The Weekend Edit 05

The  PODCAST  // “The Retrievals’ is a podcast about dozens of women seeking to become mothers who all came to a fertility clinic at Yale. A (five-part) narrative series about the shocking events that unfolded there + the aftermath of a tragedy that should never have happened. Warning, it is really quite upsetting but also just feels important.

The  DOCUMENTARY  // Miss Americana. On a recent trip to the US I was indoctrinated into the world + obsession of Taylor Swift. I mean, I’d listened to her music before - her RED album - was deinfiely one of my on-repeat albums when it came out, but before this trip + seeing the concert of her ERAS tour in the movie theatre, I was simply a blazé fan from a far. NOW though, all I want is to listen to her music. Miss Americana definitely gives somewhat of an insight into her world + who she is as a person beyond the fame; a hard-working, badass, incredibly talented woman + I kiiiind of understand the hype now.

The  ARTICLE //  ‘Self-Respect: It’s Source, It’s Power’ by Joan Didion as first published in Vogue in 1961 + which was later republished as ‘On Self-Respect’ in her 1968 collection of essays, ‘Slouching Towards Bethlehem’. I’ve always loved Didion’s work + reading this piece from such an early moment in her career really solidifies how she was a talent from the start. I come back to it often.

The  MOVIE // May December. I loved this! And I must mention Priscilla, a really important portrayal of a woman’s story, especially of someone who’s truth was mostly shadowed by her husband, Elvis’s success + talent. I really love when women help other women give such far-reaching narrative to their stories, Sofia Coppola does this so excellently here. You can find my movie lists here : LIST I + LIST II

The BOOK // The Postcard by Anne Berest. One of the most recent books I finished + absolutely loved. It’s a true story but reads like fiction in the most humanly heart breaking kind of way. I absolutely recommend. You can find all the books I read in 2023 on my recent article HERE.

THE WELL-BEING PRACTICES // I’ve been getting back to my exercise really consistently lately which is something I absolutely love. Weight training is of great consequence for me, it’s the only way I ever feel truly in shape both mentally + physically.

I am also really enjoying ceremonial grade cacao most evenings at the moment. My dear friend Nichola of (athbhreith.le.nic) introduced me to the power of cacao a few years back + it’s been part of my world on + off ever since. Finding comfort in something compassionate at the end of the day can have a really impactful effect, bringing a positive moment of unwind + I often journal while sitting with my cacao. Nichola is a practitioner, trained by the OG of the ancient healing practice, Keith’s Cacao + also works as a breath-work teacher. I cannot recommend her work enough. A beautiful soul with a powerful healing touch. I also add Anima Mundi Ashwagandha to the mix - getting Ashwagandha into my routine on the regular really helps with anxiety + overall progress with my health. It acts as an adaptogenic working over time to allow the body + mind deal with stress. I get mine from Lemuria - another of my absolute favourite online wellness destinations. Think crystal paradise meets the most bliss edit of beauty + wellness brands for you to feast on.

The PLACE // Right now, it’s anywhere I can immerse myself fully in nature. I’ve been going for beautiful walks + forgot for a second of being distracted by work + life how much I just love + actually really crave time IN nature, like being fully in its embrace. Being there each day consecutively for a few, it feels like I’ve come home.

The BRAND // KOMI Studios is a London-designed + manufactured athleisure wear brand that I came across last year + is launching it’s new collection in the coming weeks which I cannot wait for. I’ve been so in love with the brands whole ethos + aesthetic, the founders integral understanding of the female body means the fit of all pieces, from the insanely slick one pieces + shorts to the tops + leggings are all just so on point, designed + created to utter perfection. The brand, until now has been on the more colourful side in it’s tone but the full new collection is all in black + I just cannot wait.

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The Weekend Edit 05

The  T H O U G H T  // “Let go or be dragged” - someone very smart said this to me recently + it’s wisdom really settled into my being. We can hold on to the things that have been but it’s a choice as it comes with the understanding that in holding on to them they can, + most likely will, continue to effect us at a very conscious + deeply subconscious level. The effects of old shit trapped in our bodies can do untold damage too, both to our physical + mental well-being. OR as another choice (however uneasy it can feel at times) we can let it go of what no longer really matters or serves us in our current direction in life so as to become a more empowered version of ourselves; living + loving with freedom of what has happened. I love the idea of holding agency over our inner world + the fact that in choosing to let go of things, we choose autonomy over every aspect of our world that we have the power to direct.

The  P O D C A S T  // “The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling’ is an audio documentary that examines some of the most contentious conflicts of our time through the life and career of the world’s most successful author. In conversation with host Megan Phelps-Roper - author of the incredible book Unfollow which I also recommend if you haven’t already read it, J.K. Rowling speaks with unprecedented candor + depth about the controversies surrounding her—from book bans to debates on gender and sex. The series also examines the forces propelling this moment in history, through interviews with Rowling’s supporters and critics, journalists, historians, clinicians + more.

The  D O C U M E N T A R Y  // Jane Fonda In Five Acts. I’ve always held such admiration for Jane Fonda. She’s lived a life of immense self-truth, resilience + embodied a remarkable fight for justice on things that might not immediately impact her world yet do the life of others in ways unimaginable. Her activist work has been unparalleled in any other celebrity in the past 100 years + this documentary really helps you get to know not just that part of her life but the story of her personal life, relationships + motherhood.

The  A R T I C L E //  ‘The fashion magazine on the front line’ by Jo Ellison of the FT who speaks of + with the newly appointed editor of Ukranian Vogue, Venya Brykalin who brings to light the reality of fashion + what it means for any given time : to tell the story + inform on the really happenings of culture at any given time; something that is often all too lost now in the age of logos, logos, logos + the tackiness of what the majority of fashion has evolved into.

The  M O V I E // War Pony. I’ve had a slight girl-crush on Riley Keogh for forever. And when she recently starred in Daisy Jones + The Six I must admit, the crush only deepened. War Pony is her directorial debut + tracks the lives of two young Indigenous men while cementing Riley Keough + her directorial partner in the project Gina Gammell, as serious talents to watch.

The B O O K // The Colony by Audrey Magee. There are few words but to say wow. I truly adored this book + highly hiiiiighly recommend. I literally can’t quite say any more than that as it left me in awe of it’s beauty + strength.

The  R E C I P E // Go Banana’s smoothie - the most simple yet incredibly nourishing + delicious smoothie I’ve got on repeat lately using Hush & Hush’s PlantYourDay Super Greens Protein Powder. You can find the recipe here at AGENCY FOURTEEN - super simply + such a delight.

The W E L L - B E I NG   P R A C T I C E // One of the things I’ve found helpful as part of my wellness routines these past few months is celery juice every day.  While I’m currently away on some summer travels, I am really missing it but when I’m home in my own environment with my juicer at hand, celery juice is a non-negotiable. It is great for reducing inflammation in the body, especially the gut, it is a great source of important vitamins + minerals + also improves digestion as a result of how cleansing it is to the gut. I absolutely love this addition to my daily routine.

The PLACE // The Hamptons. I’ve been going out to the Hamptons for nearly 20 years + I’m just back from two weeks there with family which was so much fun. I am in the process of piecing together the HAUTE so FABULOUS Hamptons guide so stay tuned.

The BRAND // Lelet, a stunning accessories brand based in New York is something of a mircale I stumbled across recently while in the city. Mainly known for their hair pieces, Lelet pieces are designed + created in the brand’s studio, all by hand, in NYC. Chic + very unique, a Lelet piece elevates the meaning of accessorising your fit whether it’s by day or by night.

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The Weekend Edit 04

The P O D C A S T // ‘Brain Biohacking with Kayla Barnes’ - I’ve followed Kayla Barnes on IG for quite some time for her incredibly insight + empowering content around the human potential, biohacking + mindset tips. Her podcast is just as amazing in terms of the quality of conversation Kayla brings to the table while topped with the well-being industries masters in varying categories. I love her one with Dr. Zach Bush + another with Dave Asprey who is considered the godfather of biohacking.

The A R T I C L E // ‘ The Fall of the Success/Failure Empire’ by Sierra McDaniel of The Subliminal Shift - one of my go-to well-being reads + where I love to learn + embody more of my own wellness experience + path. This article is must for anyone in that awkward place where you know what you want + definitely what you don’t want yet you still feel the pull societal premises that work to dictate what success is. When really you get to define it for yourself. I found this an incredibly helpful read around self-doubt + feeling less alone in that realm.

The M O V I E // Aftersun. I went to see this in the movies with my Mum pre-Christmas. I’d been meaning to get to see it for quite some time + we just caught it before it finished in theatres. I knew it had gotten incredible reviews but I wasn't ready for how truly breathtaking it would be. It is the best movie I saw in 2022 - perhaps even in the past number of years. And I watch a LOT of movies. But by far it is the most raw, stunning + unembellished portrayal of depression I’ve seen yet. Simple in it’s unhurried + measured pace, the story of a father + daughter on holiday together during which time the father is experiencing a state of despair + despondency that ultimates clouds his view of every experiencing anything else - the hopelessness in those darkest of times. Beyond Paul Mescal + Frankie Corio playing father + daughter to absolute perfection, part of what I loved about it was the ease in which director, Charlotte Wells brings to life so beautifully + authentically the duality found in depression; where moments of reprieve can be found, laughter reached. Where one day can be somewhat ok + then it’s just simply not again. The misunderstanding that the existence of these types of lows is who you are at your very core is painted with unparalleled understanding. And yet, trapped in the feeling that the darkness never lifts, you become all of what it convinces you is all you’ll ever amount to. I cannot recommend this enough. I cried big time with this one.

The B O O K // ‘Nonfiction’ by Julie Myerson. This book is a stunning portrait of maternal love + the corresponding struggle as one woman’s past as a daughter + present as a mother comes under immense pressure as she + her husband work tirelessly to save their daughter who is lost in the grips of addiction + self-destruction. A beautiful yet difficult read but most definitely worth it.

The P L A Y L I S T // ‘Healing Hibernation’ by Helsinki Healing Arts Centre - a gorgeous one to have on in the evenings as you unwind or while doing one of your favourite self-care routines.

The A C C O U N T to follow // Casa Sol - a beautiful artist based in Cambridge, England, I came across her recently + am excited to work on a commission piece for our new home. Also, just a beautiful account to follow for interiors + aesthetics.

The P E R S O N // Right now it has to be Ruxandra Gheordunescu-Preda, or Rux as she is more commonly known on IG + YouTube. A dear friend of mine introduced me to Rux late last year at which point I immediately booked in for my first session. It finally occurred this week. A western Astrologer, Rux works with clients to “reconnect with their soul's intentions + understand the timeline of their lives” through the medium of Western Tropical Astrology. I am a lover of astrology in general, it is something I’m looking to delve into a lot more this year though to be ablate understand for myself. I follow certain accounts + have had readings in the past with a few other astrologers. But my reading with Rux this past week was phenomenal. So much of what she said resonated with me + made entire sense to my life + my self as a human. I cannot recommend her enough if you’re in the market for a reading. And if you’re not wanting to delve that deep on a bespoke level, Rux also has a badass YouTube channel Written in the Stars by Rux where you can find weekly astrology updates.

The R E C I P E // ‘Spicy Miso Noodles’ by Audrey O’Connor of CoreState. This one is on my list of meals to lovingly prepare for myself + my husband this week.

The W E L L - B E I NG P R A C T I C E // One of the things I’ve found helpful in my wellness routines this past year has been breath work. My favourite + the ones I seem to go deepest with are sessions with Nadia Josse. I came across Nadia about 18 months ago + I attended a few of her group sessions which she thankfully holds on Zoom as she is based in NYC.. + I quickly found a new love + understanding of the HEALING nature of breath work. I have since done 1:1 sessions with Nadia which are incredible as it of course allows you to specifically focus on what you yourself exactly need. but Nadia’s group classes on Zoom are equally just as powerful, her next one coming up is Sunday February 5th, you can book HERE to join.

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The Weekend Edit 03

The P O D C A S T // ‘The Division'; New Orleans’ - The Guardian’s US southern bureau chief, Oliver Laughland, has spent the past six months following what happened when a progressive Black district attorney called Jason Williams was elected in Louisiana, the heart of the deep south. Jason had promised sweeping reforms across New Orleans, and part of that change involved opening up a civil rights division to look over old cases. Kuantay Reeder has been in Louisiana’s ‘Angola’ prison since 1995 for a murder he says he didn’t commit. Will the division be able to help him? - I ABSOLUTELY recommend this four part series.

The A R T I C L E // ‘How Collagen Actually Works’ by ARTAH

The M O V I E // CODA - I just watched it this past weekend, yes hands up I’m late to the party on this one, and WOW. It’s such a beautiful, touching, eye-opening portrayal of what it’s like, both, growing up a child of deaf parents + being deaf parents of a hearing child.

The B O O K // ‘Ruth + Pen’ by Emilie Pine. I picked this up at the airport this week en route to Italy to my bother-in-laws wedding as I loved - like REALLY loved - Pine’s previous book ‘Notes To Self’ a few years back + this another reason to love her work.

The P L A Y L I S T // Sunday Release by CORESTATE - this gorgeous relaxing playlist is a perfect vibe of night-time unwind to have on in the background as you slow-down after the day + step into the care + nurturing nature of your evening routines.

The B R A N D // Right now I’m really into (honestly, a lot of beautiful brands but today specifically) Artisan Lab. It’s a minimal sneaker brand I came across during lock-down. I’ve had two pairs myself + bought my husband some too. They are a director-to-consumer sustainable company, based in Italy that work with the most sought after Italian artisans to cut out the middleman + base their sales on a pre-order basis so as to not waste any unnecessary manufacturing. They are just as good as the Saint Laurent or Common Projects versions of minimal sneakers but without such a serious price tag. LOVE love love. Oh + side note, if you are purchasing, go down one size from what you normally wear.

The P E R S O N // This one is a personal one but my husband. We got married late last year + it still feels surreal to say “my husband”. I feel so grateful for him + his heart in my life. I am currently working on a piece about our wedding, which I’ve been super quiet about as it' just feels like such a precious moment to protect but I will share some images + a story around it all soon. Also, the moments we spend practicing gratitude for those we love bring so much joy to our days. I suggest to consider who that is in your life today.

The A C C O U N T to follow // Rachel Laxer of Rachel Laxer Interiors whom I recently connected with on a wellness retreat in Spain is a most incredible designer + her account is one of dreamy escape. Rachel’s clients span the globe + each project meets an unparalleled + arresting level of contemporary elegance + beauty, snapshots of which can be found on her IG account. Find Rachel @rlaxerinteriors

The R E C I P E // Preserved Lemon, Caper + Parsley Brown Rice Pasta dish by Phillipa Fern.

The M O V E M E N T P R A C T I C E // I recently had the opportunity to attend the most beautiful, restorative + invigorating wellness retreat, hosted by Artah. Part of the retreat was daily barre classes with Ellya Sam, the head instructor + trainer at BLOK London - a really slickmovment studio in London + Manchester. I had never done Ellya’s classes before attending the retreat but fell head over tippy-toes in love with her style of movement + her nurturing approach to the body as a whole being rather than just something to sculpt + tone. Ellya kindly shared a lot of classes as lives on IG throughout the pandemic which you can find on her own IG. If you’er in London or Manchester either, you can catch one of her in-persona classes at BLOK London or attend any barre classes at their Manchester location where she personally trainer all the in-house barre instructors. Find Ellya @ellyasam

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The Weekend Edit 02

The P O D C A S T // The Missing Crypto Queen. Dr. Ruja Ignatova led millions tojoin her “financial revolution”. Her ‘cult leader' status had people hooked. Then, she disappeared. Journalist Jamie Bartlett delves deep into the world of Dr. Ignatova’s criminally led world of greed, crime + the phenomenal mentality of herd following. I listened to this a while back + it had me hooked. This is a 9 part series.

The A R T I C L E // ‘What It Means To Be a Rebel Entrepreneur’ by Halyley at Made by Rove

The M O V I E // Swan Song. Directed by Benjamin Cleary + produced by Rebecca Bourke, both incredible Irish creatives, this is Apple’s big production of the last year + one that had me in floods of tears + deeply in love with the beautiful depth of human connections + the bravery of what it means to really love beyond anything else. Mahershala Ali delivers an astonishing performance + deserves incredible recognition for his portrayal of such depth of character. Also.. the set design + locations in this movie are literally my dream.

The B O O K // ‘To Paradise’ by Yanagihara. This is the book I am currently reading + if you loved Yanagihara’s previous masterpiece ‘A Little Life’, you’ll adore this just as much.

The P L A Y L I S T // ROADS February 22. The perfect, soulful chill to have on in the background as you get your weekend on.

The A C C O U N T to follow // Caroline Walls is an Australian artist who focused on the female silhouette in all of it’s beautiful forms. Her pieces are beautiful as in undertaking one of our personal projects in our first home right now, her work in high on my wish list.

The R E C I P E // Rhian’s Apple Crumble - This is a super delicious + nourishing delight to add into your life this weekend. Created by Rhian Stephenson of Artah

The M O V E M E N T // I have just started a five week digital masterclass with Camilla of The Practice + I’ve shared about Camilla’s energy + vibrancy before since I attended her classes in Stockholm last year but WOW.. you have got to check her out. I can’t put into words how deeply I connect with her vibe + am inspired by the energy she brings to the world.

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The Weekend Edit 01

The P O D C A S T // Fake Heiress. A partially dramatised podcast about notorious 'fake heiress' Anna Sorokin, about which I read the book: My Best Friend Anna. This is a 6 part series with 30 minute episodes.

The A R T I C L E // The Fall of Armie Hammer: A Family Saga of Sex, Money, Drugs, + Betrayal

The M O V I E // A Promising Young Woman with Carey Mulligan - I watched this this week + it is SUCH an important + brilliant movie

The B O O K // Klara + The Sun by Kazou Ishiguro. I am currently this, you can find my April book list HERE

The P L A Y L I S T // Butter. The perfect, soulful chill to have on in the background as you get your weekend on.

The B R A N D // Jennifer Chamandi. London based shoe designer Jennifer Chamandi is the ultimate in shoe chic

The A C C O U N T to follow // The Title. I’m getting married this year so this for me, is my total vibe. The perfect destination for

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Sketch, London

Conceived in 2002 by restaurateur Mourad Mazouz and infamous French master chef Pierre Gagnnaire, Sketch, London is a slick and desirable destination, or perhaps more accurately an experience, that continues to attract and capture the chic crowd, one hard to get booking after another. Truly 'Instagram' famous since the 2014 opening of ' The Gallery' which is home to a tickiliciously pink creation by Parisian based designer and architect, India Mahdavi. The contemporary pink mix and old-Hollywood style velvet furnishings, in turn plays as a classic backdrop for the most eclectic and 'grammable' experiential exhibit I've had the pleasure of dining amid yet. Showcasing 239 of David Shrigley's original works on the walls, Sketch is a dream any night of the week. It's collision of art and design, humour and panache bring a rather interesting beauty to life. The atmosphere is fun and in fact, it's a rather tempting act to simply stare at the walls, loosing oneself in the mysterious, dark and humorous world of Shrigley's infamous doodles. 

The walls though aren't the sole dwelling place for the exhibition pieces. Tables and their settings are also works of art by Shrigley who said of his ceramic designs, "It is the first artwork that I have made that can go in the dishwasher". Don't forget to check your plate once you're done, trust me. 

And of course, as with any chic collaboration of the creatives, the waiting staff wear the coolest designs by fashion designer Richar Nicoll. 

Although Sketch is admittedly not the new kid on the block these days, it's been on my list for quite some time and upon a recent quickie to London with my best friend I was thrilled to make a fun and fabulous night of it. Admittedly I'm not the girl who goes to places for the love of food but rather the experience, I must stop to say the food is utterly delicious; obviously. I had two starters, the broccoli veloutè to (actually) start and then tuna tartar as my main, both leaving me in the dream of starting all over again to savour every bite. 

Bathroom breaks are off the charts kind of interesting. You've got to see it to believe it. But let's just say it's like landing in space in your very own designer chic shell!

Book your night of fun at sketch.london

And check out DavidShrigley for a taste of why I loved Sketch so much.

Love R x