Mid way through March and there is a spring in my step – the sun is shining for the first time this year and I’m throwing myself optimistically into the new season whilst on some level remaining aware that this is, no doubt, a fool’s spring BUT, none the less, an optimistic sign of things to come.
Everything I’m shopping, eating, watching, reading and wearing from lighter layers, healthy packed lunches, the nine season classic tv show we’re rewatching (because, honestly, I don’t rate the ones everyone is hyping this month), the celeb home tour that had me weak at the knees and, finally, the trouser shape I can’t get enough of…
SHOP
The. Perfect. Spring. Jacket.
In truth, for a Scottish climate, the perfect jacket for milder Spring, Summer and Autumn days. I welcomed Sezane’s Will jacket into my wardrobe a couple of years ago and it has proven its place again and again. My original pick was the ivory cotton which works so well for travel as well as an extra layer at home and I just added this honey leather to my collection. I have already worn it three times in the week since it arrived which is usually a good test of versatility. It works loose over jumpers and tees as well as tucked in as a shirt (I sized down to the xs for this reason but equally love the looser fit of the small I opted for in my original ivory) and belted over dresses. The colour is, truly, like honey, the leather is butter soft and the smell is intoxicating – it’s a staple.
All my Christmases came at once when Strathberry offered me a pick from their new Kite collection. Throwing practicality out the window I went with my heart and brought home this chocolate suede tote which, I have to say, is supremely roomy – would fit a laptop plus gym clothes or, if you wish, a small dog. I work and work out at home and do not have a small dog so, instead, I’ve been filling mine with kids’ drinks, snacks and the jumpers I invariably get decorated with the moment we arrive at the park and, whilst I’m sure she was destined for a more glamorous life (the bag or me, who can say?), she makes the school run fit TOP TIER.
Alas, she is not on sale but Strathberry did just launch spring savings (up to 30% off, hurrah) and, amongst many classic and beautiful styles, is another of my favs, the Charlotte drawstring pouch. I have the burgundy but that baby blue for spring is pretty special too…
EAT
Nothing like the promise of warmer weather to awaken my desire to cook healthy food. I have been making a real effort to up my protein and make more prep ahead lunches for the husband and myself and have unashamedly become Emily English’s biggest fan. I have tried quite a few of her recipes and they are ALL great. Current obsession is the sticky miso chicken bowl with edamame hummus (I sub the tahini for peanut butter FYI).
I finally ungraded the old takeaway tubs for these stainless steel, microwavable babies with really good, watertight silicone seal lids. I feel like a packed lunch PRO. The best price I found was here (currently on 4 for 3 too) and I bought the small size which is perfect for lunch for one.
WATCH
Yes, we watched Vladimir but, in spite of being mesmerised by how gorgeous Rachel Weisz is, it all came off a little odd for me. Worth a watch, sure – but nothing to get really excited about. And yes, we have started Love Story, I’ll need to report back on that one as we’re only one episode in.
If, however, you want the greatest love story of all time, can I remind you of Jim and Pam. The Office is such a beautifully real depiction of workplace relationships that we have started watching the nine seasons all over again on Netflix. Sure, Michael Scott is a caricature but he makes me cringe laugh every episode. Sometimes the classics are the best.
FYI the full list of binge worthy tv can he found right here.
READ
Is it just me or did Heidi Callier model Kendall Jenner’s mountain home on… mine?
Giant floral sofa – check.
Walnut kitchen with giant island – check.
Dark and moody bathroom – check.
I jest. Obviously. This home tour had me weak at the knees though – clearly it’s an aesthetic that appeals to me and this is a masterclass. Have a nosey here.
Images c/o AD.
WEAR
Balloon pants. The end.
Finally a trouser silhouette that ticks the practical and chic boxes both at once. Give me a wide billowing hem any day of the week but we all know too well the downsides of flowing hems paired with a rainy Scottish forecast. Enter the balloon shape.
I have two pairs (so far) which sit at entirely opposite ends of the spectrum.
This everyday sports pair have just gone in sale and have added an unexpected element to my dog walks (see below). When it’s extra cold I have been known to wear leggings as an under layer but yesterday the sun shone and they really got their moment. The fabric is that kind of technical vibe with the small squares and, wow, are they comfy. They look great with a ballet wrap top when puffer jacket is not required (got my eye on this wee H&M one).
I also have this pair – wore them for our wedding anniversary and will 100% be packing for upcoming holidays as the perfect travel pant. They work equally as well with sneakers as they do with a summery heel and come in a bunch of colours.
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