When Maria told the Von Trapp kids what a few of her favourite things were, clothes and accessories didn’t feature prominently on the list. Sure, she liked “warm woollen mittens” and ‘girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes,” but unlike me, Maria didn’t really prioritise fashion. She was content to wear drab dresses from the abbey and culottes made from curtains. But I like to think that a modern day Maria would perhaps include some apparel in an A Few of my Favourite Things inventory.  And if Rogers and Hammerstein were devising a musical score for me perhaps the lyrics would go a little something like this…

Winter scarves
My woolly scarf collection keeps increasing. On chilly days I hardly ever leave home without one wrapped around my neck. I think this is a big factor as to why I – touch wood – never get sick in winter. Some of my scarves are from the mens section of stores (they usually make brighter and better scarves for the boys) but most have been knitted by my Nana. She’s a master knitter (one of those that can watch TV and knit a really complicated pattern at the same time) and can make any style / colour / length / pattern that my heart desires. My favourite scarf is an extra long khaki one with two caramel stripes that she knitted me a few winters ago. I have also made some knitting attempts, but by the time I get done it’s already summer.

Citizen watch
I got my citizen watch a few years ago as a birthday gift. It’s a mens diving watch so the face is huge and really heavy. But I adore it all the same and wouldn’t swap it for anything. Last year the band broke which meant that I couldn’t wear it for a few weeks while it was being repaired. The jeweller who fixed it said that it could be worth a lot as it looks like vintage Citizen. It’s nice to know in case times get desperate, but I could never imagine selling it!

Rolling Stones T-shirt
This t-shirt features the original Rolling Stones tongue logo as designed by Andy Warhol. But instead of a bright red tongue it features a Brazilian flag. It has a real vintage feel: distressed, soft marl grey and spattered in holes. I looked all over London for this t-shirt before resigning myself to the fact that ‘you can’t always get what you want.’ I eventually found it in a little shop hidden from view near Carnaby street.

Pea coat
My TL Wood pea coat is one of those big purchases that has been worth every penny. This classic black double breast coat is beautifully tailored with a big collar and sleeves that can be folded back. And the cream quilted lining means that it is actually very warm.

Handmade beanie
This makes this list for a few reasons. Firstly, it is the only thing I have ever bought without first trying on. A little lady was selling handmade beanies on the street in Soho, NYC and she didn’t have a mirror. I tried to look at my reflection in a nearby shop window but couldn’t see anything. I was umming and ahhhing, but my friend Ben (who was in a rush and also an impulse buyer - not a good mix) decided to buy one so I just followed his lead and ended up with one too! Secondly, hats usually don’t suit or fit me (I have a really big head) so this was a real find. Thirdly, it does the trick at hiding horrible hair days!

Nancy Bird bag
Buying bags is my vice. I have them stuffed into cupboards, hanging off door handles, strewn over my car, and swinging off chairs. A couple of years ago I bought a gorgeous black leather Nancy Bird crescent shaped bag with a blue fabric plaid strap. It’s a quirky over the shoulder design that still looks as new as the day I bought it two years ago. I loved that the designer sewed my bag by hand and that it is still in such good condition.

Hummel Track pants
Before Hummel was popularised by Paris Hilton and other celebs, Hummel trakkies had pride of place in my cupboard (that was until my friend Romy ‘borrowed’ them for ‘a little while’). My uncle was born in Denmark and he brought them back for me after a trip home a few years ago. Hummel is a Danish sporting label that originated in 1923 and made uniforms for the national Danish football and handball teams. Their sporting fashions still retain a retro feel, and my tracksuit pants are very old-school Hummel. They are a classic staple piece that is repeated each season in varying colour-ways. Mine are khaki with fuschia arrows running down the leg and Hummel’s trademark bumble-bee on the upper thigh.

Jeans
I have an unhealthy jean habit that quite simply involves buying them…a lot. As jean styles go in and out of fashion faster than Britney has babies, my Jean Rule is to never get rid of them (unless they really don’t fit anymore) because you never know when they will make a comeback. I’m loving my baggy low pocketed Pepe’s right now – they have a great light lived in wash and excellent cut. I also adore my Nudies. They are firm (but not too tight) and very dark which means an instantly polished denim look.

Yarmilky shoes
Yarmilky shoes were originally worn in Czechoslovakia during the 1965 international Spartakiada gymnastics. The plimsolls became a cult item and were a hit with the female gymnasts and later with kids who were thrilled not to have to tie laces. They are dainty little flats made out of canvas and white rubber soles. They are manufactured in the EU and the company prides themselves on using the best materials and high standard working conditions. It’s great to know that in addition to being fashionable, the brand also has a conscience. Mine are black, but now I’m wishing I bought them in more colours!

Grecian ring
I spied this Grecian ring in a Melbourne jewellery store a few years ago. It was way past my budget, so with a birthday approaching all my friends pitched in to buy it. It’s a bit of a knuckle duster but definitely makes a statement which I like. It has a silver band and a big gold ornate face. I’ve been told that it is very bling (which isn’t always a good thing) but I love that it adds instant glam to any outfit.

So whilst I may not be shouting it from the rooftops a-la Ms Maria, I have a definite idea of my favourite things. So whether it be daggy lived in trakkies, an unhealthy jean collection or a rock ‘n roll t-shirt, it’s good to know that when I’m feeling a bit down I simply remember my favourite things, and then I don’t feel so bad.