Forever Young
It's all about staying power with three picks to freeze time. Sort of.
Time often seems to be working against us, especially when it comes to the physical changes that come with getting older or those items we’re constantly replacing. But waging a constant battle with time isn’t productive. So let’s take a different approach to how we consider time. Investing in quality purchases we feel good about—not just in the moment, but years from now—is at the heart of the MIDDI philosophy. Why do we call it a “bargain” if we need a new one each year? Why can’t it be pro-aging instead of anti-aging?
The three items featured this week help you play with time a bit, rewinding it a little and stretching it a lot so you get the most bang for your buck.
If Cher can’t turn back time, no one can. Let’s start working with it instead.
1. Environ Focus Care Youth+ Concentrated Retinol Serum 1 (£43)
If you’re not already on the retinol train and you used to have an NSYNC or Backstreet Boys poster on your wall, it’s time. Retinol is a form of vitamin A that helps with breakouts, fine lines, texture and tone. After a year of using a celeb favorite twice the price, I switched back to this one from South African skincare brand Environ and quickly remembered why I liked it so much. The key ingreidients include retinol, colostrum and allantoin to refine the skin gently but effectively. There are three levels, with Serum 1 being a great option for retinol newbies.
2. French Sole Amelie Burgundy Patent Crocodile Leather Ballet Flat (£120)
Like anything, shoe trends come and go. But the ballet flat remains a timeless style worth having in your footwear lineup. And when choosing a pair, you need one that will go the distance without sending you to the podiatrist. Founded in 1989 by Jane “The Queen of Ballet Flats” Winkworth, French Sole makes comfortable, quality flats you can wear with anything. The elegant almond toe helps elongate your leg without looking too formal. And if you, too, dreamt of having your own pair of Ruby Slippers growing up, the deep burgundy hue will fulfill all of your Dorothy in Oz desires.
3. West Elm Faux Monstera Leaf (£3.95, promo)
Not everyone has a green thumb or a weekly budget for floral deliveries. Thankfully, the faux botanicals available now far surpass the dusty versions you may have encountered in a hotel lobby or waiting room. I have several bits of faux greenery I purchased for our last apartment, which was a carriage house surrounded on all sides by other buildings. Not exactly the ideal environment for plants. One of my favorites is this large monstera leaf from West Elm. Thrown in a simple vase, it adds a bold punch of green to any wall or corner. And unlike a real one, it’ll stay that way for years.
Something to think about …
You know what else (almost) lives forever? Clothing in landfills. At the end of each season, I like to either donate my used items to a charity or recycle them. H&M has bins in every store to collect used clothing from any brand. As for replacements, I’ve found some of my favorite pieces on secondhand sites like The RealReal.