Little Luxuries, Big Feelings & the Pre-Spring Mood Shift

Sophie Allatt
Feb 27, 2023
5 min read

Updated: Apr 2

Mid-February has a peculiar charm. You’re teetering on the edge of spring, toeing the line between frost and flowers, and somehow everything feels more tender, more reflective. It’s still coat weather, but there’s a whisper of something softer in the air—a hint that change is coming, even if it's just in the way the light falls across your kitchen tiles at 4pm.

This fortnight has been a gentle wave of warmth—figuratively, not meteorologically. There’s a soft buzz building: in my wardrobe, in my work, in the conversations I’ve had that linger long after the last sip of wine. It’s not loud or life-altering, just quietly promising. The sort of slow burn that lets you recalibrate without needing a full restart.

I’ve been feeling more emotionally attuned, more grounded in my day-to-day. Little rituals—lighting the same candle every morning, slipping on earrings even if I’m not going anywhere, putting on real trousers before 10am—have quietly nudged me back into a version of myself I hadn’t realised I’d missed. There’s a lovely rhythm forming beneath the surface.

The Second Date (Yes, Josh Again)

So, the second date happened. And surprisingly, he’s still as lovely as I remembered.

We met at a tiny wine bar tucked away in Soho—candlelight, exposed brick, the usual suspects. Conversation picked up right where we left off. Easy, unforced, and dare I say, warm. There was a moment—midway through his story about a disastrous ski trip—where I found myself laughing so much I nearly spilled my Pinot. That doesn’t happen often.

He walked me to the station. Didn’t try anything. Just gave me a hug that felt... grounded. I got home smiling. That kind of smiling you do when something’s just nice without being dramatic. I’m not calling it anything yet. But it’s something. And that’s enough.

And perhaps what I loved most? He listened. Really listened. Not the performative kind, but the subtle, attentive kind. The sort that makes you feel like your words land somewhere safe. A rare and underrated skill in today’s world of digital distractions and half-hearted dating etiquette.

That Boutique Launch & the Unexpected Energy Boost

I popped into a boutique opening in Marylebone last Thursday—mostly because a friend dragged me, partly because I wanted to wear a new blazer. I didn’t expect to come away with three new connections, a glass of grapefruit spritz, and a surprisingly sharp sense of clarity about my own brand.

There’s something energising about watching someone else’s vision come to life. The careful curation, the scent that hits you when you walk in, the playlist that makes you want to stay longer than intended. I left feeling inspired, not envious. A good sign.

The conversations I had that night felt expansive. There’s this thread of people I’m slowly weaving together—a network not built on hustle, but on curiosity and shared energy. I scribbled notes in my phone on the way home. Not goals, but feelings. And maybe that’s where all the best ideas begin.

Also, there was a coat there—cream wool, cropped, the kind of cut that whispers “I’ve got my life together” even when you don’t. I didn’t buy it. But I’m thinking about it. A lot. It might haunt me into March.

Work: Subtle Shifts, Bigger Boundaries

The coaching side of things is moving at a pace I really like—steady, meaningful, human. I’ve been quietly refining my offer this month, not in a launchy, click-here-now way, but more like sanding down the edges of something already beautiful. There’s a comfort in alignment.

I’ve also started time-blocking. I know. Revolutionary. But it’s working. My brain feels less scrambled. My evenings feel more mine. And I’ve started ending client sessions with a walk around the block, just to decompress. Highly recommend.

Also: said no to a collab this week. Big win. Old me might’ve bent. Current me? Poured a matcha and carried on.

And beyond the logistics, I’ve been re-evaluating the emotional boundaries of my work. Holding space for others is beautiful, but I’ve realised it’s okay to protect my own energy just as fiercely. I’m learning to pause. To breathe between clients. To remind myself that I’m a person, not a service.

Style: Between Seasons & In My Blazer Era

This transitional fashion period is arguably one of my favourites. You start playing again—layering, mixing textures, flirting with colour.

Current staples:

A cream tailored blazer I thrifted and have worn three times already.
Loafers with socks. Schoolgirl energy but make it grown.
Dusty rose knits paired with camel coats.
Gold earrings that feel like punctuation.
Structured bags that make every coffee run feel intentional.

Also: I’ve officially retired my puffer. It’s an emotional risk, but the seasonal optimism is strong.

And yes, we’re in the era of “I-dressed-for-me” fashion. My outfits have felt more expressive lately. Not for Instagram. Not for anyone else. Just for the small joy of looking in the mirror and thinking, yes, that’s exactly it.

Beauty & Wellness: Glow Mode Activated

I’m not ‘that girl,’ but I do believe in rituals that feel like love letters to yourself.

This fortnight’s obsessions:

Cleansing balms that smell like citrus and spa days
A silk pillowcase I finally ordered and now evangelise about to everyone
Neck massage oil (don’t ask, just try it)
Mini gua sha sessions in the morning when I actually remember
Eucalyptus steam in the shower – yes, I’ve gone full Pinterest

Also: got back into journaling. Not pages of prose, just five minutes a day. Gratitude, mood check, one intention. Feels grounding, like stretching but for your thoughts.

I’ve also been experimenting with low-effort, high-impact things—ice rolling in the morning, dry brushing before bed, and drinking herbal tea that tastes slightly medicinal but makes me feel smug. The goal isn’t transformation. It’s continuity. Caring for myself in quiet, consistent ways.

Mindset: Present, with a Side of Hopeful

If January was about easing in, February is about stepping forward—with gentleness, but also a bit of guts. I’m allowing things to be both soft and intentional. Playful and focused. Open, but not porous.

I’m giving things time, but also giving myself credit.
I’m no longer mistaking momentum for meaning.
I’m noticing how good it feels to be excited again, even quietly.

I’ve also stopped rushing emotional conclusions. Everything doesn’t need to be resolved straight away. Some things are meant to unfold over time. I’m learning to let clarity arrive gently, instead of forcing answers from tired questions.

We don’t always need big declarations. Sometimes just saying “this feels right” is enough.

Pop Culture & What’s Got My Attention