January always feels like a month for easing back in – reaching for familiar favourites, seeking warmth where we can, and taking stock of what’s ahead. As we settle into the rhythm of a new year, I’ve been leaning into pieces I love, discovering a few new things along the way, and getting excited about what we’re working on behind the scenes at Beyond Nine. Here’s what’s been on my radar this month.
I’ve been reaching for my Amala trousers in black again and again this month, and I was so excited for them to launch in denim. I can already tell I’ll be rotating between the two until warmer days arrive. I love wearing them with the Peggy top in bone, which is my favourite top right now.
Angharad wears the Bobbi rust & black stripe trousers
I’ve always been a big fan of Angharad Jones Substack. She has such a defined, consistent style. If stripped-back neutral dressing that feels easy but still features statement shapes sounds up your street, I think you’ll really enjoy her writing.
She’s also a real champion of small independent brands. I discovered some new favourites in her recent A-to-Z of independent brands she loves. If you’re looking to discover something new, or find fresh ways to work with what you already own, I’d really recommend taking a peek at her content.
I’ll be wearing my Amala trousers with the Bea jacket. It’s nicely oversized, so I can layer big, cosy jumpers underneath. It’s one of those really good jackets that will carry me through winter and straight into spring.
Image source: Waterstones
I might be late to the party, but I’ve recently discovered Nancy Birtwhistle and made her eco-friendly cleaning spray recipe, Pure Magic, and it really is just that. I have a stainless steel worktop and it erases water marks like magic. It’s just two ingredients, super easy to make, and feels like a proper kitchen life hack.
I’ve also recently started seed cycling, taking certain seeds during particular phases of your cycle to support hormones. I don’t know about you, but I feel utterly awful at certain points in my cycle (sorry to my husband for getting angry at you for “breathing too loudly”). It’s early days, and I’ll report back, but I’m hoping it helps reduce those PMS symptoms that catch me off guard every month.
Lauren (our Head of Design) recently visited the HYAKKO exhibition at the Japan House in London and I immediately wanted to go. It showcases work from over 100 Japanese makers including cutlery and ceramics (my favourite) amongst many other beautifully made things. It looks incredible. If you’re in London, do check it out and let me know what you think.
NEW COLLECTION
I’ve got my eye on the neckerchief launching at the start of February. It’s a polka dot print on a warm nutmeg background, and I’m also very excited about the trench coat dropping at the end of the month.
We’ve been working on a water-resistant cotton trench with a really beautiful micro-gingham lining which is also under the collar, on the cuffs and inside the pockets. It has a lovely swingy shape with a deep pleat at the back. It’s designed for all seasons, and we’re so excited to be launching our first longer-length jacket.
Image source: Waterstones
This isn’t really a recipe, but I think I’ve finally cracked the code on making chicken bone broth. I find it works best if you poach the whole chicken first for about 45 minutes, then remove it, strip the meat, and put the bones back into the pot with all the veg for as long as you like.
Once it cools, the broth turns into this golden, jelly-like nectar. My kids drink it every morning, and we use the rest of the chicken for fajitas, chicken pies or curries over the course of the week. Julius Roberts’ chicken pie is a go to in our house. His book is full of recipes made from most of the ingredients you already have in the house – ideal.
This year, a big focus for us is spending more time with our community through more in-person events. We’re exploring ways to host workshops, pop-ups, and invite people into our new studio space once we’re fully set up.
If you’d like to be involved or have ideas for what you’d love to see, please drop us an email. We’d love to hear from you.
As always, thank you for being here and for taking the time to read. I love sharing what I’m enjoying, learning and working on and I’m especially excited about finding more ways to spend time together in person this year. Chat soon!
X Naomi
