What I've bought, saved, seen this month

January's edit of things I've bought, saved, seen: what’s worth adding to cart & what's not...

Fashion Faves:

I’ve worn, you’ve loved…

Free People lace layering tops, £32: Quickly elevates any jumper or cardigan. I wear medium.

Zara basic body, £15: I have this is medium, in all three colours. Rude not to at that price.

H&M oversized cashmere jumper, £95: Love a jumper that skims my bum, layered with the lace top above to add an extra styled element.

M&S boots, £64: On days I want to look like I’ve made more of an effort, I swap my flat black boots for these with a micro heel that I walk all day in. Makes me feel so much more put together, and professional.

Uniqlo cashmere thermals, £19: I worry you may be bored of me talking about these by now, but they are just.so.good. I have grey, chocolate and wine and they are the best winter purchase I made - worn alone or layered up.

M&S Scarf Detail Blouse, £36: I can’t believe the price. I can’t believe the detail. I can’t believe how many fashionistas have asked me for the link. The quickest way to look chic - just add jeans or trousers.

Umming and Ahhing over:

Nick is a skiier, I am not (except for that one time we went in 2020). He wants to be able to ski with our boys as they get older, which means I have to get on board with it. I’ve taken one for the team and we’ve booked a ski trip (eek) I really don’t want to spend money on all of the gear, so I’ve been eyeing up Blanqo, a stylish skiwear rental platform. Let me know if any of you have used them? Or where I should look for stylish ski gear that won’t break the bank.

The Beauty Edit:

What I’m enjoying using, and I think you will like too…

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Blur Concealer, £31: Big news in the beauty world; Tilbury’s latest formula is dominating the Hollywood red carpet this award season instantly camouflaging blemishes, dark circles, puffiness, texture, pigmentation, and more. This belongs in everyone's makeup kit; 34 shades.

Medik8 Niacinamide Peptides, £49: If your complexion is looking flat, red or unbalanced, pores suddenly more visible than usual, trust me and try this. Use after cleansing but before retinol/ moisturiser; after 3 weeks I saw a quietly calm glow emerging.

Merit Flush Balm in shade Cheeky, £26: This blendable, dewy cheek tint melts into skin for lit-from-within colour that stays all day. The cute, dome-shaped pot allows for direct application to your cheeks, also looks great on lips and lids. Vegan formula.

Ziip Halo: Still obsessed. Still using it 3-4x a week to banish puffiness; I really see a snatched jawline & sculpted cheekbones. MOTHERSHIPZIIP gets £40 off.

Biodance Collagen Masks, £14 for 4.: I usually these on planes where I’m sitting for hours, but recently started using them on days when I’m home all day. Plump, bouncy skin while I’m doing admin and laundry? Yes, please.

The Perfect Lip Pencil: I discovered it in Dubai and have been transformed into a lip liner person and I have to tell you, it makes such a difference. Scribble this on, add a balm (I love Rhode Peptide Lip Tint in Ribbon) and I feel instantly polished and put together. The perfect finishing touch.

Places I’ve been, people I’ve seen…

..getting my hair coloured with Maxine at Hershesons.

…discovering a new brunch spot hidden behind Oxford Circus, Ronnies NYC

…celebrating my oldest beauty editor friends; lunch with my friend and the UK’s top fragrance expert Alice DP who has collaborated on a scent, ‘Own Time’ with This Works, dinner with my OG, Sarah Jossel hosted a dinner to celebrate the new look L’Occitane brand and coffee with ex-Glamour Editor, Deborah Joseph brainstorming chapter for her up-coming book about how - or how not to - juggle life/work/family.

…taking the kids to see Come Alive! The most incredible immersive theatre, circus spectacular based on The Greatest Showman. If you’re a fan of the show, it’s a must-see. There are no bad seats. It’s just been extended until September.

…hanging out at The Beauty Concierge; a six week pop-up in Covent Garden showcasing eight British, founder-led indie beauty brands that you can’t shop anywhere else IRL; including 98 by Lorna Luxe, Reeson by Really Ree, Sali Hughes and Sam Chapman’s mascara brand Rum, Irish make-up brand Hildun and Dcypher; a brand that uses AI to custom colour match you to your bespoke foundation. You’ll likely find the founders at their counters. Well worth planning a visit. [29 Henrietta St]

I’m watching, reading and listening to…

Take That, Netflix: I dare you not to have a little party of your own while watching this. It’s impossible. How do I know all of the words to Babe, Pray and Everything Changes yet can’t remember where I put my keys when I got in.

Let Them: The viral concept, made popular by motivational speaker Robbins consists of two simple words that aim to reframe the urge to control everything around us. While it can feel counter-intuitive at first, the mindset shift that comes with relinquishing attachment to what you can't control is pretty free-ing.

We Need To Talk: I’ve been working my way through these episodes on long car journeys and really like the way the host, Paul Brunson, allows his guests to talk without interruption, gently steering the conversation of self-discovery. The Kerry Katona episodes are legendary, but the more recent Rose McGowan episode really stuck with me.

The apps that have saved me…

ReciMe: This app has simplified my life. No joke. I have a whole saved folder of recipes on Instagram I want to cook, but following a recipe video in real time is a nightmare, and remembering the ingredients the same. Add the link to the app and it stores it with images, ingredients list and easy to follow method. You can catergorise the recipes too. Obsessed.

Gett Taxi app: With January weather giving storm season, Gett has saved me on multiple occasions this month be it in town or more local to home. I love that it’s a black cab every time, so no squishing & worked out great when I was with my SIL and her pram.

Snacking on…

Aside from my addiction to Dash water (lime and grapefruit only) the other thing that has been getting me through a dry and dull January are these chocolate covered banana circles. Yes, I could make my own. Let’s not go there. But one of these grabbed out of the freezer is a great to stave off those after-dinner sugar cravings. They’re now £2.50 on Ocado.

PS: Just also just seen there’s 50% off Dash until the end of the day, not sponsored (I wish, they take all of my money) just sharing!