Per oggi era previsto un altro tema, più riflessivo, sullo stile personale e su come evitare di copiare quello di qualcun altro. In un momento storico così pesante e alla luce dei recenti avvenimenti in Spagna, paese in cui risiedo, mi sono resa conto di aver bisogno di maggiore leggerezza. Sono andata a rileggere la newsletter Dopamine Hits (che vi consiglio di leggere se fate fatica ad accettare il cambio di stagione) e ho capito che avevo voglia di fare un altro piccolo elenco di cose belle da condividere con voi. Ditemi che non sono l’unica amante delle liste.

Sulla scia di The Edit - una rubrichina che feci per qualche mese l’anno scorso su IG - nasce Worth Sharing: l’appuntamento di fine mese con le cose che mi sento di consigliarvi. Senza un numero fisso: dipenderà da ciò che avrò da raccontarvi. Da un brand moda a un prodotto beauty, un ristorante, un libro, una mostra o una ricetta. Insomma, consigli genuini, da condividere ogni mese. Il tutto condito - come sempre - di spunti e riflessioni fashion-oriented, perché non posso evitarlo.

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Bongusta (vs Tekla)

Suppongo che molti di voi conoscano Tekla, il brand nato a Copenhagen nel 2017 che ha reso desiderabili anche gli asciugamani. Partito dalla biancheria da letto, tra riferimenti ad arte e architettura e collaborazioni con il mondo della moda, ha costruito un universo molto riconoscibile. È anche B Corp dal 2023 e produce i suoi asciugamani in Portogallo.

Ecco, inizialmente pensavo che Bongusta fosse un po’ una copia. Mi sbagliavo. Le somiglianze ci sono, ma guardandolo meglio emerge una personalità propria: colori più vivaci, contrasti inaspettati, e una certa allegria che attraversa tutto, dagli accappatoi alle borse in spugna. E prezzi più accessibili: gli asciugamani dei due brand, per esempio, hanno caratteristiche molto simili - cotone biologico e una grammatura di 600 g/m² - ma quelli di Bongusta costano meno.

L’ho scoperto durante un viaggio in Normandia e, recentemente, mi sono iscritta alla newsletter. Mi sono lasciata trasportare nel loro mondo e adesso, ovviamente, voglio tutto.

Ho approfondito anche il lato sostenibilità: gli asciugamani Naram sono prodotti in Vietnam, ma Bongusta dichiara la certificazione GOTS dal marzo 2025 e MADE IN GREEN by OEKO-TEX per la produzione in spugna. Mi piace anche che mantenga modelli e colori in collezione: poter aggiungere un asciugamano al proprio set senza scoprire che quella tonalità è sparita dopo una stagione non è così scontato (ogni riferimento a Zara Home, eh ehm, è puramente casuale).

Tekla resta più dettagliato nel rendere pubblici i propri risultati ambientali. Ma Bongusta mi sembra una scoperta interessante, con un’identità che va ben oltre le righe in comune.

Zendaya Together With On - Mary Jane-inspired sneakers :)

Benny passione scarpe brutte all’attacco. Capisco che siano per pochi, ma cosa ci posso fare? Le ho viste a Juliana Salazar e dovete sapere che io e Juliana abbiamo questa passione in comune. Io super fan della sua collab con Asics, tra l’altro, di molti anni fa. Spero ancora di trovarla su Vinted.

Come le indosserei? Non lo so, probabilmente con activewear/loungewear per andare a fare pilates/yoga e giretti brevi; con pantaloni dritti alla caviglia, T-shirt basic girocollo, maglioncino in vita…looks molto chill. Se iniziassi a farci look troppo costruiti, mi sentirei a disagio e perderei la mia essenza effortless.

Le ho prese? No, prima devo mettere su Vinted le mie Vibram x New Balance, poi capiamo. Ve le consiglio? Assolutamente SÌ, ma solo se poi mi scrivete e capiamo insieme gli styling giusti. Su di voi sì che mi posso sbizzarrire :)

Micristudio

Ho scoperto questo brand tempo fa, poi l’ho perso di vista. Facendo ricerca di camicie me ne sono ricordata.

Danno nuova vita a capi maschili vintage e li adattano a un pubblico femminile. Il loro forte sono proprio le camicie: se ne cercate una diversa dal solito, andate a sbirciare. Hanno pezzi di Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Valentino… Poi mi dite come si fa a sceglierne una sola.

Ganni x Lululemon - la borraccia!!

Da pilates princess a gym sis è un attimo. Questa è un’altra versione di me che chi non mi conosce non si aspetta. La mia anima girly but funky viene fuori.

Trovo tutto molto cool dal punto di vista dell’immagine, ma la verità è che l’unica cosa che comprerei è la borraccia, che al momento è sold out. Completerebbe molto bene il mio activewear sobrio. Secondo me potrebbe comparire su Vinted, quindi tenetela d’occhio.

Lebubé, Lip Oil and Balm

Dopo la mia ossessione per il loro mascara brown, che si rimuove con un solo gesto e vi ho già consigliato, ho provato questo. Non uso rossetti, ma solo gloss, da anni ormai, quindi ne ho provati un bel po’.

Tra l’altro, la collaborazione con Lebubé, brand italiano di clean make-up unito a trattamento, è nata proprio così: le ragazze hanno visto che usavo e consigliavo il loro mascara e il loro primer per le ciglia a dismisura e si sono offerte di regalarmeli! Su loro consiglio, poi ho iniziato a testare altri prodotti che sento più miei (visto che mi trucco a malapena) e, considerando anche il rapporto qualità-prezzo, credo davvero che facciano la differenza rispetto ai loro equivalenti di altri brand. Poi si tratta di una start-up 100% italiana, fondata da due sorelle giovanissime e super dolci: come potrei non sceglierle?

Il lip gloss nella versione Lemon Chiffon è il mio preferito: idrata, illumina, non appiccica. La confezione è comoda e ben fatta, si vede quanto prodotto ne rimane e la profumazione è molto, molto delicata, senza effetto artificiale, che era la cosa che mi preoccupava di più. In fondo alla NL c'è un codice sconto. Non c’è di che <3

Little Dragon Madrid

Niente posti fancy questo mese. La verità è che la gioia me l’ha data scoprire che Little Dragon ha aperto a pochi passi da casa mia.

Un ristorante cinese specializzato in dumplings, carino e moderno, dove puoi improvvisare una cena con un’amica anche un martedì sera, senza preoccuparti di spese impreviste. In quartieri in cui ormai è difficile cenare per meno di 30 euro a testa, per me vale già una segnalazione. Ovviamente, non aspettatevi Don Lay: qui si viene per una cena informale e per mangiare bene, spendendo il giusto.

Le proposte vegetariane purtroppo scarseggiano. I piatti forti, segnalati con una stellina sul menù, sono perlopiù a base di maiale e piccanti. Io di solito non mangio né maiale né piccante, ma li ho assaggiati e devo ammetterlo: sono i più buoni (purtroppo). Farò una petizione per aumentare le proposte veggie.

I miei preferiti sono stati gli shengjianbao, anche se devo ancora capire chi vince tra loro e quelli di Casa Pei. Vi aggiornerò: è una ricerca che prendo molto sul serio.

Vi consiglio il locale di Salamanca per la gentilezza e l’ambiente, anche se io, per comodità, continuerò ad andare nel nuovo della Calle Ponzano. Se lo provate, fatemi sapere <3

Ogni tanto penso che in un mondo di fantasia mi vestirei da capo a piedi di Tiny Cottons, sì, proprio il brand per bambini spagnolo che, se non conoscete e avete figli, dovete andare subito a sbirciare. Lo adoro. Ma nella vita reale tendo molto di più verso The Row.

Non è la paura di osare che mi blocca: semplicemente si prova, ma poi non dobbiamo per forza indossare tutto ciò che consideriamo bello o cool. O magari non da capo a piedi se lo stile è, diciamo, molto potente. Mi sento più me stessa con meno colori brillanti e meno stampe. Amo i neutri e combinarli tra loro. Sento però di poter, o quasi dovere, osare con gli accessori, soprattutto quando si tratta di scarpe, activewear o oggetti per la casa...perché il troppo piatto un po’ mi annoia. Ora capite il perché della borraccia, no?

In fondo, anche capire cosa ci piace ma non ci somiglia fa parte del trovare il proprio stile, no?

Alla prossima settimana!

Benny

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Trovare i pezzi giusti è una sfida: devono adattarsi al corpo e all’attività, e per me è più difficile che trovare il bikini o l’intimo ideali (quelli li ho trovati, ma saranno topic di altre NL).
Il leggings perfetto in camerino può scivolare a ogni squat; il top da yoga può non offrire abbastanza sostegno per correre. E provate voi a trovare la pace interiore mentre vi tirate su i pantaloni ad ogni posizione.

Cerco capi che mi facciano piacere e che, una volta indossati, mi lascino pensare ad altro. Il tutto senza arrecare danni a lungo termine al mio corpo o al pianeta, se possibile. Vorrei consigliarvi solo brand responsabili che usino materiali naturali…

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Here are 15 things making the transition into the colder months a little sweeter, with a few shopping suggestions along the way. Because those never hurt and you’ll get to know me a little better, too :)

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1. My own bed (+ those cosy, extra-thick towels I didn’t know I needed until I turned 35).
My lovely bed linen, pillows and towels. I’ll only accept disagreement if you spent your holiday in a five-star hotel with an exceptional mattress and a two-metre-wide bed. Which, obviously, I did not. My bed linen and towels are from Cometa, Tekla and Bongusta. Clearly, this is what growing up looks like.

2. A refresh.
The appointments take forever, but don’t tell me you don’t feel like a diva afterwards. I usually book a proper mani-pedi in a cool place. A little treat we all deserve at this time of year. Lately, I’ve been obsessed with Martl: a dreamy space, speciality coffee, matcha and nail colours you didn’t know existed. I went for a pop of colour to keep my spirits up!

3. Flirting: at the gym, on the bus, on the tube…
I’m married, but I’m also a Libra. These days, I mostly enjoy my friends’ stories. Eye contact doesn’t count, right?

4. Sister time.
Shopping, brunchin’, a gym class together. Or a long call when you’re far apart. If you’re feeling a little low, don’t force yourself to socialise with just anyone. Even close friends can feel a little distant sometimes. Make time for whoever you can be completely yourself with!

5. Back to my favourite classes.
Exercising in summer is slightly heroic. I do it, but between the heat and the hotel rooms, it’s a struggle. My latest obsessions back in Madrid: Niroo and Ama Studio, both for Lagree. Get ready to tremble.

6. Porridge.
Warm porridge, cold, thick yoghurt on top. Amy, my fav person from the UK, back me up here, please. My favourites are Sojasun’s soya skyr and Fage 5% Greek yoghurt. And then there’s pumpkin pie, hot ramen… I’ll stop. I’m hungry.

7. A trip to look forward to.
I rarely book next year’s holidays before Christmas, but I love making plans and figuring out what my budget might allow. On a grey day, knowing a trip is getting closer helps.
Currently dreaming of Miami and New York next Easter with my friend Ana who lives in NY. Have a look at her newsletter and Instagram for city tips.

8. Weekends in the city.
Exhibitions, new places to try, post-gym café with friends. Shopping in actual shops. My Madrid List on Google Maps is free and constantly updated, if you need ideas. My latest discoveries? Bama for recovery smoothies and niche activewear, and Myo Hand Roll Bar in Calle Santa Teresa (both in Madrid).

9. Fresh air.
Clothes that no longer stick to you. A breeze through your hair. A jumper over your shoulders (but no coat yet, please). Goodbye to humidity, and to whatever no longer resonates with you.

10. Something new, just for fun.
A course, a running goal, a project that excites you. This time of year already stresses me out enough, so I save the big plans for January. But I am tempted to try a new hobby! I’m torn between a running programme and a language course… My idea of fun is questionable, I know. Please don’t judge, I’m working on it!

11. Warmth, in all its forms.
Autumn sunshine on a terrace, without the sweating. Hot latte after months of iced orders. And the lady at the dry cleaner’s asking where you’ve been and how your holidays were. Those little moments of feeling at home again.

12. Seeing someone you’ve missed. Your therapist counts too.
A friend, a “special” colleague, your trainer…your therapist counts too. Sometimes, just seeing a familiar face makes you feel a little more like yourself.

13. A beauty discovery or a new treatment to try.
There’s something satisfying about refreshing my skincare routine for autumn and giving it a little focus. Mine? Dark spots. My staples are niacinamide by day and retinol at night, both from La Roche Posay, alongside targeted creams recommended by my dermatologist. Also, a recent favourite is Typology’s nine-ingredient moisturiser. A simple everyday essential definitely coming on my next trip.
For a treatment, I like LPG. I start in autumn every year cause I believe in constancy and not in last minute remedies. Time for myself, and surprisingly relaxing too.

14. Mascara that comes off in one easy step (in brown!)
No panda eyes, no endless rubbing. And if you’re staying over at someone’s place, no hiding in their bathroom for twenty minutes trying to remove it. Who knew?

15. A new jumper.
Of course I had to include a little shopping. Soft, cozy and not even slightly itchy. Perfect for draping over your shoulders or around your waist until winter arrives. Suddenly, a cooler day doesn’t sound so bad. I swear.

EXTRA, because I know this one isn’t for everyone: MY BIRTHDAY!
Welcome to Libra season. And since I’m a Scorpio rising, I’m claiming the right to celebrate until both seasons are over. The best dopamine hit I could ask for :)

Turns out I like quite a few things about autumn. I just needed to write them down.

What’s on your list? Leave me a comment because I might borrow a few ideas for the colder months :)

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Non mi vesto necessariamente seguendo i trend ne applico tutti gli styling tips che conosco nella vita reale. Ultimamente compro pure pochissimo, anche perché sono in fase di risparmio obbligato. Una sofferenza, perché sapete che per una Bilancia lo shopping è terapia, vero? Da stylist, però, amo guardare le sfilate, scovare tendenze e vedere cosa arriva nei negozi, e quando sono sul set a scattare gli e-commerce dei brand con cui lavoro finisco per sperimentare tante di quelle idee. Poi, più o meno involontariamente, alcune formule le replico anche su di me, quindi sì, ne sono vittima anch’io.

Vorrei raccontarvi tutto e condividere più spesso consigli e ispirazioni, ma tra la vita in una grande città, due cani, un marito con il menisco rotto e un lavoro 24/7 un po’ come il mio, ultimamente le giornate mi sfuggono. Io però, pretendo di non rinunciare a nulla: allenamento cinque giorni su sette, doppia detersione, idratante due volte al giorno perché i miei talloni sono una grattugia (in mia difesa vi dirò che allenarsi scalzi è cosa buona e giusta), pasti equilibrati e fatti in casa…amo prendermi cura di me e mi aiuta a sentirmi meglio - in teoria - ma ora capisco perché inizio a sentirmi un tantino stanca. Datemi più ore, vi prego. Io, dopo una giornata sul set e tutto questo, inizio a desiderare soprattutto di coricarmi y bajar revoluciones.

E così, anche se dormo poco e di solito funziono benissimo lo stesso, quando non ho scadenze imposte da altre persone, divento piuttosto indisciplinata (ciao ADHD). Dopo le giornate più pesanti faccio scrolling, scrivo cose che lascio in bozza, cerco brand e pezzi da aggiungere alla shopping list, salvo immagini per future moodboard, e rimando all’infinito anche progetti che mi piacciono, appena comincio a sentirli come un altro dovere.

Con Substack è andata esattamente così. Complice il perfezionismo, per due mesi non ho premuto invio: devo scrivere di più, aggiungere immagini, sistemare ancora qualcosa. Ma davvero vogliamo sempre aspettare il momento perfetto? MA ANCHE NO, DAI.

Quindi eccomi qui. Odio il freddo e l’autunno mi mette già di cattivo umore, tra scarpe chiuse, pioggia e pallore, però quando leggerete questa newsletter sarà il mio compleanno e mi sembra una buona occasione per tornare alla carica, invece di andare in letargo.

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Anche perché sento di essere all’inizio di una fase nuova, o quasi. Un anno fa, due astrologhe diverse mi hanno detto che ad agosto 2026 avrei preso una decisione importante, scegliendo finalmente un cammino definitivo. Ammetto di aver passato agosto a fissare il telefono, in attesa di chissà quale chiamata, con una proposta di lavoro o di un progetto a lungo termine. Quando la tua passione è anche il tuo lavoro, finisci per farci ruotare tutto intorno, anche quando forse ogni tanto dovresti pensare ad altro.

Spoiler: quella chiamata grandiosa non è arrivata. Qualche giorno fa, però, mi sono resa conto che una scelta l’avevo fatta davvero, attraverso un processo piuttosto naturale, che proprio nelle ultime settimane è diventato sempre più chiaro.

Ripenso a settembre 2016, quando ho varcato per la prima volta la soglia di Vogue, con gli occhi lucidi e il cuore a mille. Da allora sono successe tante cose: alcune mi hanno fatto mettere in dubbio la mia carriera, altre mi hanno bloccata contro la mia volontà, e certe scelte, anche forzate, hanno reso il percorso decisamente più tortuoso di quanto immaginassi. Anche interessante ed appassionante, per carità, ma sul momento magari avrei preferito un po’ meno.

Oggi mi sembra di essere tornata dove tutto è cominciato, con la voglia di sognare in grande di quella ragazza e con idee molto più chiare su chi sono e su ciò che voglio fare. Quindi forse le astrologhe ci avevano visto giusto, solo che io aspettavo una telefonata…

Tutto questo preambolo per dirvi che, nel frattempo, ho preparato un Fall Edit pretty cool, gratuito, per voi.

Explore the Fall Edit

Dentro trovate un po’ di tutto, da qualche pezzo fast fashion, con un occhio ai materiali e al fit (sono andata a testare molte cose in negozio), a brand di fascia più alta e qualche pezzo luxury e anche diversi brand di nicchia. Perché sono le richieste che più spesso mi fate. Spero vi sia utile anche solo per trovare idee: potete prendere un capo come riferimento e cercare qualcosa di simile altrove, adattandolo al vostro budget o a ciò che avete già nell’armadio. Sapete che io faccio tanto “shopping nel mio armadio”: uso e riuso gli stessi capi in mille modi, creando combo diverse ogni volta. Ricerco anche tanto su Vinted, quindi sfruttate questa lista come meglio crediate :)

Ho raccolto tutto su ShopMy, che mi permette di suddividere i pezzi per categoria senza impazzire con Canva. Conoscendo i miei standard estetici, avrei passato settimane a sistemare un PDF prima di essere soddisfatta e ci saremmo rivisti direttamente a Natale.

La selezione è gratuita e, se acquistate tramite alcuni dei link, io ricevo una piccola commissione, senza costi aggiuntivi per voi. Ho scelto tutti i pezzi perché mi piacevano, indipendentemente dalle commissioni: credo che i negozi che le offrono siano a malapena la metà rispetto a quelli inclusi infatti. Insomma, io mi sono divertita a cercare, voi avete la lista e nessuno pensa male, ok!?

Per gli abbinamenti e gli extra tips, ci vediamo ogni lunedì nelle mie stories, dove userò soprattutto i pezzi della selezione per proporvi idee di look, come quelle qui sotto.
Vi ricordo inoltre che le consulenze online e le liste personalizzate sono sempre disponibili sul mio sito (e non dimenticate che i founding members della NL hanno diritto a una consulenza annuale inclusa nell’abbonamento :) Basically, NL free forever, chat esclusiva e styling session al prezzo di una consulenza, what are you waiting for?! ).
Scusate il breve momento promozionale, ma a volte anche le passioni vanno motivate.

Intanto mi piacerebbe sapere cosa ne pensate. Per il prossimo edit, quello FULL WINTER, con sciarponi, stivaloni e cappotti lunghissssimi, in uscita a fine novembre, sto pensando a un piccolo PDF con proposte di look esclusive, da acquistare a parte o da riservare agli abbonati a pagamento. Voi lo comprereste? Vi sarebbe utile? Ditemi sinceramente, perché mi aiuta a capire a cosa dedicare tempo.

Nel frattempo, buona esplorazione e, se comprate qualcosa, buon shopping. Sono felice di ritrovarvi qui e grazie di cuore per avermi letto.

P.S. Vorrei provare a scrivere alcune newsletter in doppia lingua, perché quando vado a ruota libera, come oggi, in italiano mi viene tutto più naturale. Per la versione inglese, per rapidità, mi aiuterò con l’IA; ve lo dico per trasparenza. Per le newsletter più tecniche o brevi, magari scriverò direttamente in inglese, che in quei casi mi viene facile. Spero che scrivere anche nella mia lingua mi aiuti ad avvicinarmi un po’ di più a voi, quindi fatemi sapere come vi trovate e se questa formula vi piace!

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ENGLISH VERSION

It’s been two months, and here I am, with a rather long list of things I’d like to talk to you about, starting with the more frivolous ones: styling, styling, styling and shopping, obviously. After all, that’s why 90% of you are here; the rest are friends I forced to subscribe, ahem.

I don’t necessarily dress according to trends, or use every styling tip I know in real life. Lately, I’ve barely been buying anything either, as I’m having to be quite strict about saving. Painful, because you do know shopping is therapy for a Libra, right? As a stylist, though, I love watching the shows, spotting trends and seeing what’s arriving in the shops, and I get to experiment with so many of those ideas on e-commerce shoots for the brands I work with. Then, more or less without meaning to, I end up trying some of those combinations on myself, so yes, I get sucked in too.

I’d love to tell you everything and share tips and inspiration more often, but between life in a big city, two dogs and a husband with a torn meniscus and a job that’s pretty much 24/7, much like mine, the days have been getting away from me lately. Meanwhile, I insist on keeping everything up: working out at least five days a week, double cleansing, moisturising twice a day because my heels are like a cheese grater (in my defence, exercising barefoot is supposed to be good for you), balanced, home-cooked meals… Now I see why I’m starting to feel tired. More hours in the day, please. After a day on set and all of the above, what I mostly want is to lie down y bajar revoluciones.

And although I don’t sleep much and usually function perfectly well anyway, I’m quite undisciplined when nobody else is setting my deadlines (hello ADHD). After the busiest days, I scroll, write things I leave in drafts, look for brands and pieces to add to the shopping list, save images for future moodboards, and endlessly put off even projects I enjoy as soon as they start feeling like another obligation.

That’s exactly what happened with this newsletter. Add perfectionism to the mix, and I spent two months not pressing send: I need to write more, add images, tweak something else. But do we really want to keep waiting for the perfect moment? OH, COME ON.

So here I am. I hate the cold, and autumn already puts me in a bad mood with its closed-toe shoes, rain and the gradual loss of my tan, but by the time you read this it’ll be my birthday, which feels like a good excuse to get going again rather than disappear into hibernation.

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I also feel like I’m at the start of something new. A year ago, two different astrologers told me that in August 2026 I’d make an important decision and settle on a direction. I’ll admit I spent August staring at my phone, waiting for some call about a job offer or a long-term project. When your passion is also your work, you end up making everything revolve around it, even when perhaps you should occasionally be thinking about something else.

Spoiler: that call never came. A few days ago, though, I realised I actually had made a choice, through a fairly natural process that’s become much clearer over the past few weeks.

I think back to September 2016, when I first walked through the doors of Vogue, with tears in my eyes and my heart racing. So much has happened since then: some things made me question my career, others held me back against my will, and certain choices, including ones I had little say in, made the path far more winding than I’d imagined. Interesting too, of course, though at the time I could probably have done with a little less of that.

Today I feel as though I’m back where it all began, with that same girl’s desire to dream big and a much clearer idea of who I am and what I want to do. So perhaps the astrologers were right after all, and I was just waiting for a phone call.

All that to tell you that, in the meantime, I’ve put together a pretty cool Fall Edit for you, completely free.

Explore the Fall Edit

There’s a bit of everything in there, from a bit of fast fashion, with an eye on fabrics and fit (I’ve been trying plenty of things on in the shops), to higher-end brands and a few luxury pieces and also several niche brands. I hope it’s useful even just for ideas: you can use a piece as a reference and look for something similar elsewhere, adapting the idea to your budget or what’s already in your wardrobe.
You know I do a lot of “shopping my own wardrobe”: I wear the same pieces over and over, mixing them up differently each time. I also spend plenty of time browsing Vinted, so use this list however works best for you :)

I’ve put everything together on ShopMy, which lets me organise the pieces by category without losing my mind over Canva. Knowing how particular I am about how things look, I’d have spent weeks tweaking a PDF before I was happy with it, and you wouldn’t have heard from me until Christmas.

The edit is free to browse and, if you buy through some of the links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I chose every piece because I liked it, regardless of commission: I think fewer than half the shops I’ve included even offer it. So, I’ve enjoyed the searching, you’ve got the list, and nobody’s assuming the worst, OK!?

For outfit ideas and extra styling tips, I’ll see you every Monday on my stories, where I’ll mainly be using pieces from the edit to show you how I’d put them together.
And a little reminder that online styling consultations and personalised shopping lists are always available on my website (and don’t forget that founding members get one styling consultation a year included in their subscription :) Basically, the newsletter free forever, an exclusive chat and a styling session, all for the price of one consultation. What are you waiting for?!).

Sorry for the little promotional interlude, but sometimes even passion needs a bit of encouragement.

In the meantime, I’d love to know what you think. For the next edit, the FULL WINTER one, with big scarves, chunky boots and really loooong coats, I’m thinking of putting together a little PDF with exclusive outfit ideas, either to buy separately or just for paid subscribers. Would you buy it? Would you find it useful? Tell me honestly, because it helps me work out what to spend my time on.

For now, enjoy browsing and, if anything catches your eye, happy shopping. I’m so happy to be back here with you, and thank you so much for reading.

Thanks for reading The Styling Club! This post is public, so feel free to share it.

P.S. I’d like to try writing some newsletters in both languages, because when I let myself ramble, as I have today, it all comes much more naturally in Italian. To save time, I’ll use AI to help with the English translation, and I wanted to be upfront about that. For shorter or more technical newsletters, I might carry on writing directly in English, as I find that easy enough in those cases. I hope writing in my own language too will help you get to know me a little better, so let me know how you find reading this way and whether you like the idea!

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I love visiting it, especially when beautiful hotels, good food and a few shops are involved, but I am usually very happy to return to my life in the city afterwards. The Cotswolds may be the exception, or at least the version of the countryside that works best for me: tiny villages, good pubs, independent shops, manor houses and the possibility of being back in London within a couple of hours.

We spent four days between London, the Cotswolds and Bath, using Burford as our base and moving around by car. We had a general plan, but we changed it several times along the way, and those improvised moments ended up being some of the best parts of the trip.

My Instagram carousel has the essential addresses, but this is the fuller and more honest version: the itinerary we actually followed, the villages I enjoyed most, the one stop I could probably have skipped and the practical things I would do differently next time.

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Before the countryside: one night in London

We arrived in London on Thursday evening and spent one night there before collecting our rental car the following day.

For dinner, these are two places I’ve been recommending lately: very different from each other, but both worth trying.
Kinkally, in Fitzrovia, is a contemporary Georgian-British restaurant that feels current without being excessively formal or expensive. The dumplings (khinkali) were definitely the highlight, so I would focus on those. You can skip dessert; it was not quite as special as the rest. Thank me later!
For something livelier, Los Mochis is a Japanese-Mexican restaurant in Notting Hill that I have been recommending for years after a friend introduced me to it, and now Pablo and I are both obsessed with it! It’s one of our musts when we are in the city. Just make sure you book the right one in Notting Hill, 'cause it’s a bit more intimate and special for me, not the newest and fanciest one in Mayfair or the pop-up they are doing here and there, hehe.

The following morning, I went to a class at Triyoga in Camden Town (it has an inside café I did not know about!) and then walked around Primrose Hill, which remains one of my favourite corners of London and one of those places where I immediately feel at home. I booked the class via Class Pass as usual, which is my lifesaver, so I can enjoy classes in a lot of centres around the world, saving time and money.

For breakfast, try Roots for something healthy and relaxed, or Greenberry Café for a more classic breakfast or lunch, my favourite since I lived there.

I would not overcomplicate this part, by the way. Half a day is enough to enjoy one neighbourhood, have a good breakfast and get a little city energy before switching completely to countryside mode.

The full itinerary

Friday: London to Burford

After lunch, we collected our car and drove towards the Cotswolds.

The drive takes around two hours, depending on traffic. In my opinion, having a car is essential. Public transport exists, but the freedom to change your plans and move easily between villages, hotels and restaurants is a big part of the experience.

We chose Burford as our base. It is one of the first main Cotswolds towns you reach when driving from London, and it worked very well for us: beautiful, but still practical, with independent shops, cafés, pubs and enough life to make it enjoyable in the evening too.

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Avevo scritto questo testo inizialmente in italiano, ma poi ho deciso di tradurlo.

Scrivere nella mia lingua mi faceva sentire troppo esposta e probabilmente non avrei mai avuto il coraggio di pubblicarlo. L’inglese, in un certo senso, mi protegge. È un po’ la mia coperta di Linus. Mi permette di dire cose che altrimenti terrei per me, come se stessi parlando da un posto leggermente più lontano, o forse, semplicemente, con meno timore del giudizio.

Arrivederci, T. Grazie per tutto.

I don’t think this started with food, or even with clothes.

If I try to trace it back, it probably started much earlier, with comparison. With that subtle awareness, when you’re still quite young, that your body is somehow different from the others, maybe slightly bigger, slightly more noticeable, or maybe just different somehow; something you become aware of before you’re really ready to be.

Nothing you would necessarily call a problem at the time, but enough to plant a certain idea: that your body is something to observe, to adjust, to manage.

And I think that idea just stayed with me for years.

At some point, it became more defined. It turned into a number, or better, a size.

I don’t remember exactly when it became the reference point, but at some stage it did, and from there everything started to orbit around it. I had this underlying belief that as long as I stayed within that size, then everything else was more or less under control. It wasn’t something I actively questioned; it just felt like a rule that made sense, almost like a boundary I wasn’t supposed to cross.

The strange thing is that I never really considered the possibility that that size might not actually be mine.

I had reached it through some years of restriction, through control, through a kind of constant adjustment that I had learned to normalise, so of course it didn’t feel stable. It required maintenance, attention, energy. And I didn’t see that as a warning sign; I saw it as discipline.

Looking back now, I realise that what I called “taking care” often had very little to do with care.

I’ve had a complicated relationship with food and my body since childhood, but it has rarely looked extreme from the outside, in either direction. I’ve always been able to function, work, show up, and build things. I’ve looked healthy, or at least healthy enough not to raise concern, for the majority of the time, and I think that’s part of what made it so difficult to recognise.

At some point, I stopped having my period.
For years. Twelve, to be exact.

And even writing that now feels strange, because it should have been a very clear signal that something was off. But at the time, it didn’t fully land in that way. Or maybe it did, but I had learned to prioritise other references instead, things that felt more immediate, more visible, more within my control.

Clothes became one of those references.

Not the starting point, but definitely a tool. A way to check, every morning, without having to think too much about it. I would try on a pair of jeans and, almost automatically, understand where I stood that day. If they felt the way I expected them to, I could relax a little. If they didn’t, something shifted internally, and I would start adjusting things, sometimes very subtly, sometimes less so.

What I ate, how I moved, how I held myself.

And the thing is, none of this looked particularly alarming from the outside. It looked like discipline, like awareness, like someone who is “in control”. But inside, it felt more like a constant negotiation, a quiet tension that never really went away.

There is this huge grey area we don’t talk about enough, where everything seems fine, or even good, from the outside, but internally, a lot is happening. You don’t need to be extremely underweight to be struggling, and you don’t need to reach an extreme for it to count. You can be in a body that is considered normal, even ideal, and still feel completely disconnected from it.

And I think this is also where conversations around inclusivity sometimes stop too early. We focus, rightly, on representation and different body types, but we don’t always speak about what it feels like to live inside those bodies, especially when the relationship with them is complicated.

On top of that, in my case, there has also been ADHD, which adds another layer that is not always easy to explain. There is this attempt to create structure and control around food and the body, while your mind naturally moves in a much less linear way, and the combination can feel quite intense at times. Not necessarily one I would recommend, to be honest. In fact, I’m still surprised by all the things I’ve managed to accomplish in life with both. I’m definitely not particularly smart; if anything, I think it’s just been a matter of strong determination - the kind that can sometimes take you a little too far, even in the wrong direction.

There were moments, quite clear ones, where my body was asking for something different. More food, more rest, less pressure. And I could feel it, if I’m honest, but I had become very used to listening to other signals instead - ones that felt safer in a way, more measurable.

So I kept going.

Even when there were consequences.

I developed health issues that I am still dealing with today, from chronic pain to bone loss, and there was a point where my body was simply not strong enough to sustain the pace I had before. I had to step back, including from work and opportunities that mattered to me, and that was a difficult moment to face, because it made things much more real.

And still, even then, the voice didn’t fully disappear.

Which is probably one of the hardest parts to explain, unless you’ve experienced it. You would expect that at some point it becomes obvious, that the body forces you to stop and everything shifts immediately, but it doesn’t necessarily work like that. Awareness and change don’t always arrive at the same speed.

Over time, though, something has started to move.

Not in a perfect or linear way, but there is more space now between what I think and what I choose to do with it. I still have moments where I catch myself analysing my body in the mirror more than I would like, or where I feel that familiar pull towards control, but I recognise it more quickly.

And that changes things.

I’ve also started to question something that, for years, felt completely obvious to me, which is the idea that if something doesn’t fit, it must be my body that needs to change.

And I think, if I try to put it into words in a slightly more structured way, what was happening was this:

I had linked my sense of safety to something external and very rigid - a size, a number, a fit. It gave me the illusion of control because it was measurable, visible, and easy to check.

But the body doesn’t really work like that.

It’s not static, it’s not meant to stay the same all the time, and it doesn’t respond well to being constantly pushed into a fixed shape. It changes with stress, with hormones, with seasons, with how much you rest, with how much you give it.

So, trying to keep it within a very narrow range, at all costs, creates tension. And that tension doesn’t just stay in your body - it spreads into your thoughts, your mood, your daily life.

Which is why something that seems small - like how a pair of jeans fits - can end up having such a strong impact.

Because it’s never just about the jeans.

At the same time, I’ve been trying to hold onto something very simple, almost like a small rule I come back to when I feel myself slipping into old patterns:

Your clothes should adapt to your life, not the other way around.

Not to a past version of you.
Not to a number.
Not to an ideal that requires constant effort to maintain.

To your life, as it is now.

Because the moment you have to shrink yourself, physically or mentally, to fit into something, there is already a mismatch.

And I also think it’s important to say that this is not just an individual conversation.

Inclusivity matters, and we should keep moving in that direction, collectively.

And yet, if I’m honest, lately it feels like we’ve taken a few steps back.

You look at runways, red carpets, campaigns, and there is once again a very dominant aesthetic, a kind of extreme thinness that quietly becomes the reference point again.

No one explicitly says it, but you can feel it.
What is celebrated, rewarded, and considered “the standard”.

So yes, on one side, there is personal work to do, learning to listen to your body, to question your patterns, to step out of certain loops. But on the other side, there is also a broader context that we can’t ignore.

Which is why I think both things need to exist at the same time:
working on your own relationship with your body, and continuing to support a more inclusive, more realistic representation of it.

Because one without the other is not enough.

I think if there is something I’ve learned, it’s that the problem was never really the jeans. But it wasn’t my body either.

There was something else underneath that needed attention, and for a long time, I avoided looking at it, because focusing on the surface felt easier, more manageable.

If any part of this feels familiar, I do think it’s important to say that asking for help can make a difference. Not because there is something “wrong” with you, but because these patterns are very hard to untangle on your own, especially when they have been part of your life for a long time.

I’m still figuring this out, and I don’t think I’ll ever have a perfect relationship with my body, but I am trying to build a more honest and respectful one.

For my future self, first.
For my career (because, spoiler: a healthy body performs better, both physically and mentally).
For the family I choose.
And for my future children, because I want to give them a good example, and break the patterns I’ve inherited, even if unconsciously.

And lately, that has meant making slightly different choices, even small ones.

Paying attention to how I feel, not just how something fits.
Choosing clothes that support me, rather than test me.
And trying, slowly, not to abandon myself in the process.

Love,

Benedetta

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Choosing better fabrics, better brands, more conscious options.
And yes, that matters.

But what we don’t talk about enough is what happens after.

I recently came across a statistic that stayed with me: around 25% of a garment’s carbon footprint depends on how we take care of it.

Which means… a big part of sustainability is already sitting in our wardrobe.

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A small shift

Sustainability is not only what you buy.
It’s how long you make things last.

What I actually do (realistically)

Well…more or less realistically. I’m far from perfect, but this is a very good starting point: simple things anyone can start applying right away.

I swear, they’re things you’ll get used to very quickly, and over time, the majority of them will become automatic.

1. I wash less than I used to
I still struggle with this one cause I’ve always been a bit of a maniac about washing, but the truth is, not everything needs to be washed after one wear.

Sometimes, it just needs to breathe.
Opening a window, hanging things properly, and letting fabrics rest.

There’s also a difference between something that is actually dirty and something that just isn’t “perfect” anymore.
In many cases, a quick steam, or even just the humidity from a shower, is enough to refresh it.

Natural fibres like wool, cotton or linen are made for this. They don’t need constant washing to stay fresh.

2. I default to lower temperatures
We’re used to thinking hotter = cleaner.

But most of the time, 30°C is enough.
And it makes a huge difference in how clothes age.

Less fading, less shrinking, less damage overall.

3. I stopped using fabric softener
This was unexpected for me.

It actually coats the fibres over time, making them less breathable and less absorbent. Even towels lose part of their ability to absorb.

Now I either skip it or use a bit of vinegar: much simpler, and honestly better.

5. I pay attention to how I wash, not just what I wash
Small details, but they add up.

Turning clothes inside out, closing zips and buttons, and using washing bags for delicate pieces.

Also: not overloading the machine.
When everything is too packed, clothes don’t get properly cleaned, and fabrics wear out faster.

Less friction = longer life.

6. I take drying more seriously
I used to think washing was the important part.

But drying changes everything.

Air-drying whenever possible, laying knitwear flat, and avoiding direct sun for darker pieces. All of this helps clothes keep their shape and colour.

7. I rotate things more (especially shoes)
Wearing the same pair of shoes two days in a row doesn’t give them time to fully dry.

Letting them rest helps maintain both hygiene and structure.

It’s a small habit, but it really extends their life.

8. I treat fabrics differently
This sounds obvious, but most of us don’t do it.

• Wool needs more air than washing.

• Denim often benefits from being washed as little as possible and refreshed instead.

• Delicates just need lower temperatures and a bit more care.

• Leather doesn’t really need washing; just regular airing and gentle cleaning with a soft cloth. For small stains, a bit of bicarbonate or a soft brush can help without damaging the material.

• Suede or more delicate finishes can be cleaned with something as simple as a rubber eraser for light marks.

• Synthetic fabrics like polyester require a different approach, too: less washing, no fabric softener, and gentle cycles to prevent odours from getting trapped over time.

• Activewear should be aired and washed promptly after use, using gentle cycles and avoiding excessive detergent to prevent odour build-up.
  A small amount of bicarbonate or a few drops of essential oil can help neutralise odours naturally.

• Swimwear should always be rinsed with fresh water after use and left to dry in the shade to preserve elasticity and colour.

• Underwear benefits from frequent, gentle washing, ideally at low temperatures and with mild detergents, to maintain softness and hygiene.

Not everything should be treated the same way.

9. I take care of my jewellery too
Clothes are not the only things that age.

I try to clean jewellery gently and regularly, and avoid leaving it in contact with perfumes or creams for too long.

Different materials need slightly different care:

• Gold: soak it briefly in warm water with a small amount of mild soap (like hand soap or dish soap), then clean it with a very soft cloth or a soft toothbrush and dry immediately

• Silver: store it in closed pouches to prevent oxidation, and clean it with a specific silver cloth or with warm water + a bit of mild soap, drying it straight after

• Steel: the easiest - just a soft damp cloth and, if needed, a bit of mild soap; dry well to avoid marks

Nothing complicated, just a bit of consistency.

The real benefit

Clothes look better when they’re well cared for.

Better shape.
Better texture.
Better fit.

And without forcing it, you start buying less, so a better economy too :)

A Sowll rule (and very much me)

As I always say, your clothes should adapt to your life, not the other way around.

But if you want them to stay with you longer, you have to meet them halfway this time :)

I’m far from perfect with any of this, really, but even doing a few of these things consistently makes a difference.

I’m thinking of creating a more in-depth PDF, a bit more technical but easy to use, covering any fabrics, washing, and care in a more structured and detailed way.

Let me know in the comments if this is something you might be interested in.

And feel free to share this post with anyone who might find it useful!

Benedetta

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I’ve been slightly under the weather (hello spring, first rays of sun, and the classic illusion that we can suddenly live like lizards…only to get sick straight after), and yesterday was dedicated to the second Meet for Breakfast (in Madrid again this time, but sooner in other locations :)).

This Sunday started as it often does: pilates, and then breakfast in the sun, sitting on a bench in Plaza de Olavide, Madrid.

There’s something about this little square. Madrid is already such a joy to live in: clean, safe, vibrant, but what it slightly lacks are those small pockets of green scattered around the city. Close to my flat, Olavide, even if not truly “green”, gives me that feeling anyway: light, space, a pause from the noise of cars in the middle of the city.

And maybe it was the sun, the square almost for myself (everyone had already left for the Easter break) or simply my usual end-of-the-month ritual (if you’ve read Two Pages a Month, you know what I mean)…But I found myself reflecting again.

Not just on my goals, but on timing.

Because the more I think about it, the more I realise:
January might not be the most honest moment to decide the direction of your year.

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Why March feels more real than January

Spring is, universally, a symbol of renewal.

Different cultures mark it as the true beginning: the Chinese New Year follows the lunar cycle, the astrological year begins in spring, and nature itself only begins to bloom now.

“Trees don’t bloom in January”, and yet we expect ourselves to.
I heard this on a podcast a few days ago, and it stayed with me. It made me want to keep sharing more mindful notes about personal growth, as I did with “A framework for setting goals (that actually works)”. Because the way we grow, rest, and move through seasons inevitably shows up in how we get dressed, too.
Maybe that’s why I like to talk about all of this.

Anyway, don’t get me wrong, I deeply love January rituals: setting goals, creating a vision board, starting fresh… it gives me positive energy in a cold, quiet month. And yes, I still stand by my framework.

But January comes right after December: a month that is socially, emotionally, and financially intense. And often far from our real routines.

So we plan our year either:

• in the chaos of December, or

• in the stillness of holidays

…and then expect those plans to translate into real life perfectly.

Even for me, who uses the Two pages a month method, it’s no surprise that by February things already feel slightly off.

The missing piece: the trial period

After a few conversations and podcasts, here’s what I’ve come to realise.

January and February are not for execution but for testing, and I like to think about them as a trial period.

March is where things become clear.

It’s the moment where you can finally ask yourself (honestly, without guilt)
What is actually working? And what isn’t?

Step 1 - Review without guilt

This is the most important part.

Look at your goals and be radically honest, but gentle.

For me, one example is Instagram.
This year, I intentionally set fewer goals (but more meaningful ones). I thought they were realistic, but not all of them fit at the same pace. Instagram didn’t get the space I had imagined.

And instead of turning that into guilt, I’m reframing it:

→ one post per week is too much right now
→ one every two weeks feels sustainable

The same applies to anything:

• If you planned 4 workouts a week and did 2 → maybe 2 is your starting point

• If a habit didn’t stick → maybe it was too ambitious, not wrong

At the same time, don’t forget to notice what is working.

We are so quick to focus on what we didn’t do,
and so slow to acknowledge what we did.

Give yourself some credit. You’ve probably moved more than you think.

Step 2 - Adjust the structure, not just the goal

Goals fail because they’re not integrated into our real lives.

So instead of abandoning them, ask:

How can this fit into my current rhythm?

Not your ideal routine or your future self, but your actual calendar.

This is where things become sustainable. And sustainability, in this context, is everything (right after actually wanting and believing in your goals, eheh).

A softer, more intelligent reset

So if January is about dreaming big, March is about editing or re-aligning if necessary.

It’s a more grounded, more mature approach compared to the January one.

The other day, while trying to bring more structure to one of my goals, I came across a simple but powerful idea:
not “I failed”, but “I tested it, and now I adjust”.

And this is, in a way, what a spring reset really is. And the reason I decided to write this post.

Honestly, it is not a complete overhaul but a gentle recalibration that we all probably need.

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My Short Spring Reset Guide (the realistic version!)

If you also feel like resetting a little, here’s how I’d approach it very simply:

1. Clear the noise (mentally first)
Write everything down. To-dos, thoughts, stress. You have to understand where you are.
Then separate:

• what to keep

• what to postpone or reduce

• what to let go

2. Reconnect with your goals
Not all of them, but the few that still feel aligned.
Pick 2–3 intentions for this season.

3. Lighten your environment
I’m a bit obsessed with it, but believe me, this helps almost anyone and more than we think:

• lighter textures

• flowers, incense, anything that feels good

• a slightly clearer space

• your wardrobe included: bring forward what feels right for this season, even if it’s just a few pieces

Your home influences your energy.

4. Edit your inputs
Unfollow what doesn’t inspire you.
Reduce noise, especially digital.

5. Move, but gently
More walks, more light, more air.
Always as support, never as punishment :)

6. Revisit how you get dressed
You don’t need a whole new wardrobe.
Just start paying attention again.

• what feels like you right now

• what you keep reaching for

• what no longer fits (not just physically)

Getting dressed is often the first, most visible way we step into a new season.

One last thing

If there’s one idea I’d like you to keep from all of this:

March is not the moment to give up on your goals, even if you feel lost. It’s the right moment to make them work.

So if things haven’t gone as planned so far, you’re definitely not behind.

You’re exactly where you should be:
right at the point where things start to make sense.

Love,

Benedetta

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It’s one of those words we all instinctively understand, but rarely stop to define. Certain women are almost universally described as cool: Carolyne Bessette-Kennedy, Kate Moss, Jane Birkin, Zoë Kravitz... Different eras, different aesthetics, yet somehow the same word keeps appearing.

Cool.

But what does it actually mean today?

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If you look around for a moment, something strange seems to be happening. The idea of cool has become predictable. It almost feels like a formula that shifts with the trends of the moment.

Right now, it’s straight jeans, a simple tank top, flat shoes, sunglasses, and a sweater or a leather jacket thrown over the shoulders.

The silhouettes change slightly every few years, but the mechanism is always the same: a certain look becomes shorthand for coolness, and suddenly everyone starts recreating it.

Which is slightly ironic, because the women we call cool rarely looked like anyone else in the first place.

If you think about it, none of the classic “cool” women actually dressed alike. Carolyne Bessette embodied quiet, disciplined minimalism. Kate Moss built an entire aesthetic around slightly undone rock-and-roll nonchalance. Jane Birkin was almost the opposite: charmingly imperfect, a little messy, deeply human.

And yet we use the same word to describe all of them.

Which means the coolness clearly wasn’t just about the clothes. It was something subtler: a kind of ease, a sense of self, the feeling that the person wearing those clothes was entirely comfortable being who they were.

This is the paradox of modern coolness. What feels different today is that coolness has become increasingly replicable. We see an aesthetic we like, we save it, we recreate it. A certain coat, a certain pair of jeans, a certain way of tying a shirt around the waist. What starts as inspiration slowly turns into imitation.

The internet, of course, accelerates this process. We are constantly exposed to the same references, the same icons, the same visual codes. And instead of developing our own style, we sometimes end up recreating someone else’s.

Ironically, in the attempt to look cool, we can lose the one thing that made those women cool in the first place: individuality.

And I’m not immune to it either.

But for me, cool has always meant something else too. There’s another dimension of coolness that feels slightly forgotten today, and it has less to do with aesthetics and more to do with behaviour.

For me, being chic, or cool, has never been only about clothes. It’s also about how you move through the world: good manners, kindness, a certain quiet respect for others.

Because what’s the point of looking cool if you behave terribly?

Some of the chicest women I’ve ever met are not the loudest in the room. They don’t perform their style. They simply have presence and confidence, and they make the people around them feel comfortable rather than inferior. That, to me, will always be infinitely cooler than the perfect outfit.

The moment cool becomes a formula, it stops being cool.

The women we still talk about decades later weren’t cool because they followed someone else's formula. They were cool because they had something that can’t really be copied: a point of view, a strong sense of self, and the confidence to stick to it.

Which makes me think that perhaps the coolest thing today is not replicating an aesthetic, but doing the opposite: paying attention to what actually resonates with you, dressing according to your own taste, and moving through the world with a certain elegance.

And maybe this is also why, in my personal styling sessions, I’m more interested than ever in helping people strengthen their own sense of style and refine their taste, rather than simply recreating a certain aesthetic.

Not asking “how do I dress like someone else?”, but rather “what actually feels like me?”

Because real coolness, the kind that lasts, has never really been about clothes alone.

And thankfully, that’s the one thing that can’t be replicated.

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On the one hand, the new collections are starting to appear online: lighter fabrics, more colours, pieces that clearly belong to another climate. I already find myself dreaming about warmer destinations. In fact, I have a European trip planned for June that I’m very excited about… but I can’t reveal where yet because it’s a surprise for a friend who might read this newsletter (hopefully she does).

The problem is that March loves to play tricks on us. After the first warm day, you suddenly believe you can abandon the vest layer (shoutout to my fellow grannies), maybe even bring your slingbacks out of hibernation… and then winter returns overnight. Cue the cold again, frozen feet, and sometimes a cold to match.

So in this strange, in-between season, when the mood shifts as quickly as the temperature, I like to rely on styling combinations that add interest to a simple base.

You might remember the idea of the base outfit I wrote about recently: the core pieces that structure a look: the coat, the knit, the trousers, the shoes. Everything else can orbit around that foundation.

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Sometimes, all it takes is one slightly unexpected element to make it feel intentional.

Think of a summery straw bag paired with an oversized winter coat (or an anklet worn over your socks, like in the picture above). It shouldn’t work on paper, yet it often does. In a way, it reminds me of the “Wrong Shoe Theory” popularised by American stylist Allison Bornstein: the idea that a look becomes more interesting when one element slightly disrupts the expected balance.

This week, I realised there’s another version of that same idea sitting in my jewellery box: beaded necklaces.

They’re the kind of piece I tend to wear constantly in summer - colourful, playful, almost holiday-coded - and then forget about completely during winter. Partly out of laziness, partly because my jewellery box has become so crowded that I rotate the same few pieces again and again.

And yet, worn with knitwear, they work beautifully.

Not in an obvious way, but in a subtle one.

A soft sweater, a slightly open neckline, and just a glimpse of beads appearing under the collar. Most of the necklace remains hidden, but the small detail that peeks out adds texture and personality. It softens the heaviness of winter knits and introduces a hint of spring without forcing the season too early.

The trick is to let the necklace stay slightly hidden.
If it sits fully on top of the knit, it can feel too styled.
But when it only peeks out from the neckline, it feels effortless.

I like to think of it as a little rule: when an outfit feels heavy, add something light.

So while we wait for the weather to make up its mind, this might be one of the easiest ways to refresh what you already have in your wardrobe.

Before buying something new, try opening your jewellery box and rescuing the pieces you usually wear in other seasons.

You might discover that the most interesting combinations are often the ones you never planned.

Below, I’ve added a selection of beaded necklaces I particularly like right now - perfect to wear with knits today, and with lighter pieces once spring finally arrives.

If you check my profile on ShopMY, I’ll add more from fun, colourful brands I like as summer approaches.

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New season, new temptations…even when I don’t actually need anything.

For a long time, I thought the solution to “bad shopping” was control: more restrictions, more willpower.

But the problem was never shopping itself.
It was the lack of pause between desire and decision - that tiny space we usually skip, where clarity lives.

Most impulse purchases are not about the item

They’re about the feeling, the rush, the fantasy, the version of ourselves we imagine becoming once we own it.

Online shopping only amplifies this. Everything is styled perfectly, the lighting is right, the model looks effortless… and trust me, I also work in e-commerce and what you see isn’t even close to reality.

Anyway, very often, what we’re buying isn’t the piece but the promise.

And promises fade faster than fabrics.

So I built the I.F.L. Filter:

I for Identity; F for Function; L for Longevity

It is not a restriction but a simple filter I can run an item through before I check out.

It’s not about saying no, but why I’m saying yes!

Here’s how it works.

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1. IDENTITY: Is this aligned with how I actually dress?

Can I see myself wearing this in my real life?
Not just for a photo or a specific event.

Do I genuinely love this, or do I just love the idea of it?

Because loving the idea of something is very different from loving it enough to wear it on an ordinary day.

Imagine a normal Tuesday: running errands, going to a meeting, having lunch.

If it only makes sense in a very specific scenario, I pause.

Because I’ve learned that I don’t need more “exception pieces.”
I need pieces that integrate.

2. FUNCTION: Will this simplify or complicate my wardrobe?

Will it make getting dressed easier?

Does it work with what I already own, or does it require new shoes, a new bag, a different coat to feel complete?

If a piece needs too much support to function, it’s usually not a strong addition.

I also ask myself:
Do I already own something that does the same job?

If I do, when would I realistically choose this instead?

If I can’t answer that clearly, the decision becomes easier.

3. LONGEVITY: Will I still want this when the excitement fades?

Can I see myself wearing it next year?

Is the quality aligned with the price and my values - materials, construction, durability?

Can I put together at least three outfits with what I already have in my wardrobe?

If the answer is no, then it’s not really an addition.
It’s a whole new system.

And I’m not in the business of rebuilding my wardrobe every season.

The budget question (the adult one)

There’s also a more practical layer I finally learnt recently.

Can I comfortably afford this right now?

Not in theory. Not because it’s “on sale.”
But within my current priorities, and without creating stress later.

Would buying this mean giving up something else that matters more this month?

This question used to feel uncomfortable.
Now it feels grounded.

Because money is also a reflection of alignment.

The Final 8 Questions (save this if you want the full version!)

I don’t ask all of these every time.
But if an item survives most of them, it usually stays in my wardrobe for years.

The part no one talks about: revenge shopping.

One thing I’ve learned the hard way is that being too strict creates tension - and tension eventually turns into revenge shopping.

When I over-restrict, I don’t become more mindful; I become reactive. So conscious shopping, for me, isn’t about saying no to everything. It’s about being informed when I say yes.

Sometimes the answer is still yes - just a slower, calmer, more considered one. And those pieces tend to stay.

Buying less isn’t the goal; it’s a by-product. Clarity is the real goal.

When I pause and question the impulse, separating the fantasy from the function, I don’t feel deprived; I feel aligned. And that alignment is far more satisfying than the rush of a checkout page.

So next time you feel the urge to buy something, don’t ask yourself whether you should.

Ask yourself why you want it.

(And share it with your friends to spread the word about The Styling Club!)

XX
Benedetta

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One comment stayed with me.

The stylist kept repeating to her: Focus on the base outfit.
Top, trousers, coat and shoes - especially the last two.

She called it the “meat and veg”.
Not my preferred metaphor, but the point was clear (I’ll share my personal metaphor in a moment, and I hope you’ll appreciate it;) ).

At first, I wasn’t completely convinced.

As a stylist, I love the details. I love the finishing touches. I’ve always believed that tweaking and accessories can shift an entire look. I even wrote a newsletter about it: Wear The Outfits. I truly believe in the power of tweaking. Of adjusting. But also of adding something that takes an outfit from good to great.

But here’s the key distinction:

Accessories elevate.
They don’t build.

They make something stronger.
They are not the base.

And the more I sat with it, the more it made sense - especially in winter.

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In winter, coat and shoes are the outfit

This logic applies particularly well to the colder months.

When fabrics are heavier, layering adds volume, and outerwear dominates everything else.

In winter, your coat and your shoes do most of the visual work.

They frame your proportions.
They define the silhouette.
They determine the overall balance.

If those two are right, you’re already dressed.

You don’t need to compensate with statement earrings.
You don’t need to “save” the outfit with a bold bag.

You’re good.

What makes a strong base?

When I say “base”, I also mean:

Top
Trousers (or skirt)
Coat
Shoes

What matters here isn’t the trend.
It’s line, shape and proportion.

• Does the coat length work with what’s underneath?

• Are the volumes balanced?

• Do the shoes have enough visual weight to ground the silhouette?

• Would the outfit still work if you removed all accessories?

Strong outerwear makes the outfit in winter.

Shoes with structure stabilise heavier fabrics beautifully.

If the base feels cohesive and intentional, you don’t need much else.

My metaphor: the breakfast bowl

You knew this was coming.

Think of your outfit like one of my breakfast bowls.

At Meet for Breakfast, we always start with a solid base.
Oats. Yoghurt. Something nourishing and balanced.

If the base is aligned with your goals, the toppings are just that: toppings.

Fruit. Nut butter. Seeds. Dark chocolate. They enhance the bowl but don’t fix it.

If your coat and shoes (your oats and yoghurt) are right, the rest is refinement.

And yet, the toppings matter

Let’s be clear.

The toppings are what make the outfit great - and yours. Especially yours.

The glasses you wear every single day.
The small mix of rings you never change.
A few pendants layered together.
Your favourite watch.

These are your signature pieces.

They don’t compensate for a weak base.
They personalise a strong one.

That’s a completely different energy.

Try this tomorrow morning

Next time you’re getting dressed on a cold winter morning, try this:

1. Choose your coat first.

2. Choose your shoes second.

3. Keep the rest simple.

4. Look at the silhouette before adding anything else.

If it works without accessories, you’ve done it right.

Then add your signatures.

Winter doesn’t need more than clarity.

And if the base works, you’re good.

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If you’re building a strong winter base right now…

I might come late, but if you’re building a strong winter base right now, these are some iconic coats and shoes that are working beautifully this season and can make a solid outfit for you (+ some of them are now on sale).

For the latest finds, you can also check out my ShopMy profile.

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Time.
Calm.
Space to reflect and create.
And the possibility to share it.

I realised that the best relationships - and often the best ideas - are born when there is space for synergy. When people sit together without rushing, without an agenda, without trying to prove anything.

For me, that space often exists on the weekends, especially in the morning. Around a table. With something comfy and warm in a bowl.

That’s how Meet for Breakfast was born.

For a while now, I’ve felt the need to channel my creativity beyond fashion.
Somewhere where I feel freer. Lighter. Less observed.

In fashion, there is always a result attached.
An image. A reaction. A metric. A performance.

With this, there isn’t.

And I have to admit something:
I feel more serene when my work doesn’t depend on the outcome.

Meet for Breakfast started as a small, almost private desire.
To gather a few women around a table.
To cook.
To set the mood.
To talk about something meaningful.
And to slow down together.

It also brought me back to the kitchen (a very simple one, I mean).

Cooking breakfast and curating a space for it have always relaxed me. It’s manual, grounding, repetitive in the best way. I had somehow abandoned it in the middle of everything else. This year, I wanted it back.

In a way, this project feels very full circle.

In 2014, while living in London, I started a blog and began experimenting with plant-based breakfasts and snacks. That was the year I discovered proper porridge. The year I followed Deliciously Ella before she became famous. The year I learned how to soak oats, bake them, spice them, and make them comforting.

Now, more than ten years later, I’ve launched a fashion and lifestyle newsletter and created Meet for Breakfast.

It feels like the mature version of those two actions.

Same curiosity.
More awareness.

The first breakfast

Last Saturday, I hosted the very first edition.

It wasn’t public.
It wasn’t advertised.
It was simply an invitation.

I sent a small, curated invite to a few women I admire. Some creative friends who felt aligned and supported me during the last year of craziness. The tone was intentional, warm, and intimate. No pressure.

From there, I built everything around one simple idea: warmth.

This month’s topic was about slowing down and choosing softness in the middle of winter.

So every detail followed that direction.

The menu was simple but grounding.
Seasonal and organic food. Warm drinks. And a baked porridge that felt like comfort in a bowl.

I chose ingredients that feel stable and nourishing: oats, red apples, cinnamon, dates, almond butter. Nothing complicated but real food.

The mise en place was minimal. Natural textiles. Soft light. Fresh white and butter-coloured flowers (never too structured). I wanted the table to feel effortless, not styled. Like something you could recreate at home without overthinking.

There was conversation.
There was silence.
There was that beautiful moment when everyone was eating, and no one was looking at their phone.

And that was enough.

Apple & Cinnamon Baked Porridge

(Inspired by Deliciously Ella, whom I’ve been following since 2013.)
Serves 4–6

Ingredients
240g rolled oats
500ml almond milk
2 red apples
8 Medjool dates
2 tablespoons cinnamon
2 tablespoons almond butter
1 tablespoon honey (optional)
To serve: coconut yoghurt

Method

1. Place the oats (rolled oats work best) in a bowl with the almond milk and let them soak for about 15 minutes.

2. Preheat the oven to 180°C.

3. Peel and grate the apples.

4. Slice the dates in half, remove the pits and cut into small chunks.

5. Add the grated apples, dates, cinnamon, almond butter and honey (if using) to the oats. Mix everything together.

6. Pour the mixture into a baking dish.

7. Bake for about 20 minutes, until the liquid has been absorbed.

Serve warm with coconut yoghurt.

It’s simple. But it tastes like winter mornings, and it will take you to the Cotswolds, the mountains or your cosiest imaginary place.

Meet for Breakfast is not a business plan (at least not now!).

It’s a space.

A space where I can create without pressure.
Where I can host without performing.
Where I can use my hands again.

If 2014 was the year I opened a blog and discovered plant-based breakfasts in a tiny London kitchen,
2026 is the year I opened a newsletter and a table.

And I think both versions of me would recognise each other.

If you’d like to join a future breakfast, just let me know or stay close.
I’ll keep the table small and intentional and this table might be in Paris, London or Milan next...

With love,
Benedetta

Not uninspired, just…tired.

If I’m honest, this didn’t start yesterday.

A year and a half ago, something shifted.

My work became less dynamic and much more computer-based. Fewer set days and long hours sitting.
My body changed too - hormones and…life (but it was for good reasons, though).

And when your rhythm changes, the way you relate to clothes changes, too.

Pieces that used to feel effortless suddenly feel slightly off.

Then the worst months of winter arrive (I’m sorry, but I’ll always be a summer girl).

Neutral colors. Heavy layers. The wardrobe feels samey. The excitement of new-season ideas hasn’t arrived yet. And there’s that subtle pressure to “dress well” even when your energy and mind are somewhere else entirely.

A couple of months ago, I found myself standing before my closet, overthinking a simple pair of trousers.

That’s when I realised: the problem wasn’t the clothes.

It was both the pressure on one hand and the lack of motivation on the other.

So instead of adding more - more inspiration, more shopping, more scrolling - I decided to simplify.

Just get dressed.

That’s it.

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We’ve been trained to believe that style is something you either have or you don’t.

That some women wake up effortlessly chic.
That they “just know.”

And yes - I do believe some people have a natural eye.
A sensitivity. A sense of proportion.

That instinct probably carried me for a while.

Even when I wasn’t actively experimenting, I could still put things together and make them work.

But working in fashion also means thinking about clothes all the time. Styling other people. Analysing colours and proportions. Building looks.

And sometimes, when it comes to dressing yourself, that constant exposure becomes… tiring.

There was a time when getting dressed felt more playful and effortless.
Lately, it started to feel more mental.

Part of it was the shift in my work rhythm.
Part of it was my body changing - slightly, quietly, but enough for me to notice.

And here’s the thing:

Clothes are meant to adapt to your life.
To your body.
To your current version.

Never the other way around.

At some point, I realised I was trying to fit back into an old formula - an old silhouette, an old energy.

But if life changes, style has to evolve with it.

So instead of resisting it, I decided to return to experimentation.

Not to shrink.
Not to “fix”.
But to adapt.

To dress the body I have now.
And the life I’m living now.

Style is practice.

It’s trying the same trousers with three different shoes.
It’s realising the problem wasn’t the blazer - it was the belt.
It’s swapping black for brown and suddenly seeing the whole look soften.

It’s tiny shifts.

And it’s letting go of perfection.

You don’t need a better wardrobe.
You need more reps with the one you already have.

The core rule

Wear the outfits.

If something feels off, don’t change everything.

Tweak.

Perfection blocks you.
Tweaking trains you.

6 Simple tweaks I use all the time

1. Change the shoe.
   It can turn “I’m not sure” into “Oh. Yes.”

2. Swap one colour.
   Replace black with cream.
   Brown instead of black.
   Add one soft contrast.

3. Add structure.
   A belt.
   A blazer.
   A deliberate tuck.

4. Tie something around your waist or shoulders.
   A sweater. A scarf.
   It creates instant dimension.

5. Adjust proportion.
   Roll the sleeve.
   Button one more button or one less.
   Show the ankle. Hide the ankle.

6. Add a piece of jewellery.
   A bold earring.
   A long pendant.
   A few rings layered together.

   Sometimes the outfit is just unfinished.
   Jewellery adds personality.

Small shift.
Big difference.
I promise.

Your assignment

This month, don’t buy anything.

Not because shopping is wrong or because you need discipline, but because restriction sparks creativity.

Instead:

Tweak one look per day.

Even if it’s small, and you think no one will notice.

Wear the outfits you already own.
Even the ones you’re unsure about (especially those).

By the end of the month, you won’t just have better outfits.

You’ll have sharper instincts.

And maybe, a lighter relationship with getting dressed.

Let me know how it goes <3
Benedetta

Before I explain how I track my goals, I want to say something important.

This ritual can exist completely on its own.

Yes, I believe in having bigger goals, the kind that guide your year and your direction. Ideally, those stay as your general compass, while you break them down into monthly steps.

But if you didn’t complete the 3 main parts suggested in the previous newsletter, or you just want to reflect in a freer, less structured way, that’s fine. You can start from one month to incorporate this habit into your routine and make it an intentional “me moment,” and that’s enough.

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Read more

I’m doing this partly for all the friends who, over the years, have come to me asking for help with this kind of “exercise” (as if I were some guru - which I’m definitely not).
And partly for myself.
This is the evolution of my first-ever vision board, from 2016 (that now feels sooo basic hehe).

This newsletter is also a reminder: something I can come back to at any point in my life. Having it saved here feels like a small anchor - a place to return to when things feel messy, unclear, or simply different from before.

I want to be very clear from the start: this framework isn’t entirely “my own”.
It’s something I’ve built slowly, year after year, by listening to podcasts, trying things out, keeping what worked and letting go of what didn’t.

In particular, I’ve been deeply inspired by an episode of the Working Hard podcast b…

Read more

A space to talk about clothes and styling - sometimes - but also about the body, movement, routines, energy and how all these elements quietly influence each other.

Here, getting dressed is never just about clothes, and wellbeing is never disconnected from how we live, work and move.

No rules or a fixed plan for now. Just shopping suggestions, styling notes and personal thoughts shared over time.

Mostly here for the fun, and glad you’re here too :)

What you’ll find here

• Styling notes, shopping picks and inspiration

• Thoughts on balance, movement and feeling well

• Daily routines, habits and conscious choices

• Fashion and wellness as parts of the same lifestyle

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