Jack D March

Jack's Love List #85: Bank Holiday Bargains

Jack D March — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 06:03:30 GMT

Hello and welcome to the slightly drizzly bank holiday weekend. I thought, what would cheer us all up on this rainy bank holiday? Some bank holiday bargains, of course! These are the top sale picks I have found. I have been searching and dredging the virtual sale rails to find you some brilliant pieces with amazing discounts, so you can enjoy a little guilt-free treat to cheer yourself up on this gloomy Saturday. Without further ado, let’s dive into those sale rails.

For Home:

Starting off with a few interior pieces that offer a lot more punch for their price tags. Some of these bits I’ve had my eye on for a while, while others are totally fresh finds.

First up is Emma Bridgewater, which, as we know, is a favourite of mine. They have their Half Pint Mum Mug reduced to just £8.32 from the seconds price of £20.80. This is in the Spring Bunch print and, because it is a transfer print, it’s even better if you are buying a second, as there are likely to be even fewer faults. It may simply have a small fault in the glaze finish or shape. I have a lot of seconds mugs and they’ve been great. For this price, it’s the sort of thing you buy now and put away for your mum or mother-in-law’s birthday, Christmas or Mother’s Day. Fill it with Mini Eggs at Easter and it will look as though you have spent so much more than you really have, which is a win-win for both of you, right?

Next up are these rattan scalloped planters from Habitat, which I’ve had my eye on for a while. They were already a bargain at £20 each, but they are currently reduced by 50%, making them just £10 each. These are a great size too, at 25cm in height, so just shorter than a standard ruler, and 28cm in diameter, making them a generously sized planter. They obviously have that cute, curved scalloped edge, which we know I love, while the rattan adds a little softness and warmth to your space. They even come with a one-year guarantee.

Now, this stand mixer from the famous baking brand Salter might not have the biggest reduction at £85, originally £100, but I visited my friend the other week and, having seen this mixer in person, I can tell you it gives strong KitchenAid vibes. They swear by it too. I love it in this pistachio green, although they also have it in buttermilk and mid-pink. This is a great price for any stand mixer, let alone one with this much character and such cute vintage styling.

Moving on to décor and, more importantly, autumn décor, with September looming. Don’t worry, I have a whole Love List on autumn style coming, but I spotted this bargain at Debenhams and it simply couldn’t wait. It’s this beautiful pre-lit autumn wreath, which has been reduced to just £16.01. I know it won’t stick around at that price, so run, don’t walk. It’s from the brand Living Home, which I have mentioned a few times, and I own a number of their products. What I love about this wreath is that it feels autumnal without the full-on pumpkin and orange cliché we often see, and which I often embrace, haha. The mixture of autumn leaves, apples and sunflowers gives it a softer look. It still offers a nod to autumn, just with a little more subtlety.

Lastly, it’s Pooky Lighting, where I bought a great lampshade the other week in their sale to hang over my pergola outside. Well this week, I spotted a couple of wall light bargains in the last-chance phase of their sale. The first is their Primrose Wall Light in navy, now £17.40, reduced from £50. I originally spotted these last May when I was in the middle of my bathroom renovation. They are made from lacquered wood, which gives them that fabulous high-shine finish while still feeling soft. That navy works so well with the brass fitting too. I was also drawn to the Anthea Double Wall Light, which comes in this beautiful deep turquoise. I think it would work so well in a bedroom as a pop of colour, but it is still what I would call a warm blue to keep your space calming. This is now just £30, reduced from £100. These are both wired wall lights, but, as with any wall light, you can cut the wire off and use a rechargeable bulb, just as I did in my shower room.

For Him:

We move on to a cheeky bit of menswear and accessories, again featuring some pieces I’ve had my eye on for a while which are now absolute bargains.

First up, I spotted this casual shirt in the Moss Bros final reductions with a huge £60 saving. At £9.95, it is incredible value for Moss quality and would look great on holiday. It’s so simple and timeless but still has that fun little detail with the olive stripes towards the bottom. They did make this as a co-ord, but sadly the shorts have all sold out. What surprises me even more is that, despite such a huge reduction, they still have plenty of sizes left.

Next up is Lacoste, which I think I mentioned a couple of weeks ago. It’s a brand I’ve never really paid much attention to, but over the last couple of seasons I have loved so many of its pieces. I spotted this green baseball cap while we were in Palma, with the exaggerated logo on the front. I think this green is such a good colour for autumn, and it’s a great option if you want a slightly smarter baseball cap. Flannels currently have it reduced to £28 from £55, which I appreciate is still pricey for a cap, but it’s a great price for Lacoste.

Under the heading of something slightly more expensive is this Reiss four-pocket suede jacket at £178, but what you have to remember is that it was originally £448 (Jack justifcation right there). It has a great vintage style to it, with a slight nod to the 1970s and 1980s through that relaxed leisurewear look. This would look incredible in autumn, styled with an all-black outfit like Reiss have. Equally, I think it would look great with lighter chinos and a denim shirt, over double denim or even dressed up over a white shirt and trousers. Again, they still have so many sizes left, even after such a big reduction. If I hadn’t bought a similar one in the Zara sale, I would be all over this.

I spotted this canvas sail bag at John Lewis the other day while looking for a beach bag for my trip to Croatia in a couple of weeks. It doesn’t have the biggest saving at £36, reduced from £45, but I’m always drawn to red and I think this is such a classic, simple design. It has a little bit of vintage styling to it, which I think is what I love. The bonus is the handles are coloured too, so they aren’t going to look grubby like many cream handled beach bags do after a while. They also make it in brown and canvas, and navy and canvas, if red isn’t your colour. Those versions are also reduced to £36 each.

Lastly for menswear, it’s Abercrombie, which seems to be how they want to refer to themselves now, leaving the old Abercrombie & Fitch branding behind. This is a brand I have loved for the last couple of years, and I’ve had numerous pieces from them. What’s even better is that they have amazing sales. The first item I spotted is this Archive Sweater in a great shade of red, with embroidered Abercrombie typography across it. This gives me major 1990s nostalgia. Growing up, my dad had so many jumpers like this from brands like, Timberland and Abercrombie. It’s also incredibly wearable. Keep it casual with joggers or dress it up with chinos and a white polo shirt underneath. The other piece I spotted in their sale was this Workwear Zip Jacket, which is reduced to £25.99 from £130, making it an absolute bargain. This is the sort of thing I would definitely buy now and put away for Dave for Christmas, as he wears a lot of these more muted tones. But, it still has that fun element with the Appaloosa horse print. It’s a bloody bargain and gives you so much personality for every pound.

For Her:

Last but not least, it’s ladieswear this week, with a few of these items inspired by pieces I spotted at the races. That buttermilk colour palette, in particular, has been so popular this year.

The first item is from H&M, and it’s this broderie anglaise cotton dress. You all probably know what drew me to this, that gorgeous jade green colour and, of course, the gentle waved, scalloped hems on the sleeves and skirt. The beauty of a shirt dress is, as I always say, that it’s a real workhorse. You can easily dress it up for a day at the races or throw it on with Converse and a denim jacket for a potter around town.

Nobody’s Child is a brand that has become super popular over the last couple of years and is known for having amazing sales. This halterneck jumpsuit is reduced from £130 to £39. However, if you use the code EXTRA15, hopefully it’s still running, it becomes an absolute bargain at £33.15. It’s in this gorgeous buttermilk colour palette, which is super popular and was all over the races last week. What I love about this is that you have that bow detail at the back too, giving you classic tailoring at the front and fun at the back.

If we were playing Love List bingo, this jacket would win. It’s from Oliver Bonas, which is one of my favourite brands to feature. It’s gingham, which is a print I love, and it’s in one of the best colour palettes, red and pink! As if it wasn’t already winning, it’s almost half price and has plenty of sizes in stock. Did I mention that it also ticks tassels and a scalloped edge off the bingo card? All in all, I would say this is not only a bargain but the epitome of a lovely item.

Next up, with a hefty reduction, is this gorgeous embroidered jacket from Boden. I love nothing more than a bit of embroidery in the summer, and this is such a beautiful colour combination, with that warm khaki olive green and soft off-white pattern. It also has a great floaty sleeve for summer, which works so well with the linen blend. Treat yourself now and put it away for your summer holiday next year. As a side note, they also have a matching top and skirt in this collection.

Last but not least this week is another embroidered number, this time from Joules, with this fabulous tennis patterned wrap skirt. It’s such a cute and fun piece, with ric-rac trim along the hem. This is a great summer piece with the whimsical frivolity I love. It isn’t instantly or obviously tennis-themed, which makes it very wearable. Equally, how fabulous would this be for Wimbledon?

Links:

H&M Broderie-anglaise cotton shirt dress was £44.99 now £35.00 - Click Here
Nobodys Child Butter Yellow April Jumpsuit was £130.00 now £39.00 (£33.15 with code EXTRA15)- Click Here
Oliver Bonas Scallop Edge Gingham Jacket was £95.00 now £48.00 - Click Here
Boden Embroidered Linen Jacket was £229.00 now £73.28 - Click Here
Joules Navy Tennis Print Linen Blend Wrap Skirt was £55.00 now £33.00 - Click Here

And there we have it, my favourite sale finds to brighten up a rather soggy bank holiday weekend. From scalloped planters and autumn wreaths to suede jackets (admittedly not good in the rain) and Wimbledon worthy skirts, there’s something for everyone and, more importantly, every reason to convince yourself that buying it is actually saving money. That’s how sales work, right?

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If you’ve enjoyed this week’s bargain hunt, don’t forget to like, subscribe and leave me a comment telling me which piece you’re adding to your basket. Or, if you’ve spotted an even better bargain, share it with the group in the comments. We’re all friends here, even if you are responsible for influencing another completely unnecessary purchase.

P.S. Some of the links included are affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. It helps support the Love List and enables me to continue tirelessly trawling the virtual sale rails, purely in the name of research, of course.

Jack's Love List #84: Monochrome Moments

Jack D March — Sat, 22 Aug 2026 06:01:43 GMT

This week, it’s all about the monochrome. One of those timeless trends that often gets pigeonholed under Art Deco design. Maybe it’s the fact I have been judging at York Races this week on the Fashion Lawn and I’ve seen a lot of monochrome moments in fashion, but I love a bit of black and white in the home. And Dave especially loves a bit of black and white in his wardrobe, so I have a little round up of items for the home, for her and for him, all featuring that classic colour combination. So, lets dive straight in.

For Home:

We are starting with interiors and some great little pops of monochromatic moments that add to your decor and make it feel more considered than simply checking a box.

And talking of checks, we are going to start with H&M Home and this gorgeous marble chequered box, which is slightly on the more pricey side for H&M at £34.99, but it is marble after all. This would look great styled up on a bedside table for jewellery, on a coffee table, or just to add levels to your shelf styling. In the same collection, they also have the striped marble candlestick. I love the simple form and shape of this, which really lets the stark colour palette do all the talking.

Next up, I am a sucker for a statement lamp, and Lighting Direct have this striking, and even more beauitfully named Wisteria Bordeaux striped table lamp. Yes, we know I love a stripe too, so its a double win. Interestingly both the base and the shade of this lamp is ceramic, which means it will create a nice downlight, perfect for setting that ambient mood with low level lighting.

However, if you want a statement but it to be more of a reading lamp, The Range have this bargain black and white striped base option with a natural rattan shade. Even better this is currently on sale at just £17.99. This definitely punches a lot of personality for very little pounds.

Onto one of my favourite retailers on these lists it’s, Dunelm, and I could not miss out the chance to featuring napkin, as we know I have a slight obsession with them. These gorgeous striped, ruffle edged napkins have that added little bit of fun with the embroidered wording. You get a set of four for £12, and each napkin has a different saying on it, such as ‘elbows off the table’ or ‘save room for pudding’. I think these are just so fun and make a real fun talking point when you have friends around for brunch or dinner party.

Also from Dunelm, and currently reduced, is that Fallon accent chair, which I actually spotted a couple of years ago in person at the press show, and I must admit it is very comfy. It’s reduced to £149.50, so it’s half price from the original price tag of £299.99. This is the sort of chair that would make a great statement piece for a dining room an office area, or bedroom.

Now, if you have been in any Anthropologie store over the last few years you were probably know the bistro tile collection. It’s one of their staple collections which has become iconic. They even do seasonal specials for Halloween and Christmas, but these are my three absolute classics for me. The sugar bowl at £12.00, The rise and shine canister at £22.00, and a more recent addition, the Mon Cheri ceramic fruit bowl or punnet basket, which is both beautiful and practical, especially when it comes to washing a strawberries or cherries. I just love the vintage French styling to this collection.

Lastly, for the Home, and sticking with the black and white and a touch of accent gold, because that’s face it, gold is also in neutral. This is one of those pieces I’ve lusted after for years, the Jonathan Adler decanters. This one obviously is the vodka decanter, which is currently available at John Lewis, they seem to constantly sell out making them very hard to find these days. Now, these are quite an investment at £175 each, especially as a lot of people don’t decant their spirits anymore (including Myself). But I’ve always just loved the idea of having the full collection of these in a bar area. I may have to start putting them on my Christmas list.

For Him:

Now we move onto a few fashion items I have found in the menswear section, but as we know, fashion is quite fluid, so there might something that catches the eye for you your partner or just anyone really.

I love a New Balance trainer, especially the 327’s. I have them in a few different colours and I have definitely featured the leopard print ones before on my love lists. I do, however, have the black ones with the white N logo. Honestly, the 327’s ask some of the comfy trainers I’ve ever owned, and these ones in particular go with everything making them a great go to pair if you’re wanting to try a new balance for the first time.

Marks & Spencer’s are having another strong season, as rumour has it they have employed designers from Hugo boss and Reiss. Embroilered casual shirt is something Dave would definitely wear. In fact, he owns a very similar one as part of a co ord from ZARA. What I love about this though, is it actually quite a thick embroidery, as opposed to just a printed pattern. It gives your outfit that more layered, textured and considered look, and at £40, I actually think this is a very good price for the amount of work that’s gone into it.

Also from Marks & Spencer’s are their quick drying swim shorts which I can testify are very quick drying, I have tried and tested them myself. This pair is in a gorgeous zigzag almost ikat print, which would not only work great as swimwear around the pool, but also dressed up with a black linen shirt, or a white vest and denim over shirt. For £25.00, they are very versatile.

And lastly is piece from a brand called Wax London, which I absolutely love, and if you watch The Traitors Uk, you will have noticed Alan Carr wears a lot of this brand. This is one of their signature prints in their Iggy Spin Jacket. Now, it’s actually in a very, very dark inky navy and white, so I am slightly cheating this week by featuring it. But I think this is such a statement jacket that you could easily wear this over and over. Dress it up with a smart dark denim or chino with a shirt, or dressed down over shorts. Dave has a jacket very similar to this, which we actually found in Zara in Rhodes hanging on the last chance rail, and he gets so many compliments on it, and asked where its from.

For Her:

Last but not least, it’s the ladies section this week, with a couple of monochrome pieces to add to the wardrobe, or archive as I like to refer to mine.

I actually spotted the River Island cutaway, almost broderie style dress on somebody at the races this week, and they had dressed it up with a gold belt, shoes and accessories. It looked so good. At £59.00, it’s one of those dresses that you evidently dress up, but equally you could dress down with sandals and a big rattan totes for holidays. I love the fact that they have added that white detailing to the cutaway work.

Another massively strong print while judging the Fashion Lawn this week has been the classic polka dots. It’s a style and a trend that have been around for a while, especially in race day fashion. I mean, the brown and cream polka number from Pretty Woman is synonymous with racing, we see it every year. However, there’s been a massive increase in monochrome over the last couple of years. Nobody’s Child always have some great options when it comes to a monochrome. Firstly, their elastic waist Kitty skirt, which comes in a midi length and is available in both colourways of the print. Their other item that caught my eye is their Alice bandeau dress, which is currently on sale at £88.00. It creates a mix of both of those polka materials. Again, this is a great dress up, or down versatile piece.

And last, but by no means least, this week are the gorgeous Carvela sheer mesh polkadot heeled court shoes. These shoes constantly sell out, but at the moment Selfridges do have quite a good size range in stock. They are an investment is £139, however these are very similar to some iconic Dior heels which you’ll be looking at ten times price for. Now, I know these are not strictly monochrome and they are in fact just Black, but I’m going to assume the sole is an off-white so I can get away with it on a technicality. And it’s my love list, so it’s my rules.

Links:

River Island Black Cotton Cutwork Dress £59.00 - Click Here
Nobodys Child Kitty Polka Midi Skirt £65.00 - Click Here
Nobodys Child Alice Bandeau Midi Dress now £88.00 - Click Here
Carvela Postiano Sheer Polka Heeled Courts £139.00 - Click Here

That is it for me this week, packed full of monochromatic moments. Black and white is definitely one of the most timeless colour combinations and one that works so well with a pop of colour. I would love to hear from you about what item you’re loving, how would you style it? And what are the colours you love to see with black and white. Personally, I love red with monochrome. How about you?

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As always, I would love it if you would like, comment and share with a friend, and keep building this great little community we have over here on Substack. Have a lovely week

P.S.please note that some of these items are affiliate links. It doesn’t cost you anything, it just means that I get a small commission and can help keep these posts free for us all to read and enjoy.

Jack's Love List #83: Summer Fruits

Jack D March — Sat, 15 Aug 2026 06:01:42 GMT

Hello darlings, welcome back from me! Apologies for my absence last week. With rushing around for the wedding, travelling back and a bit of illness thrown into the mix, I didn’t get to write last week’s list. But don’t worry, I am back in full fruit force for this week. After my long weekend in Sorrento for my friend’s wedding in Positano, I thought I would go all in with a full list of fruit-inspired interior and fashion pieces. If any of you have been to the Amalfi Coast, you will know that lemons in particular are everywhere, and I mean everywhere. Lots of little ceramic trinkets, clothing and accessories. I thought, why not make a little ode to all of those lemons, tomatoes and other fruit moments that bring a little slice of that sunshine home, so Let’s dive in.

Totally Cute Tomatoes:

We are kicking off with tomatoes, or pomodoro as they say in Italy. These items are guaranteed to bring a bit of Caprese salad into your everyday life, without a ball of mozzarella in sight.

First is this ever-so-cute Lisa Angel ceramic vine hanger. This is designed to sit over the edge of a vase or a plant pot, although I guess you could even just lay it or pop it on the side or a shelf. It is such a cute little pop of colour that brings that Mediterranean sunshine feeling for the bargain price of £8. Imagine four or six of these surrounding a big white plant pot in the middle of a table. It would be stunning and such a simple way of adding a little bit of fun without having to change anything else.

Next is Oliver Bonas tomato salad servers, of course, with another cute little tomato addition. I love the lettuce leaf-like form to the salad servers themselves and then those bright cherry tomato handles that look ceramic but are actually aluminium, meaning there is no risk of breakage if you drop them, or, if you have a clumsy partner, they are more likely to drop them. They are one of those pieces that would instantly make even the simplest salad feel a little more fabulous.

One of my guilty pleasures is a novelty salt and pepper shaker. I have a vintage one which is actually quite similar to this in the fact that it has a leaf design, but this Dunelm Cottage Garden salt and pepper set for £20 is just so cute. Great vintage vibes, giving 1950s majolica, and does that not spark a little bit of joy and fun in a normally mundane item? I think it is those small, unexpected details that make a table feel so much more interesting and personal.

Lastly, for our tomato round ip, is the Anthropologie x Damson Madder tomato candlesticks. Now, If I had a pound for every time I said I prefer a dinner candle over a pillar candle, I could retire, but I will not stop beating this drum. I think they are so much more elegant, and these tread that fine line between whimsy and elegance, creating that fabulous juxtaposition which I always love to play with in interiors. They are also giving amazing Italian Mediterranean vibes. Imagine these on a table laden with food or an alfresco buffet, which is just what I think of when I think of Italy, those whole big family feasting meals where everything is piled onto the table and everyone just digs in.

Loveable Lemons:

We couldn’t do fruit and Amalfi-inspired without lemons. As I mentioned earlier, they are everywhere in Sorrento, Positano, Capri, you name it, they will pop a lemon on it.

Oliver Bonas Buon Appetito ceramic storage jar is currently reduced to £19.50 and is part of their fabulous Italian-inspired lemon collection. They do a larger spaghetti version in this too, but I love the short, squat version. That icy sky blue with the lemon and punchy navy writing works so well for me. The stripes on the lid and that cute little lemon on top are perfect, and it is one of those pieces that looks like something you could have brought back from a little shop on your holidays.

That same look is echoed in the Oliver Bonas lemon ceramic butter dish, which is £22.50 and has that same great colour scheme. The icy blue rim to the butter plate, the punchy navy Mediterranean print to the cloche and, of course, that fabulous lemon detailing. It is such a simple everyday object, but it is exactly the sort of thing I love because why should a butter dish be boring? Especially when it can make your kitchen feel just a tiny bit more Positano.

A little bit like those hanging vine tomatoes, if you’re just a fan of an objet d’art like I am, much to my husband’s despair, Graham & Green ceramic lemon ornament for £14.95 is such a great little find. It reminds me of a majolica fruit ornament my great-auntie had when I was growing up. Maybe that’s why I like it, the nostalgia and the memories it brings back. It would look great how they have styled it on a stack of books, or imagine a couple of these together in a fruit bowl to bring that all-year-round colour into a room. It is completely unnecessary, which quite often means I absolutely need it.

Emma Bridgewater set of two orange and lemon napkins are down to £11, which is a great price for this brand. Emma Bridgewater, as you know, is a firm favourite on the list and in my home, and these are very much their signature style with that block-printed feel to the pattern. I also love the fact they have incorporated oranges in here, just to broaden our fruit salad slightly. They would look so good on a summer table with crisp white plates, colourful glassware and, naturally, a dinner candle or two.

Next up, I have a couple of great baskets for you. First is the Argos embroidered lemon seagrass basket for £16. This is very much one for the home, I would say. Great for storage, cute for shoes or kids’ toys and, at 30 centimetres in height, it is not overly big either. I love the combination of the natural seagrass with those little embroidered lemons. It gives you the novelty without being too novelty, if you know what I mean, and brings that little hit of sunshine into a room.

The other one is from B&Q and describes itself as more of a picnic basket. The lemon picnic basket is a lot more punchy in colour and so cute, reminiscent of an actual slice of lemon. It is not overly big at 23 centimetres in width, so I think this is equally the sort of thing that could sit on the side as a fruit bowl, be filled with flowers and hung from a beam, or, of course, be used for a very small picnic. I just love the fun element to this and the fact that it could be used in so many different ways around the home.

And our final little slice of sunshine is a fashion item from Monsoon. The Marisol lemon embroidered dress is an item that has sold out twice already this season. It is usually £85 and was when I made the images, but as I check this on Friday, I am putting in a quick update because it has actually got 20% off and is reduced to £68. It is all back in stock in every size for the moment, so grab a bargain and grab it quick. I just love this. I love a stripe in fashion and in the home, as you know, and it is a very soft blue and white stripe with those great embroidered lemon details to the sleeves, waist and chest. And who could resist a little scalloped embroidered hem, especially when they have embroidered it in that punchy yellow? The only thing I am unsure of is whether it has a pocket. If it does, then frankly, I think we may have achieved summer dress perfection.

Berry Good Beauties:

If you remember my post from last summer, you’ll know I have a slight obsession with strawberries, maybe a few raspberries too, especially if they’re paired with gingham. There’s just something about that combination that instantly gives me nostalgic summer picnic vibes, and apparently, I am still very much in my strawberry era.

You may remember the other week I showed you the little chilli glasses from Argos. Well, they also have these beautiful strawberry glass tumblers in the collection at £6 each. Such a cute little pop of colour, and I always think a strawberry just gives instant summer vibes. I love coloured and novelty glassware for summer anyway, especially when you can mix it in with pieces you already own, and at £6 each you could grab a few without breaking the bank.

Over at Fenwick they have the Libra Interiors collection, which includes this Libra Interiors strawberry glazed vase in red for £40. This is a little bit moodier than some of the other pieces this week, but it still has that whimsical charm. It would look fabulous on a console or a kitchen island for that little bit of fun, while still feeling very considered with the colour palette. I also love the dried orange grasses they have styled it with. The orange against that deep glossy red is such a good combination and makes the whole thing feel a little more grown-up.

Another big love of mine on these lists, and I’ve mentioned them a few times, is food covers. Matalan, unusually, has a very good collection of these, but I spotted this one embroidered strawberry food cover on eBay of all places, and even better, you get free delivery on it. It’s so cute with the strawberries and tiny white straw flowers on there. Again, this has that great nostalgic vintage vibe while also being very useful and functional, especially at a party to keep those pesky fruit flies and wasps away from your sweet treats. Pretty and practical, which is always a winning combination.

This item makes me so sad because it has sold out again. I absolutely love this. The Lulu Guinness Wild Strawberry Basket is ICONIC! It was first created in 2003 and was so popular that it actually became part of the permanent collection at the V&A Museum. They brought it back this year and, as I said, it keeps selling out, but you can put a notify alert on for when it returns. I just think it’s so cute, with those little almost crochet-like strawberries that look as though they’re flowing out of the basket. This would be perfect for the Proms in the Park, Wimbledon or even a day at the races. It’s so, so beautiful and without a doubt my favourite item of the week. A real investment piece, but also one that I think you’d bring out summer after summer.

Another fashion item is this chunky strawberry knit from Apricot. This is definitely more of a spring or late-summer piece given the heatwaves at the moment, but at £39 I think it’s such a great buy. It comes in that gorgeous peachy pink tone, which works so well with red, and then the embroidered strawberry motifs are dotted all over it. Just a really fun fashion moment and perfect for those cooler summer evenings that we all know will eventually arrive.

And the last item, but by no means least this week, is a Cath Kidston piece, the raspberry ceramic jug. Again, there’s a definite theme running through this week’s list with those vintage, nostalgic vibes. This is marked as raspberry, but I definitely think it’s giving more strawberry, with the delicate ribbed pink handle and footed base, the soft bisque cream body and those punchy fruits. It feels like something you could have found tucked away in your grandma’s kitchen cupboard, but in the best possible way. Fill it with flowers, use it for water on the table or simply leave it out on display. It’s chef’s kiss for me.

Links:

Argos Home Strawberry Glass Tumbler £6.00 - Click Here
Libra Berry Glaze Vase Medium Red £40.00 - Click Here
Epicurean 35cm Mesh Dome Food Cover Strawberry Pattern £13.99 - Click Here
LuLu Guinness Strawberry Basket Bag £395.00 - Click Here
Apricot Chunky Knit Strawberry Cardigan £39.00 - Click Here
Cath Kidston Raspberry Ceramic Pitcher Jug £35.00 - Click Here

And there we have it, one very fruity Love List. From pomodoro to lemons, strawberries and a raspberry that I’m still convinced is actually a strawberry, I think we’ve successfully squeezed every last drop out of summer this week (Rain due here next week). As always, if you enjoyed the list, please give it a like, make sure you’re subscribed and let me know in the comments which piece is your favourite this week. I’m still thinking about that Lulu Guinness bag, so perhaps someone needs track it down and buy it before I do.

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See you next week, darlings!

P.S. As always, some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means if my fruit-induced shopping has also influenced you, I may earn a very small commission at no extra cost to you. Consider it a tiny contribution towards my increasingly unnecessary collection of ceramic fruit.

Jack's Love List #82: The Joy List,

Jack D March — Sat, 01 Aug 2026 06:02:43 GMT

Hi everyone! I am live this Saturday morning from the skies when you read this, as my friends and I travel to Positano for their wedding. So, in the spirit of spreading a little joy, I thought I would make this week’s Love List a collection of items that I am loving for no apparent reason. Why? Because, much like life, love is love, and when you see something that sparks a little joy, why not share it with others and hopefully give them that same warm dopamine hit? So, let’s dive in.

H&M:

First up is H&M Home and their new-in collection, with a few pieces that instantly caught my attention. Do I need them? Maybe. Will I buy them? Most likely.

I mean, a bath mat is practically an essential purchase, isn’t it? Remember during Covid when we were all trying to justify what counted as “essential travel”? Well, this Home Tufted Bath Mat is definitely an essential purchase. What isn’t there to love? That beautiful dusty blue paired with crisp white is one of my all-time favourite colour combinations, it’s giving Wedgwood. I also love the shape. It feels elevated yet timeless, with a classic design brought right up to date through the colour palette. It actually reminds me of a placemat, which only makes me love it even more because I think I probably own one very similar.

Next is this beautiful Ceramic Footed Serving Bowl. Personally, I think it would make an even better fruit bowl. I absolutely love the natural glazed finish, which gives me very strong Neptune vibes. At £34.99, it’s a little more expensive than your typical H&M Home purchase, but I think the simplicity and timelessness of the design make it completely worth it.

I also spotted this gorgeous Smoked Glass Vase. As we all know, I’m a complete sucker for flowers, and anything that works beautifully with tulips immediately gets my vote. Again, it’s a little pricier than we perhaps expect from H&M, although I think that’s simply the reality now. Everything seems to be creeping up in price, while I’m still mentally shopping in 2020. I absolutely adore the shape, and the smoked glass gives it a much more considered, elevated feel. Perfect for anyone who loves a loose, messy display of tulips just as much as I do.

Matalan:

Next, we’re heading over to Matalan after I stumbled across that gorgeous footed fruit bowl. There definitely seems to be a bit of a theme running through this week’s list.

The Wooden Footed Fruit Bowl is another piece that feels wonderfully timeless. Yes, it was the scalloped edge that initially drew me in, but I’m such a fan of dark wood furniture and accessories. I always think they make a home feel richer, warmer and just that little bit more elevated, particularly when they’re styled against a neutral kitchen. At just £12, this is an absolute bargain. I’ve never added something to my basket quite so quickly, much to Dave’s dismay.

Sticking with timeless classics, I also spotted this gorgeous Gold Cutlery Set. Anyone who has seen any of my tablescapes will know I am firmly on Team Gold rather than chrome. This set has such a beautiful traditional design, with the delicate cut-out detailing adding just enough interest. You get a 16-piece set for £18, meaning you could dress a table for eight for just £36, which is incredible value.

Lastly from Matalan, we’re creeping ever so slightly into autumn with this gorgeous Cream Striped Pumpkin Bowl. The dimensions aren’t listed, but I think it would make the most beautiful centrepiece planted with autumn perennials and packed with moss. Equally, it would be so lovely filled with a hearty autumn soup, accompanied by a generous chunk of warm crusty bread.

Primark:

Primark Home is absolutely one of my favourite affordable retailers for interiors. I have to admit, after last season I was slightly worried there wasn’t quite as much coming through and wondered whether they were quietly scaling back their home offering. Thankfully, they’ve come back stronger than ever.

Another autumn favourite is their Autumn Garland, priced at just £8. I love the little pumpkins woven throughout. It would look beautiful draped across a mantelpiece or wrapped around a front door. You could even layer two or three together to create a much fuller look, or simply leave it as a single, understated garland. Either way, for the price it’s an absolute bargain.

Another piece that really caught my eye was this gorgeous Ceramic Photo Frame. It’s incredibly sweet, with its soft scalloped edge, delicate ditsy illustrations and fine cranberry border. At just £4.50, it delivers so much charm for very little money.

Another item that immediately caught my attention this week was this gorgeous Stone Effect Urn which, once again, has that unmistakable Neptune inspired aesthetic. It’s a really generous size and would look beautiful on a kitchen island filled with blossom in spring, sunflowers throughout summer and autumn branches later in the year. Or simply fill it with fresh eucalyptus all year round for that effortlessly clean, relaxed look.

Oliver Bonas:

Now onto one of my favourite retailers. As you all know, it’s full of whimsy, full of fun, full of cheer and packed with absolute joy. It’s Oliver Bonas. Honestly, I could have written this entire week’s Love List about their new-in section, but these three pieces simply had to make the cut.

First up is, of course, Pierre the Cat Doorstop. We all fell in love with the Pierre the Cat lamp a few months ago, but now they’ve released this adorable gold doorstop, complete with his signature periwinkle blue bow. It’s exactly the sort of piece that adds personality to something as ordinary as a doorstop. Instead of a boring grey wedge, you have something that instantly becomes a talking point.

From household cat to big cat, I absolutely love this Oliver Bonas Cheetah Serving Tray. Orange and blue are complementary colours for a reason, and this soft powder blue paired with that rich burnt orange works so beautifully together. It’s decorative and practical all at once, which is exactly the kind of homeware I love. It would look equally gorgeous styled on a coffee table with flowers and books, hung on the wall as artwork or balanced on your lap carrying your Marks & Spencer ready meal.

Our final feline from Oliver Bonas this week is the Tiger Match Holder. A friend sent this to me recently and I instantly fell in love with it. It’s such a joyful piece that also serves a genuinely useful purpose. How many times have you gone searching for matches to light your candles, only to discover you’ve left them in the bathroom or the kitchen? This solves that problem in the cutest possible way. It doesn’t appear to include a striker, but you can buy adhesive strike paper very cheaply and stick it to the base, making it even more practical.

Habitat:

A sneaky couple from Habitat now. I mentioned that beautiful brown tortoiseshell and cream chequered serving tray a couple of weeks ago. Well, they’ve now recreated it as a Green Marble Effect Trinket Tray, again priced at just £12. It’s such a lovely little pop of colour and personality for a bedside table, perfect for jewellery and little everyday bits.

They’ve also released a larger version, their Coffee Table Tray, priced at £18. This one comes in a much bolder pink and green combination, which definitely leans more towards maximalist interiors. I’m certainly not mad about that.

George At Asda:

George at Asda is another retailer absolutely nailing affordable homeware right now. They’re creating pieces that feel fun, stylish and genuinely well designed without the designer price tag.

They currently have a couple of fantastic lamps. The first is this gorgeous Green Bobbin Table Lamp, complete with its matching scalloped shade. Can we just take a moment to appreciate that this entire lamp is only £15? Some retailers would happily charge £15 for the shade alone, especially with its pretty scalloped edge. To get both the green bobbin base and the shade included feels like an absolute steal.

Another brilliant lighting bargain is this Blue Speckled Table Lamp, priced at just £22, again including the shade. We’ve spoken before about how popular speckled finishes have become, from Habitat to the wonderfully stylish Galantino olive oil bottles that seemed to take over Instagram. At around 32cm high and 32cm wide, it’s a lovely squat, chunky proportion that would work brilliantly in a kitchen or snug.

Back to bobbins, and this gorgeous Burgundy Bobbin Side Table is absolutely bang on trend. Burgundy, claret, wine or deep red, whatever you want to call it, this colour is still having a huge moment, and I’m so pleased because it’s one of those wonderfully rich shades that works with almost everything. Pair it with periwinkle blue, soft sage green, classic off-white or even blush pink for a really striking colour combination. At £25, it’s the perfect statement side table.

Anthropologie:

Lastly, we’re finishing with another of my all-time favourite retailers, Anthropologie, who really were one of the originals when it came to creating quirky, individual pieces for the home.

First up are these beautiful Ceramic Wall Mounted Vases. Anthropologie did something similar a couple of years ago, and I’m fairly sure I featured them back then too. I think they’re such a fun alternative to traditional wall art. As you know, I love adding texture and interest through plates, vintage jelly moulds and all sorts of collected treasures, rather than simply filling every wall with framed prints. These would look absolutely beautiful dotted throughout a plate wall, filled with fresh flowers to echo the colours around them. There are two styles: the larger Poppy at £48 and the smaller Petunia at £38. They’re certainly investment pieces, but I haven’t really seen anyone else producing anything quite like them. That said, it’s definitely worth keeping an eye on eBay, as you might find some lovely vintage alternatives.

Now this is something I never knew I needed until I saw it. I actually spotted these a couple of weeks ago and they are Dog Head Lamp Finials. You know how I always mention loving those little decorative finials that sit on top of a lampshade? Well now, instead of a simple ball, you can finish your lamp with the cutest little gold dog head. There are several different breeds available, although they’re selling out quickly, so definitely have a look while you can.

Last, but certainly not least, is a proper throwback. We all had one during the 1990s and early 2000s, and yes, they’re back. It’s a Mouse Mat. Anthropologie have officially made mouse mats stylish again, and honestly, I’m not mad about it. Dog lovers are particularly in luck because they’ve released two gorgeous versions. The first is the adorable Ciao Bella Mouse Mat, complete with an Afghan Hound illustration. Do also have a look at the Greyhound Mouse Mat, which feels wonderfully reminiscent of a classic Hermès scarf.

Links:

Anthropologie Decorative Urn Floral Ceramic Wall Charm Petunia £38.00 - Click Here
Anthropologie Decorative Urn Floral Ceramic Wall Charm Poppy £48.00 - Click Here
Anthropologie Icon Dog Decorative Light Finial £18.00 - Click Here
Anthropologie Dog Mouse Mat £20.00 - Click Here

Right, that is enough from me this week. I’d better head for my flight! As always, let me know which item is your favourite, or if you’ve spotted something recently that you think I’d absolutely love. Please do share, restack, comment and like so we can continue building this wonderful little community together.

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P.S. Please note that some of these items are affiliate links, which simply help support my content at no extra cost to you. Thank you, as always, for your support.

Jack's Love List #81: Splurge or Save, the July 2026 edition.

Jack D March — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 19:29:05 GMT

Hello, I am broadcasting live from the beautiful Palma in Mallorca this week and I have brought you a good old fashioned Splurge or Save. If you’re new here, this is where I take a designer or high end item and find you a budget friendly, pound saving, guilt free alternative. The majority of this week’s picks are for the home, although I have thrown in a little electrical gadget and a designer handbag too, so let’s dive straight in.

Just a little note before we start. If you ever want to look back and save yourself some money, there is now a whole plethora of Splurge or Save editions waiting for you, including a brilliant Soho Home special which I will link (Click Here). If you’re furnishing a house or simply love spotting a bargain, it is well worth a scroll.

Lattice or Loewe:

We're kicking things off in luxury territory this week with the Loewe Anagram Bucket Bag, which has become such an iconic design from the Spanish fashion house. It constantly sells out and, at the time of writing, I could only find a pre-loved version available. Since making the images before flying out here it has actually been reduced from £1,228 to £1,091, which is a decent saving but still rather eye watering. The laser cut leather anagram logo forms the bucket itself, while the canvas drawstring pouch sits neatly inside. It is instantly recognisable and one of those bags that quietly says luxury without shouting about it.

So what are the alternatives that are a little kinder on the bank balance? First up is the smaller designer brand Coccinelle, with the Koi Bag. Don't ask me to pronounce Coccinelle because I absolutely cannot. Their Spring Summer 2026 collection introduced the Koi bag in a few different sizes and this smaller version comes in black or Crab, which I would describe as a lovely warm orange toned tan. Both colours are currently reduced from £330 to £165, making them a far more attainable designer option.

But if you fancy saving even more money then Tu Chocolate Cut Work Bucket Bag from Sainsbury's is just £18. Yes, it isn't leather, but for a little summer holiday bag I genuinely think it is an absolute steal. Even if it hadn't taken inspiration from the Loewe design, I would still think it was incredibly cute. What I particularly love is that the canvas drawstring insert simply pops in and out on press studs, meaning you can remove it to clean it or even use it as a separate little bag. After last week's Morris & Co tote bag, Tu at Sainsbury's really are stepping up their game.

Hay we love a dupe:

Now we move into the garden, or should I say outdoor living. The Hay Palissade Garden Bench has become something of a Splurge or Save veteran. It is an absolute modern classic. At the moment it is reduced from £859 to £645 in Olive Green, Anthracite and Sky Grey, while the White and Iron Red versions are still sitting just under the £700 mark. It has been around for years for good reason and is one of those pieces that somehow looks just as good in a contemporary courtyard as it does in a country cottage garden.

If you love the look but not the price, Habitat Indu Two Seater Bench is currently reduced from £130 to £85.80 and offers that same simple slatted metal aesthetic. Habitat have been quietly producing this bench for years and although I've featured it before, it deserves another mention because it really is that good. You all know I cannot resist a little bit of green garden furniture.

If you don't quite have space for a bench but still want that painted metal look, La Redoute Manni Garden Chairs come as a set of two and are currently reduced to £240.49. Pop these either side of a little café table in a courtyard and you've got the perfect morning coffee spot while scrolling Jack D March's Substack or Instagram. Pure bliss.

Potty for a Pound saver:

I absolutely love my Our Place cookware. We were lucky enough to be gifted some a few years ago and every autumn and winter they barely leave the hob. The Our Place Perfect Pot comes in several colours including Sage and Spice and retails at £135 for the 5.2 litre version. It even includes the wooden spoon, which somehow makes me irrationally happy.

If £135 feels a little rich for your blood, then George Home All In One Stock Pot is just £38. It measures 28cm, is made from cast aluminium and comes with a 100 day guarantee. It is available in both Clay and Green, making it a brilliant budget alternative.

Another option I spotted recently at the Dunelm press show is the Aluminium Casserole Dish for £35. I particularly love the little gold knob handle because it instantly makes it feel more expensive than it is. This version is slightly smaller again at 20cm with a 2.7 litre capacity, but if you're cooking for one or two people it could actually be the more practical option. It is also around £100 cheaper, which leaves plenty of money for ingredients.

Cool Saving:

I mentioned the Ninja Creami Ice Cream Maker on Instagram Stories during the recent heatwave and honestly, you all went absolutely mad for it. Dave loves ice cream and he has even converted the dog into an ice cream lover. He now makes him his own dog friendly frozen treats, which I never thought I'd be writing. At £199.99 it is definitely an investment and probably one of those appliances that earns its keep during the warmer months. I do own the Ninja Slushi and can genuinely say Ninja products are brilliantly made and do exactly what they promise.

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However, Aldi have now released their own Ice Cream Maker for just £69.99 as part of the middle aisle. It feels like the perfect little bit of summer holiday fun, whether you're entertaining the grandchildren, keeping the kids busy over the six weeks or simply fancy making your own frozen yoghurt, sorbets and ice cream at home. The only downside is actually getting your hands on one before everybody else beats you to it.

So-ho you love a bargain:

I mentioned Soho Home at the beginning because it feels like everybody is obsessed with the brand at the moment, myself very much included. I also have a huge soft spot for burl wood, so I absolutely adore the Dawson Side Table. My grandma had lots of burl wood furniture from the 1950s, 60s and 70s, which is probably why I find it so nostalgic. It has such a timeless shape and would work beautifully as either a bedside table or a side table. It feels quietly luxurious and gives me understated French apartment vibes. At £995 though, it certainly asks for some commitment.

Thankfully I have found some brilliant alternatives. Dunelm Seana Burl Side Table at £179 is probably the closest in shape and proportions. It doesn't have quite the same inlaid top, but considering it is nearly £800 cheaper I think we can let that slide.

The Marks & Spencer Burl Side Table is £199 and offers a slightly more squared off silhouette. It feels a little cleaner and more contemporary, but still captures the same overall look. Finally, La Redoute Burl Effect Side Table comes in at £229.99. It is a little chunkier in design but I absolutely love the lighter elm toned finish. Sometimes it isn’t about finding an exact copy, it’s about finding something that gives the same feeling.

Its a Spicy one:

A spicy little number next. Oliver Bonas Pressed Chilli Glasses come as a set of two for £24.50. Everybody seems obsessed with a spicy margarita this summer, so naturally we've seen chillies popping up absolutely everywhere in interiors too. These have that lovely handmade blown glass quality and, to be fair, £24.50 for the pair really isn't outrageous. Plus we know Oliver Bonas is a hill i am prepared to die on.

If you’re after a bargain though, Dunelm Pressed Glass Tumblers are just £4 each. You could buy six of them for roughly the same price as the Oliver Bonas set and they still have that lovely artisan feel.

Argos also have a Chilli Tumbler and its another brilliant alternative at £6 each. The design is slightly smoother and more refined but still captures the same playful look, meaning you could buy four for the same price as the original splurge.

Links:

Oliver Bonas Spicy Margarita Tumblers Set of Two £24.50 - Click Here

Dunelm Chilli Pressed Tumbler Glass £4.00 each - Click Here

Argos Chill Tumbler £6.00 each - Click Here

Striped for your Saving:

This next one definitely isn’t for everybody because not all of us are shopping for sofas every weekend, but if there is one thing I love almost as much as scallop edges, it is stripes. I have admired the Sophie Conran Hickstead Sofa for years. This Cocoa 2.5 seater in Sea Holly comes in at £5,800 and although I absolutely adore it, I could never quite manage to justify pressing buy.

I’ve always said that if you’re somebody who constantly redecorates, keep your biggest investments, sofas. flooring, curtains, etc neutral. My cream sofa is now 11 years old and has worked with countless different rooms. Having said that, I have recently taken the plunge with a coral sofa in our snug and I absolutely love the personality it brings.

If you love the striped look but £5,800 is still a little eye watering, then John Lewis x Sophie Conran Coco Bell Sofa is probably the closest you'll get while staying within the Sophie Conran family. I always think of this as being a little like the Ivy Café versus The Ivy. It's the same DNA, the same design language and the same aesthetic, just in a more accessible format. It still isn't cheap at £3,249, but if you've fallen in love with that Sophie Conran look, this is definitely the place I'd start to own a piece of her icon design.

The one that really made me stop scrolling though was the DFS x Joules Port Haven Sofa, currently £1,879. It is slightly larger than the original but comes in several different sizes, making it a little easier to fit into a typical living room. What really won me over were the different stripe colourways. There is a classic blue and white, a gorgeous mustard and white and, perhaps unsurprisingly, a green and white version that I am absolutely obsessed with. When you think you're saving around £4,000 compared with the original, I genuinely think this is one of the strongest saves in this week's list.

I always love including an independent business where I can, so I was really pleased to come across the Cottonfy Retro Striped Sofa, currently reduced to £1,250 on the Living and Home website. Before featuring it I had a little look through the Trustpilot reviews, which were really positive, and I have to say I think they've absolutely nailed that relaxed vintage stripe aesthetic. The blue is a little brighter than the Sophie Conran version, almost giving Cornishware vibes, and I actually think it would look incredible in a coastal home, country cottage or colourful family snug.

Horsing Around:

If you're a horse lover or simply adore that classic Neptune country house aesthetic, this next one is for you. The Hickstead Horse Bust has that beautiful stone effect finish and would look gorgeous styled on a bookshelf or console table. At £45 I actually think it is fairly reasonable by Neptune standards.

But, of course, Dunelm have a option with their Concrete Horse Ornament and it comes in at just £16. These are all hand painted, and with them being concrete have natural holes and pit in them, so I would definitely have a rummage through the shelf to pick the best one. Personally, I actually prefer the flowing mane on the Dunelm version and I like how it finishes on the plinth rather than cutting off quite so abruptly.

Light up the savings:

Finally, because every home deserves a little candle lantern moment, The Nkuku Naryla Mango Wood Lantern which comes in two sizes, with the larger version priced at £75. Nkuku really are one of the best when it comes to these timeless decorative accessories like this.

Once again Dunelm come riding in to save the day with their Mango Wood Hurricane Pillar Candle Holder for just £16. The timber is slightly lighter, although you could easily stain it if you preferred a darker finish. It also doesn’t have the recessed candle holder that the Nkuku version has, but actually I think that gives you more flexibility because you aren’t limited to one particular candle size.

And on that note, I think we’ll call it a week.

Links:

Nkuku Naryla Mango Wood Lantern - Dark Stain Large £75.00 - Click Here
Dunelm Mango Wood Hurricane Pillar Candle Holder £16.00 - Click Here

As always, thank you so much for reading, for sharing, for commenting, for sending me your finds and for supporting this little corner of the internet every single week. It genuinely means more than you know and I never take it for granted.

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We are getting so close to my target of 3,000 subscribers by the end of August, so if you’ve been enjoying The Love List but haven’t yet hit subscribe, I would absolutely love it if you did. Every single subscription, like, comment and share helps this community continue to grow.

Have a wonderful weekend wherever you’re reading from, and let me know in the comments which Splurge or Save was your favourite this week. I have a feeling there are going to be quite a few votes for those striped sofas.

P.S. This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy through them. It never affects what I share, it just helps keep this content free and the comparisons coming.

Jack's Love List #80: The £20 and Under Edit

Jack D March — Sat, 18 Jul 2026 06:02:13 GMT

Welcome to this week’s edition of the Love List and, would you believe it, this is officially the 80th Love List! Eighty weeks of me rummaging around the internet, wandering around shops and finding things I absolutely do not need but immediately deciding you all need to know about. Quite the milestone, really.

So, for number 80, we’re talking all things under £20. Yes, those little treats to yourself where you can add a bit of joy to your day and get that tiny dopamine hit of shopping without having to completely break the bank. Because sometimes you don’t need a new sofa, a designer bag or an entire room makeover. Sometimes a butter dish will do.

I’ve got things for the home as well as a few things for you, so whether you’re scrolling while the other half is watching the football, you’ve had a long week, or you’ve simply decided, ‘do you know what, I deserve a little treat’, hopefully I’ve got something for you. So let’s dive straight in and see if we can find you a budget friendly pick me up.

For The Home:

We’re starting off with the homeware because, let’s face it, that’s how these Love Lists all started, and I love nothing more than a good scout around the home stores looking for something I absolutely do not need but suddenly cannot imagine my life without.

We’re going to start with one of my favourites and, if you’re a regular reader, you’ve probably already guessed it’s Oliver Bonas and their Embroidered Cherry Print Cushion Cover. Oliver Bonas have an amazing sale on at the moment and there are definitely some bargains to be had. This embroidered cherry print cushion caught my eye and was reduced to £11.50. Caveat, since I created the images for this Love List it has actually been reduced again to £9, so even better. This has quite a clean aesthetic but still manages to have those fun, whimsical and slightly vintage elements I love from this retailer. The embroidery, the scalloped detailing and that literal cherry red against the cream just work perfectly together. What I also like is that it’s just the cushion cover, meaning you can add your cushion inner of choice. There is nothing worse than buying a beautiful cushion only to discover it has the saddest, flattest inner known to man and you end up swapping it out anyway.

Oliver Bonas also have their Cream Twist Loop Candelabra lurking in the sale, and I loved this even when it was full price at £39.50, so the fact it has now been reduced to just £12 makes it an absolute bargain in my eyes. I am always a tapered dinner candle over a pillar candle sort of person, and I love that this is tiered, meaning it gives different levels to your table display. You could also pop shorter dinner candles in here if you didn’t want to completely obstruct the view across your table. Although, depending on the dinner guest, perhaps a strategically placed candle isn’t always a bad thing.

Talking of tapered dinner candles, Anthropologie have these gorgeous Gingham Taper Candles which come in a set of two and are currently reduced to £10. They come in this beautiful powder blue and a punchy green and I genuinely don’t know which one I prefer more because, as you all know, these are two of my favourite colour palettes. I just think they’re such a simple way of adding a little bit of pattern and personality to a table without having to completely rethink your entire tablescape.

I also spotted the Anthropologie Lotta Bakeware Butter Dish, which is just so charming and so cute. It gives that whole country kitchen vibe with the little majolica styled blueberries on the top and the whimsical floral print running around it, which is almost reminiscent of a vintage wallpaper. I particularly love the typography around the butter plate at the bottom and, as we all know, I have a rather large soft spot for a butter dish. This one is a bargain too, so I really don’t think it will stick around for long. Do I need another butter dish? Absolutely not. Has that ever stopped me before? Also absolutely not.

If you’re planning a summer get together, then you need the Yvonne Ellen Giraffe Cocktail Shaker. Trust me, it will make your spicy margaritas taste all the better. I mean, I’m not sure there is any actual scientific proof behind that statement, but they will certainly look a lot better being poured out of this beautiful shaker. I love the giraffe illustration on this and there is something about it that feels very 60s/70s to me. Plus, as you know, I am always a gold hardware person over silver, so this is a complete chef’s kiss combination for me.

Over to H&M and their Sunflower Water Repellent Placemats now, and I’ve had my eye on these for quite a while. If I’m honest, I did think they were on the pricey side at £24.99 for two. I actually spotted these back in February when I was in Paris and was immediately drawn to them, but they’ve now been reduced to just £10 for the two, so £5 each, which feels a lot more reasonable to me. Perfect for a spring or summer tablescape, or even autumn at a push, and as the title says they’re water-repellent, so ideal for those particularly messy dinner guests. We all have one.

Now, if you’ve been around for a while, you’ll know I have a real love for the bobble collection at Habitat, and this Bobble Glass Vase is the perfect example. I’m sure I’ve featured the lamps on here before, but when I spotted that they had reduced the vase down to just £5, I thought it was definitely the perfect little treat yourself buy. It’s a really generous size too at 20cm high by 17cm wide. This would be perfect packed with tulips in the spring or, right now, filled with big fluffy hydrangeas. I love the fact it’s clear, so it allows the flowers to be the colour and the main feature, but the bobble texture still adds a little personality and interest to your space.

And lastly, we’re heading to Urban Outfitters for their Summertime Fruit Tablecloth, which has been reduced from £39 down to just £13. You already know exactly what I’m going to say and why I love it. Firstly, the thrill of the frill edging, which is made even better by the fact it’s striped. And not just any stripe, but a punchy orange and white stripe with a little green ticking stripe sliced in between. Then we have the fruit, which is giving full Mediterranean summer vibes, and I’m even not mad at the little fish dotted throughout the pattern either. Throw this over a table, add a few colourful plates, some candles and a bottle of something cold and suddenly you’re on the Amalfi Coast. Well, spiritually at least.

For You:

Now we move onto the little treats I’ve found for you, or perhaps a loved one if you’re feeling particularly generous, from skincare to sunglasses with a little cooling moment in between. Because apparently this Love List has now become a full lifestyle service.

I spotted these H&M Cat Eye Sunglasses and they are very similar in shape to a pair of Prada sunglasses I actually picked up on a cruise a couple of years ago using some ship credit. I love the chunky square sides paired with the cat eye shape at the front, and at £6 for this style, they are a bloody bargain. I always love a tortoiseshell too as I think it’s just that little bit softer against the face, especially when you’re wearing a larger framed pair of sunglasses, and it really helps enhance sun-kissed skin. Six pounds. You can barely get a glass of wine for that anymore.

When we’re in the sun we must, of course, remember to hydrate, and Regatta have some brilliant Insulated Travel Mugs in their sale at the moment. First up is this beautiful green and white striped one and, as we know, I do love a green and white stripe. This has been reduced to £15 and they’re very Stanley Cup-inspired in shape and style. I particularly love the pink detailing against the green and white, with the handle and lid having those little pops of pink which work perfectly. They also have one of their Cath Kidston collaborations reduced to £14 in this gorgeous Harmony Ditsy print. It’s also worth noting that, currently, there is an extra 10% off the sale if you use the code SALE10. Hydration, but make it financially responsible.

I spotted this TU at Sainsbury’s x Morris & Co Indian Rose Tote Bag online and I am obsessed. There are a couple of different influences going on here. The shape and colour palette are very reminiscent of the iconic Dior Book Tote and the Valentino Antibes totes, both of which hark back to antique carpet bags that were hugely popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries, we all remember Mary Poppins. This modern take is covered in the famous Morris & Co Indian Rose print and is just £20. Dior vibes on a TU budget. Which I absolutely love to see it.

Now we move onto a practical purchase that feels slightly less treat and more necessity at the moment in this heat. I am, of course, talking about hand fans. H&M have a great selection of Hand Fans at the moment, but this cobalt electric blue one really caught my eye. It gives that perfect punch of Greek island aesthetic to your outfit this summer and I can already picture it with a crisp white shirt and a tan. They also do it in cream and soft pink, or for the more adventurous among us who love a maximalist moment, there is, of course, a zebra print. Something for everyone and every level of drama.

But if you want something with a little more power and the Shark Chill Pill (linked here for the boujie ones), which is amazing and my friend has one, isn’t quite in your budget, I found the JISULIFE Handheld Fan at Currys for just £19.99. It comes in this lovely soft sage green as well as white and, while the green one bizarrely only gets 2.5 stars on their website, I did a little further investigation because apparently I am now Which? Magazine (I love a deep dive), and the white version has 4.8 stars. It has five different speed settings, a quiet performance so you don’t have that awful drowning fan noise, and it’s incredibly lightweight at just 220g. I am very tempted to pick this up for Positano next month when I have a black tie wedding to attend at 6pm in the Italian heat. Tuxedo, bow tie, tiny sage green fan. Chic.

Now onto a little bit of skincare and one of my favourite treats to myself, Rituals The Ritual Body Scrub. In particular, I love the Ritual of Mehr scent, which combines sweet orange and cedarwood. These body scrubs leave your skin feeling so soft, silky and smooth and this has become part of my Wednesday night or Thursday morning routine. I use it to scrub off any excess tan, give myself a really good exfoliation and get my skin moisturised and ready before I reapply my tan on Thursday evening. Rituals do lots of different scents and both sugar and salt scrubs, but this one is definitely my favourite. I’ve been using it for years and a little bit really does go a long way. Just remember to put the lid back on properly so it doesn’t dry out. A lesson I have, unfortunately, learnt from experience.

And finally, another one of my absolute favourites and something I’ve mentioned many times before, L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil. They currently have an offer on, so grab yourself a bargain because you can pick up the 250ml size for just £17.60, which is a 20% saving. Or, if you’re heading off on a trip this summer like I am, pick up the 75ml travel size for just £6.40. Again, this keeps your skin feeling super soft and hydrated and I honestly don’t think I’ve ever recommended this to somebody who hasn’t ended up loving it. Be warned though, once you start using shower oil, normal shower gel suddenly feels very basic.

Links:

H&M Square sunglasses £6.00 - Click Here
Regatta Striped Insulated Mug £15.00 (10% extra off with SALE10) - Click Here
Regatta Cath Kidston Mug £14.00 (10% extra off with SALE10) - Click Here
TU Sainsburys x Morris & Co Jacquard Bag £20.00 - Click Here
H&M Hand Fan Blue £8.50 - Click Here
JISULIFE Handheld Fan 5 Plus £19.99 - Click Here
Rituals The Ritual of Mehr Body Scrub £18.90 - Click Here
L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil £17.60 - Click Here

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See you next week x

P.S. As always, some of the links in this Love List are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy something through them, at absolutely no extra cost to you. Think of it as buying me a tiny imaginary coffee for spending far too many hours scrolling through sale sections so you don’t have to. Although, let’s face it, you probably still will.

Jack's Love List #79: Blue & White Everything!

Jack D March — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 06:01:37 GMT

Welcome to this week's super quick Love List. I have had a very busy week with two sets of house guests, a trip to London and filming mine and Christmas reel, so time has definitely got away from me. Rather than leave you without your weekly dose of shopping inspiration, I thought I'd put together a little round-up of 15 things that have caught my eye for one very simple reason... they're all blue and white.

If you've been here for any length of time, you'll know that blue and white is practically a personality trait at this point, so this week's edit was never going to be difficult. Whether you're looking to add a little coastal charm to your home, freshen up your bedroom or bring a little Riviera-inspired style to your summer wardrobe, hopefully there's something here to tempt you. So, without further ado, let's dive straight in.

The Table:

We’re going to kick off with some beautiful little blue and white beauties I found to add a little blue-hued moment to your home.

First up is the Dunelm Coastal Plate, with its whimsical little lobster motif, which is a bloody bargain at £3. This gives total coastal cosy vibes. However, I think this would be perfect as part of a plate wall. We all know I love a plate wall in my kitchen and this would be a great little addition, and a bargain too.

I also spotted this new splatter design range at Dunelm and I particularly loved the Splatter Jug from this collection. There have been a few great splatter collections over the years, the most well known to me being the now discontinued Emma Bridgewater Blue Splatter collection, which always used to sell out. Habitat also did a dinner service collection last year for their birthday. However, this is just as charming and at an amazing price point. This would look great on the kitchen table filled with some bright vintage blooms, especially some red and blue anemones.

Last for Home, and staying on the subject of Emma Bridgewater, I spotted the Blue and White Shell Print Table Runner the other week. I bought a couple of table runners in their sale, including the Wildflower one and the Strawberry one, because they’re such great quality and such a great price. This would really work well with that lobster plate for a full-on seaside-themed tablescape. However, it would equally work as a fun little accent too.

The Bedroom:

Moving on to the bedroom, because why can’t you add a little calming blue to your sleep sanctuary?

The first of the three quilts is this dark navy patchwork option from John Lewis, which is currently in their sale. I love patchwork quilts. They have such lovely vintage cottagecore inspiration and just conjure up memories of my childhood. This one is a little bolder with its darker use of navy but, equally, I think this would look great on a crisp white bed or layered with a floral patterned duvet cover.

Coming in with a lighter colour palette and a lighter price tag is this Habitat Pale Blue and White Quilted Throw. Now, this has got a printed pattern on it rather than actually being patchworked, but it does still have a lovely quilted texture to it and, at that price point, it’s a great buy, especially for the size.

And then we have this gorgeous floral option from interior retailer Graham & Green, the Floral Quilted Bedspread, which again is on the slightly more expensive side. However, I love the vintage antique inspiration behind this. It’s giving that sophisticated, elevated element whilst still retaining a cosy and humble feeling.

The Floor:

Moving onto the floor and sticking with florals is this gorgeous French Bedroom Delph Inspired Rug. This is such a great size rug and looks like an antique. This is the sort of rug that you could easily mount onto a wall to give that tapestry texture, as well as giving your floor a little pop of personality.

Ruggable have also done their take on a Delph Inspired Rug. This is a lot denser in design and a little more expensive, but you do get the choice of sizes with this and I always say, if in doubt, go bigger... and I am talking about rugs, cheeky. There’s nothing wrong with the rug going under the sofa or under the bed and filling a space. A rug actually makes the room look bigger.

Then TK Maxx have this softer approach with the Blue Floral Rug, which again is a great size and it’s got a good tuft to it. It’s not just one of those cotton rugs. Remember, as always with TK Maxx, it’s one of those places that if you see it and you love it, you need to buy it because it will sell out.

Just because…:

And just because I love blue and white, here’s a couple more items that work anywhere around the home.

I spotted this Joe Browns Koi Vase a couple of weeks ago. Joe Browns is one of those retailers I’ve mentioned before that you don’t automatically think of for interiors, but they have some amazing pieces at great prices. I love the colours used on this particular design and it would make a great grand addition to a bathroom, kitchen island or even a console table moment.

A little less for the home, but definitely usable for your shopping or hanging on your kitchen door until you need to nip out for your groceries, is this gorgeous Accessorize Stamp Print Tote Bag, currently reduced to £17.50 in the sale. It has these cute stamp designs which conjure up thoughts of travel and vintage travel paraphernalia. Again, a great colour palette here and absolutely perfect for summer.

And lastly for our Home section this week is a gorgeous Wayfair Blue and White Table Lamp. I have blue and white lamps around my home everywhere — my bedroom, the drawing room and the kitchen — and they are one of those classic Nancy Meyers type items that people just love. However, over previous years they have become more and more expensive. This one, which you can pick up from Wayfair, is a great price, especially for that size. The shade is included and it even has the cute little ball finial on the top.

For You:

Leaving Home behind, here are the three fashion moments that I have spotted for women to bring that blue and white energy to your summer wardrobe.

Firstly, this Matalan Blue and White Dress is an absolute bargain at £38. It has the drawstring waist, which means you could wear it quite casually at a beach club, around a pool or even for dinner on holiday. Equally, pop a belt over the waistband to hide the drawstring and this dress could be dressed to the nines. Gold belt, gold shoes, gold bag... it’s the perfect statement wedding guest, races day or birthday dress.

Going back to the coastal blues is this gorgeous French Connection Shell Print Co-ord. I’m not going to bang on about how much I love co-ords because I seem to do it every week, but I think this is a great buy, currently in the sale. It’s a beautiful shade of blue and has a great cut to it. The full skirt and the little cropped vest top could easily be worn together or separately.

And finally for this week is this New Look Lace Cutwork Shirt. Marks & Spencer had a co-ord very similar to this which sold out so quickly. I think this is so chic, so fun and the sort of thing that can be worn casually with jeans or equally dressed up with a nice white maxi or mini skirt for that crisp, cool French Riviera energy.

Links:

Matalan Blue Vanilla Blue Floral Print Drawstring Dress £38.00 - Click Here
French Connection Structured Taffeta Blue Shell Print Top £28.00 - Click Here
French Connection Structured Taffeta Blue Shell Print Skirt £29.00 - Click Here
New Look Blue Lace Cutout Pinstripe Shirt £19.79 - Click Here

So there we have it, 15 little blue and white finds that have brightened my week. Sometimes it’s nice to have a theme and, clearly, I have absolutely no intention of breaking my blue and white obsession any time soon. Whether you’re adding a tiny touch with a £3 plate or going all in with a new quilt, rug or summer outfit, I hope you’ve found something to add to your own wish list. As always, if you end up buying anything, do send me a picture because I genuinely love seeing your homes, wardrobes and little finds come to life. Have a wonderful weekend and I’ll see you next week for another Love List.

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P.S. Some of the links above are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. It really does help support my content and keeps the Love List coming each week, so thank you so much if you decide to shop through them. 🤍

Jack's Love List #78: Saw it, Love It, Bought IT!

Jack D March — Sat, 04 Jul 2026 06:02:32 GMT

Hello everyone and welcome to this week’s Love List, which I am officially calling Shopping Lovers Anonymous. Although, if we are being honest, there is nothing anonymous about my shopping habits at this point.

This is everything I have seen, loved and, more often than not, purchased over the last couple of weeks. Some bits are from my travels, some are online finds, and some are what I like to call ‘maintenance purchases’. You know the sort. A fresh pair of white Converse for summer, aftershave, moisturiser, the essentials.

These are not treats. These are necessities. Basic upkeep. Routine maintenance, if you will. Much like servicing a car, except apparently slightly harder to justify to Dave when multiple parcels arrive at the door.

Anyway, let’s dive in.

For The Home:

We are going to start off with all things home and a few little finds that I have either purchased or aggressively hovered over the add to basket button on this month.

There is a really cute little interiors shop not too far from my house called Upside Down Design and if you are ever visiting York it is absolutely worth a visit. They do have a website, although neither of these particular items are listed, but I have managed to track them down at the cheapest, and in stock retailers for you. They are both from Talking Tables, a brand I absolutely love for pieces that feel playful, joyful and just that little bit unexpected. Firstly is this super fun and whimsical Salmon Candleholder, which I initially bought for my bedroom but has somehow made its way into the spare room because I love it so much and apparently no room is safe from my styling experiments. They have done a whole collection of candleholders this season including a very fun zebra and a comical camel. They also do a version of this design in red which is a koi and has a fabulous oriental aesthetic too.

The other thing I purchased is the beautiful Talking Tables Gingham Tablecloth. I had spotted it a few times walking past the shop and on the odd occasion I popped in for coloured dinner candles and finally thought, do you know what, I am treating myself. It is such a beautiful colour and we all know I love gingham, so I genuinely cannot believe I have never owned a tablecloth before now. It looks so joyful on my green dining table and instantly makes everything feel a little more considered, even if dinner is just pizza for one. They do this in other colours too so it is definitely worth checking out.

Next are these beautiful Mathilde M Bisque Ceramic Birds. I spotted these in a beautiful little homeware boutique in Antibes so I was very excited to discover you can actually buy them online. They are currently out of stock at the moment, but you can leave your email to be notified when they are back and delivery to the UK is only €4.90, yes I checked that out for you because I am nothing if not committed to enabling. I had genuinely never seen anything like these before. They are these gorgeous little ceramic birds with a cut-out underneath so they do not weigh too much and can perch on the rim of a glass or vase. I immediately thought they would be absolutely perfect for table styling because they add such charm and intrigue. They also do a butterfly version which is currently in stock and once you do the conversion these work out at roughly £3 to £4 each, which feels very reasonable for something so unique. And if you happen to be in Antibes this summer, do check out Les Galeries d’Antoine because it is a gorgeous little treasure trove.

If you follow me on Instagram, you may have noticed the front door has now gone a beautiful soft pink and I updated the garland for summer using an array of pink florals. So when Home Made Handmade, who I have worked with on and off for years, reached out and wanted to send me their pretty pink wreath, I was so excited. It works so well for summer and matches my pink door beautifully, but I also know it would work just as well if the door went back to red, yellow or green because pink really is the universal neutral in my world. The beautiful thing about Lisa’s wreaths is that she really does not skimp on flowers, which absolutely reflects the price point. They are so packed full of foliage and florals that they feel a real cut above cheaper alternatives you might see in the likes of Home Bargains, Primark or B&M. That is not me being snobby because you know I love a bargain and have featured all of those before, but I almost always end up adding to them myself. This wreath comes in a couple of different sizes starting at £65, so yes it is an investment piece, but it is something you can pull out year after year and when you think how much fresh wreaths cost these days, it starts to make a lot of sense.

And lastly, this is the one I have been aggressively hovering over the basket button on. As you know, I am a huge fan of Fornasetti and collect the Tema e Variazioni Wall Plates. So when I spotted that Flannels had a lot of them reduced to £130 each and this gold special edition reduced from £280 to an amazing £139, my resolve weakened immediately. It is currently sitting in my basket while I continue the age old internal debate of do I need this or do I simply deserve this. At the moment, deserve is winning.

For Life:

Now we move on to the little bits and bobs that help get me through life, whether that is for the home, for travel or for my face. Essentially the maintenance section of the Love List, which as we have established is not indulgence, it is basic survival.

You may well have seen Color Wow Style on Steroids Hairspray all over social media because it absolutely went viral and I will admit, I was sceptical. We have all been burned by an overhyped beauty product before. But I can confirm the name Style on Steroids really does live up to its reputation. It is on the pricier side for a hairspray, but it is currently reduced at Lookfantastic to £21.80 and I do think a little goes a long way, although perhaps that is helped by the fact I have short hair. The best way I can describe it is like a really strong hairspray mixed with a dry shampoo. It lifts, thickens and volumises your hair in a way that feels quite magical and I am completely sold, hook, line and sinker.

Next is a couple of bits from PIXI Beauty that I have been loving at the moment. Firstly, the PIXI Vitamin C Wakeup Mist, which lives permanently in my gym bag and gets a very generous spritz before I set off to the gym. It really helps wake up and hydrate my skin before a workout, especially considering I tend to go at the frankly offensive hour of 6am. It has also been so refreshing in the heat we have been having recently. It helps energise, tone and cool the skin and just gives your face that awake and revitalised look, even if internally you are still very much asleep. Another product I have been loving from the brand is the PIXI Aftersun Sheet Masks, which come in a pack of three for £10. I really got into these in the South of France but have also been using them during this hot British heatwave as normal skincare. They are brilliant for soothing and calming the skin and giving it that extra hit of moisture when needed, leaving everything feeling soft, hydrated and much happier.

On the subject of the South of France, I had to buy a new suitcase in a slight panic because my super duper hard-shell one, which I bought for my honeymoon less than two years ago, has already developed a dodgy wheel. Not ideal. So I have reverted back to IT Luggage, which I have used for years. My suitcases get an absolute hammering, so I really rate these for the price point. They are currently reduced at Matalan to £40 for the large hold-size case. They glide so well and are incredibly lightweight, which is exactly what I need because I operate on a very simple travel philosophy. Less suitcase weight equals more clothes weight. It is just maths.

And lastly, this was a late minute addition after I looked in genuine sadness at my bottle this morning and realised I am very nearly out. It is the Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Serum, which I have been using for nearly a year now and absolutely love. Again, a little goes a very long way and it is just so good for hydrating the skin, especially in the summer months when everything can feel a bit dehydrated. It gives your skin a lovely plumpness and smoothness and the hydration feels long lasting rather than disappearing after five minutes. At £45, is it a more expensive price point for a serum? For some, yes. I would probably call it mid-range rather than eye-wateringly expensive, but I genuinely rate it. Plus you get free delivery over £25 and 15% off your first order, so £45 is really the worst-case scenario and there is no sneaky delivery charge lurking on top, which we always appreciate.

For Him:

Now for once, the menswear section is considerably bigger than the ladieswear section because apparently I have either bought, tried on or become emotionally attached to quite a lot of menswear recently. So let’s have a look.

Last week while in the Zara sale in Leeds, I spotted this embroidered co ord in the window at River Island. Now admittedly, River Island is one of those brands I have slightly fallen out of love with over the last few years as it just has not really aligned with my style anymore. However, if they continue down this path, they may well tempt me back in. This set is such a gorgeous shade of red, bright but not cherry, almost slightly rust in tone, which makes it perfect for summer. Rather than just printing the pattern onto the fabric, they have embroidered these beautiful floral motifs in a soft cream off white, which makes it feel much more elevated. It is still a little pricey at £39 for the shorts and £42 for the shirt to tempt me back, so this is one I am keeping a close eye on in the sale, buts that’s purely because I already own an alarming amount of summer clothes. I also think this would look particularly great on Dave as the florals are subtle enough to feel wearable if you are a little more understated. This is very much a watch this space piece.

Next is the Lacoste Tennis Motif Jacquard Knit Tank Top, which I spotted in Vancouver and absolutely loved. If I ever manage to get tickets Wimbledon, or better yet get invited (if anyone wants to take me Ha Ha), this is exactly what I would wear with tailored shorts or trousers and a crisp white shirt. I absolutely love it. We all know I am a sucker for a sweater vest or tank top and this feels peak preppy in the best possible way. It is currently reduced, although still £98, so I am very much in the mental gymnastics stage of justifying this purchase.

Primark is having an absolute killer of a season for gym wear and I picked up these two in one shorts with built in cycling shorts for just £10. I have had so many compliments on them and so many people asking where they are from, both at the gym and when walking the dog. They are just a little bit of fun with a cool mottled print without being too loud or too out there. As you know, a lot of my wardrobe is very bright and very bold, but when I am at the gym it is cap on, headphones in and head down. I prefer to blend in rather than stand out, so these feel like the perfect halfway point for me.

As many of you know, I am a huge Converse fan. They are basically my uniform. I wear them constantly, especially high tops because I have long legs and they help balance proportions and stop my shorts from looking questionably short. A couple of years ago Dave bought me the Comme des Garçons Play x Converse High Tops in a Liberty sale and I absolutely loved them, but they have definitely seen better days. So when I spotted them reduced to £42 from £140 at Flannels, they were an immediate add to bag moment. No hesitation. No deliberation. These are not a treat, they are pure maintenance and that is the story I am sticking to. They also have the black pair reduced to £70 and two shades of blue reduced to £42.

Lastly, staying on the subject of shoes, while in Marks & Spencer last week, which seems to have become Dave’s new favourite place to have a mooch around for clothes, I spotted these suede slip on loafers and absolutely loved them. I was instantly drawn to the stone colour, although they also do them in a navy suede which feels a little more muted. That said, I think the stone pair is just perfect for summer. They would look so chic with tailored trousers, shorts or even jeans and feel like one of those endlessly versatile pieces you would reach for again and again.

For Her:

Lastly for this week, it is the ladieswear section. These are pieces I have spotted on friends, seen in store or simply felt compelled to share as a public service announcement.

First up is this embroidered co ord from Primark, which is an absolute bargain. The shorts are £14 and the waistcoat is £16, making the full co ord just £30. I love this for so many reasons. Firstly, the blue and white colour palette, which as we know is one of my all-time favourites. Then there is the embroidery, the fact it is a co ord and of course the scalloped edge on the waistcoat, which just adds that extra bit of charm. A friend of mine bought this and it looked absolutely beautiful on her. What I also love is how versatile it is. This is not just a wear once together situation. You could style the waistcoat with wide leg trouser or blue denim, wear the shorts with a simple T-shirt or vest top, or even wear the waistcoat open with a contrasting top underneath. An absolute bargain of a find and one that looks far more expensive than it is.

Back on my gingham love train is this Marks & Spencer Button Through Jacket. It is such a great summer layering piece. Super lightweight, beautifully soft in colour and with a lovely oversized collar that feels almost a little bit 1960s inspired, which I really love. I could see this looking so chic with jeans or even over a brown wide leg trouser for those slightly colder evenings or windy days when summer forgets to summer. This also feels like one of those pieces that would really come into its own in spring too, so you are getting plenty of wear for your money.

And finally for this week, I simply could not let the ladies miss out on the absolute bargain that is the reduced Comme des Garçons Play x Converse at Flannels. The women’s sizes are also reduced from £140 to £42, outrageous You lucky ladies also have the black pair reduced to £42 and the pink pair at £43. And if you happen to be a size 3, you can pick up the sky blue pair for £28 and the lime green for just £14, which is an absolutely bloody ridiculous bargain for Converse.

Links:

Primark Embroidered Co Ord Short £14.00 - Click Here
Primark Embroidered Co Ord Waistcoat £16.00 - Click Here
M&S Gingham Button Through Jacket £38.00 - Click Here
Comme Des Garcons Converse £42.00 - Click Here

And that is everything for this week’s Love List. Quite the mixed bag this week really. We had homeware, beauty, travel essentials, menswear, ladieswear and a frankly concerning amount of me trying to justify purchases as “maintenance”.

As always, I would love to know your favourites, what you have already bought, what you are currently being influenced into purchasing or what you think I absolutely need to add to my radar. Misery loves company, so if I am spending, I would quite like to know you are too.

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Jack's Love List #77: In The Lines of Duty

Jack D March — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 06:03:02 GMT

Hello everyone, I survived the hot weather. Just about.

Admittedly, I’m not entirely sure this is my finest roundup, given I’ve been pulling this together while working in an office that hit 36 degrees with no air conditioning. If that sounds like an excuse, it probably is, but I’m sticking to it. Trying to type, edit pictures and source products simultaneously while slowly melting into your desk is not for the faint-hearted. So, this week I’ve gone for one of my favourite subjects and, frankly, one that always sparks joy for me… stripes.

I’ve put together a little roundup of all things stripey, both for the home and for you, so let’s dive in before the sun decides to come back out and we all collectively start melting again.

Tableware Tracklines:

As we know, I have a huge love of stripes, especially in the home, so that is exactly where we’re starting. I’ve rounded up some of my favourite stripey finds from my recent scrolling and shopping travels to give your table a striped moment.

We’re going to start with Anthropologie and their Madeleine Scalloped Embroidered Runner. I actually spotted this Madeleine collection last week and instantly thought it would be perfect for a striped edition of The Love List. The runner is currently reduced to £28 and is such a beautiful piece. I absolutely love this shade of blue. It feels so summery, so joyful and fresh. They call it ocean blue, and that really is the perfect description. It has that deep, rich sea-like tone that feels both elegant and playful. I particularly appreciate the scalloped edge detailing with the two runs of embroidery in matching thread. It feels so considered and luxurious. They also have the matching Madeleine Fabric Placemat, which is currently reduced to just £8. Both pieces have such a gorgeous vintage quality to them, almost like something you might uncover in a wonderfully chic French brocante.

We then head over to George at Asda where I spotted the Striped Highball Glasses. George at Asda is absolutely killing it at the moment with their homeware collection. This set of four highball glasses is currently on offer for £11.90 and I think they are such a great buy. I love that pistachio green stripe. It feels fresh, fun and just a little bit retro. They also feel far more artisan than their price tag suggests. Even at full price, they work out at around £3.50 a glass, which feels brilliant value for something this stylish. They also do the same design in wine glasses and in a gorgeous cobalt blue stripe too, which equally caught my eye.

Another firm favourite brand of mine is Spode. As we know, I’m a huge collector of their Blue Italian print and have built up quite the collection over the years. But they also do this fabulous Steccato narrow stripe design, which keeps that iconic blue and white colour palette but gives it a fresher, more graphic feel. I actually have a couple of pieces from this collection that they very kindly sent as a wedding present, and I can confirm they mix beautifully with Blue Italian for a more modern twist on a classic. If you like that layered, collected table look, this pairing works so well. They currently have a 12-piece set reduced on their website to £193.20.

And finally, for a full-colour stripe moment, Dunelm and this Set of 4 Multicoloured Striped Napkins currently £8.40 and are just pure joy. They come complete with a little frilled edge and, as we all know, I’m always thrilled by a frill. There’s something about the combination of bright summery colours and that sweet frill detail that feels so fun and cheerful. They also do a matching tablecloth, which is absolutely beautiful if you love a good matchy-matchy moment. Perfect for summer entertaining, garden lunches or simply making an ordinary Tuesday tea feel a little more fabulous.

Linear Lamps:

Let’s take a little moment to talk lamps because, as you may already be aware, I am not a huge fan of having the big light on. But then… who is? I’m very much a lamp light person. Nothing kills a cosy atmosphere faster than harsh overhead lighting. Plus, a table lamp is such an easy way to inject personality, warmth and a real statement into your home, especially when that statement happens to involve a stripe.

This has to be the bargain of the week. At just £4.99, this Yellow Striped Table Lamp from Wilko feels almost unbelievable in price. I genuinely cannot get over how affordable this is. I absolutely love the print on it and particularly the tone of the yellow. It’s warm and uplifting without feeling too bright or garish. It looks far more expensive than it actually is and gives me very strong Heal’s design lamp energy. I think these would look gorgeous styled on each end of a console table in a hallway with a stack of books and a little bowl for keys, or even on a side table to bring a pop of colour into a more neutral room. At that price point, it would also be fantastic for a teenager’s bedroom, a student flat or even a holiday let where you want to inject personality and style without spending a fortune.

Next up is the gorgeous Penelope Ribbon Striped Lamp by Dunelm. There is so much I love about this lamp. Firstly, the colour palette. That deep, rich burgundy is a shade I am completely obsessed with at the moment. It feels warm, expensive and just a little bit moody in the best possible way. I also love the texture that the stripe created across the base, which gives it real depth and interest. Then there’s the shade, which is just beautiful. It almost has a shell-like, architectural quality to it, and that shape is enhanced even further by those long vertical stripes. The whole thing feels incredibly considered and elevated. At £55, yes, it’s more of an investment piece than some of the others in this round up, but I still think it’s a very good buy for something this beautiful and statement as this.

Now onto the John Lewis Burano Lamps, which come in a fantastic range of colours. I particularly love this indigo version with the white stripe, which complements the gold fixings perfectly. The indigo feels slightly softer than the black option while still giving that lovely bold contrast. My mum and dad actually have these in the burgundy colourway, which is sadly currently sold out, and having used them at their house I can genuinely vouch for the quality. They feel incredibly well made and bring such fun to a space. They also come in pistachio, orange, Myrtle, which is more of a sage green, and Plaster, which I’d describe as a soft terracotta. They’re one of those lamps that instantly make a room feel more styled and intentional.

And lastly for lamps, I have mentioned these numerous times on Instagram because I genuinely love them. The George Battery Powered Striped Lamp which I bought in the green and white colourway last year, and it has been such a brilliant purchase. They’ve brought them back again this year and they’re currently reduced to just £10.20. This time they’ve also introduced a red and pink striped version, which is equally fun and very me. These are battery powered rather than rechargeable, which I actually think is a huge plus. They’re perfect for tables, especially for alfresco dining in the garden, because if you’re halfway through a dinner party and one runs out, there’s no need to take it away to recharge. You simply pop in some fresh batteries and carry on. I’ve used mine outdoors and indoors and they work beautifully in both settings. Practical, stylish and joyful, which is exactly what I want from a lamp.

Outdoor Lines:

Now, it would seem rather remiss of me not to give us a little striped energy for the garden as well, considering that’s where most of us have been spending our time this week, whether enjoying the sunshine or trying to escape the hotbox that has become our house.

I absolutely love this Argos Striped Sun Lounger. It feels so vintage and iconic to me. My grandma had two of these when I was growing up, and I vividly remember my brother and me being completely mesmerised whenever they were folded out, only to immediately be told to sit on them carefully otherwise we’d end up folded back up inside them. Thankfully, they’ve come a long way since then, and this striped option is a real winner at £35. I love the classic stripe, which feels wonderfully nostalgic but still fresh and stylish. They’re also so lightweight and affordable, making them brilliant if you’re planning a little UK beach break this year and want something easy to throw in the car. Equally, if you have a smaller courtyard, terrace or balcony and need something that can be folded away when not in use, these are a fantastic space-saving option.

If you’re after something a little more permanent and sociable, then the QVC Striped Garden Sofa is an absolute bargain at the moment, currently reduced to £169.95. As we all know, garden furniture can be one of those purchases that suddenly becomes alarmingly expensive, so I always get excited when I spot a genuinely good deal. QVC actually have some brilliant garden offers on at the moment, and this one really caught my eye. It’s from their Garden Stories Studio 70 collection and comes in this gorgeous terracotta and pink stripe, which feels warm and playful, as well as an olive green striped option if you prefer something a little more classic and understated. Both feel very chic and very holiday home coded.

Finally, because every garden or outdoor space needs a little side table to rest your refreshing gin and tonic on, other drinks are of course available, George have this Green and White Striped Resin Side Table which is a great find and is currently on offer at £29.75. I think this is such a clever buy because the resin construction makes it incredibly practical. It won’t fade in strong sun, crack like ceramic or swell and split like wood can if left outside. Practicality aside, it also injects so much fun into a space. I love that punchy green and white stripe. It instantly makes everything feel more playful and styled, even if all it’s holding is a drink and a half-melted bowl of olives.

For Her:

Now onto the little bit of womenswear fashion that I’ve spotted on my travel, or should that be striped on my travels?

Firstly is this gorgeous co-ord from Oliver Bonas. Now, as we all know, I am a huge fan of a co-ord and I always sell it to myself using the same logic. You’re essentially getting three outfits in one because you can wear the pieces together or separately. I believe that is what theys call girl math, or perhaps in my case, gay maths. Either way, it makes complete sense to me. I’m actually very tempted by this one myself, largely because of that really cute cropped jacket-style waistcoat. It’s green, which you know I love, and I feel this week has been very heavy on the green and white stripe. It is really having a moment this summer. This is slightly more of an investment piece at £58 for the waistcoat and £60 for the shorts, but I genuinely think this is one of those sets you would pull out year after year, especially that top.

Another gorgeous stripe moment is this beautiful beach dress from Marks & Spencer. It’s pure cotton and comes in this lovely sky blue and arsenic green combination, which feels both fresh and chic. This is one of those brilliantly versatile pieces that could be dressed up for a summer evening meal or drinks with a sandal and jewellery, or dressed right down thrown over swimwear with flip-flops around the pool on holiday. We love an item that works hard.

Lastly for womenswear is this little spot from a brand I hadn’t actually come across before called Parfois, who have this brilliant striped and rattan tote bag. I love the blue and green colour combination with that little white ticking stripe breaking it up. The bamboo handle, for me, is an absolute triumph because as we know I love bamboo. It makes the bag feel so elevated and expensive. What I love even more is the price point. It’s already a great buy at £29.99, but for an extra £5 they’ll personalise it by embroidering your initials onto the front, which I think is such a lovely touch. And if you’re not as stripe-obsessed as I am, they also do it in a neutral linen-look version which can also be personalised.

For Him:

And last, but certainly not least, a couple of menswear pieces that have caught my eye.

As I mentioned in the ladies’ section, a co-ord is always a great buy and this Reiss x Ché Studios collaboration is one I’ve had my eye on for a while. They also did it in green with a shorts option, which I equally loved. But the blue shirt and trouser combination is currently reduced quite heavily, meaning you can get the full co-ord for £100, which I genuinely cannot emphasise enough is a bargain for Reiss quality with Ché styling. It feels expensive, effortless and very Riviera.

Next is this striped baseball cap from Marks & Spencer, which comes in both a denim stripe and a neutral stripe, both at just £16. Another great buy. I’m really into caps at the moment. I used to have a bit of a complex about them because I felt they made my ears stick out, but they have become an absolute lifesaver when heading to the gym at 6am and not wanting to do my hair pre-workout only to ruin it five minutes later. These feel like caps that actually elevate an outfit though, rather than reading purely as gym wear.

My final selection for this week’s stripe roundup is the Zara Relaxed Pinstripe Trousers, which have gone into the sale at £27.99 and are currently making their way to me on a very exciting 2-3 working day delivery schedule. I actually tried these on at full price while in the South of France the other week, but was painfully short on luggage allowance, so the fact they’re now in the sale and still available feels like fate. They’re such a great fit and exactly the sort of trousers that work brilliantly for work but can also be dressed down with a knitted shirt or vest for that relaxed holiday vibe.

Links:

Reiss x Ché Poplin Stripe Shirt £42.00 - Click Here
Reiss x Ché Poplin Stripe Trouser £58.00 - Click Here
M&S Pure Cotton Striped Textured Baseball Cap £16.00 - Click Here
Zara Relaxed Pinstripe Trousers £27.49 - Click Here

That is it for this week’s Love List and I think it’s fair to say we’ve really earned our stripes. From tablescapes to sun loungers, lamps to linen trousers, this week has been one long love letter to the humble stripe and frankly, they have not disappointed.

As always, I’d love to know your favourites, so do leave a comment below and let me know what made it into your basket, or what you’re showing extreme restraint over. If you enjoyed this week’s roundup, please do give it a like and share it with a friend who appreciates a good stripe, a good bargain or ideally both.

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Jack's Love List #76: A little £20 Treat to yourself

Jack D March — Sat, 20 Jun 2026 05:59:53 GMT

If, like me, you are thoroughly bored of the weather and counting down the days until payday, especially after a week in the South of France, then I feel your pain. I appreciate that last part might be a little niche… or should I say Nice? (I’ll see myself out.)

After what feels like the longest, rainiest “summer” fortnight imaginable, I thought we all deserved a little pick-me-up. So this week I’ve rounded up 20 items, all under £20, from some of my favourite retailers, to help you indulge in a small guilt-free treat. Something to deliver that all-important dopamine hit and help beat those summer weather or post-holiday blues. Lets Dive IN!

Oliver Bonas:

First up is Oliver Bonas, which, as you know, is one of my favourite retailers for all things whimsical, both for home and fashion.

We start with fashion and these blue and white beauties. Shirley Patterned Heart Drop Earrings are £18 and are an instant favourite for me. We all know I’m a huge blue fan, and these have such a gorgeous Delft quality to them. The shade of blue is perfection in my opinion, and it is complemented so beautifully by the gold-tone metal. They make such a statement and would look fabulous on holiday with a little white linen dress or equally with jeans and a summer top.

Next is another fashion item and these very cute Lobster Ankle Socks for £8. Keep an eye out because there are a couple of sea creatures this week. They really are having a moment. These would look so cute with high tops, just with the little lobster peeking out over the top, or with trainers and denim cut-offs for that effortless crustacean cool.

I actually bought the Red Cat on a Boat Cotton Square Scarf for £20 the other week because I loved the colour palette so much. My original plan was to frame it as artwork in a bedroom makeover I’ve just finished at home, but unfortunately it was slightly too small for the wall I had in mind. However, I loved it so much, with that whimsical print and colour palette, that I’ve kept it to wear as a neckerchief instead.

Lastly from Oliver Bonas is this gorgeous Gold Plant Mister, currently reduced to £12.50. I’m not sure whether I’ve mentioned this before, but as we all know I’m a huge fan of that painted bargeware aesthetic. I think £12.50 is a bargain for something this beautiful. It’s also incredibly practical this time of year, especially for plants like hydrangeas which need a lot of moisture and can wilt quickly in heat and humidity. Plus, it looks fabulous styled on a shelf.

Emma Bridgewater:

Next stop is Emma Bridgewater, another of my go-to home brands. I always seem to have one of their mugs in my hand, whether I’m at home or at work, and they currently have a summer sale on.

First is one of their iconic half pint mugs. King’s Guard Half Pint Mug is currently reduced to £13. This print is new for this year and is such fun while also feeling quintessentially British. I’ve actually been tipped off that further reductions may be coming between me writing this and Saturday, so I predict this could drop to around £10.40 by the weekend.

Emma Bridgewater also did a brilliant collaboration with Chilly’s a couple of years ago, combining their insulated bottles with iconic Bridgewater prints. The Bumblebee Chilly’s Bottle is currently reduced from £30 to £15. I have one of their standard bottles which I use for the gym and I’ve been really impressed. They’re very leakproof, keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot for up to 12 hours. I’ve even used mine in winter as a flask on the way to work.

And for my fellow gingham and plate wall fans, I spotted this lovely Prize Winning Gingham 6½ Inch Plate for £12.60. This would make such a lovely addition to a kitchen plate wall. I actually have the matching mug that says ‘Blooming Good Tea’ on it, and its one of my favourites. They released this design a few years ago and have brought it back, so don’t sleep on this one as I suspect it will sell out quickly.

Anthropologie:

On to Anthropologie, who have made themselves a high street hero over the last decade for quirky homeware and fashion.

We know I love a plate, as demonstrated above, but I’m also a huge fan of melamine tableware in summer. Whether you have a penchant picnics or hosting little visitors, it removes all worries about breakages. Plus, these days you can get such gorgeous designs that you no longer have to settle for boring plain ones. Anthropologie Annette Floral Melamine Plates are currently reduced to £5 for the dessert plate and £7 for the dinner plate. I love the stripe detailing on the rim of the dessert plate and the chinoiserie-inspired florals across both. Such happy summery pieces and perfect for alfresco dining.

No true roundup would be complete without a napkin because we all know I have an unhealthy obsession with them. These Bistro Tile Napkins Set of 2 are £18 and come in the Italia collection. I personally love the muted yet punchy yellow paired with embroidered sardines and the tile-inspired embroidered edging. They also do a yellow stripe and tomato-themed option, which is equally fun.

Something a little different and perfect for styling a coffee table is the Strike It Up Metal Matchbox Sleeve for £18. You simply slide a box of matches inside. Reviews do mention it can be tricky finding a box that fits, so my advice would be to buy the sleeve, take it to a hardware shop or supermarket, and find a matchbox that works. You can even buy stick-on strikers for when the original wears out. Hay presto. Such a fun conversation-starting piece.

T K Maxx:

I know many of us love nothing more than the excitement and unexpected treasures you find in T K Maxx and Homesense, and the online store gives exactly that same feeling.

I spotted this Seagrass Urn Vase for just £7.99, which feels like an absolute bargain because it has Mrs Alice inspiration written all over it. On that site this would easily be four or five times the price. It stands at 25.5cm high and 20cm wide, making it a brilliant centrepiece. I think this would look gorgeous on a console table or in a bay window.

Sticking with planters, I saw these in store at the weekend and absolutely loved them. Octagonal Planters range from £9.99 to £16.99 depending on size. If they had been blue and white, I’d have snapped them up immediately. I love the antique quality to them and particularly the octagonal shape, which adds to that heritage feel.

And because we’re all obsessed with rechargeable table lamps at the moment, I had to include this Rechargeable Paisley Table Lamp for £19.99. These are brilliant in summer because you can take them outdoors and instantly create that chic bistro holiday restaurant vibe in your own garden. I love the paisley shade. I’m not wild about the gem detail on the base, but at this price I’d still buy it and simply remove that detail if it bothered me.

H&M:

We know I’m loving H&M Home at the moment. Honestly, they can do no wrong with their homeware at the moment in my eyes.

First is this Straw Placemats Pack of 4 for £14.99. I know placemats aren’t the most thrilling treat-yourself purchase, but I had to include these because the value is so good. I’ve seen similar styles in other retailers such at Matalan, Dunelm, and Primark for £4 to £5 each, so £14.99 for four feels an excellent price point.

We’ve had my napkin obsession, so now we simply have to move onto my tablecloth and table runner obsession, and it is this fun Linen Blend Table Runner with Embroidered Crabs. I seem to have unknowingly picked quite a lot of sea-themed pieces this week, which perhaps is a little subconscious influence from being away last week. But for me, I absolutely love the colour combination here. The crisp white linen paired with that punchy red crab embroidery and stitching feels so fresh, so fun and effortlessly chic if I’m honest. There’s something about it that feels playful without looking novelty, which is quite hard to achieve.

And what would accompany that table runner perfectly? This gorgeous Seashell Shaped Serving Bowl. They do this in a couple of different sizes, but this large one comes in at £19.99 and is my personal favourite. Again, I just think this is such a fun piece. It’s not necessarily something you would see every day or even think to go out and buy, but if you want to treat yourself to something you can pull out of the cupboard and instantly get a little burst of joy from, this is exactly that sort of item. Whether you use it as a mint bowl after dinner, load it up with ice and prawsn (or oysters if you’re fancy) for a summer gathering, or simply fill it with fruit on your kitchen island, it has such presence and instant charm. I can’t quite put my finger on exactly what it is about this piece, but I’m just instantly drawn to it.

The Lucky Dip:

And now onto the lucky dip. These are pieces from various retailers that I’ve spotted and felt absolutely deserved a mention because they all sparked instant joy and, importantly, are still all under £20.

I told you there would be more lobsters. Matalan Lobster Beaded Leather Sandals, these gorgeous white leather sandals with a beaded lobster motif across the front. And yes, real leather. At just £18, I think that is an absolute steal for genuine leather and that level of beaded detail. These would be so fun around the pool or styled with a little summer dress on holiday. They also do a leopard print version for the same price, but if I’m honest the leopard felt just slightly off for me. I’m all about the lobster.

This Urban Outfitters Blah Blah Blah Cross Stitch Cushion is another piece that instantly caught my eye. Urban Outfitters is one of those retailers people often associate purely with fashion, but they actually have such a brilliant interiors selection that always feels a little quirky and a little fun. I have a gorgeous cushion in my lounge that is hand-looped and embroidered with the words ‘High Maintenance’ on it, and I constantly get messages asking where it’s from because people love it so much. This cushion gave me that same sort of energy. And here comes my tip of the week for you. If you buy a cheaper cushion but love the embroidery, print or fabric, swap the polyester inner for a feather one. It instantly makes even inexpensive cushions feel far more luxurious.

I know that cheeky little table runner lover in you is going to appreciate this one. This Argos Home Floral Stripe Table Runner is currently reduced to £9.75 and is the sort of piece that would work beautifully both indoors and outdoors this summer. I particularly love this because I am such a sucker for these types of flowers. Foxgloves, hollyhocks, hellebores, lupins… all of those tall, elegant cottage-garden blooms. That is exactly the sort of floral they’ve chosen to adorn this with. It also has the added bonus of a stripe, which we know I love, and that sweet little ruffle hem at each end just finishes it off perfectly.

And my final item from this week is another little beauty for your coffee table. I firmly believe a coffee table should be a stage. It should be a beautifully styled space with layers and interesting pieces that spark conversation. This Chequered Trinket Tray from Habitat would be the perfect addition. Whether it’s where you keep your remotes or somewhere to style that Anthropologie metal matchbox, it has such warmth and presence for a relatively small piece and looks far more expensive than its £12 price tag. They also do a matching trinket box for just £7. I’m a huge fan of a trinket box because they’re brilliant for styling. They add levels and height, but they’re also incredibly practical. Perfect for stashing keys on a console table or even hiding away your candle scissors.

Links:

Matalan White Real Leather Lobster Beaded Mule Sandals £18.00 - Click Here
Urban Outfitters Blah Blah Blah Cross-Stitch Cushion £18.00 - Click Here
Argos Home Floral Stripe Table Runner £9.75 - Click Here
Habitat Checkered Trinket Tray £12.00 - Click Here

That’s it for this week’s Love List and I think we’ve covered quite the spectrum… lobsters, crabs, sardines, shells and a King’s Guard mug. Essentially coastal Britain meets the French Riviera via the high street.

As always, let me know your favourites in the comments. I genuinely love seeing what catches your eye. If you enjoyed this week’s roundup, please give this post a like, leave a comment or send it to a friend who loves a good bargain and a little treat. It really helps support The Love List.

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Jack's Love List #74: It's Giving Riviera

Jack D March — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 06:00:48 GMT

Hello from the South of France. I have been here for a week living it up for one of my best friend’s Hen Do, and it has given me no end of inspiration. The South of France is one of my favourite places. It’s just so effortlessly chic and cool, so how could we incorporate a little bit of that into our everyday life? Well don’t worry because I’ve got you covered with a few items that I have found that give that Riviera realness, whether it’s for the home or the wardrobe. Some of these items are inspired, and some of the items are what I have worn and seen other people in this week, so let’s dive in.

La Maison et le Jardin:

We’re going to start with interiors, which is always my passion you know, and the interiors over here just conjure up the dreamiest little Jane Birkin-esque cosy café, striped beach club and chic villa vibes.

First up it had to be a striped parasol. They are scattered along the coastline at numerous different beach clubs and in lots of different colours. Habitat’s Sky Blue Stripe Garden Parasol is an absolute bargain at £30. It’s a very generous size at 1.6m in diameter and very on trend in this sky blue and off-white stripe. The French inspiration is packed in even further with that cotton fringe and gentle scallop to the circumference of the parasol (this really tested my maths skills here, remembering which was diameter and which was circumference, it’s been a long time since I was at school). It’s also worth noting that they do this parasol in green and white and yellow and white too, I’m currently obsessed with a yellow and white stripe.

Often known for their fish designs, wall plates and whimsical sardine-inspired pieces, fish are a huge interior inspiration on both the French and Italian Riviera. La Redoute’s Fiska Ceramic Fish Shaped Vase instantly caught my eye. Like the parasol above this comes in different options. I particularly loved this red and white stripe with the burgundy brown detailing which sits at a very generous 31cm in height. They also have a purple and white stripe option in the same height as well as a shorter 24cm version in a navy and white stripe. A mix of a shorter and taller one together would look fabulous styled as a pair. I always love layering and playing with different heights when styling shelves and tables.

I could not do a French Riviera roundup without incorporating a little gingham as a nod to the wonderful little bistros and cafés scattered around France. ProCook’s Gingham Napkins are the perfect cherry/ coral red colour in my opinion and I love the exaggerated larger scale of the print. They have these as a set of four for £14 which is a bargain at £3.50 per napkin in my opinion. They would look so chic styled with white crockery, candles and a bottle of rosé on a summer table.

Keeping up with tableware, woven ceramic basket bowls also have such great Riviera inspiration to them. I found a couple of fabulous options with this. I particularly love Matalan’s Red Woven Ceramic Bowl which is a very generous size. For me, it’s the aesthetic of those little loops that create a scalloped rim around the edge of the bowl. It’s just so pleasing on the eye and feels very playful and Mediterranean.

La Redoute’s Olios Ceramic Openwork Basket is probably a little more traditional in style with the plaited detailing around the rim and a lot more versatile too thanks to the neutral white finish. It’s also currently reduced to £19.99 in the sale which I think is a fantastic price for something that looks so elevated and timeless.

From the table to the chairs, bistro chairs have always been something I absolutely adore. I used to have some vintage French ones in my yard years ago and genuinely couldn’t bear to part with them, so my friend actually has them stored away. Debenhams’ Costway Bistro Chairs Set of Two are currently reduced to £99.95 which is a bloody bargain in my opinion. They are just so cute and fun, and the beauty of buying them as a pair is that you can either create a lovely little statement seating area for two with a small table, or split them either side of a long trestle table set for 20 guests. Very chic, very Riviera.

Another thing I saw reduced on Debenhams and genuinely could not believe my eyes was The Tectake Fold Away Bench Chair. When I say I actually said “oh my God” out loud, you probably wouldn’t believe me, but I have seen incredibly similar versions at Chelsea Flower Show, Hampton Court Flower Show and Goodwood Revival for literally thousands of pounds. This one is reduced to £292.99 and comes in different colours, but personally I love this teak and white look with the burgundy and cream stripe. They are just so whimsical, playful and charming. Maybe not fully Riviera vibes, but definitely Victorian seaside at its absolute best. If I had room in my tiny courtyard I genuinely wouldn’t have hesitated clicking the button because this is an absolute bloody steal. It folds away with a little cover which you can see tucked into the top corner, and I just love all the details, the fold-out lounger section, the little trays, the tilting back, the awnings. This might genuinely be one of my favourite pieces I have ever featured on a Love List.

Not really sure how I can follow that last one, but I can show you these gorgeous H&M Home Striped Bolster Cushions. I love a bolster cushion and they’re not something you can buy very often anymore, so when I spotted these, which are actually outdoor cushions too, I was very excited because I’m hoping this means there’s going to be a full revival of the bolster cushion. They are a little bit pricey for H&M at £24.99 each, but these would look gorgeous at either end of a garden bench to soften the look slightly. Plus they are yellow and white stripe which, as we know, I am absolutely obsessed with at the moment so that’s an even bigger win.

Pour Mademoiselle et Madame:

Fashion on the Riviera is a lot more laid-back and casual than strutting about Paris, and I found some items that would work super well in any wardrobe for a summer holiday or just a sunny day meeting friends for lunch.

One of the girls on the trip actually had this on when we went into Nice the other day and this New Look’s Midi Sundress got so many compliments. They do it in two colours, a soft lemon yellow and white stripe with a subtle smaller blue ticking stripe running through it, and a stronger blue and white stripe with a bold red ticking stripe. This is the sort of dress that you could easily dress up for the races too with white accessories and a rattan clutch bag. For me it’s got great structure with the puff sleeves, the dropped waist and that ruched shirred bodice. It just feels very effortless and expensive looking without actually being expensive.

Broderie anglaise is hugely popular for adding that elevated considered detail to a light linen item for summer, and H&M’s Sailor Collar Broderie Anglaise Top is such a beautiful example of that. Very simple, very chic, with the tied front and exaggerated collar detail featuring the soft embroidery. This works super well with jeans but could also be dressed up with a maxi or midi skirt for evening drinks somewhere sunny overlooking the sea pretending you’re Nancy Meyers.

I mean we couldn’t not have a nod to gingham could we? We had the napkins, so we might as well have the clothing too. I wore a blue and white gingham wide leg trouser and matching shirt moment to our boat trip on Monday, I actually picked mine up from Vinted for my cruise last month. So when I spotted my good friend in this Amazon Gingham Two Piece Co-Ord which is an absolute bargain, I just knew I had to feature it. It comes in so many different colour options too, and as always with co-ords it’s a great investment because you can always wear the top with jeans or a neutral linen trouser, or alternatively wear the patterned trouser with a little vest top or over the top of a swimsuit around the pool. This is an absolute bargain at £27.99.

The bag of the moment seems to be the Loewe leather and palm leaf tote which they do in two sizes, the small which is featured here at £395 and is actually sold out on their official website, although MyTheresa still seem to have stock. This comes in both tan leather and white leather. My friend actually hired the white leather version from By Rotation because she couldn’t get hold of one anywhere to buy. This really feels like the bag taking over from the classic Louis Vuitton Neverfull this summer. The larger size is actually surprisingly good value given the increase in scale at £495 and it just screams rich Riviera energy.

But don’t worry because I have found you a cheeky little lookalike. TU Clothing’s Straw and Tan Look Shopper is an absolute bargain at £24. It even comes with a little drawstring bag inside for extra security. Honestly from a distance this really gives the same aesthetic without the eye-watering price tag, and I love finding pieces like this that look far more expensive than they are.

Pour Monsieur:

And finally we’ll have a look at menswear. These are little pops of French fashion but more realistic, wearable and just amazing for any holiday situation.

These very aptly named Primark Deckchair Swim Shorts are, let’s face it, an absolute steal. £9 for a pair of swim shorts is just perfect for a seasonal item. This forest green and white stripe is the most Riviera in my opinion, however I did really like the red and white option until Dave reminded me I already own a pair. If you or your partner are more of a neutral lover they also do them in a very dark navy and white too. They just feel very vintage beach club in the best possible way.

Sticking with the stripe and green and white theme is Marks & Spencer’s Pure Cotton Striped Knitted Polo Shirt at £30. Again they do this in a couple of different colours. They do the green, they do an ecru which for me is giving Mykonos vibes, and then a slightly more wintry navy and brown option too. What I really like about this is that it’s got a great cut with the simple V-neck structure instead of traditional buttons. The knitted fabric gives it softness and makes it ideal for layering on cooler evenings without having to go full jumper.

Linen shirts are always a huge must for me when I go away, I’m a massive linen fan, and Charles Tyrwhitt’s Pure Linen Shirts are such a great option. They’re currently on offer at £29.95, but what I really love about these is not only the huge range of colours, I’m particularly obsessed with this ocean blue which I featured here, but they also come in different fits. Most of them are available in classic fit, slim fit and extra slim fit because linen can sometimes feel a little bit baggy and oversized. If you are dressing for something slightly smarter like a summer wedding, the slim or extra slim fit options just elevate the whole linen look slightly.

And lastly, I actually found these last week when I was hunting for some brown loafers for my vineyard outfit. TU Clothing’s Brown Suede Loafers are £32. Yes, you heard that right, genuine suede for £32 which in this day and age and the cost of living crisis is an absolute bargain. I also love the more modern chunky white sole detail. A great buy for both abroad and at home and one of those pairs of shoes you’ll end up reaching for constantly throughout summer.

Links:

Primark Deck Chair Swim Shorts £9.00 - Click Here
M&S Pure Cotton Striped Knitted Polo Shirt £30.00 - Click Here
Charles Tyrwhitt Pure Linen Shirt on offer £29.95 - Click Here
TU Tan Suede Slip On Loafers £32.00 - Click Here

Right, I’m off to attempt another peaceful hour on my sunlounger before the rest of the villa wakes up and the chaos of a full blown pool party begins. If you need me, I’ll be somewhere between a striped parasol, an oversized rosé and pretending I absolutely don’t need an afternoon nap.

As always thank you so much for reading, subscribing and supporting my little corner of the internet. I genuinely love putting these Love Lists together and hearing what you all end up ordering, styling and obsessing over as much as me, so let me know.

See you next week for another round of oversharing, interiors and things none of us probably need… but absolutely deserve.

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Jack's Love List #73: Sizzling Summer Sale Finds

Jack D March — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 06:02:32 GMT

Bonjour! I come live to you from the airport lounge as I head off on my friend’s hen do to the South of France. I’ve had an absolutely manic week this week, so I’ve done a super quick round-up of some sizzling sale finds for you. But don’t worry, I’ll be back next week with a full bumper Love List once I’ve consumed my body weight in rosé and striped beach club inspiration, so let’s dive in.

La Redoute:

First up, let’s talk about La Redoute, because with them having a French name and me about to jet off to France, it just seems fitting. Plus, they always have great sale items and some genuinely brilliant reductions if you have a little browse.

First up is La Redoute’s Angy Bedside Table which comes in this gorgeous dark khaki green. It’s currently reduced to £47.49 from £94.99. This is such a timeless and classic design, but I love the twist on it with the use of that dark khaki tone which makes it feel far more current and playful. I particularly love the tapering to the legs and the subtle nod to a bobbin style design without it feeling too overly trend-led.

This gorgeous La Redoute Vandi Printed Tablecloth caught my eye too. It’s produced in washed cotton and comes in a choice of four sizes starting from just £13.99, reduced from £27.99, with all sizes currently having 50% off. What I love about this piece is the vintage influence to it. It reminds me of an old wallpaper that was in my parent’s house when they first bought it over 30 years ago. The design is brought right up to date though with the vivid colours and the hatched striped detailing around the edges.

I love a tray when it comes to styling. They are great for adding levels and texture to a coffee table, dining table centrepiece or even a nicely styled bed. La Redoute’s Tepsi Rattan Tray is also an absolute steal at £12.59. This could be styled on an alfresco table for that Mediterranean influence just as equally as being placed with a simple white jug full of bright blooms and a flickering candle for that cosy cottage aesthetic.

Debenhams:

Over to Debenhams, which I’ve mentioned before is honestly like a treasure trove. They always seem to have a sale on somewhere and if you don’t mind a little rummage there are bargains to be found. You’re just lucky you’ve got me to do the rummaging for you.

First up are these beautiful ValueLights Binky Rechargeable Wall Lights. You get a pair for £84.99 in the sale and that includes these gorgeous floral pleated shades in one of my favourite colour combinations, blue and white. These look so much more expensive than they are, even before the reduction. They are giving full Pooky vibes on a Yorkshire budget, if you know what I mean. They did also do these in a green and white option but unfortunately they’ve sold out. However if you are looking for green and white I’m pretty sure ValueLights are stocked across a few different retailers so you might still be able to track them down, just maybe not at this super bargain price.

Mirrors are one thing I get asked about so often and this Debenhams Antique Gold Mirror is giving full Anthropologie inspiration. It’s a very generous size at 95cm in height and 66cm in width and has the great little scroll detailing at the top to give that antique influence along with the aged brass effect finish. It’s currently reduced to £69.95 which I think is fantastic for the scale. This would look beautiful in a hallway, above a fireplace or even adding a little drama to a bathroom.

Christy Jaipur Throws were so popular across Instagram a few years ago but honestly, I still absolutely love all three of mine. They are such a great size, wash really well and are unbelievably warm in winter. Debenhams currently only have two colours left in stock, this gorgeous jade green and a more punchy mustard tone.

Sticking with soft furnishings, they also have a great collection of outdoor scatter cushions on sale with pairs costing just £8.99. Cushions, just like indoors, are such an easy way to update your space and give garden furniture a completely new lease of life. My favourites have to be the bright orange and pink stripe because they just look so summery. But then again, I am an absolute sucker for a ruffle.

Links:

ValueLights Pair of Rechargeable Wall Lights with Shades was £113.32 now £84.99 - Click Here
Antiqued Gold Wall Mirror 95cm x 66cm Mirror was £108.95 now £69.95 - Click Here
Christy Jade Jaipur was £160.00 now £112.00 - Click Here
Pair of outdoor cushions was £14.99 now £8.99 - Click Here

The sale at Dunelm is currently in full swing and as we know they are a frequent feature on both Love Lists and Splurge or Save.

This Dunelm Elements Wave Border Rug has featured a few times on the blog already because I actually have this rug in my own lounge and it always gets compliments and questions whenever people come round, and online. It’s actually the exact size I have in my home that is currently on sale at £174.50 which is a very good price considering the size is 240cm x 340cm. You genuinely cannot beat a huge rug for impact and making a room feel bigger and more finished.

Another tray I had to feature is Sophie Robinson’s Large Wavy Tray in this beautiful lacquered emerald green which is currently 50% off. I have a similar one in a peachy pink on my coffee table styled with books and a vase and they just instantly make a space feel more layered and styled.

Dunelm also currently have a number of their artificial flowers reduced by 50%. I featured the John Lewis sale flowers the other week and you all loved them, so I thought you might appreciate the heads up on these too. They have such a huge selection in store and I’ve often used them for table projects or making wreaths and garlands.

And lastly from Dunelm is this superb Zoe Coastal Stripe Footstool. It’s a very generous size for the price at 96cm x 96cm and features this lovely blue and corally red ticking stripe fabric with the classic tufted top. This genuinely looks far more expensive than its £139.30 price tag and would work beautifully in a relaxed coastal or country style home.

Miscellaneous Miracle Buys:

The last section is all the little finds I’ve stumbled across from various other retailers, hence the very imaginative title of “miscellaneous miracle buys”, I did say it had been a long week and I am not about to ask Chat GPT to write me witty titles or blogs.

OKA is one of my favourite places to mooch around whenever I go to Harrogate, which is my nearest store, and their sales are always brilliant for genuine reductions. I spotted this pair of OKA Artichoke Candles reduced from £40 to £28. They look like the sort of antiquity you’d discover in a little antique shop in France or see styled beautifully on the cover of World of Interiors magazine.

I love faux bamboo as you probably already know from both these lists and my dining table. Habitat’s Bamboo Effect Mirror has been reduced to an amazing £13.33, which is honestly cheaper than a coffee and a slice of cake these days. I particularly love this petrol blue shade which gives it a lovely vintage charm, but they have also reduced the natural version to the same price too.

And finally, these John Lewis Quilted Star Cushions are giving me full cottagecore energy and I absolutely love them. These would actually compliment the Habitat bamboo mirror beautifully in a cosy bedroom scheme. Maybe even add a Christy Jaipur throw and a wicker tray and you’ve basically created my dream little reading corner.

Links:

Oka Artichoke Candle Holders (Pair) was £40.00 now £28.00 - Click Here
Habitat Faux Bamboo Mirror was £20.00 now £13.33 - Click Here
John Lewis Quilted Star Cushion was £30.00 now £15.00 - Click Here

Right, I’m off to board a plane and inevitably spend the next week surviving entirely on rosé, croissants and pretending I’m effortlessly chic whilst internally panicking Dave isn’t with me to sort any travel logistics.

As always, thank you so much for reading, subscribing, liking and commenting. I genuinely love hearing what pieces you all end up loving, buying or being influenced into ordering at 11pm.

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Next week I’ll be back with a full South of France inspired bumper Love List which will no doubt contain stripes, rattan, sardines and at least one item Dave tells me I absolutely do not need.

P.S. Some links may be affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. It genuinely helps support the Love List and my ongoing addiction to cushions, trays and unnecessarily large lamps, so thank you endlessly if you do use them ❤️

"Sometimes Coming Out Isn't The Hardest Part"

Jack D March — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 16:59:12 GMT

I often think about the little boy I used to be.

The one sitting quietly on the school bus while his bag was thrown down the aisle. The one who laughed things off when people pushed him into lockers or shouted words he didn’t fully understand yet. The one who carried things home in silence because he didn’t have the language to explain what was happening to him, and because, deep down, he didn’t want them to be true.

For a long time I believed that boy was the problem. That he was somehow wrong. That if he could just be a little bit different, a little bit less himself, life might be easier.

With June being Pride Month, I wanted to write something I’ve never really written before. I’ve spoken about my sexuality in passing on Instagram here and there, shared my life, engagement, and wedding, but I’ve never properly sat down and put the journey into words.

This isn’t really the coming out story. That moment, thankfully, was an incredibly positive one for me, and honestly it deserves its own piece.

What I want to talk about instead is something quieter. Something that I think many people experience but don’t always have the words for. That is the slow realisation that the life you always imagined for yourself might not be the one waiting for you.

Because growing up in the 90s in a northern town, albeit York, which is leafy and fairly cosmopolitan, I didn’t know any gay couples. In fact I didn’t even know anyone who was openly gay.

My childhood was wonderfully ordinary.

I was raised by an amazing, loving family. My parents were, and still are, together. I have an older brother. It was a very traditional family unit, the sort that could have come straight out of a squeaky clean television show.

And that it, when you’re a child, the blueprint you build your future on is usually the one you see around you, family, tv, books, there was no social media back then.

You grow up.

You meet a girl.

You get married.

You have children.

You all live happily ever after.

That was the script. And I should say, I know how lucky I was to have that upbringing. For many people it isn’t like that.

Primary school was a breeze for me. I had a lovely group of friends who were girls, and it never really occurred to me that there was anything unusual about that. Of course there were moments where we were divided into boys and girls, residential trips, sports days, classic 90s PE, but none of it felt particularly significant.

Secondary school, however, was a different kettle of fish. I went from a tiny village primary school to a secondary school of well over a thousand pupils. Suddenly you were thrown into a much bigger ecosystem where fitting in mattered, and it quickly became clear that the way I moved through the world didn’t quite line up with everyone else.

I spent most of my time with girls.

I hated PE.

I wasn’t playing PlayStation.

I was far more likely to be riding horses.

In my mind, that was simply my personality.

I was still going to grow up, get married and have children.

But to the people around me, those differences seemed to mean something else entirely. The bullying started slowly and then gathered pace.

“Puff.”

“Bender.”

“Queer.”

“Gay.”

Words thrown around like casual insults. My rucksack being taken and thrown down the bus. Being shoved into lockers. There are two moments will always still sit vividly in my memory.

12 year old Jack after surviving Year 7.

One was while in Year 7 a Year 11 girl grabbing my crotch and saying, “Just checking you actually were a boy.” Which when I think about now, it was sexual assault, but I just carried on with my day, probably hiding in the library.

The other was in Year 10 during a design technology lesson. I’ll name him because I’m fairly certain he knew it was wrong even then, Mr Wood. An apt name for a DT teacher. I can still hear him saying it now.

“Right… we’re going to get the line bender.”

He was referring to the tool used to heat acrylic and bend it into shape.

The room erupted.

“Ooooh don’t get excited, Jack!”

Followed by roaring laughter from the entire class.

I just stood there holding back tears and trying to laugh it off with everyone else, but the strangest part of all of it was this.

In my mind, I was still straight. I still believed I was going to grow up, marry a woman and have children.

So I went through all of this alone.

Because how do you go home and tell your parents you’re being bullied for being gay when you don’t even think you’re gay yourself?

And even if you suspect you might be, the last thing you want is for them to think you are.

So I sat tight. I waited it out until I was sixteen and I could leave.

16 year old Jack ready to start college

College was the first real turning point. Suddenly I was surrounded by people who were more like me, creative, expressive, a little different from the mould. And for the first time I began to question things.

Maybe I’m bisexual.

Because I can’t be gay.

I’m going to get married and have kids.

I experimented as many of us do, and did finally perhaps think I could be gay. And this is where something happens that I think many people in the LGBTQ+ community experience but rarely talk about.

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The grief.

You begin to grieve a life you thought you were going to have.

A life you’ve imagined since childhood without even realising it. The wedding you pictured. The family home. The children that might look a bit like you. The familiar path that everyone around you seems to be walking so effortlessly.

When you grow up only seeing one version of adulthood, that version becomes the default setting in your mind.

So when the realisation slowly creeps in that your story might not follow that script, it can feel like something has been taken from you.

Not by anyone in particular…Just… gone.

And the strange thing about that grief is that it’s invisible. Nobody sees it happening. Nobody sits with you while you process it. There’s no ceremony for the loss of a life you hadn’t even lived yet.

You’re grieving an imagined future.

17 year old Jack, still in years of uncertainty.

For me it was a quiet, internal process that lasted years. Wrestling with the question of whether I could somehow still force myself into the life I had always assumed I’d have. Because if I could somehow stay on that familiar path, the marriage, the children, the normality, then maybe everything else would fall into place.

But deep down you know.

Living a life that isn’t yours will eventually break you.

So little by little, you start letting go of that imagined future.

At nineteen, I finally told my parents, and as I said earlier, they were incredible. But even with that enormous weight lifted, something interesting happened.

People often talk about coming out as becoming their “true self”. And I didn’t. I felt a lift and a release from living a secret, but I didn’t feel myself or confident in the new open life I had. The truth was…

19 year old Jack, 2 months after coming out.

I didn’t know who that was yet.

I had to go and find him.

It felt almost like being reborn at nineteen. As clichéd as that sounds, it’s true. It felt like starting over. I suddenly had to navigate dating, friendships, and a world I had never really allowed myself to be part of before. I was nineteen and had never been in a relationship, never even dated, never experienced so many of the things people around me had already lived through years earlier. Some friendships changed because not everyone understood it, and naturally we drifted apart. In many ways, it felt like I was playing catch-up, trying to figure myself out while everyone else already seemed so far ahead.

I dated. They cheated. I dated again. They cheated again.

And slowly I built walls.

Walls and armour.

Because the truth was, deep down, I was still that kid from school who had learned that being himself wasn’t always safe. I’d been bullied for years simply for being who I naturally was, long before I even understood what that meant myself.

I was still that little boy who wanted to be liked. Wanted to fit in. Wanted people to laugh with me instead of at me. But somehow, just being myself never seemed to be enough. For years I had learnt to shrink myself. To stay quieter. To make myself smaller in the hope it might make me less noticeable, less of a target.

And the hardest part is, bullying doesn’t always end when school does. People talk about bruises healing, but they don’t talk enough about what it does to your sense of self. How it follows you into adulthood. Into friendships, relationships, rooms full of people. How it can make you question your worth for years afterwards. Even now, there are moments where that little boy still shows up in me, still expecting rejection before acceptance, still fearing that being fully myself might cost me something.

So when I finally stepped into spaces where I could be openly gay, there was still a huge part of me that was scared.

Scared that if people saw the real me, the sensitive, slightly awkward, horse-riding, PE-hating version of Jack, they might not like him either. Because underneath it all, I was still hiding. Still trying to edit myself into someone easier to accept. Less “too much”, less different, less me.

So instead, I built a persona.

Someone louder. Funnier. More confident. Someone who could walk into a room and make people laugh before they had the chance to judge him. And whilst parts of that person were genuinely me, parts of him were armour too. A carefully built version of myself designed to protect the little boy underneath who had spent years believing he was difficult to love exactly as he was.

22 year old Jack ‘Life and Soul’

Someone a little louder. A little shinier. Someone who looked like he belonged.

But the danger with building a persona is that eventually you start living inside it.

And that’s how I slowly became two people.

There was Jack, the one my closest friends had always known.

And then there was the version of me who walked into a bar on a Saturday night.

Confident. Untouchable. Slightly exaggerated.

But not entirely real, and if I am honest not always a nice person or someone I really wanted to me.

After spending so many years wanting to be accepted for who I truly was, I had accidentally started hiding him again.

It wasn’t until I was twenty three and stepped away from what was then a very small gay scene in York and Leeds that things began to shift.

A year later I met Dave.

We started dating.

And eleven years later, we’re married.

Because the funny thing is, even as a child when I imagined the life I would one day have, I always knew one thing for certain.

I was going to grow up.

I was going to find someone.

And I was going to get married.

It just turns out that someone was Dave.

But acceptance doesn’t happen overnight.

It took me until I was twenty eight, maybe even thirty, to truly know who I am.

To truly love who I am.

To truly accept who I am.

Because when you spend years as a lost, scared little gay boy, hating parts of yourself, doubting yourself, convincing yourself you’re somehow wrong, that kind of damage doesn’t magically disappear the moment you say the words I’m gay.

Even if the whole world accepts you.

You still have to accept yourself.

And that is the real journey.

Sometimes I think about that little boy sitting on the school bus, and I can still remember it all so vividly.

I can hear my backpack being thrown up and down the aisle while people laughed. I can still feel the panic and humiliation of sitting there pretending it didn’t bother me, hoping that if I stayed quiet enough it might stop.

I can remember the black eye.

I can remember my body hitting against the metal lockers.

And that honestly breaks my heart now, because he was just a child. A sensitive little boy who simply wanted to be liked. To fit in. To feel safe being himself.

And if I could sit next to him now, on that bus, I’d tell him something he could never possibly believe at the time.

I’d tell him that one day he won’t feel ashamed of who he is.

That one day he’ll stop apologising for taking up space.

That one day he’ll meet people who love him not despite who he is, but because of it.

I’d tell him that the things people mocked him for, his softness, his sensitivity, the parts of himself he tried so hard to hid, would quietly become the very things that make him special.

33 year old Jack, surrounded by love, friends and people who saw the real Jack.

I’d tell him that one day he’ll build a life filled with love, laughter, safety and people who truly see him.

And that the life he was once so frightened he’d never have will still find him in the end. Just not in the way he imagined.

Because the truth is, that lost little boy didn’t grow up to be broken.

He grew up to be resilient.
He grew up to be loved.
He grew up to be exactly who he was always meant to be.

And I think, after everything, he’d be pretty proud of that.

33 year old Jack, having his wedding day.

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Jack's Love List #72: Fathers Day Gift Guide

Jack D March — Sat, 30 May 2026 06:03:02 GMT

There are two kinds of dads when it comes to Father’s Day gifts. The first says they “don’t want anything”, whilst simultaneously holding together a 14 year old wallet with pure determination. The second buys themselves exactly what they want three weeks before Father’s Day, leaving the rest of us panic ordering something vaguely ‘THEM’ online at 11pm.

So this week’s Love List is a little Father’s Day gift guide, but not just for dads. It’s for grandads, stepdads, uncles, partners and all those father figures in between. Sometimes it’s the next door neighbour who taught you how to ride a bike, took you fishing, helped fix your first car, or sat through endless ballet recitals. Father figures come in all forms, so this one’s for all of them. Lets dive in.

For The Gardening Dad:

Dads have all sorts of hobbies but, let’s face it, I think when you get to a certain age you naturally develop a deep love for gardening. I’m almost there myself, so this is a very good category to tap into.

Starting with this great personalised planter from independent Welsh company Dust and Things, based in Caerphilly, which I found through Not On The High Street. Technically they market this as a birthday gift, but I think it works perfectly for Father’s Day too. You can personalise both the name and the year, but what I particularly love about this is that it’s multifunctional. Yes it works beautifully as a planter, but equally it would make a brilliant drinks bucket for beers at a summer party, and you know I love anything that serves multiple purposes.

A lovely gardening inspired gift are these beautiful leather trimmed gardening gloves from Sophie Conran’s collaboration with Burgon & Ball. Because honestly, how many times do you visit your dad and he’s covered in scratches and splinters because he’s been “sorting the roses”? So why not remove the scratched hands and minor A&E trips this Father’s Day?

Another great piece I spotted at John Lewis is this Fallen Fruits gardening tool kit, which is currently reduced. What I really love about this is the heritage inspired look, with the copper metalwork and ash wood handles. Inside you get a trowel, fork, hand rake, dibber and, my personal favourite, that vintage looking garden line. This would make such a lovely gift for a beginner gardener or equally somebody whose current tools are slightly mismatched and hanging on for dear life.

And finally, for every shed loving dad, why do they all love their sheds and outbuildings so much? Honestly it’s like a second home. Anyway, this garden tool tidy is actually a really practical gift because it keeps everything neat and in one place, rather than stacked in a corner slowly sliding onto the floor every single time somebody opens the door.

Cups for Classy:

Another absolute Father’s Day classic is a mug isn’t it? But I’m thinking less “Sports Direct bucket mug” and more chic cup with thoughtful energy. Also a little thing I love doing is filling the mug with sweets or chocolates as an extra little gift.

Sticking with the gardening theme, Emma Bridgewater created this rather cute “Dad Loves His Garden” half pint mug. It sold out incredibly quickly but I tracked it down through a lovely independent just outside York called Gifted, although thankfully you can also order online.

Oliver Bonas also currently have a great “Papa” mug offering. I love the colour combination on this one, the vivid sky blue artisan stripe paired with the muted red typography. It’s also a really good price at £12.50. Add some Maltesers inside and Bob’s your uncle, well… dad on this occasion.

These “I’d Rather Be…” mugs have quietly become a bit of a British classic haven’t they? You all know how much I love typography, so I’m a huge fan of these. A friend actually bought me the “Creative Director” one for her wedding, so I love the idea of finding one tailored to your own father figure’s hobbies or personality.

Another iconic classic is the Keith Brymer Jones “Word” collection. You may recognise the name from The Great Pottery Throw Down, where he’s one of the judges, but he’s also an incredibly talented potter in his own right and has been creating these beautiful pieces for years. They’re simple wheel thrown mugs finished in a white glaze with embossed typography picked out using coloured underglaze. Not to get too technical on you all, but ceramics is actually my background, so I genuinely appreciate the craftsmanship behind these. It’s also a brilliant last minute option because they’re available on next day delivery through Amazon, whilst still feeling thoughtful and beautifully made.

Food For Thought:

Food is always a great option because, realistically, who doesn’t love food? I used to make my grandma hampers filled with all her favourite treats every Christmas and I still think edible gifts are some of the most personal.

Last year you all loved this pork pie option from the classic Fortnum & Mason Father’s Day collection, so I thought it absolutely deserved a re-mention this year. It’s not actually available to order until the 18th of June, so maybe set yourself a reminder because the little pastry wording is honestly too cute to miss.

Marks & Spencer Food have also created their “Big Daddy” collection, available as a gift box. My personal favourite item in this is their chocolate covered popcorn because it is dangerously good. Alongside that you get the Big Daddy chocolate bar, two tins of IPA, a lager and a hazy pale ale, all for £35.00 and available on next day delivery, which is always ideal for the fellow last minute shoppers amongst us.

And of course I have to mention Yorkshire royalty when it comes to gifting, Bettys. They have numerous hamper options ranging from £14.25 all the way up to £200.00, but the one that particularly caught my eye was the “Taste of Bettys” hamper, filled with chocolates, shortbread, fruitcake and tea for £40.00. Honestly, a very safe and very lovely option.

Say it with Music:

For all the music lovers, or simply the nostalgic dads who still have records from the first time around, a record player is such a good gift idea. It’s also one of those presents that keeps on giving because future birthdays and Christmases become significantly easier once you can buy records for their collection.

This retro style Bush record player is actually the one I bought Dave about five years ago and it’s still going strong. It’s a brilliant entry level option at just £32.99 from Argos, and I particularly love the muted grey finish and nostalgic vintage feel.

Crosley are probably one of the most recognisable brands since the resurgence of vinyl. They’re the ones you often spot in boutique hotels, bars and stylish lobbies. They have that same lovely retro styling but sit at a slightly higher price point, although thankfully many are available on next day delivery through Amazon for the fellow panic buyers.

If you want something a little sleeker and slightly more eighties or nineties inspired in its styling, the Roberts Stylus Luxe is a gorgeous option. It’s currently reduced from £349.99 to £199.99, which means you’re getting a lot of player for your pound.

Dad Uniform:

And lastly we arrive at what I call “Dad Uniform”. The reliable classics you can pull out every single year knowing they’ll still be appreciated.

Of course there are socks, but why not make them good socks? Something like these classic striped Paul Smith socks currently at John Lewis for £20.00. They still say “classic dad gift”, but in a thoughtful and slightly luxurious way.

Dads also love a jumper and, if they’re anything like mine, a half zip is always the answer. They genuinely suit everybody. These fine merino wool half zip jumpers from the Marks & Spencer Autograph collection are £45.00 and come in countless colours. I particularly love the soft sky blue tone but, for the safer dressers amongst us, there are endless neutrals too including charcoal, cappuccino, black, stone and khaki.

And finally, slippers. Because how many times have you visited parents house and their slippers are practically disintegrating, yet they insist they’re “still comfy”? These mule slippers from The White Company are a brilliant upgrade because they almost pass as house shoes. They have that slightly Birkenstock inspired look that’s very on trend at the moment, but with the added comfort of a faux fur lining for those winter trips to put the recycling out.

Links:

Paul Smith Classic Striped Socks £20.00 - Click here
Autograph Pure Extra Fine Merino Wool Half Zip Jumper £45.00 - Click Here
Men’s Suede Corkbed Mule Slippers £65.00 - Click Here

So whether you’re buying for your dad, grandad, stepdad, partner, uncle, or simply somebody who’s always shown up like a father figure in your life, hopefully this guide has given you a little inspiration beyond the usual panic bought Toblerone and novelty mug (all been there).

If you enjoyed this week’s Love List, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a comment, and send this to somebody currently panic scrolling for Father’s Day ideas.

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Jack's Love List #71: Bank Holiday Bargains

Jack D March — Sat, 23 May 2026 06:02:49 GMT

As we all know by now, I do love a bargain, a Homesense red sticker, or even better a yellow one, a cheeky reduction and the words “last few remaining” have honestly never failed to activate something deeply Yorkshire within me. So this week’s Love List is dedicated entirely to the very best Bank Holiday bargains. I’ve scoured the far corners of the internet, rummaged through virtual sale sections and fallen down several deeply unnecessary online shopping rabbit holes, all in the name of bringing you pieces that give us maximum style for minimum spend.

From colourful homeware finds and garden bargains to whimsical little treasures that look far more expensive than they actually are, consider this your official permission slip to indulge slightly guilt free. After all, if it’s reduced, technically we’re saving money. Let’s dive in.

John Lewis:

John Lewis always has a dangerously good reduced section, whether it’s older sale finds, seasonal leftovers or price matched pieces. It’s one of my go to retailers when buying gifts for others because you can usually get something far more luxurious looking, without completely destroying the budget. Which, let’s be honest, is very Yorkshire of me.

Starting with soft furnishings, and this beautiful John Lewis x Sanderson Cantaloupe Quilted Frilled Bedspread. I absolutely fell in love with the whole John Lewis x Sanderson collection when I saw it at the press preview last year, it had that perfect blend of heritage influence with a fresher more modern edge. The cantaloupe print feels wonderfully timeless without tipping into dated country cottage territory, and the colours feel current too. It’s one of those pieces that instantly makes a bedroom feel layered and considered, and with the reduction from £210 down to £147, suddenly it feels far more justifiable.

Sticking with soft furnishings, these John Lewis Chevron Border Cushions immediately caught my eye too. Firstly, we all know I am incapable of resisting this shade of green, but paired with the crisp white embroidered border it feels incredibly fresh and clean. They have just enough detail to add interest without overwhelming a space, which makes them perfect if you’re someone who likes pattern but perhaps doesn’t want to fully commit to my sometimes slightly chaotic “more is more” approach.

From print to picnic, and back into my current obsession with outdoor dining accessories. You may remember I showed you those bargain blue plastic wine glasses from John Lewis the other week which, unsurprisingly, sold out almost instantly. So when I spotted these John Lewis Dolce Vita Striped Picnic Tumblers, I knew they needed mentioning. Unlike the solid coloured glasses, these have more of that playful confetti glass feel to them which makes them look far more expensive than their £1 price tag. They’re ideal for alfresco dinners, picnics in the garden or simply for those of us with accident prone guests who can’t be trusted near actual glassware after two gins.

While we’re in the glassware department, these John Lewis Palm House Rattan Picnic Tumblers also stopped me mid scroll. Reduced from £6 to just £1.80 each, they feel like such a steal. I love the combination of the pistachio green with the natural rattan wrap, it gives everything a slightly Mediterranean holiday aesthetic, like something you’d find styled on a table in a boutique hotel in Mallorca. They’d look gorgeous for outdoor summer dining, but I also think they could double up as rather cute tealight holders dotted along a tablescape. Multi purpose styling, we love to see it.

Now onto artificial flowers, a category I will defend until I am blue in the face. I use faux flowers constantly for mantel displays, tablescapes, garlands and all sorts of seasonal styling moments, because sometimes you simply cannot justify replacing fresh flowers every five minutes. But the key is finding good artificial flowers, and that’s where Floralsilk always seem to get it right. These Artificial Lupin Sprays are genuinely stunning and currently reduced from £15 to just £4.50 each, which is an amazing price considering the quality. You can always tell a good faux stem by the details, the stalks, the leaves, the shape of the petals, and honestly the lupin leaves on these are chef’s kiss. I love the purple version particularly, although they also come in white, and they would look beautiful mixed into larger arrangements to bring some drama and height for summer, there are a whopping 108cm in height.

There are actually loads of flower reductions on the John Lewis site currently, and the bishop’s flower stems are another standout because they have that soft cow parsley look everyone loves for kitchen island arrangements, but without the worry of them being poisonous to cats and dogs.

Lastly, a little bit of Le Creuset, because no Love List featuring bargains would feel complete without at least one wildly expensive item that has suddenly become semi attainable. Now admittedly I am not personally a Le Creuset collector, but I have friends who are utterly obsessed with it and treat their casserole dishes like children. This Le Creuset Cast Iron Signature Shallow Casserole Dish however is genuinely an incredible reduction at 50% off. I love the shallow shape for summer cooking, it practically screams paella season, and the cool mint shade is just gorgeous. Fresh, rich and slightly retro all at once. Even if you only bring it out when guests come round, it’s the sort of cookware that makes you look infinitely more organised and accomplished in the kitchen than you perhaps really are, maybe that’s just me haha.

Links:

John Lewis x Sanderson Cantaloupe Bedspread was £210.00 now £147.00 - Click Here
John Lewis Chevron Border Cushion was £30.00 now £15.00 - Click Here
John Lewis Dolce Vita Striped Plastic Picnic Tumbler was £4.00 now £1.00 - Click Here
John Lewis Palm House Rattan Plastic Picnic Tumbler was £6.00 now £1.80 - Click Here
Floralsilk Lupin Purple was £15.00 now £4.50 - Click Here
Floralsilk Lupin Purple was £15.00 now £4.50 - Click Here
Floralsilk Bishops Flower was £5.99 now £1.80 - Click Here
Floralsilk Plum Blossom was £4.00 now £1.20 - Click Here
Floralsilk Juliet Rose Spray was £10.00 now £3.00 - Click Here
Le Creuset Shallow Casserole Dish was £319.00 now £159.50 - Click Here

Oliver Bonas:

Oliver Bonas is fast becoming one of my favourite retailers for both homeware and clothing. It just feels so colourful, joyful and full of personality at a time when so many retailers are still heavily pushing the muted, pared back aesthetic. Sometimes you simply need a little whimsy and a scalloped lamp to keep life interesting.

I’ve mentioned this little Oliver Bonas Bow Gold Incense Holder before in my big bow round up, but it deserved another appearance because it’s such a cute little objet d’art with an actual function too. Even when it’s not in use it would look lovely styled on a shelf or coffee table tray, and clearly the bow theme in interiors is showing absolutely no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

Now onto something that feels deeply me, the Shrimps x Oliver Bonas Lenny Lion Butter Dish. We all know by now I have a slightly unnecessary butter dish collection, much to Dave’s continued confusion, but this one genuinely feels special. I love seeing Shrimps, predominantly known for their British fashion pieces, bringing that same whimsical charm into homeware. The lion design somehow balances vintage influence, playful character and slightly regal grandeur all at once. Equal parts practical kitchen item and eccentric conversation starter, which frankly is exactly what a butter dish should be, in my bias opinion.

If you’re after something slightly less decorative but equally beloved, this Oliver Bonas Monochrome Stripe Belt Bag is practically an institution at this point. Three of my friends own this bag and every single one swears by it, apparently it’s a complete tardis situation where it fits far more than it reasonably should. The shape sits really comfortably crossbody, making it ideal for day trips, travel or just everyday life, and the cream striped strap detail makes it feel a little more elevated and considered. Also, 95 reviews and all five stars says quite a lot.

Finally, because it wouldn’t be a Love List without at least one scalloped item, this Oliver Bonas Tanca Rattan Desk Lamp immediately caught my eye. The conical base paired with the scalloped shade gives it that perfect mix of playful and polished, while the darker edging detail really highlights the curves beautifully. I also love that it’s a generous size at 42cm tall, it feels much more substantial than a lot of rattan lamps on the market. It’s not the biggest reduction featured this week, but 25% off is still nothing to be sniffed at, especially if you’ve been eyeing one up for a while.

Anthropologie:

Anthropologie is one of those retailers that almost always has some sort of discount code floating around or a dangerously good little sale section. Even the physical stores usually have a dedicated sale room or corner, and honestly some of my best bargain finds have come from rummaging around those rails and shelves pretending I’m “just having a quick look”.

Now firstly, I can’t say I’ve ever uttered the sentence “I need a salt and pepper shaker set shaped like tulips in a wicker basket”, but now I’ve seen them I absolutely want them. These Louise Stoneware Salt & Pepper Shakers are playful, slightly ridiculous in the best possible way and would look so fun styled on a spring or summer table. Also at £8, they’re cheaper than a spicy marg these days, which honestly feels like excellent justification to me.

From the same collection are these adorable Louise Stoneware Bunny Napkin Rings, and yes before you say it, I know Easter has technically been and gone. But I am a huge believer in buying seasonal pieces when you see them, because next spring these exact ones won’t exist anymore, or there’ll be something vaguely similar back at full price. I do exactly the same with Christmas mugs and decorations every year and feel deeply smug about it later. For £12 for all four, they also work out at just £3 each which is actually a really good price for ceramic napkin rings, especially ones this charming.

I also really love the simplicity of these Maeve Looped Wall Lights. The antique gold finish on the metalwork gives them a much more premium feel and adds a lovely warmth, especially paired with the soft fabric shade. Anthropologie often sells lamp bases and shades separately, so the fact the shade is included here actually makes these feel like a bit of a bargain, before I even mention the £100 saving. Naturally the green and white version is my personal favourite because apparently I am incapable of resisting that colour combination, particularly against warm brass tones, but they’ve also done a black and white version which looks equally chic and is also included in the sale.

Debenhams:

Debenhams is a bit of a guilty pleasure of mine because shopping on there feels like having a really good rummage, just digitally. You never quite know what you’re going to stumble across. Yes, there are endless duvets and storage boxes, but hidden amongst them are sometimes absolute gems that make you feel like you’ve beaten the system slightly.

This Alivio Kamado Style Mini BBQ instantly caught my eye because it’s clearly inspired by the iconic Big Green Egg style barbecues, but at a far friendlier price point. At 13 inches it’s still a really good usable size, but much more practical for smaller outdoor spaces like my courtyard, especially when it comes to storing it away during winter. I also love that it comes in black, rich forest green or red, all currently reduced, so it still feels stylish rather than purely functional.

Sticking with the great outdoors and another modern garden staple for the patio, this Outsunny Egg Chair is an incredible reduction. Down from £484.99 to £185.30, which is nearly a £300 saving, you are very welcome. What I really like about this one is that it moves away from the usual plastic rattan look and instead uses woven fabric straps which makes it feel much softer and more contemporary. It also has a little side pocket which I personally appreciate greatly because somewhere to stash snacks or your phone during an alfresco nap is genuinely underrated.

Outsunny also has this brilliant Smokeless Wood Burning Fire Pit reduced from £255.99 to just £75.90, which feels like a seriously good buy if you enjoy outdoor evenings but hate smelling like a bonfire afterwards. It’s a really nice compact size for smaller gardens or courtyards, and the smokeless design basically works by circulating oxygen through the double walls to create a hotter, cleaner burn that reduces the amount of smoke dramatically (I feel like a scientist) . So less smoke in your hair and clothes, which I personally see as a huge win. They also do a couple of different sizes depending on how ambitious your marshmallow roasting plans are.

I’ve also had my eye on this Smeg Retro Style Personal Blender for quite a while now for post gym shakes and smoothies. As the name suggests it’s designed to make single portions, which is ideal for me because I do not need industrial quantities of protein shake in my life. What I love most though is the compact size combined with that classic Smeg retro styling that makes even a blender feel aesthetically pleasing. Let’s face it, kitchen worktops are prime interior real estate, so anything compact that still looks chic is immediately appealing to me. This is absolutely going straight in my basket.

Side note, they also currently have the larger Smeg blender reduced from £149.99 to £89.95 in both white and black, which is another very tempting little bargain.

Links:

Alivio Kamado Style 13” Barbeque was £149.99 now £79.99 - Click Here
Egg Chair with Cushion Steel Frame was £484.99 now £185.30 - Click Here
OUTSUNNY Smokeless Wood Burning Firepit Metal Fire Pit was £255.99 now £75.90 - Click Here
Smeg Compact Personal Blender Single Bottle was £99.95 now £68.95 - Click Here
Smeg Blender and Smoothie Maker was £149.99 now £89.95 - Click Here

And there we have it, proof that some of the best interiors finds are often hiding in the sale section waiting patiently for someone with too many tabs open and questionable self control to discover them. Honestly this week’s Love List has felt less like shopping and more like competitive bargain hunting, which frankly is my preferred sport anyway.

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As always, let me know your favourites in the comments because I am deeply nosy and love knowing what everyone else adds to basket. If you enjoyed this week’s roundup don’t forget to like, subscribe and send this post to that one friend who also treats a yellow sticker like a personal achievement.

P.S: Some of the links included may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a very small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. It genuinely helps support the Love List and keeps my slightly concerning level of online bargain hunting alive and well.

Jack's Love List #70: The H&M Edit

Jack D March — Sat, 16 May 2026 06:02:38 GMT

Hey everyone, this week’s Love List is a little ode to H&M Home because, let’s face it, I have been saying for weeks now that I am loving their collection, and in my humble opinion they are just going from strength to strength with their homeware. So here are the pieces that I have ordered, already own, feel I need, and some that I didn’t even know I needed until I started writing this piece. So, let’s dive in.

Coastal Charm:

I will always have a soft spot for nautical and coastal inspired homeware. Whether you are living by the sea or not, it creates such a calming aesthetic for summer and alfresco dining, all soft colour palettes and tranquil blues. But there is always room to weave in a little whimsy and tongue in cheek nautical charm too. I have mentioned a number of items from this collection in previous posts, including the towels, cooler bags and I think even the beach bags. I am totally obsessed.

Starting off with a softer introduction to the coastal theme is this set of four cotton placemats, complete with the rather cute added detail of a pocket for your cutlery. It gives the placemats a playful, but also quite utilitarian look. The embroidered stripe at the top of the placemats, along with the stitched detailing around the pocket, brings back that little element of considered design and luxury, rather than full-on camping utility. They come in a choice of three embroidery colours, this rich mid blue, a muted orange, and a sleek black.

Taking a more literal approach to the theme is this beautiful hand-painted terracotta serving bowl, complete with fish painted onto the glazed interior, while the exterior has been left in a lovely bisque terracotta finish. This piece is £34.99, which may seem slightly on the higher side for H&M, however the bowl has such a gorgeous artisan quality to it, which is reflected in the hand-painted design.

No round-up of mine, especially when talking coastal design, would be complete without a stripe. The printed striped tablecloth is £19.99 and it is huge at 150cm x 320cm, making it perfect for a long trestle table dressed for dinner. Again, like the placemats, I have chosen the punchy mid to light blue and white striped option. However, this design also comes in a more muted brown and white, a striking green and white, and a punchy red and white too.

On the subject of stripes, these canape plates complete with “Ciao” typography come in four different colour options and are priced at £3.99. This is such a great way of injecting a little bit of colour into a table if you already have all white crockery at home but still want to give your table a fresh new look. Alternatively, I actually think these would look ideal hung on a wall too.

And lastly from the coastal charm section of this post are these beautiful fish candleholders. I genuinely cannot beat this drum enough when I say I am one hundred percent camp taper candle over chunky pillar candle. These are such fun, whimsical additions to a table. They come in this natural cream glazed bisque stoneware, but also in a glazed blue option, both priced at £12.99 each. I love them paired with a neutral taper candle, but equally they would look great with a punchy blue or even orange candle for a little extra layering of colour.

I saw it, loved it :

Onto a little section I like to call “I saw it, loved it, probably going to buy it, definitely need it”. Because these posts always seem to end with a parcel arriving and Dave rolling his eyes that I am bringing more things into the house. But honestly, sometimes you just cannot resist.

Staying with my love and obsession for candlesticks are these beautiful burnt orange ceramic palm tree candlesticks, which come in two different heights. I think this is what I love most about them because I love creating levels on a table. So when I can find candlesticks that match and come in different heights, it is perfect for creating that uniform layered look, rather than relying on mismatched candlesticks to create varying heights. Sometimes you just need a matching moment. They start at £12.99 each for the smaller ones and £14.99 each for the larger. I also think these would work perfectly on a mantelpiece, styling both sizes at either end stepping down to create a dramatic moment. Mix up the candle colours too for that extra bit of layering.

Which segways me nicely onto something a little more literal with the orange theme, this beautiful embroidered cushion cover complete with orange branch detailing. These are covers only and priced at £9.99. I love the natural linen effect of these, paired with just a very small and simple embroidered centre detail. It keeps things feeling more subtle and considered rather than overly patterned, especially with that embroidered bordered edge which really helps bring out the orange detailing further.

From fruit inspired cushions to fruit bowls. Smooth transition there, Jack. They actually have a couple of really good fruit bowl options at the moment. I absolutely love this vintage inspired 60s and 70s vibe ceramic basket weave effect footed fruit bowl. This piece is all about the texture and the form because it has been kept in that neutral stoneware tone and really lets the design do the talking. Priced at £34.99, it is definitely one of the pricier H&M pieces, but it really does give standout designer vibes.

I also love this actual woven bamboo design which again gives such great vintage energy. I can imagine this loaded up with oranges as a centrepiece on an alfresco table just as much as I could picture it filled with apples on a kitchen island. And at £12.99, it is an absolute bargain in my opinion.

And my final Home find is this fabulous glass vase, but what I really love about it is the built-in flower frog. For anyone who does not know, that is the little metal disc with perforated holes which helps keep your stems perfectly in place. It means you can create those gorgeous minimalist floral arrangements without all of your flowers dramatically flopping to one side of a wide-rimmed vase. We have all been there. I genuinely think this is such a genius design because there is nothing nicer than that wispy, minimalist, summer wildflower look across a table. It means people can still see each other across dinner, while also conjuring up that beautiful wildflower meadow feeling for summer.

Must Have Menswear:

Now, it is no secret that I have been a little scathing about the H&M menswear offering in previous seasons. Massive champion of the homeware, but I just personally found the menswear a little uninspiring over the past few years. However, I spotted some genuinely great pieces while I was in the Vancouver store this week, so I felt they deserved a mention.

I tried on this great relaxed linen look, which they had in a couple of different colours and slightly different fits. I am currently looking for summer clothes that are not just cream and white because I am going to a hen do and apparently there is an embargo on light colours. This rich brown linen set was such a great fit that I have subsequently ordered it, mainly because I had absolutely no room left in my case to bring it home from Vancouver. It has matching relaxed linen trousers, which I have also linked below and which the model is wearing. But if you wanted to fully commit to the linen suit aesthetic, there is actually a matching jacket too. This is such a great holiday dinner look, relaxed but still super chic. And that rich brown colour paired with some gold accessories, a little belt and necklace, I think will look perfect.

Staying with the brown trend was this white and brown striped knitted polo. You may have noticed if you follow me on Instagram that I am a big fan of a knitted polo. It just gives a little more option for layering and warmth, while also adding texture to an outfit rather than the traditional cotton polo. They also do this in a black and white colourway which honestly had Dave’s name written all over it.

And lastly, but by no means least, I loved the green on this cable knit jumper. It is punchy but still has a lovely softness to it for summer. I know a lot of people find green quite hard to wear, personally it is a colour I absolutely love, but I think this shade has enough vibrancy without making you feel like Kermit the Frog. What I love even more is that they also do it in blue. Now, is it lapis? Is it cerulean? I am not entirely sure, but it is absolutely giving that iconic blue lumpy sweater from The Devil Wears Prada, which is tipped to be one of the summer’s hottest colours. It even makes an appearance in the second film as a little nod to that iconic scene from the first movie.

Links:

Regular Fit Linen waistcoat £37.99 - Click Here
Regular Fit Linen Trouser £44.99 - Click Here
Knitted Polo Shirt Striped £32.99 - Click Here
Regular Fit Cable-knit jumper £37.99 - Click Here

Right, that’s it for this week’s Love List. Safe to say H&M currently has me in an absolute chokehold and my bank account is frankly exhausted by my own behaviour. Somewhere between the fish candleholders, the fruit bowls and the linen co-ords, I seem to have accidentally curated myself an entire fictional Mediterranean summer lifestyle despite living in Yorkshire and drinking cold tea as I run out of the door on a morning.

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As always, let me know your favourite pieces in the comments because I genuinely love hearing what everyone else adds to basket. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, send this to a friend who also claims they are “just browsing” before placing a £147 order at midnight, and I will see you next week for another round of things none of us technically need but absolutely deserve.

P.S. This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a tiny commission if you shop through them, at no extra cost to you. Essentially, H&M may fund my ongoing emotional support candlestick addiction, and honestly, that feels fair for everyone involved.

Jack's Love List #69: The “Where’s That From?” Love List

Jack D March — Sun, 10 May 2026 06:02:29 GMT

Hey everyone, this one’s a slightly niche Love List and a little short as I bob around the ocean, but it’s one I get asked for time and time again. These are the pieces you constantly message me about in my home, so I thought I’d finally pull them all together into one place, making it nice and easy for you to source them room by room. Consider this your little treasure map… let’s dive in.

Living Room:

We will start in the living room, or the snug as we like to refer to it, as it’s the lounge we use every day. Recently redecorated in Farrow & Ball Dix Blue, paired with Linwood green velvet curtains in the shade Baize.

Starting with that wiggle, scallop-edge rug. This is from Dunelm, and it’s their Element Wave Natural Rug. It starts from £139 depending on your size of choice, I went for the largest, which is 200 cm x 290 cm, or in old money 6.5 ft x 9.5 ft, because I love a big statement rug. It gets a 4.1 review, but quite a few people comment on the shedding. I will be honest, it did shed for about two weeks, but when you own a little fawn pug with a double coat, this was nothing. I’ve had it down for two years now and it was definitely worth that initial shedding phase. Also, for a cream rug in a house with a dog and someone who hosts numerous parties, it has remained a great piece. It’s also so versatile because you can pick out different colours. Previously, the lounge was a neutral cream, whereas now the blue really helps to tie it in, and the green complements the curtains beautifully.

The light is also from Dunelm, it’s the Swirl 10 Light Ceiling Light, and it throws out so much light. Even though I’m not a big light person, I much prefer lamp light, it’s such a great statement piece. So many lights look a little bit lost in our rooms due to the high ceilings, but this is a great modern option for a chandelier, which I feel adds that playful mix of old and new that I love to work with in my home.

The pink and red striped chair of mine sells over and over again. Unfortunately, it’s part of a now discontinued Sophie Robinson for DFS collection. I was lucky to snap it up while it was in stock, so your best bet is to check out eBay or Gumtree. However, Sophie Conran does have a similar shape in a punchy orange, red and white version, which is a definite investment piece at £2,195. Previously in this room, I had the Joules for DFS Floral Chair, which is also worth looking out for second-hand.

and finally in the lounge, I’m a huge fan of having photographs around the house, and printing them in black and white creates a much more cohesive statement. Rather than lots of different colours and scenes, it just helps everything sit together more effortlessly. I always use these little frames from IKEA, they are the Västanhed Frames, and are a great chunky, deep frame for just £6 each.

Kitchen:

Moving onto the kitchen, which is one of the rooms that doesn’t often change in my house, maybe a little lick of paint and a lot of tablecloths (or if you follow me regularly, you’ll know, a huge amount of napkins).

My green dining chairs are definitely one of the most asked about pieces. I originally bought the table and four vintage chairs as a last-minute solution when I couldn’t find anything else for my kitchen makeover, and painted them myself. This punchy green is colour matched from the Thibaut New Haven Street Wallpaper in the alcove behind the table. However, for years I lusted after the Chippendale style Faux bamboo dining chairs, like the Golden Girls had in their kitchen. I finally tracked a set down on Facebook Marketplace in Surrey and had them shipped to me. If you want the exact ones, you are going to have to scour for them, and unfortunately they are one of those pieces that only goes up in price. They are so sturdy though, and so beautiful once sanded back and painted, even if it was a labour of love. There are definitely sets on eBay, and at the moment there is one linked below with six chairs and covers for £700.

The Rattan Company have a new option which nods to this style. Slightly different in shape, but still just as beautiful. These could obviously be painted if you wanted, but they retail at £209.99 each, so it might be worth scouring the internet for vintage ones like I did. They do come up if you are prepared to travel, or source smaller numbers from different sellers.

The other piece I get asked about a lot is my pendant light above the table. It’s made up of a ring of test tubes, which you can fill with coloured water or flowers like I do. It’s by a Polish designer called Pani Jurek, and I sourced mine through Limelace around five years ago. I have found a company selling the Double T Pendant Light for £525. I don’t remember paying anything like that at the time, but I believe they are discontinued now, and this is the larger version. Culinary Concepts have also done a similar inspired version, slightly smaller and more square, which is currently on sale reduced to £74.95.

Hall & Landing:

Lastly, onto the landing, which for one of the smallest spaces in the house always gets so much attention on social media. I’m not sure if it’s the chandelier, the layered lighting, or the rug… who knows. The Paint colour is Farrow & Ball Setting Plaster.

Speaking of the rug, I picked this up for £59.99 from TK Maxx, and I remember putting it on my stories at the time and it selling out almost immediately. However, Dunelm do have a great option that is extremely similar, it’s their Hani Rug, starting from £149. It’s very similar in design, with lots of bright colours running through a neutral background. Maybe not quite as red-heavy, but I would actually say that the Dunelm version, having seen it in real life, is a much sturdier piece than mine, which is tufted on a thinner base.

The hallway downstairs and the path outside are not pieces I get asked about often, but they are worth mentioning. I had the hallway tiled using Topps Tiles Victorian Floor Tiles, which were the most affordable option I could find at the time. I love the scale of these compared to some of the larger versions. However, I will say, seal them. Seal, seal, seal is key, because they are super porous and can look dirty quite quickly. Again, I do have a little dog that sheds a lot, so that doesn’t help.

One of my favourite collections, my Fornasetti Plates. I’ve been collecting these for around 11 years now. As you know, I’m a huge fan of adding plates to walls, not just as art, but because they add texture and softness with their rounded shape. So many places stock these now, just be careful not to pick up dupes if you’re shopping second-hand on eBay or Vinted. There are lots of inspired versions which aren’t quite the same quality. They are definitely an investment piece, mine have even gone up in value since I started collecting them. Flannels is a great place to keep an eye on, as not many people realise how much homeware they stock, and they often have them on sale.

Lastly, that huge mirror at the top of my landing. This is from William Wood Mirrors, you’ve probably seen them all over social media. I’ve had mine for about six years, and I think it cost around £300 back then, but for an antique mirror of this size, you would be looking at ten times that price. They offer lots of styles as well, from critical, modern, wiggle, bobbin, you name it. The closest one they currently have to mine is the Francesca Mirror, which is £449.

Links:

Dunelm Hani Rug from £149.00 - Click Here
Topps Tiles Victorian Black and White tiles £113.60/ m² - Click Here
Fornasetti Tema e Variazioni Plates from £160.00 each - Click Here
William Wood Francesa Mirror £449.00 - Click Here

And there we have it, a little tour of the pieces you always ask about, all in one place. Hopefully it’s helped you track a few down, but if I’ve missed anything (which is highly likely), just shout and I’ll point you in the right direction.

If you enjoyed this one, don’t forget to like, subscribe, share, and send it to a friend who’s as nosey about interiors as we are.

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P.S. Some links may be affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through them. It doesn’t cost you anything extra, and it helps keep the Love List coming.

Jack's Love List #68: My Tried, Tested & Never-Travel-Without Essentials

Jack D March — Sat, 02 May 2026 06:03:48 GMT

Hello! This week I am reporting live from LA. Don’t ask me what time it is here or there, I have absolutely no clue. But this week I’ve rounded up some of my holiday, or should I say vacation, essentials. The bits I always pack, whether it’s lotions and potions, electricals, or just a few little extras, those Home comforts. So, let’s dive in.

Lotions & Potions:

Let’s start with skincare and cosmetics. I’m pretty sure you will have heard these ones before if you follow Instagram, or I’ve probably mentioned them on here before too, but these are my essentials.

L’Oréal Paris Daily Fluid Skin Tint is something I use all year round. I buy it in shade Pearl, they do have it in Bronze as well, but it’s just a little bit dark for my skin tone. This just gives your skin a nice dewy glow, with the added bonus that it’s got SPF 50 in it, so you’re protecting your face, giving it that nice even texture, and it’s a super easy product to use. You can usually find it on offer somewhere, the cheapest I’ve found it currently is Superdrug at £9.89.

And on the subject of offers, this is an amazing deal. I was going to mention the L’Oréal Revitalift Filler Plumping Water Cream, I bang on about this all the time, and when I see it on offer I buy two because I use this every day. It’s one of those moisturisers that just works so well with so many people’s skin types. It’s not greasy, it really actually sinks in, as there’s nothing worse than a moisturiser that feels like it’s sat on the surface of your skin and has that peeling texture when you touch your face 20 minutes later. This does not do that. This actually sinks in, it actually nourishes your skin, and it just gives it that brighter, hydrated look. So it’s even better that they have the skin tint on offer with it for £25.99 on Lookfantastic, which is an amazing deal. You may have seen it on TikTok, it was a huge trend of mixing these two products together before applying for the glass skin look. I tend to moisturise, leave it to do its job, do my hair, and then go in with the skin tint.

For something with a little more coverage, I love the L’Oréal Paris Lumi Glotion. It’s a hydrating lotion that also enhances the skin’s natural glow. It is tinted as well. I again use Medium Glow, which is 903, but they do numerous different shades. It’s just a great option that I love, and my friends use on holiday too rather than having a full face of foundation. It’s 24-hour hydration with shea butter, and it’s got a natural shimmer for a more highlighted glow, what is not to love!

The question I get asked a lot is what fake tan or self tan I use. In my early 20s I was a self-confessed sunbed user, which when I look back now I am horrified about. I always feared self tan would make me look orange or streaky, and it wasn’t until lockdown, when I had nowhere to go, that I thought I would give it a go. Tanya Whitebits had sent me a PR product, and from then on I have been hooked. I tan every Thursday with this product. I use the Tanya Whitebits The Mousse Self Tan in Medium, and it’s so forgiving. It’s so easy to not have streaks, and I’m quite a lazy tanner. If you want to dip your toe in, they do a Light version, and they also do a Rapid Dark which is amazing if you want a daytime tan. I tend to put this on in the morning and rinse it off around about 2 o’clock for going out that evening to achieve a medium to dark tan. You can use Jack10 for 10% off, by the way.

Which brings me nicely onto another one I absolutely love for holiday, their Tanya Whitebits The Gradual Tan Lotion. This is the product I use to keep my tan topped up throughout the week. I tend to come back from the day, have my shower, and use this as a body moisturiser all over. Again, it’s not sticky, it doesn’t have that biscuit smell, and it just gradually builds a tan up over the week. Also great for catching your face up if you are using factor 50 on your face, like you should be.

And finally, for the face, to keep it beautifully bronzed, I’ve been using this product for about 10 years. It is quite an expensive product, it’s the Chantecaille Radiance Gel Bronzer which is £43 for 20ml, but a little bit goes a long way with this product. It’s a cream bronzer, so it’s great for a little bronzing on the forehead, temples, jaw, this just keeps my face that nice bronze colour after factor 50 for the day. It has also got a nice little shimmer to it, some of my friends use this for contouring. It blends in really well and again it’s quite a forgiving product, which is great for somebody like me.

Electronics:

Moving onto those electrical must-haves that are always in my backpack or suitcase when I go away.

As you can imagine, I use my phone a lot for pictures, for videos, and for a lot of scrolling of Vinted, Rightmove, plus keeping me entertained on the plane. Power banks are a must for me. I’ve had numerous over the years, some lightweight, some clipped to the back of my phone, but the one I have found to be the best and has been my trusty companion for years now is Anker PowerCore Compact Portable Charger. They do newer ones now with cables built in and conductive charging, but the one I find is the trusty one is the compact portable charger. It’s got about 1.5 charges in it for my iPhone, or 2 if you don’t have the Pro Max. You can also charge your headphones from this, which is also a lifesaver.

It goes without saying these days that earbuds or wireless headphones are also a must when travelling. Gone are the days of the communal movie with those headphones you had to buy from cabin crew with the two jacks on them. But you could push one of them down and use it on your CD Walkman for the rest of the holiday, do you remember that? I’ve had many ‘air pods’ over the years, and I’m not allowed expensive ones because I always lose them. Last year, Laura Ashley kindly gave me a pair of their headphones which was a collaboration with Skylark, and I found them to be so comfortable. Maybe it’s just my ears, but a lot of them just don’t stay in and don’t feel that comfy. Amazon currently have their full range of prints reduced to £29.99, and they come with 10 hours of playtime.

A bit more niche, but I love my Olympus Pen. I’ve had my Olympus PEN E-PL7 for about 10 years now, and I recently bought a second-hand Olympus PEN E-PL9. You can still get them about. They just take such a great image that your phone just can’t seem to capture, plus I love the vintage styling of them. I have a certain level of photography skill, I guess, but not much camera knowledge, and these really are so easy to use. You can still get the Olympus Pen E PL7 on Amazon as a kit with the lens brand new for £849.99, but I would have a look around. I picked mine up from Wex Photo Video, and they’re really informative on the condition of it and the shutter count, that’s how many pictures it’s actually been used to take. A lot of these times these cameras are bought and not really used, so you can grab yourself an absolute bargain, and they’re so compact that they easily throw over your shoulder or into a bag. Wex Photo Video for example have an Olympus Pen 10 in excellent condition for £318, you would need to buy a lens to go on it though.

Little Finds:

And finally, the little bits that make travelling so much easier for me, and those Home comforts which I think we all need wherever we are in the world, don’t we?

Don’t get me wrong, hotels and cruise ships have towels galore for you these days, but if you’re planning on heading to a beach for the day, you don’t necessarily want to be taking the beach towels from the resort. Not when H&M Home Striped Beach Towels exist. I mentioned their cooler bags the other week in this collection, but I absolutely love these striped towels. They’re just £12.99, they are huge at 80cm x 165cm, and come in a range of colourways, white and green, white and blue, white and red, white and yellow, and a nice beige stripe too, as well as a striking black and white. And if you happen to be going to the south of France, Sicily or Capri, they have these great, so cute typography towels. I am obsessed with this collection, can you tell?

When it comes to packing, these Amazon Compression Packing Cubes Set have been an absolute game changer. You can get so many different packing cubes now, but I bought these when we were interrailing around Italy for our honeymoon. They made it so easy to put certain location outfits into certain bags, making it easier to live out of a suitcase. Also, the great thing about these is the compression element. You can pull the zips round to compress the clothes in to make packing more compact. They come in a range of colours and different amounts of bags. I would recommend the seven bag set for £15.99. In fact, I’ve just bought Dave some for this trip.

But just on the subject of compression, if you’re travelling with just hand luggage, or like me you were going to Paris and wanted to take three coats with you, VAC PACK vacuum bags are the way forward. I bought this Electric Vacuum Storage Bag Set with Pump, that you just plug in, it sucks all the air out, and it absolutely packs things down to nothing, which means big bulky coats or beach towels take up a lot less space.

Another must for me is clear bags. There’s nothing worse than getting to security and the person in front of you faffing around trying to fit everything into one of those clear ziplock bags, AND juggling electrical items. Don’t be that person. Buy these in advance, put all your toiletries in, and with the other one put your electricals in. So in there goes my headphones, my power bank, my spare phone cables, charger, and you can see it all there in front of you on the plane. Again, you’re not having to root through a handbag or backpack, you can just lift that out, put it into the seat pocket in front of you, and you’ve got everything for your flight, super organised.

And last, but not least, obviously like any true Yorkshireman, I always pack my trusty Yorkshire Tea teabags, and of course a couple of emergency KitKat bars, also made in York.

Links:

H&M towel Striped £12.99 - Click Here
H&M Towel Typography £12.99 - Click Here
Packing Cubes with compression £15.99 - Click Here
Vac Pack Electric Pump and Bags £16.14 - Click Here
Clear Bags For Toiletries ands electrical £5.99 - Click Here

So there we have it, my LA survival kit that quite frankly could rival a small branch of Boots. So if you see me at the airport, just know I’ve got SPF on, a power bank in every pocket, and probably a teabag on standby. As always, if you’ve enjoyed this week’s Love List, give it a like, drop a comment, subscribe, and absolutely send it to your travel buddy, because if they’re not packing cubes and clear bags… are they even coming on holiday?

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P.S. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I earn a tiny commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. Basically, it helps fund my Yorkshire Tea habit and emergency KitKat stash, so we all win really.

Jack's Love List #67: Picnic Perfect

Jack D March — Sat, 25 Apr 2026 06:02:06 GMT

This week is all about alfresco fun. With summer finally looming and the May Bank Holiday on the horizon, I am fully leaning into the outdoor spirit with all things picnic. Whether that’s a beautifully set garden table, a cute day at the beach, or laying out a blanket at a stately home, these are the pieces I’ve found to elevate your alfresco moments. Let’s dive in.

Perfect Plates:

First up, we’re starting with plates. If, like me, you occasionally like to vet your guests before deciding whether your favourite china is safe outdoors, then melamine and plastic plates are a brilliant option, and they have come on leaps and bounds in the last ten years.

First of all, these very vintage spring garden floral designs from Dunelm. They are made from pink plastic and cost £2.50 each, which is a great price. I love the chunky, substantial feel of these, and the embossed floral design really adds to that vintage glass effect they’re going for. These would look great styled on a tablescape as shown, or equally tucked into a picnic basket.

Now, these scream proper chintz garden picnic to me. This Cherry Delight Cake Design Plate Set from Lakeland comes as a set of four for £19.99. There are a couple of things I love here. Firstly, the colour palette, mixing blue and sage green with soft pinks and that thread of glossy cherry red throughout. I also love that each plate has a different design, but they complement each other so well. And of course, you know what I’m going to say, that little scalloped edge is a chef’s kiss moment.

Back to something a little more embossed, these are the Floral Melamine Plates from Marks & Spencer. These feel slightly more artisan in style, and a set of four will only set you back £18. They’re not a perfect circle, which I think adds to that handmade look. I also love that the flowers are embossed, giving that almost 3D ceramic feel, and the delicate little ladybird is such a charming detail. Finished with that soft, hand-painted style rim, they are just lovely.

TK Maxx always has a great selection of melamine plates, but this set of four multicoloured plates really caught my eye. They have such a Mediterranean feel, from the colour palette to those warm orange illustrations. Again, I love the slightly irregular shape, which gives more of an antique china vibe. I could absolutely see these hung on a wall in a courtyard for that European feel, without the fear of the British frost cracking them.

And lastly for plates, I spotted these cowboy designs by Karma, available on Amazon, priced at £32.52 for a set of four. The shape is such a classic that they almost read as real china, which is always the aim. The black and white illustration style gives them a slightly Hermès-esque feel, which I love for something a little unexpected.

Gorgeous Glassware (well plastic):

With any party or gathering, there is usually one casualty when it comes to glassware, isn’t there? So if you’re hosting a barbecue or heading out for a picnic, I would strongly recommend plastic glassware. It saves the stress of breakages, and there is nothing worse than pausing the party for a glass clean-up.

These Crystal Acrylic Tumblers from Lakeland really caught my eye, as I haven’t seen anything quite like them before. They look incredibly high-end and very bougie, and at first glance, you would not expect them to be acrylic. They are durable and shatter-resistant, and would look great pulled straight out of a picnic basket. At £19.96 for a set of four, I feel like I need these. They also do matching highball tumblers and wine glasses in the same design.

Marks & Spencer have kept that artisan quality of their melamine plates when it comes to their acrylic glasses too. The Set of Four Acrylic Glasses is super simple, but super chic. I love the contrasting dark rim, paired with that chunky, substantial shape and design, these could easily pass for a vintage French set of glasses. At £14, they’re very reasonable.

Now, these might not be the most exciting, but they are a staple must-have, plastic prosecco glasses. A friend and I invested in a set each years ago, and they have absolutely earned their keep. Dunelm has a set of four for £6. When you think how much we spend on those disposable ones with the push-on bases (which are never stable, especially on a train… we’ve all been there), these are a much better, and more sustainable, option.

Now onto one of the bargains of the week. These Blue Stackable Plastic Wine Glasses from John Lewis are reduced to just £2.50 for a set of four. Just imagine these paired with a striped plate or a paper of fish and chips, with a crisp glass of wine on the beach. Bloody glorious, and a bloody bargain.

Habitat also has a brilliant sale find with these Amber Picnic Wine Glasses, reduced to £4 for a set of four. These are effortlessly cool, with that ribbed design and a subtle 70s feel from the colour.

Beautiful Baskets:

Now, what picnic would be complete without the classic picnic basket? I’ve found three solid, well-priced options to make your alfresco moment perfect.

First up is this gorgeous gingham number from Amazon. This basket is designed for four and comes fully kitted out with plates, wine glasses, cutlery, and even salt and pepper pots. The bottom section also doubles as a cooler compartment to keep your sandwiches and rosé chilled. All of that for just £34.95 feels like a bit of a steal.

Wilko also has a great option in their reduced-to-clear section for £29.99. This beautiful blue and white striped design is perfect for those nautical beach days. Again, it’s a set for four, so you get plates, knives, forks, spoons, wine glasses, napkins, and a cooler bag. But this one goes a step further, it also includes a rather cute wooden chopping board and a picnic blanket. That is a lot of picnic basket for your money, in my opinion.

A slightly pricier option is the Purbeck Willow Picnic Basket from Greenfield Collection. This one will set you back £50 for the four-person hamper (reduced from £99.99). They also have a two-person option reduced to £65, where the logic is with that I’m not quite sure. It includes all the essentials, cooler bag, plates, cutlery, glasses, but just feels a little more elevated and traditional in its finish.

Boujee Baskets:

Now, talking of grandeur, for a bit of fun I found three of the most bougee picnic baskets out there.

We’re starting with an absolute icon when it comes to hampers, Fortnum & Mason. Their Camellia Picnic Hamper for Four will set you back £695. You get all the usuals, cutlery, plates, corkscrew, napkins, salt and pepper grinders, and wine glasses, but this also includes a beautiful Fortnum’s flask, a lunch bag, a champagne cooler, an additional waste bag, and a wicker tray to carry four china mugs (my favourite part). It’s ever so decadent, and if I had a spare £695… this is exactly where it would be going.

That said, even if I had endless money, I’m not sure I could justify the £2,995 price tag for the Bailey Picnic Basket from Ralph Lauren Home. To me, it looks more like a fisherman’s box, quite structured and rectangular, which you’d hope for at that price point it was robust. It does come with a set of four of their blue and white Burleigh Faded Peony salad plates, four metal cups, a cheeseboard with knife, and a woollen blanket… but still, where are the salt and pepper shakers?

And finally, the most bougee of them all, the Park Solde d’Hermès Picnic Basket from Hermès, with an eye-watering price tag of £14,390. This is beautifully designed, as you would expect, with space for eight porcelain dessert plates, six crystal glasses, and a set of cutlery housed in its iconic orange pouch. But if I’m honest, even if I were a billionaire… this is not the basket I’d be buying.

Little Extras:

Anyway, back to life, back to reality, as I’ve not won the lottery (yet). Here are a few pieces that caught my eye to elevate your picnic.

Firstly, this beautiful strawberry design Food Cover from Dunelm. If you’ve followed my Substack for a while, you’ll know I am a huge fan of these, they make an appearance every summer. There is nothing worse than setting up a picnic only for flies, or worse, wasps, to descend. This is also one of those pieces that looks just as good styled on a kitchen island, with a Victoria sponge sitting underneath, ready to be devoured.

Sticking with the strawberry theme, and I wasn’t going to feature napkins this week (we all know I have a problem), but these were too good to ignore. From Wilko, this Set of Four Embroidered Strawberry Napkins features the cutest motif and that red scalloped edge I can never resist. At £5.99 for the set, they are an absolute bargain. Do I need them? No. Will I buy them? Probably, yes.

Of course, no picnic is complete without a blanket, and this gorgeous Recycled Wool Picnic Blanket from TBCo (pronounced Tea-Bee-Co) is a standout. They’re a brilliant independent brand focused on more responsible retail, using recycled wool in their designs. This is their orange frame stripe design, and it can be personalised, you can choose the leather strap colour and even add embroidery for an extra £15. It makes it feel really special, and a great gift idea too.

And lastly for this week, the Regatta x Cath Kidston Floral Picnic Blanket. This classic Kidston floral has been slightly muted with a deeper, richer green background, which I really love. It’s currently priced at £30, but they’re offering 25% off until 29th April with the code 25NOW, which makes it even more tempting.

Links:

Dunelm Strawberries Food Cover £6.00 - Click Here
Embroidered Strawberry Napkins set of four £5.99 - Click Here
TBCO Recycled Wool Picnic Blanket £89.00 - Click Here
Cath Kidston x Regatta Picnic Blanket £30.00 (25% off with code 25Now) - Click Here

And that’s alfresco, done properly. If I had to pick a favourite this week, it has to be the Cherry Delight Cake Design Plate Set from Lakeland… scallops, cherries, colour, it’s basically everything I want in a picnic, minus the wasps. What about you?

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If you enjoyed this one, don’t forget to like, subscribe, share, and send it to a friend who’s already mentally planning their Bank Holiday spread.

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Jack's Love List #66: Seen, Sourced, and Succumbed

Jack D March — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 06:02:29 GMT

Oh this week’s Love List is a dangerous one… consider this your official warning.

You know when you go online for one very specific, sensible item, and somehow three tabs later you’re deep into a spiral of things you absolutely did not need but now cannot live without? Yes, that. This is a carefully curated, completely unintentional collection of pieces I’ve spotted, sourced, and quite frankly succumbed to. Some discovered mid-scroll, some while hunting for something entirely different, and others that… well… just slipped into the basket without much resistance at all.

Think of this as a peek into my “accidentally on purpose” finds, the ones that stopped me in my tracks and whispered, go on… you deserve it.

Anyways, lets dive in!

For Home:

First up, we’re starting with the pieces I’ve spotted for the home on my travels, all those little objet d’art that, quite frankly, some of us simply cannot live without

I spotted this wooden lamp in my local TK Maxx, and they do have a few online for just £39.99. Some of you may remember this shape from a couple of weeks ago when I did the Soho Home Splurge or Save edition. This is extremely similar, in fact almost identical, apart from the shade not having the little finial detail on the top. An absolute bargain, and one of those pieces that looks far more expensive than it has any right to.

I came across this on the Anthropologie website while I was actually looking for drawer pulls, classic behaviour. I didn’t find what I went for, but I did find this, and I’m slightly obsessed. This drenched frame is just so much fun, bringing the pattern not only into the frame but into the mount as well. The green and white print, as you can imagine, is one of my favourite combinations, but they also do it in a chintz ditsy print which feels equally as charming.

H&M Home continue to absolutely nail their homeware collections. I was on the hunt for some smaller guest hand towels when I stumbled across these beautiful picnic blankets, and honestly, it was game over. I love the classic green and white stripe, but they also come in a soft beige and white, and that gorgeous aqua blue and white that pairs perfectly with the matching cool bag. At just £14.99 each, they make such a chic little picnic set up. There’s something very Riviera about them, especially with the French typography, and I can already picture myself heading off to meet friends, cool bag in hand, filled with Prosecco and picky bits. They also do matching beach towels for £12.99, which I am equally obsessed with.

While I was on H&M Home, I also spotted these rather clever tablecloth weights. Not something I’ve really come across before, aside from the occasional vintage find, but such a smart idea for summer hosting. You’ve styled your patio or garden to perfection for a barbecue or dinner party, and then the tablecloth starts billowing about, taking half the tablescape with it. These are a simple, stylish, and actually quite charming solution to a very real problem.

Last, but by no means least for the homeware finds, is this beautiful Delft tulip vase in a brick design. My parents bought this to me for my birthday last year, and when I used it on Instagram the other day it received so many compliments. What I love most is how it keeps floral arrangements low, making it perfect for a table centrepiece. There’s nothing worse than styling a beautiful tablescape only to have to move the flowers because no one can see each other. I managed to find it back in stock at a gorgeous little home shop, Casa by JJ, and it really is one of those unique pieces that is as practical as it is beautiful.

For Her:

Next up, a few little finds from the womenswear departments that I think are going to be great pieces for summer. Just my humble opinion… but I already know a couple of friends who are going to be very sorry I’ve shared that gingham jumpsuit.

First up is Marks & Spencer with this beautiful embroidered co-ord set. They do sell it separately, with the shorts priced at £36 and the shirt at £46, but that’s the beauty of a co-ord, you’re essentially getting multiple outfits in one. The shorts could easily be styled with a simple vest top or thrown over a swimsuit for a relaxed poolside look, and the shirt works just as well with jeans or worn open over swimwear heading to the bar. I spotted this while shopping with my mum the other week and instantly loved the heavier lace embroidery paired with that soft, delicate blue. And, of course, anything with a scalloped edge is always going to have my attention.

Next is New Look, with a couple of dresses that feel perfect for multiple summer occasions. I first spotted the green and white striped dress in the window at £32.99, and it just feels like one of those effortless throw-on pieces. Perfect with sandals and a rattan bag for daytime, but just as easily dressed up with heels and a hat for the races. Alongside it, there’s a black puff sleeve option at £29.99, which is equally versatile. It’s that ideal shape that can be kept casual as a sundress or elevated with gold accessories. I’m picturing a chunky gold belt and statement shoes for a wedding or event. Both great silhouettes at really reasonable price points.

Over to one of my favourites, Boden. I’m still not over the fact they stopped doing menswear, as it was such a go-to, but I would absolutely wear this embroidered jacket myself. We all know I love a bit of embroidery. I have a bright version from Zara from a couple of years ago that always gets compliments, and this feels like a more wearable, everyday take. The black and white palette means it will go with everything, denim, a little white dress, or really any colour you throw at it. I particularly love the stand collar as it creates such a flattering silhouette. It is a pricier piece at £229, although there’s currently 15% off, but it does feel like one of those jackets you’ll reach for time and time again.

Now, the gingham jumpsuit I mentioned at the start. This, in my opinion, is shape perfection. I love gingham anyway, but in this blue and white colourway it feels so timeless, with a nod to vintage, while still feeling completely current. The thicker straps and neckline are so flattering, and I especially love the matching fabric belt which really pulls the whole look together. It’s giving summer on the Amalfi Coast energy, and again, one of those pieces you can dress up or down, which makes it all the more justifiable.

And lastly, I spotted these in the sale at Liberty, part of the Adidas x Liberty collaboration. Liberty have lent their iconic prints to a number of classic Adidas designs, and these are the Adidas Sambae. This particular pair is one of the more muted options, paired with that chunky crepe-style sole which gives them a slightly elevated feel. They’re currently reduced to £80 as well, which feels like a very good saving for something that blends fashion and function so well.

For Him:

And last, but not least, let’s have a little scroll through the menswear finds. These are pieces I’m loving for me, for Dave, and of course… for you.

I spotted this waffle half zip in Marks & Spencer the other day while we were supposedly looking for holiday clothes for Dave, and I just loved the colour combination. It feels so spring, so fresh, and that sky blue really pops. It’s slightly oversized in style too, which gives that effortless 90s feel that’s very on trend right now. They also do it in a navy and white colourway, which I equally had my eye on.

We all know I love a co-ord, and this Marks & Spencer linen number is giving full airport chic. That sandy beige is a tone I absolutely love with a summer tan, and linen is just unbeatable when it comes to comfort and keeping cool while travelling. The trousers would look great styled simply with a white tee in the hotter months, and the jacket… well, you can never have too many little jackets in my opinion.

Which, speaking of little jackets, you may remember the suede one I featured from Zara a couple of weeks ago. Well, I spotted this alternative in River Island suede jacket, and I think it has such a great cut. The colour feels slightly more wearable too, as sometimes tan can lean a little too orange depending on your skin tone. This feels softer, more considered, and slightly aged in the best way, which is exactly what you want from those vintage-inspired pieces.

Back to co-ords, and this one from ASOS is another that I think would be ideal for travelling. I’ve got a hen do coming up this summer, and I think this could be perfect for the flight. There’s been talk of everyone wearing black, but I’m sorry, black just isn’t my colour. A rich, dark navy feels like a much softer option for summer, less harsh, more wearable, and still just as chic. Paired with a simple white vest, it’s comfortable, easy, and a really great price for the set as well.

And last, but not least, something I didn’t realise I’d actually already featured until I scrolled back, but this cord and denim jacket from Reiss is still firmly on my list. It’s currently got £100 off, which makes it a very good buy, and I can’t see it sticking around for long. I remember there being more sizes last time, so if you do have your eye on it, I wouldn’t hang about. If you need a reminder as to why I love it so much, have a little scroll back as I may just link it again here.

Links:

Marks & Spencer Waffle Half Zip £35.00 - Click Here
Marks & Spencer Linen Trousers £59.00 - Click Here
Marks & Spencer Linen Jacket £89.00 - Click Here
River Island Brown RI Studio Suede Western Jacket £179.00 - Click Here
ASOS DESIGN co-ord slim short £24.00 - Click Here
ASOS DESIGN co-ord zip Jacket £42.00 - Click Here
Reiss Corduroy Collar Denim Worker Jacket reduced to £78.00 - Click Here

And just like that, another week of “I’ll just have a quick look” has turned into a fully fledged shopping list. Honestly, I don’t know who needs to hear this, but we need to stop being so easily influenced… starting Monday.

Until then, I’ll be over here, adding “just one more thing” to basket and calling it research for the Love List. Let me know your favourites, what you’ve already snapped up, or what you’re desperately trying to resist… I say try lightly.

Don’t forget to like, comment, subscribe, forward to a friend who is just as easily enabled, and as always, thank you for being here and indulging my weekly spiral.

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PS. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I might earn a small commission if you shop through them. It doesn’t cost you anything extra, but it does help keep The Love List going, and my accidental shopping habits justified.