I’ve never had a pair of espadrilles before, but I love how chic a plain black leather pair looks, plus they’re that bit more protective on your feet. Again, since this is a summer-specific buy, you needn’t invest too much in these, just try to go for a real leather pair, as they will be the most comfortable and long-lasting. My favourite are this black Opening Ceremony pair, but I also like these and these.
Accessories
8: Lariat Necklace:
I’ve wanted a Jennifer Zeuner Gold Lariat necklace ever since I first spotted it on a blogger about three years ago, they are so understatedly elegant, and perfect for layering up with a few other dainty chains your collection. I tried out a few cheaper options but they always ended up tarnishing or breaking after a few wears. There are lots of styles to choose from that don’t cost the earth, so if you don’t want to go for Jennifer Zeuner, then try some other versions here or Stella & Dot.
9: Black Investment Crossbody Bag:
It’s been almost 6 months since I bought my Louis Vuitton Speedy, and would you believe I haven’t bought one other bag since. Not one! I think now it’s time to make another calculated bag purchase, except this time I’m thinking a smaller crossbody bag (in black) would be perfect. I’m still not sure which style or designer I want to go with, I’m thinking maybe something smaller like this Saint Laurent style, or something a little more roomy from Philip Lim. Whatever I end up choosing, it will be one that I’ll keep for life, so I better take my time and make the right choice.
10: Classic Sunglasses:
And lastly, sunglasses are a Spring staple, and I have so many on my wishlist. I’m trying to narrow it down to one classic style that will work with everything, and I think it’s this squared black pair from Saint Laurent. They’re very like the square Celine Audrey’s but a bit smaller, so more versatile I think! You can also find a really similar pair for less here.
So that’s it for my Spring basics wishlist, I hope you enjoyed this shopping post, I’ll be sure to show you guys the jacket and jeans once they arrive (TOO excited!) and if you are picking up anything from Shopbop yourself, don’t forget to use that code I mentioned, it really makes a difference. Also, If you’re wondering why I’ve been putting morr emphasis on investment purchases this year, then feel free to read my 2016 Wardrobe Detox post which explains it a bit more.
Happy Shopping,
Love,
Ciara x
