#11
deer print + skin-friendly clothes
Hello reader, and welcome to your weekly dose of fashion and beauty. And happy Friday, as always! I am currently on the way to Bruges, Belgium for our annual family trip full of festive fun, and my father has already given me a disapproving look over all my bags I casually lugged into the car. My small suitcase could only fit, at best, two jumpers, a jacket, socks, and one pair of shoes, so, obviously, then came out the endless tote bags stuffed with everything else I definitely, definitely will wear (even if it takes 4 outfit changes in one day).
But before I dive into this week’s recommendations, I have to talk to you about a new trend that deserves your attention - and one I’m 10,000,000% on board with. Move over leopard: deer print is officially the hottest pattern right now.
The spotted, fawn-flecked print is cropping up everywhere: jackets, skirts, boots, dresses, handbags, trainers - you name it, it’s wearing deer print. This ELLE article covered it brilliantly, and they’ve made me obsessed! From runway moments at Tory Burch and Brandon Maxwell to the ASOS x PUMA collaboration featuring their iconic speedcats in a deer-print colourway, the trend is undeniably having a moment.
What feels especially fresh is how easily deer print elevates a simple winter outfit. Add a hint of woodland magic to an all-black look and suddenly it’s a whole vibe. It also feeds perfectly into the chocolate-brown, spotted, animal-print takeover of the year — but with a softer, more unexpected twist. Deer print is basically the new neutral… with personality. And I LOVE IT (have I already said that?)
Anyway, do keep up…
Article Spotlight!
As always, I devoured The Sunday Times Style come Sunday morning. I was starving for their words, as always, but this time there was one particular piece I really sank my teeth into. My mum actually spotted it first and told me, “You’re going to love this,” and of course…she was right.
Jessica Salter had interviewed the stylist, Tallulah Harlech, about her new clothing collection - but this wasn’t just another celebrity fashion launch (there seems to be a new one every week). It was born out of something very personal: her struggle with psoriasis.
She talks about living with the condition, which is caused by an overproduction of skin cells, which causes a burning-like sensation on the skin that forms itchy rashes that, for her, spread across her entire body. The article really dives into how hard it was for her to work in fashion - in a world so focused on appearance - while dealing with something that makes you feel so uncomfortable in your own skin.
I empathise with that so deeply, because although I don’t suffer from her condition, I’ve had eczema ever since I was born and still struggle with it. The two are different, however, eczema usually manifests as raised bumps on the skin that are uncontrollably itchy, and cause blotchiness, hot sensations, and cracked skin. Annoyingly, I always get it in the same places on my face when I’m stressed out, on the areas of skin I spray perfume on (I now only ever spray scents on my clothes), and my hands get the brunt of it when it’s freezing outside.
Skin conditions can be genuinely horrible to deal with; they’re painful, exhausting, and, if I’m honest, pretty demoralising. Some say it’s a first world problem, but when you work in an industry that is all about looking beautiful, it makes you feel like the ugliest creature alive. Especially when flare-ups are genetic or totally out of control, it makes it all feel even more unfair.
Tallulah recounts the journey of creating her new brand, Sylva. She was heavily reliant on loose cotton clothing to prevent irritation, but hated how it looked. Then, during a particularly bad flare-up, she had the idea to create clothing that could act as a kind of protective armour - but still look chic. That’s how her new collection was born, made from a fabric called Pyratex Secell 15, which is a mix of seaweed and wood pulp. The material is breathable and has antioxidant, skin-soothing qualities - basically skincare disguised as clothing!
The collection has bodycon dresses, leggings, fitted tops - all pieces that blend effortlessly into a wardrobe but add that extra level of comfort. And the thoughtfulness is gorgeous: she even designed extra-long sleeves for anyone wanting to cover flare-ups on their hands, which I NEED. It feels meaningful, considered, and genuinely helpful for those who still want to feel beautiful despite what’s happening on the surface.
Celebrity Favourite!
Sydney Sweeney, once again.
I know I mentioned her a few newsletters back, but she deserves the spotlight again. Her stylist, Molly Dickinson, is killing it - genuinely unstoppable. Sydney’s press-tour outfits around New York this week were impeccable, but the crown absolutely goes to her Housemaid premiere look. The embellishment. The silver metallic sheen. The fur accessory. The tiny bow. The cinched waist. And yes… the famous girlies on display. Supreme girl-crush energy.
Eye Candy!
I’ve been VERY bad this week. I just can’t seem to not stop buying things. It’s definitely got something to do with it being December and everyone being in loose-mode (mentally clocked off work, sparkles at any chance, bottomless matcha lattes because it’s Christmas!). The minute I see something I want, I buy it, just in case it was meant for me and it will brighten up my life more than I ever thought an immaterial item could. Here’s the 5 things that have been on my mind this week…
FUR! EVERYTHING! It’s been the biggest trend this A/W, and it only seems to be getting more popular amongst everyone who cares about what they wear. And we’re not just talking about fur jackets, but fur accessories. Bags. Clutches. Gloves. Bracelets. Earrings. Tipped Scarfs (the most beautiful). All paired with your favourite fur jacket, of course. Whilst many items have caught my eye (as usual), these cuffs from River Island have to be the top. I mean, are you kidding? I probably wouldn’t wear them on my ankles, but they’d be going straight on my wrists to amp up a simple, yet chic black turtleneck. A million times yes!
Second. Following from my deer print rant at the start, these shoes from the latest ASOS x PUMA collab might be a marmite situation. But, I’m convinced I can pull them off, so they went straight into my basket. I’m imagining them paired with an all-black fit so the spotlight sits on my feet, and I love that they feel both girly (a nod to the ballet shoe) whilst still being rough around the edge (admittedly, remaining a trainer). Another plus: they look super comfy.
I came across an article the other day boasting about this little tool, and then soon after - because I guess this is how algorithms and strange universe things work - it’s been popping up everywhere, both online and in the real world. Suddenly everyone I know on Instagram is raving about how amazing it is, and I’m even having conversations at work about the tool, much to my delight. Yes, it is quite expensive, but I absolutely love technology skincare, especially with anything boasting de-puffing and tightening qualities, so I’m sold.
Back to fur, sorry. I really want a cape jacket. Specifically a cape jacket with a fur lining. They look so chic, warm, stylish, and they feel like a walking blanket without looking like you’re wearing a walking blanket. This ZARA number caught my eye - I love the chocolate-brown colourway, especially paired with denim jeans and my favourite heeled boots…chefs kiss.
Lastly, I got my hair blow dried at Salon64 in Soho for an event this week, and had a lovely little chat with the hairdresser, who then began to bombard me with an endless list of recommendations. He went on to suggest the Colour WOW Xtra Large Bombshell Volumiser, which created the biggest, bounciest blowout as I waltzed into the office at 11am. Would recommend it to everyone and their Nan.
Weekly Obsession!
This is how I know I’m growing older: I no longer care about chocolate advent calendars. I mean, that ship sailed come 18, BUT now all I care for are beauty advent calendars. There has been so many amazing ones out this year - the LookFantastic and SPACENK ones definitely top the charts - but I picked up this M&S x Bella Freud one and I’m thoroughly enjoying it. It has some brilliant brands in there, and I’m on day 5 and already feeling uplifted by my daily morning treats. I’ve been very good and haven’t even peeked inside every box, despite the urge to open them all and once and give you a whole-hearted review. That will come on Christmas Day.
Until next time fashionistas,
HVD x