Lunchtime Shop: What We’re Buying Today

You have 60 minutes, spend them wisely.

reformation little black dress

by Julia Harvey |
Updated

Some days (okay, four out of five), our lunch break is spent sitting at our desks star­ing down an ever-grow­ing in­box while we fork at yes­ter­day’s left­overs. Bleak. As over half of us (52%) are al­ready spend­ing this hour off endlessly scrolling, what better time to shop than this?

To make matters more complicated, however, we are of course still battling with climate change and the need to reduce our levels of consumption has never been more urgent. That's why this Lunchtime Shop will bring you all the best pieces that you can wear season after season. After all, with an increasing awareness of fast fashion's impact on our planet, it's necessary to shop consciously and make smart purchases; things that will be in your wardrobe forever, and that you'll always love wearing.

From the best of the wear-forever high street buys to the most beautiful pieces to shop from all of your favourite designers, these are the things worth investing in. If a lunch break is really the only thing worth looking forward to on some work days, you may as well make it extra special.

We're on the cusp of partywear season and that means finding the perfect LBD. Look to Reformation's long sleeve mini, with flattering super-low cowl back detail, for a dress you'll wear on repeat. Black dresses not your thing? Choose from '70s-esque tan brown or chic stone grey instead.

The Christmas countdown has begun and for an extra special holiday season, look to Fortnum and Mason's 2024 beauty advent calendar, packed full of over £1,080 worth of incredible beauty goodness - including 23 full size products - from cult favourites of the beauty world to iconic Fortnum's scented candles.

Missoma - a brand known for it's beautiful, cult-status jewellery - has joined forces with French fashion label, Rouje for a limited edition 5-piece collection that brings together Missoma's molten gold with Rouje's iconic heart motifs including pearl drop earrings and velvet choker necklaces.

Fashion favourite, Damson Madder, just launched a brand new homeware collection with everything from cute mugs and trademark frilled cushions to leopard print dog beds, perfect for all the pet lovers out there.

Worn open over t-shirts, buttoned up as a sweater or as an added layer under your coat, a cosy cardigan is one of the best bits about autumn outfits. Instead of plain colours, look to COS' leopard print crew neck cardi to add extra oomph to your knitwear collection.

Zara has joined up with Budapest-based brand, Nanushka for a menswear and homeware collection that's gone straight to the top of our wish list. Don't miss this set of 3 dinner candles, each in a different design and shape - the perfect finishing touch to your tablescape.

Cosy season calls for plenty of knitwear, look to Next's super soft Fair Isle knit in tonal shades of cream and brown for a sartorial take on autumnal dressing. We'll be wearing ours with pleated skirts and boots or with cashmere sweatpants for the ultimate cosy night in outfit.

Peachy Den is the label loved by Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid, Kaia Gerber and Dua Lipa, and its designs tend to sell out at record speeds. This trench coat is well on its way to doing just that – the vintage vibes and pretty details are already proving popular with cool girls everywhere, so add this to basket while you still can.

Autumn calls for new pyjamas and this pair of PJ pants could not be dreamier. Made from super-soft ethical cotton, they are incredibly comfortable and in a timeless gingham, too. There's a matching oversized shirt if you want to completely revamp your nightwear drawer. It's the perfect excuse to settle down on the sofa in front of Netflix until spring.

Kurt Geiger's Kensington Drench collection comes in all sizes, from teeny tiny (note Kylie Jenner's diddy version) to supersized totes, so there's one for every occasion. Crafted from super-soft leather and featuring the signature KG clasp, these bags will be in your collection for years to come.

Instead of lugging around multiple bags (seriously, how do we have so much stuff?) consider a supersized, slouchy suede handbag your new everyday hero. This Dune London XL option not only counts Katie Holmes as a fan but will fit everything-but-the-kitchen-sink inside, no problem.

Cosy season has well and truly arrived, meaning it's totally fine (encouraged, even) to keep adding to your ever-expanding knitwear collection. Hand-knitted in the UK and made from 100% sustainably sourced Merino wool, O Pioneers' new chunky knit jumper is our latest snug obsession. Plus, until October 24th, O Pioneers will be hosting a pop-up in its Marylebone HQ with Abbie Walsh, an incredibly talented embroiderer, so you can shop plenty one-of-a-kind, hand-embroidered accessories and limited edition pieces. This is definitely not one to miss.

It's cosy season and that means one thing - knitwear. Banish the chill and still look super chic by opting for textured crew necks or collared cardigans with gold buttons for an easy-to-wear, smart upgrade to oversized jumpers. We love this cream option from Zara that comes in at a cool £35.99.

Jo Malone's collection of beautiful, bougie scented candles don't just smell incredible but are doing good, too. In aid of World Mental Health day, Jo Malone London will donate 100% of proceeds from each charity candle sold to UNICEF, helping to tackle the stigma surrounding mental health whilst providing support to children, young people and caregivers across the world.

Look to Kurt Geiger London's Billy boots in go-with-everything black leather, for a grown up and wearable take on western cowboy boots - with heels you can actually walk in.

Lola Tung fronts the brand new Coachtopia campaign 'The Wasted Parts'. Launching today, Coach's new accessories Coachtopia collection, 'Alter/Ego' crafted using leather scraps left over from the creation of iconic Coach styles, including the bestselling Tabby & viral, ‘Bella Hadid favourite’ Brooklyn.

Boux Ribbed Seamless Scallop Bralette £20.00 and Thong £14.00 in Powder Pink
Price: bra £20, thong £14

www.bouxavenue.com

Until Thursday 31st October 2024, in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, lingerie label, Boux Avenue will be donating 10% of sales from their Ribbed Scallop Seamless Bralette in Powder Pink and the matching Ribbed Seamless Scallop Thong in Powder Pink, to charity CoppaFeel! - helping support the mission to raise vital awareness and continue supporting women with breast cancer.

I recently took this bag to a wedding and received so many compliments, it was (almost) embarrassing. The bag itself resembles a giant pearl – with enough room for your essentials (phone, lipstick, credit card) – which comes with a gold chain strap you can wear on your shoulder, cross-body or even on your wrist. It even comes with a crystal beauty kit, including a white jade Gua Sha
and a facial roller, meaning you can look your very best as you, too, collect compliments on your excellent accessory.

To make getting dressed easier during chillier days, look for stand-out pieces that are also low maintenance. Case in point? This leopard print denim midi from ALIGNE, which is a throw-on-and-go kind of dress – but one which packs a punch, thus only requiring the addition of black ankle boots to complete the outfit. See? Easy.

h&m jeans
Price: £37.99

www2.hm.com

Barrel leg jeans have become a sell-out hit in the last few months, with many designer styles taking centre stage. They can be a bit daunting, however, due to the curved shape of the leg, which is why this H&M pair is so brilliant. The curve is minor, so you're getting all the benefits of a barrel leg in the most flattering way possible. Oh, and it's worth mentioning that these jeans are under £40, which is nothing short of incredible.

Mark the start of October by upping your knitwear game. Essentiel Antwerp's oversized chunky knit, in the shade of the season (a deep shade of oxblood red, FYI) can be worn as a cosy turtleneck or neat crew neck depending on how warm you want to be. Wear with tailored trousers and loafers for a snug but chic autumn outfit.

It's starting to feel autumnal now, which is the best time to invest in cold weather essentials that will stand the test of time. This aviator jacket from M&S is exactly that – it's practical, stylish and will go with just about everything you own. Plus, it's under £90, which feels like a real bargain.

These boots will undoubtedly sell out, so get ahead of the crowd and buy them while you still can. The good news is that you could get away with only buying these this season and yet your entire wardrobe will look brand new – that's how chic they are. Under midi dresses, long coats, or with shorter skirts, they'll make any outfit instantly more stylish.

It's rare that an affordable bag takes fashion week by storm but that's exactly what happened in New York recently, as a whole hoard of show-goers were spotted with Charles & Keith's knotted bag. It's been so popular, in fact, that it's already sold out once but is now, thankfully, back in stock. It's the back-to-school bag you've always wanted.

You can always count on Whistles for a super-chic coat collection. Shop this sartorial take on a puffer jacket to stay warm and look amazing at all times for the season ahead - also available in cool khaki if you're prone to spills.

We have officially entered winter boots season. From long knee-highs to chunky ankle boots there are plenty of options out there but to get bang on trend, try Dune London's leather knee-highs in the perfect shade of oxblood burgundy - the must-have shade of the season.

Ganni x New Balance returns for a limited edition take on the classic T500 sneaker. Using recycled materials, these trainers combine the classic New Balance T500 silhouette with Ganni's trademard leopard print for shoes you'll want to wear day in day out.

If you haven't already, make sure Maksu is on your radar for super chic style. This retro-inspired, structured shirt in the shade of the season (burgundy, FYI) doubles as a jacket - easily worn over shirts and t-shirts - or as a two-piece worn with the matching trousers.

Attention fashion fans, you can now shop Arket's new season collection on ASOS. Expect wardrobe essentials and timeless classics that you'll keep in your wardrobe for plenty season's to come. Top of our wish list? The shearling coat you'll wear on repeat this autumn.

Attention Y2K fans, the new autumn/winter '24 collection has arrived. Expect to see the iconic velour tracksuits back in plenty of new colours from chocolate brown to red wine burgundy. We want them all.

Massimo Dutti's accessory section is not to be missed, from suede loafers (one of the shoe styles of the season) to leather tote bags that could be designer and perfect in-between-season ballet flats, this collection will rival any designer drops.

Leopard print trousers and jeans have taken over Instagram as one of this season's must-have items, we love this Mint Velvet pair for a chic take on the trend. Wear with ballet flats and a button down oxford shirt for an easy transitional season outfit that you'll wear on repeat.

After 6 years of collaborating, Daisy London has announced it's first ever fine jewellery collection designed with creator Estée Lalonde. The solid gold and lab-grown diamond huggies will be a mainstay in your jewellery box for years to come.

Albaray have joined forces with Notes By Piper, artist and Co-Founder of Revere The Residence, a social enterprise based in Hackney that had created a safe space for young people with learning disabilities to express themselves. The collaboration sees a 3-piece collection of graphic t-shirts, each designed using Notes By Piper artwork, with all profits going towards the vital funding to continue Revere The Residence.

H&M Boho dress lunchtime shop
Price: £44.99

www2.hm.com

Boho dresses are taking over as the new season must-have. Channel your inner hippie with ruffles, flounces and flowing sleeves in shades of blush and dusky pink worn with long suede boots for the full effect.

September means the start of a new term and a fresh new workwear wardrobe. If you were a fan of the tank-top dresses that took over summer, you'll love Mango's office-friendly update, swapping vest top straps for t-shirt sleeves. I'll be wearing mine with leather loafers and an oversized blazer for the easiest office-ready outfit.

Take note from Copenhagen fashion week's street style set and switch out jeans for Adidas Originals Firebird track pants. Cool, comfy and surprisingly chic, these retro style tracksuit bottoms will up the ante for your autumnal wardrobe, we'll be wearing ours with another sporting hero, the oversized rugby shirt.

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