May 20, 2020 at 05:50PM There are so few human challenges—most all of them intangible—that everyone, regardless of background, inevitably has to weather at some point in life. Romantic heartbreak, death of a loved one. It’s genuinely hard to think of more. The COVID-19 pandemic is so prodigious because it’s not only an experience that everyone is dealing with but one that everyone is dealing with at the exact same time. Personally, I start to freak out a little bit any time I come up against a challenge so rare that my mom has never seen it before. Needless to say, COVID-19 has set off those panic alarms, which I’ve spent the past week and a half attempting to quiet with the best self-care rituals and products available to me—a journey that is by no means complete. There’s nothing like a crisis to bring out both the best and worst in us. For every ounce of compassion and selflessness that’s emerged from this, there’s an equal amount of agitation and impatience, arrogance and shaming of others. Because this is something that nearly the entire human population is tackling, there is an overwhelming quantity of information (some valid and helpful, some less so) about how we should be spending these uncertain times. I’ve seen memes advising the internet to make good use of the quarantine—to look on the bright side by starting that novel you always told yourself you’d write or by taking this “precious” period to “pause” and “unplug”—the creators
Category: WhoWhatWear
I’m No Makeup Expert, But These Are the Easy-to-Use Products I Swear By
May 20, 2020 at 06:30AM I was never particularly good at art when I was at school. In fact, I’d say I was rather bad at it. I couldn’t tell my Monet from my Cézanne, I had absolutely no talent when it came to colour mixing, and my eye for light and shadows was virtually nonexistent. Fast-forward to now and I’m ashamed to admit that, even as a beauty editor who spends over eight hours a day playing with makeup, my practical creativity when it comes to art is still somewhat lacking. Granted, I haven’t had to endure an art class in well over 10 years, but masterclasses with some of the best makeup artists in the world are part and parcel of this job, so you would have thought I’d learned something at least. And sure, I’ve picked up a few basic tips along the way, like nailing a winged liner(ish) and mastering simple contour techniques, but when it comes to complexities such as a smoky eye or a dewy but full-coverage base, I like to leave it to the experts. Don’t get me wrong. I do love playing with makeup, and I know a great product when I see one, but when I compare my results to those of someone with a little more artistic flair, I find myself deflated and somewhat disappointed. And this is by no means news to me. I have been aware of my shoddy makeup skills since the early stages of my career. The minute I found myself
These Zara Candles Were Created by Jo Malone, and They’re Only £16
May 20, 2020 at 06:30AM I have a confession to make. I know that I’m a beauty editor and that I am supposed to live and breathe all things makeup, skin and hair, but candles are my one true love. Sure, I still get giddy with excitement when a new bronzer is released, and I love geeking out over skincare launches, but nothing has the power to make me go weak at the knees quite like a candle does. (My favourite ever is Malin + Goetz Otto, £42.) And the only thing on the planet that I love more than a great-smelling candle? An affordable great-smelling candle. So when I heard that Zara had plans to create a line of candles to sit alongside its existing Zara Emotions perfume collection, I could barely contain my excitement. Created in collaboration with Jo Malone CBE, the fragrances have been favourites of mine since they launched late last year. Not only do they look rather chic on the shelf, but the scents are also powerfully fresh, long-lasting and unique. I’ve had several people stop me on the street and ask after them. In fact, much like Jo Loves scents themselves, the Zara Emotions range delivers expensive-smelling scents that evoke a sense of nostalgia that has you going back for more. And now, there are candles for £16, which, might I add, just like the perfumes, have a lingering scent that fills a room in a way only the most expensive do. Honestly, since discovering them, not only have I ordered six
Trust Monikh—Our Girl Just Found 3 Amazing Summer Pieces
May 20, 2020 at 06:18AM There are hundreds of thousands of influencers in the social ether, but only a handful who we religiously stalk in order to virtually steal the clothes off their backs. Our primary target is Monikh—the London-based styling and shopping guru who seeks out the very coolest buys from every corner of the retail world. From her inspiring tips on re-wearing her well-chosen investment items to hunting down the coolest high-street pieces, her Instagram feed @monikh and website are a veritable hotbed of things you’re going to want to purchase immediately (and will never regret). Each week, Monikh will share her new picks exclusively for you… Since the arrival of May, I have had summer on the brain, and so my shopping picks all this week have a real holiday feeling (despite our lack of travel plans for the foreseeable future). I have been sticking to minimal staples recently. However, the change in weather has me craving ’70s prints. Each of my picks this week has a retro colour palette and really distinctive prints. So what are you waiting for? Keep scrolling for my three summer buys. These ethically made woven bags are not only gorgeous, but they also hold a beautiful story of supporting households of the Kamba tribe in Kenya. Each basket is made out of old jumpers and each is unique. I may be going back to my old ways of minimalism, but I will always have a soft spot for that ’70s vibe, and
Harry Styles’s New Music Video Is Providing So Much Summer Outfit Inspiration
May 20, 2020 at 06:04AM As a clip explicitly “dedicated to touching,” Harry Styles’s new video for his single “Watermelon Sugar” represents everything we’re unable to do right now. Namely, the ability to hang out with a big group of friends and remain in close proximity. Featuring crochet knitwear and floral-patterned bikinis, the clip transports us back to a 1970s-esque era where social-distancing rules do not apply and outdoor activity is certainly not restricted. It’s a celebration of all things summer, seen through Harry Styles’s very own brand of rose-tinted heart-shaped glasses. Although frolicking on a beach with 20 of your nearest and dearest and a buffet of fresh fruit may not be a reality this summer, one thing you can emulate from Styles’s clip is its retro-inspired outfits. With a kaleidoscope of colour and quirky accessories—it’s got star-shaped earrings and sunglasses, to boot—the costumes in the video highlight a sort of escapism and a carefree summer attitude we could all benefit from right now. While decidedly vintage in aesthetic, many of the key pieces in the clip are iterations of what can be found online today. Rainbow-hued crochet pieces are readily available at Free People, while Saint Laurent and Christopher Kane have both dabbled in creating heart-shaped sunglasses. Tie-dye prints are everywhere across high-street and designer brands, and Nasty Gal has retro floral down to an art form. Keep scrolling to watch the clip and shop the carefree summer style we want to emulate thanks to “Watermelon Sugar” below. Next up,
30 Items for Those Spending More Time Dressing Tables Than Themselves
May 20, 2020 at 06:00AM These days, many of us are spending more time thinking about how we dress our tables than how we dress ourselves. At the start of lockdown, Laura Jackson started a movement called #makeamealofit, where she encouraged us all to cherish dinner time, whether we are isolating alone, with friends or with family. It’s all about making our evening meals an event to look forward to at the end of the day—taking the time to put down our phones (after taking a tablescape picture, of course), eating something delicious and bringing out those plates or wine that you’d usually only save for fancy occasions. The pictures that she reposts every day show that people are taking as much time putting together their tablescapes as they are preparing their actual dinners. The pictures of beaches and brunches on Instagram have been replaced with pictures of table settings that look like works of art. If you are inspired to upgrade your at-home dining experience, keep scrolling for our guide to how to transform the table in your front room into the fanciest joint in town. From candlesticks to linens, these 30 items will make any meal feel a little more special, whether you’re tucking into something you’ve slaved over for hours or an oven pizza. If you like to keep things classic, stick to a blue-and-white colour scheme for a Riviera feel. Do like the Italians do and layer bold-printed plates and stick to oranges, blues and yellows. Pink and green
The Fail-Safe Dress Style Fashion Editors Turn to Every Summer
May 20, 2020 at 05:52AM Ah, the humble midi dress. It is undeniably one of the most versatile items that anyone can have in their wardrobe. Do you need an easy throw-on option for weekday mornings? Choose a midi dress. Are you looking for a way to feel polished but still comfortable? Wear a midi dress. Do you crave the simplicity of an all-in-one outfit? May we suggest a midi dress? Transcending traditional fashion seasons, midi dresses are one of those staples that could be worn for just about any occasion. For example, a black, puff-sleeve midi could easily take you to a formal event with the addition of some heels and jewellery but could also be worn for weekend brunch when paired with sneakers and a denim jacket. As you can see below, the item looks just as good with strappy heels as it does when worn with sandals (or slippers at home). Sure, midis can be worn all year round, but spring and summer are the seasons when they really shine. Created in a variety of colourful prints and bright shades, the midis of spring/summer 2020 have personality aplenty. From feminine, puff-sleeve varieties to sleek knit iterations, there’s a dress for every style and preference. You might think a dress is a little too high-maintenance to wear at home, but many of the styles we have found are as comfy as a nightie. Personal favourites include an & Other Stories’ wrap midi dress and Topshop’s linen-blend midi dress. Keep scrolling for more. Next up,
How to Carry Out Your Regular Beauty Treatments at Home
May 19, 2020 at 11:48AM If you ask me, there is no better feeling in the world than indulging in a good old-fashioned pampering. Whether it’s taking some time to practise self-care or simply having a manicure, treating yourself to some TLC from time to time is thought to boost mood, productivity and better your general wellbeing. Whether you’ve grown accustomed to regular facials, pedis or spray tans, you might be interested to know that it doesn’t necessarily take for you to leave the house in order to get spa- or salon-worthy results. In fact, with a whole host of impressive at-home products and some diary time blocked out, there’s really no reason that you can’t turn your own home into a makeshift spa for an hour or two. Keep scrolling for all of the salon and spa beauty treatments you can carry out yourself at home. This one might seem a bit silly at first given that we are all committing to an extensive twice-daily skincare routine anyway (right?!), however, if you’re craving a post-facial glow, there are some extra steps that can be taken. First of all, for the extra treat, make sure you’re reaching for your most indulgent products. A spa-like cleansing balm, followed by a luxe exfoliating treatment will leave your skin glowing, sure, but why stop there? Up the ante by treating your face to a deep steam and masking session to help decongest pores. Then, follow up with a depuffing, firming and (most importantly) super-relaxing facial massage. Not sure
22 Very Old Trends I’m Still Wearing Today
May 19, 2020 at 07:08AM I’m a huge fan of ’70s fashion—the era created a host of trends that still stand up today, whether you realise they’re from that time or not. Think of our current obsession with bright over-the-knee boots, folk-inspired printed dresses, velvet and corduroy, boho blouses, midi skirts and so on. While the ’70s sweeps over the runways every couple of seasons, there’s always still a hint of it on the streets if you look closely. Think of the iconic designer names that were indelibly marked into history during this decade, like Yves Saint Laurent, Karl Lagerfeld and Diane von Furstenburg. It was also a period where mass-market, trend-driven fashion was also more readily available. Barbara Hulanicki’s Biba kick-started the idea in London a decade earlier, alongside boutiques like Bus Stop, and cool, connected girls were able to switch up their looks more readily, which likely led to the 1001 aesthetics and key pieces that came out of this electric time. This glamorous period also produced a slew of unforgettable, high-octane, high-profile style icons too. Think Farrah Fawcett, Grace Jones, Bianca Jagger, Diana Ross, Cher and Debbie Harry. Their fabulousness was met in equal parts by the casual ’70s crew: Ali McGraw, Diane Keaton, Jane Birkin and company repped the kind of ’70s style that feels more brunch-ready in NYC rather than wild nights at Studio 54. Whether you’re into hippies, disco queens, rockers, punks or retro nerds, I’d recommend following @70sbabes on Instagram for a daily dose.
Every Outfit Kate Middleton Has Worn on Her Royal Zoom Calls
May 19, 2020 at 06:06AM Like so many of us, Kate Middleton has been spending a lot of time on video calls lately, though the Duchess of Cambridge hasn’t been participating in virtual pub quizzes or Saturday evening digital drinks (…we assume). No, her royal highness has instead been appearing online as a part of her royal duties, calling in to This Morning with Phillip and Holly, thanking nurses as a part of International Nurse Day and spreading important messages about mental health awareness. As to be expected, each of Middleton’s appearances has garnered the attention of the press, not only because of the worthwhile causes the duchess is supporting but also because of her coveted Zoom outfit choices. Of course, Middleton’s at-home attire does not consist of oversize loungewear or comfy athleisure like you and I. The duchess is much more polished than that, appearing online in chic floral dresses by British brands like Ghost, Boden and Raey or elevated, textured knitwear by Sandro Paris and Tabitha Webb. By way of accessories, Middleton has maintained her penchant for simple jewellery, often choosing to wear an elegant drop earring or minimalist hoops while on call. If you’re looking for a little Zoom-outfit inspiration, keep scrolling to see everything Kate Middleton has chosen to wear on her video calls. Next up, the biggest S/S 20 fashion trends you need to know. Author Zoe Anastasiou | Whowhatwear Selected by CWC