Welcome to our monthly need-to-know list of all the latest and greatest releases that should be on your radar for the month ahead.
Here at ES Best, we’ve got our ear to the ground and are constantly looking for the newest fashion, events, and food and drink, so you don’t have to.
With a full-time job, busy social life, and social media accounts to maintain, it can be hard to keep up with all the shiny newness out there. From sell-out collections to limited edition collaborations, with exclusive events and new store unveilings in between, we’ve got you covered so you don’t miss out on a thing.
Summer has whizzed by and September is here, a fresh page on a new school year. While you’re (probably) not heading back to a classroom, the return to work can have a similar feeling. We’ve got news on all the best fashion sales for new office threads, as well as back-to-school essentials for anything you may have missed for your little ones. Off to Uni? See our checklist of Halls must-haves to make your new digs feel like home.
With hopes of a balmy Indian Summer high (better late than never, amirite?), there’s still plenty of opportunity to make the most of your outdoor spaces. Pounce on stunning end-of-season garden furniture deals before it gets too chilly to enjoy them, or plan for spring 2024 by getting big purchases at a snip of the cost.
Now - onto serious business. We know it’s still a few months away, so we’ll whisper it: Christmas is coming. While you’ve acres of time between now and December 25, it’s never too early to get a few essentials in the bag, and these days, advent calendars count as a crucial piece of the festivities. Big beauty and booze brands have already unveiled 2023’s offering and there are some crackers in the mix. Get them now or pre-order before they run out and ruin your Christmas.
In the meantime, there are tons of glittering raft of new launches, exciting collabs and epic shopping drops to make this September one to remember.
If you’re ever at a loss for something to do on the weekend, or need to scratch the retail therapy itch, we’ll be keeping this page up-to-date all month long; best add it to your bookmarks so you’ve got the insider’s guide right at your fingertips.
Ready? Let’s get to it.
Best new trainer releases in September: the latest sneaker drops, from Allbirds to Nike
When is Black Friday 2023? Sale date and the deals to expect
Best washer, dryer and combo deals to buy online right now
Best glasses deals: Where to buy cheap glasses and contact lenses online
Bedding sales: the best deals and offers on bedding right now
Best alternative advent calendars for Christmas 2023: Non-chocolate pressies for adults
Mindful Chef x LEON
From the rice boxes to the waffle fries, it’s unsurprisingly that LEON is one of the office workers’ favourite haunts. But, if you’re WFH, how will you get your hands on the aioli garlic-embellished dishes? Well, fear not as the fast food experts have teamed up with Mindful Chef, a recipe box service known and loved for its healthy selection.
From September 17-30, you can recreate the chain’s signature dishes, from the Aioli Chicken & Rainbow Slaw to the Keralan Cod Curry with Coconut & Pickled Cucumber without leaving your four walls. The meals are first and foremost, delicious. But also easy to whip up, high quality and there’s no food waste as all the ingredients have been measured out in their exact quantities. There’s no excuse now to get another takeaway as this box will bring restaurant-level dining with a healthy twist.
Buy now, Mindful Chef
House of Sunny Soho Pop Up Shop
Known for its infinitely-duped faux fur trimmed knit and super sheer SS23 collection, House of Sunny is bringing its vibrant aesthetic to Soho. The East London-based brand has ventured West in a pop-up shop off Carnaby Street (Foubert’s Place to be precise).
Downstairs, you’ll find the autumnal wares; sleek motorcycle jackets, the softest faux leather on the market and cosy cardigans that will have you rain dancing, while upstairs is menswear with genderless appeal so no matter who you are, you’ll find yourself adding directly all to basket.
Buy now, Selfridges
By Alona Workshop
If you’ve ever browsed online jewellery collections and thought to yourself “I could do that”, it’s time to put your money where your mouth is. Luxury fashion jewellery label By Alona has launched a workshop where in the two-hour duration, you will create your very own necklace or bracelet using a collection of semi-precious stones that are the signature of the Mediterranean-inspired offering.
You can further embellish with colourful beads, personalise with initials and get creative, while being able to walk away with your very own piece.
Find out more here.
Buy now, Matches
PrettyLittleThing x Naomi Campbell
As one of the Supers, Naomi Campbell is no stranger to couture. Now the 53-year-old is bringing a lifetime of striding the catwalk to PrettyLittleThing with a new collection that spotlights young emerging designers.
The body-skimming collection pairs Campbell’s elegance with the avant-garde vision of Nigeria’s Victor Anate and Jamaica-born Edvin Thompson from NYC. Debuting at New York Fashion Week on September 5, the 15-piece strong collection will come in a number of colourways, teeing shoppers up nicely for the party season ahead. We’ll have one of everything.
Buy now, PrettyLittleThing
Our Place Goodbye Summer Sale
Slow cooking season is upon us, but if your cookware is looking decidedly battered after a summer of hosting elaborate garden party dinners (just us?), now’s your chance to treat yourself to an upgrade.
Our Place is holding a summer sale until September 7, allowing you to scoop its most-wanted cast iron cookware and accessories for a limited edition price. Costing £170 for the bundle, you’ll save £75 on the price if you bought them individually. There are lots of other bundles and offers to check out if you don’t want to go the whole hog too.
And all in fun colours that make Our Place the cult cookware brand to know.
Buy now, Our Place
Laura Ashley X Joanie
A veritable passion project for Manchester-based fashion label Joanie, this wonderful modern vintage collaboration with Laura Ashley has been a long time coming.
The brands worked together to trawl through Laura Ashley’s extensive archives of iconic floral and pastoral prints – our particular favourite being the sage green peacock design from the 1970s – to create an ethereal collection of prairie dresses, shirts, jumpsuits and jackets. Crafted from organic cotton, the offcuts have been used to create a series of deadstock accessories including gorgeous bows and quilted bags.
Prices from £75.
Buy now, Joanie
OMNES x Naomie Harris
OMNES may have only launched in lockdown back in 2020 but it has already teamed up with a Hollywood star. Naomie Harris became a fan of the brand organically and reached out to the sustainable label, known for its elegant satin designs.
The BAFTA, Golden Globe and Academy Award-nominated actress has now created a limited-edition collection that includes red-carpet-worthy dresses, lively patterns and sophisticated colour-blocking. The garments are all made from premium fabrics that are sourced from deadstock, organic cotton or recycled materials.
Buy now, OMNES
Good American launches Varsity collection
Corsetry, but make it leisurewear. It’s a brief that few fashion brands can nail, except for Good American, where the piece is part of the brand’s new Varsity collection. Pairing preppy fabrics with GA’s usual body-skimming clobber, the range is ideal for cooler days and cosy nights in. There are also trackies, coated jeans, flannel shackets and Uni-style sweatshirts to browse, all in typical school colours (burgundy, navy and grey reign supreme). A lesson in leisurewear, Kardashian style.
The size-inclusive range starts from £52.
Buy now £52.00, Good American
Gousto launches TV-inspired dishes
Shows and movies are more than just stories to lose yourself in; they can provide culinary inspiration too.
Well, that's Gousto's take anyway; its new limited edition range uses dishes from the big and small screens to recreate at home. We're talking the meatballs and spaghetti combo as seen in Lady and the Tramp, feasts fit for the Bridgeron dining table and Pulp Fiction's Big Kahuna burgers. From £2.99 a portion.
Buy now, Gousto
Barbour x House of Hackney collection
A change of season means a new opportunity for fashion. Embrace coat season with Barbour’s latest collab with eclectic interiors brand House of Hackney. The two have teamed up to create a maximalist line that nails gothic floral romance. Barbour’s iconic wax jackets have been prettied up with House of Hackney bloom prints and there are shirts and dresses to lust over too. Perfect for Cathy and Heathcliff types.
The collection launches September 6.
Buy now, Barbour
Kipling x Frida Kahlo
She may have passed away almost 70 years ago, but Frida Kahlo’s legend lives on. Kipling is the latest brand to celebrate the late Mexican artist with luggage and accessories inspired by her work. As well as weekend bags and backpacks, the winter floral collection includes pouches and handbags allowing you to channel Kahlo’s style whatever is on your OOO agenda.
Available from September 5.
Buy now, Kipling
Crocs x Feng Chen Wang
Love ‘em or hate ‘em, Crocs are the footwear phenomenon that’s here to stay. The brand is giving us more reason to love them with its latest collection with designer label Feng Chen Wang that reinterprets the distinctive silhouettes. New look clogs which can be worn in multiple ways sport removable ankle cuffs, metallic details and leather straps signalling a new chapter in Crocs’ story.
Buy now, Feng Chen Wang
St-Germain x Vaisselle limited-edition Apéritif Edit
Alfresco dining is still on the cards - just about. Have a final summer hurrah with St-Germain. The elderflower liqueur has teamed up with ceramics brand Vaisselle to create a tablescape edit that’s perfect for bidding farewell to the summer sun.
Packed with pretty candlesticks, vases and plates, it promises to level up your hosting game - and each purchase includes a bottle of the spirit too. What’s not to love?
Prices from £95.
Buy now, St-Germain x Vaisselle
