In late February I went on a spa break to Lough Eske – in hindsight the last hurrah before lockdown began. En route home, as I drove through Donegal town, I saw a crowd snaking round the square congregating at Magee1866’s flagship store. Fortuitously, I had happened upon its annual sale, emerging sometime later with a classic black and white Emma herringbone tweed coat, the same one which, when it appeared in a GLOSS photoshoot, had sent a Mexican wave of oohs and aahs around the office. I was walking on air after my impromptu purchase – always the best sort – justifying the expense as a belated birthday present. Emma has never been worn: I have been imagining her debut this autumn, paired with a crisp white &Tate blouse or a chunky red Laura Chambers cashmere knit. As a timeless purchase, this coat channels perfectly the heritage check trend so prevalent on the catwalks from Altuzarra to MSGM.
After lockdown, it’s the prepping, not purchasing, which sparks joy.
In the interim, jeans and a surprisingly comfy denim jumpsuit have been staples. Despite some late-night scrolling, I’ve resisted the siren call of online sales. Surveying my wardrobe, I rediscovered many items with labels still attached (a devoré kimono from The Kooples). These refound objects reminded me of the Scandinavian term lagom – the elegance of enough. I look forward to wearing my wardrobe. After lockdown, it’s the prepping, not purchasing, which sparks joy.
