The strange time between these two seasons has been made all the more strange by the current circumstances. However, there's nothing like a little retail therapy to make one prepared to face the coming season, whatever it may hold. Alexandra Fraser rounds up some of her spring favourites.
Stylish sunglasses
Now that the sun is up, driving to the shops (once a day max per household, only for essentials) without sunglasses is just dangerous. Feel like a glamorous 60s petrol head is as easy as a pair of Silhouettes, and isn’t it time that you invested in a decent pair of sunglasses anyway?
N.B. This is from the woman who lost a pair in the sea twice within 5 minutes. They were not located the second time.
Silhouette Titan Accent Shades, £325, www.silhouette.com
April Showers
There is no telling what the weather will do next. For that, you’ll need a raincoat that’s fashionable enough to drape whimsically over your arm, but sturdy enough to actually work as an actual raincoat. Try this Easter-yellow number on for size – Tog24 never disappoint in brilliantly made, super comfy, stylish clothing.
Tide women’s waterproof jacket, now £90, www.tog24.com
Welly accessories
Like I said, no accounting for weather. If you’re into your one-a-day country walks, these fairisle socks are fab for folding over your wellies and setting off into the countryside, with reinforced heels and smooth toe seems to boot.
HJ Hall’s Foxley socks, £36.00, www.hj.co.uk
I take my hat off to you, sir
Protecting your skin is always fashionable, and a nice hat paired with some stylish denim and a white blouse is just the ticket for a Spring day outfit. Or so I imagine, having worn nothing but sweatshirts for the last two weeks.
The Orford Fedora (Charcoal Ribbon), £65, www.hicksandbrown.com
A spring tipple
Pop a drop of this into a glass of champagne for a lovely weekend drink – or a school evening, if you’re feeling spicy. Alternatively, mix it with plain tonic and a wedge of grapefruit for a zesty, refreshing sip.
Warners gins are still available to order online. Spring blossom gin, £40, www.warnersdistillery.com
This was my last Utterly Inessential column, as I’ve just moved on from Country Life after two wonderful years with an incredible bunch of people. Thank you to my mother, best friend and grandma, who, unless I’m misinformed, make up my entire readership. If anyone else out there actually read any of this ridiculous stream of human consciousness, just know I was writing for you. And my mother.
Best wishes, stay safe and have a wonderful weekend when it comes. God bless.
The Utterly Inessential Valentine’s Day Shopping List: Edible love notes, delightful decanters and gifts to sweep him off his feet
The chill of February is ill-fated to be accompanied by a day dedicated to those lucky few among us who
The Utterly Inessential Valentine’s Shopping List Part II: Pink gin, heart-shaped earrings and a dog bed for the true love of your life
Every year, we round up the top gifts one could possibly give without going over-the-top-crazy for Valentine's Day. Fortunately, this
The Utterly Inessential Marathon Shopping List: The ulitmate survival kit, headphones to drown out the pain and a marathon where one can run with wine
This week on Utterly Inessential, we admire those who take part in one of the world's biggest fundraising events as
Six perfect Christmas gifts for gadget lovers
Dreaming of a tech-filled Christmas? Here are six gadgets to hit the spot.
The Utterly Inessential Crufts Shopping List: The toys, treats and trends that your dog deserves this year
Alexandra Fraser rounds up the top dog accessories on the market right now in honour of Crufts this weekend. After
The utterly inessential shopping list: Cheese, chocolate, champs and chutney…it’s Christmas hamper time
Forget about the big things. You can keep the necessities. Don't tell us about the must-haves. Alexandra Fraser takes a