Top Buys of 2021
My three favorite beauty, fashion and home finds after a year full of spending.
2021 was a year of trial and error. It was our first full calendar year in London, which meant lots of research and testing when it came to everything from furnishing our home to finding the best takeout in our neighborhood. We were trying out a new life in a new country, and we know now this move was the right decision for us.
But not every experiment has gone so well. When it comes to all the purchases I made in 2021, there were plenty of duds along with the gems. There were the skincare products I ended up being allergic to, the furniture that arrived broken and all the clothes that made me wonder what I was thinking when I clicked “add to cart.” Along the way, I found my go-to shops and brands and a few ways to change up my routine for the better. My final three picks of the year all quickly became favorites and proved to be exactly what I was after all along.
Thanks for following MIDDI this year. Stay tuned for even more great finds in 2022. Wishing you and yours a safe, healthy and happy new year.
1. Verso Deep Cleanse (€40)
I spent a lot of time (and money) looking for a new face wash this year. Some that I’ve used (and loved) stopped agreeing with my skin and I found myself dealing with acne and irritation from a new climate and harder water. But once I started using this one from Stockholm-based Verso Skincare, I knew my search was done. With no fragrance or extra essential oils, it does a seriously good job of cleaning my skin without stripping or angering it. The blend of salicylic acid, niacinamide and turmeric provides just what my oily skin needs.
2. Jules Kae Zola Bag ($128)
A crossbody bag works for most days, outfits and activities. This vegan leather one from NYC-based Jules Kae is just roomy enough to carry a wallet, beauty products, my phone and a mini umbrella without feeling bulky. The thick braided strap makes it comfortable to wear even when stuffed and the crescent shape sits perfectly on your hip or waist, depending on the height you prefer. It’s just excellent all around. I got the black version in one of my Curateur boxes, which is sadly sold out right now, but it comes in four other gorgeous colors (all of which I want).
3. AM.PM Romy Square Metal Coffee Table (on sale for £260)
My other shopping mission of 2021 was finding a new coffee table. We have a corner sectional, and I wanted a large, square table to sit in front of it with plenty of room for books, snacks and drinks. I also wanted it to be durable, and this AM.PM model I found at La Redoute (a French retailer that dates back to 1837) turned out to be just what I was searching for. I like the clean, minimal look that compliments all of the bolder, more colorful accessories in our home. And because it isn't glass or marble, we don't have to worry about damaging it easily. It’s also normally £325!
It’s time you met … Henna Veitch
I had the privilege of meeting Henna while we were both living in Tokyo, and we now both call the UK home. She is one of the most creative people I know, using her talents to craft a variety of unique items. Her latest project is Twist and Turn Yarn Work. You can also view her designs on Instagram.
Describe your brand as briefly as you can.
Twist and Turn Yarn Work is a business producing baskets and mats from upcycled yarns as well as replacement reusables like face scrubbies and mop covers.
Share your journey to starting Twist and Turn Yarn Work.
I have a background in textiles and have worked with yarn production, medical and performance textiles and fashion fabrics. When I moved to Asia six years ago, I saw more than ever the damage to the planet from fast fashion and a throw-away, non-recycling society. I looked into ideas for upcycling and came across t-shirt yarn—yarn that is made from remnants from the fashion industry and recycled yarns produced from old yarns and fabrics. Using these yarns, I created designs for practical items for the home and personal use—even some personal accessories. All washable and reusable.
How long do your products take to make?
Baskets can take between an hour and up to 16 hours to make, depending on size. Other items vary from 30 minutes to four hours. Face scrubbies take about 30 minutes each, bath mats about three to four hours.
What is the philosophy behind your designs?
The designs I have are aesthetically pleasing and practical. The basket shapes and sizes can be chosen to suit one’s home. This is the same for the bathmats—rectangular, circular or oval, depending on personal choice and space. All the designs have existed in my own home at one time. All the bags and necklaces were created for me to use and then I added them to my shop.
What advice do you have for other people looking to turn their creative passion into a business?
Creative businesses are hard work—one wears their passion on their sleeve. Be prepared for long hours and not a huge return in the beginning. Take the plunge and open a shop somewhere like Etsy. This saves the work of your own website and you can use an existing platform. Invest time in social media presence—it’s free marketing. These days, everything depends on SEO—search engine optimization—and tags. Use the internet to see what others are doing, remembering the line of intellectual property. There is a lot of information available. Above all, make sure you are doing something you enjoy and have pleasure in seeing others enjoy.