the january review

my favourite pyjamas + great films for hot ribena season

January — never the easiest month, made more complicated this year by everything going on with my dad’s health. I’m writing this on the train to his new hospital; visiting takes a whole afternoon now due to the travel time so I’m trying to make the most of the journeys!

I’ve had a few rough Januaries, namely the ones just after I quit drinking. If you’re also dry right now, well done! I personally found this time of year to be the hardest when it came to quitting or pressing pause, but always a rewarding way to start the year. If you’re extending into Spring, treat yourself to some nice alternatives — I love Crodino or Botivo spritzes, but honestly a cup of hot Ribena doesn’t go amiss when it’s as cold as it has been lately.

wearing —

At this time of year, I always want to treat myself to some new pyjamas or slippers — I’ve currently got my eye on the navy Comme Si boxer trousers after seeing them in Otegha’s newsletter. I feel like they’d double up as a great relaxed trouser — channelling some Copenhagen energy. I’m spoilt for choice right now though as Jack bought me a Tekla poplin pair for Christmas in the brown stripe. I adore them, the fabric is so nice against my skin.

author

Comme Si on Instagram: “La Boxer Alta, Italian Cotton Flannel is back in stock. Available online at commesi.com”

January 26, 2024

reading —

If you watched my 12 week year planning video you’ll know that I’m on a social media diet, trying to halt the brain rot that I’m worried is developing by consuming more traditional media. Apart from a few blip days last week (read: bursting into tears at Whitechapel station, screen time 6hr+), it’s going well! I finished Ali Abdaal’s Feel Good Productivity (an easy, motivating read) and we just watched the last episode of The Crown on Netflix, which was fantastic.

watching —

Your girl finally subscribed to Mubi — the first film I watched was Oslo, August 31. It’s from the same trilogy as The Worst Person In The World, which you absolutely have to watch if you’re in your mid to late twenties. It’s food for the soul! My friend Josh recommended Oslo, August 31 — it’s about addiction and don’t get me wrong, it is harrowing, but when I was feeling down it was a weirdly cathartic watch. Beautifully shot, full of nuance and guts. I’m also buzzing to see All Of Us Strangers tonight —as soon as the screening invite landed in my inbox I was like YES, count me in.

I’m loving a cosy vlog this month — finally caught up on our girl Moya’s videos and I’m on the hunt for more creators like her, so if you have any suggestions please leave them in the comments! I recently discovered Tam Kaur; her video about breaking your social media addiction was actually the catalyst that inspired me to work on my relationship with my phone.

listening —

The highlight of my month was seeing Brakence live. All the melancholy Gen Z boys and I flocked to Kentish Town to see the show, and it was one of the best I’ve been to in ages. His album Hypochondriac is so innovative but also references so many things I listened to growing up — the songwriting feels Fall Out Boy, it’s pop punk but Bon Iver influenced experimental and underpinned by loads of hip hop. I hate writing about music because I sound trite but you get the idea. He’s electric and the crowd met him with the same energy.

forward thinking —

February is looking cute, ngl. I’m a lover and I’m thinking about getting these nails again for the romance season. It’s also mine & Jack’s birthdays, so we’ve booked a cosy weekend away in Somerset to celebrate. In a time where nothing can be planned long-term, it’s nice to have small things on the horizon.

Let me know your monthly review in the comments — what were you watching, reading and listening to? I’ve opened the comments up so all readers can get involved; an experiment! Let me know your thoughts xx

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