It’s my birthday next month, and a few weeks ago my lovely, sweet, kind fiancé asked if there was anything in particular I’d like. On the spot, and feeling blissfully relaxed on our camping holiday, I couldn’t think of a thing. Back home – and back to my old self – my list began to grow. And then I was asked to write this wonderful feature, and it grew some more, because I could include whatever I wanted without worrying about those pesky price tags. Happy dance.
I’ve going to dive straight in with knickers. Pompadour Lingerie is based in Nottingham and makes fantastical frippery from silk, chiffon and real Nottingham lace. I have my eye on the pretty Sinclair knickers (1) for my wedding day. And as I get ready I’d like some luxurious treats for the bathroom, please. I love Ren products as they smell heavenly and don’t upset my stupidly sensitive skin. Their Moroccan Rose Otto Body Wash is a favourite for weekend pampering and I think that if there was ever a time to indulge in the matching body scrub (2), this is it.
Handbags are my friends: always there for me and always full of helpful items, like bus change, pens and red lipstick. I’ve been flirting with Mimi Berry bags for a while – they’re simple, understated and utterly covetable. It’s hard to pick a favourite and I normally gravitate towards spacy, work-friendly beauties in tan leather. But this time I’m drawn to something different – the lovely Gracie frame purse (3) in shimmering, silvery mint. Soooo pretty for a night out.
I couldn’t compile this list without including a dress; the hardest thing was choosing just one. Then I remembered my massive crush on House of Hackney and the ‘explosion of 70’s palm leaves’ that is their Palmeral collection. This easy-fitting dress (4) would be perfect for this year’s remaining sunny weekends, sunglasses on and mojito in hand.
On to footwear, and I’m currently hankering after some clogs to replace the Swedish Hasbeens I sold on eBay (I know, I’m fickle. They were a bit too high and made me feel like I was on stilts). These Moheda Open Clogs (5) from Toast would fit the bill nicely. They’re Swedish too, but rather more affordable. My mum would approve.
Also hailing from Sweden are sisters Johanna and Klara Söderberg, AKA First Aid Kit (6). I’m late to the party but became hooked on their dreamy, folksy harmonies after just one listen of their recent single, My Silver Lining. The gorgeous video had something to do with it too. I’m resisting ordering the album Stay Gold online and waiting till I can get to a proper record shop.
I have a thing for beautiful, minimalist prints. My fiancé is bike obsessed and was beyond excited when this year’s Tour de France passed through his beloved hometown of Harrogate. So I think this screenprint (7) by Rebecca J Kaye would be perfect in our living room.
I’m a bit of a cyclist myself – partly through necessity, as neither of us drive. I have a rather aggressive-looking mountain bike for proper journeys, and my treasured 1960s Raleigh for more leisurely rides. Still, the more the merrier and all that. If I could have another I would choose the Birdie (8) by Bobbin Bicycles – in Saffron, because you can’t not feel happy on a yellow bike. It’s very nice to look at, but (comparatively) lightweight and practical too. Win win.
I hope you like my selection for this week, and apologise for any spending that may occur as a result. And sweetheart: all I really need for my birthday is you. Honest.
Happy Friday!
Love Kate
Every Friday lunch time, we share a ‘Covet Love’ feature from one of our team members – a list of just some of the things we’ve been lusting after when we’ve not been swooning over beautiful brides. We thought you might appreciate the ‘it’s nearly the weekend’ distraction from weddings and work.
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