Doing: Rustic Coffee Shop
Like many people in their early 20s, myself and my housemate are fixated on living parallel lives to those of the characters that feature in 90s sitcoms. And one show that has been fuelling our main character crusades as of late is Friends. Naturally, this has led us to frequent at our local coffee shop, and which just so happens to be Rustic. A quaint, family-run establishment just off Portobello Road, whether you are looking for somewhere to WFH or spend time with pals, it is worth a visit.

Eating – Taqueria
If I am after something a little strong than a coffee, you will find me sipping on margaritas at Westbourne Grove’s Taqueria. Serving up authentic Mexican street food, this sweet spot has become a staple in our London restaurant rotation. If you are after a recommendation, the Fish Tacos and Watermelon Margarita have never let me down!

Wearing: Arc’teryx’s Bird Head Toqu
If you know me, you know that I do not do well with the cold. So, while I am a dedicated sunglasses wearer through and through, this year I have decided to embrace hats in the hopes of fending off the undeniable chill in the air. And, Arc’teryx’s Bird Head Toque has been my accessory of choice. In the name of giving credit where credit is due, I must say that I was inspired by my brother who put me on to the cute wool and recycled polyester hat that has been keeping me sung and seamlessly worked its way into my wardrobe this season.

Watching: The Traitors
If you were to tell me that my latest reality TV love would be found in the weeknight schedule on BBC One, I would have been more than suspicious. However, perhaps unlikely reality show sensation The Traitors, set in the Scottish highlands, has left Twitter and seemingly every other human being hooked in recent weeks. The fallings-out and personalities competing in this psychological game that sees players constantly questioning who they can trust has made for some of the most compelling reality TV viewing since Beyonce sang a duet on the X Factor or Lisa Rinna fought Kim Richards across a dinner table in Amsterdam. And, as with any proper reality show, new icons of the genre are born – not least, Amanda, the estate agent from Wales.

Using: BVLGARI LE GEMME OROM
OROM, the newest addition to the relaunched LE GEMME Haute Parfumerie collection from Bulgari has revolutionised the fragrance game for me as the festive season reaches its crescendo. Inspired by the gemstone Labradorite, the bottle in itself is something to treasure, topped by an iridescent lid that shimmers in blue, green, and gold tones, like the stone that inspires it. Vanilla melds with the inimitable scent of Oud in the genderless fragrance, that would leave you feeling ready for any X-mas bash that beckoned or entranced if it made its way into your stocking.

Watching: Sex And The City
I know I’m about a million years late to the game but I’ve been binge-watching Sex And The City on my way to work and honestly I feel #seen. Between Carrie’s unwavering desire to share her every waking thought and narrativise every second of her day to her love of impractical, unnecessary shoes, I feel like I’ve found a kindred spirit in this vaguely annoying, overthinking girly.

Wearing: Tabis
On the topic of shoes, I am once again talking about Tabis. An integral part of my personality, Maison Margiela’s split-toe splendours are an acquired taste but I’m a convert. As winter weather has descended on London, I’m still searching for my new snow shoes and these cherry red Mary Janes are top of my list – the split toe really helps with grip on the ice.

Eating: Inko Nito
Aside from listening to Charli XCX and writing in my notes app, I love pretending to be a fictional character. Fitting in with the Sex And The City vibes, Inko Nito, an ‘Unconventional Japanese’, is a great place to get some terriyaki salmon and play out the Carrie Bradshaw bit. Lots of small plates and low lights, not a Negroni Spagliato in sight – 10//10.

Serving: Red Lip
I am a lover of a red lip, and both of these cult classics are my current go-tos. My current Winter lip combo consists of the Benefit Benetint Lip tint and the Yves Saint Laurent Volupte Shine Lipstick in 83 Rouge Cape. And, since the internet has resurfaced the the Benefit Lip Tint, as an OG fan I feel obliged to confirm that this is the ultimate addition to a Christmas beauty look.

Doing: K&T Nails
’Tis the season to treat yourself and this month I am obsessed with these strawberry-pink ombre nails, with added green gems to add an extra dash of Christmas spirit. Shoutout to my amazing nail tech at K&T nails in Battersea for this beautiful set!

Wearing: Dior Ski
No matter the weather, season, or reason I will always have a pair of sunglasses on hand to accompany any ensemble I am wearing. At the moment, I am absolutely loving this pair of Weekday sunglasses which are giving Vintage Dior Ski season in the absolute best way.

Watching: Orlando with Emma Corrin
I wanted to recover from the White Lotus season finale, so I went searching for solace in genres elsewhere. Next thing I know I see Garrick theatre’s Orlando ad on Instagram and a ticket was in my basket. I am yet to get over the performance by Tilda Swinton in the movie adaption so the stakes are high, but I’m excited to see what Emma Corrin has in store – they seem to be in the mood for period dramas lately.
 
Eating: Papo’s bagels
All I will say is I am willing to wake up and travel an hour across London to fight tooth and nail to get one of these bagels before 2pm.
 
Nailing? : Haco Nails
If you’re looking to treat yourself for the holidays (only 9 days more!!?) this is the place to be. It’s the calmest salon in East London and I love sitting there in silence. The last time I was there I got 3D ants on my nails while sipping on tea with a straw. This time it will be silver baubles to go with all the bubbles I’ll be drinking this week.

Listening: Rosalia
My Spotify wrapped this year revealed how my music taste has taken an unexpected Latin turn, with Rosalia being the absolute the queen of my 2022. Crowning moment of the year was seeing la reina Motomami yesterday at the O2. Her magnetic stage presence, boss bitch attitude, incredible choreography and perfect vocal performences completely bewitched me. I have been twerking to ‘Despecha’ all day for my colleagues’ delight.

Beauty: Gold Chrome
Inspired by one of my favourte Wonderland Art Directors, Aparna, I have been to the nail salon for my very first time last week and had my nails painted chromatic gold. Neeedless to say I am obsessed.

Watching: Drag Race
Now that RuPaul’s Drag Race UK series 4 and Drag Race Italia season 2 have ended, I am only watching Drag Race Canada vs the World. The cast of Rupaul’s Drag Race season 15 has been revelead, they hype is high and I feel like there’s not enough Drag Race in my life anymore. So I decided to catch up with Drag Race France season 1. I’ll then proceed with Drag Race Philippine season 1.

Listening: Isabella Lovestory
There’s hardly an occasion that doesn’t call for Isabella Lovestory. Whether I’m feeling down, or wanting to dance – her rowdy reggaeton instantly gets me in the mood to ‘perrear’. Her fashion looks are just as tantalising as her tracks; songs like “Fashion Freak” really just have me feeling myself. If Isabella Lovestory blasts in my ears while I make the icey odyssey from the tube to my flat – I might as well be stomping down a runway!

Reading: All About Love by Bell Hooks
Ok, this one goes out to all my heartbroken hunnies. I’ve only read All About Love once all the way through, but I find myself revisiting certain passages all the time. Redefining what love is – hooks posits it as more of a choice than an arbitrary feeling. She offers up mind-blowing morsels of wisdom like, “Someone who has the capacity to do you great harm, cannot also love you.” And, that may seem obvious to most people – but with my past pursuits, I clearly have a lot to learn…

Wearing: Givenchy Marshmallow Sandals & Falke
Having secured my first proper job in the big smoke, I’ve been carefully considering what my first fashion splurge will be. I’ve had my eye on the Givenchy Marshmallow Sandals for a minute now, and they’re nothing crazy – but I love the silhouette, and the futuristic details. Although it’s borderline arctic in London right now, I’m seriously thinking I’ll cop them, and stare at them lovingly until the ice starts to thaw.

I’ve also been super into Falke, which was first introduced to me by the cool-girl extraordinaire Lara Violetta. In one of her YouTube videos, she mentioned that her favourite long grey socks to wear are from Falke – “A bit pricey, but so worth it”, she divulged. I recently got my hands on their silk-touch body suit, and it just feels ultra-luxe to wear.