November Begins: Fireworks, Halloween Chaos & The Slutty Cat Epidemic

November has well and truly arrived, ushering in the season of dry skin, overpriced hot drinks, and that odd few weeks where you’re not quite sure if you’re meant to be winding down or revving up. It’s the time of year where your calendar is either suspiciously quiet or a ticking social bomb. Guy Fawkes Night has come and gone, and I’m still recovering from two very British truths:

1. London’s uncanny ability to overcharge for literally everything, including “standing somewhere vaguely near a firework.”

2. The enduring presence of the ‘slutty cat’ costume. Seriously—she’s immortal at this point and thriving.

Add to that the whiplash weather (sunshine at 11am, torrential sideways rain by 3pm), and it’s been a chaotic little fortnight of wardrobe changes, mood swings, and questioning whether my winter boots are waterproof or just ambitiously stylish.

Guy Fawkes: Fireworks, Overcrowding & the Art of Pretending You’re Impressed

Every single year I swear I won’t get dragged into the madness of Guy Fawkes in London. And yet, there I was again, wrapped in a coat far too chic for the muddy field I was standing in, craning my neck to see fireworks partially obscured by a housing development and the heads of about 300 other people who also thought “getting there early” meant 5 minutes before it started.

Highlights included:

• Arguing over the “best viewing spot” with total strangers. (We settled for “somewhere near the loos.”)

• A glow-stick-adorned toddler absolutely living his best life, which made up for the rest of us being frozen and underwhelmed.

• A man behind me loudly ranting, “It was better when it was free!” on repeat, like a broken nostalgic record.

• Me, halfway through the show, seriously pondering whether I even like fireworks or just get sucked in by the yearly FOMO.

Also: why does it now cost more to watch some sparkly lights than to see Hamilton from the gods? Genuinely curious.

7/10 experience overall. Great jacket. Poor visibility. Vibes questionable. Would do again? Probably. But I’ll moan the whole way through while sipping something warm and overpriced.

Halloween Debrief: The Slutty Cat Rises Again

Ah, Halloween. That annual collision of faux blood, fishnets, and folks trying to out-irony each other. The post-party debrief is always the real entertainment. This year delivered everything I expected and somehow still managed to surprise me.

This year’s biggest takeaways:

• The ‘slutty cat’ remains undefeated. Somewhere out there, a lingerie brand is surviving off this one night a year.

• “Low-effort chic” has become a costume in itself. Translation: you wore your normal outfit and added eyeliner.

• At least three people I know lost their jackets to cloakroom chaos. RIP to every Zara trench that didn’t make it home.

• Someone got dumped mid-party, which was described as “for the plot,” and honestly? Respect. That’s main character behaviour.

• Also: Why is it socially acceptable to go full theatre production for Halloween but a criminal offence to mention Christmas before the 15th of November? Pick a lane, people.

The best costume I saw? A couple who came as ‘cost of living crisis’—one wrapped in receipts, the other as an energy bill. Satirical genius.

The Social Scene: That Post-Halloween, Pre-Christmas Lull

It’s the in-between season. The vibe is unclear. The group chats are torn:

• Half of us are deep in 'cozy season'—blankets, mulled wine, and Gilmore Girls reruns.

• The other half are still recovering from Halloween hangovers and pretending it’s still early autumn.

• The “should we start Christmas plans?” texts have started softly circulating with terrifying speed.

Me? I’m somewhere in the middle. Floating between quiet nights with candles and suddenly wanting to book a table for twelve because “we deserve a catch-up.”

Also: Is there a name for that particular November melancholy? Not sad, not dramatic—just slightly emotionally foggy, like the weather. It’s like my brain’s running on autumnal molasses and my heart’s 20% cinnamon spice.

Style: The Cosy But Polished November Edit

Fashion-wise, I’m thriving. We’ve entered the sweet spot of layers, boots, and statement coats. It’s like London finally caught up with my Pinterest board. The streets are moody-chic, every second person is wrapped in camel wool, and my inner stylist is alive and well.

Current rotation:

• Tailored coats layered over soft turtlenecks.

• Chunky boots, knee-highs, and the occasional heeled loafer for drama.

• Deep red nails, moody lipsticks, and just enough blush to look alive.

• Cashmere scarves big enough to double as emotional support.

• Minimalist gold jewellery with oversized jumpers for balance.

Also: I’m romanticising every cup of tea like it’s part of a cinematic moment. Bonus points if it’s raining outside and I have nowhere to be. Extra bonus if I’m wearing fluffy socks and pretending I live in a cottage in the Cotswolds.

Beauty & Wellness: November Maintenance Mode

My skin has officially entered 'give me moisture or give me death' mode. It’s that time of year where your face is 60% moisturiser and 40% prayer. Between indoor heating and wind that slaps you awake on the way to the Tube, it’s an ongoing battle.

Current focus:

• Skin barrier recovery like it’s my part-time job.

• Hydrating like a woman who owns three water bottles and uses none.

• Daily stretching, because winter has my shoulders up near my ears.

• A little pre-Sri Lanka glow-up prep, including the world’s bougiest body oil.

• Also: I booked a facial and refuse to apologise for it.

I’ve started adding in a five-minute body brushing ritual before bed because a wellness influencer on Instagram told me it “stimulates lymphatic flow,” and while I’m still not sure what that means, it feels vaguely virtuous.

Mindset: Gently Easing Into the End-of-Year Flow

No intense resolutions. No frantic productivity. Just soft focus.

Right now, I’m into:

• Slower weekends with no guilt.

• Gentle check-ins with myself instead of full-blown life audits.

• Letting November be the deep breath before December.

• Hot chocolates > coffee. And no, I will not debate this.

• Making time for long walks with nowhere in particular to go.

Also: I’m mentally packing for Sri Lanka already, which may or may not be my personality until I board that plane. My suitcase might be emotionally packed already.

Pop Culture, Trends & What’s Happening Right Now

• Mariah Carey has officially defrosted. It’s happening.

• The ‘Mob Wife’ aesthetic is everywhere—dark lips, big coats, bigger attitude.

• TikTok is currently arguing about which John Lewis ad was the ad.

• Everyone’s in their 'quiet luxury but make it cozy' era. Think: rich aunt on sabbatical.

• And somehow, everyone’s baking again. Banana bread and emotional resilience are back on trend. Also: I’ve seen three separate rebrands of the “hot water bottle” aesthetic—self-care never looked so chic.

The Month Ahead: What’s Coming?

• More moody London evenings with fairy lights and fog.

• More saying yes to cosy plans and spontaneous Sunday roasts.

• More intentionally doing nothing and letting it be enough.

• More deep conditioning masks, both for my hair and my soul.

• A very real countdown to Sri Lanka. (Swimsuits have been ordered. Books have been shortlisted.)

• Less pressure. More softness. Letting the season hold me a little.

November, you’ve shown up soft and sparkly with just a hint of chaos. Let’s keep this cosy energy going.

Sophie x