Faux leather for Spring? Ground-breaking. Ok, maybe we're getting ahead of ourselves with the Spring thing but glass half full and all that.
In the meantime, faux leather makes for a great transeasonal fabric to have in your wardrobe all-year-round. From versatile straight-leg pants (no you’re obsessed with Ross Geller) to high-rise leggings and jumpsuits, here’s how we’re styling faux leather.
Lareese
Whenever I want to feel a little more FASHUN fancy pants, I reach for a pair of straight leg faux leather trousers – they’re a hard-working, versatile piece to have in your wardrobe and instantly elevate an outfit, even if you dress them down with a plain white tee and sneakers. Ross Geller was way ahead of his time!
I’ll be pairing them with a plain tank top, a green wool jacket and these mules I’ve had my eye on for a while.
I’ve gone a bit out of the box for my faux leather look as I’ve chosen this jumpsuit! I’ve paired it with a white shirt and heeled boots as monochrome is my middle name.
I own a fair few pairs of faux leather trousers/leggings now and often switch them out for my usual go-to plain black skinny jeans if i’m feeling a bit more extra that day. I found this amazing pair in all saints that look SO unbelievably comfy and when searching online for something to wear with them, I actually fell in love with this entire outfit all from All Saints! I love big chunky knit jumpers with a faux leather legging and then my trusty chunky black boots!
I found a great pair of coated leggings from Next at the weekend which are a great alternative to leather and look just as good. I would pair them with a pair of chunky faux leather boots, a good old grey knitted jumper and a big puffer jacket to face the winter weather!
I’ve got a pair of vegan leather boots from Koi and really like how chunky they are, so would style this square toe pair with a classic shirt and denim skirt – very fresh and simple, so would rock a red lip and wavy hair to style it up
I absolutely love a contrasting silhouette, and what’s more different than a chunky boot and feminine dress?! I’ve wanted some of the vegan Dr Martens for ages and this might just have persuaded me that I need them in my life …
One of my go to outfits is my faux leather skirt. I usually wear it with a bright coloured jumper tucked in, thick black tights and more leather in the form of some chunky boots. I might look a bit like a mod (or rocker, one of the two) but I loves it I does.
PSA: sticking to veganuary doesn't have to be a chore! Eating out has never been easier with these scrumptious plant-based joints giving you plenty of options to chow down and enjoy some nosh whatever the occasion.
London’s got an impressive number of meat-free, dairy-free restaurants on its roster so if ever you needed an excuse to eat your way around the city and up your vegan ante, there it is. Forget the meticulous planning or whipping out your backup lunchbox tableside, these vegan spots have got it covered.
By Chloe
All vegan everything! Yep, there’s no need to go off-menu here. Originally exploding onto the foodie scene in NYC, the US chain has now joined us across the pond in London. From hearty roasts loaded with glazed carrots and hot thyme tatties to crispy tofu fish and chips, By Chloe doesn’t do thing by halves.
We ate: Mac and cheese | Pesto meatball sub | Mandarin lemonade
Gone are the days when being vegan meant you ate carrots and air or you didn’t eat at all. Serving vegan and vegetarian dishes from around the world since 1988, Mildreds has celebrated meat-free dining for over thirty years. With levant ‘Chick’n Kebabs’ and gingerbread sticky toffee pudding gracing the menu, there’s barely a non-meat eater in the capital that hasn’t queued to take a seat at this iconic joint.
We ate: Pumpkin gnocchi | Tomato bravas | Seasonal greens | Tender stem broccoli with lemon miso
This Notting Hill-based cafe makes even the most nutritious of dishes taste like they should be bad for us (in the best way). Hello truffle mac n cheese!
Serving local and seasonal plant-based produce free from dairy, additives and chemicals – it’s the place to be if you’re going green and eating clean.
We ate: Seasonal vegetable pizzetta | Loaded mushroom tacos
One look at their Instagram and you’ll be foodgasming all over the place: case in point, the vegan fish and chips. Phwoar!
Made with love and powered by plants, Unity Diner is on a mission to make a more compassionate future for animals. All profits go directly towards animal rights campaign work (Surge), including the development of a new sanctuary for animals here in the UK.
We ate: Dirty loaded fries | Halva sundae | Raspberry kombucha | Elderflower lemonade
Wraps, baps, lip-smacking burgers and shakes – this is vegan fast food heaven. Dishes include deep-fried jack fruit wings, drunken beer marinated aubergine and mac and cheese. Expect big ol’ naughty portions perfect for those days when only junk food will do.
We ate: Sunshine smoothie | Teriyaki burger | Skin on fries
It’s not all lingerie and lube fellas, there’s more to Valentine’s Day than stroking your libido’s ego, though let it be said, we’ve got time for those kinds of gifts too. Wink wink, nudge, nudge.
In the name of romance, we’ve created a gift guide popping with present ideas for him & her. There’s homeware, skincare, experience days and not a dodgy thong insight. Praise be – no lovers’ tiff necessary.
Whether you’re shopping for you, your significant other or your Palentine-Galentine, we’ve shopped around for the stylish, sentimental and the downright delectable gifts to make this Valentine’s Day one to remember. Get ready to start dropping those hints!
Adventurer Gifts
Got an outdoorsy person in your life? You’re in luck. They may not be the most glamorous to look at but by Jove are they practical. Here’s a look at the gifts every nomad will actually use.
Who doesn’t love being showered with bougie beauty treats, eh? From monthly products delivered to your door, perfume in ridiculously aesthetic bottles and Kim K-approved face masks, these are the gifts every beauty lover will heart the hell out of. Pucker up!
Buying gifts for V-Day can be a tad overwhelming when you’ve already pulled out all the stops for Christmas. Why not book an overnight stay at a hotel, treat them to a spot of wine tasting or whisk them away for a spa day – nothing says ‘I love you’ like spending some quality time together.
Time to lay on the cheese, it is Valentine’s Day after all! Nothing says you’re committed like a gourmet gift, hand-fed by candlelight. You can leave out the hand-feeding part – unless that’s your jam in which case, get stuck in.
If you can’t go b-i-g with your gifts on the most romantic day of the year, then when can ya? If you fancy dropping some major dough in the name of cupid, this spenny lot should do nicely.
Show your other half that they’re appreciated on Valentine’s Day with a little gesture that’s not going to break the bank. We’ve got feminist poetry, headphones and pint-sized stocking-cum-hosiery fillers (wahey, do you like what we did there?), here’s a few budget-friendly options for the frugal shopper.
It’s been a month since we launched our app Template, and we want to show you why it’s our highest rated app yet!
If you don’t know much about Template it is an app we spent last year creating with Elsie & Emma of A Beautiful Mess – the same team we work with on our app Filmm! It’s a new way to style your Instagram feed with galleries and posts as well as your stories.
We hand-selected over 500 layouts to choose from and the app also comes with 70 fonts, custom brushes and customisable illustrations. Template is FREE to download and some of our favourite design packs are free but to get unlimited access to everything you can upgrade to Template+ which costs £4.99 a month or £24.49 a year. You can also buy packs separately, take a look at each one below.
Classic
Simple but effective the classic pack comes free and is perfect for putting a few images together, made up of designs from Minima, Layout, Zine and Meta. The pack is comprised of 13 story templates, 13 feed templates, and 6 galleries.
Analog
Another pack of ‘the best of the best’, Analog features a couple of options from Craft, Film, and Instant to give you a diverse range, it also comes free with the app. The pack is comprised of 11 story templates, 11 feed templates, and 7 galleries.
Craft
Inspired by scrapbooking, photo collages, paint splashes and imperfections, find pretty polaroids ripped paper and more. It’s easy to see why Craft is one of our most popular packs. The pack is comprised of 13 story templates, 11 feed templates, and 8 galleries.
Editorial
Bold and beautiful this pack was inspired by some of our favourite publications, the perfect selection for a bit of text to your creations. The pack is comprised of 15 story templates, 11 feed templates, and 5 galleries.
Essay
The best pack for text-heavy creations and thoughtful statements. Use this to create your own bite-size blogs. The pack is comprised of 11 story templates, 11 feed templates, and 6 galleries.
Film
Inspired by old school 35mm film photographs, negatives and polaroids, this is the perfect pack for vintage camera lovers and photobooth frequenters. The pack is comprised of 17 story templates, 21 feed templates, and 10 galleries.
Fresh
Bright and graphic this pack was inspired by design bloggers. Find stars, grids, waves and sharp lines in this uber-cool selection. The pack is comprised of 14 story templates, 14 feed templates, and 9 galleries.
Instant
Inspired by polaroids both black and white, this is one of our biggest packs for different layouts so you’re sure to find an image selection that suits you. The pack is comprised of 22 story templates, 16 feed templates, and 11 galleries.
Layout
Inspired by magazine layouts and bold statements, Layout is like nothing you’ve seen before. The pack is comprised of 13 story templates, 11 feed templates, and 5 galleries.
Meta
Super cool templates inspired by digital format and nostalgic media. The pack is comprised of 14 story templates, 14 feed templates, and 6 galleries.
Minimal
Simple and modern, the Minimal pack has a range of templates in classic and abstract layouts. The pack is comprised of 18 story templates, 20 feed templates, and 12 galleries.
Oui
The content creators pack, containing clean and muted colourful template designs, it’s definitely an office favourite! The pack is comprised of 15 story templates, 15 feed templates, and 6 galleries.
Story
Text driven templates for the ultimate storyteller! The pack is comprised of 11 story templates, 11 feed templates, and 6 galleries.
Zine
Graphic grids and forward-thinking layouts comprise this pack inspired by DIY publishing, this one is packed full of goodies. The pack is comprised of 23 story templates, 24 feed templates, and 13 galleries.
We’ve been loving seeing you use Template, there are so many fantastic posts on the Template Instagram account, follow it here. Here’s a few favourites to get you inspired…
Like the adult equivalent of starting a new year at primary school armed with a fresh AF pencil case and immaculate pens, we want to start 2020 afresh and leave our grubby little makeup bags firmly in the 00s.
We’re all for streamlining our cosmetics and giving our tired beauty routines a makeover and what better time to begin than at the start of a spanking new decade!
From dipping our toes into the new releases, investing in a handful of cult faves and repurchasing the pedestal-worthy products we can’t live without, here’s the makeup the Zoella team will be reaching for this year.
Charlotte Says –
My 2020 makeup is a combo of newbies and some golden oldies. For foundation I never stray from my trusty Nars Sheer Glow in the shade ‘Mont Blanc’- when you’ve found ‘the one’, there’s no need for other options! Having said that, on days when I want a lighter coverage or need a quick complexion fix, I’ve been opting for the Lumene Instant Glow Beauty Serum. It gives you more glow than a disco ball and offers the perfect lit-from-within finish.
To set my base I’m sticking with two products I discovered in 2019 that I’m sure are going to be with me for the long haul- the Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder and the Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray. My makeup’s going nowhere with this trusty combo, setting my base in place without compromising on the glow I’ve worked hard (read: slapped on hurriedly after snoozing my alarm) to achieve.
Glossier is a brand I’ve had on my radar for such a long time, but as a full face kinda gal I wasn’t sold on their minimal approach to beauty. But! After visiting their pop-up in Covent Garden in December I was sold- the packaging, the aesthetic, the millennial pink- everything! I picked up the Lidstar sheer liquid shadow in the shade Lily and it’s a firm fave already- I want to try it in every colour!
It seems I’m very into colour at the moment, as this trusty Forever Flawless Constellation palette from Makeup Revolution is another one I can’t get enough of lately. Whether it’s for a full-on pink glistening lid or used with an angled brush for a bold winged liner, the possibilities are endless with this affordable offering.
If there’s one thing I’m sure will see me through 2020 and beyond, it’s big and bushy brows. Charlotte
If there’s one thing I’m sure will see me through 2020 and beyond, it’s big and bushy brows. I’m tempted by the idea of brow lamination, but until I pluck up the courage for that I’ll be sticking with my Hourglass Arch Brow Volumising Fiber Gel. Adding colour, texture and definition, it’s one I won’t be leaving the house without applying in 2020.
Lips wise I’m usually all about a nude, but so far this year I’ve been loving the look of a more stand out shade. The Gucci lipsticks (boujie I know- it was a gift, I’m not usually this cool) are super moisturising and long-wearing, plus the gorgeous packaging means it’s one you’ll want out on your dresser for all to see (all being, my cat). Drugstore wise I’ve been a long time fan of Revlon’s lip products so I think they’ll be seeing me well into this year and beyond. Their Ultra Matte HD Lipcolors set beautifully without drying out the lips!
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Zoe Says –
A few favourites that constantly crop up for me that I’ve talked about many times before are the Chanel Cream Bronzer “Soleil Tan De Chanel” (a true makeup bag staple for me), The Fenty Beauty foundation (my go-to when I need a bit more coverage), The Bare Minerals mineral foundation (using this every day most days at the moment, I always go back to it, I just love it!) and the It Cosmetics CC+ Foundation which is a little lighter and is my summer staple for natural glowy skin.
Keeping with skin, I also know I will be reaching for the Iconic London “prep, set, glow” mist to set my makeup when the weather starts warming up. I also fell in love with the Vita Liberata beauty blur last year too, and I’m bringing this firmly into 2020 as for those no-makeup days, it just adds the perfect subtle tint with a healthy glow. I particularly like it for holidays! Something that has only recently become a favourite is the Urban Decay Stay Naked Correcting Concealer which has amazing coverage whilst also feeling light. Another new discovery that I’m really enjoying using is the Pat McGrath LABS chroma luxe Hi-Lite Creams which come in the cutest little tubes and make such a difference with just a teeny amount. Perfect for high impact highlighter.
Another new discovery that I’m really enjoying using is the Pat McGrath LABS chroma luxe Hi-Lite CreamsZoe
Moving swiftly onto eyes, two shadow palettes I’m reaching for a lot at the moment are the Nars “Wanted” mini eyeshadow palette and the Victoria Beckham Smoky Eye Brick in “Tweed”. The Stila Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadows are also a real staple for me, I love them on their own or as a base. I’ve also been enjoying blending a kohl into my lash line and the Victoria Beckham Satin Kajal Liner in “Bordeaux”. Onto lips, and it’s no surprise that a matte liquid lip is my lip of choice.
My favourites are the Colourpop Cosmetics & Huda Beauty ones. During summer I like to mix it up a bit with something a bit more glossy and last year I fell in love with the Bare Minerals Gen Nude Lip Lacquers, my favourite shade being “Squad”. To keep my lips feeling nourished on days where I’m not wearing any lip product, I’ll reach for the Glossier Berry Balm Dotcom universal skin salve, smells delicious and does a fabulous job at keeping my lips hydrated.
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Danielle Says –
I’ve started 2020 trying to be as gorgeous and glowy as I can! Kicking things off with my Urban Decay all nighter foundation base (on top of fake tan obvs) then going in with a bit of Born This Way concealer by too faced to pick out my under eye, forehead, nose and chin.
I’ve started 2020 trying to be as gorgeous and glowy as I can!Danielle
I’ve been using this Becca Champagne Pop palette for highlight and blush along with a Charlotte Tilbury bronzer that is on its last legs and in no fit state to have its photo taken! I’ll then start ‘carving out’ my brows with ABH Dip Brow, and I’ll set that with Glossier Boy Brow.
I didn’t get too much makeup for Christmas but I did receive these adorable Soap & Glory minis from my bestie and they’ve been my go-to eye look so far this year. I’ll pop the gold straight on to the lid and pat it in with my ring finger then I’ll use the kohl liner to smoke it up near the lash line. Then I’ll apply lashings of whatever mascara I can find in my makeup bag, I’m ready to invest in a new Lash Sensational!
I’ll then either blast on a bit of Clarins Lip Oil to keep these puppies dry in the cold harsh Brighton winds or I’ll spice things up with a Revlon lippie in nude or red!
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Darcey Says –
My all-time favourite foundation (and I mean I’ve been using this bad boy in various shades for about 5 years now) is the Nars Sheer Glow foundation. It’s more of a full coverage foundation, but also very buildable so it’s great for day to night. Also, it’s a dewy one and not incredibly matte, which I find a lot of foundations can be.
I’ve recently started using the Laura Mercier setting powder and honestly, I didn’t realise just HOW good it is. Whether you are wanting to set or bake, it can do both, very well.
I am a die-hard fan of the Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel Bronzer, it is insanely nice. Darcey
Now for bronzer, I am a die-hard fan of the Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel Bronzer, it is insanely nice. Its a mousse, unlike the usual powder bronzer, so it’s super creamy and easy to apply. This bronzer also has a lovely glow and shimmer to it.
For my brows, I like to stick to a few old favs. I use the Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade (I use this more on nights out when I want a really defined brow) and the NYX tinted brow mascara. Both give a fluffy brow effect which I love!
This is another product I’ve stuck to for a few years now because it’s just so good! For my lashes, I use the Nars Climax mascara, mainly because it doesn’t clump! but it also makes your lashes look super long.
Last, but definitely not least, I love a Charlotte Tilbury lipstick. The matte lipsticks aren’t drying, and that’s all anyone wants in a matte lipstick! My current favourite colour is ‘Pillow Talk’, I believe it is the perfect nude lipstick.
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Lauren Says –
My 2020 makeup is a lot of the same but I’ve decided this is the year I tackle the ol’ cat-eye and get back into eyeliner! I usually rock quite a natural base so I think this will finally give my eyes that really nice ‘pop’.
For a bit of extra coverage, I mix in the concealer and this keeps my skin looking freshLauren
Speaking of base, I’m really happy with my combo of Madara’s CC Cream in Medium and Too Faced BTW Concealer in Almond – if I can get away with just the CC cream then I’ll stick to that, but for a bit of extra coverage, I mix in the concealer and this keeps my skin looking fresh whilst it’s still able to breathe.
I tend to wear bronzer all year round as I like having some warmth in my face; I use the Too Faced Dark Chocolate Bronzer all year round, with a light sweep in winter for something subtle and a heavier hand come summer for that bronze glow.
My eye-makeup hasn’t changed, still loving the BLEACH London Louder Powders (although sadly I think they’ve stopped making some booo) and Pacifica Stellar Gaze Mascara, but I picked up the E.L.F Ultra Precise Brow Pencil and E.L.F Intense Ink Eyeliner before Christmas and I LOVE THEM – I think the brown shade Brunette is a little warm but it applies just as good as the high-end alternatives, and because I’m still learning (and lazy) with liner, the chunky pen tip is so easy to use and quick when in a hurry (only minimal mistakes made so far!) – plus it’s cruelty-free and vegan which is a big win.
I’m usually low-key with lip colours so I’ve gone back to the Tata Harper Volumising Lip and Cheek Tint; it’s a love consistency and gives just a hint of colour so your lips still look natural – I’d love them to do a stick version as I’m not a fan of dipping my finger in through the day, but it’s great if you want a multi-purpose product that’s easy to work with.
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Lareese Says –
I swapped my usual eyebrow pencil for the Bobbi Brown Perfectly Defined Long-Wear Brow Pencil recently and I can report it’s worth the splurge. The colour Saddle is a great match for my brows and it stays put all day – even in the rain and on the odd occasion I’ve actually dragged myself to the gym. The slanted tip makes application easy and precise which is such a time saver in the morning.
It might be a new year but old habits die hard and I’ve been hoarding my mascara for longer than I care to admit. Lareese
It might be a new year but old habits die hard and I’ve been hoarding my mascara for longer than I care to admit. I was lucky enough to receive the By Terry Lash Expert Twist Mascara as a gift for Christmas and I’m so glad I accidentally discovered it. It’s buildable formula lifts, lengthens and volumises even the straightest of lashes without weighing them down with product. No clumps here.
I’ll do anything to avoid heavy, cakey foundations and this glow-in-a-bottle Flawless Filter from Charlotte Tilbury is anything but. A CC cream-cum-illuminator, it gives my complexion a healthy boost of colour and radiance whilst still maintaining that healthy, second-skin finish. It’s described as revolutionary and I can totally see why – it’s worth the hype for sure. She’s a keeper!
Soleil Tan De Chanel Bronzing Makeup Base is a new-to-me product and I now I’ve used it, I totally get the hype. It leaves my skin with a sun-kissed glow and unlike some bronzing or contouring products, it warms up my complexion without looking too heavy or ashy on the skin. The buildable cream formula transforms into a light powder on application, making it super easy to blend.
Our new 'Between You & Me' write-in is a regular series dedicated to answering your personal problems in our best Oprah voice.
Like a modern-day Dear Deirdre column, only this time there are seven agony aunts putting in their two pennies worth.
When times are pretty sh*tty, we’ll wade in and give you our best pearls of wisdom, without the unsolicited advice – all in the hope that you’ll feel a little less alone in whatever you’re going through. Bottom line: Yes, you’re normal, no you’re not the only one, yes it’s ok to have problems and HELL YES it’s ok to ask for help.
Whether it’s friendship woes, marital struggles, grief, loneliness, body hang-ups, overbearing in-laws, problem-skin, stress or heartbreak, we all know a problem shared is a problem halved and we hope this space is somewhere you can show up, be open and honest and get the emotional back-up you need. Like a cracking pair of pants – we are here to hold you together, so lament and vent away!
If you’ve got a situation that prompts the question, ‘Am I the arsehole (AITA)?’ or ‘What would you do (WWYD)?’ we want to hear from you.
We can’t promise we’ll solve the issue but we’ll offer support in the best way we know how: by talking it out!
Remember to tell us if you wish to remain anonymous and change some names and places so no one figures you out.
Say hello to John and Leon or as they're more commonly known; The Lean Machines!
What tips do you have for surviving January?
Many people put far too much pressure on January, maybe due to new year’s resolutions. Having a simple plan and realistic routine can really help you stick to your goal in the long term.
Our content has changed a lot recently since becoming fathers. It has always been about Fitness and Nutrition but more recently it’s become about the balance between training and our family life around it. Training is a small piece of the puzzle to a happy, healthy lifestyle and we try to educate and reassure people of that as much as possible
How did you get into working in the fitness world?
We both always had a love of movement, training and nutrition etc but alongside that, we also love helping people, so the two things married together to become PTs naturally.
What are you currently working on?
Lots of things. We launched our fitness retreats last year, the
first was a great success and we are now finalising dates for this year.
Expanding our online coaching as much as we can to help more people take
control of their lives and break the yo-yo diet culture. Also spending as much time as possible creating content across all
of TheLeanMachines platforms.
What is your biggest accomplishment in life?
Being able to wake up every morning and actively enjoy what we do.
What advice would you give to people looking to get fitter and
concentrate on their physical health?
Break down your goal, start simple with small changes too many
people go too hard too fast with it and naturally burn out.
What will you be reading, watching or listening to in 2020?
We’ve always got our heads in some book or listening to an audiobook. Everything from Harry Potter to anatomy and physiology books.
What advice would you give your younger selves?
L- Take more risks and trust your gut You’re doing just fine.
J – you’re doing just fine, don’t sweat the small stuff
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life what would it
be?
Oooo right now it would probably be a vegetable and halloumi
chilli!
What do you always carry with you?
A camera and a pair of trainers
What are you most looking forward to in 2020?
There’s a lot of things, but not many we can share. So, all we
will say is watch this space and keep your fingers crossed for us
The Biscoff Tiffin Recipe Every Vegan Needs In Their Repertoire
Everyone's favourite caramelised biscuit knows how to make a feast of veganuary.
First, there was the spread, now a no-bake Biscoff tiffin exists. What a time to be alive!
It’s a hassle-free dessert perfect for presenting to guests at a pot luck or tucking into during a juicy episode of Love Island – and yes you would be correct in thinking, it’s our type on paper.
Vegan or not, this melt in the mouth tiffin is the stuff of foodie dreams with a particularly impressive track record of pleasing the crowd. One of us lost a bra just by looking at it.
Taste it and your life will be forever better!
SERVES
PREP:
COOK:
EASY
INGREDIENTS
Ingredients
Biscoff Biscuits 150g
Icing Sugar 300g
Vegan Butter (I used Vitalite) 250g
Biscoff Spread 275g
Vegan Milk Chocolate 200g
Vegan Dark Chocolate 200g
Vegan White Chocolate 100g
Extra Biscoff biscuits and spread for decoration
Mix together icing sugar and crushed biscuits
Mix the butter and Biscoff Spread
Pour the butter Biscoff mixture into the dry ingredients
Squash mixture into a lined and greased baking tin and chill for 30 minutes
Melt the milk and dark choc over a bowl of boiling water
Pour the melted chocolate on top of the set Biscoff base.
Whilst still melted, add extra toppings: melted white chocolate, melted Biscoff spread and swirl together using a cocktail stick or fork to create a marble effect.
Place halved Biscoff biscuits into the melted chocolate topping and crumble smaller pieces on too for extra crunch!
Put into the fridge to set – at least 1 hour, but the longer the better
A cold and dark January has left us all reaching for the cosiest layers in our wardrobe and you can't get much warmer than a soft shearling coat.
Bundle up in a classic neutral biker jacket, go all out Shaun the sheep vibes with a full-length Narnia-esque number or maybe a subtle trim is more your signature style.
Here’s how we’re planning to wear the Winter weather trend!
Maddie
Fun fact, the first day I met my now husband, I was wearing a massive cream coloured shearling jacket, he used to call it the “sheep”. Looking back, I’m not sure if that’s a good thing but it didn’t scare him away so that’s something, i still love it! I wore it with my text book first date ensemble; black skinny jeans, white tee tucked in and some killer black boots.
Lareese
I’m such a coat person and this cosy longline number is a beauty. Some shearling coats can be a bit too padded for my liking but this is a great nod to the trend with its faux-shearling lining and suede outer. It also means there’s plenty of room to layer a jumper underneath without feeling claustrophobic. Complete the look with slouchy jeans, a Winter knit and a pair of stompers and you’re done!
Zoe
I bought an oversized faux shearling coat towards the end of last year from Zara and have worn it so much already! I like to wear mine with black skinny jeans, black boots and a hoody underneath. You feel and look like a giant teddy bear and I love it!
Danielle
For my look, I’m heading in the ‘tonal dressing’ trend direction with this cream ensemble. Obviously I’ll try not to consume any food or drink whilst wearing because I’m an absolute liability. Have paired this lovely cream coat with some neutral wide-leg jeans from Topshop and a long-sleeved top from collusion. Topping the look off with some black converse because they just making everything a bit cooler don’t they.
Darcey
I think a good shearling jacket is a wardrobe staple for winter. I am loving this cream shearling jacket from Topshop, I think the leather detailing is great! I would style it with a pair of light blue straight jeans, a white high neck jumper and some white Nike Air Force (which in my opinion go with everything!).
Charlotte
Coats are my weakness, but I’d feel much better about buying another thanks to the versatility of this reversible beauty! I’m pairing it with this Collusion midi dress layered over a pink turtleneck to add some colour back into a rainy January. Throw on some casual trainers (my go-to are Converse) and you’re good to go!
Lauren
Shearling coats aren’t my normal style, but if you’re looking for a vegan-friendly option, this cosy coat is a great option to keep warm. I’d style it with some smart trousers and a wrap top, plus these Dr Martens for a work-friendly vibe!
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2019 was the year I told myself I would read more. Not just say I will read more, but ACTUALLY read more. Here is a run down of the 15 books I read last year, each with a rating out of 5...
I was that kid that looked forward to school holidays so I could read books back to back without any interruption
2019 was the year I told myself I would read more. Not just say I will read more, but ACTUALLY read more. I’ve always loved being submerged in a good book. I was that kid that looked forward to school holidays so I could read books back to back without any interruption. This year I finished 15 books, started the Zoella Book Club and I also bought myself a Kindle which helped me read a lot quicker. I was a little hesitant to purchase a kindle as I do love to flip the pages and have that satisfaction of finishing it, but having so many books in one place, being able to slip it in my bag for reading on the go and being able to hold it above my face in bed was life changing. Don’t even get me started on the fact you can adjust the font size, see the percentage of how much you’ve read as you go and adjust brightness too, basically…the kindle has changed my life. I actually read most of these on the kindle, but because of the office book club, I had lot’s of physical copies to feature in this photo! There really was no excuse not to read this year, so here is a mini run down of the books I read, and what I thought of them!
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine – Gail Honeyman
“Meet Eleanor Oliphant: she struggles with appropriate social skills and tends to say exactly what she’s thinking. Nothing is missing in her carefully timetabled life of avoiding unnecessary human contact, where weekends are punctuated by frozen pizza, vodka, and phone chats with Mummy. But everything changes when Eleanor meets Raymond, the bumbling and deeply unhygienic IT guy from her office. When she and Raymond together save Sammy, an elderly gentleman who has fallen, the three rescue one another from the lives of isolation that they had been living. Ultimately, it is Raymond’s big heart that will help Eleanor find the way to repair her own profoundly damaged one. If she does, she’ll learn that she, too, is capable of finding friendship—and even love—after all”
This was the first book I read this year and it had been one I started at the end of 2018 and I was really dragging my heels about getting stuck into it. It’s quite a slow starting story, so it took me a while but once I was in, I was invested! Eleanor is the sort of character you really root for, and also so very different from any character I’ve read before. It’s a very heart warming story following Eleanor as she does things a little out of her comfort zone and in doing so, meeting new people and finding new lease of life. I read this book so long ago that I’m struggling to say anything else but I do remember being a little disappointed by the ending.
Rating: 3.5/5
My Sister The Serial Killer – Oyinkan Braithwaite
“When Korede’s dinner is interrupted one night by a distress call from her sister, Ayoola, she knows what’s expected of her: bleach, rubber gloves, nerves of steel and a strong stomach. This’ll be the third boyfriend Ayoola’s dispatched in, quote, self-defence and the third mess that her lethal little sibling has left Korede to clear away. She should probably go to the police for the good of the menfolk of Nigeria, but she loves her sister and, as they say, family always comes first. Until, that is, Ayoola starts dating the doctor where Korede works as a nurse. Korede’s long been in love with him, and isn’t prepared to see him wind up with a knife in his back: but to save one would mean sacrificing the other…”
If you prefer your crime reads to be a little less scary, then you will LOVE THIS
I read this at the beginning of the year after seeing so many rave reviews. I love me a thriller so opened the first page with excitement and bated breath expecting something really gritty with added humour. Although I DID enjoy this book, I wanted a little more. I think my imagination and love of horror and crime documentaries meant my thought process always went that little bit extra than the actual storyline and it fell a little flat for me. I did however love the dark humour, the characters, the overall plot and the fact that the story is very fast paced, I prefer when a book gets straight to the point. I also like that Oyinkan Braithwaite makes us question certain topics like social media and sisterhood. How far would you go for your sibling? Overall, I did enjoy this book, but it fell a little flat for me in the “thriller” sense and wanted something a little more twisted and dark but If you prefer your crime reads to be a little less scary, then you will LOVE THIS
Rating: 3.5/5
Normal People – Sally Rooney
“At school Connell and Marianne pretend not to know each other. He’s popular and well-adjusted, star of the school soccer team while she is lonely, proud, and intensely private. But when Connell comes to pick his mother up from her housekeeping job at Marianne’s house, a strange and indelible connection grows between the two teenagers—one they are determined to conceal. A year later, they’re both studying at Trinity College in Dublin. Marianne has found her feet in a new social world while Connell hangs at the sidelines, shy and uncertain. Throughout their years in college, Marianne and Connell circle one another, straying toward other people and possibilities but always magnetically, irresistibly drawn back together. Then, as she veers into self-destruction and he begins to search for meaning elsewhere, each must confront how far they are willing to go to save the other. Sally Rooney brings her brilliant psychological acuity and perfectly spare prose to a story that explores the subtleties of class, the electricity of first love, and the complex entanglements of family and friendship.”
I feel like Sally Rooney was everywhere in 2019 and everyone had a lot of great things to say about her and her writing style! I bought two of her books, and read normal people first. I really enjoyed the story, covering young love in a seriously realistic way, which at times I wasn’t sure if I liked because I always wanted the opposite to happen, but once I’d finished I decided I loved it, as it was so much more relatable and I ended up feeling more invested in them and their complex relationship.
Rating: 4/5
Little Fires Everywhere – Celeste Ng
“Everyone in Shaker Heights was talking about it that summer: how Isabelle, the last of the Richardson children, had finally gone around the bend and burned the house down.”
“Little Fires Everywhere explores the weight of long-held secrets and the ferocious pull of motherhood-and the danger of believing that planning and following the rules can avert disaster, or heartbreak.”
This book wasn’t the page turner I had anticipated after reading so many amazing reviews and it started out quite slow. The authors descriptions of the town, homes, relationships & characters were superb and I adored her writing style, although I do feel that some of my favourite characters weren’t as focused on and I would have loved a bit more depth to those (Moody for example). I usually prefer quite fast-paced, gripping storylines, and although this one felt a bit more subdued, I can still appreciate its real-ness, honesty and themes throughout, and it felt a bit like being a fly on the wall. I particularly liked the emphasis on mother-daughter relationships! Click here to see what the rest of the team thought!
Rating: 3/5
How Do You Like Me Now? – Holly Bourne
‘Turning thirty is like playing musical chairs. The music stops, and everyone just marries whoever they happen to be sitting on.’
Who the f*ck is Tori Bailey? There’s no doubt that Tori is winning the game of life. A straight-talking, bestselling author, she’s inspired millions of women around the world with her self-help memoir. And she has the perfect relationship to boot. But Tori Bailey has been living a lie.
Holly takes you on a very real journey through a relationship with her main charatcer Tori Bailey and her long term partner Tom, to the point where you feel like you’re experiencing the highs and lows with her. You get a real sense of the struggles and honesty and the personal journey that Tori takes both within herself and her career. There are very poignant and current subjects that Holly puts into the book too, my favourite being the relationship Tori has with her social media and the reality behind her posts and how she views other peoples posts. I hope there is a second book where we get to follow Tori in her next adventure!
Rating: 4/5
Angus, Thongs & Full Frontal Snogging – Louise Rennison
“In this wildly funny journal of a year in the life of Georgia Nicolson, British author Louise Rennison has perfectly captured the soaring joys and bottomless angst of being a teenager. In the spirit of Bridget Jones’s Diary, this fresh, irreverent, and simply hilarious book will leave you laughing out loud. As Georgia would say, it’s “Fabbity fab fab!”
in our very first library session as a new tutor group, I whipped it out and was met with horrified gasps at the title. It was as if I’d pulled out 50 shades of grey
Does this book even need an intro or a review? If you’re a woman in your late twenties/early thirties you undoubtedly became very acquainted with Louise Rennison and her series of books back when you were a mere tween, exploring who you were attracted to and scribbling in your diary. I first read this book when I was 11 years old. It was my first read attending secondary school, and in our very first library session as a new tutor group, I whipped it out and was met with horrified gasps at the title. It was as if I’d pulled out 50 shades of grey. I remember my form tutor then pointing it out in front of everyone and me feeling very embarrassed. This book was and is just great! I re-read it as the publishers kindly re-sent me the entire series and I loved every second just as I did aged 11. It’s what got me into writing myself, and also scribbling every thought I had into a diary. One of the first books I wrote, aged 14 (which will never see the light of day) was called “Boys, Bums and The Family From Hell” and it was HUGELY inspired by Louise’s writing and story telling.
Rating: 4.5/5
Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle – Stuart Turton
“Tonight, Evelyn Hardcastle will be killed… again. It is meant to be a celebration but it ends in tragedy. As fireworks explode overhead, Evelyn Hardcastle, the young and beautiful daughter of the house, is killed. But Evelyn will not die just once. Until Aiden – one of the guests summoned to Blackheath for the party – can solve her murder, the day will repeat itself, over and over again. Every time ending with the fateful pistol shot. The only way to break this cycle is to identify the killer. But each time the day begins again, Aiden wakes in the body of a different guest. And someone is determined to prevent him ever escaping Blackheath…”
I didn’t have any expectations before reading this book and hadn’t read any reviews so went in completely blind (which I do think sometimes is the best way). VERY quickly, I was OBSESSED. I read it religiously every evening and any other chance I got, which is quite rare for me. The genre is totally up my street as it’s a murder mystery set in an old mansion where the day is played out 8 different times through 8 different characters to get to the bottom of it. I loved the complexity of Stu’s characters (you really do need to pay attention though as they switch and change throughout the book), the INSANE plot that plays out so perfectly that you’re almost annoyed at yourself that you can’t read quick enough to get to the end. I think this book is pure genius, thanks Stuart Turton! Click here to read what the rest of the Zoella team thought of the book!
Rating: 4.5/5
Reasons To Stay Alive – Matt Haig
“Like nearly one in five people, Matt Haig suffers from depression. Reasons to Stay Alive is Matt’s inspiring account of how, minute by minute and day by day, he overcame the disease with the help of reading, writing, and the love of his parents and his girlfriend (and now-wife), Andrea. And eventually, he learned to appreciate life all the more for it“
I follow Matt Haig on instagram and love so much of what he posts! I’ve read bits of quite a few of his books over the years, but never sat down to fully read one, so I thought I’d start with Reasons to Stay Alive, in which Matt shares his experience battling with severe anxiety and depression and the journey he goes on in order to triumph and live the life he wants. I absolutely LOVED this book. Matt describes anxiety and depression in such an easy to understand way. I found myself nodding furiously through this and it actually helped me in so many ways. Next on my list is “Notes on a nervous planet”.
Rating: 4.5/5
The Couple Next Door – Shari Lapena
“Anne and Marco Conti seem to have it all–a loving relationship, a wonderful home, and their beautiful baby, Cora. But one night when they are at a dinner party next door, a terrible crime is committed. Suspicion immediately focuses on the parents. But the truth is a much more complicated story. Inside the curtained house, an unsettling account of what actually happened unfolds. Detective Rasbach knows that the panicked couple is hiding something. Both Anne and Marco soon discover that the other is keeping secrets, secrets they’ve kept for years. What follows is the nerve-racking unraveling of a family–a chilling tale of deception, duplicity, and unfaithfulness that will keep you breathless until the final shocking twist“
Basically every ingredient for a book that I’m going to instantly fall in love with
OH HELLO FAST PACED WHO-DONE-IT. Basically every ingredient for a book that I’m going to instantly fall in love with. One of my highest rated books I’d read last year and it sadly wasn’t one we picked for the book club (although I wish we had). I actually only read it because I’d finished the book club pick for that month and wanted something else to move onto before next months book. My Mum was reading it and loving it, and so I was like “okay, I’m going to start that”. Had absolutely no expectation whatsoever but I don’t think I’ve ever got so invested in a storyline as quickly as I did with this. Shari’s writing style is so up my street, fast paced, gets straight to the point and you feel like you’re actually there! Since I love a thriller, this also got a huge tick for me, with suspense, questions, twists and turns throughout! I can’t wait to read another of her books! You have to read this.
Rating: 5/5
Where The Crawdads Sing – Delia Owens
“For years, rumors of the “Marsh Girl” have haunted Barkley Cove, a quiet town on the North Carolina coast. So in late 1969, when handsome Chase Andrews is found dead, the locals immediately suspect Kya Clark, the so-called Marsh Girl. But Kya is not what they say. Sensitive and intelligent, she has survived for years alone in the marsh that she calls home, finding friends in the gulls and lessons in the sand. Then the time comes when she yearns to be touched and loved. When two young men from town become intrigued by her wild beauty, Kya opens herself to a new life–until the unthinkable happens.”
This book has so many amazing reviews so my expectation was high (not always a good thing) and oh my, it did not disappoint. It’s a book that focuses largely on loneliness, fear and love with a sprinkling of utter determination and serious courage. I immediately fell in love with Kya as a character and Delia’s incredible descriptions of the marsh in which she lives and the creatures that she lives amongst really bought the vision of the book to life. She also includes some beautiful poetry which i thoroughly enjoyed reading throughout. Probably one of the most descriptive books i’ve read in a long time which I think, along with the storyline is why I enjoyed it so much. It’s quite an emotional rollercoaster and pulls on your heart strings in places but also has the added drama of the murder mystery thrown in too. (you know I love me a murder). I also really loved the end, i closed the book and felt so content (almost wanted to open it back at page one and start again). Click here to read what the rest of the Zoella team thought of the book!
Rating: 4.8/5
The Testaments – Margaret Atwood
“Margaret Atwood’s sequel picks up the story more than fifteen years after Offred stepped into the unknown, with the explosive testaments of three female narrators from Gilead. In this brilliant sequel to The Handmaid’s Tale, acclaimed author Margaret Atwood answers the questions that have tantalized readers for decades.”
I became a huge Handmaids Tale fan after being sucked into the tv series around 4 months ago and binge watched the entire thing over about 2 weeks. I found the whole concept both harrowing and so very interesting (and edge-of-your-seat-gripping!) Having not read the original book, I still had a good understanding of it through watching the series (although I can hear you all shouting “YOU SHOULD STILL READ THE FIRST BOOK”, which I will one day) therefore reading “The Testaments” still made complete sense to me and I was able to follow this no problem. I thoroughly enjoyed this read! I loved having three different perspectives of the same thing, all organically tying up along the way. The way in which Margaret is able to express three very different characters made you almost forget she was writing them all. Although somewhat predictable, and you can definitely sense where the storyline is heading by about midway through, I also really enjoyed the ending. It was one of those books I could have easily read in one sitting if i’d had the time, you just want to keep turning the page to find out more! Click here to read what the rest of the Zoella team thought of the book!
Rating: 4.5/5
Nine Perfect Strangers – Liane Moriarty
“Nine people gather at a remote health resort. Some are here to lose weight, some are here to get a reboot on life, some are here for reasons they can’t even admit to themselves. Amidst all of the luxury and pampering, the mindfulness and meditation, they know these ten days might involve some real work. But none of them could imagine just how challenging the next ten days are going to be“.
I’ve never read anything else by Liane Moriarty but i’m a HUGE fan of the show Big Little Lies (although never read the book) so I was super excited to read this. Set in a wellness retreat in Australia, run by a woman who had a near death experience, nine guests arrive for a break they most certainly won’t forget. I honestly had no idea where this story would go but was instantly drawn into Moriarty’s characters. When I knew she’d be telling the story from the perspective of nine different spa residents and two of the staff, so eleven points of view in total, I was worried i’d get a bit lost, but she did this SO well. I do agree with the others that this did feel a little slow paced at first and as a lover of twists, turns, thrillers and true crime, I thought it would be a little more gritty than it actually turned out to be. I don’t want to give away any spoilers so will leave it as vague as that, but I did feel the ending wasn’t quite how I’d have liked but overall I enjoyed the book and storyline! I like how real and complex the characters were and the overall journey we are taken on as readers to discover through them what really matters. I found Moriarty’s writing style so easy to get lost in and would love to read more of her books. Click here to read reviews from the rest of the team
Rating: 3.5/5
Our Stop – Laura Jane Williams
“Nadia gets the 7.30 train every morning without fail. Well, except if she oversleeps or wakes up at her friend Emma’s after too much wine. Daniel really does get the 7.30 train every morning, which is easy because he hasn’t been able to sleep properly since his dad died. One morning, Nadia’s eye catches sight of a post in the daily paper: To the cute girl with the coffee stains on her dress. I’m the guy who’s always standing near the doors… Drink sometime? So begins a not-quite-romance of near-misses, true love, and the power of the written word”
I could not put this down. I loved everything about it!
Laura had kindly sent this to me and my eyes were instantly drawn to the gorgeous front cover and the blurb. Since I’d been reading quite heavy literature this was the delightful chick-lit break I needed. I could not put this down. I loved everything about it, the characters, the story, Lauras incredible writing style, scene setting and characters. You know it’s good when you’re excited to get a moment to read it. MORE PLEASE LAURA!
Rating: 4.8/5
Twas The Night Shift Before Christmas – Adam Kay
“Twas The Nightshift Before Christmas is the hilarious, poignant and entertaining story of the life of a junior doctor at the most challenging time of the year. With twenty-five tales of intriguing, shocking and incredible Christmas incidents, the British public will finally appreciate the sacrifices made and the challenges faced by the unsung heroes of the NHS.”
I had already read and LOVED Adam’s first book “This is going to Hurt”, so I knew exactly what I was in for with this festive edition. It was an easy read-in-one-sitting book and I throughly enjoyed it. Adam writes with so much humour and description that he makes you laugh out loud and shed tears in equal measure with his stories. I personally would have loved for it to have been just a teeny bit longer as it was much shorter than I first anticipated, but that’s only because I think I could read thousands of pages of his diary entries and I just wanted more! Click here to see what the rest of the Zoella team thought!
Rating: 4/5
Becoming – Michelle Obama
“In her memoir, a work of deep reflection and mesmerizing storytelling, Michelle Obama invites readers into her world, chronicling the experiences that have shaped her—from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her years as an executive balancing the demands of motherhood and work, to her time spent at the world’s most famous address. With unerring honesty and lively wit, she describes her triumphs and her disappointments, both public and private, telling her full story as she has lived it—in her own words and on her own terms. Warm, wise, and revelatory, Becoming is the deeply personal reckoning of a woman of soul and substance who has steadily defied expectations—and whose story inspires us to do the same.”
Not knowing much about Michelle Obama or the Obama’s in general, it was really insightful learning so much about their background and how they came to be POTUS and FLOTUS and the dynamic of them as a couple. Michelle writes beautifully (kind of hoping she will move into fiction as I can imagine her being so descriptive and her storytelling comes so naturally to her). I’m not hugely into/don’t know too much about American politics so there were definitely points during the book where I felt I had to push myself a little more but overall found it to be really interesting. Michelle is an incredible woman, with a humble background, oodles of knowledge, intelligence and great morals. I finished the book feeling inspired and empowered! Click here to read reviews from the rest of the Zoella team
Rating: 3.5/5
Have you read any of these? What are your thoughts? I’d also love to know if you have any Zoella Book Club suggestions or any tips for reading more?
