Sarah’s Top Ten Picks for Spring

For those of you who don’t know me, I am Mrs Artichoke.

I am 60 years old with a fairly classic style. Not always, but mostly, I am drawn to clean lines rather than flounces & frills . My go to Spring uniform is a shirt with loafers, jeans & a blazer or gilet, but this year I am going to change things a little.

I firmly believe that sustainability is about sourcing items that you love & will wear time & time again, so each season, shop in my own wardrobe, before buying anything . This year I have dug out a 12 year old Milano shirt that will work beautifully with white jeans & my new black Carmela loafers. 

I also believe that clothes are a very emotive purchase ( which is why retail therapy is so good for most of us) so if you see something that you love, even if you have no idea when you will wear it, buy it. This is why The Pucci Midi shirt Dress from Pomodoro came home with me as soon as I saw it! 

So what am I looking for this year ?

• Trousers – I am going wide . I already have The Tilly Wide Leg Trousers in Chambray, have just bought the Yarahs & have The Pamela Kick in my sight, turquoise is already online but I might go for navy which is waiting for photos
• Jeans – I planned on buying some of the new wide leg Jump In Jeans in white but will have to wait until next year for these as they are no longer in stock in Germany.  We do however have a wide leg white jean coming in from new brand Sorbet which might the  fit the bill – I am hoping that their white denim & satin slip skirts will work for me too. The Escobosa in Navy is definitely coming home with me & these will be online as soon as we have photos.
• Jackets – I have a collection of blazers & other more structured jackets that come out each Spring. This year I am looking for something less formal so I am going for The Short Cotton Knit Jean Jacket from Bloomings. Perfect for Spring, as a soft jacket it will work well as an extra layer in winter. The Navy Knitted Waistcoat also from Bloomings is already in my wardrobe & has  been worn to death over the past couple of weeks 
• Shirts – l am looking forward to getting more prints in Tallulah & Grace in early May but meanwhile am seriously looking at The White Satin Cotton Shirt from new brand to Artichoke, Eterna. This will replace an elderly fitted Erfo shirt that needs to be down graded to weekends at home rather than being worn to work
• Sweat shirts – I am having a week in Northumberland in May so these are a must. I am drawn to The One Size Unique Logo Sweatshirt but might  be brave & go The Summer Logo in Raspberry instead. I love The Navy Stripe Polo Shirt from Bloomings too, it is a slightly heavier weight so will work well as a summery, warm layer.
• Bag – My Gianni Conti bag having been worn too death is looking a bit shabby so it is going into the bin, however I am keeping the strap & using it on my Isabelle Tan Leather Cross Body . I am also looking at The Alison in Navy  & our gorgeous raffia New Arrivals which should all be online by the weekend. 
• Jewellery – I definitely grabbing a couple of Envy pieces for this spring to layer over my (extensive) shirt collection. I love The Long Gold Oval Necklace & The Gold Angular Hinged Bracelet
• Shoes – I am very tempted by The Suede Cowboy Boots in Taupe
• Dress – It is Summer, rather than Spring, dresses & skirts that I am desperately short of, my K-Design frocks will see me through until then . 

Now comes the tricky bit, narrowing it down to ten items! What would you choose?