Editor’s Letter: November

Dear Readers,

The streets may still be strewn with burnt-out pumpkins and sweet wrappers, but as far as I’m concerned, Christmas officially begins today. I’ll save the heavy lifting (tree, wrapping, movies) for December, but those early frissons of the festive season – Mariah Carey, wreaths, lights – are what give November, particularly in London, its unique buzz. 

Don’t worry if that’s not you – we’ll hold off on the Christmas content a little while longer. But I can’t promise things won’t start to look a little more sparkly as we bring you killer partywear in the coming weeks. Some of the team braved the cold, dark streets this week to shoot some of the best sequinned pieces the high street has to offer, and from Fair Isle knits to tuxedo jackets,  there’s something for the festive season, whatever your style. Plus, Lu and I have filmed an unboxing of the coolest fashion for a bit of self-gifting – I’m reliably informed that the bloopers are even better than the video itself.

Hopefully by the last week of the month the festive spirit is universal, because we’re throwing a very special reader event to mark the Christmas season. More information to follow, but pencil Wednesday 27th November in your diaries and start warming up those vocal cords for a party that will bring together SL and LG readers for the first time. And if, like me, you’re ready to start thinking about the big day, you’ll be excited by the arrival of our Christmas Gift Guide next week. A labour of love as always, this year it’s impossibly chic and, of course, brimming with creative ideas.

We’re also bringing you a brilliant new Gold show this month with possibly my favourite line-up ever (although I say that every time), a major SLMan guest editor and, in the background, we’re working on our next UK city takeover – coming in early December, we’re pumped to get back on the road and spend a few nights in one of our most beautiful destinations. We’ll be doing a pre-work meet-up there too, so northern (and I mean really northern) girlies keep your eyes peeled for an invite.

Outside of work, I have some fresh New York recommendations for you after a trip out there last week – I enjoyed my stay at the Warren Street Hotel (girly, chic, incredibly homely) almost as much as my stay at The Manner (cool, clubby, insane interiors) and, when presented with a free evening by myself, absolutely loved the off-Broadway camp-fest that is The Big Gay Jamboree – a more fun (and affordable) way to experience a bit of the Big Apple theatre scene. I haven’t quite made up my mind on Apple TV’s Disclaimer yet, but I’m in it for the interiors regardless, and I’m thrilled Shrinking, in my opinion the sweetest, funniest comedy to hit our screens in years, is back on the platform. Finally, I have that self-gifting in mind as I covet a million things, including but not limited to, some chunky Gucci loafers, a silly little gold party dress, a cosy balaclava that doesn’t make me look like ET and a fabulous scarf coat.

Happy pre-Christmas,