Welcome back to another episode of Life Beyond, where I share the little things that have brought me joy – a sort of monthly round up of everything I’ve been reading, eating, wearing, doing, you get the idea. Looking for a new story to get stuck into? A recipe-filled book to make you look forward to midweek dinners? Or homeware that’s got you written all over it? You’re in the right place.
Image source: Matilda Goad
I already own and love Matilda Goad’s brass matchbox sleeve with the fish design and it’s really elevated my candle game. Next on my wishlist are their beautiful handles and knobs. I love that their designs feel unique without being over the top, and the colour palette is just perfect.
Image Source: Waterstones
My Friends by Fredrick Backman
I recently read My Friends by Fredrick Backman. It’s a novel that follows a group of male friends and explores the power of friendship and platonic love. I found it really moving and also loved how the beauty and power of art were woven into the storyline, showing how art can be a form of escapism when life gets difficult, and so much more. It was a really lovely book that not only made me laugh quite a lot but also made me weep.
Image source: Clare De Boar Substack
I’ve just discovered Clare De Boer and quickly subscribed to her Substack, The Best Bit. Clare is a chef from New York who creates food made from simple ingredients that’s just really good. My husband and I love her green eggs no ham recipe and it’s quickly become a staple when we’re both working from home. Go make it and let me know what you think!
One of the perks of autumn, aside from the changing leaves, is the return of candle light and fires in the evenings. I think it creates such a lovely atmosphere at the end of the day, especially when the kids are in bed. It’s the moment where you get to light a candle, unwind and reset. Speaking of candles (subtle shoutout!), we’ve got a very special collaboration coming up with Evermore candles which I think our community are really going to love - just in time for those cosy, darker months.
As the temperatures drop, I’m eagerly awaiting the return of our super soft and cozy fleece back jersey sets. We've got our most-loved favorites coming back, but also some new takes on our jersey coords, including some garment dyed pieces, which we haven't done before. It gives this really nice lived in almost vintage look to the colour, which adds this extra dimension. I can already imagine having a cosy night in, lighting a candle and snuggling up for the evening in these.
Autumn go-to's
With the weather being so unpredictable lately, rainy and cold one minute and hot and sunny the next, I’ve relied on our linens to layer up when it’s a little chilly and derobe when I’m inevitably going to get too warm again. Layering some of our knitwear with linen trousers is the ultimate thing for me at this time of year, when the weather is bonkers and you need that versatility.
One other piece I’m also wearing on repeat now the temps have dropped a whole 10° is the Vita v neck knit. I wore it over a white shirt the other day and it made me really excited for the bright orange Lila top we'll be launching soon which I think will look really cool underneath a fog Vita knit. Our knitted vests are just really versatile - you can wear them bare-armed through summer, layered with shirts and t-shirts as it starts to cool, and then layered with merino base layers or over your winter dresses as it gets even colder. A truly seasonless piece.
We have got some absolutely banging party wear on the way, with standout shapes and real statement dresses, skirts and tops. Myself and the design team are going to be fighting over a lot of the product, particularly the dress. It’s the kind of dress that just won’t go out of fashion, it’s always going to be cool and you can dress it up but you could also easily do the scandi girl thing and whack a pair of trainers on with it and go down the pub. All of them will be in very limited numbers so if you’re looking for a new party frock or outfit to wear, we’ve got some amazing options in really exciting and luxe fabrics.
And that’s it from me! Somehow, September has flown by and we’re heading full tilt into autumn. I hope you’re able to embrace the seasonal shifts and find the little things that make you feel good this month. I’ll be back in a few weeks with another roundup of what’s been floating my boat in October – chat then!
