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

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

      Bettina Looney serves as an editor in residence at Who What Wear, as well as a stylist, tastemaker, entrepreneur, and creative consultant known for her discerning eye and influence across multiple industries. Her work encompasses fashion, interiors, and beauty, where she transforms style into substance through her personal styling service at The Bettina Looney Edit.

      Transitioning between continents, storing most of my wardrobe, and adapting to life in Miami—where it feels like summer year-round—was not the wardrobe update I envisioned. However, it turned out to be quite effective. Over the past year, I've been dressing from a limited collection of the same items while managing a home renovation, adjusting to an entirely new routine, and dealing with the everyday logistics of life. When half your wardrobe is stowed away in a warehouse, it forces you to be honest about what you truly enjoy wearing and to be more strategic about new purchases.

      Here’s a breakdown of what I’ve stopped buying and what I’m now adding to my cart instead.

      Out: Shoes that Cause Blisters // In: Comfortable, Stylish Footwear

      I used to endure shoes that were aesthetically pleasing but impractical. Now, I completely avoid that notion. If I can't walk several blocks and handle a full day of chasing after two little ones without discomfort, I won’t invest in them or make room for them in my wardrobe. Living in Miami has led me to embrace sleek flats, minimalist sandals, and easy low heels that I can slip on effortlessly. It’s quite liberating.

      These Alaïa heels are, without a doubt, the most comfortable pair I’ve ever owned.

      Shop My Go-To Miami Shoes

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

      The warm Miami climate has reshaped my approach to dressing. With warm weather year-round, there’s often no outer layer to pull an outfit together. Each piece needs to be capable of standing alone, which has made me more focused on clean silhouettes and combinations that require minimal styling. One of my significant "ins" has been acquiring quality everyday basics. I previously went through a phase of only purchasing unique items, only to find I had nothing suitable to wear when I aimed for comfort. Recently, I've been gathering simple tops from Aritzia, almost as if I’m curating a collection. They’re well-fitted, reasonably priced, and I find myself wearing them frequently. In a climate where it feels like perpetual summer, dependable basics are more practical than any statement pieces I can’t wear daily.

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

      In: Efficient Co-Ordinates

      Two-piece sets have become my answer to hurried mornings. They create the appearance of a well-thought-out outfit even when you haven’t planned one. Skirt and top combinations from Posse, Aligne, Leset, and Eaves have been my go-to choices lately. This has proven to be a highly efficient way to dress, especially during busy times.

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

      Shop My Co-ord Selections

      In: Activewear

      Living in Miami has turned me into someone who wears workout pants much more often than I anticipated. Paired with an oversized anorak and proper trainers, they strike a balance between comfort and a pulled-together appearance. I’ve been relying on my Salomons and New Balances. They are comfortable and practical, yet still feel trendy enough for all-day wear.

      Shop Some of My Favorite Activewear

      In: A Focus on Home Décor

      Currently, I spend more time searching for items for my home than anything else. Renovating while living in the space means I’m continually on the lookout for lighting, tableware, and decorative objects to harmonize and finish rooms. I’m drawn to alabaster accents, travertine items, and darker wood or metal features that possess a sculptural quality. Zara Home and Crate & Barrel have become my go-to online stores. There’s a satisfying feeling in watching a space you’ve worked so hard on slowly come together.

      I packed 20 alabaster lights in a suitcase from a market in Egypt, but Zara Home has excellent alternatives too.

      The Pottery Barn planters in our home are linked below.

      Shop My Home Décor Choices

      In: Skincare Focus

      Constant sunshine has made skincare feel essential rather than optional. Broad-spectrum SPF is now a must-have, and I’ve started to gravitate towards products that prioritize repair and hydration. Purcell peptide products, Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream, Numbuzin NAD+, and Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Cream have all become staples in my routine. Shop the New Staples in My Skincare Routine

      In: Adorable Miami Cafés

      Exploring Miami café by café has been a delightful way to feel

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

Other articles

This Unnoticed French Girl 'It' Bag Earned Me Countless Compliments from Fashion Week Attendees. This Unnoticed French Girl 'It' Bag Earned Me Countless Compliments from Fashion Week Attendees. Additionally, it is available in one of the most popular prints of Spring. 6 Dermatologist-Recommended Mineral Sunscreens That Blend Seamlessly with Melanin-Rich Skin 6 Dermatologist-Recommended Mineral Sunscreens That Blend Seamlessly with Melanin-Rich Skin Finding mineral sunscreens that do not leave a white cast can be challenging. Here are six formulas that dermatologists recommend for melanin-rich skin in 2026. This low-key French girl 'It' bag received hundreds of compliments from guests at Fashion Week. This low-key French girl 'It' bag received hundreds of compliments from guests at Fashion Week. It is also available in one of the trendiest prints for Spring. I’ve just returned from Paris—here are 6 stylish jacket styles that French women are pairing with their jeans this spring. I’ve just returned from Paris—here are 6 stylish jacket styles that French women are pairing with their jeans this spring. From stylish capes and wide-leg jeans to fashionable funnel-neck jackets and off-white denim, these are the jackets that French women are pairing with jeans this spring. These $40 Gap sandals are just as stylish as the $600 designer version I've been thinking about since last spring. These $40 Gap sandals are just as stylish as the $600 designer version I've been thinking about since last spring. Several colors are available for only $19. I Just Returned from Paris—6 Stylish Jacket Trends French Women Are Pairing with Their Jeans This Spring I Just Returned from Paris—6 Stylish Jacket Trends French Women Are Pairing with Their Jeans This Spring From stylish capes and wide-leg jeans to fashionable funnel-neck jackets and ecru denim, these are the jackets that French women are pairing with jeans this spring.

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

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