Millie’s september edit: Everything our contributing editor is loving right now
It seems I am not alone in regarding September as a kind of mini new year. That back to school vibe is unmistakable; the weather cools, raincoats are dug out of hibernation and, after the glorious chaos of summer (and sometimes not so glorious - we totalled six sick bugs over the eight week break), there’s a collective urge to reset, reorganise and get back into a routine.
This feeling is all the more intense in our house as my daughter, who I could have sworn was a baby just last week, has started school. Needless to say emotions have been running high in this house (shout out to the lovely lady in the school uniform shop who swooped to my rescue with a box of tissues and a knowing ‘we get a lot of that in here’).
Anyway, if there’s one thing I’ve learnt from sending my first child off to school, it’s that emotional upheaval is best dealt with by distracting yourself with nice things (I can hear my therapist sighing loudly as she reads this). This September I intend to lean into the small pleasures and I am not one to gatekeep, so without further ado let’s go through my monthly lust list together, shall we.
What I’m wearing as a mum of two
I'm a hopeless romantic at heart and have always been a fan of whimsy when it comes to my wardrobe. In my twenties, my penchant for vintage dresses and nightgowns earned me the affectionate (?) nickname ‘Edwardian Granny’ from my work colleagues, so I’m delighted to see the look having something of a moment.
If Only’s new Apricity collection is a current favourite. Think delicate Oak Floral prints, crisp white cotton voile, chocolate gingham and rich tonal silks, with the rather lovely addition of kids nightwear so you can twin with your mini me’s.
Honourable mentions must go to Harriet Jane nightwear, constructed from the softest Spanish muslin and also offering matching children and baby nightgowns.
And for those looking for excellent quality on a slightly smaller budget, may I point you in the direction of Straw London. I picked up a 100% cotton nightgown for £55 and have been thoroughly won over by the rest of the collection, which is full of vintage baskets, cotton lace details and beautiful chunky cardigans to layer over their cotton gowns, blouses and skirts.
I’ll be pairing my whimsical nightwear with chunky knits, my old faithful Plumo Studio raincoat and my intentionally ugly clogs. And, naturally, a thick knitted sock.
Where we’ve been recently in London
We’ve had a couple of really lovely outings this month. Firstly we headed to House of Dreamers, an immersive experience designed to spark the imagination and help grown-ups reconnect with their inner child. I did most of my reconnecting in the swimming-pool-sized ball pit, while my daughter made a beeline for the fairy forest, complete with unicorns galloping across the walls, and my son was thrilled by the fluorescent basketball court featuring glow-in-the-dark balls bigger than him.
For something a little more grown-up, I took my daughter to The Dalloway Terrace’s Secret Garden Afternoon Tea. Tucked away in Bloomsbury, it’s one of London’s prettiest spots, and the children’s tea brings all the ceremony of a traditional afternoon tea with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that makes it feel just as enjoyable for little ones.
Copyright: Justin De Souza
Eating in - my recommendation for an easy win
We’ve fallen into the rather bad habit of ordering takeaway once the children are in bed. Come 8pm all our good intentions crumble as both of us are too exhausted, frazzled and often still in the midst of stubborn bedtime negotiations with our four year old to contemplate cooking from scratch.
Nonna Tonda has proved to be the perfect compromise. Their fresh pasta is made daily using carefully sourced Italian ingredients, with flour from the Marche, cheese from Piedmont and vegetables from Natoora. It arrives at your door within 24 hours and is unreasonably delicious.
Eating out
September has been a month of reconnecting with my friends and in my opinion there is no better girl dinner than the ‘Snack Pack’ at Henri, in Covent Garden. Duck fat fries, homemade mayo and umai Modern N25 Caviar are served with, frankly, the best dirty martini I have drunk in a long while and their dessert menu is out of this world also.
The little luxury
This month’s little luxury is Mumadoo, a family club in Chiswick that has something for everyone. There’s beautifully designed soft play, an impressive food menu, classes and even a cinema den for the children, while parents get their own workspace, exercise classes and a crèche. Perfect if you just need an hour or two to finish some work or, hey, just drink a coffee whilst it's hot.
On my bedside table
I am always on the lookout for the perfect scented candle to help me unwind after a long day of chasing toddlers. My current favourite is the Dreamer candle by Nomad Noe, with notes of firewood, tobacco, and a hint of vanilla that give an impossibly cosy aroma to my bedroom.
Currently lusting after
I’ve recently discovered the whimsical world of Cece Jewellery, whose fine jewellery feels more like tiny works of art than accessories. My eye was particularly caught by the matching signet rings founder Cece designed for herself and her baby, the most beautiful and tiny signet ring I ever did see. Her hand-enamelled designs draw on mythology, nature and old-school tattoo artistry, with each piece telling its own little story. I’m especially taken with the Wildflower Wanderers ring, but really, the whole collection has that rare heirloom quality: the sort of jewellery you buy now and imagine passing down one day.