The June Edit: What I've Been Loving This Month

A monthly favourites post in Substack form for all!

I used to share monthly favourites on my YouTube channel, but since that’s evolved into mostly vlogs (15 years’ worth in the archives - subscribe if you fancy!), I’ve missed rounding up my favourite finds. So, here’s a monthly edit - unlocked for everyone to read, save, and share.

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The shorts that I reach for in a heatwave. Last week, when the weather actually felt like summer, the LESET Barb Shorts (that only seem to be available in pale pink right now*) were all I wanted to wear. They are essentially boxer-style shorts, but in a midweight silky fabrication, so they don’t feel as slouchy as something like cotton poplin. There’s a bit of polish there, you know? Ultimately, they aren’t cheap - however, I’ve found some good-looking dupes for you, here* and here*. You can find my full outfit diary from last week here.

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If in doubt, silk gingham trousers. Who’d have thought it?

The trousers I’ve worn all month long. I feel like an annoying friend going on about these trousers*. They are one, sold out (although there is a waitlist*), and two, really bloody expensive to get to the U.K., Like, I would actively advise not buying them if you’re having to pay delivery, duties and customs fees on top of the price because it doesn’t feel justified. However, if you’re U.S.-based, be my guest. I mean look, there were even more photos to add to the above collage because I’ve worn them, 14 times (!!!) already, and I only got them at the beginning of the month!! Heck *looks down* - I’m wearing them now. If you’re after a pair of trousers with a similar vibe, but a slightly more affordable price tag, try these*.

The top so good that it comes straight out the wash and immediately ventures back out to Pilates.

A gym gear recommendation that isn’t Lululemon. I’ve lived pretty much exclusively in Lululemon activewear for at least the past five years. The Align Leggings*? LOVE. Adore. Zero notes. However, I’ve always found their sports bras a little tricky. Too tight, even when I size up and straps that dig, especially once the luteal phase kicks in. Varley sent me their Barney Piped Tank in Chocolate Chip*, and well, it’s all I’ve worn to my Reformer classes since. There’s an inbuilt bra to keep things in my place, and it’s long enough that I don’t spend the entirety of class pulling it back down. I bloody love it. Anyone given their Freesoft Leggings* a go?

Another love this month - Tower Pilates. My local studio just started offering classes, and it’s such a challenging blend of strength and mobility. My tight ol’ body loved it.

Anklets with a side of Brio.

The anklets that elevate. I treated myself to two anklets this month - the Mejuri Micro Pearl Anklet* and their 14k Chain Anklet* - and since they arrived, I haven’t taken them off. No one really knows they are there, but I do! And even if I’m just sitting around in my pyjamas, which I did a lot this month because I was down with a bout of flu, it made me feel that 1% better. A little, subtle cherry on the top of a summer outfit.

Dangly pendants or big red beads are my summer vibe.

Necklaces with some summer flavour. For the entirety of winter, spring and autumn, I’m an earring girl. Big, bold, chunky, gold - you know what I’m like. But in the summer, I tend to skip earrings altogether, in favour of a necklace moment. Here are three I’ve been loving this month to channel some beachy feels in the jewellery department:

• Mejuri Carmen Beaded Necklace* + Seashell Charm* (ad - gifted)

• Monica Vinader Aria Cord Necklace* (ad - gifted) - use code ANNANMV for 20% off

• Lié Studios Carnelian Bead Necklace*

I’ve made this dish three times in the past 10 days. I’m OBSESSED.

Your next dinner party, sorted. Here’s a summer menu for the next time you need to feed a crowd that’s easy, prepable and means you won’t need to spend hours in a boiling kitchen. You can scale it up and down as needed, and to be honest, we love it so much we’ve made it on a standard weeknight for just the three of us, too. Here’s what I serve:

• A super tender and shredable, yet very low-maintenance protein. Either a store-bought rotisserie chicken, or I love the slow-cooked range from M&S (you just need to stick it in the oven for an hour).

• Aside from possibly heating the meat, this is the only other major step: make a mango salsa. This recipe is very easy, takes 15 minutes or so, but just involves chopping. It makes the whole thing feel like you’ve put some effort in and has been a real crowd pleaser for everyone I’ve made it for so far. It stores easily in the fridge until dinner time.

• Crumbled feta. Not 100% necessary, but I like the tang. Any type of crumbled or grated cheese would work.

• Sliced avocado - in season right now, so they are actually good.

• A big ol’ pile of soft shell tacos so everyone can build their own.

• Additional sides, like pickled red onions, sour cream, rocket or chopped fresh herbs - just whatever you’ve got on hand.

I highly recommend buying a spa day for your partner as a gift for Father’s Day. Everyone’s happy.

Some very good book recommendations. After a few months of sub-par books and a sub-par reading mojo on my end, I’ve fallen back into my reading flow. It’s such a great feeling to actually want to put your phone down early in the evening because you’re desperate to pick up your book again. That is LIVING, people!! Here’s what I read in June:

• Every single 831 Stories release - ‘Big Fan’*, ‘Comedic Timing’*, ‘Set Piece’* and ‘Hardly Strangers’* - If you’re after short but seriously sexy, bite-sized romances, then these are the books for you. Good palette cleansers to nibble on between meatier books, I’d say, and there’s nothing wrong with that! A set makes for a great birthday gift for a bookworm friend. If I had to rank them, ‘Big Fan’ and ‘Set Piece’ would be jostling for the top spot. Their latest release, ‘Square Waves’* has just downloaded onto my Kindle and is the next ‘book’ on my pile.

• ‘Broken Country’ by Clare Leslie Hall* - A Grace Atwood recommendation that’s a twisty, turny story of love and loss that keeps you guessing right until the end. It had me hooked from the start, and I gobbled it up in a matter of days.

• ‘Atmosphere’ by Taylor Jenkins Reid* - I finished this book last night and couldn’t breathe by the end, I was that choked up. I was fully immersed in this. An ’80s love story set in space. If you’re a JTR fan, then you’re going to absolutely love it - I think it’s my favourite book I’ve read of hers. Writing this has just convinced me to go back and up my Goodreads rating to a five.

Because I know you probably want this watermelon and feta salad recipe, too.

Eating outside. I am an indoor cat. Mark and I lived in flats for 10 years before we moved to this house, so we’re used to being inside, come rain or shine. Even four years after we moved in, it’s still an adjustment to remember that we can open the doors. But this summer, I’ve made it my mission to eat lunch outside, and after all that time without outdoor space, I realise how lucky I am!! We have such a great set-up, a little bistro set* under the bay tree that sits in dappled sunlight. It’s gorgeous. So why the hell am I not sat out there for every meal time? I’m working on it.

The Hay Palissades outdoor seating certainly wasn’t our *cheapest* garden purchase, but I always think it looks so fricking chic.

Thanks for being part of The Wardrobe Edit. If you like what you read, I’d truly appreciate it if you liked, shared, or left a comment - it makes all the difference.

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