With a full-time job, busy social life, and social media accounts to update, it’s challenging to keep up with all the shiny newness out there.
That’s why we’ve created The Shopping Shortlist, a monthly need-to-know dispatch of the latest and greatest releases that should be on your radar for the month ahead.
Here at ES Best, we’ve got our ears to the ground and our noses up pressed against digital shop fronts, always looking for the newest fashion, events, and food and drink - so you don’t have to. From sell-out collections to limited edition collaborations, with exclusive events, fresh launches and new store unveilings in between, we’ve got you covered so you don’t miss out on a thing.
April began with a chuckle or a groan depending on how you feel about April Fool’s Day. Now that’s safely out of the way, it’s full steam ahead as we gear up for the first Bank Holiday weekend of the year. The Easter break starts on April 18 and finishes on April 21, Easter Monday, giving you four days of fun and frivolity with friends and family. Whether you’re escaping the city or spending time in it, don’t forget to grab an Easter egg to share with loved ones (or if you’re like us, snaffle all to yourself).
The changing weather also means making lighter (and hopefully brighter) wardrobe choices. Horseracing season is in full flow and we’ve got the frocks to help you stand out in the stands, while wedding season is hot on its hooves - if you’re attending someone’s nuptials this summer and not sure what to wear, we’ve got this season’s best occasionwear cherry-picked and waiting.
Sunnier weather also means BBQs every weekend. If you plan to host a grill-fest, find the hottest selection of gas- and charcoal-powered options here.
And, of course, there’s the usual smorgasbord of glittering new launches, exciting collabs and epic shopping drops to make this April shine.
If you’re ever at a loss for something to do at the weekend or want to scratch the retail therapy itch, we’ll keep this page updated all month long; best to bookmark it so you’ve got the insider’s guide at your fingertips.
Don’t forget to sign up for the newsletter version of this Shortlist for a weekly digest covering everything from fashion and furniture to tech and travel.
Ready, set, shop
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Best holiday rentals for Easter Bank Holiday 2025 in the UK
Best garden furniture sales: deals on rattan, outdoor furniture sets, fire pits and more
Best alcohol deals for April from supermarkets and online shops
Best party decorations for a Bank Holiday get together and other celebrations
Net-A-Porter creates A Sense of Occasion edit
Weddings, the races, garden parties and more: warmer weather signals a packed social diary. Knowing what to wear to all of them is a headache, but now Net-A-Porter has picked up the mental slack with its event-ready edit, named A Sense of Occasion.
Handpicked by the site's editors, the section is a shortcut to best-in-class occasionwear, from flowing silk dresses, structured cocktail dresses and head-turning gowns. The edit also includes chic accessories from luxe labels like Manolo Blahnik, Chloe and Saint Laurent, meaning you can pick up everything you need to shine under one digital roof.
Buy now, Net-A-Porter
Reformation launches Devon Lee Carlson collaboration
You may know the name Devon Lee Carlson from the Charli XCX lyric (Speed Drive) but now the Instagram IT girl - with 1.5 million followers no less - has teamed up with cult fashion brand Reformation on a new 20-piece collection. Inspired by the influencer's style, the collection includes spring dresses and separates, all looking like they've been borrowed from your BFF's closet.
Prices from £168.
Buy now, Reformation
Roksanda x & Other Stories collab incoming
It's time to sharpen those elbows: another covetable designer x high street collaboration is in the offing. Next month, Roksanda Ilinčić will launch a collab with & Other Stories, meaning you can get a flavour of the famed London-based fashion designer at non-FROW prices.
Designed with summer in mind, the looks will channel sunsets with everything from daytime dressing to evening looks in the mix. We can't wait.
Buy now, & Other Stories
ASICS x A.P.C. launch tennis collection
Tennis season is coming in hot. Looking for new looks to help you nail centre court? You're in luck, as ASICS has announced a collab with A.P.C. Tennis Collection ahead of the European Tennis Tour.
The line includes 20 on-court pieces, bringing together ASIC's performance technology with A.P.C's style, while a further 30-piece collection is available for fans and collectors.
Available from April 5.
Buy now, ASICS
Homewares store Søstrene Grene lands in Oxford Circus
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Have you noticed? The West End is fast becoming a homewares hotspot with a dedicated H&M Home on Regent Street, IKEA taking over the ex-Topshop flagship and Flying Tiger and Primark's Home department offering kitsch and cute trends at cheap-as-chips prices.
Now Denmark is making its mark with a new Søstrene Grene shop on Argyll Street. The two-storey shop is packed with arts and crafts, Scandi-inspired homewares, kitchen essentials, snacky bits and sustainable party decorations, all at such incredibly reasonable prices you'll wonder if you really are in Zone 1.
If you can’t get down there, no matter. A bigger selection is available to buy online.
Buy now, Søstrene Grene
eBay launches List to £1k challenge
Spring has sprung, which means the annual spring clean isn't far behind. Now there's even more incentive to have a clear out, as eBay has launched a List to £1k challenge with Oti Mabuse.
The push is all about encouraging us to take a good long look at old homewares and clothes and start listing them on the site, turning clutter into cash. A clearer home and fatter wad in your pocket? Who can say no to that?
Buy now, eBay
Aldi launches Dubai Chocolate Ice Cream
They're either lightning quick to jump on a foodie trend or employ prophetic buyers, but Aldi has joined the Dubai chocolate hype with an ice cream version of the treat. The tub, which combines chocolate with pistachio, will land in store from April 14, which I've noticed will be just in time for the Easter long weekend. See you in the freezer aisle.
£3.99, Aldi
Lemonade Dolls launches WonderBra-style push-up bra - without underwire
If you're still wrenching off your bra the second you get through the front door, you need to check out Lemonade Dolls' latest design. The All Wonder gives the results of a WonderBra without any of the uncomfortable underwires or digging into the sides.
The design is made with recycled lace and uses mesh and precision binding to create womanly curves that are all your own. It's available in black, pink and plum colours with sizes ranging from 30B to 44FF and matching undies from sizes 6 - 24.
Buy now £38.00, Lemonade Dolls
You can now get Tim Tam biscuits exclusively at Waitrose
Alongside Kylie Minogue, Nicole Kidman and AC/DC, Tim Tams is one of Australia's finest exports (the less said about Vegemite, the better). Now you no longer have to travel halfway across the planet to get your hands on the biscuit that I think of as a Penguin on steroids.
For can find the Extra Chocolaty version of the Arnott's treat exclusively at Waitrose, meaning your next tea break just got that much more delicious.
Buy now £2.50, Waitrose
Hot scoop! Free Ben & Jerry's ice cream on April 8
Ice cream weather is here, and what better way to celebrate than by enjoying a free scoop of Ben & Jerry’s? The brand has been handing out complimentary cones since it was established in 1979 and last year, it dished out over a million scoops to fans. You can get yours this April 8 at participating Scoop Shops - and you can get as many scoops as you like! Simply pick a flavour and enjoy it as you rejoin the queue.
Buy now, Amazon
Dr Squatch recruits Mike Tyson for its new soap range
Celebrities endorsing products is nothing new, but the latest one is a knockout.
Dr Squatch, a brand that focuses on caring for sensitive skin, has teamed up with former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson to showcase its Total Moisture Collection and break down outdated notions of male grooming.
Iron Mike is shown embracing his sensitive side with a spot of self-care using the collection's soaps, which come in three scents: Shea Butter, Mango Butter, and Green Tea Butter.
From £7 each.
Buy now £7.00, Dr Squatch
