Nourishment 3
- nicolameirholistic
- Sep 20
- 3 min read
The change in season has really got me settling into my evenings and embracing the coziness that is synonymous with Autumn. Here are some of the things I've been loving lately...
TV
Kingdom of Dreams - The Battle for Fashion's Crown (Sky/Now)
This is a four part documentary series made in 2022 about the fashion world. It spans three decades from the early 1990s to the 2010s which was seen as the 'golden age' of fashion.
I loved this series as it follows the journey of four visionary designers - John Galliano, Tom Ford, Alexander McQueen and Marc Jacobs. It explores the transition from traditional haute couture within big heritage houses to newer collections, by these designers, which totally disrupted the industry.
It delves into the power dynamics of building a fashion empire, the egos, the rivalries, unbelievable stress levels, glamour and the changing landscape of the industry. You see how the designers were often at odds with the corporate empires funding them. It was clear to see that fashion wasn't just about beauty. It wasn't glamorous. It was completely overshadowed by a power game between creativity and commercial success. The designers suffered both physically and mentally by the pressures put upon them, especially McQueen and Galliano. At one point Galliano was producing thirty two collections a year for Dior. Thirty two collections!! This sort of output was not sustainable and everything started falling apart. I'd like to give a special mention to Alexander McQueen who heartbreakingly took his own life in 2010.
This documentary is rich in archive footage, exclusive interviews and previously unseen material. It's a really interesting watch where you can see these incredible designers at work and also the power hungry business owners who were in charge. I highly recommend watching.
Podcast
The Rest Is Entertainment - Richard Osman & Marina Hyde
This is the perfect podcast if you enjoy fresh and unique expert analysis about all things entertainment. Whether that be cultural trends, the latest film or TV series and anything shaping the media landscape. I've found them to offer a different approach to current issues within the entertainment sphere. I often listen to episodes on my walks and thoroughly enjoy the debates and contrast of topics discussed in one issue.
Download from wherever you get your podcasts
Skincare
L'Occitane Shea Nail & Cuticle Nourishing Oil £16.00
This oil has been a firm favourite of mine for over two decades and for good reason. It works wonders on dry, thirsty nails and cuticles. It's a dry oil with a brush applicator so a little goes a long way. Why am I mentioning it now though? The drop in temperature can play havoc with our nails and cuticles. The really high concentration of shea oil (30%) soothes and conditions. It will become your friend in the chillier weather.
Home fragrance
Autumn Nights Oil Blend - SW Botanicals £14.00 10ml
For me, this smells like autumn and I am totally here for that! It's full of warming notes such as cedarwood, patchouli and tobacco, mixed with fresh blackberry and spiced clove. I use it in the late afternoons and evenings as it's calming and relaxing. The perfect fragrance as you cozy up on the sofa. It feels like a warm hug and I love it!
Use in a diffuser or oil burner. Add the appropriate amount of water and five to ten drops of oil.
My other fav oil blend for this time of year is also by SW Botanicals. It's called Spiced Pumpkin and I think this years launch date for it is on 22nd September, the Autumn Equinox. This is a more grown up take on the Pumpkin Spiced Latte trend (which I normally hate as they are too vanillary and sweet). It's blend is an incredible mix of amber, nutmeg, cardamon, smokey tobacco with a beautiful woody base. It has only the smallest amount of vanilla. A mature pumpkin inspired fragrance.
Both of these are not sickly or sweet smelling. They are super sophisticated blends.
Home Decor
Brass Mottled Glass Pumpkin Trio £26.99
Light up Pumpkins
Yes, I've already got pumpkins around the house as I love that the evenings are becoming darker earlier. These are battery operated (3 x AAA) mottled light up pumpkins which provide a cozy warm ambient light. You can put them on a six hour timer so that they are on when you arrive home and stay lit until you go to bed.
Thanks for reading.
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