Toast

Dude, where’s my mask?



Lemaire vegetable tanned molded Taco bag

The accessory of 2020 may have been the Covid mask, but a close second was the mini hands-free bag. I was very lucky to receive a Porter Yoshida & Co Force bag* (below) for Christmas; a compact crossbody bag with adjustable strap that can be worn inside or outside your jacket.

It’s what I currently use for my walks or coffee runs as it fits my mask (in a clear Ziploc), phone, earphones, keys and cash without bulking out. If I wanted to, I could fit in a mini umbrella as well. (more…)



All is calm



Niyya prayer mat and meditation blanket

How early is too early for the cliché ‘New Year, New You’ post?

In 2019 I surprised myself by getting with the meditation programme, but doing it totally at my own pace. And in truth, it’s meditation-lite; I use my Muse headband and app (yep, still using them) and fit it in 5-10 minute slots around whatever else I’m doing.

I supplement this with a relaxation download by Albert Smith that I love. This isn’t meditation, it’s more akin to having a fifteen minute nap, but it serves the purpose of clearing my head if I’ve had a hectic day, or prepping me for stress-inducing situations. For interviews, meetings, public speaking and the like, Albert’s my secret weapon. (Years ago, when I had the cassette version, this was also a life-saving pain management tool.)

In 2020, I want to try and meditate more and make it part of a regular routine. I know it shouldn’t be about ‘stuff’, but I’m flawed and can’t resist a prop or two. I love the look of these Niyya multi-functional prayer mats by Brooklyn designer Myhra Mizra (more…)



AW19 trend report: Quilting



Gabriela Hearst AW19

Here’s something new to explore if you’re a perennially cold-blooded girl but want a change from knitwear. Quilting!

Specifically, this quilted trench ensemble by Gabriela Hearst*, above. (Note: she now has a shop in Brook Street). But also the elevated quilted patchworking at Louis Vuitton (below, great for layering) and this fab Bonny fencing-style jacket from Isabel Marant*. (more…)



Trend report: my AW19 wish list



Jil Sander Aw19

While the fashion industry is becoming less seasonal by the day, instead opting for more frequent ‘drops’, in my mind, September is still officially New Season month. I still look forward to the September issue of Vogue (yes, I’m the one keeping print afloat) (Just – R.I.P Marie Claire) and I’m relieved to see proper clothes in the shops instead of endless tees and shorts. Hey, I’m a knitwear girl! Here’s my pick of the autumn trends and best buys I’m eyeing for the forseeable…


DIOR GORPCORE
While Dior menswear is getting most of my love at the moment, I’m here for the Dior plaid cagoule (more…)