How I Shop with Karen Carney: ‘Nine times out of 10 I’m wearing Reiss’
Always wondered what everyday stuff celebrities buy, where they shop for food and the basics they scrimp on? The former footballer talks Lego, Rich Tea biscuits and spending money on experiences with the Filter
Karen Carney is England’s fourth most-capped football player, competing at four World Cups, four European Championships and the London Olympics before retiring in 2019. In 2022, she began leading a landmark government review into the Future of Women’s Football in the UK, the recommendations of which were successfully backed by the government in 2023.
She was part of the first all-female punditry team for ITV at the men’s World Cup 2022, led ITV’s coverage of the men’s Euros in 2024 and contributed analysis to the women’s Euros in 2025.
She co-hosts the podcast Long Story Short with Jill Scott and also won 2025’s Strictly Come Dancing. Karen joins ITV’s punditry team for this summer’s Fifa men’s World Cup.
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What’s the last treat you bought for yourself?
It was probably a black Burberry backpack from Bicester Village, and a really cool corduroy cap by Yves Saint Laurent from Rome airport: I’d just finished Strictly, so it was my reward.
Saint Laurent corduroy cap
£372 at Farfetch £410 at Yves Saint Laurent***
Where do you buy your food from?
I do the majority of my shopping at Sainsbury’s, but since I’m vegan, I do love Waitrose’s vegan fresh, filled pasta, especially if I’m getting in late. It takes four minutes to boil, and I just whack olive oil on it. Nice and simple.
Vegan mushroom and lentil ragu ravioli
£3.80 at Waitrose***
What’s the best present you’ve given?
Time. I’d rather take people for meals or holidays and make memories with them than glitz and glam. I took everyone in my family to 24 Stories in Birmingham for Christmas dinner, and to Centre Parcs recently, which was pretty funny because we’re a sports-mad family.
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… and the best present you’ve received?
I don’t really want anything, and if I did, I’d just get it myself. I think the presents that impress me are the things I wouldn’t think to buy.
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What’s your favourite online store?
Reiss. Luckily for me, its clothes just fit me very well, so I don’t have to get additional tailoring or anything like that. Nine times out of 10 I’m in Reiss of some sort.
Shop ReissI’ve also got quite a few Monica Vinader pieces. I’ve got gold and silver bangles and a ring from there.
Signature bangle
£350 at Monica Vinader***
What’s the gadget you use most often?
Probably my phone, laptop or iPad – they’re all synced. I was laughing with Jill Scott the other day because she came in with a pen and paper, and I’ve got all those gadgets.
Apple iPad 2025
From £309.97 at John Lewis From £329 at Apple***
What’s the purchase you regret the most?
I don’t really regret anything I buy, but clothes are probably the thing where I think: “I can’t remember when I bought that” and “Why haven’t I worn it?” That infuriates me and makes me think: “What a waste.”
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What’s the thing(s) you get delivered?
Deliveroo, coffee pods, Lego. I have the Lego Concorde. I did the London set the other week – that was quite good. I find Lego therapeutic. From Deliveroo, Nando’s is nice – I love its Great Imitator wrap.
Lego Concorde
£169.99 at Lego £170 at ArgosLego London
£34.99 at Lego £29.99 at Amazon***
What would you buy with £20 – and £200?
£20: I’d go out to my local coffee shop and hang out with my friends. If I had some change, I’d buy a cake to share. £200: I’d go out for dinner with my mates and pay. I went to the Ivy Asia recently – really good food.
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What’s your ‘saved search’ on eBay/Vinted?
I’d love to find a classic, simple watch from 1987, the year I was born. I’m a big watch fan – they’re pieces of art.
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What item do you buy on repeat?
Biscuits. I know it sounds really simple, but I like Sainsbury’s Rich Tea fingers because they’re vegan. There are always biscuits and chocolate in my house for when people come round.
Sainsbury’s Rich Tea fingers
75p at Sainsbury’s***
How do you make your coffee at home?
I have a standard black americano with oat milk from my really cute coffee machine. It takes pods, and I mix it up a bit, but I like nice organic, darker, richer coffee.
The Morning coffee machine
£440 at Origin CoffeeFor more, read our guide to the best coffee machines
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What’s your biggest splurge?
I don’t think I splurge, really. I think I’m pretty simple, and the small sentimental things mean a lot to me. I’d rather spend my money on experiences with people.
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And what everyday item do you scrimp on?
I get really excited when I go to Sainsbury’s and get money off with my Nectar card.
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What’s your greatest vintage find?
I’m after an old school mac, but I’ve not found one I like yet.
For more, read How I Shop with Kim Cattrall and Anya Hindmarch
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