May Wardrobe Report
What I bought and tried on in London + storage swaps
Welcome back to my monthly wardrobe recap! This month was a bit different since I spent a week in London with my mom and did a loooot of shopping… and basically none for the rest of the month. I still made a few changes to my closet that I’ll get to at the end. It’s a long one, so let’s jump in!
What I Bought This Month
If you’re a regular reader, you know that I’m usually quite intentional and organized with my purchases. However, I wanted to just have fun in London, so I went in with a loose wishlist, an open mind, and honestly not much room left in my carry-on to bring a lot back anyway. I didn’t need much either — I mostly wanted to try on brands that aren’t easily accessible here in Canada. Window shopping is just as fun for me!
I still ended up coming home with a few great things I’m very happy about.
This post is too long for email, you can open it in your browser or read it on the app!
I was very excited when I saw the WNU x Lucy Williams collaboration drop just before my trip because I loved a few of the pieces, and it felt like the perfect opportunity to try the UK brand for the first time.
These pants were definitely not on my bingo card, quite honestly, as I usually skip anything with an elastic waistband. It’s one of those things I love on others but not on myself — they just never seem to do me any favours. I honestly probably wouldn’t even have tried these on if I hadn’t been on vacation and feeling more curious/open-minded than usual.
The elastic is really thin and stretchy, and the added drawstring helps keep everything secure, which might be why they ended up working for me? Maybe the poplin fabric helps too because it gives them more structure? Probably a mix of a few different things, but in the end I put them on and immediately understood what I’d been missing by skipping the whole “wearing PJ bottoms” trend. They truly feel like wearing nothing at all, and I know they’ll be amazing during those “too hot to care” days.
They also came in cobalt blue and wow… that did not make the decision easy. I finally decided to go with the white pair because the color feels more timeless to me, and even though I’m currently loving cobalt blue (and it definitely feels like the color of the season), I just know I’ll never get tired of white. Now let’s hope my fear of staining them doesn’t get in the way…
I saw Olivia’s Shopping Diary share an ELVEEV pop-up on IG stories a few days before my trip, which I immediately had to include in my itinerary. They carry some great brands that I don’t normally get to see in person, and she mentioned that they had the A. Emery sandals I’d been eyeing, so it really felt like the stars were aligned.
The owner and employee were both so nice that I immediately felt at ease and spent way too much time debating between the Viola (left) and Kinto (right).
The Viola were definitely more comfortable out of the box because of the padded insole, but they were also chunkier, which is always a bit of a red flag for me. My heart had already been set on the Kinto for a few weeks, so that’s what ultimately convinced me to go with them.
I haven’t worn them yet because they were dropped off at my cobbler almost immediately after I got back — they are VERY slippery. Like, to the point where I’d genuinely be worried about falling while wearing them in my own house.
I’m usually not too sensitive when it comes to flip-flops, so I’m hoping they won’t require too much breaking in. Style-wise, though, they’re basically my dream pair of minimal black leather flip-flops, and I really hope they’ll last me many, many years.
If you read my travel diary last week, you might remember this sweatshirt. I bought it on my last day out after completely underestimating the (freezing) weather. I immediately thought of Melissa Asquith, who’s been wearing hers a ton lately, and I totally get why. It’s just a very, very good sweatshirt.
Did I say just last month that I didn’t need a sweatshirt? Yes. Yes, I did. However, I don’t regret it one bit. It’s just too useful and goes with everything. Proof is I’ve already worn it three times.
Like Emily Grady Dodge said:
I guess the moral of the story is- always have an emergency grey sweatshirt when you travel.
Honestly, this might be the wisest travel advice I’ve heard in a while.
4— COS Tank Top
Would it even be a wardrobe report without at least one COS purchase? To be fair, this was actually on my list of things I needed to replace. I only own one white tank top and… let’s just say it had seen better days.
I tried a few during the trip, but this one was the clear winner. It checked all my criteria: can be worn with a regular bra, not see-through (I’m even wearing a black bra in the photos below), not ribbed, and made from a heavier fabric that isn’t too form-fitting.
The only thing I’m unsure about is whether I picked the right color. I first tried it in navy, and I honestly think the navy version looks a bit chicer. I ultimately went with white because it felt like the more practical option, but let me know if you think I should go back for the navy too1.
5— Vintage Levi’s (from Pin Denim)
I obviously had to keep the best for last. I was very excited to meet Chloe from Pin Denim at her RIXO pop-up and try on some vintage jeans with her guidance and expertise. I’ve seen her work her magic on Substack favorites Anna Newton, Anika Krueger and Emma Rose Thatcher, but as I mentioned before, I was a bit unsure about how vintage denim would fit me. I’d always assumed it wasn’t for me because vintage jeans typically aren’t very high-waisted, which is what I prefer. Well… that changed about five minutes into my appointment with Chloe.
The very first pair she pulled for me ended up being the one I bought, but I honestly liked several of the options, and you better believe I’m now fully hooked and ready to add more pairs in the future. If you’re in London, I really recommend booking with her because being able to compare different vintage styles in person was incredibly helpful.
I didn’t have anything super specific in mind before the appointment, but I told Chloe I was hoping to find an ankle-length pair that suited my proportions since that was what felt most missing from my closet (and what I struggled the most to find on my own).
I genuinely don’t think I’ve ever put more flattering jeans on my body — I feel amazing in these. I almost included a photo of the back too, but you’ll just have to trust me — they somehow look just as good from behind.
It’s probably too early to say this, but they might already be my new favorite jeans.
I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to replicate this with another vintage pair, but honestly… it’s now my new life mission, ha!
Bonus: My Travel Tradition Purchase
A few years ago, I started a little tradition of buying a ring whenever I travel somewhere new as a memory of the trip. I almost didn’t find one I liked enough during this trip, which honestly left me a bit disappointed, but then this one appeared in front of my eyes on the very last day. Very happy about it!
What I Tried On
I obviously tried on a lot of things during the trip since I had the time and opportunity to do so, so let’s go through some of my favorites by store first. Then, at the end, I’ll do a full recap of all the trench coats I tried on because… there were many.
Arket
Arket was probably the store I was most excited to visit because even though they ship to Canada, I wasn’t sure about the sizing. I ended up trying a few basics (not pictured), but honestly wasn’t really loving anything — except, of course, for the sweatshirt I bought. I did quite like these jackets though.
The first one reminded me a lot of my COS merino wool cardigan/jacket because the shape was practically identical, but this version was in cotton, which sounded great for spring/summer. I thought it looked nice, but not special enough to justify buying it. The color also wasn’t the best on me.
Then, I liked the two jackets with the frog closures. The denim one was my favorite, but once again it wasn’t a “hell yes,” which meant it had to be a no. I also already own a somewhat similar one from Everlane (oof… feels weird saying that now), and I don’t wear it that much already, so I don’t think I can justify adding another one.
WNU
I wish I had photos of the shirts I tried on to share, but unfortunately I don’t. I first visited the Marylebone location (for the white pants I bought), but I knew we’d be going to the Notting Hill store later in the week, so I waited until then to try on a few shirts.
There were only two fitting rooms and the full length mirror was outside (I hate when stores do that). Two other people were waiting too, so I didn’t feel comfortable taking my time or going back to grab my phone to take photos.
Anyway, I tried on these three styles (they all fit true to size on me), and my favorite was definitely the brown and blue striped one. The fabric was sooo soft and comfortable, the pattern felt fun yet classic, and it took a good amount of willpower not to buy it. I just really don’t need any more oversized shirts right now.
The other two were very nice as well, but they felt more like styles I could probably find elsewhere (maybe because I tried them in white too). If I ever purchase a shirt from them in the future, I’d definitely go for a colored one since they do color so well!
Reformation
I know Reformation is from the US, but since we don’t have a store in Montreal, it felt like the perfect opportunity to finally try a few pieces on in person.
They had all three pieces I was interested in in my size, which was nice — and honestly quite unexpected. First, the Cynthia jeans. The fit and fabric were both really nice, but once again, I didn’t love the length on me. They were just a bit too short.
I tried them on with the cashmere boyfriend sweater, which truly felt like wearing a hug. I really liked the color combo, but at the ripe age of 37, I know myself well enough to know I’d eventually get tired of it. I’m just boring when it comes to sweaters! And if I’m going to experiment with both color and pattern at once, I won’t start with a $300 cashmere sweater.
Then, the Fern Satin Short that were SO popular last year. I loved the idea of lace silky shorts last summer, but told myself I’d wait and see if I still wanted them this year. Honestly? I don’t think I do.
I really liked these and honestly don’t have anything bad to say about them (except that I think the price is quite steep for an acetate/polyester blend). However, I felt like I was wearing fancy PJ bottoms — and not in a “wow these are so comfy” kind of way like the white pants2, but more in a “I can’t imagine myself leaving the house wearing these” kind of way. I think it’s the combination of the lace and silky fabric. A simpler pair without lace would probably feel totally fine to me.
Don’t be offended if you own a pair because I know they’re totally acceptable to wear out and they look (and feel!) great — it’s really just a me thing. They’re the perfect example of a fantasy item for me: something I’d absolutely wear on vacation, but that just doesn’t fit my day-to-day life.
Weekday
I honestly didn’t know a thing about this store before the trip — I’d never even heard of it until Melissa Asquith shared the balloon trousers she bought from there. They looked so good on her that I immediately got intrigued. Then, a few days later, I spotted the same pair on Monikh on IG, which made me even more curious.
I ended up walking past one of their stores completely by coincidence, so of course I had to go in and try them on too.
I have to say, I totally get the appeal because they were SO comfortable. However, they still fall into the elastic-waist-bottoms category, which, as you know by now, isn’t one of my favorites. Unlike the white poplin ones I bought, these were very soft and drapey, which made all the difference for me.
I immediately knew I’d struggle to style them in a way that wouldn’t feel too casual for my personal style. Melissa and Monikh wear them so well that I wish I could too, but I know they’d read as actual PJs on me.
I genuinely considered getting them just to lounge around the house in, but then I had to remind myself that I was traveling with only a carry-on and already had way too many things to bring back, ha!
COS
I’ll keep this brief because I’m fully aware this newsletter is starting to look sponsored by COS (I wish, ha!). These were the two items I tried on that I liked the most and would actually consider buying.
First, this is the long sleeve version of a black waistcoat I already own. I’ve wished so many times that mine had sleeves3 so I could wear it more often throughout the year, and it seems like they somehow heard my request! I love this one just as much as my sleeveless version, but I do wish it came in a different color. In my opinion, this fabric won’t age very nicely in white, so I’m waiting to see if they release it in another color in a future drop.
Then, this beautiful dress in the exact A-line shape, short sleeves, and maxi length I’d been looking for. Unfortunately, once again, I just wouldn’t go for white. Especially because it was very see-through. I obviously wouldn’t wear black underwear like I am here, but still, I felt completely naked.
So here’s hoping they release it in another color…
The Never-Ending Search for the Perfect Trench Coat
Was it realistic to think I could bring a maxi trench coat home in a carry-on? No, it wasn’t. Did that stop me from trying on every single one I came across during the trip? Also no.
The first two are from Toteme, and the fact that I loved them comes as absolutely no surprise because they are, unfortunately, very much out of my budget. They were also both way too small for me (I think they were a size 34 and 36, while I’m more of a 40/42), but I didn’t even bother finding an employee at Liberty to ask for different sizes. I just knew they’d fit even better with the right sizing and extra length, and sometimes you just have to save yourself from the heartbreak!
But hey, you never know. Maybe one day I’ll come across one secondhand or get lucky and find one on sale like I did with my country jacket.
The third one is from Studio Nicholson. I loved visiting their store — they really do make beautiful clothes. I was especially excited to try on the trench I’d spotted online, but unfortunately I didn’t like it on me4.
The fourth one is from Massimo Dutti, and I really liked that the fabric was different (it’s a linen/lyocell blend). Unfortunately, once again, it just wasn’t “the one”.
The fifth one is from Soeur and felt so unique. I loved the cut, and you could definitely tell the quality was higher compared to the ones from the high-street brands I’d tried. I wasn’t such a fan of the lighter color though — it read a bit too “lab coat” to me, and I just couldn’t picture myself wearing it for years to come, so I had to pass.
The last one was probably the most surprising. It’s from & Other Stories and honestly such nice quality for the price (and 100% cotton). I really loved it on me, and the color looked much less warm in real life than it does in this photo. Except for the Toteme ones, it was definitely my favorite trench I tried during the trip (and probably all year). It was way too bulky to even consider bringing home in my carry-on, but I’m still thinking about it… I’m just unsure whether I’d rather wait for the perfect vintage one to eventually find me since I’m really not in a hurry at all. Let me know what you think about this one!
Storage Swaps
Note: I talk a bit about weight fluctuations in this section, so feel free to skip ahead if you’d prefer.
I decided to do things a bit differently this month and, instead of getting rid of seasonal items I’m unsure about or not loving at the moment, I simply stored them away in a bag under my bed and archived them in my Indyx so I wouldn’t see them every time I open my closet or the app.
I’m usually very quick to get rid of things, so I thought trying something different might help me slow down and take my time instead.
Here are the spring/summer items that I put in storage at the moment, but of course, I can always bring them back in rotation if I change my mind.
1- This Everlane dress is one of the oldest pieces in my closet. I haven’t worn it much since having kids because it used to fit me a bit differently, and I’m also just not super into mini dresses right now. Still, I’m happy to keep it around as my LBD option.
2- This is a self-made skirt and honestly one of the easiest sewing projects if you’re new to sewing (would recommend!). I’m just not really into skirts at the moment — and even less into elastic-waist skirts. But if the urge comes back, this one will be waiting for me.
3- This top was very loved by a bunch of you last year (you created sooo many outfits with it during my Indyx challenge!), but I just don’t feel like wearing bright pink at the moment.
4- Same reason as number 2: I’m just not in a skirt mood right now, but I’m glad to still have the option in case that changes.
5- This is very much an “over a swimsuit only” kind of shirt for me — something I’d bring on vacation, but unfortunately we don’t have any trips planned for the upcoming weeks.
I’ve also realized it’s the second year in a row5 that my weight has naturally fluctuated in a similar way depending on the season. It’s not necessarily intentional — I’m just much less active during the colder months, and once the weather warms up I suddenly want to spend all my time outside. My waistline is where I notice the biggest difference, which means I should probably keep a pants rotation that reflects that reality. It wouldn’t really make sense for me to keep following the popular advice of “if it doesn’t fit right now, get rid of it.”
Reality looks more like: if it doesn’t fit in winter, it’ll probably fit come summer, and vice versa.
So in terms of pants, I put away the ones that don’t fit properly anymore and brought back some older ones, which means my favorite pair of dark blue straight-leg jeans — the pair I spent the last six months trying to replace — is suddenly back in rotation, while some fall/winter favorites are now in storage.
I wear the vast majority of my pants year-round, so hopefully keeping a few backup pairs in different sizes will turn out to be the right strategy for me.
Final Thoughts
This was obviously a very fun shopping month for me, and London absolutely didn’t disappoint. However, after spending a full week mostly shopping, I came home feeling like I wanted to slow down a little.
I feel very satisfied with my spring/summer wardrobe at the moment and would like to spend some time actually living with what I have before making more purchases. I’m not doing a no-buy or anything like that — just trying to be a bit more mindful of my shopping habits.
I also feel like I’m not doing so great lately in terms of buying secondhand versus new. I used to thrift a lot and almost always look for secondhand options first, whereas now my default has become buying new simply because it’s easier. It’s definitely something I want to reflect on and work on over the next few weeks.
Last Chance to Submit a Look for the Indyx Challenge!
This is actually one of the reasons why I decided to bring back the Indyx challenge, where I try on outfits you create for me in the app. Last time was genuinely one of the most fun and inspiring posts I’ve done — you all styled me in ways I never would have thought of myself and showed me so many new outfit possibilities.
Since it’s all about inspiring each other and finding new ways to style our closets, I’ll definitely return the favor and style as many of you as I can back on Indyx too6 :)
If you’d like to participate, click here to create one (or more!) looks, and don’t forget to leave a note7 letting me know you’re coming from Substack and/or how you’d like me to style the outfit.
I already have so many good looks waiting for me (tysm!), and I can’t wait to try them all on next week. You have until the end of May (so, this Sunday!) to submit yours :)
Until next time x
*All links in this post are non-affiliate (just sharing for reference).
If you enjoyed this post, liking, sharing, or subscribing (for free!) would mean so much to me. Thanks for being here!
Surprisingly I don’t actually own any navy tops for spring/summer…
Even though they were obviously very comfortable…
I tried it on a few times with a long sleeve tee underneath, but unfortunately didn’t love how it looked on me.
It was also too small but I didn’t bother trying on another size
It probably isn’t new, but in previous years I was either pregnant or postpartum/nursing.
Just note that you need a paid subscription and an open closet for me to be able to style you back on Indyx!
Just click on the three dots in the top right corner to leave a note.
The vintage jeans look amazing on you! Fyi Weekday is the youngest leaning brand in the H&M group, known for their cheap and wellwearing jeans.
the emergency grey sweatshirt is a must, and that arket one is so good! Also v jealous of you pin experience, those jeans look fabulous! on my bucket list for sure.