Stay Warm in Style: Top Winter Essentials
It's official: the weather has decided that central heating and chunky socks are now the norm! Cold water swimming is bracing, mud is everywhere, and my daily routine is an exercise in managing chaos while trying to feel vaguely human as I battle a gale just to let the dogs out. Life here on the edge of the woods is glorious winter madness at its most bracing.
I am notoriously fussy about what I recommend, from the beauty bits that make me look less knackered, what keeps my insides happy to what makes me look vaguely presentable to the outside world on a night out. Here’s a round up of all the things I love - and also a few extraI am lusting after (this blog is also my Christmas list to my family - take note ‘Tit’ of a Husband and kids!!).
WELLBEING
Things keeping me vaguely sane and upright
Symprove - Gut health in a bottle
THIS is the most important time - before the holidays, to take something to support your gut the whole way through the holiday season. It has been a quiet revolution for my digestion, my energy and even my mood. I take it every morning before coffee, which is a miracle in itself. New subscribers get 50 percent off a three month supply using code SC50 via this link. Your gut will thank you and so will anyone forced to live with you, so don’t leave it until January, because thats a fools errand.
Wild Refill Deodorant
My quest for a natural deodorant that actually works used to feel like dating in my twenties. Stressful, disappointing, occasionally fragrant for the wrong reasons. Enter Wild Refill which keeps me fresh, looks chic and saves endless plastic. If only past boyfriends had been this reliable. Shop with my discount code SUSANNAH at Wild Here
SURI Toothbrushes
I never thought I’d feel smug about a toothbrush, but here we are. SURI is the sustainable beauty of the dental world - sleek, light, and reliable. The battery lasts a great deal longer too, unlike my old electric one which would wheeze its last breath halfway through a weekend away. The holder sticks neatly onto the bathroom mirror, survives being chucked in my wash bag, and even has a built-in UV light that keeps the brush head fresh. AND my teeth have never felt cleaner. Shop with my discount link at SURI here
Supplement Essentials from The Naked Pharmacy
A few honourable mentions I trust and recommend repeatedly. These are the ones I grab without hesitation - all from my favourite brand The Naked Pharmacy who I adore because they somehow have a natural remedy for every curveball life throws - colds, anxiety, brain fog, dodgy sleep, you name it. They’re high-quality, they work, and they’re so good my kids keep stealing mine (rude, but understandable.)
Immune Hero - the kitchen friendly immunity booster that stops our home resembling a glorified sick bay over the Christmas period - I demand everyone takes them when in the house.
Marine Magnesium - The night time essential that helps my restless legs and racing thoughts .
Saffrosun Calm - a brilliant little mood lifting support blend that helps with focus on days when my brain feels like a browser with 97 tabs open.
Shop with my discount code SC20 here
BEAUTY
If it goes on my face, I have opinions!
Make Up for Oldies
I have been on the hunt for a decent mascara for years so am thrilled to have found this make up brand for old ladies - Prime Prometics. As someone firmly in the mature lashes club, I need mascara that does not smudge, clump or give up halfway through the day. Prime Lash Mascara is a revelation. It lifts, lengthens and stays put through wind, tears and awkward social interactions.
I’m also a huge fan of their PrimeLash Growth Serum makes your lashes thicker, stronger and healthier with boosting vitamins, giving your lashes the midlife glow-up they need. Shop with my Prime Prometics discount link here
Beauty Tech
Beauty gadgets can be a minefield. Some deliver, some gather dust. The team at Current Body rarely miss. Their LED collection has turned my face literally upside down and is doing wonders for my scalp and hair shedding too - and at my age that's such a bonus!! They are offering fab seasonal deals right now too.
Shop with my discount code ‘Susannah’ here
The Ultimate Hair Styler
The Dyson Airwrap offers the ultimate at-home blow dry that actually works. Big, bouncy, salon-style curls without your hair being dragged with a brush. Yes, it’s an investment, but it saves a fortune in salon visits, and if I can manage it (being very uncoordinated), so can you. Get it on your Christmas list! You can buy it with seasonal offers here
My Bathroom Shelf Line Up
These are the products I reach for on tired mornings, rushed evenings and everything in between.
TRINNY LONDON Naked Ambition Vitamin C Serum - A single-handed complexion revival in a bottle. My skin’s brighter and fresher since using it. so an essential for hiding that festive tiredness.
A hydration hero that stops me developing a texture like old wallpaper The AESTURA ATOBARRIER365 CERAMIDE LOTION - a brilliant winter find created with sensitive skin in mind that’s good for both face and scaley legs too. Hydrates and protects your skin’s ‘moisture barrier’ without clogging your pores.
3''' More Inches LifeSaver Deep Sleep Overnight Hair Treatment - A hair reviver that’s great for crispy hair that’s screaming for a wash but when I really can't be bothered, with natural essential oils too which we all need more of in the winter months - I love the handbag sized option but a little tricky to find so the big pump bottle it will have to be.
Australian Body Care Tea Tree Oil Spot Stick - this is just one of those products every home should have - spots, stings, athletes foot - you name it, just roll it on - but NOT on your pets as Tea Tree is poisonous for our furry friends.
Trinny London BFF SPF 30 Cream - My go-to glowy base for days when I want to look alive. An essential in the summer AND winter.
Finally, The Beautifect Box - Large Makeup Bag with LED Light Up Mirror my mobile travel companion. It’s like a dressing table for wherever you are in the world.
You will always find my seasonal beauty and wellbeing recommendations here.
STYLE
If it helps me get dressed with less drama, it makes the list
The Go Anywhere Coat
The casual option for outdoor and weekends is the Boden Longline Wax Coat is practical, cosy, and quite frankly looks great on anyone. Another timeless piece which I have bought myself this year (first coat in years!) is this fabulous Reiss Wool Blend Coat , I adore the military detailing.
Knitwear that Never Lets Me Down
Uniqlo 100% Cashmere V Neck Jumper - Uniqlo is a must for for basics and essentials. This is the knit I keep reaching for on cold mornings because it ‘s great quality cashmere that rarely bobbles and a v neck works with everything - you quite literally can’t go wrong with Uniqlo cashmere.
The Perfect Winter Trousers
ME+EM Kick Flare Trouser - Me and Em is the brand for quality, thoughtful pieces that don’t cost the earth, their three Fs ethos (functional, flattering, and wear-forever appeal) is everything. These trousers are warm, flattering, ridiculously comfortable, and somehow elevate every outfit - truly the ones I didn’t know I needed.
A dupe worth noting from H&M is the Four way Stretch Flare at a snip of the price and come in a variety of colours sometimes lacking with the ME+EM option.
The Statement Blazer
Boden Stamford Cord Blazer - A statement blazer that makes me feel instantly pulled together. Boden is a quality British brand with endless gorgeous pieces (I’m obsessed with everything) - if you’re hunting for festive outfits, look no further.
The Fabulous Blouse
The one I recommended from AND/OR at John Lewis sold out too soon! A few alternatives whether worn with jeans for a Sunday lunch or a smarter trouser and blazer for evenings out are below:
The Lucile shirt from Rae Feather
The Fleur Leopard High Neck Blouse from Hush
The H&M -Tie Neck Chiffon Blouse easily worn with a pair of H&M wide tailored trousers - timeless elegance!
The Jumpsuit of Dreams
Who doesn’t love a jumpsuit, you’re either at home snuggled up in one or looking effortlessly elegant in the Aline Silk Velvet Jumpsuit from Wyse London.
Everyday Essentials - Wear on Repeat
Consider these my cold season capsule wardrobe heroes.
Uniqlo Heattech Extra Warm Cashmere Blend Scoop Neck T-Shirt - A brilliant layering piece thats both soft and perfectly warm.
Chunky T-bar Chain Necklace The statement necklace that makes every outfit better
Boden Liz Henley Jumper - The chic knit for this year - the open collar is all the rage and allows for a neat and tucked scarf for extra warmth.
Rosie for M&S Satin Shoulder Pads - The integrated shoulder pad of dreams that attaches to your bra straps - genius!
Boden Clerkenwell Reversible Gilet - The Gilet Hero for the casual weekend away with friends.
You will always find my seasonal Style selections here
Final Thoughts
If you try any of these, I hope they leave you feeling fabulous this season - life is chaotic at this time of year lets face it, just make sure you match that with a dose of fun - and don’t forget to take photos!
Love Susannah xx
