All Things Considered: August edit

A mixed buffet of things I liked, tried and thought about. Tuck in!

I haven’t written an All Things Considered for a while (just checked and the last one was in March – my life is evaporating before my eyes) so I’m bringing it back for another hurrah. I couldn’t decide whether to scrap it entirely (because maybe you’re tired of roundups) or commit to it as a regular monthly feature (because surely when you’re tired of roundups, you’re tired of life). It needs to stay or go once and for all!

For the unfamiliar, All Things Considered is so-called because it’s a mixed bag of things I’ve liked and thought about (some might say …considered). It’s also a useful place to mention topics/annoyances/observations that I want to share but that aren’t meaty enough for a post of their own.

Remember that for August only, I’m offering a rare 30% discount on annual subscriptions (£35 for a year instead of the usual £50). Every single paid subscription makes a difference to me being able to justify turning down paid work elsewhere to write here instead, so thank you! I haven’t offered a discount in six months, so if you enjoy my work and want to access ALL of it for the upcoming year, click the ticket below and don’t sleep on this one!

The results of my poll and making a plan

A couple of weeks ago, I mentioned that I want to make some positive changes as I sidle into year two of Substack. The main one is planning my calendar in advance, so there’s always a carefully balanced mix of subjects/post types. To date, everything has been off the cuff and while I’m not a methodical person by nature (a surprise to no one) I don’t think a spontaneous approach is ideal for you or me.

I shared a poll recently and I was especially surprised to see that only 7% of people (so far) would like a new post twice a week or more. 66% voted for once a week and 27% would prefer only two or three times a month. I wrongly assumed more = better in terms of perception and I previously felt inferior to writers who bang out eight or ten posts a month (hats off, seriously). It’s reassuring to realise no one wants to be pestered by me multiple times a week! And I get it. I don’t get the chance to read every newsletter I subscribe to, even when I love the writer’s work, so if they were sending twice as many, I’d struggle to keep up!

Behind the scenes, I’ve had a productive couple of weeks and I have more clarity than ever on where I’d like this newsletter to go. I’m psyched about it, so I hope you’ll stick with me for another lap around the sun!

Sister by Studio Ashby

Speaking of suns, I yearn for a sunburst ceiling light after having one in my room at a recent holiday rental. Their flush design is space-saving in rooms with low ceilings and they’re a joy to look at in the daytime when the light catches the metal and also at night when a diffused light radiates from it. The one pictured is particularly spectacular – it’s by Sister by Studio Ashby – but there are many vintage versions at lower price points if you’re happy to bide your time.

Why I don’t regret reading that essay

Like the majority of Substack, I was served Emily Sundberg’s viral essay in my Notes feed. I have no desire to make it the focus of this newsletter or debate it at all really – that dead horse has been flogged enough – but when I read it, I happened to be bang in the middle of planning for the second year of my newsletter, redefining what my content pillars are and who I’m writing for.

The timing left me questioning everything, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Whether you share the same opinion as a writer or not, reading a divisive viewpoint is interesting as it forces you to challenge your own. In this case, though, I had a temporary panic. I mostly present as a confident person who knows their strengths but I also accessorise with unresolved self-doubt and self-esteem issues, both of which came strutting out with main character energy after reading the essay. I questioned whether my presence here is adding any value, lest I continue to lower the tone by being ‘another’ writer sharing neurotic thoughts and shopping lists.

I do agree with Emily that there’s a lot of samey fashion/shopping and ‘what I’m watching and reading, etc’ content on Substack now. The onus there is on the writer/curator to find their point of difference and develop a distinctive voice and personal style. Personally speaking, some of my favourite newsletters are the low-brow ones. If the person is interesting and writes well, I WANT to hear about their week, read their styling advice, enjoy a collage of images that inspired them, and save the name of the Airbnb they recommended. Lowbrow doesn’t mean low effort. There’s no place for ChatGPT here (blood quietly simmers) but otherwise, I love discovering a broad spectrum of writing from people who write but aren’t necessarily ‘writers’. I have no journalistic training nor an English degree (I studied fashion at uni) but I do write for a living, so I’m not here to judge anyone.

Emily’s essay and its many responses (soz to add to the pile) gave me some interesting food for thought and I’m glad I read it, but having digested it, my focus hasn’t shifted. I still plan to crack on with my core topics of design and curation (spanning homes, travel, and personal style). And I’ll continue to share personal writing about life as a neurodivergent Millennial woman, just trying to get through the week in peace while renting in London, being pressured to have children before it’s too late and working in a competitive industry that seems much more glamorous than it really is.

So that’s what you can expect more of. I did take the results of my poll on board though and I hear you – I promise to cover homes and interiors more often. At least one post in every four from now on!

A few things I’ve bookmarked (or bought)

The compact and stackable yet surprisingly comfortable dining chairs, £550

I’ve been searching for the right dining chairs for our tiny living space. They need to be compact and lightweight – visually and literally. I’m looking for metal, leather or fabric-covered, ideally vintage or a design classic. I love the leather Mario Bellini Cab chairs but they’re out of budget and potentially too hefty for my gloomy little living room. I’ve also contemplated the Harry Bertoia side chairs, which don’t exactly scream comfort (I had one as a desk chair in my 20s, when ergonomics weren’t important to me) but the wire design makes them pleasingly invisible. Another strong contender is the PK1 stainless steel chair by Carl Hansen & Son. They have a tiny footprint and narrow back, yet the curved shape makes they’re comfortable. The original 1955 versions had rattan seats but these days they’re made from more durable woven papercord.

The 2D paintings of tableware that are actually 3D ceramic vases, circa €170

I found Ini Ceramique’s playful and frankly genius cartoonish ceramic vases via the impressive reno project/holiday home La Maison de Frederic in the South of France. The maison’s owner Kyong shares lots of local things to do and French artisans on IG stories – I immediately screengrabbed this one. I need yet another vase like I need a hole in the head but they’re so fun that I couldn’t not share.

The overpriced decoupage coaster I can’t help but like, £85

Some things in life cannot be justified because they don’t make sense. £85 for a single coaster doesn’t make sense but I have to let the lack of logic slide sometimes. I use cheap cork coasters at home and they stick themselves to the bottom of every cup and glass, making me want to hurl them through the window. I can’t currently afford the two wisdom tooth extractions I need but would I potentially throw down £216 for a set of Beata Heuman’s brass coasters? Yes, obviously. Same with John Derian’s glass decoupage coasters (there are various designs). The man’s an icon and I use coasters daily (as all self-respecting furniture owners should), so in their defence, they’re genuinely useful.

The mirror to make a small, dark room seem bigger and brighter, £1,250

I love vintage Swedish sectional mirrors but they’re usually small and narrow. For a commanding wall filler that bounces light around and gives an illusion of more space, it’s easier to buy new. One thing I’ll say is I’m not a fan of the various high-street versions with their faux foxing (any manufactured sign of ageing gives me the ick). HOWE makes a beautiful version that I’ve mentioned here before but I can’t afford it, unfortunately. The mirror above is very similar and it’s from Form by TallBoy Interiors, based in North Yorkshire. I do prefer HOWE’s plain frame (this one is reeded) but TallBoy’s version costs less and it’s bigger, at 123cm square.

The lazy slip-on trainers that I didn’t intend to buy, £75

I wear trainers 350 days a year, so I’ll use that to justify another pair. I’m always partial to Adidas but I need a break from their wild popularity, so right now, I’m into low-key Japanese sneaker brands and good old Vans. I went into their Oxford St store this week specifically to buy these brown lace-ups (I also liked the animal print versions) but the fit was too wide around the heel. While I was there, my head was turned by these blue and green slip-ons, which – spoiler alert – I bought instead. The older I get, the more my wardrobe is channelling teenage skater boi.

The subtle striped wallpaper that adds *just* enough interest, £240 for 10m

It’s hard to critique any new product that Beata Heuman adds to her Shoppa range because the woman (and her product design team) are bloody geniuses. The small scale of her new ‘eyelash’ wallpaper (it also comes as a fabric for a matching curtain/blind moment) is so clever! The wavy striped line is narrow and fine enough that the wallpaper plays more of a supporting role, rather than a main character, but it still adds texture vs a solid coat of paint. Great shade of blue, too!

The useful personalised canvas tote, €120

I’m predictable as ever but I will never not love a heavyweight canvas tote bag. I have a few and will likely accrue more, even if I don’t mean to. This plain cream one is from the cool French brand ASL Paris but it’s made in the US. They come in a couple of sizes, plus there’s a zipped option. The colourful monogrammed letters are a complimentary addition (as they should be, for the price).

The Spanish brown suede loafers that look vintage but aren’t, £304

I found Carmina shoes completely by accident. I was in Palma back in June and took the wrong street to get where I was going, thankfully it meant I walked past Carmina’s shop. Their shoes are made in Mallorca and there are so many great loafer styles. Some are classic shapes like this but others are a bit more unique. I would have bought the pair above in tan suede as I love the retro vibe and leather trim but they didn’t have my size. The orange leather version of the same shoe is reduced in the sale and they’d really liven up an outfit.

The one-stop-shop for kitchenware gifts (for yourself) Direct links: Glass dessert bowl | Provencal cutlery | stainless steel teapot | silicone trivet

I largely ignore David Mellor’s London shops as my windowless kitchen is too depressing to deserve anything gorgeous. I happened to pass the new Pavilion Road branch the other day, and for a relatively small shop, I could have racked up a comically long receipt (I didn’t). The lovely teapot above has a handy built-in strainer, the glass dessert bowl is a good alternative to the stainless steel ones that I’m a bit bored of (a victim of Instagram table styling fatigue), plus you can actually admire your trifle or tiramisu layers. And truly, no one does cutlery like David Mellor. I have a nice green Sabre set but the options here are better,

The jacket (for me) that I saw in the men’s department, £232.50

I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again. I often prefer the menswear dept. Men always get the best trainers (didn’t realise I was meant to want glitter and pink accents on everything), plus there’s Bode, Aime Leon Dore, Drake’s, Gucci, socks by every brand are always better for men, even TOAST menswear I usually prefer to the women’s. It didn’t surprise me in the slightest when I ambled past this Story MFG. jacket in Liberty menswear earlier this summer and clocked it for myself. I loved the matching trousers too. You can’t tell in the photo but it’s very lightweight and unlined – as thin as a shirt – but totally fine for summer or layering. What can I say, I love an uplifting check in an indigo cloth. Always will.

The abstract painting that I can’t stop looking at, £425

Those colours!! I already have a couple of vintage Swedish paintings from lovely Aimi at Curatorio, and when I took a shine to this one, she kindly extended a discount for me and my friends/subscribers. Use ACS10 for 10% off her vintage art – there are several nice bits on the site at the mo, though they do tend to sell quickly. I do like this as it is but IMO, those blues are crying out for a silver frame to make them pop. If only framing wasn’t the cost of a new car, eh?

The nicest non-vintage flatweave rug that I’ve seen in a while, from £1,766

I always scope out A Rum Fellow rugs to see what they’re up to and while many are too loud and boldly geometric for my taste, this new, more vintage-leaning style (the Tessera) is right up my street. I don’t love chequerboard – especially in a flat two-tone – it was done to death a couple of years ago until I never wanted to see it again, but this isn’t strictly chequerboard. I’d probably go for green (and am seriously considering buying it) but the red and cream colourway is also a winner.

The sandals that feel like they should be Hermès, £209

I saw these ‘Plume’ sandals in the window of Baudoin & Lange the other day and went straight in for a little squidge of the straps. Even through the glass, I could see the insole and straps were both cushioned like glorious little pillows, and my days of beauty-is-pain are behind me. The shape is timeless and that juicy pale orange is giving Hermès. As is the quality. If I had lovely small feet (the best in the family, like Amy Marsh) then I’d buy these but alas I don’t. And I know summer is almost over for this year but unlike jelly sandals, these are timeless.

The waxed cotton jacket that I wish wasn’t £670

Something to know about me; I have very few coats (two in total) and jackets (three of them) and as soon as we move beyond the knitwear-as-a-top-layer stage of weather, I’m screwed. Well, I’m not screwed, but I am boring to look at. I’d love a couple more jackets and coats to mix things up, especially because a good one carries a very average outfit. This Toteme waxed jacket caught my fancy and although I can’t stretch to that price point, it doesn’t stop me from wanting to.

The candle that you’ll keep forever as a decorative object, £149

For transparency, Moro Dabron sent me this candle as a gift but I had already been quietly coveting it from afar and would have shared it regardless. I have a couple of their earlier double-handled candles (not gifted – I bought them) and I still use the empty vessels for flowers and candlesticks. Their new design is even more elegant and after the (natural) wax is gone, you’ll keep it as a mini vase. It’s expensive ‘for a candle’ but it’s not just a candle – it’s a timeless piece to keep.

The rugby shirt that ticks all the boxes, £140

I’m trying not to engage with rugby shirts because I already have a decent one (from Mango for £40, featured on here previously) and the rugby/polo shirt mania is getting a bit too shouty for me now, but couldn’t resist these colours. I’m also powerless to resist a stripe. It’s from Gant menswear, which I used to overlook but now appreciate for its dedication to preppy Americana. I hate that they call this a ‘rugger’ because it makes me think of insufferable posh boy stereotypes but I also like it enough to hunt it down and try it on.

And another thing…

• I’ve just started watching Gilmore Girls for the first time and I’m aware that I’ve missed a coming-of-age experience that I can never feel nostalgic about because I’m already older than both main characters. It’s a non-taxing, cosy watch and I can’t seem to turn it off, but I’m struggling not to find Rory and Lorelai unbearable. Maybe they grow on you as the years go on (I’m on season two) but the forced quirkiness is quite intense. Lorelai’s giving the energy of someone who describes herself in a Facebook bio as being ‘a bit crazy, take me or leave me’. Obvs I’ll continue smashing through seven episodes a day for the pure escapism of idyllic small town life.

• Speaking of moments in time that I can never get back. While I like Taylor Swift and occasionally give her greatest hits a whirl, I’ve never been enough of a superfan to sit through three hours of a live show. I realise now that what I really missed was an uplifting moment of female bonding and shared joy.

• An exciting thing is happening to our flat. We’re getting cork flooring! We still wouldn’t hesitate to move if something bigger and brighter came along, but it hasn’t yet and rent prices in Barbican are out of control now. We’re planning to heave all our furniture out next month so a local flooring company can ceremoniously rip up our ancient, stained carpet. I haven’t been this excited since Christmas 1996! The idea of a new floor has also made me want to change the layout of the living room and a few other bits. I’ll show before/afters here if anyone’s interested in the sprucing-up of a rented home?

• I keep seeing ads for the Hoxton group’s Disloyalty membership club and if you join, you get 50% off their new hotel openings. It’s £93 a year but if you travel a lot, it could be worth it. The new 25hours Paper Island hotel in Copenhagen (a v good location) would be from £112 a night. I’m not affiliated with them in any way, just thought I’d pass on the intel.

• Lastly, if you’re based in the UK and don’t follow me on Instagram, you won’t yet know that I’m hosting a giveaway for Cothelstone Manor in Somerset. It’s such a generous prize – three nights for up to 14 people, worth over £5000. Enter here before Monday 26th Aug at 8pm!

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Have a great long weekend – hope your plans are more exciting than mine!

E x