Impossible to take the temperature of November without mentioning two things shaking the cultural snow globe:
That Vogue article — “Is Having a Boyfriend Embarrassing Now?”
Lily Allen’s new album ‘West End Girl’ — track after track of obscure sorrows disguised as unbothered bangers.
Together, they’ve taken hold of Girlworld in a way we haven’t seen since Brat Summer. Not having a boyfriend is a state of mind. We’re telling our friends we love them, we’re focusing on our hobbies, we’re singing ‘DUANE REED BAG WITH THE HANDLES TIED’ with our whole chests. We’re kicking our feet and giggling at just how fun it is to be one of the gooorls.
November is the perfect women’s month because it’s for riding two horses. For wrapping up your year and having the most fun you’ve had all year.
Balancing productivity and spontaneity. Being both the woman with a plan and the woman with martini in hand.
Eight weeks left. It’s the final act of 2025, let’s twist the plot.
October Rituals
→ Make an 8-week plan.
Pick one thing you’ve been threatening to do all year. A fitness streak, a home refresh, a money goal. Eight weeks is still enough to transform, if you start now.
→ Cash in on all those “we should get a drink” promises.
December gets manic; November is the sweet spot. Cosy pub catch-ups, wreath workshops, hot chocolate walks, midweek cocktails in new bars. Say yes more.
→ Chase sunlight like it’s a winning lottery ticket
There’s about 13 minutes of it per day, so grab your coat and go.
→ Curate your winter watchlist.
You’ve got all of winter to settle in, so it's a good time to revisit old favourites with a million episodes. SATC, Girls, or Gossip Girl rewatch? All those Hallmark style Christmas films? Get excited, invite your friends!
Reading
My Thoughts Exactly – Lily Allen (context and closure) I love, love, loved this. I did the audiobook and have often recommended it over the years.
Ghosts – Dolly Alderton (men, memory, moving on). No spoilers, but several core subplots and sorrows stuck with me from this one.
Things I Don’t Want to Know– Deborah Levy (feminine independence, perfectly distilled). Would recommend the three-part series, cosy and inspiring but real.
Really Good, Actually – Monica Heisey (chaotic healing energy). Making the agonizing era of post-serious relationship breakup, very, very funny. A ‘finding yourself’ message that doesn’t make you roll your eyes.
Beauty
I’ve just restocked like a woman preparing for a long winter:
The BARGAIN Dermalogica skincare set from Cult Beauty (Precleanse, Microfoliant, and Special Cleanser. You also get a free eye cream and Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque, which feels like a reward for simply surviving Q4.
Refilled my VIEVE Cream Bronzer, which lasted forever, and added the Icon Mascara — honestly, believe the hype. It’s giving glam, glam, glam. If you’re quick they still have 20% off with the code HALLOW20
Style
Currently obsessed with Charlotte Simone and all things Charlotte Simone-adjacent: fluff, colour, glamour with a wink.
Picked up some new jewellery from NOTL, and it comes with a lifetime guarantee — so now my only risk is losing it. Will report back on whether it lasts!
Taste
After a big Boston trip, I’m trying to “lock in” (as the kids say). The Simmer Eats meals have been a dream so far. Plus, never having to cook or really do any dishes is like microdosing, having the perfect boyfriend.
November is for being out and about. For impromptu catchups and “should we share a fries?”. Not quite silly season, more like her cool older sister.
No recipes from me this month, sorry x
Before you go
November is for fun and fundamentals.
For calling that friend you miss. For throwing your head back in laughter. For finding the perfect nights-out-only outfit and wearing it to death.
Manifesting a chorus of Pussy Palace for you and yours.
You can reach out to me any time, by the way
If you need any more details or you just need to vent or anything
Love and light —