With Christmas and Black Friday approaching, there’s a flurry of new items on the high street. And whether you’re looking to update your wardrobe or get ahead with your Christmas shopping, we’ve got you covered.
Our shopping writers have been lusting over a number of treats this week, including Dawn French’s stunning party dress featured in the new M&S advert, a Kérastase scalp oil that promotes hair growth, and a chunky knitted cardi from FatFace – plus so much more.
Other top picks include the bumper Debenhams Beauty Box. At £50, it contains £252 worth of products, expect to find premium products from big brands such as Lancome, Kiehl’s and Murad – you get 19 products in total so it’s certainly worth the money. Find out what’s on our wishlists this week.
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Dawn French’s £45 M&S party dress
Comedian Dawn French has been getting us excited for the party season in a gorgeous dress from M&S. The Vicar of Dibley star sported the subtly sparkly midi in the high street retailer’s latest Christmas advert, and it’s perfect for a range of festive occasions.
The Textured V-Neck Midi Relaxed Dress comes in at £45, and is said to ‘channel effortless glamour’. The black midi dress is made from a shimmering textured fabric, making it really understated but elegant.
Designed in a relaxed fit with a flattering v-neckline and ‘sophisticated’ half button placket, it falls into a tiered skirt, while gathering at the cuffs gives the long sleeves some volume for an on-trend silhouette and ageless design. But if you’re someone who likes to see the season through in total comfort, we recommend these tartan pyjamas, which the 67-year-old also sported in the ad.
Debenhams’ £50 beauty box worth £251
Debenhams has released a Christmas Beauty Edit for 2024, and it’s essentially the beauty equivalent of a selection box. Priced at £50, it’s worth £251, and contains 19 full sized and mini products to restock your makeup, skincare and fragrance stash.
There are some seriously impressive brands in here, too. We’re talking premium, top-notch names from Lancome, Kiehl’s and Murad, to Benefit, Urban Decay, Clarins and more. I’ve done the maths, and at £50 for 19 products, each one works out at around £2.63 an item, making it great for dividing into stocking fillers, too.
One of the highest value items in the edit is the Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser 200ml, which is £46 at LookFantastic. That’s almost as much as the price you pay for the entire box, so you might consider the remaining 18 products ‘free’.
White Stuff’s Mini Heart Fairisle Jumper, £65
I’ve spent the last couple of days looking at Christmas jumpers and spotted a few neutral ones, which I love. Muted tones are a modern take on the traditional festive sweaters we’re used to seeing.
Don’t get me wrong, I love a gaudy Christmas jumper just as much as the next person, but I’ve had my fair share of novelty knits, and I’m leaning towards something a little more understated to wear during the upcoming festive season.
Enter White Stuff’s Mini Heart Fairisle Jumper. At £65, it costs a lot more than what I’d usually spend on a seasonal jumper, but its understated pattern is too beautiful to pass up. I can’t take my eyes off it.
The cosy piece has a Fairisle design around the neckline and a dainty little green heart print all over the body. The cream-coloured sweater is adorned with hues including green, pink, red, and beige.
£65 is a lot to spend on a jumper, so I’ve also spotted this more affordable muted festive jumper at M&S. The Star Crew Neck Relaxed Fit Jumper is £29.50 and comes in two neutral colours – cappuccino and light natural.
Kérastase’s Genesis Scalp Serum, was £47 now £37.60
I’ve seen this all over my TikTok feed recently and was influenced by the glowing reviews. Some users credit it for promoting new strands of hair growth. I’ve tried a few products from Kérastase and can honestly say they are high-performing and thus worth the hefty price tag.
This scalp serum is to be used every night on dry hair and works to ‘encourage a fuller-looking appearance’ of your tresses. If all the slick-back buns are taking a toll on your hairline, this product promises miracles.
It’s designed to target weak strands by conditioning locks and minimising the risk of breakage. I snapped up a bottle from LookFantastic, where you can get £10 off—now £37.60, was £47 (save 20%). Sadly, I placed my order two days before it went on sale.
Bianca Boots Heavenly Feet, £69.95
When I tell you these boots from Heavenly Feet are the dreamiest winter boots I’ve ever worn, I’m not exaggerating. While the edgy, biker buckle style that comes to mid-shin is stunning and works well with jeans, dresses, skirts and more, the comfort is on another level.
On first wear, these vegan-friendly faux-leather boots were cushiony – throughout the bottom of my foot – lightweight and, best of all, didn’t rub and leave blisters, even after hours of wear. The memory foam footbed makes them easy to wear all day with no discomfort.
The sole is gorgeously chunky although not heavy and gives a bit of height. The silver buckles, which are adjustable to fit your calves, really lean into the Biker style.
Coming in sizes 3-8, they are available in black and chocolate brown. I will say that if you’re in between sizes, go for the smaller size rather than larger as they come up a little loose, although this is perfect for wearing thick socks.
Get them here.
FatFace’s Multi Erin Knitted Zip Through Cardigan, £68
Cosy season is well and truly here and everyone needs a versatile cardigan that is thick, comfy and warm in their wardrobe – enter Erin. The zip through cardigan from FatFace is a stunning knitted Bomber-style cardigan that’s made from wool and has been decorated with geometric pattern in blues and reds, for a touch of nostalgia as well as style.
With a funnel neckline, it will keep you toasty warm as the temperatures drop with its ribbed cuff sleeves and hemline. Easily styled with your favourite jeans, it’ll be a staple piece that you’ll reach for time and again throughout the winter season, whether you’re lounging at home or heading out on a walk.
Get it here.
Dr.PAWPAW’s Wicked-Inspired Lip Care – £4.74
OPI nails, Samsung and M&S aren’t the only brands celebrating the release of the new film adaptation of hit musical Wicked, as Dr. PAWPAW has launched a lip balm set inspired by the two lead characters Elphaba and Glinda.
Costing £4.74 down from £9.49 at Superdrug, the first lip balm, Enchanting, is truly magical as it adjusts the pink colour depending on your body’s temperature, which is pretty cool. As for the Glimmer Lip Balm, it’ll leave your lips with a pop of shimmer whilst leaving them moisturised and nourished.
Get them here.
M&S Bomber Jacket, £49
The Bomber Jacket is priced at £49.50 and is available in forest green and midnight navy hues. The green colour is available in sizes 6-24 but the navy jacket is getting snapped up fast with size 8 already sold out online – you can use the ‘Find in Store’ function on the M&S website to see if it is in stock near you.
The understated bomber jacket is made from a lightweight material, which is perfect for the in-between autumnal weather when sometimes it’s not cold enough to wear a big, puffy coat. It has a regular fit and features a popper front fastening to give a neat look.
It also has a cosy full lining and side pockets. The model sporting the forest green coloured jacket pairs it with a knitted grey hoodie and wide-leg jeans for a casual and stylish everyday look.
