Buy Curious: Where We’re Shopping This October
Words: Katy Cutbirth
October. That spooky season where our summer tans are starting to fade and we begin thinking about our winter wardrobes again. Suddenly everything I own feels a little drab. What can be salvaged from last year and what actually needs replacing?
For me it’s less about a whole new wardrobe and more about finding a few things that will give what I already own a bit of a refresh. Usually a few key accessories can go a along way, I’m talking a detachable fur collar, the perfect vintage lace top for layering, a cosy shoe and maybe even a going-out shoe because we’re not completely giving up just yet.
Simone Rocha
I’m a huge fan of a fur collar. I love that these can be added to anything when that crisp autumn air hits. As a long-haired girlie a big hood is my worst nightmare. My hair just ends up looking crazy when it’s laying over the top of a hood. So having a hood that zips flat is a genius move. I’ll be on the picket line for this to be incorporated into all hoods going forward.
I’m also loving Simone’s vintage-inspired bras as a way to get involved in the underwear-as-outerwear trend. I’m also in desperate need of this chain to add to every tote bag and purse I own. ___STEADY_PAYWALL___
19UJ Militaria
London is full of vintage shops but I’m always looking for the ones that offer something a little different. This is why I love 19UJ Militaria. It’s a South East London showroom and shop offering a curated selection of clothing, accessories and objects from mostly the 1900s to the 1950s.
From shirts and suiting to deadstock T-shirts and sweatshirts the shop is full of pieces that feel like they have a story to tell. A few of my favourites are this late 1800s Victorian lace top for the girlies and a 1960s navy Peter Storm jacket. Plus of course this 1940s lace purse. It’s lined in pink silk and comes with a matching coin holder. I love mixing pieces this old with more modern things in my wardrobe. It makes the whole outfit feel much more personal.
Penelope Archive
I stumbled upon Penelope Archive on Instagram recently and am now obsessed in a dangerous way. My good friends Athen and Nina have a piece for sale here so I automatically loved it. But I also love it because it’s a great place to discover new artists you might not have heard of before.
Some of my favourites from the website are this piece by Athen and Nina titled Juice Box as well as this painting of two dogs titled Prettiest Girls by Julia De Ruvo. I’m currently looking for the perfect gift for the friend who is impossible to buy for and a piece of art feels like just the thing for someone who buys themselves everything and just so happens to be moving house very soon!
On the title page you’ll also see two more amazing works for sale on PA. They Live By Night, 2025 by Yelena Yemchuk and July, 2025 by Laila Majid.
UGG
I’m currently in mourning. I’ve just passed the stage of denial and am now entering anger but I know once I click add to basket on this next purchase I’ll be on my way to acceptance.
What am I mourning? Flip-flop season. Heeled sandals. Tan feet. Cute nail polish on show. UGGs however are here to save the day.
I’ve been thinking about these fur-lined ballet flats since I saw them on the Talia Byre SS26 runway. They were paired with dresses, leggings and trousers and I was instantly sold. How versatile. How genius. A winterised ballet flat. Every girl’s dream come true.
Not for you? The classic low UGG is always a good option. I’m particularly into these slightly more premium Ultra Mini Nubucks.
Vintage Marc Jacobs Heels
I recently stumbled upon vintage Marc Jacobs heels after a pair popped up on my Explore page on Vinted. I’ve now been down every Marc Jacobs rabbit hole on every vintage platform and I’ve been absolutely stunned by the range of styles available at such fantastic prices. Most of what I’ve found is in amazing condition too.
They’re a real time capsule. So many of the styles look like they belong in an early 2000s or 2010s movie while still feeling completely relevant in 2026. Now who’s up for teaching me how to walk on cobblestones in five-inch heels?
Casetify
I’ve been walking around with the most battered phone case for the past six months. I drop my phone a lot so I really can’t go without one. So here I am announcing that I finally have a new case. It’s this incredible Hello Kitty x Casetify one and it brings me a tremendous amount of joy.
The collection doesn’t stop at phone cases either. There are plushies, laptop sleeves and basically every case and phone accessory you could ever need or want for an Apple product. It’s hard to look at this collection and not want to give your entire tech set-up a Hello Kitty makeover.
