Hello and welcome back to The Digest, a weekly roundup from Late Filing. I can’t believe this is the 30th issue. Maybe I should do something fun when we hit 50.
You may have noticed that there was a bit of a gap in the schedule last weekend. After a pretty intense month, I thought I’d reset a bit instead of trying to play catchup (let’s call it a mini holiday) so I can get back into the regular cadence. Genuine question: what’s the secret to avoiding total burnout as a Substacker? I’ve noticed others take a week or two off occasionally and sometimes hand over to guest editors to hold things down. It’s something I’m considering for the future after not taking the best care of myself lately. For now, though, it feels good to be back in the rhythm of things and have the schedule look a lot more manageable.
Anyway, no more going on about my workload, I promise. Here’s what I have for you today: the latest from London’s showstopper hotel St. Clement (the rooms, the restaurant, the invitation-only bar), a report on the HENRYs leaving for the US and UAE, the Copenhagen event of the summer (hint: it’s not CPHFW), where to shop Phoebe Philo, overspending on wellness, a new podcast on style, cultural programming worth getting the train out of London for and a TV show I’m hooked on.
Nine things worth shopping this week
These trousers from Victoria Beckham are proof that just one detail can turn a simple piece into something extra special: in this case, the most perfect pleats you’ve ever seen. £550
My latest visit to St. Clement (see below) has reminded me that the smartest thing you can have by your sink these days is a bottle of Perfumer H hand wash. This one is their Rain Wood scent, with notes of juniper, cedarwood and patchouli. £55
I have a friend’s wedding next week and I’d really like to show up in this 100% silk dress from Reformation. It’s hot in a way that it needs to be when you’re single, but I also wouldn’t be embarrassed to chat to her parents in it. £398
Have you ever smelled Loewe’s Ella Elixir? If not, you really should. I was reminded how much I love it this week, even though I’m convinced it’s a bit too youthful for me. If you like fruity fragrances, you’ll be obsessed with this. And it would make a great gift for a Gen Z sister, if you’re feeling extra generous. £145 for 50ml
I have an inappropriate bag crush. It’s this calf-hair midnight blue clutch from Khaite, which could cover a month’s rent for a decent one-bed in a decent neighbourhood. £2,260.
Back in the real world: I could use some new trainers. I’ve got a bit bored of the whole retro low-top thing and now I want sporty Nike ones. (It goes back and forth.) Also I always find the slight wedge of the heel makes such a huge difference to how an outfit looks. £174.99
Sorry to get all back-to-school on you in August but I saw this By Malene Birger blazer and thought I’d let you know about it because it would look so good in the office in autumn. (Sorry, sorry, sorry.) £480
I had no clue there was now a ginormous Phoebe Philo concession in Selfridges. I had a browse and fell for this trench coat. I feel like the e-comm photos don’t do it justice because everything looks and feels incredible in the flesh, as expected. Yes, it’s super expensive but sometimes you have to be selfless and think of the future daughter or goddaughter who will inherit it. (Also, I’ve heard the Phoebe Philo standalone store in London is coming very soon.) £2,900
IMO it’s not too late to buy shorts. These from ME+EM are made from a towelling fabric, which I love, and are on sale. £52.50 (originally £75)
P.S. This section contains affiliate links which means if you end up making a purchase I may earn some commission, at absolutely no cost to you. I only recommend stuff I like and I always link to the best price I can find, regardless of affiliates.
Places and experiences worth leaving the house for
I have a lot of love for Luca, the Michelin-starred, modern Italian restaurant in Farringdon, mostly because I went on a beautiful date there a few years ago. But also the food. And the wine. They’re doing a year of celebrations from now until next summer to celebrate their 10th anniversary, including a £75pp set menu (which you’ll need to book in advance) that includes their parmesan fries and lobster taglierini. If you’ve never been, there’s no better time. It ends on 5 September.
After visiting the penthouse and the restaurant a few weeks ago, I finally got the full tour of St. Clement this week. I don’t say this lightly: this place is a game-changer for London’s hotel scene. If you’ve ever wondered what you’d get if you were to give a hospitality obsessive (Nick Jones) and two exceptionally stylish creative directors (Eagle & Hodges) carte blanche and a seemingly unlimited budget (with the benefit of insane natural light and postcard views across the Thames), this is it. The most luxurious, tasteful and thoughtfully executed home-away-from-home experience imaginable. (Hotel doesn’t even feel like the right word.) Yes, I’m gushing but you have to see it to get it. Here’s a long list of updates from my visit (plus some bonus photos, which don’t do it justice):
It officially opens on 1 September and rooms will start from £800. I finally got to check out a ‘standard’ room and you’d think it’d be underwhelming after seeing the penthouse but I wasn’t any less impressed (see photo below). The light in this place is unmatched. Also, two features I love: the bench at the end of the bed contains workout equipment and the bathroom is stocked with full-size products that you can keep.
No expense seems to have been spared. (I’d love to see Nadine from The Stanza get into the economics of this place.) Every room has fresh flowers. A bunch of them feature stained-glass screens by the late Brian Clarke. There are design books and vintage maps of London dotted everywhere. Furniture is a mix of custom Eagle & Hodges pieces and vintage finds. Also, there is just something undeniably luxurious about them opting for pale sofas and rugs. Godspeed to the housekeepers.
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