Marie Claire's edit of the best things to buy, browse and book
Allow us to introduce: hot list. Whether it’s some much-needed pampering, a quick interiors update, a cool event to book tickets for or a wardrobe refresh, here’s Marie Claire’s edit of the best ways to indulge.
Here at Marie Claire HQ we’re constantly seeking out secret sales, new brands, fun events, exclusive beauty treatments and cool coffee table books. We also love updating our home with a cool new piece of pottery, art or a delicious new candle.
We’ve rounded-up all the coolest things to do, see and buy this week. There are new store openings, new fashion brands, A-list collaborations, grooming updates and generally gorgeous and useful things to know so that your downtime is as stylish as you are.
This week we’re loving:
This is your ultimate shopping list, so check in with us every week so you can hit the shops fully informed on what’s new and cool each week. Click through to see our favourite picks…
It may still be winter (and lockdown) but I’m very much looking forward to ditching my loungewear in favour of some pretty new seasonal pieces. Although almost entirely digital, the shows from New York, London, Milan and Paris fashion weeks still provided plenty of new trends to sink our teeth in for spring summer 2021. Trust me, it’s going to be a good season.
Summer trends 2021: Feel-good dresses
Weirdly foreshadowing our loungewear/lockdown fatigue, designers such as Molly Goddard, Rodarte, Christopher John Rogers, Simone Rocha and Jacquemus have served up some dreamy, extravagant dresses that scream escapism. Honestly, even the dress-averse won’t be able to stop that smile spreading on their faces.
Think over-the-top tulle ballgowns, acid-hued florals, ribbon detailing, feel-good colours and puff sleeves galore.
Summer fashion trends 2021: New shirting
Thought the humble white shirt couldn’t be more boring? Think again. This season, the shirt gets a high fashion makeover, if the new collections are to be believed. At Valentino, it was thigh-length and pink, at Jacquemus, cropped and asymmetrical, and at The Row they were oversized to the max. Whatever your mood, there’s a shirt for it.
Summer fashion trends 2021: Denim
Ok, so denim never really goes away, but let’s just say it’s taking centre stage for summer. See Chloe and Paco Rabanne’s high-waisted flares for a 70s take, Chanel’s 80s neon jacket and Gabriella Hearst and Wales Bonner for polished denim gowns.
Summer fashion trends 2021: Skimpy LBDs
Get ready to bring sexy back, because the little black dress didn’t come to play this season. From Victoria Beckham’s keyhole detail dress to Khaite’s and Rosetta Getty’s lingerie-inspired frocks. The more skin on show, the better.
Summer fashion trends 2021: Monochrome
The colour-averse amongst you will rejoice in the fact that timeless black and white are the hues to be seen in this season. At Prada, models wore sporty shirt over tailored trousers, while at Alexander McQueen, the take was decidedly more feminine thanks to puff sleeves and full skirts. At Balmain, the power suit got an 90s makeover thanks to exaggerated shoulders and cycling shorts.
Summer fashion trends 2021: Pink and red
That said, those who do like to brighten up their wardrobes come spring will love the shades of Crayola red and pink taking over the catwalks. Again, we’re looking to Molly Goddard for that pop of colours, as well as Valentino, Etro, Halpern, Roksanda and Christopher John Rogers.
Summer fashion trends 2021: The revenge of the bra
Ever since Katie Holmes stepped onto a New York street in that infamous Khaite bra-digan, we haven’t been able to get bras out of our head. Case in point: pretty much every designer going has incorporated the bra into their new collections, from Dolce and Gabbana to Dior, Victoria Beckham, Simone Rocha, Cecilie Bahnsen, Jacquemus, Chanel, Giamattista Valli and many, many more.
If you’re not feeling brave enough to wear it as is, simply layer it under an oversized blazer or a sheer blouse, or over a shirt or midi dress.
Summer fashion trends 2021: Flossing and keyholes
Nope, I’m not talking about that TikTok trend, but an altogether more chic approach. We’re talking items embellished with straps, usually around the bust or midsection. Look to Supriya Lele, Christopher Esber, Charlotte Knowles, Jacquemus and Preen for some lovely examples.
Meanwhile, Gabriela Hearst, Victoria Beckham, Maximilian were just some designers incorporating keyhole details into their collections, but in a chic, wearable way. Think jewel-embellished cut-outs at the waist and dramatic back decolletages.
Now parenting expert and managing director at Kiddies Kingdom, Mohammed Patel, tells Express.co.uk: ‘Kate and William’s role in the pandemic was an example of their down to earth approach, as it seemed even the Royal Family couldn’t escape what was the chaos of home schooling.
‘They have openly admitted that parenting has its ‘ups and downs’ but work hard to support each other through every milestone, no matter how big or small.’
William and Kate have decided against a number of royal traditions when it comes to parenting, one example being that they hired just one nanny to help with the children as opposed to numerous employees, as other royals have done in the past.
The couple has employed the same childcare professional for nearly seven years, Norland nanny Maria Borrallo, who reportedly has some strict rules for the Cambridge children. While they are said to be having a ‘no nonsense upbringing’, it includes ‘lots of bike rides, playing with their dogs, potentially some gardening. Norland are very into teaching children through play.’
Mr Patel continued: ‘Kate does receive support from Nannies and close family. But she has always been praised for her hands-on approach to parenting.’
She also ‘isn’t afraid’ to ask for help, and to talk openly about parenting where other royals traditionally keep much of this information private.
He added: ‘Kate has always been a busy working mum, taking part in royal engagements and community work.
‘Whilst she prides herself on her proactive parenting style, she is also not afraid to ask for help.
‘Many working mums today feel ashamed of seeking support, so the Duchess of Cambridge’s ability to balance both work and family duties is welcomed by the public.’
The Cambridges are undoubtedly the most talked-about family in the world, and with their roles elevated over the coronavirus pandemic, it’s hardly surprising that Prince William and Kate Middleton have been making non-stop viral news.
While Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis entertain the public on the regular, it’s the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge that spend the most time in front of the cameras.
This past few month has been no exception as we have entered a third lockdown, and Prince William and Kate Middleton have been at the forefront, engaging in numerous Zoom calls and offering light relief with the news of their new puppy.
It was the Duchess of Cambridge who made headlines today, getting the world talking yet again for her relatable nature.
During a recent Zoom call, Kate spoke candidly about what it’s like being a parent during the pandemic, and I think everyone can relate.
‘I think as parents you’ve the day-to-day elements of being a parent, but I suppose during lockdown we have had to take on additional roles that perhaps others in our communities, or in our lives would have perhaps supported us and helped us with.
‘I’ve become a hairdresser this lockdown, much to my children’s horror, seeing mum cutting hair.’
She continued: ‘We’ve had to become a teacher – and I think, personally, I feel pulled in so many different directions and you try your best with everything but at the end of the day I do feel exhausted’.
If the thought of actually getting dressed brings you out in hives, fear not. Ghost, the high-street label known for its whimsical floral dresses and satin gowns has come up with the perfect solution.
It has just launch sleepwear, and it’s the perfect take on luxe pyjama dressing. The curated collection includes sleek separates and sleepwear, so you can feel dressed up even though you might not even leave your bed/sofa.
There are traditional button down pyjamas, bias-cut floral slip dresses, matching satin t-shirts and skirts in covetable hues of powder blue, charcoal and champagne.
The beauty of the pieces is that you can just wear them as sleepwear, or mix and match them with your existing wardrobe to create different outfits. For example, the button-up PJ tops would look great for straight cut jeans.
With prices starting at £79 and going up to £225, it’s a fairly budget-friendly collection to upgrade your day-to-day wear too.
Influencer Jessie Bush is already a fan of the collection, and we can see others like Monikh Dale and Katherine Ormerod following suit.
Kate Middleton made a video appearance yesterday from her Anmer Hall home, to discuss the struggles of parenting during the pandemic with fellow parents.
She told them during the call, ‘You have the day-to-day elements of being a parent but in lockdown we have had to take on additional roles that others in our communities would have supported us with. I feel pulled in so many directions. You try your best with everything but I do feel exhausted.’
The Duchess also joked about her children recoiling in horror when she had to cut their hair, and that she got great support from her husband Prince William.
She urged fellow struggling parents to ‘reach out to loved ones and friends’ if they need help.
For the call, Kate donned a blazer and dark green jumper, which she fittingly accessorised with a necklace that was a tribute to her children, Princes George and Louis and Princess Charlotte.
The gold coin necklace by Daniella Draper, which cost just over £1,000 and that she’s worn on several occasions, is engraved with the initials of each of her children.
So even when they’re not in the room with her, they’re always close by.
The Cambridges are undoubtedly the most talked-about family in the world, and following Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s exit from the royal family, it’s hardly surprising that Prince William and Kate Middleton are making even more news.
From the Cambridge family’s relocation to their Norfolk Anmer Hall home to the news that the family has been making homemade pasta and distributing it to their vulnerable neighbours, these past few months have been all about Kate and Wills.
The Duchess of Cambridge made headlines in particular this past few months as she was mistaken for Prince William’s assistant and had the best reaction.
During a royal outing to Shire Hall Care Home in Cardiff in August, one resident, 87-year-old Joan Drew-Smith, asked Prince William, ‘Is that your assistant?’ while pointing at Kate.
Instead of taking offence, the Duchess of Cambridge laughed, telling her husband, ‘Well I am your assistant.’
According to HOLA!, Kate added: ‘I have been for a long time!’
‘The Cambridges’ favourite Bingo partners!,’ the Duke and Duchess captioned an Instagram post from the care home. ‘Having entertained the Welsh care home as bingo hosts in May, The Duke and Duchess re-visited Shire Hall in person!
‘It was great to see firsthand the amazing work done by staff and families to keep Shire Hall safe throughout lockdown.’
And what a wedding it was, from protocol breaks to changing traditions.
There was the fact that Pippa Middleton and Prince Harry were elected Maid of Honour and Best Man – two roles that are not supposed to exist in royal weddings, not to mention the double kiss that the newlyweds performed for the crowds from the Buckingham Palace balcony and of course their choosing to spend their wedding night at Buckingham Palace rather than jetting off for their honeymoon immediately.
It emerged recently, that Prince William actually gave Kate a helping hand with her hair on the big day, helping to move a 500-year-old mirror so that his bride could admire her blow dry.
Hair stylist Richard Ward explained to People that he gave her a blow dry in between the wedding ceremony and the Clarence House reception, but needed a bit of help from William.
‘I wanted to show Kate the back of her hair, and I was struggling to walk with this 500-year-old mirror,’ he explained to People. ‘[William] just said, “Let me give you a hand,” and I said, “No, no, honestly,” but he took one end and I’ve got the other and we’re shuffling along with this mirror — he’s great, he really is.’
A fly-on-the-wall royal documentary from 1969 became even more famous after it was hidden by the royal family, going 50 years without being seen.
Royal Family was locked away by the BBC in 1972 for fears that it made the Mountbatten-Windsors appear too normal and according to some, ‘risked killing the monarchy’.
Her Royal Highness personally intervened to banish a fly-on-the-wall documentary from ever resurfacing, following its broadcast 1969. Despite giving permission for her family to be followed by cameras for 18 months, she decided that some of the more intimate revelations within the film – for example, the royals storing their breakfast cereals in Tupperware containers – were far too intrusive, and such candid insights could horrify the general public.
Despite the film achieving its goal of strengthening public support, the Queen and her advisors decided that ‘being too normal was as dangerous as being too different’ and so it’s under strict instruction to never be shared with the public again.
After years of being locked away in the Royal Archives, the documentary was leaked on YouTube this week, gaining thousands of views. It has since been taken down.
‘This is a matter for the BBC,’ a royal source told The Telegraph. ‘From time to time, things pop up on the internet that should not be there. We will assume it’s going to be taken down.’
The footage, which is said to include domestic scenes of the Duke of Edinburgh frying sausages at a Balmoral barbecue whilst Prince Charles prepares a salad, is proving popular. And while the documentary is now back in the Royal Archives, it might be the perfect time to re-release it and remind us of the royal family’s relatable side.
For now though, we’ll just have to be satisfied with the small clips we’ve got.
Nine years ago today — thank you for all your lovely messages on The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's wedding anniversary! pic.twitter.com/Pw2pPmQ1R9
— The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) April 29, 2020
There was the fact that Pippa Middleton and Prince Harry were elected Maid of Honour and Best Man – two roles that are not supposed to exist in royal weddings, not to mention the double kiss that the newlyweds performed for the crowds from the Buckingham Palace balcony and of course choosing to spend their wedding night at Buckingham Palace rather than jetting off for their honeymoon immediately.
It recently emerged however that there was another tradition broken back on 29th April 2011, and it’s all to do with Kate’s look, choosing to wear her hair down even though it broke a 350-year-old tradition of royal brides wearing their hair up.
According to the documentary, William & Kate: The Journey, Kate was encouraged by royal officials to wear her hair up, something she fought against.
‘Royal sources tell me that the royals indicated very strongly to Kate that they would prefer her to wear her hair up for this very special occasion,’ explained royal reporter Ashley Pearson.
‘However, Kate had her heart set on wearing her hair down with long flowing curls, which is her favourite way to wear it, and actually William’s favourite as well. They ended up compromising on her look.’
The compromise – Kate wore her hair half up half down,
Let’s face it, the Duchess of Cambridge will always look beautiful however she styles her hair, but she definitely made a good decision here!
If this week is anything to go by, the UK has officially reached peak WFH. Reams and reams of Tweets are detailing just how sick people are of a third lockdown and a third round of working from home with no end in sight.
If you’ve got noisy neighbours that are setting your teeth on edge, constant backache from working on your Ikea kitchen stools, and total Microsoft Teams fatigue, don’t worry – you’re not alone. Some companies are even rolling out call free days in an attempt to ease the WFH dread.
While everyone’s stance on working from home full time will differ slightly, one thing’s for sure: not having the choice of popping into the office, or to a coffee shop, or to your local WeWork, sucks. And that’s before we even get started on juggling the Zoom socialising and home-schooling situation…
So, without further ado, let our expert guide to how to work from home help. We bought you stress management techniques and self-care ideas. Next up: your working from home bible. Sure, you’ve been doing it for a while now, but these smart and simple tips might just help get you out of that slump.
Keep reading.
10 working from home tips to ease your 2021 slump
1. Book in regular meetings
Though working from home may give you a welcome distance from office politics, never underestimate the importance of interpersonal contact in your working day.
‘If you’re an extrovert, you might need company after only a short time,’ says Judy Heminsley, author of Work From Home. ‘Introverts tend to be happier in their own company, so it’s important to regularly plan contact into your diary, even if that means phone calls right now.’
2. Respect your boundaries
Similarly, loads of you are feeling totally depleted right now, with many across the UK suffering from PTSD, anxiety, and even low-grade depression. If you’re not up for Zoom calls every day and would rather get your head down and crack on with work, communicate that to your manager. They’re obliged to listen and help in the best way they can (our guide to how to have difficult work conversations over Zoom might help).
3. Avoid social media in work hours
When there’s no face-to-face time booked in, you might feel tempted to be keeping in touch with people via social media, explains occupational psychologist Suzy Dale. ‘Check in with others remotely at least once through social media and emails,’ she says. ‘The temptation to stray on to Facebook or Twitter may be greater, but remember your boss could be watching. Apply the same common sense approach as you would in your workplace.’
4. Dress to impress
You’re not expected to pick out your best skirt suit and splash on a full face of make-up for a day in front of your laptop – the WFH loungewear look is going strong – but Suzy recommends getting dressed like you normally would when heading into the office. ‘While working in your PJs may be comfier than your normal work clothes, but it doesn’t necessarily encourage the right psychological mindset for a day’s work,’ she says.
5. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself
In a similar vein, remember we’ve all been doing this for a while now and you’ll know what works for you. Being kind to yourself is key here: if trackies work for you and bring you joy, let yourself have those small joys. They’re important.
6. Stick to a routine
Where you can, sticking to your morning routine as much as possible can be a positive, reckons Suzy. ‘A smart-casual approach to your workday is best. Try and make sure you’re showered and dressed by 9.30am,’ she advises, or whenever you normally start work. Similarly, if some days don’t stick to that routine – they never will – know adapting is a skill, too.
7. Set yourself deadlines
There are tendencies to both underwork and overwork when you run your own schedule. It might be tempting right now to watch BBC News on repeat and keep checking your apps for Corona updates, but try to keep distractions to a minimum.
The best advice for structuring a day’s work at home is timing. Suzy says, ‘Generally, it is best to stick to your usual office hours and take a lunch break to get up from your desk and get some fresh air. This automatically gives you a structure and helps to focus attention. The key is to be pragmatic. Break up the day by setting yourself deadlines to keep things on track, then take a short comfort break after each,’ she advises.
In a lot of ways, following your own eating routines is healthier outside of the office environment, explains Judy. ‘Working from home means you can listen to your body instead of trying to conform to the conventional break and lunchtimes.’ Although, do try to avoid the natural temptation for this to break down into all-day snacking, she advises.
‘Sticking to good eating habits is important for a productive day. If necessary, keep a bowl of fruit nearby so you don’t find yourself gravitating towards the kitchen every half an hour,’ she advises.
9. Suss your space
If you don’t work from home regularly you may not have a home office, but this isn’t always important for quality of work. What is? Setting aside a physical area for work, Suzy shares. ‘Try, if you can, and keep the bedroom off-limits as your sanctuary,’ she says. ‘This will help with concentration, but also sends out a message to others that you take your working time seriously.’
10. And, breathe
You’ve probably read a few of the pointers above before, but this is the most important: be extra kind to yourself right now and remember you are doing your best. Your WFH will look very different to your best mates, so don’t worry if your productivity takes a different form.
You’re aware of the debilitating, can’t-get-out-of-bed dark cloud of depression—research suggests at least 1 in 3 people in the UK have suffered from it at some point—but would you be able to identify the less obvious symptoms?
It’s been a year that’s been challenging for most thanks to the coronavirus pandemic. What seem like small day-to-day differences in your lives – you know, home-schooling, working from home, and Zoom socialising – can really take their toll on your mental health. Plus, the UK confirming it now has the highest death rate in Europe certainly doesn’t help.
Know you’re not alone: even stars like Michelle Obama have opened up in the past about their struggles. Last year she spoke about her ‘low grade depression’ being triggered by a number of things, from the pandemic, to racial injustice, to the ‘hypocrisy’ of the Trump administration.
Tackling emotional highs and lows and difficulty sleeping, she shared: “I’m waking up in the middle of the night because I’m worrying about something or there’s a heaviness.”
“These are not, they are not fulfilling times, spiritually,” Mrs Obama said. “I know that I am dealing with some form of low-grade depression. [I feel a] weight that I haven’t felt in my life, in a while,” she said.
One thing that has helped her? Sticking to a normal routine. “Schedule is key”, she shared.
Wondering what low-grade depression actually is, how to recognise the symptoms in yourself or a loved one, and how to act if you think it may be impacting your day-to-day life?
Let our team of experts guide you.
Low-grade depression: your need-to-knows
What is low-grade depression?
In short, a type of depression that affects your day-to-day life for more than half of the week but is so subtle you may struggle to notice it, according to Doctor Aragona Giuseppe, GP and medical advisor for Prescription Doctor. “People with such a mild form of depression may not even realise they are depressed because the feelings of sadness or low mood have been around for so long that they think it is normal to feel like that”.
Dr Ali Shakir of the Harley Street Health Centre shares that depression can even vary type in the same person over time, and is written off all too often. “Many people deal with chronic low-grade or mild depression that is dismissed as a different cause.”
Sound familiar? While experiencing low moods occasionally is quite normal, Giuseppe reinforces that being in a constant state of low-level sadness is not and should be addressed. Take stock—do you feel sad more than you feel happy? If so, it may be time to seek medical help.
What are the symptoms of low-grade depression?
It’s important to differentiate between clinical depression and any temporary sadness or low mood, Dr Shakir shares. “If you are suffering from depression of any severity, your symptoms are usually medium or long-term and interfere with your day-to-day activities”.
There are a whole host of symptoms that can come with depression of any kind, including:
Irritability and anger — even over minor things that wouldn’t normally annoy you
Hopelessness – a feeling of general hopelessness, inability to visualise the future or lack of enthusiasm to seize opportunities
Fatigue, constant sleepiness or lethargy
Insomnia
Feelings of guilt and regret – inadvertently living in the past, going over past decisions, feeling guilty about not “doing enough” or feeling useless when you bail on plans
Being hypercritical — of yourself and others
Difficulty concentrating — at work or with study
Eating too much or too little – some people report regular “fog eating” where you aren’t really aware you are eating or are “zoned out” while eating. Because depression causes a disconnect with your body, you lose touch with your appetite, might miss meals without noticing or eat things you know aren’t nourishing or good for you because you feel hopeless or guilty
Social withdrawal – you may avoid meeting with people you like or doing things you would normally be excited by
Aches and pains with no direct cause – due to the inflammation caused by the chronic presence of stress hormones and as a result of negative lifestyle factors from a lack of self-care.
What’s the difference between low-grade and severe depression?
Sadly, sometimes it’s incredibly hard to tell. Whatever scale of depression you’re suffering from, it can become near impossible to identify your symptoms as they can cloud your judgment.
“High-grade depression is usually diagnosed as people who normally feel fine. They may, over a period of time, start to develop feelings of sadness and low moods. Some may feel suicidal or unable to get out of bed. This can actually be diagnosed and treated more easily as there is a clear change,” shares Dr Giuseppe.
Low-grade, on the other hand, is more tricky to identify. “Especially if people have felt this way for years—they may have just accepted that this is the way they feel or what their personality is like”, he adds.
5 expert tips for if you’re suffering from low-grade depression
1. Assess your feelings
Take time to really evaluate your feelings and pin-point what types of symptoms you are experiencing. “Are they mild or severe? How long have you felt this way?”, asks Dr Giuseppe.
Try to think about the last time you felt joy in something or happy. Admitting to feeling constantly down and low is the first step in getting help and treating the problem.
2. Seek help
“Don’t wait until things get really bad to seek support and help. The sooner you act, the better”, advises Dr Shakir. The quicker you tell your loved ones what you’re going through, the sooner they can rally as a personal support network.
Dr Giuseppe agrees, advising you to seek some form of help, no matter how mild your symptoms. “Even if it’s only a friend or family member, it’s best to talk about how you are feeling.”
If you have no one who can offer support, online support groups can be a great alternative.
3. Look after yourself
Sometimes something as simple as switching up your lifestyle can make all the difference.
“Try to eat a well-balanced diet, drink plenty of water and do a bit of exercise each day if you aren’t already”, shares Dr Giuseppe. “They might just help to boost your mood and motivation.”
4. Do that one thing that you know will make you feel better
An oldie, but a goodie—try do one thing that makes you happy every day. That could be cleaning your space, making a frothy coffee or going for a walk, but whatever it is, do it for you.
“Is there one thing you’ve been putting off for a long time that nags at you? What one thing would make you feel good about yourself? Taking the time to cook for yourself? Getting your nails done?” asks Dr Shakir. Whatever it is, he encourages you to identify it and do it.
5. Take it easy
Both doctors warn that there will be ups and downs, as with any mental health journey to recovery. All you can do is your best.
“Try to stop the pattern of ‘failing’ and then beating yourself up. Instead, break down your larger life goals into small, bitesize tasks and focus on one at a time. Depression is not your fault and it will take time to develop the tools to cope with it”, shares Dr Shakir.
Before it became Kate Middleton’s ring, the iconic sapphire and diamond stunner was of course better known as THE Princess Diana ring. It made headlines around the world when a young Diana Spencer announced her engagement to Prince Charles in 1981, for several reasons. Keep reading for your complete guide.
Princess Diana engagement ring
Fans of The Crown will know all about how Princess Diana chose her own engagement ring, thus creating a little controversy.
Prince Charles proposed to Diana at a private dinner at Buckingham Palace, and she originally thought it was a joke.
She told told journalist Andrew Morton, who was working on her biography, ‘He said “Will you marry me?” and I laughed. I remember thinking, this is a joke, and I said “Yeah, OK,” and laughed. He was deadly serious.
Rather than proposing with a ring, the Prince let her pick from a selection put together by the crown jeweller at the time, Garrard. It was an unusual move, because as you might expect, there were plenty of diamonds to choose from in the family vault.
Diana opted for a 12-carat oval Ceylon sapphire surrounded with 14 solitaire diamonds in a marguerite design, and set in 18-karat white gold. Some say she chose it because it was the biggest, others that it was because it matched her eyes or reminded her of her mother’s engagement ring.
The style, though new, did in fact have a small link to the royal family, as it was inspired by a brooch Prince Albert asked Garrard to create for his future wife Queen Victoria in 1840.
As the ring was part of Garrard’s catalogue, anyone could have ordered the exact same one at the time (well, anyone who had a spare £28k). This apparently raised a few eyebrows within the royal family, as Princess Diana was the first royal bride to not wear a custom-made or unique.
Princess Diana ring worth
In the early 80s, the ring reportedly cost Prince Charles £28,000, which was in itself a very princely sum (pun intended). Now, 40 years later, experts place the value at around £300,000-400,000. This is due to inflation, and no doubt its impressive legacy. Some might even say it’s priceless.
Princess Diana ring change
It turns out Meghan Markle may not have been the first royal to change her engagement ring, she might even have gotten the idea from Princess Diana’s ring. The Duchess of Sussex swapped her plain gold band to a diamond-encrusted some time between the proposal and the wedding.
Princess Diana apparently also altered her sapphire ring slight after Prince Charles proposed. At the time, it was quite controversial for them to choose a brand new custom ring, rather than a ring chosen from the vast royal jewellery collection.
We all know the ring featured a large oval sapphire, surrounded by 14 diamonds, however few people have spotted a slight change made a few years after the engagement.
Getty
Originally, the ring featured eight prongs surrounding the sapphire, with two in each corner. A later photograph showed the stone to be surrounded by 14 prongs.
Though no explanation has been given for this, it’s likely that it was simply to secure the stone more thoroughly to avoid losing it.
Newsflash: you’re reading it. Not only does this article run you through the very best male sex toys available to buy right now, but they’re hand-picked by a man who actually tests the toys day-to-day for a living. Yep, you read that right.
We’re pretty convinced that the sex toys in this roundup are, if nothing else, guaranteed to give you a mind-blowingly good orgasm.
Four words: you are so welcome. Keep reading to see what the sex-pert has to say on the best male sex toys available to buy now.
On the hunt for the best male sex toys? This is what to look for
‘At my day job, most of my colleagues are male; or to put it more accurately, a bunch of ‘lads’. Straight dudes who like the gym, FIFA and top-quality, edgy banter about sex. Whilst, they’re all healthier and better at FIFA than me, their ‘bedroom knowledge’ honestly comes across as pretty lacking.
Mentions of sex toys, in particular, inspire endless giggles and once they found a butt plug shaped like a Garden Gnome online and that kept them occupied for weeks. I can’t bring myself to tell them about my second job because they’d have so many questions that their brains might implode.
This is a common thing for blokes. My female friends generally have a pretty good working knowledge of things that vibrate and how to use them to get off; it’s just a fact of life.
njoy Pure Wand Stainless Steel Dildo, £129.99
Six words: solid, stainless steel, G-spot dildo. Yep, this one’s a good’un for intense internal massage. Plus, it’s double-ended and curved, so you get a full range of variation of sensation. Enjoy.
Although, for most guys, toys are still a weird, forbidden taboo. Male toys are something to laugh about, buy as a gag gift for a mate, or to recoil in horror when they find in their girlfriend’s bottom drawer. Not something to use yourself. No sir!
I mean, it’s understandable, as I didn’t start using toys for a long time.
For us guys, you usually don’t need much more than the endless amounts of free porn available on the internet and your own two hands; even one will usually do the trick. Does a rubber vagina make me a sofa-masturbating loser? Does a butt plug make me gay? Our male insecurity truly knows no bounds and that’s all it is, insecurity.
Toys are great and there’s nothing to worry about.
Lovehoney Ignite 20 Function Mini Male Vibrator, £29.99
This mini silicone penis vibrator is open-ended, has 20 settings, and is an ideal sized sex toy if it’s your first go. Plus, it’s waterproof.
I think cock rings are definitely the most ubiquitous male sex toy, right? I mean, you can buy them in vending machines in your average pub toilet, after all. My advice is…don’t.
The point of a cock ring is to make the man harder and to help him maintain the erection as it keeps blood flowing to the all the right places. Using one totally doesn’t mean you’re impotent and they actually do make sex last longer and feel more intense, even if you would usually get on fine without one. And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want that?
Fake vaginas
They’re weird. Let’s discuss.
The Fleshlight is probably the most notorious of all male toys and one that the lads in my office definitely know the name of. The Fleshlight is a brand name, but there are a bunch of different options for fake vaginas out there.
I completely sympathise with anyone who thinks buying a rubber vagina that’s moulded on a porn star’s body parts and comes in a ‘subtle’ fake torch is inherently sleazy, because it is a bit.
LELOi Male Masturbator with App-Control Waterproof and Vibrating Sex Training Cup, £149.95
It’s calling itself the ‘first console sextech for men’. Not sure what that means? Essentially, it’s a really high-performance, high-tech fleshlight, with ten sensors and more.
The key is to do some research and choose one that suits you. The minimal design of the Elysium is my personal favourite and they’re actually pretty intense.
The good thing about male masturbators are that they can help build up stamina like Rabbits do for women.
Although, I’m not going to lie – hanging up a realistic fake vagina to dry in your bathroom really does feel weird.
So, next, let’s just get this out of the way, because I know it’s a big deal for some guys; liking things in your butt does not make you gay. Men can try a strap-on with your girlfriend or a vibrator on your own and your heterosexuality will remain intact.
Best male sex toys: ones I do recommend
Butt plugs
There are a lot of toys out there for dudes to put up their butts. Initially, it will take some practice to work his way up to it because it’s a kind of pleasure that you just won’t have experienced before.
Butt plugs are fun and pretty kinky and he will honestly come harder with one in.
Vibrating Anal Plug, £25.00
Hit the spot with intense, targeted vibrations with this silicone anal plug. Perfect for beginners to anal play, this butt plug is made from soft silicone and features a 10 speed removable bullet.
The prostate is sort of the male equivalent of the G-spot, in that if you stimulate it with something that vibrates, it feels really intense.
Booty Blue Beginner’s Butt Plug, £10.00
Small and subtle, this one is a great sex toy if you’re a butt-plug newbie.
It’s slim and ideal for easy insertion and has a suction cup so you can enjoy hands-free.
Massagers are soft and flexible enough to hit the spot and stay in comfortably for as long as you need.
Mantric Rechargeable Remote Control Prostate Vibrator, £64.99
Topline: this one’s worth the investment. It’s remote-controlled and offers powerful P-spot stimulation. The curved shaft, complete with bulbous tip, ‘seeks out the prostate’, and provides massage to your perineum from the flared, textured base massages the perineum. Enjoy.
And, thought vibrating wands were just for women? Well, my Climax wand is honestly the best toy I own. It looks beautiful, it has a ridiculous amount of speeds and vibration patterns (the highest speeds are so intense they might actually hurt, so be careful) and it feels absolutely unbelievable on the underside of your head.
Wand Essentials P-Spot Magic Wand Attachment for Men, £19.99
According to the website, it’s time to pleasure your prostate. ‘Enjoy Earth-shattering climaxes without touching your penis once – this magic wand and the precision of this P-spot attachment will knock your socks off’. Hear, hear.
• Having entertained the Welsh care home as bingo hosts in May, The Duke and Duchess re-visited Shire Hall in person! It was great to see firsthand the amazing work done by staff and families to keep Shire Hall safe throughout lockdown.
Nine years ago today — thank you for all your lovely messages on The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's wedding anniversary! 
