Welcome to the fourth edition of my journal. I hope you’ve been enjoying reading through the guides and recommendations from some of my favourite experts over the past few months. Although I’ve known and worked with our contributors for so long, I still feel like even I’m learning so much! Everything I’ve curated for my journals is meant to enlighten, educate and, perhaps most importantly, to entertain; easy reads to enjoy with your morning coffee or for a quick break from work and home-schooling.
I shot my Wardrobe Diary outside this week, taking my bedroom mirror out to make the most of the incredible sunshine.There have been a lot of relaxed shapes and fluid dresses to cope with the heatwave, so you can see how I’ve been styling them recently.
I’m also delighted to introduce you to more members of the ME+EM team in this edition. As well as sharing their work-from-home wardrobes, the team has shot their own incredible campaigns at home so that you can see what the clothes look like on different heights, ages and styles.
Because we’ve had so many questions from petite customers about the fit of this summer’s dresses, we enlisted the help of two of the teeniest members of the ME+EM team, Áine and Steph, both 5’2”, to style this season’s best-sellers. Meanwhile, our Graphic Designer Clarice and her three, near-identical sisters and mother have created a beautifully ethereal shoot - our very own, very modern ‘Little Women’.
Contributors
As always, we have some super contributors joining us to share their expertise.
Dr Vicky Dondos, skincare professionalI have visited Dr Dondos at her clinic for years because of her honest, educational approach to looking after skin. She prioritises a pared-back, natural approach for all her clients. I asked her to contribute her professional guide to skincare and her advice is brilliant. If you’re looking to capitalise on this time at home to overhaul your skincare routine, this is a must read.
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Bob Richmond-Watson, landscape designer As garden centres are among the first shops to start opening again, it seems that greenery is on everyone’s mind. An award-winning garden and landscape designer, we asked Bob for his beginner’s guide to creating the perfect space. His advice makes the process so approachable and can easily be adapted for a window box or terrace space as well as a garden.
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Gill Hornby, writer and journalistI’m particularly excited to read Gill’s book recommendation. Her selection is inspired by the situation that many of us find ourselves in now, isolating with family. It can be a real test for even the most close-knit, and her chosen book speaks beautifully to the chaos of family life, hopefully acting as an emotional balm for those who may be feeling a bit overwhelmed.
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Joanna Plant, interior designerI’ve experienced Joanna’s elegant interiors first-hand, having worked with her on our stores and my home. I always look forward to discovering what insider tips she has to share in her series on easy ways to give homes a face-lift. In her newest feature, Joanna addresses the heart of the home: the kitchen. It may be a while before we can enjoy having guests over, but I love the idea of making an event of a family dinner, just to mix things up a bit.
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Amanda Bucher, yoga instructor After two months of lockdown, it’s understandable that we may start to feel a little lack-lustre, so I asked my yoga instructor Amanda to share 5 poses that will energise and invigorate. They form a little routine that you can do first thing in the morning to get you going, or perhaps in-between work calls to provide a little pick-me-up.
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