Welcome to our monthly need-to-know dispatch of the latest and greatest releases that should be on your radar for the month ahead.
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.
But you don’t have to. Here at ES Best, we’ve got our ears to the ground and our noses 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.
The biggest event in our calendar this month? Black Friday. Held on the last Friday of the month (this year that is November 29), the sales storm will see prices plummet across everything from TV sets to travel deals, mobile phones to furniture. The Standard’s Shopping team has been working hard to put together easy guides on the most covetable products and services, with early deals available right now. Oh, and come the big weekend, we’ll be manning a live blog so you don’t miss a second of flash sale news.
The countdown to Christmas has also begun, with shopping lists being drawn up around the country to ensure presents, decorations, food and more are ready in time for December 25. Now is the moment retailers are launching special deals, limited editions and Yuletide exclusives to make your holiday season the most dazzling yet.
And of course, there’s the usual smorgasbord of glittering new launches, exciting collabs and epic shopping drops to make this October 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; it’s best to bookmark it so you’ve got the insider’s guide right 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
Final call for Thérapie Clinic's penny sale
It’s last orders over at Therapie Clinic as its penny sale winds up this weekend. The incredible offers allow customers to bag an area of laser hair removal for just 1p when buying another selected area: think a penny for bikini and underarms when buying a course of full legs. Deals are available for men and women, but don’t worry - it’s not just hair removal on offer.
The sale extends to cosmetic injections, plus skin and body treatments too. See what’s on offer for yourself, and let the metamorphosis begin.
Buy now, Thérapie Clinic
Lucy & Yak x Shelter launch pop-up
Coal Drops Yard near King's Cross Station has welcomed a new pop-up - for the weekend only. Cult dungaree brand Lucy & Yak has teamed up with charity Shelter to create a temporary shop focused on cosy home comforts called The Comfort Store.
There will be pieces from the inclusive fashion brand plus homewares from Shelter's collection, all designed to make you feel warm inside and out. Shoppers will also have the chance to learn more about Shelter's important work, just as we head into giving and goodwill season.
The pop-up runs from November 1 - 3.
Buy now, Coal Drops Yard
Barbour x Noah launch collab
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Another month, another collab. It's the fifth time heritage brand Barbour has blended its design nous with New York-based label Noah to create a lovely capsule collection for men and women.
Top of our shopping list is the dusky pink Bedale jacket, a shape which dates back to the 1980s, finished with a black cord collar and of course, plenty of useful pockets.
The line comes hot on the heels of Barbour's collab with GANNI, which is more fashion-led with dramatic collars and patchwork details.
Buy now, Barbour
alice + olivia x The Beatles capsule collection
To mark the Fab Four's first US tour in 1962, Alice + Olivia has launched a limited edition Beatles collection. Featuring artwork spanning the group's incredible career, the 17-piece line includes party dresses, separates and jackets covered in sequins.
Prices start at £225 - our beady eye is on the Abbey Road shirt.
Buy now, alice + olivia
FARM Rio and adidas celebrate 10 years of partnership
If you haven’t spotted the new FARM Rio x adidas drop, you’re in for a treat. The vibrant collection dropped in October and shot straight to the top of our wishlist thanks to maximalist patterns and vivid colours breathing life into athleisurewear. With swimsuits, dresses, tracksuits and accessories all in the mix, it’s a perfect example of what can happen when fashion and fitness collide.
Buy now, Adidas
adidas Originals x Wales Bonner launch FW24 collection
Trainer collection feeling a little drab? A new collaboration between adidas and Wale Bonner could be just the lift it needs. The FW24 collection includes apparel inspired by hip-hop culture plus the reprise of two icons: the adidas Originals Superstar and two Samba silhouettes have been updated for the collection with contrast crocodile-printed leather at the heel.
Buy now, adidas
Missoma launches 80s-themed collection with Rouje
Missoma has teamed up with French fashion label Rouje to present five limited edition styles made for partywear accessorising. The pieces include a velvet charm choker, cocktail ring and studs and hoops for ears. There's a distinct touch of 80s flavour and enough colour to inject cheer into everyday outfits.
Buy now £109.00, Missoma
Aqua Kyoto launches winter menu
Oxford Circus may have one of the highest concentrations of changing rooms in the nation, but it's a change of menu at one of the best restaurants in the area. Aqua Kyoto has launched a refreshed à la carte winter menu, full of chic and sumptuous plates that promise to take date night to the next level.
Leaving behind eternally-bustling Argyll Street and with a view over the West End's rooftops, Aqua Kyoto makes a cosy yet elegant setting for special occasion meals. Available for lunch and dinner, the menu showcases precision Japanese cooking with innovative flair. Dishes include robata-grilled scallops with prawn tsukune, yuzu-marinated chicken and black cod.
Whatever you do, don't miss the collapsing Matcha Tiramisu with raspberry crunch: your tastebuds won't know what’s hit them.
Buy now, Aqua Kyoto
Re:lax Borough Yards for pre-party season beauty prep
With party season looming, it's time to get your game face on. But if that visage could do with a helping hand (or two), such TLC is poised for the taking at re:lax skin studio.
Whether you've got a month or just an hour to go until a festive bash, the beauty and skin salon has treatments to bring out your natural glow and put your best face forward.
You can book in for facials of practically any concern, from microneedling to ease the look of acne scarring to an algae peel, a natural alternative to chemical options. If you want to remind yourself of what your cheekbones look like sans contour, both the microcurrent and sculptural face lifting promise to work wonders with the bonus that they can be done right before you go to the ball.
Staff are friendly, efficient and experienced, always ready with a warm welcome. It's the perfect place to start your party prep.
Find re:lax studios in Hackney and Borough locations.
Buy now, re:lax skin studio
