I need to buy new clothes for university. I need to make a good first impression. I need a new outfit for clubbing and freshers and going to a festival the weekend freshers starts. I need NEW. Or maybe not gutepotenz.de. Because that is an unhealthy mindset and one that is not only bad for my bank balance but the planet and is ultimately unnecessary consumerism. This post is effectively an anti-haul, of a few pieces that I love dearly and are most definitely coming with me to university. 

Here we have the Blou T-shirt. It is loved, it is worn yet cared for in a way that means it will not break under the strain of everyday wear. It was bought from an ethical brand that no longer sells yet is by far one of my favourite purchases. It is one of those pieces that I’ll wear in any season through sheer determination to wear it. 

I’ve mentioned this dress before, but I’ll mention it again. From wearing it underneath a jumper at college with the knowledge that I was fishing for compliments because everyone said it looked good, to wearing it to my best friend’s birthday party – I love it. Who knows what events it’ll be going to at university.

This t-shirt was bought from a thrift shop in Stockholm and I can remember it standing out on the rail. I’ve got a lot better over the years for buying pieces that look similar to each other *cough* striped tops *cough* but I knew I had to buy it; the style, the fit and I guiltily admit – the fact it is Comme Des Garcons. I wore it for this shoot in Geneva and, quite frankly, have not overworn it. It isn’t the only striped garment coming to Bristol. When my mum was in France before I was born, she bought a striped jumper for herself and one for her mother. Like half the clothing in my wardrobe, it is now in my possession (and like most of the other items of clothing she gave me, gathers the most compliments). The majority of revision was spent at my desk wearing it and no doubt there will be more revisions sessions spent in this jumper, a little token of home. 

To the winter coat, or the autumn essential, I don’t think I could go to university without my leather jacket or pimp coat. The leather jacket has to be my favourite purchase this year, from Depop. My faux fur coat was a Christmas present from my mum from a clothes agency where we live and I lived in it last winter. When the weather gets colder I’ll be grateful that I brought it with me, despite its somewhat current redundant feeling. 

I’m bringing old and new to university and the new comes in the form of this top* that was gifted to me from Honest Department. A ‘clubbing outfit’ size hole was opened when I turned 18 and although I am one for championing items that can be used for a multitude of different outfits, I didn’t own many smaller tops till this year. That being said, I will, of course, be bringing this pop of colour to brighten up dreary days. 

There are so many other items in my wardrobe that I’m carting off to university, a memory of home and travels and miscellaneous adventures. The coming months will be a catalogue of nights out, nights in, adventure. These are just a fragment of home and happiness and here’s to that continuing. 

What are pieces in your wardrobe that mean a lot to you? 

Lots of love, Eleanor xx