My Ultimate Wishlist

I regularly proclaim that I want to ‘buy less but better’ and work towards creating a capsule wardrobe to last me a lifetime, yet I struggle to put my money where my mouth is. The lure of trends and fast fashion is strong, particularly in this business where a new item every six months just won’t cut it. Besides, I’m a student, and I’m pretty sure my student loan is (unfortunately) not intended for Gucci dresses and Chloe bags.

Although I’m not quite at the stage of my life where I can justify spending upwards of a thousand pounds on a bag, there are some things I’m not quite willing to compromise on.

Certain staple pieces are sure to remain as timeless as they are now, so are worth investing in. Over the next few years and beyond, I want to start slowly building up a collection of beautiful, classic pieces that I won’t regret splurging on and am sure I’ll wear, and maybe even pass down one day.

THE LEATHER JACKET

I’m probably not the only one with a love of All Saints leather jackets, amiright guys? I’ve been putting off buying a leather jacket, because if it’s not All Saints (or even better Acne, but lets be realistic here), I’m not interested. My favourite is the Balfern style at £298 – it’s the perfect in-between length that meets your trousers without being oversized, with solid wide lapels (leather jackets without lapels are like Harry without Ron, or hot chocolate without marshmallows: just plain wrong).

THE LEATHER TROUSERS

I want a pair of badass rocker-chic Sandy-from-Grease-when-she-gets-cool leather trousers so bad. John Travolta circa-1978 would be nice too. Although I’m not too fussy about these being real leather (real leather can be quite stiff, which isn’t ideal for trousers), I won’t stand for any of that stretchy jegging rubbish. They need to at least pretend to be leather! And actual trouser details, like belt loops and a zipper are a must. Zips for added rock-n-roll coolness, optional. Swagger, necessary.

THE KENZO JUMPER

Ok, technically this is a trend piece. Remember when they first came out with the tiger print logo and every cool blogger ever had the green one? Mannn I wanted that jumper so bad. And yeah, I still do. Although I’ve moved on from the green to a more subdued grey marl, I still love these jumpers despite the fact that the fash pack would probably consider them totally past it. And if, years later, you still pine for something as much as you did when you first saw it? It’s probably a keeper. (Incidentally, this rule also works for men. Johnny Depp where ya at?)

THE MANSUR GAVRIEL BUCKET BAG

Another trend piece, sure. That said, I can’t see these babies going anywhere fast. They’re elegant, understated, and the small quantities produced means they’re almost permanently out of stock, so also exclusive! Plus, at around £500 depending on the style, they’re not going to break the bank like certain other designer must-haves *cough* Chanel 2.55 *cough*.

THE BLACK MINI BAG

I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect mini-bag for ages now, but I have yet to find the perfect one. Mini-bags are a great way to get onto the designer bag ladder when you’re hesitant like me, because many brands will do mini versions of popular styles at mini-er prices that their full-size counterparts. Plus as they’re not designed to haul your entire life around they’re less likely to get ruined after your water bottle inevitably leaks over everything (this happens to me worryingly often, I should not be trusted with water).

THE BLACK BOOTS

Acne Chelsea’s. Pretty much every Isabel Marant style. Sleek Saint Laurent suede. Dolce glitz. My only reservation is that I can’t keep my shoes clean to save my life, so boots really wouldn’t be an investment. One day, when I’m mature and have learnt how to walk without scuffing my shoes.

THE PARTY DRESS

Like Mansur Gavriel, Self-Portrait are another breakout brand from the past year or so. And I’m in love. Romantic lace dresses in delicate creams and racier blacks feel so refreshing after seasons of sportswear normcore dominance. Not to mention the relatively purse friendly prices, retailing at around £200-£300. I’ve got my eye on the strappy lace midi with 50s full skirt and sweetheart neckline. In my head I’d wear it to hypothetical awards parties and black-tie soirees, but in reality I’d probably just twirl around in it in the confines of my bedroom lots, pretending to be living the ballroom scene in Beauty and The Beast (you know which scene I mean, don’t pretend you don’t!).

There are lots of other pieces I have my eye on – Paula Cadamartori’s graphic bags, Marco de Vincenzo metallics, a Dolce sundress – but these seven staples are the pieces I want to focus on accumulating to create the perfect timeless capsule wardrobe. Will I manage to give up my late night ASOS splurges, and sneaky Topshop Oxford Street sprees? Fingers crossed.