A bumper edit of April newness!
Acqua di Parma's new Buongiorno Eau de Parfum, midlife icons on ageless style, more statement sneakers, a perfect pink polish and more.
Happy Saturday!
Welcome to the first Weekend Edit of April! How are you? London was showing off in the sunshine this week.
The trees were in blossom on Oxford Street when I dived into Selfridges midweek, and, if not quite the Champs-Élysées, blue skies, warmer temps and the summer’s-in-the-air vibe makes such a difference to everything, doesn't it?
Lots of newness this weekend! But first things first, welcome to all new subscribers. As it’s the first Weekend Edit of the month, today’s edition is free for all.
I’m really thrilled to say that The Midlife Beauty Edit is now a Substack bestseller, thanks to your wonderful support and making this space the joy it is to create, but, moreover, the wonderful community it is. A special thank you to all those who have Liked, shared and kindly recommended the MBE through Substack. THANK YOU! I’m excited for all that’s to come.
The results are in!
Kicking things off on a Eurovision note, but with the results of Shine in silver! poll this week: silver won the day, scooping 50% of the vote, with an even split between Gold and Neither/No pref (sorry that the tech failed for some, gah—and thank you for messaging and commenting with your votes!). Shout outs to of A Sartorial Love Story’s silver jeans (I forgot about silver DENIM!), and silver sequinned boots, Tanya’s Onitsuka Tigers, and of , report back if you go over to the silver side!
Acqua newness
Acqua di Parma’s new Buongiorno Eau de Parfum splashed onto counters this week, and a new flagship store in Paris opened on Located on Rue Saint-Honoré, in the same, haute-fragrant neighbourhood as Byredo, Le Labo, and L’Artisan Parfumeur (the space is part parfumeri, part art gallery space).
Vibrant and uplifting, it has top notes including lemon, spearmint and rosemary, with cedarwood and musk base notes which give it a softly earthy base.
I happened to be in Selfridges on launch day, where sunshine yellow displays, with ceramic gold suns, were dotted around the store.
There’s basil in there, too, which definitely came through for me, mixed with the fresh mint—in a very chic-botanical way.
“I was inspired by the idea of renewal—by that first breath of fresh morning air, when everything feels untouched and full of possibility,” says Emilie Bouge, the nose behind Buongiorno.
Speaking of scent, Jo Malone London has launched its first ever spa treatment.
In partnership with AIRE Ancient Baths, which offers traditionally-inspired thermal treatments at its spas in New York, Copenhagen, Chicago and Barcelona, Jo Malone London’s The Restorative Ritual has made its debut at the AIRE Ancient Baths in London. Frankly, though, I still can’t think of anything more blissful than a soak With the OG Lime Basil & Mandarin Bath Oil, especially as it warms up.
Hats off to for sharing her thoughts on ageless style and wearing denim on Insta yesterday.
“I wholeheartedly believe style has no age limit. Whether it’s classic jeans, a chic denim jacket, or a full denim moment, the only thing that should guide your fashion choices are confidence and comfort - not the thought of whether it’s anti-ageing.” she wrote.
Beauty, like style, evolves with you. So wear what makes you feel good… break the so called rules, and own your look at every stage of life ♥️ … and don’t get me started on denim shorts only being for under 40s.”
Also Rachel of made me smile this week when she posted this reel, simultaneously winning caption of the week in my book: “Do not activate a kid who sat in front of a single piece of broccoli on a plastic Grover plate until her parents finally said “fine, just go to bed.”
Personally, I can never resist a palm tree.
This one called to me in Anthropologie on Regent Street.
See, too, the fruity Damson Madder tote bag.🍊
Stop on red
Having featured the spring pinks last weekend, looking around London this week, I was also really drawn to the classic red.
Speaking of red shoes, THESE amazing, super-soft bow ballet flats from M&S come in cherry, too, and are flying out of M&S (Grazia has already declared them viral). Weirdly, they aren’t available in red online (yet?), but they ARE in-store. My daughter bought them and, at £29.50, they are such a find.
A spring nail trend edition is coming SOON! But, in the meantime, may I suggest Nails Inc.’s It’s topless in Dakota? It’s the softest, spring-ready baby pink.
The MBE review of this new, one-and-done formula is here, but a PS: add more than the recommended two coats. Three or more, and you get a really good, gel-like finish.
That said, I’m with of , who shared a few editions back that her hack is to add a clear gel top coat over any regular polish, for a gel-a-like finish. I’ve actually done that with this one, too, because my nails are crazily prone to chipping and going weirdly matte after a little while.
Actually, shall we do spring nail colours this week, and high street polishes to get the look? Sign up now if you haven’t already! 💅🏼↓
Midlife style in the wild
I worked with former British Vogue fashion director Lucinda Chambers in my first magazine job, at Elle, when they kept me on after an internship. Her incredible style and amazing eye made a huge impression on teenage me (in a homemade black satin puffball skirt and stripey black and white tights and no clue what I was doing. But I got to write the odd fashion headline—mostly a million variations on puns encorporating Elle).
This week, Lucinda, co-founder of Collagerie, was ‘s guest at , where she shares her high street home and wardrobe finds (including accessories).
Love Amanda Wakeley’s green trainers here!
“These @adidas SL 72’s come in every colour imaginable and are just perfect … and at £85 you can sort of justify a couple of colour options…loving these emerald ones …” she writes.
♥️ a graphic tee, especially if it’s for a great cause, like Kristen Bell’s for Alliance Of Moms, supporting foster youth.
“Thank you to all the mamas, the mother figures, the nurturers, and the caregivers! writes Kristen.
Finally (phewee!) I’m going to try and catch this Instagram Live chat tomorrow (Sunday, 6 April), with and , co-authors of the upcoming Midlife Private Parts anthology.
Have a wonderful weekend!
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Love love love! SO MANY delights. The red sneaker! And thank you for seeing another good girl with a rebel streak. ;-) ... see you on The Dinas' Live! XOXO
I truly don't know what to say other than I appreciate you, your work and the space you share with us here. ❤️