Need for Speed
Pull it all together in a flash with three items you can always count on.
The month of August is speeding by. Here in London, we’re seeing the streets begin to fill up again with residents returning home from their long summer holidays. Everyone is bracing for the ramping up of obligations and fewer hours of sunshine. We’re also reconsidering our daily routines and wardrobes to prepare for a shift in the weather as well as our mindset and mood.
One of my favorite British phrases is “faffing about.” It essentially means wasting time or fooling around. And faffing about isn’t conducive to a hectic schedule. That phrase and the approaching new season got me thinking more about products that help me out when I’m crunched for time. Each of this week’s picks addresses a common issue and provides a quick, reliable solution.
And with that … wishing you a faff-free week.
1. Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Shampoo (£10 to £45)
Washing your hair takes time. Here’s a way to do it less. As is often the case, I didn’t truly appreciate this shampoo from Living Proof until I stopped using it for a while. London water hasn’t been kind to my hair and scalp, so I’ve been trying to wash it twice a week maximum. This shampoo, thanks to its patented Healthy Hair Molecule (born at MIT in 2005), really helps me stretch my blowout. My hair feels cleaner, my scalp doesn’t itch and it’s also made my locks so much softer and less frizzy. Go for the jumbo bottle for the best value.
2. Splendid Classic Turtleneck ($60)
Autumn is coming, so let’s get the wardrobe ready now. On those days when nothing in my closet looks good, I always reach for this black turtleneck. A black turtleneck instantly makes you look put together, paired with everything from jeans to leather shorts. Add a blazer in a bold color or a waistcoat for the perfect autumn look. Founded by Moise Emquies, Los Angeles-born Splendid makes outrageously comfortable sweats, knits and basics. This turtleneck washes up nicely without fading or pulling, and that combined with its versatility supports the cost per wear.
3. MADE Gunner Metal Trunks (2 for £89)
My home is never cleaner than an hour before guests arrive. Suddenly I need to find homes for everything lying around and the piles I’ve ignored have to disappear ASAP. Durable, roomy storage trunks were made for quick clean-up jobs like this. They also look a bit worldly to me, suggesting they hold loads of interesting treasures you’ve collected on your travels (even if yours are actually filled with tax forms and office supplies like mine). These trunks from London-based home goods brand MADE hold a lot without being obtrusive thanks to the matte black finish and sleek gold accents.
Something to think about …
Subscription services are another way to speed up your routine. But not all are created equal. Who Gives A Crap ships recycled and forest friendly toilet paper, facial tissues and paper towels to the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and the EU, with 50 percent of their profits going toward building toilets in developing countries.