Payday has finally arrived, and what better way to celebrate than with a little treat (or two) for yourself? Whether you’re in the mood for a spring wardrobe update or a hot new beauty buy, our team has been busy hunting down the best finds of the week.
This week’s Weekend Wishlist is packed with everything from chic summer dresses to the latest lipstick launches. Nisha is eyeing up a gorgeous gingham number from Next, while Bethan is swooning over Charlotte Tilbury’s newest products.
Eve is all about practical yet stylish accessories, adding Uniqlo’s viral mini shoulder bag (in the dreamiest pastel shades) to her cart. And if you’re on the lookout for a new go-to sandal, she’s got her eye on a pair of Dr. Martens platforms that’ll carry her straight through summer.
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So, if you’ve been waiting for payday to hit ‘add to basket,’ now’s the time. Keep reading for our top picks of the week.
Nisha’s picks:
Next’s Gingham dress, £42
I mainly work from home, but if I were in the office more often, this is definitely the kind of dress I’d wear on hot summer days. The long, floaty gingham dress has short puffer sleeves. It’s summery but also modest enough to be worn in a professional capacity.
The timeless print means this can be worn every summer for years to come. I also really like the combination of navy and pink hues. Plus, at £42, it’s an affordable, midrange price.
It’d also look really nice on fun summer days out with friends and family or even on the beach. It’s a new piece. So far, there’s no customer reviews.
However, unlike other Next pieces, this frock is very long and doesn’t come in a petite length option. I think if you are shorter than 5ft3 this floaty number would swamp you.
You can buy it here.
Birkenstock’s Boston Clogs, £140
I’ve wanted a taupe pair of these Birkenstock’s Boston Clogs for about three summers in a row, and now might be the year I finally invest in them. They are ideal for the spring and early summer weather when it’s not super hot (that’s most of the UK summer, to be honest).
I’m looking forward to wearing them with linen trousers and jeans for easy, casual weekend looks. The Boston Clogs have become somewhat of a spring/summer fashion staple in recent years, thanks to their laidback appeal.
However, I might go one size up after one reviewer said they have a narrow fit. The shopper said: “These are not as comfortable as the sold sole version.
“They are narrower across the toe box and as I have very wide feet were just too neat. Otherwise, a gorgeous shoe.”
Rhode’s glazing milk, £32
After lusting after my favourite make-up influencers’ glowy complexion, I found out there’s one product they’re all using and raving about, So I ordered it.
Rhode’s glazing milk took the beauty world by storm when Hailey Bieber released it last year. The essence is designed to be used pre-make-up and gives your skin a hydrated and plump finish.
Recently, Hailey filmed a make-up clip where she was seen mixing the glazing milk with her foundation to sheer it out. I am looking forward to giving this and seeing how it works on my skin.
The product has more than 3,000 reviews, but not all were positive, with one buyer saying it caused them to break out. They said: “Disappointed because it came smelling like plastic and broke me out. Upsetting because I had high hopes for the Rhode products.
Bethan’s picks
Charlotte Tilbury new launches
Nothing gets me more excited than a new Charlotte Tilbury launch. Famed for their ultra-flattering lipsticks, skin prep heroes and Hollywood glam reputation, there are few products from the celebrity MUA that I don’t wholeheartedly adore. And her newest releases are no exception.
As part of a new Pillow Talk Beauty Soulmates Collection, the iconic beauty brand has launched a selection of new Pillow Talk lipsticks as well as a new blush palette – just in time for spring. First and foremost, the packaging is incredible. It’s in their signature gold ribbed cases that have that glamorous art deco feel, adored with pink jewel hearts.
Of the lipsticks there are two in the brand’s famous K.I.S.S.I.N.G formula – my personal favourite for its silky satin finish – while two are in the Matte Revolution formula. I started off trying the matte formulas, which include Dream Talk and Love Talk. The latter is the most dreamy strawberry red shade. It’s not as bold as what I would consider ‘festive’ reds, making it way more versatile and lends itself nicely to spring beauty trends. It’s neither too warm nor too cool either, making it universally flattering.
Dream Talk, however, which is a deep mauve, was a little too overpowering for me, but would look beautiful on someone else. While I typically avoid matte formulas because I find them quite drying, Charlotte Tilbury has absolutely nailed the comfortable, longwearing finish on these lippies.
I knew I would prefer the K.I.S.S.I.N.G formula lipsticks purely because I’m much more partial to a satin finish. Kiss Talk isn’t a shade I’d have typically picked for myself, but I loved the fresh, healthy glow it seemed to give my skin. But my favourite had to be the neutral nude Naughty Talk, which is most similar to my beloved MAC Velvet Teddy and could quite possibly be a contender for my new favourite lipstick. Both of these made my lips feel so hydrated and soft, with light-diffusing love filter effect pigments giving my lips a fuller, plumper appearance.
To compliment the lipsticks, there is also the new blush/finishing powder duos – flawless pink and flawless peach – which cost £43 each. Inside there’s an airbrush powder packed with colour correcting pigment technology, alongside a blush with blurring technology that makes your skin look like a filter in real life. The only downside for me was that I preferred the pink finishing powder and the peach blush, which means if I’m on the go I’ll need both palettes – but at least they have a handy mirror which is ideal for touch ups while out and about.
M&S denim maxi skirt, £45
Denim skirts have been a staple in wardrobes for decades, with longer styles favoured more recently. And one skirt that’s so nice, I bought it twice is this Denim High Waisted Maxi Asymmetric Skirt from Marks and Spencer.
boho chic revival. Trying on this skirt, I was immediately impressed by its retro design. Its asymmetric paneling, which adds movement and a unique silhouette, gives the skirt a ‘the 90s does 70s’ appearance, but feels fresh and updated for 2025.
Made from 100% cotton, it’s soft, lightweight and destined to be a summer staple. It comes in sizes 6-22, and is available in three lengths to ensure your preferred fit, however I did find that I had to go a size up in the skirt as I struggled to zip my usual size to the very top, so it’s worth noting that I found it to come up slightly small.
I do like that it has a side zip, which some shoppers have said helps ‘hold’ your tummy in, and it’s even got a button for extra security. With its flattering fit, swishy volume, and versatile design, this skirt is the perfect piece to transition from spring to summer in style, and I can almost guarantee it will be a sell out in the coming weeks.
Mejuri initial necklace, £48
If you’ve left finding your mum a special gift to the last minute, Mejuri has a stunning selection of Mother’s Day pieces, including this bestselling Letter Necklace, available in sterling silver for £48 and 14k gold for £248. Jewellery fans can wear it alone, or as part of a necklace stack, with one shopper saying she ‘wears it every day’, making it an excellent choice for gifting.
Boasting a solid 4.6-star average rating, this initial necklace is a timeless and sophisticated memento that’ll add a personal touch to your Mother’s Day present. Whether you choose her initial, a child’s or a significant letter, it’s a simple yet heartfelt way to express your gratitude.
Another shopper said: “Love this necklace! I’ve been looking for an initial necklace for a long time and this is perfect. It’s subtle so perfect for every day wear. I haven’t taken it off since I bought it! The quality is fabulous.”
Elsewhere, Abbott Lyon’s Birthstone and Luxe Letter Bracelet (£55) is a delicate, meaningful piece that blends subtle sparkle with a personal touch. Available in gold, silver and rose gold, the bracelet can be customised with a birthstone and an initial.
Eve’s picks:
Uniqlo’s Round Mini Shoulder Bag in blue and mint green
Since it launched some years ago, we’ve all come to understand and love the hype around Uniqlo’s consistently viral mini shoulder bags. With a Mary Poppins-type ability to fit pretty much anything and everything you need inside, the bags are highly regarded. Not just for their practicality, but for being pretty too, and Uniqlo has just launched two new colours that are ideal for the spring: sky blue and mint green.
Great for adding a pop of colour to your outfit, these bags are the ultimate holiday companion and can fit your phone, purse, passport, guidebook (if you so wish), sunnies, suncream, lipbalm; I’ve even fitted a jumper in there before.
Costing £14.60, it’s an affordable option – plus, it is water repellent and reliable. Shop it at Uniqlo.
Nobody’s Child’s Cream Fruit Print Nova Mini Dress
The taste of spring in the air has reawakened my love for fruit adorned fashion (it’s so chic!) from Anthropologie’s Strawberry Graphic Baby T-Shirt and Tate Beaded Watermelon Bag to Boden’s Rachel Cotton Midi Shirt Dress. So naturally when I discovered that (my admittedly favourite brand) Nobody’s Child, had launched a subtle and chic Cream Fruit Print Nova Mini Dress, it went straight into my shopping basket. Decorated in peaches, grapes, what looks to be plums and flowers, the flattering smock dress is designed with a ruched bodice and statement puff sleeves.
Its mini A-line skirt is playful and perfect for the sunnier and warmer months. Lightly lined, the dress is guaranteed to fall beautifully, while the shirring on the back ensures comfort at all times.
Now, while this skirt is gorgeous, super floaty and fun, one word of warning as someone who’s got a similar style from the brand in a different pattern – in breezy weather, it’s best to wear some shorts underneath to keep your dignity in tact.
Get it from Nobody’s Child for £75.
Dr Martens’ Gryphon Tumbled Nubuck Leather Platform Sandals
Yes, I know spring has just arrived but the sunshine doesn’t half make me excited for summer and the prospect of wearing sandals each and every day. One particular pair of sandals I’ve been eyeing up for a good few years is Dr Martens’ Gryphon Tumbled Nubuck Leather Platform Sandals, which just so happen to be on sale with 30% off.
Usually costing £140, the sandals now retail at £98. While still quite the hefty investment, all signs and reviews point to them being a stellar addition to any wardrobe, so you’ll get your wear and make the purchase worth it. With a neutral olive hue, the sandals stand tall on a high-rise Quad sole and are made from soft, comfortable Tumbled Nubuck with DM’s branded hardware .
Shoppers who have got their hands on these bad boys have said they were ‘even better than expected’ and said: “I’ve wanted these for ages and jumped when they were on sale. Love them! I got 6. 5 and 7 and the smaller was better for me, they are generous. Can’t wait to wear when the sun shines.”
Another raved: “Lovely and did not need breaking in like some do.” The only qualms some had were that they were ‘too tight across the front’ and were a bit too weighty, with one stating: “the sandals weigh a ton”.
Although these reviews have not put me off and come pay day I’ll certainly be hitting that checkout button.
