The London Diaries: New Beginnings
In true April fashion, I'm giving my Substack its own spring clean...
If you know me personally, you know there’s nothing I love more than a 2000s-esque movie makeover montage. The Princess Diaries, Clueless, Mean Girls: all my favourite films feature at least some form of glitzy transformation in varying degrees, and that’s my current aim with this Substack.
In addition to the new name (shout-out to my friend Jess), I’m finally dusting off my knee-high boots and really honing in on my love of fashion and cultural critiques, while also incorporating shorter life updates about what I’m currently enjoying. So, welcome to The London Diaries – our little catch-up on all of my current favourites.
Currently reading:
Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism by Amanda Montell
Look, lugging around a hardback is hardly commuter-friendly. And while Kindle versions are available, I might have committed the first cardinal sin of book-buying and made my purchase decision based on the cover… However, looks definitely aren’t everything and I’ve genuinely enjoyed delving into this book on all things ‘cult’, which explores the level of impact that certain language models have not only on cult members but everyday people. Montell analyses both your classic cults à la Heaven’s Gate and Jonestown, but also more modern takes on the term: think everything from SoulCycle enthusiasts and Lululemon fanatics to MLM schemes and Instagram influencers. This isn’t a final review, as I’m yet to finish it but for lack of better phrasing, I’m hooked…
Currently watching:
The White Lotus
This section feels a little futile because I am nearly always re-watching my comfort shows, despite the plethora of show recommendations that my friends, colleagues and the internet suggest to me. So if you find this section missing in the next Inner Circle catch-up or being replaced with video-essays, you’ll understand why.
For those unfamiliar with the show’s concept, it’s a dark comedy-drama that follows the lives of wealthy guests and staff members during a week in a luxury resort, exploring the complexities of their relationships and power dynamics.
While I’m a little late to hop on the bandwagon, Madeline Schulz’ article in Vogue Business, which examines the impact (and irony) of a show satirising excess and opulence while simultaneously influencing consumerism, helped me finally bite the bullet.
Side note: I also learnt that if you want me to watch anything else besides Gossip Girl for the thousandth time, you just have to sell me on the outfits featured in the show. Who would have thought?
Currently using:
Sunday Riley CEO Glow Oil
As someone who is often sceptical of TikTok recommendations and very much aware that virality doesn’t always equate to quality, I was unsure whether this facial oil would work for me. However, it was recommended by two fellow South Asian women from SheerLuxe and was dubbed perfect for tackling hyperpigmentation and providing an overall brighter complexion for my skin type. Much to my surprise, it did exactly that. The price tag is a little hefty for a facial oil, but after noticing a visible difference in my skin after just a month’s use, I would definitely deem this worth it. I recommend doing your own research into the full ingredients list to see if it would work for your skin type/concerns, but I, for one will definitely be repurchasing.
Currently wearing:
Skorts
As I write this post, the weather is deceptively sunny in London… Unfortunately, we’ve not quite reached April 25th status (where ‘it’s not too hot, not too cold [and] all you need is a light jacket’), so I’ve been loving skorts and tights to help me transition my wardrobe from winter to spring. Paired with black loafers or knee-high boots, this has been my current uniform for everything from office days to weekend brunches.
Other obsessions:
Jennie Kim’s debut solo album, Ruby.
Madison Bailey’s embellished blush-lilac Zuhair Murad gown at the Fashion Trust U.S. Awards.
Nara Smith in a red ruched floral mini-dress by Magda Butrym for H&M at the collection’s launch party.
The Oliver Bonas Ceramic Pink Ombre Essential Oil Electric Aroma Diffuser.
Mandy Moore in an embellished, sheer silver two-piece set by LaPointe at the Fashion Trust U.S. Awards.
Hailee Steinfeld in a red flowy cape over a bralette and floor-length skirt from The New Arrivals by Ilkyaz Ozel.
The Freja New York Mini Chrystie Bag in Espresso.
‘Glossier You Fleur’ Eau De Parfum.
I love this new format! Can't wait for more! I've also been wondering if I should watch White Lotus, so maybe I will give it a go!