Four Cute AF Jewellery Trends For The Season Ahead
Jewellery: the fun, flirty, low commitment fashion purchase that can take a look from classic to current as quick as you can press 'continue to checkout'.
Jewellery: the fun, flirty, low commitment fashion purchase that can take a look from classic to current as quick as you can press ‘continue to checkout’. It’s these non essential purchases that are a style lovers dream- the items we might not have been able to justify during the past 12 months but that really make you feel like you’ve got your sh*t together when you put them on.
Resin and clay rings are next inline as Instagram’s current must-have accessory.
Making kitsch beaded jewellery that looked like it jumped right out of our 12 year old self’s dressing up box took the world by storm during quarantine as a fun and funky pastime, and the rainbow trend shows no sign of stopping now too. Resin and clay rings are next inline as Instagram’s current must-have accessory, with these chunky babes continuing the momentum of the bright and bold trend that is a maximalist dresser’s dream. Etsy, Instagram and Depop take the crown here as the go-to destination to shop the trend, and their affordability makes boasting a collection of interchangeable statement pieces all the more achievable.
Other notable trends include pearls (Bridgerton and other period dramas we thank you), seaside inspired jewels (still seeking a slice of escapism? Us too) and bangles (hello 90s disco), and the variety of styles means there really is something for everyone here!
Which trend will you be rocking during hot girl summer?
Three of Our Favourite Dried Flower Brands Talk Business, Blooms & The Future of Floristry
With the sales of dried blooms up 115% and lockdown living inspiring many budding florists to quit their office jobs in favour of creative pursuits, we caught up with three of our favourite dried flower brands, The Happy Blossoms, Phohm and Three Sisters Farm, to chat business, blooms and the future of floristry.
Dried flowers are back from the dead and the options are wild, with fluffy pampas grass displayed in chic af vases and everlasting bouquets taking over our Instagram and our homes.
Fun fact: back in the 70s, planting the feathery plumes in your garden was considered rather risqué after rumours spread that pampas-proud homeowners were into none other than… swinging. Bold of them to assume an innocent, albeit a little phallic-looking, plant was code for wife swapping but OK.
Since then, the humble species has gone up in the world and enjoyed some great pr – with a little help from a certain Kardashian – cementing itself as a millennial must-have and putting that silly gossip well and truly to bed.
Not only are dried flowers a more affordable way to enjoy a bit of nature in your home, they’re also highly convenient for lazy girls and failed flower parents like @ me, meaning you can leave them sitting pretty in the curves of Anissa Kermiche’s love handles without having to worry that they’re casually dying of thirst.
Whether you’re into statement grasses, bushy bunnytails or dainty gypsophila, these versatile blooms are a simple way to add some personality into a room and incorporate some natural texture throughout your home. They also get a big fat tick where sustainability is concerned, since they’re often locally sourced and free from plastic.
Far from the outdated posies once associated with dusty B&Bs and granny’s bathroom, you can now get your hands on all kinds of bougie arrangements from earthy neutrals and tonal designs right through to Wes Anderson worthy pastels and bright ‘n’ bold creations. If you can dream it, you can buy it.
With the sales of dried blooms up 115% and lockdown living inspiring many budding florists to quit their office jobs in favour of creative pursuits, we caught up with three of our favourite dried flower brands, The Happy Blossoms, Phohm and Three Sisters Farm, to chat business, blooms and the future of floristry.
PHOHM
What inspired you to start your own dried flower business?
I was inspired by the everlasting nature of dried flowers and creating displays that are designed with the intention of permanence.
Have you always been interested in floral design?
I’ve always loved flowers and some of my fondest memories are of going to Columbia Road Flower Market. My passion for floral design came later. I studied Fine Art and have always had an eye for arranging things as well as a skill for creating. I started working as a prop-maker and during that time I worked on a project which used lots of artificial flowers. I really enjoyed the project and decided to start creating flower arches for local Brighton businesses. I got a lot of commissions and quickly launched my own floral design business in 2018.
How did you turn your passion for dried flowers into a business?
PHOHM started as a floral design company trading solely to commercial businesses. I used artificial flowers and foliage to create large scale installations for bars, salons, shops and restaurants. These were mainly commissions, so whenever I could add my own personal touch to the installations I opted for dried flowers over artificial.
The aesthetic of dried flowers are much more my style so when Covid hit I had to think fast and decided to start creating dried flower bouquets for people’s homes.
A friend of mine had a shop in The North Lanes and let me rent the space to start a dried flower pop-up. We opened the weekend that the first lock down eased.
The trial weekend went really well and PHOHM pop-ups quickly became a weekly affair. As well as having the space in The North Lanes I also hosted multiple pop-ups outside cafes and bars in Brighton and Greater London. All the handwork paid off and I now have a permanent space in The Lanes Brighton and I couldn’t be happier.
Why do you think there’s been such a resurgence in the popularity of dried flowers over the last few years?
Fashion goes round in circles. It always does. I think this time around it has more significance because people are much more aware of being wasteful. It’s very en vogue to be environmentally conscious which means home interiors are much more focused around the concept of slow living.
What does an average day in the life of floral creative look like?
Wake up at 7ish get washed and dressed followed by Coffee (Oat Mocha) & Crumpets (Marmite) stick on 6music and reply to enquiries, send out quotes + invoices & complete general life admin.
I live locally so I walk into town and open the shop at 11. On busy days it’s back to back creating bouquets and vase stylings for customers. On the quieter midweek days my studio is inside the shop which is great because I can focus on my commissions for larger scale designs such as vase stylings, custom wreaths and pampas clouds.
On the days that I’m not working in the shop, I’ll be going to meetings with potential clients, visiting antiques fairs to source vases or out installing larger projects.
How do you go about sourcing your flowers?
I use a few different suppliers depending on what I need. Sourcing the fluffiest pampas or the perfect shaped palm can be tricky so I take my time when researching to ensure that I get the best stems to stock in the shop.
What’s different about working with dried blooms compared with fresh flowers?
I keep to a neutral earthy palette for my everlasting displays which are mainly focussed around dried grasses. This is very reflective of my own personal style, I dress in a very neutral palette and as you can see from the interior of my shop this is my style preference in terms of interiors too. What I love about working with fresh flowers is that I can be really playful with colour. I find this a lot harder to do with dried because I don’t particularly like the look of dyed dried flowers.
Working with fresh also enables me to practise mindfulness, patience and being more gentle in my approach. I really enjoy editing fresh flowers, an example of this is flexing. Flexing is where you gently fold back the petals of the flower to change its more recognisable appearance. Roses and Lisianthus look incredible when flexed. It’s these little tricks & techniques that make the difference between floral design and traditional floristry.
Are there any trends we should be on the lookout for, what’s going to be the next pampas do you think?!
In terms of trends Mantelscaping. The rise of sculptural ceramic vases, ornamental candles and of course dried flowers are all major players when it comes to Mantelscaping. Mantelscaping is where you arrange your favourite objects in your home candles, vases, mirrors, artworks etc and display them on your mantelpiece to curate a design feature that fills you with joy each time you look at it. The beauty of this is that it will naturally change and evolve depending on the flowers and objects you choose to display.
Having flowers in your mantelscape is crucial. Fresh, dried or in my case both, always look fantastic in sculptural ceramic vases. In terms of what’s going to be the next pampas, who knows. I would like to see larger floral installations in peoples homes, such as wall-based displays as pieces of art and floating cloud designs above peoples dining tables.
For anyone new to dried flowers, what’s the easiest way to introduce them into your home décor?
Come and visit me in my shop, bring your own vase or purchase one from our antique collection and I’ll style it for you. These custom vase stylings are excellent because we create a bespoke arrangement that is completely unique to you and your style.
Part of the beauty of dried flowers is their longevity, but do you have any top tips for making sure they stay looking their best?
Each stem differs but some good guidelines to follow are:Palms away from sunlight (if you don’t want them to fade), anything fluffy i.e Pampas + Reed grass away from any moisture. For extra fluffiness use a warm hairdryer on the stems, do this outside if possible, then hairspray to reduce any shedding. Give your dried flowers a little wiggle every now and then to avoid any dust gathering.
What’s the best thing about owning a dried flower business?
The business is a creative outlet for me. I love designing and creating new displays every day. I’m an ideas person for sure so coming up with interesting concepts for brands + larger scale installations is definitely my favourite part of the job.
What do you think floristry will look like in the next 5-10 years and what sort of changes do you hope to see happen, any predictions?
Probably not too dissimilar from now I imagine. Nothing ever really changes that much. I think the permanence of dried is very appealing so I can’t see it going anywhere anytime soon. It really would defeat the object of the long lasting appeal if everyone decided to just throw them away. Prediction wise I think that dried flower weddings will be extremely popular.
What’s your best advice for anyone else looking to start their own floristry business?
Find your own style, appreciate but don’t imitate. I think having your own style is super important, you can tell the difference between floral designs when none of the personality of the florist has gone into their work and they’ve just replicated. It’s hard to be original nowadays when everything everyone else is doing is presented to us all the time on Instagram. All the images we see seep into our subconscious and we recreate often un-intentionally.
My advice would be to find inspiration from real things that you truly love. And if you are using platforms like Instagram for inspo one tip I have would be to save images that you’re inspired by, look at them all together in your saved section then put your phone down and create your own interpretation of the amalgamation of images that you’ve seen.
In terms of styling and making your own dried arrangements, are there any dos and don’ts to consider?
Colour-wise I prefer sticking to a neutral earthy palette. Complementary tones where you can’t really go wrong would be beiges and lights alongside minky coffee tones. Avoid dark colours with lights and have contrasting textures of the same tones. When it comes to larger sculptural elements like palms stick to just one and have it front facing. If you’re using small sculptural stems like floral heads or bunny tails stick to odd numbers. Taller fluffy stems like pampas look best arranged in threes or fives. A loose guideline to follow would be to arrange in triangles playing with differing heights. Floral design is just about having the eye for arranging and having the confidence to know when to stop.
What’s the biggest misconception or assumption about your job?
I suppose the biggest assumption would be that my house is filled with flowers. That assumption would be correct, my house is of course filled with flowers.
Let’s get whimsical, what do flowers mean to you?
Some of the frills, textures and colours of fresh florals I find mesmerising. Sometimes I think the world can’t be so bad when something so beautiful can naturally grow from the soil. I love the ceremonial aspect of flowers. We give them as gifts, carry them around at weddings, and have them laid on top of us when we die. Flowers are a big part of our culture in Britain and I think that goes fairly unnoticed.
An impossible question to answer BUT, what’s your all-time favourite flower / dried grass?
All-time fresh favourite is a Cafe au lait Dahlia, Dried Strelitzia leaves are my current crush, each one is so unique and adds a gorgeous sculptural element to my displays.
What’s next for you and your business?
Launching our events program from June. Expect lots of floral design workshops as well as, life drawing, ceramics & Silversmithing. The space will also be hireable allowing creatives to use the space outside of shop hours to host their own workshops or pop-ups.
Three Sisters Farm Shop
What inspired you to start your own dried flower business, have you always been interested in floral design?
We saw a gap in the market and decided to go for it! We didn’t know much about floristry at all. Having just left a long career in banking I decided why not give blooms a go! After an online course and a bit of experimenting my creative side was unleashed!
How did you turn your passion for dried flowers into a business?
There is something very whimsical about Dried Flowers, the way they fall, the colours and textures are so unique and interesting. It was love at first sight. I thought if I can see this, so will others and be gone with their old 80’s reputation!
Why do you think there’s been such a resurgence in the popularity of dried flowers over the last few years?
Dried flowers are the perfect finishing touch to the ever-popular boho scandi type interior that is very on trend. The soft textures and fluffy pampas add warmth to a room like no other accessory can. Not forgetting the low maintenance attribute. I for one struggle keeping plants alive and always get sad throwing flowers away once they have died. Dried flowers solve this problem by giving you a low maintenance fresh-looking bunch for years!
What does an average day in the life of floral creative look like?
It is cliché but no two days are the same. We are super busy right now and staying on top of orders is our number one priority! It is a tricky job trying to get each bouquet unique in its own right but uniformed and measured correctly for each customer. So much care and attention goes into each one of our bouquets. We recently installed a flower wall at Westfield shopping centre. This was so much fun to create and we hope to increase our installation and wedding side of the business very soon!
How do you go about sourcing your flowers?
We have worked in this industry for almost a year now so have developed great relationships with key suppliers in both the UK and The Netherlands. We purchase from the auctions in Holland as you would with fresh flowers. Stock is quick to sell and change so we need to be planning our stock demands in advance.
What’s different about working with dried blooms compared with fresh flowers?
I think the biggest difference is the fact they are dried! When working with fresh they are in water and its cold! However, dried flower stems are so fragile so it takes a different type of skill to perfect a spiralled bouquet! These are quotes from our floristry team headed up by Rachel, Eleanor and Julie.
Are there any trends we should be on the look-out for, what’s going to be the next pampas do you think?!
I think pampas will be around for a while yet as there are so many different colours and textures that you could refresh an interior space just by changing your pampas! There is certainly a demand for faux pampas as well but I can’t bear the thought of more plastic! Stay natural people!
A simple statement piece of some short pampas is a great way to add a minimalist look. Depending on your colour choice a small bouquet would also be a great starting point!
Part of the beauty of dried flowers is their longevity, but do you have any top tips for making sure they stay looking their best?
We include some tips on a care card when purchasing but dried flowers adapt to their environment! For this we advise they are kept out of direct sunlight and away from moisture! You can also dust them by giving them a blow with a hairdryer, every six months or so! Some of the stems may drop but this is fine and adds to the texture and look of the flowers.
What’s the best thing about owning a dried flower business?
The chance to work with nature and beautiful flowers every day! We absolutely love to hear when customers receive their orders and they are happy.
What do you think floristry will look like in the next 5-10 years and what sort of changes do you hope to see happen, any predictions?
I think it is an industry that needs to accept its place in the climate change discussion. The amount of water consumption that is required for fresh flowers alone is damaging. There are many sustainable benefits from using dried. I would like to see dried installations being used in commercial and corporate spaces as well as securing its place in mainstream society. Moving away or reducing our use of fresh and artificial flowers seems like a great choice for the planet! I would love to see dried flowers have a large share of the market when it comes to buyers choice.
What’s your best advice for anyone else looking to start their own floristry business?
Why buy? And why buy from us? We ask ourselves this question all the time and I think its great. The ‘us’ part gives you a purpose and the why buy, gives you direction. What do you want to sell? Bouquets or wreaths. Arrangements or stems. Figure out your purpose and direction first!
In terms of styling and making your own dried arrangements, are there any dos and don’ts to consider?
We have come to realise there really isn’t any rules when it comes to dried flowers! I feel like we are creating arrangements that have never been done before as there so many different variations. I do tend to stick to colour blocking as I think this helps the customer decide on the bouquets purpose. For example, we have pinks and purples but also greys and blues. Something for everyone! But we really do recommend you purchase some single stems and have a go at creating your own unique arrangement! Its so easy and fun!
What’s the biggest misconception or assumption about your job?
That’s easy! It really isn’t. We have worked so hard and have sacrificed a lot. Time with my son being one of them. We are hoping as we expand that it allows an option to be flexible but right now it’s day and night and it’s hard work.
Let’s get whimsical, what do flowers mean to you?
Flowers are beautiful and I think they can represent so much! I have a bunch that my son made for me for my birthday and every day I look at them and think of him! Dried flowers are the gift that keep on giving and so does their beauty.
An impossible question to answer BUT, what’s all-time favourite flower / dried grass?
It is a very hard question as I love them all! However, the bunny tail / lagurus holds a special place in my heart. It’s so soft and fluffy and delicate. I love them.
What’s next for you and your business?
We have big plans. We want to be the biggest dried flower supplier in the UK! This is going to take a lot of hard work but with the amazing team we have behind us we believe anything is possible so why not aim to be the best!
The Happy Blossoms
What inspired you to start your own dried flower business, have you always been interested in floral design?
We already had a successful floral business before we launched the Baked Blossoms, but I was very worried about Brexit impacting on supply chains and thought adding an extra arm to the business would be a no-brainer! Also had seen lots of dried flowers around that were very colourless and plain and wanted to create a product that was super vibrant and happy, so I started to investigate and contact suppliers to trial products and create the Baked Blossoms!
Why do you think there’s been such a resurgence in the popularity of dried flowers over the last few years?
I think Instagram is amazing at sharing interior trends and this has been massive in us creating the colourful dried flower trend introduced by the Baked Blossoms. Our customers love that they can have flowers in the house for such a long time.
How do you go about sourcing your flowers?
We have amazing suppliers that we have brilliant relationships with from being in the floral industry for several years.
What’s different about working with dried blooms compared with fresh flowers?
Lots of dried flowers are actually grasses, therefore in each bunch, there is often a much higher stem count than you would get in a fresh flower bouquet. They don’t require conditioning in the same way, and no bucket – scrubbing which we do a lot of with fresh flowers!
Are there any trends we should be on the look-out for, what’s going to be the next pampas do you think?!
I think that protea could be the next pampas grass for sure!
For anyone new to dried flowers, what’s the easiest way to introduce them into your home décor?
Grab your favourite jug, vase or pot and cut your new bunch to size!
Part of the beauty of dried flowers is their longevity, but do you have any top tips for making sure they stay looking their best?
Keep away from direct sunlight, humidity, temperature changes and sit them in a vase so that they’re supported.
What’s the best thing about owning a dried flower business?
Being surrounded by gorgeous flowers and colours on a daily basis and getting to work with a wonderful team of humans!
What do you think floristry will look like in the next 5-10 years and what sort of changes do you hope to see happen, any predictions?
I think that this last year has made us appreciate our homes & interiors in a whole new way and introducing flowers whether fresh or dried will be a massive part of continuing this. Flowers have a hugely positive impact on mental health and I think everyone has started to really realise that.
What’s your best advice for anyone else looking to start their own floristry business?
I undertook a 1-year college course before getting a job in a local florist. I don’t think it’s necessary to go to college, but would really recommend gaining work experience and learning on the job!
In terms of styling and making your own dried arrangements, are there any dos and don’ts to consider?
If the colours make you happy, then go for it!
Let’s get whimsical, what do flowers mean to you?
They are my world, I love them and they make me so happy! The flower industry is an incredible industry and brings me so so much joy each day.
An impossible question to answer BUT, what’s all-time favourite flower / dried grass?
Favourite fresh flower is lilac, favourite dried flower is hillflower.
What’s next for you and your business?
Keep spreading happiness through flowers, in every way we can!
We caught up with Ola Majekodunmi who started her finance account All Things Money at the beginning of the pandemic, on why understanding money is so important and how she plans to continue educating the masses!
First off, how are you and how is your 2021 going?
I’m good thank you! 2021 has been pretty hectic so far but I won’t complain. Every day has brought something new which is really exciting. Since the new year, we have introduced a new rebrand for All Things Money, launched two new products, and have released a brand-new podcast. Now that lockdown is starting to ease, I am really excited to see how the rest of 2021 goes. (Fingers crossed there are no more lockdowns on the horizon though…!)
All Things Money is a personal finance platform that is designed to discuss all of the personal finance topics we weren’t taught at school or university from budgeting, saving, investing and everything in between!
Adulting life can be extremely daunting as we are expected to know certain things such as how to get a credit card, how to buy or rent property to knowing how to get the best energy and electricity deals without being taught all of it at school! Because of this, All Things Money is here to help make the adulting world feel a lot less daunting. To do so I provide lots of financial tips and information over on Instagram and Twitter which is where you can find me mainly. I also sell a wide range of personal finance eBooks and planners to help people develop their knowledge and understanding further and I now officially have my very own podcast which I highly recommend if anyone is looking to kickstart their personal finance journey!
I had just finished University during the first lockdown and my plans to travel Australia had just been cancelled due to covid which I remember being really upset about. Around the same time I had just learnt how to invest in the stock market and that same week I managed to get around 5 of my friends involved in it too! That spurred on the idea to help others get started on their investing journey along with other tips and information about the world of personal finance as we’re not taught much about this at school or university when I really believe it should be! Entering adulthood is hard enough as it is, let alone learning how to manage your finances effectively on top of it too.
Why do you think it’s so important that people continue to educate themselves about their money?
I think it’s really important that people educate themselves about money as poor money management can often leave people in a lot of debt or with long-term mental health issues due to the stress money can often cause. I think that’s another main reason why I decided to create All Things Money, to create accessible resources for young people to show them that managing your finances really isn’t as complicated or boring as it may seem! The more education there is on the topic, the more people will find themselves in better financial positions which is probably even more important than ever after the last year we’ve had!
What can people expect to hear in your podcast?
On my podcast, you can expect to hear me chat about all things money! So far, I have discussed effective saving hacks, investing and mortgages along with some great guests and we have lots more exciting topics to come from how to create your own successful side hustle to how you can negotiate a higher salary in the workplace.
I aim to make each episode fun and light-hearted as like I mentioned earlier, conversations about money really don’t need to be boring or mundane at all!
What are some of the most common misconceptions people have about finance?
One of the main misconceptions people have about finance is that you need to have a lot of money to be able to save or invest your money. When it comes to creating a separate pot of savings, you can literally start saving as little or as much as you want. It’s all about your own affordability which will be different for everybody. What people seem to overlook is that every little helps. Even if you manage to put aside £5 a week for the whole year that is an easy £255 saved up which can go towards an emergency fund which can be used to replace that flat car battery or even purchase that emergency train ticket home from uni! (I have found myself in those situations countless times…)
Interestingly enough, the same goes for investing. A lot of people assume that you need to have a lot of spare cash to start investing in the stock market, when that really isn’t the case. There are so many platforms out there now that allow you to start investing with as little as £1!
What do you hope to achieve with All Things Money over the coming years?
This is a very good question! I change my mind nearly every day about where I see All Things Money going in the future. However, one thing I definitely want to do is go into schools and colleges and host a number of personal finance talks and workshops because I really do feel that personal finance education is a crucial skill that all of us need to develop and is majorly lacking in schools!
What are you currently working on?
I have previously spent the past month or so working on this new podcast which I am very excited about! So, for now, I am focusing on growing the podcast and finding exciting new guests to join me each week!
Who are some of your favourite follows online?
My favourite follows online include:
– Chloé from @chloesdealclub as she always manages to find THE best deals.
– Elvire from @savewithelvs as she provides some amazing money-saving hacks that everyone needs to know about!
– Ryan from @makingmoneysimple as he provides some amazing investing tips for beginners.
What does your perfect weekend look like?
The perfect weekend for me would be either a bottomless brunch or evening drinks with the girls. My Sunday would then consist of a chilled day filled with lots of snacks and a movie. Now that lockdown is starting to ease, I look forward to weekends out and about again!
What do you always carry with you?
You won’t catch me anywhere without my phone. I’m not quite sure if that is a good or bad thing, but my phone is pretty glued to me along with my facemask!
What would your last ever meal be?
Oooooh this is a hard one because I love food so much… I think for me my last ever meal would be a hugeee Chinese takeaway followed by a double chocolate fudge cake.
What is one positive piece of advice you could give to our audience?
Try not to be too hard on yourself. I know it’s way easier said than done. But the last year has been such a tough one and for many of us, we may not be exactly where we planned to be. However, I believe everything happens for a reason and things always work out in the end!
Our lifestyles have changed dramatically in the past year, and with that has been changes in trends too, including the bridging of inside and outside clothes and perceived dress code dos and don'ts.
Tumbling out of bed has never looked so good! If you’ve also been trying to style out your ‘not so cute’ pyjamas for a trip to the corner shop over the past 14 months then you’re in the right place because sleepwear for daywear is IN. Comfy, unique, practical and on-trend, pushing the style limits to the max and rocking the two-piece you would usually reserve for after your evening bath is a 2021 trend we can absolutely get behind. But don’t be fooled, we’re not suggesting you whip out your fluffy Disney PJs at any opportunity, oh no, this trend focuses on smarter, more structured sets and luxurious materials and textures to really elevate your comfort and make it suitable for the outside world. Our lifestyles have changed dramatically in the past year, and with that has been changes in trends too, including the bridging of inside and outside clothes and perceived dress code dos and don’ts.
Brands such as Sleeper and Kitri Studio have been nailing the structured full length two piece (plus who doesn’t want feathers attached to their look?!) for a while now, and the high street is following suit with a selection of posh pjs that are most definitely suitable for outside the bedroom.
The key here is the remainder of your look, as although your pyjamas will certainly be doing the talking, the focus on balancing the rest of your ‘fit is make or break. Add a chic bag, simple jewellery, statement or more formal footwear and boom, you’ve gone from bedroom to boardroom in an instant.
Danielle
I feel like if you’re going to wear sleepwear as daywear you have to go big with the rest of your look. I love this silky spot set from H&M, I could imagine it being so comfortable for an event or even a day at work tbh! I’d wear it with these gorgeous sage green accessories from Charles Kieth (the best for expensive looking accs) chunky gold jewellery and a slicked-back bun. Obviously chuck on some chic sunglasses for a real “Do not f**k with me” vibe.
I am LOVING this trend. Pyjamas outside? What a time to be alive. I thought I’d want to avoid this kind of trend after a year of loungewear, but nope this is super stylish. I love this striped set from ASOS, paired with a white or black tee, some white trainers and sporty socks you are good to go!
I am confused about this trend. I can’t say I’ve ever thought about wearing sleepwear out of the house apart from a late-night McDonalds drive-thru. But you know I wouldn’t be opposed to being in my jammies all day. I’d probably opt for some kind of co-ord set, with a black top underneath and black accessories and hope people don’t think I’ve literally just got out of bed.
I feel like most of my outfits resemble some kind of PJs anyway so it would appear I’m an accidental fan of sleepwear as daywear. Satin dresses that look like nighties, linen shorts that look like pyjama sets, house shoes that look like a pair of glorified slippers, I’m here for the in a big way.
Comfort is ALWAYS a priority for me so this trend is right up my street. I’ve always wanted something from the brand Sleeper and these feather-trimmed PJs are just too good to wear exclusively at home. They’re definitely a spenny pick buttttt a classic in my opinion! I don’t own any silky PJs (I’m normally more of a fluffy Primark gal myself) but these sage ones from ASOS are so chic- I need!
These days there’s a festival for everyone, so whether you’re into food, art, theatre, beats, dogs or silent discos, there’s a field out there with your name on it.
With some festivals making a comeback for 2021 (we’re still processing the news that Brighton Pride isn’t going ahead), we’re dedicating this edition of Snog, Marry, avoid to tent life, live music (remember that?) and good vibes.
These days there’s a festival for everyone, so whether you’re into food, art, theatre, beats, dogs or silent discos, there’s a field out there with your name on it.
Between us, we’ve had our fair share of festival highs and lows, be it soggy pants, trash line ups, sad Fyre Festival looking sandwiches and the utter jubilation of cry singing into a crowd whilst an identifiable friend, possibly even a bold stranger overcome with emotion, attempts to mount your shoulders.
From Benicassim to Parklife and beyond, here’s our line-up of the festivals we love and loathe.
Charlotte says…
Snog: Reading Festival.
Ahhhhh I feel emosh just thinking about this. Reading was the first weekend festival I ever went to and I have so many endlessly happy memories here. I’ve seen some amazing bands and artists here like Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, Panic! At The Disco, Peace, The Wombats, Pale Waves and Sundara Karma, but most of all seeing The 1975 headline for the first time on the Friday night of 2019 was hands down something I’ll never forget.
I love them so much and you could tell the fans and band were equally as emotional and happy to be there in that moment.Charlotte
I love them so much and you could tell the fans and band were equally as emotional and happy to be there in that moment- it just felt so special and monumental even at the time. Both times I’ve been it’s been spent with groups of people that I love dearly, but it’s a little bittersweet as some of those relationships and people are no longer in my life so I wonder whether I’d feel able to go back now. The silent disco was unreal too and it was one of those evenings that even at the time I knew I would look back on for a long, long time and wish I could relive. It only makes the snog category because of the mixed emotions I feel now, and also I definitely feel a bit too old to attend as every year it feels like the other campers are getting younger!
Marry: ‘Bring It All Back’ Club nights.
Now I always enjoy pre-drinking more than a club and would much rather a cocktail evening where you can chat to your friends than dancing to some current chart music I don’t know, but let me tell you a throwback night is up there with some of the most fun I have EVER HAD. Bring It All Back tour the country with throwback and themed club night and oh my god, they are out of this world. I’ve been to two One Direction events and it’s essentially like a full-on concert full of fans and pure joy.
They’re really cheap to attend and it truly does feel like a concert with all your besties.Charlotte
I normally have some drinks before but honestly, I end up completely sober from all the water I end up drinking for my poor dry throat after screaming to every single song. They’re really cheap to attend (first release tickets are £5) and it truly does feel like a concert with all your besties. I really want to go to a Taylor Swift night so I’m keeping my eyes peeled for if they organise one of those next!
Avoid: Latitude
Okay so hear me out on this one. I really did love Latitude, the vibes, the variety of things to do, the attention to detail and the overall aesthetic, but I think it was just a little bit too indie for me. I mainly went to see The 1975 (of course) but I can’t help but feel like the festival has so much potential but the lineup is always a bit …. meh.
V cute though and I probably would go back if the lineup was more than like a 5/10.Charlotte
This is obviously a completely personal preference and comes down to individual music taste but I just feel like it could be unreal with the grounds they have and overall aesthetic but every year the lineup comes out and there’s a couple of people I’d want to see but that’s about it. As you can tell from my marry answer I love seeing bands I really connect with, but maybe if I was open to just enjoying the music and appreciating new artists it would be more for me. V cute though and I probably would go back if the lineup was more than like a 5/10.
Holly says…
Snog: The Brighton Fringe Festival.
When it’s on, you honestly can’t get hold of me for the whole month of May. There’s such an array of talent, from comedy to music, plays – all sorts. Whatever you fancy, you’re bound to find it. Act’s perform in different events at venues all around the city and it’s an opportunity for people just starting out to perform alongside big timers.
I feel like it’s a thing everyone in Brighton looks forward to. Holly
I feel like it’s a thing everyone in Brighton looks forward to. Honourable mention to my favourite venue, the Warren. They are an outside venue which means it can go ahead this year (yay) they kick off the season with a firework display, have a silent disco every night, food stalls and multiple stages for different performances. And a huge plus is that I can go home to my own bed every night ready for a fresh start the next day. Bliss!
Marry: Brighton Pride
This isn’t really a question is it? BRIGHTON PRIDE! There is no day in the whole year I love more. Everything about it makes my heart glow. The colours, the people, the music, the love in the air. Most pride events have my heart but there is just something special about Brighton.
There is absolutely nothing I can fault about pride.Holly
The whole weekend there are things going on around the city. I usually start Friday night at the Old Stein venue (Saw S Club there one year) then the Saturday starts with drinks at my house, watching the parade and crying, then heading to the Pride in the Park. Sunday is spent at the Street Party in Kemptown. There is absolutely nothing I can fault about pride. I am devastated it’s not happening this year but there will definitely be beach parties and all sorts of other celebrations going on. It really is just a celebration of every kind of love.
Avoid: Benicàssim
There are not many live events of any kind I would avoid in all honesty. But if I had to choose, I probably wouldn’t return to Benicàssim. It was soo much fun and the atmosphere was incredible. But the music was indie/alternative and I’m a solid 90’s pop girl.
Waking up with a hangover in Spanish sun was not the one.Holly
It wasn’t the cleanest festival I’ve been to and honestly, waking up with a hangover in Spanish sun was not the one. I also wanted my bed so bad but you have a whole flight and journeys to and from the airport before that can happen. I’d very much still encourage people to experience it for themselves but it’s a no from me. Until I can stay in a hotel anyway.
Danielle says…
Snog – Bestival
It pains me that Bestival is no longer running and deep down I hope some millennial who loves it as much as me and my mates decides to get a cash injection and put it back on. Although I’ve only attended twice Bestival fills me with the BEST memories of so many interesting tents and areas to keep exploring all weekend long. The first time I went it was on the Isle of White and an absolute ball-ache to get to on public transport but it was such a great place to have a festival.
I loved how many areas and unknown elements there was at Bestival as it was so much more than just musicDanielle
The second time we went for my best friend’s hen do in its newer location – where they still have Camp Bestival! The Saturday is always a fancy dress day and we all wore ugly bridesmaid dresses whilst she was the Bride and even though I ended up COVERED in mud it holds such a special place in my heart. I loved how many areas and unknown elements there was at Bestival as it was so much more than just music, so now I need to find something similar to attend!
Marry – Lovely Locals
So this is a bit of a cheat answer but my absolute favourite festivals are always small and local. There’s one close to where I grew up called Marvellous which is a tribute festival so you can see the likes of Ted Sheeran, Adele again, Queen, T-Rextacy, Fleetwood Back, I could go on and on! It’s all a bit of a laugh and there’s only one stage but it’s just such a great day out and so easy to attend with loads of local friends.
No super famous acts just great music that lots of people would likeDanielle
My other marry fest is also no longer running (still heartbroken honestly) and it was based in Stevenage called Hogsozzle. It was founded by loads of creative people who hire entertainers, comedians, graffiti artists and more to make the weekend super experiential. No super famous acts just great music that lots of people would like, tons of quirky furniture to sit on during the day and chill, a free hog roast on the Saturday and a paint fight on the Sunday. Miss you Hogsoz!
Avoid – Glastonbury
Don’t @ me. I’ve said what I’ve said. After hearing so many friends come back from Glasto say it was AMAZING and they were so glad they went and they can’t wait to go again I still just can’t get on board.
It’s ok to admit it’s not your bag and you have permission to roll your eyes at all the Glasto-glorifiers!Danielle
I don’t like the vibe of everything being SO big and spread out, when you leave your campsite you’re basically leaving for the whole day (drinking at the tent is my favourite pass-time) if you lose a friend you pretty much have no way of finding them, big crowds, like huge almighty crowds, the mud and not being able to shower if you’re doing a simple camp, need I go on?! The artists are, of course, incredible and it’s a once in a lifetime chance to see some people you won’t get to see again, and obviously, I’m not actually telling you to avoid it if you want to go, more that it’s ok to admit it’s not your bag and you have permission to roll your eyes at all the Glasto-glorifiers!
Darcey says…
Snog: Benicàssim
Loved this festival so much I went two years in a row when I was 18/19, the best part is that it was a holiday and a festival wrapped in one which made it really cost-effective for a young adult working part-time. I found there was a really good mix of music, so there was something for everyone.
Can’t complain about having to relax on a sandy beach but, I think if I went again, I’d stay in a villa with a pool and bus it to the festival.Darcey
I saw some pretty big people like Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Kasabian, Stormzy, Kendrick Lamar, The Weeknd and so many more (I did miss seeing Dua Lipa and I massively regret that to this day). One thing that wasn’t so fun and why it didn’t make the marry choice, waking up hungover in a boiling hot tent was… interesting to say the least ha. It meant you were forced out of bed and to the beach as there isn’t really anything else to do in the day. Can’t complain about having to relax on a sandy beach (especially after the year we’ve had) but, I think if I went again, I’d stay in a villa with a pool and bus it to the festival.
Marry: Parklife
I cannot begin to explain how much I enjoyed Parklife, firstly I love Manchester, so getting to spend some time there before the festival was really fun. The festival is so organised, it was really clean too which is pretty rare, even the toilets stayed fairly clean even up until closing.
So sad to think that was the last festival I’d go to due to coronavirus, but I’ll absolutely return to Parklife next year!Darcey
Again like Benicàssim, it’s a good mix of music which I think is nice at a festival to break up the day/evening. I also got to see Adam Beyer and Peggy Gou at Parklife which was one of my life goals, so I could leave happy! It rained alllll weekend but that didn’t dampen my spirits and I think that’s a sign of a good festival and vibe, everyone was just enjoying the music and not bothered about being soaked through. So sad to think that was the last festival I’d go to due to coronavirus, but I’ll absolutely return to Parklife next year!
Avoid: Wireless
I mean… It should have been so good with who was performing but it just fell really flat. I think being in London, getting there and back is such a chore as the tube is packed full of people all going in the same direction. The food options and just general stands were just not that exciting either, which doesn’t matter that much I suppose but I feel day festivals need to have good food because you are there all day. Also, it would have been good if they had some kind of extra entertainment because a lot of things seemed to go wrong with the lineup timings, on the Sunday there was no music except for a DJ (bless this poor guy trying to entertain an angry crowd ha) for about 6 hours? Because Nicki Minaj was running late and David Guetta couldn’t start earlier. It was all just a bit meh.
Lareese says…
This snog marry avoid is truly wasted on me because I’m really not your average festival-goer, well not in the traditional muddy field and wrist band sense, anyway. Alas, I shall do my best to come up with three events I would peck, wed and do just about anything to get out of attending.
Snog: Brighton Food Festival
Why settle on one meal when you can hang out at a food festival and eat all three of your meals there.Lareese
This one speaks my language and therefore will always have my heart. As someone who’s painfully indecisive, especially when it comes to ordering food, a riot of carbs and picky bits is my idea of heaven. Why settle on one meal when you can hang out at a food festival and eat all three of your meals there with naps on the lawn and balmy beers in between. In short, dear reader, I would snog its pants off whilst making lots of uncomfortable eye contact.
Marry: Dogstival.
I won’t stand for poo-on-poo crimes and washing my fanny with a baby wipe for three days straight but a festival dedicated to celebrating dogs? Yes, yes, I am infinitely available. The calendar is wide open. I’ve never been to this one based in the New Forest (probably because I don’t actually have a dog) but that won’t stop me from wanting to snap someone’s hand off for a ticket.
Avoid: Camping Festivals
I love the buzz and the atmosphere of live music but I love getting home at a sensible hour even more.Lareese
I’m just avoiding anything that requires me staying in a sweaty tent and compromising my bathing habits, or runs the risk of someone pissing in a shoe and chucking it into the crowd for fun, basically. It’s a hard pass from me. I love the buzz and the atmosphere of live music but I love getting home at a sensible hour even more. Nothing beats awaiting a lineup of bath, PJs & bed – just that casual rockstar life, ya know!
Low Key to Dressy Co-ords That Will Never Fail You
Whether it's a trip to big Tesco (a 10/10 day out) or a bottomless brunch with the girls, there are co-ords from dressed down to dazzling that fit every occasion.
Although jeans and a nice top is a pretty fail-safe go-to, sometimes finding the perfect outfit combination requires a little too much concentration when you’re running out the door and an espresso martini is calling your name. Enter: the humble co-ord. A perfect two piece, a pre mixed cocktail if you will, the one you can always rely on when time is short and the style stakes are high. Whether it’s a trip to big Tesco (a 10/10 day out) or a bottomless brunch with the girls, there are co-ords from dressed down to dazzling that fit every occasion.
A perfect two piece, a pre mixed cocktail if you will, the one you can always rely on when time is short and the style stakes are high.
And not every two piece need give off Cher Horowitz plaid skirt and blazer vibes, oh no, you can absolutely achieve chic 2021 realness in all of these dreamy combos. Notable mentions go to the Zara silk style tie dye trouser and shirt situation, and Kitri Studio’s feather trousers and PJ top which exude effortless sexiness in one fell swoop. If casual is your thing (socialising is tiring okay) then the matching loungewear options are endless too- the co-ord really does offer as many varying looks as Mr Styles’ famous ‘do. Heart eyes
13 Questions with Charlie West, Founder of Azurina
We caught up with Charlie, founder of accessories brand Azurina, to find out how she got started, what's on trend this summer, and why paying it forward is so important.
First off, how are you and how is your 2021 going?
Well it’s not been the greatest of years that’s for sure, but would I change it for the world? Absolutely not. I’ve faced challenge after challenge this year, I’ve fallen and failed a lot but as with anything in life it matters not that you fell but how quickly you get up off the mat. There have been days this year where that has been much tougher than others but I’ve found in sharing those experiences with the team and with those around me I’ve felt all the better for it. If this year has taught me anything it’s that you can never be too kind or too vulnerable. There will always be someone there to help break the fall, even if it’s a stranger in the park.
Can you tell us about Azurina as a brand and what you stand for?
The Azurinaverse is a place where the world has been flipped upside down and women are the ones in charge. We’re creating a workplace that is not only commercially productive and successful but works for us as women trying to balance work, our other interests, passions & hobbies, friends and family with our own wellbeing. Anything is up for grabs as we review all that we’ve ever known and set about creating a workplace that works for us.
Our only aim is to keep bringing you beautiful things that help make the day to day a little more boujie!Charlie West
And as a brand, our only aim is to keep bringing you beautiful things that you’ll love for a long time. Things that help make the day to day a little more boujie. We started with personalised accessories at a time when that wasn’t available to every woman on every budget and it will always be a part of who we are but I have my sights set on a lot more and 2020 really gave me the space to get clear on what that is. Now we’re just in the process of getting it to our lovely customers. First up is our Made in Italy range crafted in Nappa leather in Tuscany, all dupes of iconic bags that are so expensive we can only dream of them, then Home, Wellbeing, Clothing & Footwear. It’s been a busy year.
How did the brand start and why?
I cut my teeth in online retail at Boohoo. I started there as an E-commerce Assistant back from my Gap Year having read Law at Sheffield University and longing to work in Buying. In truth, I don’t think I even knew what an ecomm assistant did, I just knew I had to be in there and I’d make it work and I’d hustle my way to my dream job as a buyer. I was in the buying team within 6 months, I left 8 years later as the Head of Buying, helping to oversee a team of 84 people and millions a week in sales and with some serious experience under my belt.
So just because of the person I am I guess it was inevitable that I would always want to go on and do this for myself, to take what I had learnt in the best training ground imaginable in terms of business success stories in the UK over the last 10 years and instead this time I get to shape not just the product but the whole company culture. I spotted a gap in the market of low-cost personalised accessories and I went after it as a side hustle because I just couldn’t risk leaving a great job for something that wasn’t guaranteed. So after a long bout of sickness and vowing to slow down from my crazy lifestyle, I launched a secret business with a team and an office…. whilst I was across town working in another. We consistently grew and so a year later I handed in my notice.
When I look back I think I must have been absolutely mental! 😂
Can you tell us about your spring/summer drop?
Spring Summer for us is about showing you the start of what we’ve been brewing in our witches cauldron in 2020. We‘ll be soft-launching our sister brand Alunar Crystals, a brand born out of my sister (by choice and not by birth) Sophia’s love for pretty rocks and their incredible energy. Within that, we’ll also be launching homeware for both the home and for you.
A lot of Azurina products can be personalised, why do you think personalisation means so much to people?
In a world where most high streets in Britain have become carbon copies of each other I think personalised products give our lovely customers the chance to feel like their item really belongs to them. It was until very recently an experience that was preserved just for those that could afford it and I’m proud that brands like Azurina have helped democratise that so every woman can get a bag made especially for her. As we think everyone not only has the desire but also deserves to feel unique.
We think Azurina products make perfect gifts, can you pull out some of the best things to give to family or friends?
Well thank you, it’s always an honour when people spend their hard-earned money with us to gift their loved ones. The highest praise in my book.
It’s always an honour when people spend their hard-earned money with us to gift their loved ones.Charlie West
So for me our original cardholder is something that will always get used, they’re a great unisex gift and come in a tonne of colours and finishes so that you can really tailor it to who you’re gifting to. Plus at £18 its the perfect price for a birthday treat for a friend and with next day delivery it’s ideal for a thoughtful last-minute gift that doesn’t feel last minute.
If I was gifting a sister and wanted to spend a little more, Our Munich Pouches are great. They come in three sizes, large, medium and pencil case. They’re ideal to put all your bag crap in one place and I often just grab that when I’m jumping in the car to pop to the shops or for a tea. You can buy the set or one size and kickstart someone’s Azurina collection.
We loved your Azurina Angel Investor initiative, how did it come about and why?
Micro-financing small business is something I’ve been interested and involved in for a long time but until now I’ve done it through a great charity called Lend With Care who connect you with small business owners across the globe. I love that I can see the immediate impact of the loans, in the businesses grown, the jobs created and the kids supported.
Then the penny dropped for me this year, that when you have your own business you can actually just do what you want (within reason of course 😂) and so we came up with the idea for me to invest in someone’s side hustle. The money is a gift, as is our time and support. It’s really just my way of paying it forward plus I get the chance to be involved in amazing businesses run by amazing women. For me, it’s a no brainier. I’m still wading through all our entries as I want to give them the time and energy they deserve so apologies to all the entrants for the delay!
What is the process like for creating a brand-new product?
In truth, nothing I design is ever brand new. I’ve pulled inspo from a tear, from a vintage piece I’ve found in a bargain bin in Seoul, an iconic outfit from a movie or an everyday essential that just needs the perfect tweaks. I take inspiration from everywhere and pull them together to create beautiful things with functionality layered on top. Of course, I want a beautiful printed pleated pantsuit that is reminiscent of my Issey Miyake Pleats Please Japanese dreams but I want shapes that flatter my figure and subtly enhance my femininity rather than disguise it. I’m just hoping you all think like me, which given I’m a bit woo woo might be a bit of a stretch but fingers crossed.
What are you currently working on?
So as I think you can probably tell it’s been a busy year of crafting our new product ranges and whilst those collections are taking shape we’re working on creating our Slab. The core values of the brand and what we stand for that won’t ever change. We’re also in the process of deciding what back to work looks like for us as a team and really nailing down the company culture and policies so that as we grow we don’t lose the essence of who we are.
How do you see the brand changing now we can head out the house and socialise more?
We’re hoping so many of our lovely customers will be dusting off their Azurina faves from a year of enforced storage. We can’t wait to see all our bags back out in the wild again, enjoying themselves, as they should be! And our clothing launches are designed to gently take your hand and guide you out of your old loungewear into your PC (post-Covid) self.
What does a Friday afternoon look like in the Azurina office?
Well currently the team are still WFH the majority of the week and Friday is our day ‘off comms’ to get everything wrapped up for the week. We’re actually looking to implement an optional four-day working week so that the A-Team members who are side hustling, mostly as creatives, have the flexibility to fit it all in. So Thursday night is pub night for us and we hope the office always has a Friday afternoon vibe. Of course, building a business from the ground up can be stressful but we’re also all doing what we love so for me it should be fun every day.
What are some of your highly anticipated trends for AW21?
O gosh, the girls will tell you I’m so excited for all the trends bubbling through at the moment as there just seems to be so many. Nostalgia really seems to be the key theme inspired heavily by pop culture. More than anything I’m just seeing an explosion of colour. And head to toe colour at that. Whether it’s new neutrals or brights there is just so much emphasis on colour and I’m beyond excited.
There are times when head to toe black is the chicest look of all but day-to-day I love to play with colour.Charlie West
I really try to avoid wearing black these days, after hiding in it for years, wearing colour just totally lifts my mood and I love seeing other women in bold choices. Of course, there are times when head to toe black is the chicest look of all but day-to-day I love to play with colour and just having fun with what I wear whilst feeling comfortable and myself.
What is one positive piece of advice you could give to our audience?
Look after yourself first. As women, we seem to feel that putting our needs before others is selfish, that we must bend and mould ourselves around people without any personal boundaries. I mean I had no idea what a boundary even was until I was recommended a book by a friend on the subject last year, my mind was blown. I was allowed to say no to stuff without feeling guilty. I was allowed to prioritise myself and my happiness in all aspects of my life. And I’ve found that as we put ourselves and our own wellbeing first we can start showing up better for those around us and then the magic really happens.
Whether you're drawn to maxi, midi or mini, this is a wardrobe staple you really can't be without.
There are few occasions a reliable summer dress won’t see you through- drinks, city breaks, dog walks and 239431 beer garden trips, a versatile summer dress that can be styled up or dressed down can be a saviour in ‘I have NOTHING to wear’ moments aplenty. Whether you’re drawn to maxi, midi or mini, this is a wardrobe staple you really can’t be without. Add a denim jacket, basket bag and chunky sandals and voila, you’re ready to head out the door quicker than we can say “Let’s get a jug of Pimms”.
Gingham, polka dot and florals are the pinnacle of reliable prints and you won’t stray far wrong with these go-to’s in your repertoire. Notable high street destinations for summer dresses we predict you’ll be living in this year include Collusion on ASOS, Sezane, & Other Stories, Weekday and Never Fully Dressed- bookmark these babies, scroll ‘new in’ and you’re guaranteed a winner.
Holly
I exclusively wear dresses in summer so I already have my eye on loads. As ever, I’m loving the longer dresses to be worn everywhere, work, the pub, a nice sunset walk. They also keep me warmer when I’m in the pub gardens until the early hours of the morning. But I am partial to a mini dress for a night out. Catch me in all the dresses!
I live in dresses all Summer long – they just make for easy-going outfits you can throw on but still look like you’ve made an effort. I particularly love smocked prairie dresses or milkmaid style necklines and puff sleeves. Everything just gets a little bit more romantic in the summer and I always love wearing shapes that play up to that!
UGHHH I feel like I am in my prime with this trend in all honesty- a summer dress is truly my favourite kind of outfit and approaching the warmer weather is making me v v happy. I live for an oversized, smock or tiered dress and it seems like I’ve accidentally nailed a green/lime colour palette here- maybe it’s my colour for S/S21 and I didn’t even know it?! I especially love the Collusion number with the matching bandana for effortless, comfy yet very cool vibez.
My uniform come summer is pretty much a throw on dress, sandals and light jacket, it’s truly the easiest time of the year to get dressed! I usually end up going for light coloured (best for heat) minimal chic dresses that I can wear to the beach, to work, and to the pub. I also love this white wrap number with fun polka dots from the Never Fully Dressed curvy range, great for events although possibly not a wedding! And I recently discovered Violeta by Mango which is their plus-size range, most of the choices are quite plain but I think this blue ditsy print is so pretty and feminine.
Dresses are always the best in Summer, so easy to just throw on and head out the house. Paired with some sandals/trainers and a cute bag, you are good to go! I love a floral dress (shocking for Summer) with a bit of ruffle action going on. Very much a fan of tennis style outfits at the moment too, like white skorts, but also a big fan of tennis style dresses. Cami dresses are also very fun and go with almost anything, I really like this check print one from Motel!
Thoughts & Feelings We Had Whilst Watching The Bold Type Seasons 1 to 4
The Bold Type’s strength lies in its ability to walk the tightrope of heavy but essential conversations and feel-good soapy silliness. Here’s to one last toast in the fashion closet and unleashing holy hell!
[contains all the spoilers]
If you didn’t binge watch all four seasons of The Bold Type in lockdown after it landed on Netflix, allow us to bring you up to speed on the best thing that’s happened to us since The Devil Wears Prada and Sex and the City. We said what we said.
Originally released in 2017, The Bold Type is a tv series loosely based on the life of former Cosmo Editor-in-Chief Joanna Coles, who also happens to be the Executive Producer on the show.
It follows a trio of twenty-something best friends and co-workers Kat (Aisha Dee), Jane (Katie Stevens) and Sutton (Meghann Fahy), as they navigate relationships and climb the career ladder at the fictional women’s lifestyle magazine, Scarlet.
Whilst trying to excel in their careers and figure out who they are in their personal lives, their unwavering friendship is their one constant. Through breast cancer scares, estranged mothers, egg freezing, sexual awakenings, miscarriages and break ups, the crazy chemistry between Kat, Jane and Sutton does everything to dismantle the three’s a crowd adage so often used to divide women. Here it brings them together to form three parts of an unshakeable whole.
The Bold Type’s strength lies in its ability to walk the tightrope of heavy but essential conversations and feel-good soapy silliness. It’s far-fetched, wildly unrealistic and hilarious but it’s also comforting and empowering, and that’s all part of its humble, multi-hyphenate appeal.
Sisterhood is the show’s bread and butter, and despite the signature hokey rom-com tropes, love triangles and elevator meet-cutes, the real romance is between the Bold babes and their messy, unconditional bond.
With the fifth and final season about to drop (send help), we’re collecting some thoughts and feelings we had whilst watching the lives of the Scarlet women unfold.
Here’s to one last toast in the fashion closet and unleashing holy hell!
In episode one when Kat yells, “Excuse me my friend is having a moment” at the disgruntled guy behind her as Jane takes a group selfie is the moment we fell in love with her. A whole 154 seconds into the show.
Mentally, I work under Richard. Like, he’s heartbeat in your clitoris kinda territory.
Time to pitch vibrators and female pleasure in a boardroom full of white men. We’ve got a lot of time for Jacqueline, expertly played by Melora Hardin. Yee-haw.
“People tend to get uncomfortable when they cannot put you in a box”. I ship Kat & Adena.
Jacqueline turning down a phone call from Beyonce to comfort Jane. Is she the best boss or is she the best boss?
That yellow Scarlet Gala prosecco looks like it would put me in a grave.
Next time someone pisses me off, I’m getting the girls together in our evening gowns and screaming into the humid abyss of the central line.
Stating the obvious but the female friendships are chef’s kiss
“I deserve to be the girl you can’t stop thinking about”. Sutton is everything.
Want to start referring to every website as The Dot Com but also would quite like to keep some friends.
Name an underrated character: Andrew / Jacqueline Carmichael.
The soundtrack is SO good.
Carrie & Big have got nothing on Sutton and Richard. Don’t @ me.
Brb, off to find my erotic creature.
Found it and miraculously named it Pinstripe.
Why did I want to clap when Jane adds her byline to the orgasm article?
The worst Easter egg hunt scene will forever have my heart.
Shower thoughts include wondering who out of my friends would be committed to removing a Yoni egg from my vagina…
Do you know what’s bold? The fact that Kat went in glove-less. Not all BFFs are created equal.
The music montages get me every time. Genius.
Going to need Jane to write about all the times Pinstripe made me want elevator sex. It’s the leather jacket for me. Hello? The man breaks lamps!
The violin scene with Kadena lives in my head rent free.
Every social media manager had a physical reaction to Kat sending that tweet from the Scarlet account.
Sutton landed a job in fashion and suddenly, I’m arranging drinks for her to celebrate.
“I’m Nora Ephron, bitch” Marry me, Sutton Brady.
Must Adena be so flighty?!
“No more nipple postings” sounds like something I need to hear when I’m drunk and intent on being shrill and semi-naked.
Did Brendon the intern just get his nipple out in the middle of the office for a photo op and not even question it?
He’s right though. It HAS been a long summer.
Jane getting tested for the BRACA gene mutation, with her second and third by her side. My heart exploded a tiny bit.
Kind of want to organise a free the nipple day in a local park in a major way.
Let’s just agree, there is no good angle for shower sex.
Low key adore high tea Sutton.
Climbing into a bathtub with my chaotic friends and wine is literally all I want to do rn.
Not getting good vibes from Incite. Stay well away tiny Jane.
Why does Trump always find us? It’s all too real, we ordered escapism.
Jacqueline taking those weights was one of the most underrated moments of tv.
“It’s sexual harassment time…. The seminar” gotta love Oliver.
Mitzi is not a woman of Scarlet. She is serving big Regina George energy.
These three really drink wine every night and we stan.
Kat: “I’ve gotta go find Adena” Sutton: “Or at least her vagina” Reason 1873817819 Sutton is our spirit animal.
Just want to drink scotch with Jacqueline.
Cunnilingus getting the airtime it deserves. We love to see it.
Guess what, we miss Richard sex too, Sutton.
Season 2… not coping with tiny Jane’s empty desk.
Fill in the blank, Cleo Williams is a__
Mama Jackie loves a chunky bangle. Noted.
Since when was Ben the hot Dr Australian?
If a Dr ever asks me to dance when I’m about to give birth, they will feel the full wrath of my grapevine, let’s just say that.
“You need to live in this failure” tough love from Jacqueline hits different.
One cannot be platonic with Pinstripe the novelist. Nope.
When tiny Jane cries, we all cry. We just don’t look as pretty as her.
Speaking of Jane, the girl just LOVES a hard copy.
Don’t like the way this Brooke influencer is taking our Sutton for a ride. Don’t like it at all.
Pretty sure you can’t expense narcotics but whatever.
Karaoke ABBA is not meant to sound this good.
Oof seeing Richard get in that taxi with another woman, a woman Sutton has to style? Gonna throw up.
Sutton in Paris over Emily in Paris. Always and forever.
The Dua Lipa road trip scene is all of us.
Nobody sings Torn like drunk tiny Jane. Nobody.
Need Jane to pitch that Dr Pinstripe throuple tbh.
‘No white after Labour Day and never walk away from love”. Oh, Paris Oliver is too much.
Season 3 is off to a strong start with Pinstripe’s peen-stripe.
I only tolerate Patrick because we know he exposed himself to achieve gender equality.
If Sasha Velour can’t save a lesbian bar, there’s really no hope.
Hell yes to Sutton masturbating when she can’t jump Richard’s bones. Self-pleasure waits for no one.
“It’s not about the pond it’s about what the duck pond represents”…
And what it represents is our thirst for Richard. The end.
You’ve been gone 5 minutes Ryan. How will Jinstripe bounce back from this? It was a book tour, not lads on tour for crying out loud RYAN. Jane did a terrible webcam dance for you and everything.
Kat was robbed in that election. We demand a recount in the least Trumpish way possible.
Oh, Pinstripe that speech. Even the leather jacket can’t save you now.
No, no, no, where is Mama Jackie?
Frat boy frittata, Pinestripe? More like fuck boy frittata.
Just how many parties can one magazine have?
Richard’s proposal to the tune of Taylor Swift Lover. Sutton in that satin dress. He asked for Kat and Jane’s blessing. What a guy. What a beautiful day.
“You can be alone and sexually satisfied” you tell ‘em Kat.
Jacqueline has more composure in her eyebrow than I have in my entire body.
Today on Zoella (aka The dot co dot UK), let’s talk pegging.
Yes, tiny Jane. Let’s normalise vaginas smelling like vaginas over baked cookies.
Pinstripe judging Evan for cheating, well that’s rich.
Really want Jacqueline to have the season 4 hot girl summer she deserves, alas Ian is back.
He SLEPT with book tour girl?! There’s no fixing this. A pinstripe never changes his pinstripes.
Ok Babs Brady is going to have to stop with this wedding day limo speech because eyes on fire here.
Can’t believe Richard’s stubble is this on point.
I can feel the feminism leaving my body. Stuff the stylist job, look at that distinguished gentleman and his perfectly styled face
They did it! The Brady-Hunters did IT.
“Nothing is bigger than us” omg these beautiful fucking WOMEN
Putting your boyfriend down for a nap. Can relate.
This miscarriage story is powerful.
Praying Andrew’s confidence finds me someday.
Jane’s dad driving miles to deliver a hug, a DVF wrap dress and take her stationery shopping. What a guy.
Big fat yes to the child free by choice conversation.
Freeform really want to ruin the one stable couple we had going for us, huh?
Well, this Keva romance is wild and unexpected on every level.
I don’t feel like dancing right now girls because I’m never going to be prepared for the lights in that emotionally-charged fashion cupboard to go out for the very last time. Hold. Me.
Ugly but Stylish Dad Sandals We’ll Be Wearing In Summer ’21
In true Dad style, the chunky, often thick strapped shoe is comfortable, practical and everything you need for day trips, staycations and simply carrying your Asda shop up the hill on the way home- we stan the versatility!
Did someone say Marmite fashion coming through? Ohh yes they did! You either love it or you hate it when it comes to some fashion trends (cycling shorts and low rise jeans we’re looking at you) but Dad sandals ain’t budging for the summer season ahead and this week’s edit has the best of the bunch …
It’s Louis Theroux made cool, it’s everything in the world that really shouldn’t be stylish but just is.
Think Dad at the BBQ taking pride of place flipping burgers, Dad on a camping trip carefully assembling the tent poles in order, or Dad on a day trip with the AA road map in hand and sandwiches expertly refrigerated in the cool box. It’s Louis Theroux made cool, it’s everything in the world that really shouldn’t be stylish but just is. And in true Dad style, the chunky, often thick strapped shoe is comfortable, practical and everything you need for day trips, staycations and simply carrying your Asda shop up the hill on the way home- we stan the versatility!
Chanel offers the creme de la creme of chunky sandals, but if you don’t want to be stuck eating beans on toast for the rest of eternity then keep scrolling for the best high street dupes …
