11 AW15 must haves.
Another elevenses list…this one about things. Just wonderful, shiny, useful, seasonal things.
London stores love the AW15 designation. Followed, soon, by SS16. Then AW16. It only took me three years of living here before I understood the pattern. I’ll see if you can figure it out. While you Google it, here is my list of my AW15 must haves / just boughts / holding my breath fors. From kitchenware to clothes to apps, my Christmas list is already full!
Le Cruset Matte White Cookware. It has been a while since I added a proper pot to my kitchen collection but after a little love-in with these at the Le Cruset store near our house in London it is only a matter of time. Christmas is coming and what says Santa more than matte white cookware? If you’re not digging Scandi chic try volcanic, dijon, kiwi or another of the 20+ color choices. 
GGDB SSTAR Sneakers. I wish, I genuinely wish, I was hip enough to wear these shoes. I may not be but I can tell that you are. Don’t hold back. You aren’t getting any younger. These have your name written all over them – right under the stars – look closely.
On the other hand, I might be able to pull off these silver Supergas.
Chef John Besh’s Big Easy Those not familiar with the New Orleans monniker “Big Easy” might pick up this book thinking it’s huge and chock full of easy recipes. While I won’t say that New Orleans cuisine is synonomous with simplicity, I will say that Besh makes the recipes easy to follow with clear directions, hints, ingredient substitutes and great pictures. And to be quite honest, as long as you have plenty of hot sauce, strong drinks, and great company, you can make any meal – even first attempts – “Naturally N’awlins,” at least in spirit.
The only thing better than a comfy, microfiber hotel robe for lounging around or getting ready for a night out is a comfy, microfiber hotel robe that you didn’t smuggle out of a Disney hotel 12 years ago and is now full of holes and has lost all its belt loops. Yep, I’m finally cleaning out the closet. Buy the Waldorf Astoria hotel bathrobes here.
Vince made a cropped boucle jacket that looks like Audrey Hepburn met Joan Jett. Hmmmm. That’s not going to translate anymore. How about Kate Middleton meets Rihanna? That’s better.
With fall comes holiday parties, Thanksgiving, drinks with friends on Guy Fawkes and Christmas cheer. It also brings with it millions of iPhone snaps and the need for thank you notes. Bring those two things together with Touchnote. This is an app for your phone that allows you to design and send Thank you notes or postcards to anyone in the world. Bonus: The cards are made using pics from your phone. Finally – a use for that selfie with your bestie. Touchnote is available for iPhones or other phones.
When the temperature drops and pictures of short ribs begin dancing in my head they are usually waltzing with Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe Châteauneuf-du-Pape. This wine is not cheap but boy is it absolutely outstanding. Spicy and rich and velvety and creamy and very alcoholic. Pair it with red meat and a rich red sauce. Try this braised short rib recipe from Bon Appétit magazine and look for the wine at most fine wine retailers.
Every girl deserves a luxurious scarf. It doesn’t have to be expensive – Banana Republic makes really nice ones – but for a splurge try a really gorgeous light option. This one from Billy Reid is a great color combo and is light enough to toss over a t-shirt and pair with jeans or is hefty enough to add to a sweater and wool coat. Purchase at BillyReid.com.
For the little girl in your life (or in your clothes). A Lulu Guinness pink lips rolling suitcase.
We’ve all been in the following situation: you’ve been invited to someone’s house and things are going great – you’ve had a glass of wine, you’re helping make dinner, your friend asks you if you want to make the salad dressing so you think, “Excellent! time to shine!” You grab a shallot, start peeling and then ask where the knives are… This is where things start to go downhill – fast. The only knife available is too big, the handle is wobbly, the blade is dull, you’re thinking it has to have been a free gift thrown in with a regrettable midnight QVC purchase. You don’t want to look like a crazy person, especially now that you’re holding a knife but you’re fairly certain you’re going to end the night less either a finger or a friend. Don’t put your guests in this position – make sure you have enough good knives to go around and these Spanish hand-made beauties are a great start on your path to hosting success. (Don’t put them in the dishwasher)
So there you go! My top 11 shiny things for this AW15. Did you figure it out yet? Next week…my top 11 recipes for the fall.
Bon Weekend!
No Comments