The Monthly Round-Up: November
Where I've been, what I've been wearing, listening to, smelling, reading... Plus chic party flats, what I'll be decorating my home with this Christmas, favourite lipstick, and juicy Navygrey discount
Hi! How are you? How has your week been? And if you’re new around here - the warmest of welcomes to The Monthly Round-Up.
I’m currently on the Eurostar (on my own - bliss!) en route to Amsterdam for the weekend. And I couldn't be more excited. I’m meeting Tom there (he went yesterday, to spend the first day/night with friends for NYC). I’ll share all the details soon, but we’re staying at The Pulitzer (they have some great Black Friday offers on at the moment - definitely worth checking out, which is literally The Dream.
So let’s get into this month’s favourites - as always, there are quite a few. I really love compiling the monthly newsletter - it’s the perfect place for sharing a little bit of everything, all in one place. And the thing they all have in common? They’re all things I love/like/am interested in, and think you will/be too.
So let’s go…
White trouser suits…
Joseph | Tom Ford | M&S Sienna Miller | Whistles | ME+EM | Reiss
White trouser suits (ideally a three piece) are definitely having a moment, and I love them. For me, the key is to make sure the fit is either really neat, or quite slouchy and masculine - I have worn both styles in recent years, but now would probably go for something more relaxed (did you see any of the shots of Sienna Miller at the launch party for her newest collation? That’s the vibe). And when I say ‘neat’ I don’t mean tight - more fitted, less oversized. I actually have an amazing one from ME+EM (if you can be bothered to scroll down far enough, you’ll find it on Insta - I think it was around two years ago, as part of a campaign with them). Also, who remembers Madonna in her Confessions on a Dance Floor era? Remember the white trouser suit? Perfection. I keep getting shown memes of her rehearsing, wearing that suit. Someone’s definitely listening!
White often gets a bit of a bad rap for not being very flattering (I know some people hate that word, but personally I don’t mind it at all, and also struggle to articulate what I mean without using it), compared to its polar opposite cousin, trusty black. I disagree. I think white (or cream or off-white) can look incredible on all body types and heights, it’s just key to find the right fit. So a bit of legwork in terms of trying on is needed. Honestly, that ME+EM suit is one of my favourite things I’ve ever worn. I need to dig it out don’t I?
Cinema-ing…
Going to the cinema is one of favourite things to do. Simple pleasures right? Factor in a lovely, independent cinema (preferably with reclining seats and side table), top level snacks, and dinner afterwards, and you’re looking at my dream evening. I just LOVE going to the cinema. But these bouji cinemas don’t come cheap (though I’m willing to suck it up by the fact that I don’t actually go out that much).
The Curzon in Mayfair is one of my top two favouritism, and last weekend we went to see Paddington (sorry, didn't love it - Paddington needs to be in London IMO. I LOVE the second one - literally the perfect family film) with the kids. As In was booking online, I did a double-take when I saw this - the Family Package. £26.00 for four tickers at The Curzon. I thought it must be a typo. But no. So this made the trip all the sweeter, and of course I had to share with you! I know many of you don’t live in London, but if you’re planning a visit any time soon, make sure you factor in a cinema visit. Also, this little pocket of London is always one of my favourites at Christmas - all the pretty Dickensian streets, and traditional shops.
Cool & Cosy Knits…
Liberté jumper, Beuluh, £325.00
Just add your favourite jeans.
Lipstick-ing…
I almost never wear lipstick (I have no explanation as to why, other than I just feel too ‘glam’ with a lip. Plus my natural lip colour is quite a dark pink anyway, so I tend to direct my attentions elsewhere, such as my ever-depleting eyelashes and dark circles under my eyes…). Interestingly, I always wore a really dark berry lip for going out during my twenties.
Anyway, I’ve been meaning to share this for a while, as I first discovered it back in January. A lovely makeup artist, Jodie did my makeup for my birthday party and she used this Lisa Eldridge (who I have known for many years, and regularly worked with on shoots when I was a Fashion Editor - she’s amazing) lipstick on me, and I really loved it. It’s a perfect matt brown, and it really does have a ‘velvet-y’ finish. I have worn it a few times since it’s really does make a difference to my face and how I feel, but it’s subtle, which I love. Would wholeheartedly recommend. Plus there are a bunch of other shades (and currently 20% off at Liberty) to choose from, so there’s definitely something for everyone, wherever you sit on the lipstick-wearing spectrum.
Party flats…
From the top:
Free People | Mint Velvet | Chloé
Loeffler Randall | John Lewis | Loeffler Randall
Free People | Free People | John Lewis
M&S | Mint Velvet
The £35.00 jeans I’ve just ordered…
Size up - they come up small (I hope!).
Hand soap refill…
For those times when you just can’t face dropping £33.00 on a handwash.
Cornish Bay I visited, and want to go back to as soon as I can…
Cardigans and jeans…
No one’s reinventing the wheel here. The simplest of outfits, but feels so on point right now. Personally I love this combo with classic ballet flats. Trés chic.
Bargain cleansing balm…
I’d forgotten all about this balm until the other day, when I ran out of my favourite Elemis cleansing balm, and realised I needed a quick replacement. I used to use it all the time, and it’s a a really great affordable option if, like me, you only use balms to cleanse.
Annoyingly it’s currently not available online (it was at the begging of the week - urgh), but it’s part of this collection if you want to look out for it in store.
Listening to…
Fashion Neurosis with Bella Freud
I’m so excited for this (I haven’t started listening yet). Fashion designer Bella Freud invites special guests to 'lie on the couch' and discuss the relationship between fashion, love, identity, culture, anxiety, and politics. Fashion icons, footballers, rock stars, and writers all reveal their insights, faux pas, turn-ons, and turn-offs about why we wear what we wear. Kate Moss is Bella’s latest guest.
Wearing…
Find all the outfit details here
Reading (or maybe listening to?)…
My lovely friend Lucy Walker recommended this when I saw her the other day. Apparently Demi goes deep, and I’m here for it. Lucy said she’d listened to the audio version, which I am going to also do I think. As much as I love reading, it’s so hard to find the time (unless I’m on holiday), so an Audio book makes sense, and you can just listen whilst you’re doing other things - travelling, walking, doing laundry etc. etc.
Smelling…
Wear Catch Me If I Fall to remind yourself of a loved one, or to remind yourself that you are loved. Joyous, luminous and unusual enough to keep everyone guessing; it’s about those moments of vulnerability, tenderness and the enlightenment that emerges from them.
I haven’t smelt it yet, but some of my beauty industry friends have and everyone is loving it. It has all my favourites in there too - bergamot, jasmine, cedarwood, sandalwood, musk…
I also loved discovering the story behind La Pyre - founder Kathleen Baird-Murray (who’s so lovely, and one of the most respected beauty journalists in the industry) travelled to Myanmar to recency with her maternal family.
Considering…
Ignore the charms - they don’t come with them. But could these be rather fab for those days when you’re running around like a maniac (i.e. most days) and just want to be comfortable. But I also think they could look pretty cool? I’m thinking with a slouchy jumper, leggings and oversized, mannish wool coat. Thoughts?
9 things I’ll be buying for my home this Christmas…
I mean, have you seen a prettier stocking? The smocking, the bows… And there are other variations too. I already have one (in situ - I couldn’t resist!), and another is on order. You can have them monogrammed too if you want.
I can’t decide between a floral wreath or a giant bow for the front door this year, so I’m hedging my bets for the time being. Plus, we have a gate, so could actually have both…
I love a garland, and not just at Christmas either - I have them hanging up year-round (on mirrors and mantlepieces. I love how delicate this one is.
So pretty hanging above a festive table. Or anywhere really…
My son choose a similar one to this (also Diptyque) for me for Christmas one year, and I loved it so much (we used to have something similar when I was a child - they're so magical). But they’re quite delicate, and sadly two of the ornaments fell off and got bent. So I’m hoping for a replacement this year.
I saw these at a recent press day and they really are so pretty. I like that you get different colours in the set. They’d make a really sweet gift too.
So many people have recommended these lights to me over the years, so this year I’m upgrading our tree lights.
Pretty Sexy Lingerie…
Bluebella is a new brand to me, but I was invited to visit their newly opened store on Covent Garden’s Floral Street last week. I’d had a quick look at their website beforehand, and there’s some pretty racy lingerie on there! There’s an entire Pearl collection, which immediately brought to mind the episode of Sex & The City where the girls go to Vegas and Samantha wears the pearl thong (a gift from Richard). So good!! Needless to say, I didn't go for the pearl … when I was kindly asked to choose some pieces. But I did choose this Marsielle (apparently it’s a best seller, and I’m not surprised) lace bra and matching briefs (I left any kind of thong back in the late nineties, thankfully), and they are so pretty. Bluebella’s whole schtick is lingerie that’s sexy, but also comfortable - I mean, really - who wants scratchy underwear that pulls, digs, that you cannot wait to rip off (and not in a good way), no matter how pretty it might look? No thanks. I also love that they offer different levels of sexy - something for everyone. And the price points are great too. It’s a thumbs up from me (I just swerve the thongs and the pearls, but that’s just me).
Wish Listing…
I popped into Anthropologie on Regent Street on Wednesday and spotted these. I’d already included them in a Sunday Style edit a while back, but as we all know, nothing beats seeing (and trying on) things IRL. I loved them on, and they were sooooo comfortable (no really! I was shocked too!) - not heavy at all (a common issue with clog-style footwear). As I am currently just rotating boots, ballet flats and Mary Janes, I felt there was a gap for something different.
I have also been considering these from Sézane for a while now too. So cosy. I’d wear them a cosy sock too.
This dress has been on my Wish List for a while now. I’ve earmarked it to wear on Christmas Day. I know Dôen dresses don’t come cheap, but honestly I have worn and worn every single one I own, and in multiple ways too. So I really do rate them for value and cost-per-wear. Doên is probably one of my favourite brands at the moment -I love the blend of feminine (sometimes girly) and masculine (sometimes tomboy) - it really feels aligned with how I like to dress. Their pieces are also some of my most-complimented in my wardrobe. Which is always lovely isn’t it? I will never not get a massive buzz from another woman taking the time to compliment me on something I’m wearing, and I always try to do the same (although I’m still working up to approaching strangers with my compliments. Do you?).
I just can’t decide which colour? I am tempted by the ‘Vinno Rosso’ (always!) I have to say. Help!
Reading (or maybe listening to actually?)…
My lovely friend Lucy Walker recommended this when I saw her the other day. Apparently Demi goes deep, and I’m here for it. Lucy said she’d listened to the audio version, which I am going to also do I think. As much as I love reading, it’s so hard to find the time (unless I’m on holiday), so an Audio book makes sense, and you can just listen whilst you’re doing other things - travelling, walking, doing laundry etc. etc.
Beauty Pie Super Beauty Holiday Haul…
Beauty Pie’s take on the ever-popular beauty advent calendars. Worth a whopping £645.00, it contains 14 full-size items (including 1 accessory), plus a 7-day supplement set.
Navygrey exclusive 20% discount code, just for you…
For all Douceur subscribers. Subscribe here
That’s a wrap. See you next time!
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Enjoyable read, love those ornaments that go onto those candles, have you seen the Christmas tree one? Gorgeous 🥰
Another lovely round up. Thank you 🤩!