Former England footballer Karen Carney has revealed her shopping habits, from a love of Reiss clothing to Lego and Rich Tea biscuits. The 144-cap international, who won Strictly Come Dancing in 2025, says she prefers spending money on experiences over material goods.
Carney, 38, told the Guardian’s How I Shop series that her most treasured purchase was a black Burberry backpack from Bicester Village and a Yves Saint Laurent corduroy cap from Rome airport, bought as a reward after finishing Strictly. She does most of her grocery shopping at Sainsbury’s but loves Waitrose’s vegan fresh pasta for quick meals.
The pundit and co-host of the Long Story Short podcast says she rarely splurges on herself. ‘I’d rather take people for meals or holidays and make memories with them than glitz and glam,’ she said, adding that she recently treated her family to Christmas dinner at 24 Stories in Birmingham and a trip to Centre Parcs.
Carney’s go-to fashion brand is Reiss, which she wears ‘nine times out of 10’ because the clothes fit without alterations. She also collects Monica Vinader jewellery, including gold and silver bangles and a ring. Her biggest guilty pleasure is Lego, which she finds therapeutic; she has built the Concorde and London skyline sets.
When asked what she would buy with £20, she said she would visit a local coffee shop with friends and share a cake. With £200, she would treat her mates to dinner, citing a recent meal at the Ivy Asia. Carney also revealed a love for Sainsbury’s Rich Tea fingers, which are vegan, and a standard black americano with oat milk from her pod coffee machine.
She added that she never regrets purchases but dislikes unworn clothes. Her dream item is a classic watch from 1987, the year she was born. ‘I think I’m pretty simple, and the small sentimental things mean a lot to me,’ she said.
