Whether you’re looking for a gift to brighten someone’s day or a treat to perk up your own week, we’ve pulled together some inspiration. A few things worth your attention this month: accessories that earn their place in a wardrobe rather than clutter it, coffee table books that actually warrant reading and a drinks trolley addition that came back from Mexico with one of our team. These are the items that have made it into our baskets, our homes and our wish lists this month.
Bronte’s Pick: Merrma Hair Clip
Chosen by Bronte Winnem, Team Assistant: I’ve been hoping to morph into a mermaid since my H2O: Just Add Water-soaked girlhood, so of course this star-shaped clip caught my eye. Merrma’s craft process is as thoughtful as its designs, using materials such as cellulose acetate, made from 70% vegetable fibres. I’ll be donning this come payday. €85, Merrma
Ben’s Pick: Los Siete Misterios Mezcal
Chosen by Ben Olsen, Chief Sub & Production Editor: A trip to Mexico earlier this year reignited my love of mezcal and, luckily for me, this sublime, often smoky, agave spirit whose roots lie in Oaxaca is increasingly found this side of the Atlantic, too. The Doba Yej by Los Siete Misterios puts a sultry spin on margaritas, negronis and old fashioneds – and is equally delicious on its own. £50.50, Los Siete Misterios at Master of Malt
Maria’s Pick: A Second Life by Tracey Emin
Chosen by Maria Padget, Head of Book Club: Tracey Emin’s A Second Life exhibition, running at Tate Modern in London until 31 August, is a moving perspective on a life lived with radical openness. If you can’t visit – or want to revisit (you will!) the accompanying book is a coffee-table addition you’ll return to again and again. £45, Bookshop.org
Pia’s Pick: Raaie Mānuka Honey Enzyme Cleanser
Chosen by Pia Brynteson, Creative Producer: I was recently introduced to Raaie skincare and I’m completely sold. This two-in-one cleanser and mask feels soothing on the skin, and it is – using fruit enzymes to gently exfoliate the skin, so it’s great for anyone prone to breakouts or inflammation. I use it every evening and have noticed a genuine glow. £65, RAAIE at Liberty
Sam’s Pick: SCRT® ‘Kubrick Production’ T-Shirt
Chosen by Samantha de Haas, Head of Production: In hope of warmer days, I’m upping my graphic tee game. Oversized, high-necked and subtly cinematic, this SCRT® tee nails it for me – vintage-inspired workwear rooted in subculture. I couldn’t ask for more. £55, SCRT®
Olivia’s Pick: Studio Noticed Slogan Plate
Chosen by Olivia McCrea-Hedley, Commissioning & Features Editor: I love any excuse to throw a dinner party, and this slogan plate from Studio Noticed sums up my entire approach to cooking: always made with love and often with a vino in hand. Perfect for serving up welcome snacks. £30, Studio Noticed at La Gent
Keshia’s Pick: Trudon Abd El Kader Candle
Chosen by Global Editor in Chief, Keshia Hannam: I am very picky with smells, but the Abd El Kader candle from French candle maker Trudon (which has been around since 1643) is undeniably good. In fact, my husband loves these so much he ran around Hong Kong the week of our wedding looking for them so we could have a signature ‘smell’ at every event. Notes of mint and pepper remind me of a cup of strong Moroccan tea. From €40, Trudon
Tatjiana’s Pick: Sophia Hogg Bandana
Chosen by Tatjiana Antoniou, Visuals Editor: I admire the playful compositions of Sophia Hogg’s work, where oversized pies are collaged into landscapes, almost like surreal travel postcards. As well as selling these as artworks, she also prints her designs onto bandanas (you can DM her to purchase), to bring her nostalgic, kitsch charm with you, wherever you go. £35, Sophia Hogg
Ella’s Pick: Parcta Egress Sconce
Chosen by Ella Marlow-Gilks, Brand & Community Strategist: I’ve developed a mild obsession with wall sconces – blame my dread of the Big Light. This sculptural design from Parcta casts a gorgeous warm glow, and anything chrome always wins me over. AUD $189, Egress Sconce at Parcta
Liv’s Pick: The Esoterica Sticker Book by Rizzoli
Chosen by Olivia Thompson, Head of Business and Brand: This beautiful coffee table book is packed with illustrations (and stickers) pulled from the worlds of tarot, alchemy and folklore – the kind of imagery that instantly makes you want to start adding them to everything: notebooks, letters, journals – you name it. £22.50, bookshop.org
