The April List
A new book that will make you see the world differently, my new favourite city, the best trick for making a blow dry last well past its sell by date, and more...
April was a whirlwind for me: Venice-London-Vienna-London-Vienna-London-Venice. As I type it out, I see there’s quite a nice visual symmetry to that itinerary.
Here are some highlights from the last month: books I loved reading, shows I loved watching; but also the concealer that has given me the gift of near-perfect looking skin, the summer sandals that are TOP of my wish list and my latest hack for not spending so much time on my phone. And other good things.
Wearing: A Maxi Skirt
Lately, a skirt (ideally maxi) plus a t-shirt, vest or nice little cardigan (or indeed a layered combination of all of the above) has been my go-to uniform. This skirt in particular, though, is a real winner: it’s made out of nylon so feels practical for all sorts of life scenarios, including travel and fearlessly facing down those Spring showers, but also has a very nice, somewhat glamorous swoosh to it, which makes you feel instantly put-together and dressed up. The drawstring waist and the nice zip detail down the front are also giving Prada/Miu Miu vibes for a fraction of the price - even more so, given that, I do believe, the skirt is currently on sale. Also comes in black. Woohoo!
Obsessed With: Merit’s Perfecting Complexion Stick
I’m completely obsessed with this concealer stick which I’ve happily been using in place of foundation. It glides on the skin so wonderfully smoothly; and gives a glowy, I’m not wearing makeup look while still offering enough coverage to cover up any blemishes, unevenness in texture and/or blotchy red patches (the bane of my very existence). I scribble it on my cheeks, chin and nose (literally as if I were drawing with a crayon), then use my fingers to smooth it out: it’s make-up for those of us who don’t know what to do with make-up (although I’m sure great for those who do know what to do with make-up too). It comes in a handy little lipstick-style stick so you can easily pop in your handbag for touch-ups throughout the day (though I’ll admit that I rarely need to actually touch-up), and even better it’s not a liquid so you can travel with it in your hand-luggage without worrying about your liquid count. All in all: a win-win.
How Sweet Is This Bag?!
Smallest of puns intended; I just couldn’t resist. But seriously: so sweet. And a very lovely shade of pink. And the perfect size for your laptop and/or any other caboodle you might like to travel around with.
A Beautiful Little Thing: How To Look, Draw & Paint by Matthew Rice
I’m the biggest fan of Matthew Rice’s work, generally, not least his daily illustrations on Instagram, which are always so uplifting and such a source of joy; but also his witty and prettily illustrated guides to Venice, Rome and Oxford. His latest book teaches you how to draw just like him, and encourages you to pause and look at the world through a more thoughtful lens. It’s a real gem.
A Nice Dash of Chintz: This Duvet Cover
Never met a bit of chintz I didn’t like; but this duvet and pillowcase set, with the dark green stripe contrasting detail and the charming florals, is a particularly good one. An instant bedroom uplift. I also wondered if quite nice to double duvet and fold a second single duvet dressed in this cover over the bottom of the bed like an eiderdown.
On My Wish List: Summer Sandals
