With the new season comes a wave of fresh high street finds, with our shopping writers scouring the likes of Boots, Marks and Spencer and H&M for the best picks
The weekend is here – and so is, it seems, colder and damper weather with much of the UK facing rain showers and storms intermittently. While we usually cling to the last days of sunshine, yearning for an Indian summer to keep our tans and vitamin D topped up, there’s something cosy and comforting about welcoming in the new, slightly chillier season.
It always helps, however, that with a new season, comes a tidal wave of new fashion, beauty and treats that have us gladly curling up on the sofa. And in this week’s Weekend Wishlist, our shopping experts are sharing their top picks as we transition into autumn.
For those who are new here, Weekend Wishlist is a carefully curated list put together by The Mirror’s fashion and beauty writers. Each week it shares the current viral must-have beauty buy, celebrity style inspiration or simply something they love and need to shout about.
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And as we settle into September, it seems earthy green is one of this season’s most sought after colours with Marks and Spencer’s new shoulder bag and H&M’s moss green mohair jumper featuring on the shopping lists of Eve and Bethan. Chocolate brown is also back, with Nisha sharing a gorgeous raincoat from Next, not to mention long jeans. That’s right – it’s time to put the shorts and jorts away.
We’ve also shared some glorious fragrances that’ll become your scent of the season. Let’s dive in.
Bethan’s picks
Marks & Spencer Nylon Ruched Sling Shoulder Bag – £36
I love nothing more than a throw-on-and-go handsfree handbag that has the capacity to hold everything but the kitchen sink. And as part of their new autumn collection, Marks and Spencer has released this Nylon Ruched Sling Shoulder Bag that’s as stylish as it is practical.
It comes in three on-trend colours for the season, including olive, black and chocolate, with a pretty purse-friendly price tag of £36 . It’s designed with a comfy strap that can be worn on the shoulder or across the body, with the ruched detail adding texture to even the most basic outfit.
The main compartment fastens with a zip to keep your belongings secure, while an internal pocket helps organise your essentials. It’s the kind of bag you could sling over a trench coat on a coffee run or carry into the office as a daily work essential.
M&S is giving the likes of COS a run for their money with this arm candy. COS is renowned for their beautifully minimal nylon bags, with their Canopy Oversized Crossbody Bag coming in black or stone for £85. But for those wanting to achieve a similar look on a budget, M&S’s crossbody is one of my top picks from the new edit.
Boots x NARS Beauty Icons Gift Set – £35
Gifting season is in full swing at Boots, and one set I’m considering giving this year (and asking Santa for myself) is the Boots x NARS Beauty Icons Gift Set. Priced at £35 but worth £76.44, this set is one of those ‘add to basket now before it sells out’ situations.
Featuring three NARS cult-favourites, it’s perfect for anyone who loves the brand, or adores makeup but doesn’t always splurge on the pricier brands. Inside, there’s a NARS Afterglow Lip Balm in the shade Orgasm, NARS Mini Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder and NARS The Multiple in the shade Orgasm Crave – products and shades that will suit everyone.
It’s a gift that’s guaranteed to be loved, however, only one of the items is full sized, with two travel sizes that could leave shoppers wishing for the full product, especially if you fall in love with one of the shades.If NARS feels too spendy, No7 also has strong holiday gift sets at Boots this year. The No7 Pro Artist Shimmer & Glow Gift Set stars an eye palette, liquid blush and highlighter/bronzer compact for £20.
Tenth Muse D ate Night Solid Perfume – £18
Autumn is the perfect excuse to swap your fresh or fruity fragrances for something richer and cosier, and I’ve been eyeing up this Date Night solid perfume from Tenth Muse as my new season scent. Described by the brand as ‘magnetic, poetic and addictive’, it features notes of peony and peach, alongside vanilla, patchouli and vetiver.
Instead of a traditional spray formula, they come in a balm format that can be swiped onto the skin to deliver fragrance for six to seven hours. The solid balm format makes it perfect for carrying in your handbag, but it’s also a beautiful gift idea for fragrance lovers.
While the perfumes are affordable at £18, they do require a vessel which is an additional £24 on top. However, after the initial investment of £42, you can simply purchase refills of your favourite fragrance, or try a new one each time.
Nisha’s picks
Bershka bootcut jeans, £29.99
As I’ve mentioned in previous editions of Weekend Wishlist, I am a denim girl through and through. So the minute I saw these low-rise bootcut jeans, I knew I had to add them to my autumn wardrobe.
I’ve ordered the black pair and the light wash blue hue (pictured). They are also available in black and grey colourways. I particularly like the flap-design pockets at the back. Bershka’s jeans remind me of a pair of low-rise True Religion jeans (£250) that I’ve had my eye on since the summer (maybe Santa will buy me this pair for Christmas?).
Unlike many other fashion retailers, Berksha offers the majority of its jeans and trousers in tall and petite lengths, as well as regular. This pair of bootcut jeans with flap pockets sold out in petite lengths two weeks ago and has recently been restocked.
One drawback is that they are low-waisted, which some fashion fans may find off-putting. Luckily, Levi offers a similar pair of bootcut jeans (from £90) that are high-waisted.
Next’s chocolate brown puffer coat, £64
Puffer coat season is just around the corner. I can already feel a chill in the air, and it has been raining all week. When it begins to get really cold, I will be living in big winter coats.
I spotted this chocolate brown coat at Next a few days ago and really like the colour. It is also practical, with a high collar to keep the cold out and a hood.
It’s also shower-resistant, perfect for when I take my dog on his walks. It comes in regular and petite lengths and has lots of shopper reviews complimenting its style. One person said: “Love this coat, it’s very warm and goes with a lot of my outfits. It looks more expensive than it is, and is also true to size.”
One shopper said they didn’t like the collar or hood, writing: “Lovely length coat and felt warm, but I did not like the very bulky collar, so I had to return it. Would have liked just a simple hood.”
Another purchaser added: “Beautiful, warm coat. Everyone remarks on how nice it looks.”
Merit Beauty Retrospect L’Extrait de Parfum, from £30
Last year I bought Merit’s Day Glow Highlighting Balm (£28), and I use it almost every time I do my make-up. It’s more of a sheen than a glittery highlighter, which I really like as it gives my skin a glass-like, dewy finish.
Since then, I’ve added so many Merit releases to my wishlist, including this Retrospect L’Extrait de Parfum. With top notes of bergamot and pear, it screams autumn. Merit describes it as a ‘warm and spicy’ scent, which is perfect for this time of year when I want a richer, deeper-smelling fragrance.
The reviews are also mostly glowing, with one user saying: “I immediately went through my travel-sized bottle of this perfume. It transports me to an expensive department store. The scent reminds me of new clothing and shoes mixed with a perfume/beauty counter.”
Another person commented: “The scent is elevated and refined. I think of a Victorian estate with a walkable garden and tea in the afternoon. I love that this fragrance is cruelty-free and vegan. It is a non-negotiable in my routine.”
A third beauty fan noted downsides, writing: “Smells beautiful, however this does not really last. You will need to reapply in a couple of hours.”
Eve’s picks:
Nobody’s Child Blue High Rise Soho Wide Leg Jeans – £75
Nobody’s Child has recently dropped some new pieces as part of its A/W25 collection, including some brand new denim styles that have making room for some newbies, such as the brand’s Blue High Rise Soho Wide Leg Jeans. As a wide-leg jean lover – my current rotation is a black pair from Bershka – I think this blue pair are the perfect go-to for all occasions and will work with pretty much anything.
Heading to the office? Wear with a blouse and boots. Heading out for dinner? Wear with a cami and heels. Heading for Sunday brunch? Put some trainers and an oversized jumper on.
These particular jeans from Nobody’s Child come in a medium blue hue and are made from 99% organic cotton and 1% elastane, ensuring they are soft and comfortable. Their subtle stretch allows for more room (which is why it’s recommended to size down), while their fitted high-rise waistband that falls to a wide leg is a sophisticated silhouette that elevates any look.
With their long length, they’re a great option for autumnal wardrobes and come in three lengths: petite, regular and long.
Only Curls new Berry Blossom range
Finding the right brand for my curls has been a long journey, but since trying Only Curls last year (mixing and matching with my other fave, Curlsmith), I’ve never looked back. Naturally I have stocked up on their newest launches, and its latest is the Berry Blossom range, which smells divine.
Coming in all pink packaging, the bottles are aesthetically pleasing – ie, they’ll look cute in the shower – and shoppers can try the entire range as a travel set before taking the plunge with full sizes for £40 (on sale from £58).
With a Curl Cleanser, conditioner, gel and cream (£18 individually and full size) included in the pack, the scent differs from the brand’s usual fresh, citrus and coconuty fragrance. There is nice, sweeter fruitiness to it, although it’s not as berry-like as I thought it would be. That being said, it’s still lush and leaves my hair smelling nice – and looking curly. As one review backed me up, one shopper wrote: “LOVE this shampoo and scent! Not what I expected though… i’d say it smells more firey/herby – maybe even a hint of oud. I feel like this should be bottled in orange for autumn instead. BUT I love that… it’s so good!”
Someone else added: “Love the new smell! These products are the best and the team at Only curls are just so helpful – nothing is too much trouble! I messed up my order and they sorted it, going over and above in the process. My hair has never looked better.”
H&M Oversized mohair-blend jumper – £64.99
While most fashion fans will most likely be aware by now, I feel I need to sound the klaxon to make everyone aware that H&M’s viral mohair jumpers of last year are back – and in new colours, like lemon and, my personal favourite, moss green.
Oversized, the jumper looks like the perfect throw-on-and-go-and-look-chic-in-an-instant kind of garment thanks to its luxuriously soft-looking texture. It’ll keep its wearer warm too thanks to its make-up containing mohair and wool.
With dropped shoulders, long sleeves and ribbing around the neckline and at the cuffs, the jumper would look great with a t-shirt (crew neck visible at the neckline, of course) or turtleneck when the weather gets colder.
The one thing to note is that a lot of the comments from H&M fans who have bought the jumper is that to get an ‘oversized’ fit, it’s best to size up at least one size. One person said: “I love this jumper but I wouldn’t say it is oversized, especially in the length… This wasn’t the case. I’m not sure sizing up would have helped this for me either as I find lengths in sizes tend not to differ that much. But I’d say definitely size up if you want a chance at more oversized. The arms feel more oversized than the rest of it.”
Oodie’s new puffer jackets – £119
We’ve all heard of Oodie’s blanket hoodies that helped make it a viral brand, but it’s recently launched a series of new long puffer jackets, perfect for winter. Featuring everything comfy and cosy about the original Oodie , the Long Puffer Jacket, £119 is designed for wearers to stay warm without sacrificing style. Made with Oodie’s ToastyTek fleece, will get that familiar softness along with all the insulation that defies freezing temperatures.
The Long Puffer Jacket’s outer layer is made with a water-resistant material that has passed the ISO811 tests, meaning water will bead and trickle off the surface without penetrating the lining. Inside, it has a 200gsm fill for warmth. Its oversized fit means jumpers can fit neatly underneath without looking too bulky.
The jacket is also fully reversible if wearers want to switch up style or the weather doesn’t warrant the usual toastiness. The jackets come in several colour options, including Black/Leopard style and a steel Blue/Steel Blue, as well as sizes ranging from small/medium, large/extra large, and 2XL/3XL.