High Street Heroes
A monthly perusal of High Street seasonal newness to find my Top 12 lustworthy items to add to your home ASAP this September.
I have spent, admittedly, a fair amount of time shopping the High Street this month. There have been a few items of homeware (more, since I curated this list - I am my own worst enemy when it comes to influencing, godammit) but the majority of my hard earned cash has gone on clothes. A capsule wardrobe, in fact. Well, I am trying, anyway. My friend
has an excellent newsletter called Douceur Diaries and a few weeks ago, I was perusing her fashion recommendations whilst in bed with my iPad. This, for me, is both the best and the worst time for shopping. Best, because I can browse undisturbed. Worst, because I am often tired but still able to fall down rabbit holes of outfits that I add to bag and Apple Pay (the bane of my bank account). Facial recognition has finished the job - it’s skilfully able to do this despite me being half asleep - before I even know that I’ve done it. Sigh.Anyway, this month Sarah posted a list of wardrobe pieces that could be combined to work through the colder months so after ticking off what I already owned (which was, happily, a lot), I then bought some of the remainder so that I could become one of those women who ALWAYS has an outfit to wear, whatever the occasion, without even having to think about it. Imagine being this person! I cannot tell you the amount of times that I’ve got into bed the night before scheduled events, happy with my choice of clothing for the next day before having a last minute panic that it’s all shit, turning the light back on and ransacking my wardrobe for something else to wear, leaving carnage in my wake. I’m now the owner of a new jumper, a floaty dress, a pair of wide black trousers and a nice blouse so will keep you updated on my capsule wardrobe journey. However, I have real fear that it is only a matter of time before I’m lured in by Zara, the Net A Porter Sale or an Amazon bargain (only this week I bought a sherpa gilet for £11. £11!) and ruin the cohesive dream, so wish me luck.
But pushing fashion aside, let’s head to the High Street and this month, there is plenty on the virtual (and in store) shelves to bring temptation. I am very much here for all the earthy colours and textures, which are far too easy to incorporate into your current scheme, particularly the tableware which is an excellent addition as we enter into the season of cosy social dining. Here’s my monthly round up of the best of the best.
1. Wool Blend Blanket, H&M Home £79.99
There is lots of excellent newness at H&M Home this month, including a barrage of irregularly shaped vases which I have bypassed in favour of this glorious wool mix blanket in the nicest of browns. Perfect for adding to the sofa for Autumn, I would 100% not allow Buddy anywhere near this. Cosy.
2. Monochrome Touch Table Lamp, Zara Home £39.99
My love for Zara Home runs deeper than the ocean and this month, they have not disappointed. No room cannot be improved without a slice of red and this little touch lamp is the perfect man for the job. It also comes in green, ecru, black and gold but I am very much liking this shade of cherry.
3. Honey Scallop Candle Holder, John Lewis x Collagerie £30
There was much that I loved in the new collaboration between John Lewis and iconic curators Collagerie, but this candle holder stood out when I attended the press show some months ago. The perfect table centrepiece, it’s beautifully glazed and a great seasonal colour, too.
4. Freyja Faux Fur Chair, Dunelm £399
It’s 100% giving Honey Monster vibes but it would have been remiss of me not to include this furry chair which is new in at Dunelm. Great as a statement occasional chair, my animals would be on this like a shot. As would my kids.
5. Painted Striped Vase, Habitat £14
Now, sometimes it’s just nice to update your decor for a new season with something that won’t break the bank, just to refresh the space. This painted striped vase is a good size and comes in three colours too, an excellent curvy addition.
6. Paris Mon Amour Glass, Marin Montagut at Liberty £41.95
Liberty has an abundance of new beautiful brands in store this season, including Marin Montagut who is a French illustrator and designer. I was lucky enough to be invited to their press day last week and this whole collection is an utter dream. Side note: I could move into the Liberty homeware department and never leave.
7. Woven Textured Cushion, Marks & Spencer £22.50
Big fan of this woven textured cushion from M&S which looks far more pricey than its very acceptable price tag. It’s large - 45cm x 45cm - and is super tactile with colours that will work in your spaces all year round. Love the wide stripe of cosy browns and the boucle weave.
8. Bo Wine Glasses (Set Of Four), Anthropologie £40
This, my friends, is how wine glasses should be. Big, beautifully shaped yet chunky enough to withstand the dishwasher (they don’t say this btw, but I’d chuck these straight in, ha). You can buy in one colour or mix them up as they have in this photo. *adds straight to bag.
9. Rayos Resin Serving Bowl, Oliver Bonas £49.50
There are a few pieces in this new resin collection at OB and I like this bowl which would be a great contrast to a table setting. There’s salad servers to match as well plus an excellent jug but they don’t seem to be in stock yet. It’s 30cm so plenty large enough for a nice big salad.
10. Bamboo Serving Spoons, Arket £67
I am a sucker for bamboo cutlery (the last time I posted the set at Zara Home on this post I bought a set of six) and this glorious pair of serving spoons are worthy of any table lay. Natural materials, super tactile and things of beauty to look at. Not the cheapest of servers, but SO NICE.
11. Kodak Stripes Bedding, Mango Home from £22.99
It is not secret that I am a big fan of a stripe and this pink and burgundy (the colour of the season, apparently) duvet set is an absolute winner. A brilliant way to update your bedroom, its percale cotton and goes up to a super king. Note to brands: if you are selling super king duvets, please can you also sell super king pillow cases? Gracias.
12. MAVINN Bag, IKEA £17
IKEA have launched a new collection called MAVINN where each product in the collection is handmade and unique - this excellent jute bag is made in Bangladesh by a social business which creates jobs and a steady income for women in rural areas. Excellent for popping to the supermarket but also good enough to use as a tote.
So there you have my favourite finds this month. Which do you like the best? Do tell me in the comments below!
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Ooo... just had a look at the full Ikea collection... soooo good ! Love the initiative & that it's all been hand-embellished. Their multi coloured checkered cushion is fab too, & cat-lovers won't be able to resist the cat-cushion cover with its waggily tails!!! Thanks for your post - always such a great read !!
I am thinking that hairy chair for a corner of my kitchen 😻