From fashion and food, to my favourite binge-worthy TV series, new discoveries, and more.
HELLO AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!
IT’S NICE TO FINALLY SEND ANOTHER NEWSLETTER AFTER AN EMBARRASSINGLY LONG TIME, BUT ONE OF MY MANY INTENTIONS FOR 2023 IS TO STAY CONSISTENT, WITH THE AIM TO SEND A NEWSLETTER EVERY 2 WEEKS, OR AT LEAST ONCE A MONTH, WITH CONTENT YOU WOULDN’T NECESSARILY SEE ON INSTAGRAM.
For my first newsletter of the year, I thought it would be nice to look back at my favourites of 2022 because they are still relevant now!
Reflecting on 2022 brings me this overwhelmingly proud feeling as it was, what I would consider, my best year career-wise so far, I continued to work with all the brands I have had an existing relationship with such as Allsaints, NET-A-PORTER, Mytheresa, Harrods, Arket, & Other Stories. As well as establish new partnerships with Joseph, Church’s and The Outnet to name a few.
A little thank you to everyone who has supported my work so far, including each and every one of you.
I have been wanting to share my favourites from the past year so let’s get started, shall we?
FASHION
I had to begin with fashion… naturally.
Spanx leggings. They took over my life in 2022, and I will definitely be bringing them with me into the New Year, as I have continued to do so over the years. So technically I didn’t discover them last year, but I feel like every capsule wardrobe should have them.
The Stuart Weitzman Bedfordland Over-The-Knee Boots
I finally invested in a Panthère de Cartier watch, which I think is a perfect marriage of casual and dressy, and I often don’t even take it off because it’s so easy to wear and goes with every outfit I own.
A simple but classic accessory I added to a lot of my looks throughout the year was the Valentino Reversible belt, it just effortlessly elevates a look to give it a luxury feel without being too loud, plus it’s 2 in 1 so if you’re a fan of versatile pieces like me you’ll love it.
The YSL Kate chain bag in small
Monica Vinader Riva Hoops for my everyday
I might be a little biased but the Kelsie Jacket from my collaboration edit with Allsaints has been a staple in my wardrobe for the past four years and it’s loved by many hence why it’s sold out in most sizes, but keep an eye out for a restock.
NEW BRAND DISCOVERY
Tongoro is a brand I was introduced to last year and loved instantly. I wore the Georgette Maxi Dress on my holiday to Greece and I’m looking forward to their new collection.
BEAUTY
There’s a lot so please appreciate that I tried my best to narrow my selections down.
The Pat McGrath Skin Fetish Sublime Under-Eye Powder in the shade yellow is meant for your under-eyes but I love it for all over the face, it gives the most beautiful airbrushed finish, and the size makes it travel-friendly which is perfect for when I’m on the go, this will, of course, be in my bag at all times during fashion week.
I have a few lipstick favourites that I reached for often, for night’s out I relied on Lancôme L’Absolu Rouge Drama Matte Lipstick in French Touch 196 and Dior Rouge Matte Velvet Refillable Lipstick in 999, it’s in my opinion the best true red.
And for day’s out I reached for Chanel Rouge Coco Flash in Boy and Hourglass Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm in 180
I also was introduced to Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s brand Rose Inc, and her lipsticks were so pretty, comfortable, and easy to wear on the lips.
A few other makeup favourites are:
Tarte Shape Tape concealer in Medium Tan Sand 36S
Chanel Les Beige Bronzing Cream in the shade Soleil Tan Deep Bronzer
Bobbi Brown Eyeshadow Sticks in Bronze and for the inner corner my go-to is Truffle.
Code8 Day to Night Foundation in W20
Plus Tom Ford Soleil Blanc Shimmer Body Oil is sun-kissed summer skin in a bottle if you like that extra glow.
SKINCARE
Cle De Peau Protective Fortifying Cream
Elizabeth 8-hour cream, for everything and everyone, literally, and if you haven’t heard even Prince Harry is a fan, although his reasons for using it are pretty unique.
Guerlain Abeille Royale Double R Renew and Repair Advanced Serum
Vintners Daughter Active Botanical Serum, technically it’s a face oil, but it is perfect for protecting the skin barrier during the winter, as it’s very nourishing but absorbs quickly.
HAIR
A brand I discovered after being invited to the launch event is La Bonne Brosse, the bristles on this hair brush contain natural keratin to hydrate the hair and promote hair growth, I could go on and on, but I highly recommend you check them out at Harrods.
My Hero product for hair was the Balmain Silk Hair Perfume, apparently spritzing perfume in your hair is the best way to enhance the longevity of your fragrance, so a perfume designed for your hair makes sense.
Sisley has a stunning haircare range, and a personal favourite is the Hair Rituel The Cream, you can find them at Harrods.
Oribe Gold Lust Hair Oil, a go-to for instantly nourishing my coloured hair.
FRAGRANCE
YSL Saint Laurent Libre, with orange blossom being part of the scent profile it’s no surprise that I enveloped myself with this perfume regularly throughout 2022
Sana Jardin Tiger by her side is brilliant.
My Way by Armani was another favourite.
HOME
My Ottawa Dining Chairs were a lovely find on the Bo Concept website, a little tip, don’t pass on the discontinued/last-chance items, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the luxury pieces available on sale for up to 50% off
My mirror is actually from Made.com and has sadly been discontinued so I have linked a similar one instead, it’s perfect for enhancing a space as well as getting those effortless outfit pictures.
A very new addition, my sofa from Map Stores is stunning, I bought a few pieces and then connected them together to create my own design, you can check it out here.
My bar stools are from By Crea and are in the Freja design, they are high quality and handmade in Sweden, perfect for my kitchen aesthetic.
I thought I would mention a few other favourites of mine that are outside my usual recommendations, as I feel like heading into the new year I want to experience life a bit more, with travel, food, and events, I personally love hearing what people have been up to for inspiration so I hope maybe this inspires you to book that ticket or make a plan you’ve put on hold for a while.
MUSIC
I went to a couple of music festivals last year but the one that stood out was Knebworth, Liam Gallagher was headlining, followed by Kasabian who was terrific, and Michael Kiwanuka, if that name rings a bell it’s probably because you may know his songs from Big Little Lies, very dreamy.
MOVIES AND TV SHOWS
Not many film recommendations but I watched a film literally the other day, it did come out in 2022, Where The Crawdads Sing, it made me laugh, it made me cry, and I was told the book is even better so I’ll have to check that out too.
I do have a few TV show recommendations.
Starting off with the series I unapologetically binge-watched, Flat Share, such an easy watch, I was invested. It’s essentially about a man and a woman who share a bedroom in a flat, and have their own times when they inhabit the bedroom. They never meet and end up communicating via post-it notes. A very sweet and funny premise, give it a watch.
Bad Sisters
The Handmaid’s Tale
POWER Spin-offs
FOOD
Gold in Notting Hill the ambience of this restaurant/late-night bar is warm, elegant, fun, and moody, honestly, the list goes on, once you check them out you’ll know what I’m talking about.
8 at the Londoner Hotel was a spot that I came across when I went to the launch party of my capsule edit collaboration with Allsaints, this rooftop bar is such a treat, although the food menu is small, they know what they are doing with their tacos so definitely give them a try.
TRAVEL
I went on a few holidays in 2022, but I have to mention Ikos: a stunning location full of warmth and peace, it was easy to travel around with family and have well-needed relaxation. (kids clubs were brilliant, and if you got a young footballer on your hands, they had a brilliant football club too.
Not quite a travel favourite, but in the realm of travel, I went to Dubai and stayed at the Westin Hotel which for some reason I hadn’t heard a lot about but I loved it, The Palm gets a lot of recognition, rightfully so, but The Westin Hotel was slightly cheaper, the luxury and the comfort level was definitely on a similar level to the Palm. Great for families too.
LAST BUT NOT LEAST, EXPERIENCES
I’ll keep this short and sweet, I came across The Wilderness Reserve on a PR trip with David Gandy, when I arrived I thought to myself ‘this is such a lovely spot for a staycation, and for anyone that wants to get away for a short trip‘. They have a beautiful and relaxing spa, and a selection of activities and if you’re interested in having your wedding there you can hire out the place, that sounded like an ad, totally didn’t mean for it to come across that way.
Those are all of my 2022 favourites, I know it’s a lot but appreciate that I really tried my best to narrow them down. I have the opportunity of being introduced to so many brands and getting to work with a few of them thanks to you guys, is such a pleasure. Your support means so much to me, and I hope this year I can create a lot more and continue to help you shop more sustainably.
I aim to have my newsletters out every month, I am still working out the schedule so apologies in advance while I sort that out. Till then, have a lovely start to the year, and have an amazing 2023, and see you soon!
