Arket

I seriously need to up my sun hat game



Arket seersucker sun hat

Here in the UK we’re quite deluded about sun care. Being deprived of bright sun for nine months of the year, we go a bit mad in the other three. And thus convince ourselves that sun protection doesn’t matter as it’s never strong enough. Or something.

This year though I need to get out of that mindset. One way is to get acquainted with the better sun care creams. But equally important is to try to cover up a bit more, stay out of direct sun, wear good sunglasses and invest in some decent headgear. Top of my wish list is this Arket seersucker sun hat* (above) but there are plenty of other inexpensive but versatile hats around in cotton, straw, linen and raffia.

I rate these from Jigsaw*, & Other Stories* and H&M*. Plus, for a bit more money, these from Toast, Dries*, Loewe* and Burberry*. (more…)



Shop the post: Everyone’s a plantfluencer



Janneke Luursema The Planthunter

“The one thing you can’t underestimate is how fantastic it looks in a physical shop. In their purest form, nature and plants create wonderful retail theatre. You can buy a dress for the season, then stroll outside to see some wonderful plants. If you’re a lifestyle retailer, not just a pure fashion retailer, there’s an opportunity.”
Peter Ruis, president of Canadian lifestyle retailer Indigo and former MD of Anthropologie

The #plantfluencer trend has flourished in just a couple of years, making everyone fancy themselves as a bit of a Monty Don. This Drapers article highlights the opportunity for fashion and lifestyle retailers, with houseplants, garden furniture and associated accessories all there for the taking. (more…)



Palate cleanser: The Row SS21



The Row SS21

After overindulging in 90s trash movies, toasted Panettone and lashings of brandy cream, it’s time for a palate cleanse. Here’s mine: The Row SS21.

What’s nice is that you can recreate these looks with stuff you already own. Just super-starch the shirts and steam iron the pants so they have a crease so sharp they could stand up on their own. (more…)



Positive beauty: Forgo Essentials



Forgo hand wash

Bored of all the hand washing posts yet? Nah me neither. Aesop Reverence Aromatique* is my hand wash of choice, followed by Arket Geranium* and Bjork & Berries White Forest*. M&S Calm hand wash* also has vague Aesop-meets-Austin-Austin vibes, with its amber bottles and essential oils.

But Swedish brand Forgo has a much more modern idea. Its Kickstarter is launching a waterless concept that ships sachets of concentrated powder that you mix with water yourself. No plastic, no additives, and lovely minimalist branding for those who are (for better or worse) suckers for such things (more…)