Reset Season: Berlin, Josh, and a Hint of Spring

Sophie Allatt
Feb 6, 2023
5 min read

Updated: Apr 2

February is usually that month where nothing really happens—but this time? It’s been unexpectedly good. Like the kind of quietly brilliant fortnight that sneaks up on you and suddenly reminds you why winter isn’t all gloom.

I slipped away to Berlin for a winter escape, actually enjoyed a date for once (I know), and my parents have unintentionally become the unsung heroes of my spring travel agenda. Because what’s better than a two-week trip to the South of France in April? A two-week trip to the South of France that I don’t have to pay for. Win.

And in the spaces between, there’s been a softness to this fortnight. That slow, humming kind of joy you get when nothing huge happens, but all the little things land just right. I’ve lit more candles. I’ve had warmer chats. And my oat latte habit is now a full-blown ritual, not just a caffeine hit.

Berlin: Gritty, Cool & Exactly the Reset I Needed

Berlin in February just makes sense. It’s moody, creative, slightly freezing—but in an intentional, layered-coat-and-smoky-eye kind of way. I didn’t need it to change my life—I just needed it to shake off the London grey, and it delivered.

Some highlights:

Slow mornings at ORA Café – An old pharmacy turned candle-lit coffee haven, where oat lattes arrive with quiet elegance and time doesn’t feel so linear. I stayed far longer than necessary. Bliss.
A full afternoon at Hamburger Bahnhof – Wandering around contemporary art pretending to understand it, while secretly just enjoying how calming giant white rooms can be. I left with two postcard prints and a very strong urge to redecorate my hallway.
A night at The Curtain Club – Think velvet booths, perfectly moody lighting, and cocktails that feel like a secret you’ve been let in on. Jazz in the background, secrets on the table.
Dinner at Lokal & Nobelhart & Schmutzig – Berlin does that whole ‘cool without trying’ thing so well. The food? Subtle, local, surprising. Bonus points for wine that doesn’t demand explanation.
Long walks through Mitte, mulled wine in hand – Cold cheeks, warm hands, and that lovely solitude that makes your thoughts feel more like poetry. I felt like a slightly more bundled-up Joan Didion.

Also: the style here is humbling. I packed what I thought was ‘casual chic,’ but Berliners redefine cool. They give off this “I threw this on at 3am” vibe and somehow still look editorial. I took notes. Lots of them. Next time I’m bringing more black and fewer florals.

Dating: Meet Josh (Slow Burn, But Promising)

So, about this date.

His name is Josh. He’s normal. Already a major win in the current dating landscape.

We met for drinks and ended up having one of those rare, unforced conversations—the kind where neither of you checks your phone, and everything just flows. No awkward lulls. No over-rehearsed stories. Just easy.

A few things I like so far:

No icks yet. (We celebrate the small things.)
Knows how to order a proper drink. This is not a man who drinks Red Bull vodkas.
Has actual opinions on films and music. Not just “I like a bit of everything.”
Did not once mention crypto, hustle culture, or how much he lifts.
Texted me after the date—not a novel, not a meme. Just thoughtful and real.

We’re taking it slow. There’s a second date lined up. I’m not getting carried away, but also? It’s kind of nice to look forward to something that doesn’t come with a side of emotional whiplash. And honestly, that kind of gentle hopefulness feels really refreshing right now.

South of France in April: The Best Kind of Travel Plan

My parents—accidentally iconic—have invited me to join them in the South of France this April.

Translation: two weeks of affordable luxury, family wine chat, and me living my coastal grandmother fantasy in linen trousers and SPF.

We’re talking:

Lazy beach walks.
Long rosé-fuelled lunches.
Markets that smell like lavender and olives.
Zero inbox management.
Reading French lifestyle magazines I don’t understand but love to flick through.

Also: I’ve already started a spring fashion wishlist. A white cotton dress, strappy sandals, a big floppy hat I’ll wear twice but absolutely need. The prep has begun. Pinterest boards are filling up. And yes, I’m plotting my “glass of rosé in golden hour” photo already.

Style: That ‘Hurry Up, Spring’ Energy

We’re deep into February and I’m officially done with winter clothes. That said, it's still Baltic outside.

Current wardrobe mood:

Tailored wool coats layered over lightweight knits – balancing practicality and delusion.
Leather gloves and oversized scarves – still refusing to suffer for fashion, but doing it in style.
Ankle boots over knee-highs – we’re trying, okay?
Blush-toned bags and pastel sweaters creeping in – a soft rebellion against the weather.
Silk midi skirts with tights, because we’re dreaming of spring but dressing for frost.

Also: I found a vintage silk Hermès scarf on Vestiaire, and yes, I fully intend to wear it like a Riviera heiress sipping something sparkling. If I can’t live in the South of France yet, I’ll at least accessorise like I do.

Beauty & Wellness: A Pre-Spring Refresh

We’re not doing drastic, we’re doing refined. February is the teaser trailer to spring, and I’m treating my face and body accordingly.

Currently obsessed with:

Hydrating facial at Pfeffer Sal – My skin came back to life.
Tom Ford ‘Lost Cherry’ perfume – It’s sweet, moody, and makes me feel expensive.
Chanel ‘Ballerina’ nail polish – Clean, soft, vaguely French.
Pilates and slow strength work – Moving with intention. Zero burpees in sight.
Homemade matcha – Yes, I’m now that person. It’s a whole vibe.
Nightly body oil before bed – Because dry elbows are not the move.

The goal? Feel good in my skin before spring demands I reveal more of it. And maybe build habits now that’ll feel second nature when the sun finally returns.

Mindset: Less Rushing, More Enjoying

Right now, I’m leaning into ease.

Not laziness, not avoidance—just a gentle refusal to rush through things that deserve to be savoured.

Long dinners where no one checks the time.
Mornings with slow coffee and unread books.
Saying no to plans I don’t actually want to attend.
Letting this season be soft, without guilt.
Taking longer showers. Wearing perfume to work from home.

Also: I’ve unsubscribed from every “How to reinvent yourself in 2023” newsletter. I’m already someone. I’m just polishing her. And she’s coming along quite nicely.

Pop Culture, Trends & What’s Happening Now

Red is still having a moment—especially lips. It’s giving main character.
The ‘Tomato Girl’ aesthetic is creeping back—Mediterranean summer energy in February? Manifest it.
Beyoncé announced her Renaissance tour—group chats are feral.
TikTok is obsessed with winter romance—handwritten notes, candles, moody books. I’m not mad.
Everyone’s getting serious about ceramics again—pottery is the new pilates?
The “clean girl” vibe is evolving—less sterile, more soul. Think glowy but real.