Monday, December 23, 2024

Weekend Wishlist: what our shopping writers are buying this payday

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The sun is shining, England are through to the Euros knockout stages and it’s payday weekend – what a joyful combination. To celebrate we’ve been hunting down the next sell-out pieces hitting the high street, along with the best beauty boxes to buy and celeb-approved picks to add to your wardrobe.

That’s right, as the working week wraps up, it’s time for another edition of our Weekend Wishlist. Each Friday, our fashion and beauty team share their top picks from the high street, and this week our resident shopping writer Bethan Shufflebotham has handpicked some of the best fits, fragrances and footwear to add to your basket.



So, what has she found for you all this week? Well, first up there’s plenty of summer styles to stuff your holiday suitcase with, oh, and said suitcase, because you might need one of those too if you’re jetting off somewhere nice this year.

READ MORE: Frankie Bridge stuns in ‘flattering’ midi dress that’s ‘great on all body types’

READ MORE: Shoppers amazed by £20 teeth whitening pen that takes 10 minutes to brighten smile

There are also some fashion finds as seen on the likes of Frankie Bridge and Lisa Snowdon, who happen to be fans of the same high street retailer, as well as a beauty bag that will get you more than £150 worth of cosmetics, skincare and haircare for £40.

Here’s everything we’re hoping makes it out of the saved folder and onto our doorsteps this weekend:

Marks and Spencer’s £40 summer dress

The Pure Cotton Round Neck Midi Wrap Dress at M&S(Bethan Shufflebotham)

I fell in love with this new-in dress from Marks and Spencer as soon as I saw it. Made from 100 per cent cotton, the Pure Cotton Round Neck Midi Wrap Dress is a great summer pick because the lightweight and breathable fabric will keep you cool in warm weather. It is just under £40 and has been praised for its ‘flattering style’ and fit.

The £39.50 cream sleeveless dress falls to a midi length and boasts an elegant and understated wrap-style front that ties neatly at the back, creating a beautiful draping across the front.

Many have said how ‘comfortable’ the dress is, giving it a 4.6-star rating out of five on the M&S website. It comes in three lengths, including petite, regular and long, ranging from size 6-24 depending on your choice, and if cream isn’t your preferred shade to wear, it also comes in black. See what shoppers are saying about it here .

Antler’s stylish but sturdy suitcase

The Icon Stripe Large suitcase is part of the deal(Antler)

Whether you’ve had your break planned for months, or are booking a last-minute trip, one thing is certain. You’re going to need a reliable suitcase – and Antler has launched a summer sale just in the nick of time.

The renowned British retailer has slashed 20 per cent off a selection of their best-selling products for anyone who spends £225 on the Antler website. That means holidaymakers and frequent travellers can get their hands on the Icon Stripe Large suitcase for £196 instead of £245, saving £49 on the RRP.

Antler’s products are known for their quality and durability, and this particular suitcase – which is as sturdy as it is stylish – comes in seven colours with a hardwearing shell and expandable functionality. If that wasn’t exciting enough, it offers a TSA-approved combination lock, Silent Glide 360 spinner wheels, comfort grip handle and double-zip pockets and compression straps. It measures at 51.7 x 78 x 33.6 cm and weighs less than 5kg. Now I just need to book a flight somewhere warmer than Stoke-on-Trent…

Laura Mercier’s gorgeous perfume

Laura Mercier’s Almond Coconut Eau de Parfum is on sale for a limited time(LookFantastic)

Best known for her high-performance setting powders and highly pigmented lipsticks, few know that Laura Mercier’s beauty empire also features a delicious fragrance, too. Her Almond Coconut Eau de Parfum is usually £72.50, but has been reduced to £50.75 and is the ultimate spritz for the warmer months.

The oriental gourmand perfume features notes of coconut, almond and vanilla which are complemented by heliotrope and musk, creating a seductive scent. Not only does this spritz smell ‘ beautiful ‘, but it’s also hypoallergenic, safe for all skin types – including sensitive, and dermatologically tested.

If you’re someone like me who loves to buy a new bottle of perfume for their holiday, this one is a great choice, with beauty buffs claiming it earned them tonnes of compliments. Shoppers said: “I’ve had this perfume for years and always get complimented on it, so much so that a lot of those who have done have gone on to purchase it themselves. I absolutely love it!”

It’s worth noting some found the scent did not last as long as they would like.

FatFace’s stylish holiday-ready cargos

The FatFace cargo pants have a relaxed wide leg and six handy pockets(FatFace)

Finding the perfect summer trousers that are stylish yet cool and comfortable can be a challenge, but thankfully FatFace has the answer. Their green Demi Cargo Trousers look great with t-shirts, tops and camis, and can be paired with sandals or sliders for the ultimate comfy summer outfit.

Available in sizes six to 24 and conveniently come in different lengths – short, regular and long, the ‘practical and pretty’ pants cost £69 and are made from 100 per cent cotton for ultimate coolness and comfort. One shopper said: “Flowy and comfortable wide-leg linen pant. I love the colour and fabric. I expect to wear these a lot this summer.”

At the moment there are no negative reviews of the trousers. The cargo pants have six handy pockets on the sides and back, including two stylish patch pockets, and have a button-up front fastening. They also come with belt loops, allowing you to add your own belt to ensure the perfect fit on your waistline.

Nobody’s Child white midi dress

This ballet-inspired midi is a failsafe choice for summer occasions(Nobody’s Child )

Flowy, breezy and beautifully made, Fashion Content Editor Melisha Kaur has fallen in love with this summer dress from Nobody’s Child, and it’s easy to see why. The White Fitted A-line Marina Midi Dress, £85 here, is versatile enough to be worn with anything, from a cropped denim jacket and sandals or trainers to a gold necklace and heels for the evening.

The white midi dress is cut from organic cotton poplin, with a corset-inspired bodice that flares into an A-line skirt, a scoop neckline, and bra-friendly straps. The skirt skims the body to flatter your shape but is still floaty enough to keep you cool this summer.

What’s more, is that this £85 Nobody’s Child number resembles a much pricier designer midi. Emilia Wickstead’s £1,540 ‘Mona’ dress is noticeably similar, thanks to its corset-style seams and flared skirt – but it costs a lot more. It’s such a gorgeous option for the season that we only wish it came in more colours.

Frankie Bridge’s buttermilk yellow co-ord

This yellow suit is stunning for any summer events(Frankie Bridge Instagram)

In her latest ‘Faves’ high street haul, Frankie Bridge featured a gorgeous two-piece suit from River Island, which is the ultimate alternative to wearing a dress for upcoming summer events. Her £40 trousers feature a lovely high waist and wide pleated legs which is a flattering style on all shapes and sizes.

The matching Yellow Belted Blazer, £69, cinches you in at the waist to create a lovely hourglass figure. The jacket can be worn over the top of a shirt or cami or sported alone, to accentuate the deep V-neckline when fastened with the button.

Sharing the details of her outfit on her Instagram story, Frankie explained: “For those of you who don’t like dresses, a good summer suit has your name on it. This yellow style is so flattering! I love how the tie waist gives it so much shape and these wide-leg trousers with heels fall at the perfect length. For reference, I’m 5’3.”

For Frankie’s stunning yellow suit, get the trousers here and belted blazer here.

Glossybox Summer Beauty Bag

Everything inside the Glossybox summer beauty bag for £40(Glossybox)


Just in time for the warmer weather, Glossybox has launched its incredibly popular Summer Beauty Bag for 2024. This limited edition haul holds five full-size and five deluxe-size beauty heroes, featuring bestselling brands such as Medik8, Clarins and Weleda.

The featured Medik8 Crystal Retinal Eye Cream is valued at £54 and worth more than the cost of the bag itself. Worth over £150, the GLOSSYBOX Summer Bag retails at just £30 for subscribers and £40 for non-subscribers, meaning shoppers can save at least £110 on the contents.

What’s more is that this year, customers have the choice of two haircare selections, including the Cleanse & Nourish Selection and Style & Perfect Selection, so you have some choice in the products you receive, too. You can shop the bag here.

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