Happy Friday everyone! It’s been a while since I did one of these posts, but I’m so happy to be back at it after a little hiatus. This week was filled with a nice mix of work, meetings, and socialising; the highlight of which was opening night of the Royal Ballet’s Swan Lake at the Opera House on Thursday evening. It’s no secret that I adore the ballet (especially on opening night), so it was a treat to see one last show for the 2019-20 season. The weather is rather dreadful here, so this weekend I have almost no plans other than to workout, tackle a few of the tasks I’ve been meaning to do around the house (like finally hanging some of the art I have leaning against the wall in my office), and a cosy sleepover with my cousin who is coming to stay.
Here’s what else I’m loving right now:
1. Add a dash of spring to your home // We are still firmly in winter hibernation territory in our house – heating on, cosy blankets on the sofa, candles lit nightly. But now is the perfect time to start welcoming a few touches of spring where you can. Pick up some narcissi at the market to fill your place with the smell of spring, add a few houseplants to bring some more life inside, and rotate the books atop your coffee table or add a new one to your collection. I got this one for my birthday last month (to go with this one I already had) and it has me daydreaming constantly!
2. Treat yourself to a new season dress // It is that point in March when I am officially over winter and my mind is on spring. After taking a shopping break in January-February (and instead donating the money I would have spent to wildlife charities in the wake of the devastating Australian bushfires), I’ve started optimistically adding a few carefully-considered dresses to my wardrobe for the season ahead. ASOS have so many gorgeous + affordable options right now, so I couldn’t resist this white dress (similar to the one I wore here), this smocked dress (a much more affordable version of the dress I wore here), and this printed dress (which looks just like this Rixo dress I’ve been coveting since last spring, but for 1/10th the price).
3. Reset your skin // I’ve spoken about this serum several times before, but it really is one of the best products I’ve ever tried. My skin is prone to having a meltdown (which for me manifests in breakouts or sensitivity) whenever the seasons change, I’m stressed or not eating or sleeping properly, and this always restores balance and rests it to its happiest state. It works on any skin type and under any moisturiser and is just magic.
4. Have a 5 star experience in Paris // While I dream of staying at the Ritz Paris one day (perhaps a 40th birthday gift to myself), normally I tend to stay somewhere a little more boutiquey whenever I visit Paris. But I loved these tips for how to get a 5 star hotel experience in Paris without actually staying in one. Definitely adding a French pastry class at the Ritz cooking school to my list for my next trip, and will also add that cocktail hour at the Hemingway Bar is another must-do experience.
5. Perk up your jewellery collection // Earrings are one of my favourite ways to freshen up my existing wardrobe, so I love buying a fun new pair each season. This floral pair + this pearl pair went into my cart the moment I saw them.
6. Have a DIY day // Do you have a nagging list of tasks you’ve been meaning to get to? Turn bad weather into a good excuse to spend a day sorting things out around the house, making an extra-large batch of one of your favourite recipes, or having a crafty day with a friend just for fun. It doesn’t matter what it is; the goal is just to put away your phone and spend a satisfying few hours achieving something with your hands. My friend Brenda and I love planning ‘art days’ where we attempt to paint our own artwork while watching our favourite 90s rom coms. Nothing has been good enough to make it into a frame to be hung just yet, but we so much have fun in the process!
7. Celebrate the women in your community // International Women’s Day is this Sunday, which is the perfect reminder to do a good deed and show your gratitude to one of the women in your life. Send a thoughtful card and a little gift to your mentor or someone who helped you recently, tell a woman in your industry how much you admire her work, remind your loved ones how much you appreciate them in your life, and consider supporting your local women’s shelter or a worthy not-for-profit organisation who is working to support women around the world.
In case you missed it:
Every Single Diptyque Candle, Ranked (the list I was born to write)
Winter Whites (or what to wear when you’re 100% tired of winter but it’s not yet spring)
20 Goals for 2020 (the intentions I’m setting and the plans I’m making for the year ahead)
How to Transition Your Wardrobe for Spring (because the new season is nearly here)
10 Style Habits to Form in your 30s (the best wardrobe habits I’ve learned to make + break)
However you’re spending it, I hope you all have a lovely weekend!
Love, Briony xx
*Contains some affiliate links
Thanks for the nice post. Stay well!