After a year of living out of suitcases, here’s everything I’m purchasing now.

After a year of living out of suitcases, here’s everything I’m purchasing now.

      Bettina Looney serves as an editor in residence at Who What Wear, and she is a stylist, tastemaker, entrepreneur, and creative consultant renowned for her discerning aesthetic and influence across various industries. Her expertise spans fashion, interiors, and beauty, where she transforms style into substance through personalized styling at The Bettina Looney Edit.

      Relocating between continents, storing most of my wardrobe, and acclimating to life in Miami—where the atmosphere feels like eternal summer—was not the wardrobe upgrade I anticipated. However, it proved to be quite effective.

      Over the past year, I've been dressing from a rotating selection of familiar items while managing a home renovation, adapting to a completely new routine, and handling the usual challenges of life. With half my wardrobe stored away like a distant memory, I've grown increasingly honest about the pieces I genuinely enjoy wearing and have become more strategic about my purchases.

      Here’s what I've eliminated from my shopping list and what I'm opting for instead.

      Out: Blister-Inducing Shoes // In: Stylish, Comfortable Footwear

      I used to put up with beautiful yet impractical shoes, but now I steer clear of them. If shoes can't withstand several blocks of walking or a full day of chasing after two little ones without causing discomfort, they're not worth the investment or the space in my wardrobe. Miami lifestyle has led me to embrace sleek flats, minimalist sandals, and easy low heels that I can quickly slip on. It's surprisingly liberating.

      These Alaïa heels are, without a doubt, the most comfortable heels I’ve experienced.

      Shop My Favorite Miami Shoes

      Out: Depending on Outerwear // In: Stand-Alone Pieces and Simple Basics

      The warm Miami climate has completely reshaped my approach to dressing. When it's mostly warm, there’s often no outer layer to complete an outfit, necessitating that each piece stands on its own. This has made me focus more on clean silhouettes and outfits that require minimal styling.

      One of my top purchases has been quality everyday basics. I went through a phase of acquiring only unique pieces and realized I had nothing suitable for moments when I simply wanted to feel comfortable. Recently, I’ve started collecting simple tops from Aritzia. They are well-tailored, reasonably priced, and I find myself wearing them frequently. In an environment that resembles a permanent summer, dependable basics often prove to be more valuable than a statement piece that isn’t suitable for daily wear.

      A stylish Aritzia basic. Shop My Aritzia and Zara Basics Selection

      In: Streamlined Co-ords

      Two-piece sets have become my go-to for mornings when time is not on my side. They create the illusion that I’ve thoughtfully planned an outfit, even though that isn't the case. Skirt-and-top combinations from Posse, Aligne, Leset, and Eaves have been incredibly helpful recently. This has turned into an efficient dressing strategy, especially during hectic times.

      White co-ords always feel so fresh and clean, and I adore the look and feel of this Eaves set.

      Shop My Co-ord Selections

      In: Activewear

      Living in Miami has converted me into someone who wears workout pants far more often than I anticipated. Paired with an oversized anorak and appropriate trainers, they strike a balance between comfort and style. I've been living in my Salomons and New Balances. They are cozy, practical, and still trendy enough to wear throughout the day.

      Shop Some of My Favorite Activewear

      In: A Focus on Home Décor

      Currently, I find myself spending more time shopping for my home than anything else. Renovating while living in the space means I’m continually searching for items—lighting, tableware, and sculptural pieces to enhance the space.

      I’m particularly drawn to alabaster accents, travertine items, and rich wood or metal touches that offer a beautifully sculptural appeal. Zara Home and Crate & Barrel have become my online favorites. There’s something immensely satisfying about seeing a space you’ve worked so hard on gradually come together.

      I managed to bring back 20 of these alabaster lights from a market in Egypt, though Zara Home has excellent options too.

      Shop My Home Décor Selection

      In: Skin-Centric Beauty

      Living in constant sunshine has made skincare feel essential. Broad-spectrum SPF has become a must-have, and I’ve gravitated towards products that emphasize repair and hydration. The Purcell peptide range, Dr.Jart+ Ceramidin Cream, Numbuzin NAD+, and Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Cream have all been incorporated into my routine.

      Shop the New Additions to My Skincare Routine

      In: Charming Miami Cafés

      Discovering Miami café by café has also been a delightful way to settle in after so much moving. Some of my favorites include Frankie and Wally's for a great latte, Grove Grocer in Coconut Grove

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After a year of living out of suitcases, here’s everything I’m purchasing now.

Bettina Looney's grocery list following her relocation from London to Miami.