The lockdown purchases we don't regret
What we bought during the lockdown and are glad we did
Eleonore Dresch - Editor in Chief
Online shopping has turned me into an adventurous buyer. I have been inspired by influencers' styles and Instagram interiors and have ended up purchasing fashion items and homeware that I probably wouldn't even have glanced at in stores.
Some of those purchases turned out to be mistakes and were quickly sent back. But they were also pleasant surprises.
I am now wearing clothes that I never thought would suit me and have to admit that my style has evolved in the past year. Hopefully for the better!
ARKET BARREL LEG JEANS
Comfortable, feminine and elegant, I wore those jeans with boots over the winter and now with sandals. Brilliant and very reasonably priced.
WHITE RUFFLED BLOUSE
Such a perfect transitional outfit. I bought a See by Chloé white ruffled cotton blouse last June, during the Matches Fashion sale and wore it all summer. I rediscovered it earlier this month. Effortlessly elegant. A wardrobe must-have. It is now sold out but Ganni makes similar ones.
HEREU SANDALS
I discovered this gorgeous Spanish brand Hereu thanks to fashion influencer Blanca Mirò - I am often inspired by her eclectic taste.
Hereu bags and shoes are crafted by Spanish artisans. The sandals were a bit of a folly. They are extremely beautiful and turn any summer outfit into something special. I can't wait to wear them again.
SOHO HOME TABLEWARE
I liked the 1970s-style of this collection crafted from durable stoneware by artisans in Portugal. A reactive glaze creates subtle variations in colour and texture, making each piece a one-off.
Rebecca Gonsalves - Fashion Director
I'm still getting plenty of wear out of my chunky leather Arket boots (thanks changeable spring weather!) while maximal metallic trainers bought last summer help add a bit of cheer to the stuck on repeat feeling of my pregnancy wardrobe.
BODUM COFFEE GRINDER
Away from my wardrobe, now that I'm only allowed one shot of caffeine a day, I'm so glad that I got over my self-imposed embargo on kitchen gadgets and bought a coffee grinder last year. At first I was just missing the proper coffee that came with working in an office surrounded by independent cafes, but now brewing up is a meditative moment of its own.
CELINE SUNGLASSES
During the first lockdown I got entirely out of the habit of wearing make-up, abetted by a new pair of oversize Celine sunglasses that I treated myself to last summer. I'd wanted some for ages, but they were a bit of a risk to buy online without trying them on. They fared much better than my attempts at buying designer spectacles which I had to swiftly return.
Sarah Joan Ross - Beauty Director
SKANDINAVISK ROSENHAVE SCENTED CANDLE
This candle mimics a garden in full rosy bloom, fills the room and is earth-friendly too.
AUGUSTINUS BADER THE RICH CREAM
This uber-rich cream is packed with peptides, vitamins and the cell-regenerating TFC8 complex that not only feels cocooning, but also offers that kind of radiant complexion that’s usually the result of a 90-minute facial.
TOM DAXON - GLOVED
With the constant cleansing and sanitising ‘Gloved’ by Tom Daxon came to my rescue. The hand wash, moisturiser and anti-bac all smell utterly divine and are super kind to cracked cuticles and hardworking hands.
Janea Minar - Partnership Editor
HUNTER CHELSEA BOOTS
These boots took me everywhere on my lockdown walks, the perfect balance between comfortable, practical and stylish.
SARAH CHAPMAN FACIALIST TOOL
Without a commute, we have had more time to spend on morning beauty routines and this little tool is a Culture Whisper team favourite.
COS YOGA LEGGINGS
I am forever on the lookout for quality, comfortable yoga tights and this pair from COS tick all the boxes. I now own them in three colours.
Holly O'Mahony - Acting Managing Editor
ARKET PUFFER COAT
With blustery park walks the activity du jour last winter, this cosy puffer from Arket was my trusty go-to.
BAMBOO PORTABLE LAPTOP TABLE
why work from the kitchen table when you can stay warm and snuggly working from bed?
Culture Whisper is your curated guide to the best of London. We may earn a commission for items purchased through our retailer links.