What We Love This Week: 20th May 2026
Each week, our editor handpicks a tight edit of standout pieces. Those rare finds that marry beauty, purpose, and a little everyday magic. Think trusted favourites alongside new discoveries that deserve a permanent place in your orbit.
This week’s lineup: fashion-forward flats from By Malene Birger, a vintage Louis Vuitton tote with all the character, M&S’s perfect black summer dress, Irene Forte’s glow-giving Hibiscus Serum, CHANEL’s iconic Les Beiges bronzer, Caro Claire Burke’s buzzed-about Yesteryear, and Boy Smells’ cool-girl Hinoki Fantôme.
Consider this your weekly briefing in elevated essentials, the pieces we’re genuinely reaching for, loving, and living with right now.
By Alice Codford
Every item in this edit has been personally selected by us because it’s something we love, have tried, want ourselves or has been genuinely recommended to us. Some of the links are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you choose to shop through them.By Malene Birger Ayda Polka Dot Ballerinas
By Malene Birger Ayda Polka Dot Ballerinas, £390
These By Malene Birger Ayda ballerinas are exactly the kind of flats we’re drawn to: classic in shape, but with enough detail to make them feel special. The sheer fabric and polka dot finish give them a playful, fashion-forward feel, while the pointed toe keeps them polished. A very good shoe for dressing up denim, tailoring or an easy dress. Shop them here.
Vintage Louis Vuitton Monogram Bucket Tote
Vintage Louis Vuitton Monogram Bucket Tote from The Hosta, £670
A great vintage bag will always get our attention, and this Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Bucket Tote feels especially good. We love the timeless bucket shape and iconic monogram canvas, but what makes it feel even more wearable is the longer shoulder straps and roomy interior, practical enough for everyday motherhood, but still with that polished, fashion-person feel. It’s one of those pieces that instantly gives an outfit more depth, character and credibility. Shop it at The Hosta here.
M&S Linen Mini Swing Dress
M&S Linen Mini Swing Dress, £40
This M&S black mini dress is exactly the kind of piece we always want in our summer wardrobe. It’s simple, chic, endlessly useful and effortless. The scoop neck and swing shape keep it feeling easy and flattering, while the linen-rich fabric makes it ideal for warm-weather days. At £40, it’s one of those very good high-street finds that does all the hard work for you. Shop it here.
Irene Forte Hibiscus Serum
Irene Forte Hibiscus Serum, £155
A serum that actually earns its place in a routine is always worth talking about, and Irene Forte’s Hibiscus Serum feels especially good. We love that it combines real results with that more elevated, luxurious feel — clinically proven to smooth wrinkles while also hydrating, lifting and plumping the skin. Powered by Myoxinol™, a neuropeptide derived from hibiscus seeds, it’s the kind of product that makes a routine feel instantly more considered. Shop it here.
Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream
Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream, £50
A bronzer that gives skin that believable, just-back-from-holiday warmth will always get our attention, and CHANEL Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream does exactly that. We love the lightweight cream-gel texture and soft, velvety finish. It blends beautifully into the skin for a natural, sun-kissed glow without ever looking heavy or overdone. Shop it here.
Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke
Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke Hardback Book, £14.99
A great summer dress should feel easy but still make an impact, and ALIGNE’s Adeline Satin Maxi Dress does exactly that. We love the ombre print, fresh, striking and just different enough to stand out while the bias-cut silhouette gives it that fluid, effortless feel that always looks chic. With its sleek racer-style shape, it’s the kind of piece that works for everything from holiday evenings to summer events. Shop it here.
Boy Smells Hinoki Fantôme Perfume
Boy Smells Hinoki Fantôme Perfume, £70
