Thawing Out — A Refresh
Most would consider that first transitional phase between Winter and Spring to be a somewhat ugly looking time. The advertisements skip straight from sparkling snowy nights, to green fields filled with blossoming trees. The shops are selling brightly colored garden furniture amid a host of brown snow banks and decaying old leaves. The first weeks of Spring are simply cast aside, with their muddied lawns, bare trees, and damp, bone piercing chill.
But when else do you get such bright blue days, where the air is pure and the sun is not too overbearing? You still want to keep cozy, but now you're finding yourself craving things that are refreshing and bright. It's time for some beautiful things that are warm, delicate, and light.
1. Some Luxury
The evenings have now lost their frigid edge, and that means that it's almost time to put away your wool pajamas and start looking toward your cooler and more breathable pieces. We love investing in a pair of silk pajamas this time of year. You know what we're talking about— something that will carry you all the way into the balmy nights of early Autumn. This Rochelle set in the color Orchid from Emma Harris Lingerie is particularly elegant and ladylike with its softly hued stretch silk and shimmering French Leavers lace. Absolutely perfect for those sophisticated nights in (or nights out too with this kind of versatility). One thing we love about Emma Harris is that each piece is made to order at their atelier so naturally there are options for bespoke works as well, which is great news for our gentlemen friends who may want some truly refined silk sleepwear.
Don't forget the matching kimono and chemise too, if you want to build a whole set. And the best part? The trousers have pockets!
Emma Harris Luxury Lingerie Atelier
Rochelle Orchid Camisole, £225
https://emma-harris.com/product/rochelle-orchid-camisole/Rochelle Orchid Trouser, £285
https://emma-harris.com/product/rochelle-orchid-trouser/Photos courtesy of Emma Harris Lingerie
2. A Bit Of Pampering
Winter's over, and that means that you're going to have to brighten up a bit! Mad Hippie has been one of our favorite skincare brands for a reason: The ingredients are clean and intentional, the price point is accessible and fair, and most importantly, their products actually work! It's a no-frills kind of company that we feel good about trusting with our delicate skin. Lathering on their Triple C Night Cream and their Eye Cream every evening is our solution to the unbearably dry air that still seems to linger around the house this time of year. They're rich, but not too heavy, and absorb right into the skin with a very light, natural fragrance. We would also be remiss if we did not mention that the Triple C Night Cream and the Eye Cream are both on our list of brightening products that work great for deeper skin tones and the issues they may face. No joke, try the Triple C Night Cream and the Eye Cream, and you'll begin to glow within just a few days.
We can't say this enough: Mad Hippie is one of those skincare brands that allows you to finally start ignoring what your skin looks like and realize just how pretty your actual facial features are. If you understand, then you understand.
Mad Hippie
Triple C Night Cream, $33.99
https://madhippie.com/products/triple-c-night-creamEye Cream, $26.99
https://madhippie.com/products/eye-creamPhotos courtesy of Mad Hippie
3. A Little Romance
What is Spring without thoughts of frolicking in the lush English countryside wearing a frilly dress? Hilariously genuine, this novel depicts exactly what happens when you let your Jane Austen obsession rule your life, allowing your thoughts of a regency era romance to take over. In all honesty though, how much fun would a Jane Austen theme park be? If you find one, sign us up! But really, you'll never read a novel quite like this. From a friend to a friend, we highly recommend.
Austenland by Shannon Hale, $18.99
https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/austenland-9781639739844/Photo courtesy of Bloomsbury Publishing
4. A Little Gift To Yourself
Soon enough, you'll be dreaming about delicate blossoms and all things soft and feminine. Made with 100% silk and gold French Leavers lace, the Harlow Gold set from Gilda & Pearl is the perfect gift to yourself to celebrate the season of new things. There's no underwire for maximum comfort, but the self-tie bows give this set an air of frivolity and girlishness. It's a work of art if you ask us. Very Marie Antoinette. How beautiful!
Gilda & Pearl
Harlow Gold Lace Boudoir Bra, $235
https://gildapearl.co.uk/products/harlow-bra-blushHarlow Gold Lace Tie-Side Knicker, $165
https://gildapearl.co.uk/products/harlow-tie-side-knicker-blush-gold
Photos courtesy of Gilda & Pearl
5. A Bit Of Indulgence
If you're anything like us, you're also experiencing a change in taste this time of year. You no longer want anything uber heavy or too decadent for your midnight treat, but you're not ready for the ultra bright and refreshing flavors just yet. Our answer: The warming spices found in Adirondack Creamery's Kashmiri Kahwa french ice cream. Light enough to satisfy your changing palette, but cozy and comforting enough to fight off the damp chill in the air, this flavor is perfect for the transitional seasons. What we love most about it is that Adirondack Creamery is one of the independently owned and operated companies that makes their french ice cream the old fashioned way. They feature simple ingredients that you can understand and feel good about, with milk sourced from local farmers near their creamery in upstate New York.
Adirondack Creamery
Kashmiri Kahwa 6-Pack, $14, or single pints available if you check your local grocer
https://adirondackcreamery.com/collections/our-flavors/products/kashmiri-kahwaPhoto courtesy of Adirondack Creamery