7 Things for the Weekend

Happy Friday everyone! I’m not quite sure where this month has already gone, but it’s been so much fun so far. Last weekend I had a sleepover at the beautiful Artists Residence hotel in London with one of my favourite brands, This Works, which was utterly lovely and a useful reminder to prioritise my sleep + bedtime routine. This week was mostly filled with lots of meetings, deadlines and getting organised for the hectic holiday season ahead, but the highlight was bonfire night festivities in Cambridge and afternoon tea with my friend Kate (she’s one of my favourite girls and if you don’t already know her beautiful blog, add it to your ‘regular reads’ list now). We’re spending most of the weekend in London, but have few plans other than to potter around doing some of our favourite things.

Here’s what else I’m loving right now:

1. Have a cosy Autumnal weekend // All the Christmas lights + windows are going up all over town in London, but I’m trying to make the most of these beautiful fall days before we reach peak-festive mode. Embrace the season and indulge in at least one thing from your autumn ‘to do’ list this weekend. I’m baking a pumpkin pie (my favourite) and having a dinner party with friends this evening, and then getting out to enjoy the London parks in all their autumn glory on Sunday.

2. Embrace sweater weather // I realised all my sweaters are slim-fit wool or cashmere, but something something more slouchy and cosy feels right for this season. I like the idea of a soft blush or cream version so just ordered this one (which I’ll team with black jeans or skirts and a blush pink coat for winter), but also love this one and this one.

3. Bathe like Cleopatra // I went to the most beautiful Christmas dinner hosted by L’Occitane last week, and this shower oil was one of the products they sent us home with. I hadn’t tried it before but I’m now so addicted I’ve been using it in the shower every morning since as well as adding it to the bath a few times a week (just add good tunes + candles for the perfect evening wind-down). It’s less drying than a normal shower gel and the delicious scent is perfect for these colder months.

4. Get a fresh political perspective // Did you vote in this week’s US midterm elections? My friend Grace introduced me to this book via her podcast (which also happens to be one of my favourite weekly listens), and I ordered it immediately. It’s about a silicon valley executive who leaves her job to run for Congress in her hometown, and is set in the lead-up to this week’s elections. Even if you’re not a fellow political enthusiast, this book is a timely and brilliant insight into what it takes to run for office, and what it’s like being a woman in politics (speaking from experience – having worked in government for 15 years, I found myself constantly nodding in agreement). I have been going to bed a full hour earlier each night this week just so that I can get through it; it’s so addictive!

5. Dress up your hair // I keep leaving the house with perfect hair only for it to look completely un-done by the time I arrive at my destination (hello, humidity!). My solution? Putting my hair half-up with this bow or adding this pearl barrette or a few of these celestial clips on the side a-la Margot Tenenbaum. Even if you haven’t worn a hair clip since you were a teenager, they’re having a big moment this season and look as though you’ve made more of an effort than you have (this is a look that takes precisely 10 seconds to achieve). Put a cute clip in each of your handbags and thank me next time you’re having a bad hair day or heading to a party.

6. Do a winter wardrobe audit // Is it cold where you are yet? It’s almost chilly enough for a proper winter layers here in England, so this week I pulled all my winter coats, boots and accessories out of storage and packed away the last of my warm weather pieces. Go through what you have, part with anything you’re not excited to wear again and identify what you’re missing and need (and shop for those pieces first). I’m on the hunt for a new coat (I like to buy a couple of new styles each autumn to see me through until spring), and will be taking all those I’m no longer wearing into J.Crew – where between now and December 24th they’ll donate your unwanted coats to someone in need + give you £25 towards a new one.

7. Make your home a haven // I don’t know why I’m still shocked that it’s dark at 4 when the clocks go back, but to me these longer nights = cosy evenings at home. And if I’m going to be spending so much time indoors, I want it to be as cosy and inviting as possible. Invest some time in clearing out all the excess clutter, adding fluffy blankets to snuggle under (I have this one on the sofa and it is extra cosy), add a few more plants (to bring the outside in), and lighting a candle (or five) each evening when you get home. Bliss!

In case you missed it:

Going ‘Out’ Out in Paris (and the dress I’ll be wearing all party season)

An Ode to Casual Fridays (aka: how to wear a sweatshirt to the office and still look professional)

The Easiest Autumn Outfit (my favourite throw-on-and-go outfit right now)

15 Ways to Celebrate Autumn(consider this your field guide to a Really Wonderful Fall) 

Why we shouldn’t be defined by ‘what we do’ (and my new approach to the workday)

The Forever Pieces (why I’m a girl who loves the timeless classics + the best thing I ever bought)

However you’re spending it, I hope you all have a lovely weekend!

Love, Briony xx