The Monthly Round-Up: January

7 cosy home hits (including THE prettiest high street lamp), new S&TC podcast, cosy and cool fur coats, new home website I'm loving, my current wish/lust list, £1.99 Aesop hand soap dupe...

Jan 17, 2025

Happy 51st birthday Kate. I’m right behind you!

Fur coats…

From top:
Simone Rocha | Next | Abercrombie & Fitch | Isabel Marant | H&M |Superdry |

I SO want a fur coat! There are so many great ones around (at every price point), so lots to choose from. Personally my advice would be to keep the tones natural and the styling casual (scruffy even) - think jumpers, jeans and trainers. Cosy-cool.

For your home…

Curved Headboard Striped Fabric Ottoman Storage Bed

A recent discovery for chic, affordable home wear. These are some of my favourite pieces. I mean, I’m not in the market for a new bed or armchair (or striped cushion for that matter), but if I was…

daals.co.uk

Listening to…

On June 6, 1998, the day Sex and the City premiered, the world was introduced to Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte, and Samantha. Twenty-seven years, two movies, and one spin-off later, Kristin Davis, who played Charlotte York share’s the show’s behind-the-scenes secrets. In a new podcast, Davis revisits the portrayals of friendship, relationships, and femininity that captivated a generation and defined an era.
I could not be more ready for this.

Find it on Apple

Just dropped…

WNU’s New Hutton Tweed Blazer, £350.00

I have a brown tweed blazer that I first spotted at a Margaret Howell catwalk show back in 2011. It was love (obsession) at first sight, and the PR (thank you again Julia if you’re reading!) very kindly gave me the sample at the end of the season, as she knew how much I loved it (and that I am a patient woman). I wore that blazer year in, year out. For years and years. And I still have it. I benched it for a couple of seasons in favour of longer, more oversized style, but it’s out again this winter. Mine is brown, but otherwise, very similar to this one that’s just launched from WNU. Inspired by Lauren Hutton’s (one of my all-time favourite style icons) Seventies style, the Hutton is the perfect addition to your winter wardrobe - trust me, it will go with everything, as soon as it’s mild enough to ditch your winter coat that is.

Aesop dupe…

Now I loathe the word ‘dupe’ as a rule, but honestly, what other word is there to describe this hand soap? Head to you nearest Lidl (the beauty aisle - this is not a middle aisle situation) and grab some of this hand soap - it’s GOOD! There are three different scents - well technically two, but one is called a ‘body cleanser’ (I am still trialing, but I smelled them all in the store and they were all good). I will not reveal my source, as she may prefer to keep her identity a secret (lol - this is a safe space), but all you need to know is that she is one super-chic, super-cool girl, who definitely appreciates a luxury hand soap in her life. But who also loves a bargain as much as the rest of us.
Oh and while you’re there, get yourself a bottle of freshly-squeezed orange juice (where it’s squeezed in front of you in the machine - I was transfixed - haha!). Take some wipes with you though - things can get sticky. But so delicious.

Striped knitted polos…

From left: Guest In Residence | Topshop | Mango | & Daughter

A bit of a ‘micro trend’ this one. I like that they feel a bit tomboy (anyone remember the Red Hand Gang?). I’ve yet to buy one, but if I do it will almost certainly be the Mango one, and worn with jeans and boots

Seven cosy home hits…

Seven (mostly High Street) things I’m loving for the home right now. I have already ordered the lamp for my kitchen - collecting from store tomorrow.

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Well, I’ve actually already watched these three recommendations…

First up - Strike, season 6. Not my favourite of the seasons I have to say, but still really enjoyed it, and I love the ‘will-they-won’t they’ chemistry between Cormoran and Robin. And I always love a series set in London (you probably already know this about me).

This programme completely bypassed me when it first aired back in 2012, but I decided to check it out a few weeks ago (it came up as a ‘recommendation’ - it’s probably my age!!), and was instantly hooked. It immediately became my guilty pleasure - an uninterrupted hour-long episode on the sofa - bliss. It’s just so warm and fuzzy somehow. I guess it’s a comedy-drama (I laughed out loud many times - Caroline’s husband has some pretty great one-liners)? Set in beautiful West Yorkshire, and with a pretty stellar cast - Derek Jacobi (I mean), Anne Reid, Sarah Lancashire and Nicola Walker. If you’re looking for an easy watch that’s not trash, this is for you. It’s the same writer as Happy Valley - Sally Wainright. Bed in - there are six seasons!

I was talking about this with a friend just this morning, so decided to add it in as a last-minute addition. If you didn’t see it when it was first on, you absolutely must. It’s just brilliant. A four-part true crime drama, (scarily) based on a true story, which explores the deaths of Peter Farquhar and Ann Moore-Martin in the village of Maids Moreton, Buckinghamshire, and the extraordinary events that unfolded over the following years. It will have you gripped.

Find them all on iPLAYER (this was just a coincidence by the way)

Watching (on the big screen)…

Films are indeed like buses (and men), particularly at this time of year, and these three are all on my ‘to watch ASAP’ at the cinema list. All very different, and all much-talked about. I really am not sure what to expect of Babygirl, but I’m planning on a solo daytime cinema date on Monday (my birthday), so will let you know next week. I am a little worried about it ruining one of my all-time George Michael favourites, Father Figure. Fingers crossed it doesn’t!
If you’ve seen any of these, please let me know your thoughts in the comments (but no spoilers please!).

Dôen Snow Day sale…

Now’s your chance to shop one of my favourite brands at 50% off (they have the best sales, and I have scored many a bargain in the past). Dresses, tops, knitwear, bottoms, and more, but for a limited time. Whether you’re on the hunt for cold-weather classics, easy-wearing dresses, or a cozy winter coat to carry you through to spring, there’s something for everyone (although naturally the skirt I have just ordered - find it in my Wish List, below, was not part of it). It’s also worth mentioning, that any Dôen pieces in my wardrobe are on constant rotation. I love that this is not a 'trend-led brand.

Shop the sale here

Wish listing…

This is what’s my current shopping list (currently links on my iphone notes) looks like.

That’s it for the month’s round-up. In the meantime, if you’re enjoying these posts and fancy getting them more often (and ‘meatier’, more personal and covering more varied topics), you might want to consider upgrading to a paid subscription. It’s currently £30.00 a year (instead of the usual £50.00) and you will also get full access to the complete archive of posts (including the most popular ones - What's The Worst Thing A Man Can Wear On A First Date? | 21 Lessons Learnt (sort of) in 2024 | 14 Of My Favourite Restaurants in London | Got engaged in 2008, got a beautiful ring, and even had an engagement party. So why am I still not married | Has Anyone Ever Told You, You Look Like Drew Barrymore?) I am still loving putting these (free) monthly edits together, but it’s the other posts where I ‘go deeper’ and get more personal (also with smaller edits of things I’m loving in all areas of my life - fashion, home, beauty style…). Anyway, something to think about anyway. Find the offer here. It’s valid until 1st February.

See you next time! In the meantime, thank you for all your continued support. It means the world. Have a gorgeous weekend.

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