Your Autumn Reset Starts With Your Fragrance—Here's How to Find the Right One

https://ift.tt/RghKU1X

There's a chill in the air, the leaves are turning from green to umber, which means one thing: autumn is mere days away. September is peak "back to school" energy, and that applies to beauty too—around this time, I'll usually feel the need to revamp my hair, or opt for deeper, darker colours; but the more pressing matter is usually fragrance.

After a long, hot summer, it can be hard to know how to switch up your signature fragrance, or indeed scent wardrobe, for the colder months; but perfumers stress that you don't need to do a complete revamp: look first at the fragrance families that you come back to time and time again, and what you were drawn towards during the warmer months, advises Frances Shoemack, the founder of 100 per cent natural perfume brand, Abel.

"I would think of it less as replacing one with the other and more of a thoughtful transition; a re-styling perhaps," she advises. "If you're buying something new, see it not as an autumn-only purchase, but as a warmer complement to what you already have. The mistake people make is buying one autumn fragrance and expecting it to do all the work. It's better to look at what's already dense or resinous in what you own and just wear it more often, then add one thing with real weight to it if there's a genuine gap."

Ahead, a practical guide to selecting scents for autumn, grouped by fragrance family, so you're guaranteed to love them.

Florals

"Look for florals with more texture as you move into autumn," advises Saint-Ford; noting that that jasmine, violet, iris and plumeria pair well with more wintery notes of sandalwood, cashmera, amber, and musks. "You don't necessarily need to move into something heavier. It's about taking the brightness and softness you loved in summer and giving it a warmer, more grounded base. I also love florals against woods in autumn because they still feel alive, but have more depth and intimacy on the skin."

LOEWE Perfumes

Rosetopia Eau De Parfum

Key notes: Grapefruit, damask rose, violet, pink peppercorn, lily of the valley, peony, dry amber, amber musk

CREED

Iris Debonair Eau De Parfum

Key notes: Cardamom, bergamot, pink pepper, wormwood, lavender, violet leaf, fig, iris padilla, amberwood, ambrette

Fruits

When it comes to fruits, look to the kitchen, so warm, cooked fruits, not crisp and fresh. The perfumes recommend tart cherry, fig, plum or anything closer to jam or rum-soaked, rather than fresh off the tree.

PHLUR

Cherry Stem Eau De Parfum

Key notes: Black cherry, orange brandy, red freesia, sugared jasmine, plum nectar, ebony woods, warm caramel, soft leather

Tom Ford

Figue Érotique Eau De Parfum

Key notes: Fig leaf, bergamot, mandarin, pink pepper, ylang-ylang, muscovado, licorice, vetiver, patchouli

Woods

A lot of woody scents are inherently quite wintery, but if you wear them year-round, warm woods, like sandalwood and cedar, perfectly encapsulate that cosy energy we're looking for.

Le Labo

Shiu 25

Key notes: Camphor wood, pink pepper, iris, white flowers, frankincense

LOEWE

Smoky Rain Eau De Parfum

Key notes: Pink pepper, Italian bergamot, Virginian cedarwood, benzoin, incense, amber, patchouli, white musk

Musks

"Musks and skin scents are truly year round but this is where I'd really lean into layering," notes Shoemack. "I'd consider pairing with a wood, gourmand (vanilla is perfect) or amber to bring them into more cosy territory."

BYREDO

Future Memories Eau De Parfum

Key notes: Galbanum, blackcurrant, aldehydes, Iris, labdanum, orange blossom, white vanilla, bourbon vanilla, musks

Maison Crivelli

Maison Crivelli Musc Nurasana Extrait De Parfum

Key notes: Bergamot, olibanum incense, rose damascena, musks, tonka bean

Gourmands

If you can't stay away from saccharine gourmands, look for notes with some friction in them; toasted, roasted, salted, not straight sugar. "Complexity and restraint is what makes a gourmand wearable past October, instead of reading like dessert," says Shoemack.

Richard Saint-Ford, the founder of indie perfume label, Iggywoo, adds, that looking for vanilla, tonka, coffee, pistachio or laconic notes balanced with amber, woods, spice or a little bitterness, is a way to note-check that transition. "You still get that comfort and indulgence, but with more structure and warmth rather than smelling literally like dessert."

Abel

Double Scoop Eau De Parfum

Key notes: Rosemary, toasted black sesame, butterscotch, vanilla, musk

IGGYWOO

Lost in Vanillatopia

Key notes: Damask rose, grapefruit, solar-amber-musk, skin musk, honeysuckle, vanilla, amber, tonka bean

Carolina Herrera

Good Girl Eau De Parfum

Key notes: Roasted tonka bean, jasmine sambac, cocoa, bitter almond, coffee

Citrus

While the perfumers stress that citrus-heavy fragrances don't need to disappear, Shoemack comments that it needs something to ground it, "So it reads as structure rather than freshness." You can consider citruses that have woody elements, or heavier bases with notes of vetiver, for example.

BOTTEGA VENETA BEAUTY

Balliamo Eau De Parfum

Key notes: Pomelo, cedrat, fresh pepper, myrtle, lavender, cedarwood, vetiver

Escentric Molecules

Cologne One

Key notes: Lime, juniper berry, bergamot, lemon, mandarin, ginger, hedione, iris, water lily, Iso E Super, musk, amber

Amber

You can't get a more autumnal fragrance family than amber—if you really want to lean in, opt for resinous and dark, rather than golden and sweet.

Jo Malone London

Amber Labdanum Cologne Intense

Key notes: Bitter orange, labdanum, amber, vanilla and roasted oak

BALENCIAGA BEAUTY

Amber Crush Extrait De Parfum

Key notes: Amber, plum liqueur accord, sandalwood, incense, precious spices

Leather

Shoemack recommends looking for a leather scent that is closer to suede than tack room. "You want it to be softened with something powdery or ambery underneath so it doesn't read as too severe."

ORMONDE JAYNE

Suede Silhouette Eau De Parfum

Key notes: Italian bergamot, timur pepper, saffron, iris, ambrette seeds, raspberry, suede, Madgascan vanilla, oud, musk

Tom Ford

Ombré Leather Reserve

Key notes: Silver juniper, cypress, black pepper, violet leaf, vetiver, deep black leather, balsamic benzoin

from Latest from Marie Claire UK https://ift.tt/G5iIM2r
via IFTTT

I've Tried 7 Different Types of Birth Control. Here's What I Wish Someone Had Told Me Sooner

https://ift.tt/Y1de9pP

There are few things I’ve done more often as a woman than choose a form of contraception. I've tried seven, to be precise - and yet, somehow, I still couldn’t give you a particularly convincing answer to the question: what exactly have I been putting in my body? Which feels… problematic.

I’ve taken the pill; switched pills; stopped taking it. I’ve had things inserted into my body, removed from my body and spent more time than I’d care to admit wondering whether what I was experiencing was “normal”. The conversation, more often than not, has been simple: here are your options, here’s how effective they are, and then came the part I came to know all too well: wait it out and see.

Contraception is hardly niche. In the latest Women’s Reproductive Health Survey published in 2025, more than 41,000 people in England reported using contraception - and almost a third had stopped using a method in the previous year. Of those who stopped or switched, 54% said side effects were a reason. So when something so deeply embedded in women’s lives still involves so much trial and error, it's worth asking why. Of course - some trial and error is inevitable. Everyone’s experience is different. But there’s a difference between knowing something might take time to settle and feeling like you’re being asked to wait it out and hope for the best.

That doesn’t mean every woman leaves the doctor's office confused, or that every symptom is caused by contraception. But it does make me wonder: are we being given enough information, space and agency to make genuinely informed choices about our bodies?

So, I’m using my slightly chaotic contraceptive history as a starting point to interrogate the gap between what we’re told to expect and what it’s actually like to live with contraception.

I’m not here to demonise it. I’m here to ask the questions we should have been asking all along - because “give it a little while and see” probably shouldn’t be the end of the conversation.

I've Tried 7 Types of Birth Control. Here's What I Wish I'd Known Sooner

What is contraception actually doing to your body?

For something so many of us use, contraception comes with a surprising amount of folklore. "Take a break every few years." "It’ll ruin your fertility." "No period? Surely the blood must be building up somewhere." "And if you gain weight on the pill, then the hormones have changed your metabolism."

The trouble is, it can be surprisingly difficult to separate what we’ve heard from what we actually know.

So, before we get into the myths, what is contraception actually doing? “Hormonal contraception essentially changes the hormonal signals that control ovulation and the menstrual cycle. Depending on the method, it can stop an egg being released, thicken the mucus at the cervix so sperm can't travel through it as easily, and make the lining of the womb thinner,” explains Dr Mahshid Nickkho-Amiry, Fertility Specialist. “Different methods do this differently. The combined pill, patch and vaginal ring contain oestrogen and progestogen and primarily work by stopping ovulation. Progestogen-only methods, such as the implant, mini-pill, injection and hormonal coil, work mainly through the effects of progestogen, although their effects on ovulation vary."

The hormones aren’t simply sitting there indefinitely, either. “You're not ‘storing up’ hormones in your body or permanently switching off your reproductive system," Amiry goes on. "These are reversible effects.”

Which brings us back to the folklore. On the idea that you need to periodically stop contraception, Amiry is clear: “For most reversible contraceptive methods, there isn't a medical reason to periodically stop if the method is working well for you and remains medically appropriate.”

The fertility question is similarly persistent, but not factually accurate, according to the doctor. “For the majority of reversible methods, that isn't the case. Using contraception doesn't mean you're damaging your future fertility.”

@jessicaalittlee

♬ original sound - Jessica Little

Which side effects should you expect - and which shouldn’t you have to endure?

Crowdsourcing contraception is a skill so many of us have learned: "The pill gave me migraines." "My contraception made me feel low." "Her coil changes her periods." Everyone’s experience is, and will be, different - but share enough of these stories and “common” can start morphing into “normal” - and “normal” can start to feel like something we’re expected to endure. Turns out, it's very much not the same thing.

I learnt that distinction the hard way. I had a coil for 18 months and, after six of those, was having two periods a month, with bleeding lasting an average of nine days (tear-jerking, I know). Because I’d been pre-warned by so many women who’d come before me, I assumed this was simply part of the deal and bore it.

But that raises a more useful question: Is this normal, and is this something we should accept?

“‘Common’ describes how frequently something happens, but it does not tell you how much of an impact you should be willing to accept. A side effect can be completely expected and still be a very valid reason to change methods. Understanding what side effects exist allows you to make a personal decision and weigh the risks and benefits of each contraceptive choice yourself,” says fertility physician Dr Natalie Crawford.

And therein lies the problem: “We sometimes confuse a side effect being medically expected with it being something a woman should have to tolerate. A symptom may improve with time, but if a contraceptive is negatively affecting how someone feels or functions, it may simply not be the right method for her. Contraception is an important healthcare decision, and women deserve to be making these choices with true informed consent - which includes believing that women should not have to suffer.”

So, repeat after me: expected is not the same as acceptable.

Why does finding the “right” contraception feel so much like guesswork?

After seven different methods, I’ve learnt that choosing contraception is less like making an informed prediction and more like placing a small, medically supervised bet on your own body. And as it stands, that uncertainty isn’t anecdotal. Jennifer Hall, Professor of Reproductive Health at UCL, points to a bigger problem: despite decades of widespread use, we still know surprisingly little about why one woman will experience a particular side effect and another won’t.

“Given that billions of women have used hormonal contraception over the last 60+ years, it's staggering how little research has been done on this. With sufficient research, we could get to a point where we would have a better idea of who is more likely to experience which type of side effects from a given contraception. This information could then form part of the counselling and decision-making process and reduce the trial-and-error process.”

And, as a woman in 2026, her point feels particularly pertinent now. Let’s be clear: contraception has transformed women’s lives by giving us unprecedented control over fertility, and in many cases, pain management. Its place in women’s health cannot be underestimated. But, Hall says, expectations have changed: women - particularly younger women - “are less willing to simply accept debilitating side effects as the price of that freedom. The innovation hasn’t kept up with the changing expectations,” she says.

That, right there, is the uncomfortable gap: contraception has come a long way, but the way we find out whether it suits us hasn’t kept pace. We still ask women to try a method, wait a few months, and see what happens - then call the result “finding what works.”

@found.womenshealth

♬ Sand Drawing - Judah Earl

How long are you really supposed to wait it out?

“Give it a little while and see how you get on” sounds harmless enough, right? When you’re living through the "little while", it can be surprisingly difficult to know when you’ve waited enough. I’ve counted the cycle, second-guessed the symptoms, and had multiple breakdowns as proof of wondering whether stopping would mean I’d given up too soon. Then comes the even more daunting thought: if this isn’t working for me, I have to go through the whole process again.

“When you start a hormonal method- the pill, patch, ring, injection, implant, or hormonal IUD - the body needs time to adjust,” says Sasha Hakman, reproductive endocrinologist. “Common early effects - breast tenderness, nausea, mood changes, and irregular spotting - are possible adverse effects but usually fade on their own within three to five months of continuous use.”

That gives “wait it out” a timeframe. But it doesn’t mean you have to keep waiting indefinitely. Among contraceptive users in England who had stopped or switched methods, a 2023 UCL analysis found that 54% said side effects were a reason for doing so. Suddenly, my habit of thinking “just give it another month” feels less like patience and more like procrastination.

So when does waiting become a decision rather than a default? “If breakthrough bleeding or spotting is still significant after about three months, it's reasonable to consider a new method and/or be evaluated for other causes,” Hakman says.

The point isn’t to tough it out. It’s to know that “wait and see” should come with a plan.

The trade-offs nobody thinks to tell you about

The thing about contraception is that the benefits can be huge - think regular periods, less pain, and clearer skin, not forgetting having to think about pregnancy every time you have sex. But sometimes, getting one thing you want means accepting something you really don’t. I, for one, have become a reluctant connoisseur of contraceptive trade-offs: lighter periods, but more frequent ones. Better skin, but a disappearing sex drive. No hormones, but heavier bleeding. Set-and-forget convenience, but a whole new set of symptoms to contend with.

And that’s where we begin to see the gaping holes in our contraception knowledge. The choice starts to look less like: which method works? And more like: what trade-offs work for me?

Research backs this up. In a 2015 study of 2,590 women choosing a new contraceptive method, 44.6% ranked side effects among their top three considerations, alongside effectiveness and safety. What this tells us is clear: we’re not just choosing contraception based on our needs anymore; women are weighing up a whole list of competing priorities.

“No method is ‘best’ for everyone; the right choice depends on your medical history, what you most want to prioritise (reliability, bleeding pattern, hormones or not, reversibility, convenience),” says Hakman. “Combined methods tend to make periods lighter, more predictable, and less crampy. Progestin-only methods often make bleeding lighter or absent but sometimes unpredictable. The copper IUD is hormone-free but can make periods heavier and more crampy.”

On paper, those are clinical outcomes. Translate those to real life; they’re your sex life, your periods, your body. There’s no universal hierarchy - only what you’re willing to trade.

@simisolaoa

♬ Yacht Club - MusicBox

What science still can’t tell us about mood, libido and weight

Mood, libido and weight: three things we like to assume we have control over. So imagine noticing a change in one of them after starting contraception - and not really knowing whether contraception caused it, whether it will settle, or whether you’re simply going to have to live with it.

“Many factors are influencing all three. One of these is your hormones. But hormonal contraception is not all the same. Different hormones, doses, and delivery routes all impact women differently. The biggest gap is that research can tell us what happens on average, but we are still not very good at predicting who will personally experience a side effect. If you notice a change in your mood, libido, or weight after starting a new contraceptive, trust your body and don’t suffer,” says Crawford.

What doesn’t sit right with me is that two women can take the same thing and come away with completely different stories. A 2025 UK study of 337 women found that side effects could look very different from one woman to the next - even among those using the same method. What suited one could leave another wondering what on earth was going on with her body.

Which brings me to the slightly maddening bit: some of the things women most want contraception to explain - our mood, libido, weight - are also some of the hardest things for science to pin on one variable.

As Dr Richard Ma, researcher specialising in sexual and reproductive healthcare, explains, “There are so many other factors at play that researchers can struggle to isolate the effect of the contraceptive itself. Stress, relationships, sleep, mental health, lifestyle, age - all the usual suspects are capable of muddying the waters. In research speak, these are “confounders”. In real life, they’re just… life.”

The irony is that the very things that make women’s experiences hard to study are also what make them so personal. Sure, studies can tell us what tends to happen across a group, but when you’re sitting in a GP’s office to do the math on whether your pill is behind your disappearing libido, “on average” isn’t especially helpful.

What should a good contraception appointment actually look like?

Maybe a tale as old as time: you walk into your GP appointment with a few reasonable questions, and somehow walk out having agreed to “see how you get on” again.

After enough of those conversations to last a lifetime, I qualified to offer this slice of wisdom before I hand things back to the professionals: you do not have to leave your appointment with contraception. Revolutionary, right?

I’ll admit, there’s no eighth round of trial-and-error for me. After having my coil removed a year ago, I’ve decided that if something were to happen, I’m in a place where I’d be more than happy with that. That’s a very personal decision, and one that absolutely won’t be right for everyone. But after seven different runs, it’s made me think about what I wish the 16-year-old version of me had known before she started on this journey.

Let us spare a minute for the generations before us who had far fewer options. The fact that we can choose between pills, implants, coils, patches, rings, and more is a brilliant thing. But choice only counts when you understand what you’re choosing. So, in the spirit of not letting the generation of women to come feel the burden of confusion, Hall gives us insight into what your appointment should look like: "Think about what you want from your contraception before you start talking about what’s available. We can only counsel based on what we know about how common certain effects are. I think it’s also important to remember that what is an unacceptable side effect for some people is an ideal outcome for others."

For some people, not having a bleed is unacceptable. For others, it’s the best “side effect” contraception could offer. Knowing what matters to you is part of the decision.

Next, do a little homework. “There are so many different options that there isn’t time in an appointment to go through every single one and all its pros and cons, and even if there were, you might then feel rushed into making a decision.” She recommends reliable sources such as the NHS website and Contraception Choices, and suggests thinking about what you do and won’t want before you walk in.

Then, ask the questions - all of them. “I would want women to know that they are allowed to ask anything!” Hall says. “Ask whatever it is you are concerned about - this is different for everyone.”

Will it make my boobs bigger? Does it increase my risk of cancer? Could it affect my fertility? Will my partner be able to feel it? What pain relief is available for insertion or removal?

Ask. That appointment is yours for the taking.

So, to the woman on the other side of this article, maybe recognising yourself in my seven-method drama, take this with you: you are not a passive passenger in your healthcare. Ask. Question. Pause. Change your mind. Your brain is your plus-one to the appointment, so make sure it gets a seat at the table.

Shop MC UK's tried-and-loved favourites

Grace&Stella Brightening Eye Masks

Now, if you’re anything like me and constantly on the hunt for an eye patch that works as hard as you do, look no further. These brightening vitamin C masks are basically my new sidekick - dog walk? On. Morning workout? On. First coffee of the day? Also on. They leave tired-looking eyes feeling fresh, hydrated and considerably more awake, all in 15 minutes.

New Balance SuperComp Rebel Trainers

I’ve been testing these for the past few months, and honestly, I’m not sure I can ever part with them. The New Balance SuperComp Rebels are lightweight, seriously springy and somehow make even the runs (or my incline walks on the treadmill) I’d rather avoid feel a little more appealing. A solid new addition to my fitness rotation - and, judging by how often I reach for them, a very permanent one.

TALA Cocoon Hoodie

Consider this your sign to upgrade your hoodie rotation. TALA’s Cocoon is soft, flattering and just the right amount of slouchy - the kind of layer I personally throw on for a dog walk, coffee run, gym trip…or, frankly, any occasion that doesn’t require a real outfit. Emotional support hoodie? I think yes.

from Latest from Marie Claire UK https://ift.tt/QJkUwO7
via IFTTT

Unbeatable Sunset Views, Exceptional Food and Total Tranquillity: This Santorini Hotel Is the Definition of a Summer Escape

https://ift.tt/UdyqaiJ

Perched above the sparkling waters of Ammoudi Bay, Santo Mine feels like one of Santorini's best-kept secrets. While Oia is known for its bustling streets and sunset crowds, this adults-only hideaway offers a more serene way to experience the island, tucked into the cliffs on the site of a former stone mine.

The newest addition to the Santo Collection portfolio, the all-suite resort combines Cycladic minimalism with luxury touches, all while placing guests just an 11-minute walk from the heart of Oia via a private footpath.

If you're searching for a Santorini escape that balances privacy, exceptional hospitality and some of the island's most spectacular views, look no further than Santo Mine.

(Image credit: Santo Mine)

The vibes

From the moment you arrive, Santo Mine feels worlds away from the busy corners of Santorini. The resort has been thoughtfully designed to blend into the rugged landscape, with warm, earthy interiors inspired by the island's natural beauty. Stone, wood, marble and handcrafted ceramics create a calming, cocoon-like atmosphere, while the uninterrupted views across the Aegean Sea constantly remind you exactly where you are.

Despite its peaceful setting, the hotel never feels isolated. Oia's boutiques, restaurants and famous viewpoints are within easy reach, making it the ideal base for travellers who want the best of both worlds.

(Image credit: Santo Mine)

The rooms

The resort's 37 suites are all designed around one key feature: making the most of the extraordinary setting. Every suite comes with either a private pool or jacuzzi, allowing guests to enjoy the panoramic sea views in complete privacy.

The interiors embrace Mediterranean simplicity, with cream and sand-coloured tones, natural textures and minimalist styling creating a sense of calm throughout. Floor-to-ceiling doors flood the rooms with natural light, while private terraces provide the perfect place to unwind with a morning coffee or sunset aperitif.

For many guests, the suite itself becomes a destination. There's something truly special about soaking in your private jacuzzi while watching the sun dip below the horizon, with room service delivering cocktails and meals directly to your terrace.

(Image credit: Santo Mine)

The food

Food is a genuine highlight of a stay here. While Santo Mine's restaurant Ālme serves beautifully executed Mediterranean dishes and an excellent breakfast spread featuring both familiar favourites and local specialities, it's worth venturing to the nearby restaurant Alios Ilios at sister property Santo Pure at least once during your stay.

Following the recommendation of the staff, I ordered the day's special: a fish version of giouvarlakia, a traditional Greek dish I might otherwise have overlooked. It ended up being one of the standout meals of the trip and a reminder of how rewarding it can be to step outside your comfort zone when travelling.

The cocktail menu is equally impressive, featuring inventive recipes that go beyond the standard spritzes and margaritas found elsewhere on the island. Combined with the sweeping sea views and front-row sunset seats, it quickly becomes one of those places where one drink inevitably turns into several.

(Image credit: Santo Mine)

The facilities

The resort is designed for slowing down. A visit to the spa is essential, particularly the Tranquility Face and Body Ritual, an aromatherapy-based treatment designed to improve circulation and oxygenation throughout the body. It's deeply relaxing and the perfect antidote to busy schedules back home.

For those who prefer something more active, the outdoor gym overlooks the ocean, making even an early morning workout feel appealing.

Beyond the resort, guests can take the private pathway into Oia to explore the town's winding streets, independent boutiques and local restaurants. It's close enough to enjoy whenever you like, but far enough away that returning to the peace and quiet of Santo Mine feels like a welcome retreat.

(Image credit: Santo Mine)

The need to knows

Santorini is hardly short of luxury hotels, but Santo Mine manages to stand out thanks to its unique setting, exceptional hospitality and genuinely breathtaking views. It offers all the beauty and atmosphere that visitors come to Santorini for, without sacrificing privacy or tranquillity.

For couples looking for a romantic escape, anyone seeking a slower pace of travel, or simply those wanting to experience Oia from a more peaceful vantage point, Santo Mine delivers exactly the kind of effortless luxury that makes a holiday memorable long after you've returned home.

To book your stay at Santo Mine Oia Suites, Thesi Fanari, Oia, Santorini, head to the Santo Collection website now. Suites start from £345.

from Latest from Marie Claire UK https://ift.tt/EDBiaCZ
via IFTTT

Everyday Handbags are Stealing the Spotlight—These are the 9 Styles Celebrities Including Rihanna and Kaia Gerber are Championing

https://ift.tt/1UK62WO

We don't really have an equivalent fashion rule to "no white after Labor Day", but one that you probably observe without realising it is, "no straw bags after September 1st". The Princess of Wales actually got a head start on this particular edict at Wimbledon, choosing not to carry a basket but a neat leather top-handle from DeMellier. Dua Lipa might have been on a perma-holiday after her wedding earlier this summer but she, too, has transitioned with help from Chanel, who, coincidentally made her wedding dress as well as her favourite black handbag du jour. After deep-diving into the subject, these are the celebrity handbags to bookmark this autumn (because, whisper it, it's time to face the music and shelve the raffia until next summer).

The 9 Best Celebrity-Approved Everyday Handbags

Kaia Gerber's Gucci Bag

Kaia Gerber (Image credit: Getty Images)

Unlike many celebrities, Kaia Gerber really plays favourites with her bags, carrying one over (and over and over) with outfits that span day, night and everything in between. Gucci's Jackie 1961, in simple, elegant black, is one of her long-term favourites and, with its archival pedigree that stretches back into last century, it's not hard to see why.

Gucci

Jackie 1961 Medium Shoulder Bag

Made from soft grainy leather that's been aged to create a time-worn effect, Gucci's Jackie 1961 has earned its place in your handbag line-up.

Poppy Delevigne's Aspinal of London Bag

Poppy Delevigne (Image credit: Aspinal )

There’s a reason why the Aspinal of London Bella Hobo bag is fast becoming one of the most sighted handbags. It’s roomy enough to carry all your everyday essentials, but has a relaxed softness that means it can easily shift from day to night, as well as to relaxed weekends.

Aspinal of London

Bella Hobo Black Milled Pebble

Also spotted carrying the Bella Hobo are Ashley Graham and Lily James, proof a great black shoulder bag is always a good investment.

Zoë Kravitz's Saint Laurent Bag

Zoë Kravitz (Image credit: Getty Images)

As a general rule, Zoë Kravitz only carries handbags from two designer brands: The Row and Saint Laurent. The latter's Le 5 À 7 is designed to help its wearer "carry the day", with a slouchily capacious interior that means you can easily cart your laptop around.

Saint Laurent

Le 5 À 7 Bea Leather Tote Bag

Saint Laurent's Le 5 À 7 Bea is a "functional classic", with a mood of cool-woman minimalism that means it will go perfectly with all your wardrobe stalwarts (trench coats, white shirts, straight-leg jeans...).

Kate Middleton's DeMellier Bag

The Princess of Wales (Image credit: Getty Images)

The Princess of Wales knows a thing or two about top-handle bags—smart, neat and utterly failsafe if you want to make a good first impression. DeMellier's Nano Montreal is the perfect choice if you're challenging yourself to go as hands-free as possible.

DeMellier

The Nano Montreal

Dinkily-proportioned, and offset with hardware, DeMellier's handbag makes a quiet statement.

Dua Lipa's Chanel Handbag

Dua Lipa (Image credit: @dualipa)

Chanel has just had a blockbuster summer, in part courtesy of newlywed Dua Lipa. Not only did the singer choose the brand for this year's biggest wedding dress (besides Taylor!), she's also been carrying its new range of handbags on repeat—including this quilted, and triangular, beauty, the 25 Small Handbag.

Chanel

25 Small Handbag

This triangular shoulder bag offers a twist on a classically quilted Chanel.

Alexa Chung's Land's End Bag

Alexa Chung (Image credit: @alexachung)

If you're looking for a canvas tote bag that can sit neatly on top of your suitcase, but double up on the beach, Alexa Chung recommends the customisable (and pleasingly sturdy) tote from Land's End.

Land's End

Extra Large Zip Top Canvas Tote Bag

For an extra £3.50, you can personalised your canvas tote bag with a monogram.

Irina Shayk's Ferragamo Bag

Irina Shayk (Image credit: Ferragamo)

Irina Shayk has blazed a very well-dressed trail through this year's Venice Film Festival, including the simple but effective formula of a bodycon dress teamed with nothing more nothing less than an impeccable shoulder bag, in this case a brand new design by Ferragamo.

Ferragamo

Cara Bag

Cara can either be carried as a clutch or as a shoulder bag, giving her (and, by extension, you) day to evening potential.

Rihanna's Dior Bag

Rihanna (Image credit: Getty Images)

Dior's Milly-La-Forêt Bag isn't your average shoulder bag, which is probably why it's become a favourite companion of Rihanna's. On the catwalk it was styled with floating lace dresses and nip-waist tweed jackets. Rihanna, however, prefers a baseball cap and grey-marl hoodie, proving that a good handbag contains multitudes.

Dior

Medium Dior Milly-La-Forêt Bag

Dior's Milly-La-Forêt is described as "a slouchy, laid-back creation inspired by these moments of timeless leisure," because its starting point, the village of Milly-La-Forêt, served as the sanctuary of Mr Dior.

Zendaya's Louis Vuitton

Zendaya (Image credit: Getty Images)

Zendaya's smash-hit summer has also included off-duty moments that are inspiring in their simplicity, like this tank-and-jeans combo (complete with one very important accessory: Louis Vuitton's City Steamer).

Louis Vuitton

City Steamer Soft MM

Subtle and timeless, Louis Vuitton's City Steamer is the definition of everyday elegance.

from Latest from Marie Claire UK https://ift.tt/2aAySls
via IFTTT

I Did an ‘Energy Audit’ of My Entire Day—What Was Actually Draining Me is Shocking

https://ift.tt/BsJbqxl

It might still be too early to announce a buzzword for 2026, but if we were pushed, we'd wager that the term 'energy' would be right up there. Whether it's the time of year, seasonal shifts or simply our stage in life, barely a day goes by right now without a friend commenting that she's feeling drained and depleted - regardless of how well-rested (or otherwise, as the case may be) she is.

Be it good or bad (or more than likely, somewhere in the middle), we're more tuned in than ever before to the nuance of how we're feeling - and the overwhelming sense is that we're tired. Even when we do achieve that elusive eight-hour shut-eye, many of us are struggling with sluggishness, fatigue, and a general malaise that can make even the simplest of tasks feel insurmountable.

Of course, there can be legitimate causes for feeling this way. Hormones, illness, stress and more can all take their toll on our mental and physical reserves, leaving our energy levels depleted - but I don't think I'm alone in feeling like I'm running on empty even when I'm working hard to reduce the impact of these everyday strains. You know the drill: I prioritise sleep, nutrition, exercise and downtime as much as I can - but still, there are days when I'm too exhausted for words.

It's clear there's more to this energy crisis (as opposed to the other, also very real energy crisis) than meets the eye, so in true journalistic fashion, I turned to our excellent MC UK experts for their take - both on what exactly is causing this lack of get-up-and-go and what we can do about it. Their answer? An 'energy audit'.

Keep scrolling for the lowdown, but in the meantime, you might also be interested in our guides to the best low-effort wellness habits, the importance of micro recovery and using friendship as a health tool - plus, find out how one Health Writer got on when she kept an everyday delights journal for a month, here.

Fed Up of Running On Empty, I Tried an ‘Energy Audit’ – and It's Made Me Calmer, More Focused and Less Frazzled

What is an energy audit?

If the concept of an energy audit is new to you, firstly - same, and secondly, prepare to be impressed. It's essentially a super simple hack to help you identify the aspects of your life that are draining, rather than fulfilling, you.

Now, it's unrealistic to operate on a fill-our-cup basis at all times - after all, there are (so many) things we need to do that aren't going to feel replenishing - but an energy audit is a great place to start thinking about where your energy is going on a daily basis.

"Energy isn’t just how motivated you feel," explains longevity expert and co-founder of BodyBio, Jess Kane. "Your body is literally producing energy all day long, largely through our mitochondria (parts of our cells that produce and provide energy to our organs), and that process requires resources.

"An energy audit is about asking yourself: what am I giving my body to produce energy, and what am I asking it to overcome? Look at sleep, nutrition, movement, stress, hydration and recovery, but also pay attention to your patterns. When do you feel clear and energised? When do you crash? What consistently happens before those crashes?"

The point here is to pay attention to yourself - something women, in particular, are notoriously poor at, as we're usually more concerned with the people around us.

"The purpose of an energy audit is to take notice," says career and confidence coach Dr Claire Kaye. "By this I mean paying attention to what is giving you energy, what is taking it away, and what that might be telling you."

@carochng

my spiritual baddie mid year audit guide and reflections on shadow work, intentions, and optimizing luck 🌟 so happy to be back with this series and as requested i made a folder so you can watch all the videos in one place :,) ily all

♬ Didn't Cha Know Smooth - TRILLBILL

What are the benefits of an energy audit?

So, why should we bother with an energy audit? Put simply, it's the first step towards really taking care of yourself - we're talking more than just some breathwork and a long bath once a week, here.

"Perhaps real self-care is not another routine, another wellness trend or another thing to optimise," muses Dr Kaye. "Perhaps it is understanding where your energy is going, recognising what is depleting it, and giving yourself permission to make small changes before running on empty becomes your normal."

1. It can help us avoid burnout

Burnout is a very real issue for many women, with research showing we are at greater risk of developing the classic signs of burnout (emotional exhaustion being top of the list) than our male counterparts.

While we're far from suggesting an energy audit would redress the balance, it might be a useful first step in identifying where we can make subtle changes to our routines to protect our mental health.

"What I see time and time again is that some of the most powerful shifts happen when you simply become aware of a pattern and allow it to sit with you for a while," shares Dr Kaye. "Over time, that awareness starts to influence the choices you make, the boundaries you set, the conversations you have and the things you stop tolerating."

2. It challenges our approach to rest

If you're anything like us, you may be conditioned to think that rest is something you have to earn - but in fact, your energy (quite literally) depends on it. And it won't be news to you that it's not easy to achieve.

“Being responsive to other people can feel caring, responsible and necessary for many women, but when being accessible becomes our default, being unavailable can start to feel like something we need to justify," shares clinical psychologist and Wellwoman ambassador, Dr Claire Plumby.

“You can be physically resting, but if part of your attention is still monitoring messages, anticipating what somebody might need or thinking about the next thing that needs doing, that may not feel like genuinely restorative downtime.

“Creating boundaries around our availability, and recognising that wanting time to ourselves is a valid reason to be unavailable, can help create important space for our own wellbeing.”

The upshot? Prioritising rest should restore and revive your energy, too.

3. It enhances self awareness and productivity

Dr Kaye believes that most women intuitively know where their energy leaks and drains are, but we're not quite giving ourselves the space to hear ourselves think. Engaging in an energy audit forces us to stop and take a hard look at what needs changing, and stops us from fighting our own biology.

An energy audit helps us to recognise what works best for us as individuals, rather than assuming we're all wired the same way.

"Instead of asking, 'Why can’t I make myself work like this?', try 'How do I actually work best?'," advises life and mindset coach Jo Irving. "For years, I thought I should get up early and get my work done first thing. Instead, I’d procrastinate, feel as though I’d wasted the morning and then feel bad about not being productive.

"I’ve since recognised that some of my best energy comes later in the day. I find it much easier to get into a flow state in the evening and can often produce better work in considerably less time. So, rather than continually fighting myself, where possible I structure my work around when I know I work best."

4. It can help structure the day

"An energy audit helps you stop spending your best hours on your worst tasks," shares Jane Ollis, medical biochemist and founder of SONA. "Most people torch their sharpest thinking on email at nine and then attempt the hard stuff at four, when there's nothing left in the drawer. Flip that, and you've won half the battle.

"However, here's the honest bit: an audit shows you the pattern; it won't fix it. If you're running on five hours' sleep, no amount of clever scheduling will save you."

5. It allows you grace

Constantly beating yourself up about not achieving enough in the day? An energy audit can help you cut yourself some (much-needed) slack.

"The biggest benefit is that you stop treating energy as something you have to manufacture through willpower," agrees Kane. "At BodyBio, we talk constantly about building the foundations of health. Your cells need the right raw materials and environment to function properly. You can’t consistently sleep five hours, under-eat, over-caffeinate, sit all day and live in a constant state of stress, then expect one supplement or biohack to fix your energy.

"An audit helps you figure out where your foundations may be breaking down."

@sabeenaladha

♬ original sound - sabeenaladha

How to conduct an energy audit

One of the best things about an energy audit is that, really, there's no set formula for doing it. What works for you will be individual, and it definitely shouldn't become yet another chore that makes you feel you've failed.

That being said, the experts have devised a few ways of conducting an energy audit that you may find helpful if you're struggling to know where to start. There are a couple that I'm keen to try, and they're quite different.

Firstly, Irving's approach appeals as it's simple and straightforward. "There will always be things we don’t particularly want to do, so this isn’t about avoiding anything uncomfortable," she notes. "It’s about becoming aware of what things cost you energetically."

She recommends looking at a normal week and asking:

• What gives me energy?
• What drains my energy?
• When do I naturally feel most focused or creative?
• Where do I get my energy back?
• Look beyond work. Think about tasks, meetings, exercise, your phone, environments, people and conversations.
• Notice what happens in your body, too. Put a hand over your heart or stomach and mentally go through the different parts of your day. What creates a feeling of heaviness or resistance? What feels lighter or energising?

Alternatively, you can do a deeper dive into your energy, as favoured by Dr Kaye:

• Take ten minutes, a notebook and a cup of tea. Draw three columns: people, tasks, thoughts.
• Under people, write down the names of the people you spend most time with. Then ask yourself: who gives me energy? Who drains it? Who leaves me feeling supported? Where am I over-giving? What boundary would help me protect my energy?
• Under tasks, write down everything currently taking up your time and attention. Then ask yourself: what energises me? What drains me? What could I delegate? What could I do less perfectly? What am I doing simply because I have always done it?
• Under thoughts, write down the things occupying most space in your head. Then ask yourself: what decision am I avoiding? What am I worrying about that I cannot control? What keeps replaying in my mind? What would create the greatest sense of relief if I addressed it?
• Once you have done all three sections, take a step back and have a proper look at what you have written. Then ask yourself: what is draining most of my energy right now? What gives me energy that I have stopped making time for? What is one small change I could make this week? What support would genuinely help me right now?

@jayshetty

🚨Watch or listen🚨to my brand new podcast on auditing your relationships & energy by searching ‘Jay Shetty Podcast’ on your favorite platform 🎙️

♬ original sound - Jay Shetty

I did an energy audit of my entire day - and the outcome shocked me

How I approach the audit

Armed with my cup of tea, I'm ready and excited for the task ahead: making my energy audit list. Nothing excites me more than a blank page begging to be scribbled on, so it's safe to say that I can't wait to get cracking.

I talk myself out of buying a new notepad for the occasion - I already have so many, and honestly, it's just typical of me to try and procrastinate, so I'm strict with myself and make do. But I'm soon faced with my next challenge: it's been so long since I've sat and really thought about myself rather than the kids, the dog, my husband or my parents (the list goes on) that I actually struggle to engage with the process. Plus, there are so many other things I need to do....

Another (couple of) cups of tea later, and it's clear I can't avoid the hard work any longer, so I decide to ease myself in with Irving's method and work my way up to a more detailed list.

What I discover about my energy leaks

After a good few days of soul-searching and scribbling, I'm starting to get a clearer picture of how my weeks tend to take shape, and it makes for tricky reading. Aside from the usual tasks, I have to dig really deep to examine where my energy is going - and it's confronting.

Caregiving and chores

As a busy mum of three, of course my caregiving responsibilities are going to be a big part of where my energy goes - and while I wouldn't have it any other way, it's clear that I do need to rethink how much of this particular load I'm taking on.

There's lots of caring work (this week alone, I've organised and hosted my daughter's birthday party, had a playdate for my youngest, looked after a friend's child for the afternoon and made a birthday cake for another friend's husband - and that's in addition to my usual responsibilities) which I know helps to fill my cup, but in fact, it's also incredibly draining trying to be everything to everyone, all the time.

And the biggest hurdle is asking myself what support I could put in place to reduce my energy drains. It's totally outside my comfort zone to even admit that I need help, let alone vocalise asking for support - but this trial has done nothing if not show me that I need to get better at delegating.

With this in mind, I start with a few small concessions: on the day I'm commuting rather than working from home, I ask my husband to make the kids' packed lunches. Initially, he's not sure what to include, but the following week he does it without so much as batting an eyelid, and I feel slightly redundant.

My phone

Of course, you can't delegate everything, and I need to take a good, hard look at ringfencing my time more efficiently, starting with where I'm leaking a lot of energy: my phone. And it's not just the mindless scrolling (I've recently invested in a Brick, which has helped cut this down) - it's more the constant messages and influx of information. Three children at three different schools means my inbox is always overflowing, and while I try to stay on top of things, it's inevitable that I miss messages from time to time - something that enrages my children and stresses me out, in equal measure.

So, with this in mind, it's clear that I need a system for dealing with these. I decide to use an hour on a Friday evening to catch up on school-related messages/newsletters and more - in the hope that I haven't already missed too much. This means that the rest of the week feels more free, as I know I'll be responding on Friday - although I soon realise that I need to switch this to mid-week, as it means any responses I do manage to send won't be seen until the following week.

Likewise, rather than mindlessly grabbing my phone during my workday, I know I'll spend the first 15 minutes of my lunch catching up on urgent messages, leaving me free to concentrate on my morning's work - a godsend, quite frankly. While I already have notifications switched off (IYKYK), I'm still guilty of reaching for my device way too much.

People

Phone sorted, I move on to my next biggest drain: people.

"Constant notifications, switching between tasks, too many decisions, unfinished jobs, and never having uninterrupted time can all drain us, but one of the biggest energy leaks can be people," cautions Irving. "Pay attention to how you feel after certain interactions. Conversations where you feel you can’t get your point across, repeated conflict, feeling dismissed or squashed, or being around people where you don’t feel able to be yourself can be incredibly draining - particularly when those interactions happen regularly.

"Sometimes the conversation lasts 20 minutes, but you’re still replaying it two hours later. That’s part of its energetic cost too."

This one is tougher to address; I'm not going to lie. Ageing parents, in particular, are a tricky one: I want to support them, but I'm also spreading myself incredibly thin already. I decide that a twice-weekly phone call and once-a-week visit is all I can offer, right now - and have to be ok with that. Of course, I'm not entirely inflexible on this, and if I'm needed, I'll be there - but it's a good start.

Friendship-wise, I feel my balance is pretty good, as I prioritise spending good quality time with the people who enrich my life - most likely a lovely side effect of age, as I no longer feel any kind of compulsion to socialise with people I'm not friends with.

Thoughts

I've saved the toughest column for last: my thoughts. Naturally chaotic in nature, I have a lot of thoughts racing around my head all day, every day. And before you ask if I've tried mindfulness or meditation - I think we all know the answer to that.

So, rather than berate myself (yet again) for failing to control my erratic mind, I decide instead to channel my energy into journalling my thoughts - and this unexpectedly becomes the highlight of the challenge, for me. Previously, I've tried to do journalling 'right' (always either morning or evening, in a proper journal - you get the gist) but now, I simply have a blank page next to me as I work, ready for me to pour my million and one micro-thoughts onto - and, reader, it really helps to keep me focused: a huge win.

My verdict? I was surprised by my actual energy drains - the big ones weren't the ones I was expecting, and the changes I needed to make were also not as complex as I'd anticipated.

And the standout lesson? I need to calm down (not a surprise to anyone who knows me, but still).

"Don’t turn an energy audit into another thing you have to get right," cautions Irving. "Your energy will naturally change depending on sleep, stress, health, hormones, workload, relationships and what’s happening in your life."

TLDR? Your energy naturally fluctuates, so this process is about trying to work with it, rather than against it. By the Friday of this week, I am exhausted, mentally and physically. Usually, I'd rail against this, wanting to spend my precious free time with my family and/or friends. This week, though, I have the experts' advice ringing in my ears as I make myself a cup of (decaf) tea and take myself off to bed for an early night. Bliss.

Shop MC UK energy audit tools now:

Adanola Vintage Straight Leg Sweatpants

Because you can't do a decent energy audit if you're not comfy, right? These Adanola vintage sweatpants are firmly at the top of our AW26 wishlist.

Liberty London A5 Margaret Annie Floral Notebook

As if any of us need an excuse for a new notepad, keeping track of your energy expenditure never looked so good.

Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before?: The Sunday Times Bestseller

However digital the world gets, our mantra remains: if in doubt, read a book about it. Dr Julie Smith's Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before? is a seminal guide to decoding your emotions and helping us all do the work.

What else do I need to know about my energy leaks?

We've mostly covered the main topics above, but if monitoring your energy is completely new to you, there are a few additional factors worth bearing in mind, according to founder and clinical director at 001 London, Ada Ooi.

"Firstly, remember that energy is cyclical, not linear," she tells MC UK. "The modern day is built for a machine that doesn't exist. You're not a laptop, you're a tide. Work with it, and you'll get more done in less time. Fight it, and you'll spend your life borrowing.

"The biggest leak is usually the one you're most defensive about. The job, the relationship, the 5 am workout, the 'I'll rest when'. The audit will show it to you. You don't have to act on it straight away, but you do have to see it.

"And last but not least: rest isn't a reward. In Chinese medicine, rest is the soil Qi grows in. If you only rest once you've earned it, you'll never rest, because the list doesn't end. Rest first, then work from the overflow rather than the deficit."

from Latest from Marie Claire UK https://ift.tt/K9I4HEJ
via IFTTT