The List

The List
Written By Kelly Moseley

This week’s list is a tribute to the best basics around and a breezy beach holiday aesthetic, even when said beach holiday probably won’t be happening until 2021... Here are the things I’ve been looking at, thinking about, and sometimes even adding to basket.

From left to right;

  • I bought this linen shirt last summer and it’s fast become one of the things I reach for most when I’m getting dressed. The classic menswear inspired shape means it won’t date either. White linen shirt, £110, L.F. Markey at Net a Porter

  •   This bikini is an ABSOLUTE STEAL, and here’s why. I started a love affair with Australian swimwear brand Zulu and Zephyr about 5 years ago when we were in Australia on a family holiday. The quality is excellent, the fits flattering, and their prints and colourways are dreamy. It’s a problem then, that the only place you can buy the brand in the UK is ASOS.  Click on the link and you’ll see what I mean. They manage to make this premium, expensive Aussie brand look, um, tacky as hell. The only upside? It mostly goes into sale, so there are bargains to be had. Top tip? Look on the Zulu and Zephyr website or their Instagram feed to get a true feel for the pieces on offer. Bikini top, £21.50 (was £54), Bikini bottoms, £29.50 (was £54) Zulu and Zephry at ASOS

  •  If you saw my Instagram post last week, you’ll know I’ve been somewhat obsessing over this fringed, retro beach umbrella. I couldn’t find a cheaper version, I really tried. So I guess this is the one. If I can’t go to the beach this summer, you can bet your ass I’m bringing the beach (vibes) to my garden with this bad boy. Fringed beach umbrella, £269, Business & Pleasure Co at Bear and Bear

  •  When I really don’t have the energy to make any effort in the morning, I reach for the gold earrings. Works every time. These are my most recent pair. Layered hoop earrings, £11, & Other Stories

  • This shirt dress is an easy-to-wear summer shape with an original print in a flattering shade of blue. I can’t think of anyone this wouldn’t suit, so I predict it will sell out fast. If you like it, go, go, go. Tencel shirt dress, £69, Stories

  •  These canvas trainers are the perfect summer update for my (slightly battered) black Gazelles. They’re on their 6th year now so could do with some downtime. adidas Nizza trainers, £54.95, adidas

  •  I’m a big fan of L.F. Markey (as you are probably starting to notice), and I’m really intrigued by her collaboration with Whistles. It’s out this Friday, so if you like the sound of Whistles, but with a slightly cooler, utilitarian edge, then it’s definitely worth signing up to their priority list here.

  •  The perfect denim shorts are something I’m convinced everyone needs. These are my perfect pair, and I bought them half price in the sale last summer. They’re now on the Outnet with limited sizing.   Moral of the story? Keep your eye out for the Net a Porter sale launch, as there’s usually a good selection of premium denim brands with good discounts if you get there early enough. Le Vintage distressed denim shorts, £112 (were £205)  FRAME at The Outnet 

  • Also firmly on the list of perfect classics I think everyone needs, is a white tee. What that means for different body shapes and styles will vary of course.  But for me it’s a round neck, boyish oversized fit, fine-gage fabric, and a longer than average short sleeve. i.e. No cap sleeves. They are the devil and give even the slimmest upper arm the appearance of a bingo wing. Not a fan. Anyway, I digress. The ‘Air’ tee from  US brand Everlane looks to fit the brief, and is on it’s way to me as I type… Will report back.  The Air tee, £24, Everlane

  • When my friends husband casually announced last year that the ‘trainer sock’ was over, and it was all about the ‘Soho’ sock now, he had no idea the cat he had just placed among the proverbial pigeons. For the most part, we ignored him and carried on with our no-slip trainer socks in defiance.  But there was a teeny, tiny party of me that wondered how on earth had I been so blissfully unaware of such a substantial shift of the fashion axis? Was it because I was balls deep in nappies and muslins and soft-play membership cards? Probably, but it was disconcerting all the same. Anyway, what I’m trying to say is, these socks are the answer. Pull them up high, and don’t look back. Sporty cotton socks, £8, Arket 

  • This magazine rack/side table is the kind of furniture I find myself ordering without even knowing where I am going to put it because it’s just so a) good and b) well-priced. I really don’t have room for this one, but if you do I think you should buy it. Wood and Metal Magazine Rack, £62, Rose and Grey 

  • I scrolled past this dress quite a few times before I added to basket. There was something I liked, but it didn’t jump off the screen at me enough. I decided to give it a try and I’m so glad I did. It arrived this morning and it is GREAT. The quality of the linen is lovely, and the ochre colour so much richer in real life. The subtle splits and slightly dipped back hem also make it comfortable to wear and practical for real life. It’s a keeper. Available in cream also. Linen dress, £79 Arket

 K

x

Kelly Moseley
Previous

The List
Next

The List