When pasta and pumpkin collaborate, beautiful things happen and with autumn rolling on in, a big bowl of pillowy gnocchi kissed with a sage butter sheen is the quintessential fall recipe we all need at this time of year.

Date night dish? With a sauce like that, it would be a crime not to. Comfort food to see you through another season of Joe Goldberg’s murderous tendencies? For. Sure. Leftover Halloween carbs to make your Monday bearable? Uh huh honey. You get the gist. There’s never a bad time to be eating these doughy burnt orange dumplings.

Making gnocchi from scratch isn’t as complicated as you might think and whilst we’ve opted for canned pumpkin puree (lazy girls unite), you can switch up this recipe with fresh pumpkin or butternut squash if you prefer. You’ll also notice we seem to be missing a baked spud but again, in the name of easy recipes you can conveniently throw together between a Bake Off ad, Ricotta halves the prep time and just so happens to make for the most delicious soft gnocchi, too.

Next time you find your thumb hovering over Tinder, abort mission and swipe right on the main of your dreams instead. Keep scrolling for the goods!

Leandra Medine Cohen of Man Repeller (RIP) called and she wants her balaclava back. 2021’s hottest winter (oxymoron of the year) accessory has entered the building and it’s a marmite one to say the least. In mainstream approved company alongside beanies, baseball caps and bucket hats, the balaclava is a pandemic’s accessory dream, covering the mouth (and in some cases nose too) to create the ultimate cosy must-have to chuck in your tote bag throughout the next few months. American outdoor store REI reported a 40% year-on-year spike in sales of this controversial accessory in 2020 alone, proving it’s one to add to basket ASAP if you want to be ahead of the game in adopting this trend for winter.

Conceal greasy hair and one-too-many-wines induced breakouts, all whilst remaining 10/10 snug waiting for the bus, and thank us later when you can laugh in the face of your cold and fashun doubtful pals…

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Somehow we’re in the final 3 months of 2021, and nope, we can’t believe it either. Arguably the best holiday seasons in the calendar are approaching -of course, being Halloween and Christmas- and we’re ramping up celebration plans and festivities like never before after the sh*t show that was Halloween 2020 (frightful enough without the Trick or Treaters tbh).

But if the thought of narrowing down your spooky plans for the one and only 31st of the year we care about is giving you the heebie-jeebies, look no further- we got you. Keep reading to get inspired with 20 perfectly petrifying ways to celebrate Halloween this year that are sure to impress your pals quicker than you can say ‘boo’…

• Carve pumpkins with your housemate/sibling/significant other and get way too competitive about creating a modern work of art in vegetable form. Use the Instagram Story Poll feature to settle inevitable arguments.
• Make a pumpkin pie with said leftovers and channel your inner Blair Waldorf in the process. Wear a headband for maximum impact.

• Host an epic house party or pre-drinks with prizes for the best dressed guest. Extra points for anyone that doesn’t come as a cat.
• Create a Halloween grazing board featuring the creme de la creme of spooky, seasonal snacks. We’re talking toffee apples, eyeball cake pops and devil’s finger sausage rolls. Who said the best snacks were just for trick or treaters?!
• Organise a scary movie marathon and prepare to be afraid to go for a wee on your own for the foreseeable future.

• Channel your inner child and play some classic throwback games- apple bobbing is highly encouraged.
• Finally ghost the man who only ever makes you feel bad about yourself anyway.
• Whip up some potions (cocktails) with your gal pals and get spookily tipsy after only eating Haribo Tangfastics for dinner.
• Scour Airbnb for the perfect autumnal campsite and sleep under the stars after warming up by the campfire.
• Find a local fright night and lose your voice being terrified by professional scarers.

• Make a Halloween playlist to listen to on the daily, ft. bops such as Monster Mash and The Addams Family on repeat. Perfect for wicked workouts, spooky showers and terrifying tidying marathons.
• Watch every season of Stranger Things and ship Nancy Wheeler and Jonathan Byers’ relationship for the 13202919th time.

• Make a ghoulish garland or wreath for your door or staircase and show up your neighbours for their serious lack of festive decor.
• Play pin the spider on the web. More fun after a few of the aforementioned cocktails.
• Head to the salon and make the most of the neon nail polish selection. It’s glow in the dark time, bitches.
• Do some wholesome autumnal shit and jump in a pile of leaves. The best things in life are free!

• Read a book by candlelight and feel like an autumn cliche whilst also saving on your electricity bill.
• Organise a murder mystery night and watch as the accusations of IRL Cluedo go flying. We take no responsibility for the arguments that ensue.
• Buy some Zener cards and test the telepathy amongst your besties.
• Hardcore Halloween stan? Stay in a haunted house or hotel. We dare you.

How do you plan to spend Halloween in 2021?
Tag us in your spooky photo dumps on Insta!

You’ve probably never stopped to think about what that creepy guy wielding a chainsaw chasing you down a dimly lit hallway does to get into the spirit of things, or pondered the fact that he’s just a regular guy in a costume, trying to make you pee yourself a little bit for a living. Funny how logic leaves your body when you’re in the middle of a zombie apocalypse or attempting to outrun an evil clown with a particularly speedy PB.

Scaring the bejesus out of someone for work is an intriguing career move and there’s a heck of a lot more to it than saying boo on cue. So, what exactly does it take to be professionally terrifying?

From learning how to scream properly to terrorising an audience and getting into character before a shift, we caught up with a pro scarer from Tulleys Farm to find out what it’s like to scare people for a living…

What qualifications or experience do you need to be a professional scarer?

None at all! Just lots of enthusiasm! I had full training provided by Scream Park Entertainments.

What’s the audition process like?

It’s a 2 stage audition process. The first stage is a fun 2 hour physical and vocal workshop. Playing lots of games, doing exercises and learning the basics of scare! If successful in the first round you are invited back to the second round – SCREAM TRAINING! A full day of workshops, where they teach you everything you need to know about Character & Scare techniques, as well as how to look after yourself during the run.

What does a typical shift at work look like for you, if that exists?

I have to arrive at Tulleys an hour before the mazes open to get into costume and makeup, and then we all have a full team physical and vocal warm-up before we start scaring! I get given zones to work in the maze but I’ll generally work in all areas of the attraction over the course of the night. I have at least 2 half an hour breaks in the shift where I go back to the dressing room. My shift finishes at 11.30 pm and then I get out of costume and makeup and go home.

What’s your favourite character to play?

This is my third season at Tulleys and so I have been lucky enough to play lots! I LOVE THEM ALL! But being a Swing actor means you get a chance to work in all the mazes, which is mental!

What’s been your best / most extreme scare reaction to date?

A code yellow! (someone wet themselves!) Haha!

It must be a very demanding role, both physically and mentally, especially for the voice. How do you prepare for each performance and what’s it like interacting with an audience?

YES! Scream Park Entertainment prepare us for this lot, right from the auditions. We are taught how to harness our voices and our energy throughout the night/season. Lots of fun warmups and exercises! Keeping hydrated throughout the shift and EATING WELL!! It is the most physically and mentally demanding job I have ever done, but also the most fun!

What are the risks of the job? Have you ever had any hairy experiences?

Sometimes the customers are not very nice. We get called all sorts!! But it’s only them reacting to me making them jump. You do have to have a pretty thick skin sometimes. But we’re also given lots of training and support to manage any difficult customers. #OneTeamOneScream

Do you end up losing your voice a lot as part and parcel of the job, or is there a secret technique you use for screaming and making scary noises?

We are taught by Scream Park how to make scary noises without using our vocal cords, but still having a great effect! As long as you look after yourself and always warm up before your shift, you won’t lose your voice.

How do you typically get into character ahead of a shift, or is it a case of costume on, makeup on, BOOM, you’re in scare mode?

Costume and makeup do help. But in rehearsals, we are given lots of info about the maze and the characters within, and then they workshop the characters with us so we know exactly what to do. The warmup before we start is always fun and really gets us into the zone!

For any aspiring actors and scarers, what should they know about the reality of the job, the good, the bad and the ugly?

It’s tiring! It’s sometimes cold and wet! Very physically, vocally and mentally demanding, but It’s all worth it! It’s so much fun and I’ve made lifelong friends and look forward to it every year. The best job in the world.

What’s your top tip for scaring the living daylights out of people?

Build the suspense, choose your moment carefully, then IMPACT!

Have you got a stand-out performance you’re particularly proud of?

I don’t think so. I’ve had some great reactions in my time that still stay with me. That code yellow will be with me my whole life!

What’s sort of reaction do people have when you tell them what you do for work? It’s not your average 9-5 is it!

Usually, they say “that’s sooooooo coooool!!” Most of my friends are now doing it with me and some people just think I’m MAD!

Where’s your favourite place to haunt? (haunted house, scare maze?)

Anywhere at Tulleys!

What does it take to scare you? Or are you pretty much desensitised to pranks and scare tactics now?

The unexpected! If I go to a scare attraction, I’m quite hardened to it now, but still love it. It’s the rest of the time, I can be quite a scaredy cat!

Grab your tickets for Shocktober Fest at Tulleys Farm here!

It’s cuffing season ladies and gentlemen, and you know what that means? Your date night plans are about to increase tenfold. The search for a winter significant other is ON, with hot girl summer behind us and the need for a Netflix and Christmas market partner growing in urgency by the day, it’s time to redownload the apps you love to hate and get your false lashes ready to flutter across the bar.

In all seriousness, we love a date night, whether it be with a long term partner or someone new and mysterious, the chance to have one on one chats, giggles and a cheeky kiss (or more, oi oi) at the end of the night is always a fun way to spice up the week. No matter your love language, a date night with the right person has the power to set the butterflies, fireworks and every other figurative exciting feeling off for days to come, and we couldn’t be more here for it.

So, put your best heeled-boot foot forward and let’s lockdown those lovers in time for a guaranteed New Year’s Eve smooch.

Maddie

Hold the phone, I’m actually having a date night this week, my husband and I are going to see the new 007 movie and I cannot wait! Given it’s quite a low key date I’ll probably stick to the old faithful; jeans, boots, a nice top and jacket but the idea of not having to wear a breastfeeding-friendly bra and not having baby food all over me gives me the most joy of all.

*Marks and Spencer, ROSIE Underwired Balcony, £28 | *ASOS, Topshop Editor straight leg jeans in bleach wash, £49 | *& Other Stories, Ribbed Wrap Top, £35 | *Whistles, JERSEY BOYFRIEND BLAZER, £89 | *ASOS, schuh Charlotte mid heeled ankle boot in black, £35

Danielle

The best date night outfits start with matching lingerie, something I usually don’t tend to bother with but it does make me feel that extra bit sexy. Then I’ve gone for this sleek black midi dress that for some reason is giving me major Elle Woods at a funeral vibe. The statement boots need no introduction, they’re Twiggy in boot form and I love them. Gold accessories to finish it off!

*ASOS, Figleaves Pulse eyelash lace lingerie set in lime, £42 | *ASOS, ASOS DESIGN 70s drape front wrap midi dress in black, £38 | *ASOS, Monki checkerboard knee high boots, £60 | *Astrid & Miyu, Ripple T-Bar Chunky Necklace in Gold, £75 | *Astrid & Miyu, Ripple Hoops in Gold, £69

Darcey

For my date night look, I’ve gone for cocktails at a fancy bar kinda vibe. You can never go wrong with a pair of leather-look trousers and that’s a FACT, paired with this really cute cross body top from Mango in lime green and some white accessories!

*Mango, Leather effect high waist pant, £49.99 | *Mango, Ribbon cross-body top, £29.99 | *ASOS, Wide Fit Hattie sandals, £20 | JW PEI, Joy Bag – White, £89

Charlotte

The chances of me going on a date would be a fine thing BUT we move, haha. I love getting dressed up for a little evening of drinks or a nice meal and this outfit is one I’d feel super comfortable in but still feels quite dressy and sexy! Warehouse has got some amazing pieces at the moment, including this mesh top which has inspired a blue look with some matching accessories- something a bit different than my normal colour palette but one I really want to rock IRL! Add a little heeled boot and boom, an autumn date night dream!

*Warehouse, Printed Mesh Funnel Neck Top, £25 | H&M, Wide twill trousers, £12.99 | *Nasty Gal, Croc Square Toe Heeled Ankle Boots, £49 | *Ego, HARLIN STUDDED SHOULDER BAG IN BLUE FAUX LEATHER, £59.99

Lareese

All black is always a vibe for date night. Sleek, classy and timeless! I know I’ll get the wear out of this Warehouse suit, both as a two-piece and as separates, which is always a bonus for cost per wear ya know. I’ll stick to the noir theme and finish off the lewk with strappy black heels and a slouchy bag.

Zara, LEATHER SHOULDER BAG, £79.99 | *Warehouse, Premium Crepe Wide Leg Trouser, £79 | *Warehouse, Premium Crepe Long Line Blazer, £109 | *Cos, STRAPPY HEELED SANDALS, £125

Holly

What date night and outfit combo can beat Jeans and a nice top at a vibey but chilled pub. I will quite literally always opt for high waisted blue jeans with a black top and black boots. Gold accessories and bright red lipstick with a red bag. Comfy and casual but can tell I’ve put a bit of effort in. Not sure if this counts as a part of the ‘look’ but you’ll probably see me with a few tequila’s in hand too.

*Levi’s, HIGH WAISTED TAPER FIT JEANS (PLUS), £60 | *ASOS, COLLUSION ribbed cardigan in black, £10 | Skinny Dip, Liars & Lovers Simple Twisted Hoop Earring, £10 | Estella Bartlett, Chunky Rope Link Necklace, £60 | Zara, QUILTED SHOULDER BAG WITH CHAIN, £25.99

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While neutrals and classic reds work for every occasion, matching your manicure with the season just feels like the right & honourable thing to do. Not 100% sure if elevating your pumpkin spice latte with a fresh set is really that deep but how else are we to convince our accountant the twice monthly salon trip qualifies as a business expense. We see you.

Whether you’re after understated glamour, burnt orange tones, fall French tips or Halloween drama, bring a bit of fall magic to your fingertips with our selection of nail inspo perfect for welcoming sweater weather.

1. Serving black magic inspired nails for Halloween

via @color_camp

2. Sew, this is love

via @aliciatnails

3. Tell me you’re going to a pumpkin patch without telling me you’re going to a pumpkin patch…

via @amyytran

4. Alexa, play LeAnn Rimes

via @aliciatnails

5. The nail card never declines

via @oliveandjune

6. A deep cranberry mani, perfectly on-trend for fall

via @thegelbottlebenelux)

7. Halloween assignment – complete

via @aliciatnails

8. Thin lines and brown Frenchies. Chef’s. Bloody. Kiss.

via @overglowedit

9. Fall blooms and negative space.

via @overglowedit

10. This shade came to win!

via @blossom.street

11. All eyes on you

via @onceuponanailpolish

12. Nailed it.

via @3615_zbobinails

13. Neon no longer belongs to summer

via @simply_bycindy

14. Trick or treat!

via @nailzbyshan

15. Greige goes with everything

via @nailitmedia

16. Doddles to get you through the 9-5 grind

via @nailsbyharriet_

17. A set made for foraging

via @coyarose

18. Autumnal giraffe print

via @glittercrocs

19. Manicure indecision is my toxic trait

via @tessa.lyn.nails

20. All The Magpie Society vibes

via @checkyesmichelle

21. Get on the tortoiseshell hype

via @nelza_dun

22. Me: Just something subtle this time I think…
Also me:

via @carolynm107

23. Hand painted stars and silver foil for a touch of glam

via @paintbyjaz

24. Bring Your Own diScO!

via @paintbyjaz

25. Rockstar digits

via @paintbyjaz

26. Hold my drink, witch

via @paintbyjaz

27. 50 shades of avo

via @bw.nails

28. Cool tones and a hint of tort

via @joelyoceannails

29. If it’s not chocolate, we don’t want it

via @nailitmedia

30. A public apology to all the veg we never eat

via @essentiallss

31. 70s swirls. Amen

via @shaunabmua

32. Hell yes to dark daisies

via @nolas.nails

33. October 2021, the plaid obsession begins

via @nailsbyaran

34. A toffee tartan masterpiece

via @thebeautyspotstreetly

35. Less is (sometimes) more

via @opi_nordic

36. The gang’s all here

via @me_myself_andnails

37. Black cherry swag

via @opi_nordic

38. This set ain’t playing!

via @nail.art.by.tea

39. A bougie twist on a nude classic

via @naileditnailsbysteph

40. It’s a thumbs up from us

via @tsibsnails

41. Groovy blooms to brighten your day

via @disseynail

42. A set that will test friendships

via @nail.fool

43. A fresh take on tortoiseshell

via @nail.fool

44. A minimal matte mood

via @nail.fool

45. Look what’s brewing

via @peachyxnails

46. Moody cow appreciation

via @imarninails

47. Bury me in this set

via @nailsxjazmarie

48. Autumn gingham to level up your pumpkin spice latte

via @the_gelbottle_inc

49. Pitch black polish with a dusting of glitter. Obsessed.

via @disseynails

50. Uh huh, honey

via @lightslacquer

First off, how are you and how is your 2021 going?

I think like most people it’s had its ups and downs. It’s lovely getting back to work and seeing friends – but part of me is a real homebody, so not so secretly, I did enjoy a bit of lockdown on my sofa under a duvet!

Can you tell us about your career so far, and what inspired you to write and curate Instructions For A Teenage Armageddon?

I’m an actor and writer by trade, but always play teenage girls, so spend a lot of time in their headspace – as weird as that sounds! I’m an ambassador for an amazing teenage mental health charity called Stem4, so I see first-hand the difficulties young girls are going through. 1 in 4 teenage girls in the UK and US self-harm, and have low self-esteem, this statistic really shocked me and was the catalyst to try and write something that might help young girls feel empowered.

Can you talk us through some of the topics in the book?

I wanted the topics to cover all aspects of being a young woman, an all-encompassing guide – so topics include everything from consent, boundaries, mental health, skincare, style, stress, friendships, peer pressure, periods, activism, and more. It also has sections that include active tips to help young women, and kick-ass profiles of women that everyone should know about.

What was the process like for selecting the women who penned the letters for the book?

I’m lucky that a couple of the wonderful women are friends or people I’ve worked with before, who I called upon first and said ‘what do you think about this idea I’m doing, tell me if this is silly and a pipe dream’ to which no one said it was thankfully! Then everyone else were women who I really look up to. Be it through their work, their activism, and just being a generally brilliant woman. We wanted it to be as inclusive as possible, and we also have some real experts in their fields dispensing advice.

Why do you think it’s so important that young women understand their worth earlier on in life?

Because it feeds into everything you do as you grow. Every choice and decision you make. You don’t even realise it, but your worth and how you feel about yourself dictates everything in life. I have really low self-esteem and looking back, there are situations where I should have asked for more but felt I didn’t deserve it. Or stood up for myself but was too scared to. We need our girls from a young age feeling empowered and like they can do anything.

What do you hope are the main takeaways after reading the book?

I hope that readers feel that they’re going to be okay. That they’re going to get through whatever they may be going through and whatever life throws at them. That they have the power to do whatever they want in life, and can achieve anything.

How will you be advocating and celebrating International Day of the Girl on Monday 11th October?

By launching the Teenage Armageddon website and Instagram (@teenagearmageddon)! We have lots of amazing empowering content, advice and stories of incredible girls to share. And we want to shout as loudly as we can about how brilliant girls are.

How do you juggle each aspect of your career, and decide when you should be writing/performing/acting?

I probably should buy a diary – I often forget what I’m meant to be doing! But usually, everything fits around my acting commitments and writing really feeds into acting I’ve found. It’s all story-telling of some sort. I think if you do multiple things it’s important to give each of them enough energy and time. But usually, other people tell me what, where and when – it’s a bit like being a permanent child!

What are you currently working on?

I’m currently shooting a movie which is a musical biopic, playing a very iconic entertainer – I can’t say who it is just yet!

What does your perfect weekend look like?

Now that I’m older, I love an overnight stay away. My favourite I’ve done was Lucknam Park near Bath. So probably a trip there, with afternoon tea and then a swim in the spa and a lovely quiet dinner. Alternatively, a trip to Paris – Paris is always a good idea!

What do you always carry with you?

I sadly don’t even own a handbag. So the obvious answer is my phone. And worry. I wish I didn’t but I worry about everything.

What would your last ever meal be?

All. The . Pasta. Probably Spaghetti Bolognese and garlic bread. I want to personally thank whoever invented garlic bread. Especially with cheese. And then Ben & Jerry’s phish food!

What is one positive piece of advice you could give to our audience?

What is for you, won’t go by you. Your journey is your own, and you have to try and enjoy it. Otherwise, what’s the point in life if not to have fun?

Cancelling social plans for winter? Groundbreaking.

When it’s dark at 4pm and once again, you find yourself trying to tolerate eggnog, that’s your cue to embrace the joy of missing out, fire up the Kindle and demonstrate just how unbelievably good you are at doing nothing.

There’s a bunch of iconic protagonists defrosting as we speak, so add these books to your basket asap and tell your pals that if it’s not pjs, mulled wine and tear-jerking acknowledgements, you don’t want it. With a reading list like this, how could they possibly be mad?

First up, Paula Hawkins is back to make October a spooktacular affair with her brand new thriller, A Slow Fire Burning, then there’s a feel-good festive romance from Mandy Baggot to get you in the Christmas spirit and for December, we’ve got the second instalment of The Magpie Society series to keep you entertained during those lazy hazy Betwixtmas days.

See what we mean? It’s the trio of jomo dreams. If you need any further persuasion to read along with us, keep scrolling for the juicy blurbs.

October – A Slow Fire Burning by Paula Hawkins

After four years since her last novel, the author behind the global phenomenon The Girl on the Train is back with her highly anticipated new thriller. A Slow Fire Burning explores the way no tragedy happens in isolation. Expect a dark plot, intensely believable, human characters and explosive gasp out loud twists.

‘What is wrong with you?’

Laura has spent most of her life being judged. She’s seen as hot-tempered, troubled, a loner. Some even call her dangerous.

Miriam knows that just because Laura is witnessed leaving the scene of a horrific murder with blood on her clothes, that doesn’t mean she’s a killer. Bitter experience has taught her how easy it is to get caught in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Carla is reeling from the brutal murder of her nephew. She trusts no one: good people are capable of terrible deeds. But how far will she go to find peace?

Innocent or guilty, everyone is damaged. Some are damaged enough to kill.

Look what you started.

November – One New York Christmas by Mandy Baggot

All we want for Christmas is a reading marathon, punctuated with a box of mince pies. Enter Mandy Baggot’s love letter to New York, a cosy romance guaranteed to get you in the holiday spirit and have you feeling like you’ve seen the city sights with your very own eyes. Yep, the descriptions of The Big Apple are that good.

Will this Christmas romance be just for the holidays?

Lara Weeks is heading to New York with best friend Susie for the Christmas trip of a lifetime.

A festive break in the snowy Big Apple visiting the tourist hotspots, not to mention the shopping, seems like the perfect way for Lara to get over her ex-boyfriend. Or maybe make him so jealous he begs for a second chance.

Enlisting the help of gorgeous actor, Seth Hunt, doesn’t quite go to plan, but there’s something about him that has Lara wishing for a different kind of happy ever after…

December – The Magpie Society: Two for Joy by Zoe Sugg and Amy McCulloch

After one hell of a cliff-hanger in One For Sorrow, the chilling conclusion to the number one bestselling series The Magpie Society is finally here.

A deadly disappearance
A race against time
And, at the eleventh hour . . .
A shocking revelation

Audrey and Ivy, determined to bring their fellow student Lola Radcliffe’s killer to justice, find themselves in the middle of another mystery when a friend disappears in suspicious circumstances.

Their only clue is a mysterious card left by the enigmatic Magpie Society. With time running out and the police baffled, Audrey and Ivy must delve deeper than ever into the dark secrets that their school is hiding.

But someone is playing a deadly game. And to beat them, Audrey and Ivy have to start rewriting the rules…

Sigh- summer is fin, our socialising battery is running seriously low, and as the weather cools, the desire to stay home with a takeaway and Strictly Come Dancing on a Saturday night increases, and we’re kinda not mad about it. Our past lockdown tired selves are quite possibly screaming into the void right now, but turns out getting dressed up every day isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, and we’re heading into the new season ready to practice balance, compassion and self-care in giving our bodies what they really need.

Netflix is evidently on the same page, as our ‘to watch’ list is looking seriously juicy lately, and with that comes the need for mood lighting, the perfect snack selection and of course, the comfiest of loungewear for the ultimate relaxation experience. Whilst our collection of elasticated waistband garms increased tenfold in 2020, there’s no harm in giving a little update to these well worn and trusty pieces, and the gems of the high street and our fave online shopping destinations have not disappointed. 

From Future Self to Skims, H&M to Reiss, there’s something for neutral, colourful, cosy and breathable loungewear lovers alike, and all there’s really left to say is SORRY to your bank balance …

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Bookworms everywhere be buzzing because Sally Rooney is back with a truly readable bang.

It’s Rooney’s first outing since she became a global literary phenomenon with Normal People (the greatest love story of all time IMO) and Conversations with Friends, and she’ll be excused for keeping us hanging because her latest work is just as chef’s kiss as her last best-selling tomes.

In the most anticipated new release of 2021, Beautiful World, Where Are You explores the lives of four friends in Dublin.

Alice, a novelist, meets Felix, who works in a distribution warehouse, and asks him if he’d like to travel to Rome with her. In Dublin, her best friend Eileen is getting over a break-up, and slips back into flirting with Simon, a man she has known since childhood.

Alice, Felix, Eileen and Simon are still young—but life is catching up with them. They desire each other, they delude each other, they get together, they break apart. They have sex, they worry about sex, they worry about their friendships and the world they live in. Are they standing in the last lighted room before the darkness, bearing witness to something? Will they find a way to believe in a beautiful world?

Keep reading to see how the team rated the latest masterpiece from one of the greatest contemporary novelists of our time.