Senisble Shopping

Apparently this winter will be one of the coldest ever, so what better time to invest in layers of cashmere, merino, mink and python? These luxurious materials are warm, durable and exquisite, and have conveniently been used by designers for the upcoming Fall/Winter and pre-collections.

As a columnist for Style it is my duty to discuss key trends, brands and coveted items. Yet in the credit crunch’s climate justifying an £11,000 Cartier watch when your Swatch adequately keeps the time is a challenge. Although you may not think buying expensive clothes and accessories is wise, certain costly purchases should be regarded as investments. True buying power it seems lies in quality and sustainability, not in trends.
Granted, it remains painfully obvious that we are still in the midst of a global recession, now is the essential time to invest. In these trying economic times financial experts continue to advise us to guard our gold and to invest when the price is right. Yet surely these ‘investments’ can move beyond the realms of real estate and into ready-to-wear?

Here is a crucial piece of advice: take part in various department stores’ 70 percent-off sales whilst they last, because when the flailing economy finally does recover you will continue to reap-in the benefits of the best bargains you ever bagged. Buying pieces that are effortlessly chic and timeless is a mission, a mission that if fulfilled is incredibly rewarding. So in your new crusade for couture know that longevity in fashion terms essentially means ditching the trendy-ness of the highstreet for solid design pieces that most often hail from the major fashion houses. Yet keep a keen and conscious eye out for quality, and importantly do not adopt a nouveau attitude by being lured solely by big names.


Why not visit one of the many local shops in St. Andrews that sell beautifully crafted top quality cashmere and merino scarves, sweaters and even socks. Johnstons (on 4 Pilmour Links) offers a wide range of throws and knitwear in a pleasing array of soft pastel tones. Their attractive cream cashmere polo neck (£135 johnstonscashmere.com) is the epitome of understated elegance and can be easily paired with a classic Burberry Prorsum double breasted navy blazer, surely a staple in any gentleman’s wardrobe. Visiting The Old Course Golf Shop on the Links is definitely worthwhile as most stock (ranging from Mulberry, Brics and Ralph Lauren) is classic and comfortable. In terms of neckwear, look out for Burberry’s selection of luxurious billowing cashmere snoods (£175 uk.burberry.com). These unisex round scarves create the perfect shape without hassle, and can easily transcend trends. Regarding outerwear key colors for this winter are shades of grey, charcoal and black. Conveniently these colors are classic and can be recycled season after season, ensuring that they become strong investment pieces. Pringle offers a great selection of women’s coats, notably the classic ‘Herringbone Pea Coat’ (£1,095 net-a-porter.com). This type of coat is instantly modernized and made youthful if paired with a leather miniskirt for instance.

My message is clear; hunt for ageless pieces with a few unique design elements to add interest. Hoarding from Primark will only cost you more money in the long run. The wise shopper chooses only a few key pieces each season thereby progressively building a wardrobe with sturdy foundations.