Last month we were loving a cutesy heart glass, cosy lighting and a handheld iron to smooth out all of your wrinkly clothes. Plus, a Sofia Coppola coffee table book, naturally. Keep reading to see what else we loved in December!
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by us. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, we may earn a commission.
Papier Always Growing Diary, £25
“I love a Papier diary — the page layout just makes sense to my brain. I buy one every year. The cute design on this particular one and personalised touches (which don’t cost extra to have) mean I’ll enjoy keeping this up to date, instead of relying on memory — which I’ve been guilty of at times!”
Papier Papier Always Growing Diary, $, available at Papier
NEST New York Pumpkin Chai Candle, £45
“The scent on this is strong, and it’s so cosy and comforting on cold, rainy nights in. It’s like a spiced, autumnal drink — just as the name suggests. I’ve had this burning for hours over the last month, and I’ve barely made a dent in it.”
NEST New York NEST New York Pumpkin Chai Candle, $, available at Cult Beauty
Aromatherapy Associates The Atomiser, £130
“I didn’t really get the hype about essential oil diffusers for a long while, to be honest. However, since this came into my life, I’ve been in love. When I work from home, I set this to diffuse scented oils in my room for 30 minutes at a time, and by doing so the battery life lasts me ages. I feel calmer when it’s on too — being grounded into the here and now through the sense of smell, it helps me remember to slow down and breathe. My favourite home scents involve eucalyptus and sandalwood.”
Aromatherapy Associates Aromatherapy Associates The Atomiser, $, available at John Lewis
Anthropologie Valentina Heart Juice Tumbler Glass, £14
“Yes, I did walk into my local Anthropologie, see this single glass on a shelf, and immediately buy it. It’s quite literally the perfect size to pour a fizzy drink in or make a cocktail with, and the hearts add the most endearing touch to the usually boring glassware that’s currently in my cabinets. After buying this, I’m tempted to add the other designs to my cart — the lemons are so cute I could cry.”Anthropologie Anthropologie Valentina Heart Juice Tumbler Glass, $, available at Anthropologie
Hoka Ora Primo, £105
“To me, Hoka does no wrong. While I only have one pair of running shoes from the brand, I’ve long been an admirer, and I’ve always wanted to get my hands on one of their recovery selections (while I’m not a runner, I still want my feet to be feel like they’re floating on a cloud, okay?). These brand new Ora Primos just launched and I’m obsessed. Are these absolutely ridiculous looking? Yes. Do I like that they are absolutely ridiculous looking? Also yes. I can’t wait to wear these in the green colourway for all occasions: getting coffee, going on a walk, and just meandering about town.”
Hoka Hoka Ora Primo, $, available at Hoka
Remarkably Bright Creatures, £4.50
“I saw a TikTok recommendation for this book (shout out Lady Efron) and ordered it right away. (For full transparency, I have a library app so it was free to borrow, but I would 100% buy it). The story is partially narrated by an octopus, which sounds weird but it’s not at all marine biology. Marcellus the octopus helps tell the story of two lost people, an old woman and a young man, who work at the aquarium and turn out to be connected in this crazy, devastating, beautiful way. It’s one of the best books I’ve read this year. Also, did you know an octopus has three hearts?”
Amazon Remarkably Bright Creatures, $, available at Amazon
J. Crew Berkley Bucket Bag, £221
“I have an everyday tote bag that is probably one season away from needing a replacement. This J.Crew bucket bag has caught my eye and holds a spot in my tabs. I love how it’s styled on the model. Ahead of the cold, dark winter, I just might treat myself.”
J.Crew J.Crew Bucket Bag, $, available at J.Crew
Photo Courtesy of Kristine Romano.
Philips Hue White Smart Light Bulb Candle 470 Lumen, £21
“As a strict no-overhead-lighting household, cosy lighting is everything, and I’m slowly replacing all of the bulbs in my lamps with these Philips Hue ones. The few I already have have lasted for ages (we’re talking years!) and I love that they’re both dimmable and bluetooth controlled.”
Philips Philips Hue White Smart Light Bulb Candle 470 Lumen, $, available at Amazon
Piglet in Bed Coast Diffuser, £38
“I’ve always favoured scented candles over diffusers because they’re dual purpose. but do find that they’re a bit short lived. And after having tried this diffuser from Piglet in Bed, I think it’s safe to say that diffusers are the way forward. Not only do they last longer (typically between three to four months), you also have more control over how strong the scent is, depending on how many reed sticks you use. This particular one is a scent inspired by the British countryside — specifically the coast — and smells nostalgic and fresh at the same time. It has notes of wood sage and samphire which gives off an earthy-yet-invigorating scent that has filled up my home for the better.”
Piglet In Bed Piglet in Bed Coast Diffuser, $, available at Piglet In Bed
Photo Courtesy of Alicia Lansom.
Moft Snap Phone Tripod Stand MOVAS, £32
“Okay, I know not everyone needs a little tripod, but as someone who films social content, this small-but-mighty apparatus actually looks quite handy. Plus, you can also use it to hop on a quick Zoom if you’re on the go or use it to steadily stream shows on a long train journey home — ideal.”
Moft Moft Snap Phone Tripod Stand MOVAS, $, available at Moft
Bio-Kult Everyday 120 Capsules 2 Pack, £75.96
“Since coming back from a big trip away, I still feel a bit all over the place with sleep, food, illness, et cetera. On recommendation from R29 travel writer Venus Wong, I’m looking to stock up on these gut-friendly supplements to help boost the friendly bacteria in my digestive system and get me back to health (we’ll just ignore the imminent inhaling of mince pies for breakfast).”
Bio-Kult Bio-Kult Everyday 120 Capsules 2 Pack, $, available at Bio-Kult
Monos Carry-On Plus, £280
“There’s a sweet, sweet joy that comes with levelling up with our luggage, and I will admit I’m somewhat addicted. As a stressy airport person (think a three-hours-plus arrival time or I’m sweating), having an easy-to-use suitcase with 360° wheels and an in-built lock system just makes the process a little bit less hectic — and this one from Monos ticks all the boxes. Plus, it actually has cute shades like this limited-edition lilac gloss that makes it feel more like a sweet accessory than functional luggage.”
Monos Monos Carry-On Plus, $, available at Monos
Bounce Rapid Touch-Up 3 in 1 Wrinkle Releaser Clothing Spray, £20.45
“I’ve always hated ironing my clothes, but sadly, they don’t look as good when wrinkled. Instead of getting an iron, I’ve turned to this spray for years. It’s a godsend for the holiday season, especially when last-minute invites require a wrinkled outfit to be pulled out, as well as travelling. I usually spray it all over the wrinkles and let the piece hang for about five to 10 minutes. Thank me later.”
Bounce Bounce Rapid Touch-Up 3 in 1 Wrinkle Releaser Clothing, $, available at Amazon
Le Labo Palo Santo 14 Classic Candle, £73.24
“While I love a pine-scented candle during the holidays, this season, I went for the Le Labo Palo Santo candle. This year has been a trying one, so the calming-yet-cleansing scent is helpful for a season that’s meant for relaxation and reflection. Although it’s a pricey candle, the size makes it a durable one, so I’m foreseeing lots of meditation sessions courtesy of this candle.”
Le Labo Palo Santo 14 Classic Candle, $, available at Nordstrom
Away The Daily Carry-On with Pocket, £160
“Waiting around for suitcases after a long flight is not the vibe for 2024. Thankfully, this year, I got to test the Away carry-on suitcase, which makes travelling light and organised a breeze. Its best feature has to be the combination lock, making it easy for people who always lose their locks (that’s me!) to keep their belongings protected. Definitely worth the money.”
Away Away The Daily Carry-On with Pocket, $, available at Away
The Nori Press, £186.83
“I hate ironing. When I say hate, I mean hate. I don’t even own an iron or an ironing board, and my £20 mini steamer I bought in college has been my only source of wrinkle resistance in years. Me and steamers don’t have that much better of a relationship than irons either: the refilling of the water, the splattering that occurs if you’re not holding it just right, the non precision… I prefer to enter the world wrinkled. But The Nori Press has changed my life for the better. It’s basically a flat iron for your clothes; it’s so compact and convenient, and it works like a charm. The shape of the iron allows for me to be very precise and it gives a dry clean result! And did I mention it’s a two-in-one iron and steamer with no board required!? Sign me up.”
Nori The Nori Press, $, available at Amazon
Le Labo Lavande 31, £168
“Everyone knows Santal 33, but Le Labo’s newest fragrance, Lavande 31, might take the cake for me. This isn’t your grandmother’s lavender scent, as it incorporates a unique blend of bergamot and neroli essential oils while still infusing the lavender fragrance. It’s earthy, musky and a little sweet, making this scent perfect for everyday wear. I’ve gotten so many compliments; it lasts all day and is super refreshing and unique. If you’re looking for something a bit different from the Santal 33 scent but still want that classic yet innovative feel, this scent is for you.”
Le Labo Le Labo Lavande 31, $, available at Le Labo
Westlab Starry Night Bath Salts, £5.49
“There’s nothing I love more than a good, hot bath… Apart from Christmas! And now Westlab have combined the two-in-one bag of magical, relaxing, muscle-soothing goodness. Add this to your tub, light a few candles, pour yourself a glass of mulled wine, pop on a Christmas rom-com, and prepare to have the best seasonal bathing experience.”
Westlab Westlab Starry Night Bath Salts, $, available at Westlab
Archive by Sophia Coppola, £55
“Sofia Coppola is my favourite director ever, creating pure magic on the screen every time — I want to live in the worlds she creates! Unfortunately, I’m still trying to work out reality-to-film transportation, so as a wonderful second option, I’ve been pouring over this treasured, wonderful tome. It’s a chronicle of all her work, taking you behind the scenes with her own photographs, prep work, reference collages and moodboards, annotated scripts and so much more.”
Waterstones Archive by Sophia Coppola, $, available at Waterstones
Homedics Nano Facial Steamer with Adjustable Steam Nozzle, £50
“I’ve started using a gua sha every evening and have really seen the difference — I’m a sinusy gal who suffers with allergies and often gets congested (my glands are the first sign that I’m under the weather and I didn’t realise until I started just how much fluid I was storing up!). This is a recent addition to my routine and it — along with a face oil — helps create that slip needed for the gua sha. It’s also amazing for opening pores and helping face masks work better.”
HoMedics Homedics Nano Facial Steamer with Adjustable Steam Nozz, $, available at Homedics
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