27 Aug, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
We’re officially sorted for autmn as M&S drops £75 Barbour-inspired wax jacket
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Marks and Spencer has had many of us in a chokehold over the checked short trench coat, which has yet to launch online (though when it does we will be sure to let you know).
But we have found another ultra chic, and practical, short jacket to see you through the autumn and winter season from the high street retailer. Introducing the Waxed Look Short Utility Jacket.
M&S’ Waxed Look Short Utility Jacket caught our attention as it is almost identical to Barbour’s Classic Beadnell Waxed Jacket that fetches £249.
M&S Waxed Look Short Utility Jacket
Made from a cotton and polyamide blend, with an acrylic polyurethane coating to achieve the waxed finish. The lining has been crafted from polyester and cotton lining, and it boasts a cord collar. It has also been crafted using M&S’ signature Stormwear technology that makes this a weatherproof garment essential for winter. Better yet? It's available in UK dress sizes 6 to 22.
M&S has crafted a stunning jacket that is perfect for all occasions, and, more importantly, the autumn/winter and transitional seasons.
The Waxed Look Short Utility Jacket is a short length jacket that is ultra versatile. Don’t be put off by the word “short” in the title as it’s not a cropped jacket, but falls to the hips, so it is still flattering and provides the necessary coverage and warmth when the temperature drops. The length also sits beautifully whether you are wearing shorts, midi skirt, a dress or jeans.
The M&S Utility Jacket has been crafted from a cotton and polyamide blend, while the acrylic polyurethane coating offers the waxed finish, similar to the iconic Barbour Beadnell Waxed Jacket.
The M&S design also features Stormwear technology, which is essential when it comes to outerwear as it provides protection from the elements and makes this outerwear piece a reliable weatherproof staple to keep you warm and dry.
This jacket also features a polyester and cotton lining, and a contrast cord collar, which is a nod to the premium label.
The M&S Utility jacket boasts a regular fit, whereas the Barbour version is slightly more tailored and fitted for a feminine silhouette.
Barbour Classic Beadnell Waxed Jacket
Crafted from cotton with a Sylkoil wax outer, cotton lining with a tartan print and Barbour’s iconic logo embroidered on the pocket. It features a contrast textured collar and two patch pockets – and available in UK sizes 4 to 22.
The Barbour version has been crafted from Sylkoil waxed cotton outer, which makes this a weatherproof staple, and a durable design you can rely on year after year.
The Beadnell Waxed Jacket also features a cotton lining with the brand’s signature tartan fabric interior, which you can glimpse if you fold over the sleeves. This layer not only adds insulation, but is super comfortable on the skin too.
Of course, no Barbour coat is complete without the corduroy collar, which this design features. Plus, it has a storm fly fastening at the neck, as well as a zip-front fastening to keep any draughts at bay.
The patch pockets are deep enough to hold your valuables, while the moleskin lining provides added warmth to keep your fingertips toasty on those brisk winter mornings.
The Barbour jacket is slightly longer in length than M&S’s jacket , as it falls just below the bottom for extra warmth and coverage.
The M&S jacket is available in navy blue and khaki green, while the Barbour original comes in the iconic olive green hue.
What we love about both fashion designs is how versatile they are. Pair with denim jeans, trainers and a T-shirt for the transitional period between summer and autumn, or layer a chunky knitted cardigan and heavy duty boots come the winter months.
Considering the M&S Utility Jacket fetches £75, which is a saving of £174, it’s a no-brainer which jacket we are opting for.
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27 Aug, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
From shirts to accessories, these are the fun fish-themed pieces we’re obsessing over
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What do you get when you combine a playful retro colour palette, with beach-ready materials and fabrics, and vintage tinned fish motifs?
The answer is the latest big microtrend – the Sardine Girl Summer aesthetic.
Oozing retro Mediterranean charm, the craze was primarily born out of STAUD releasing their beaded Tommy bag in the kitschy and colourful Staudines design. In fact – in May 2025 – it was the bag responsible for a 300% increase in searches for “beaded sardine bag”.
Don’t fancy splashing just shy of £300 on this beautiful – yet pricy – bag? Yeah, us too. But thankfully, heaps of our favourite high street brands have also now hopped on the fun fish-themed hype. So, it’s sardines all-round this summer!
From oversized graphic tees and textured crochet knits, to beaded bags and whimsical seaside accessories, these are some of the best bits and pieces we’ve found on the high street for fellow admirers of the Sardine Girl Summer aesthetic.
Miss Selfridge Oversized Sardine Stripe Back Print Graphic Tee
With its oversized fit, relaxed dropped shoulders, and statement print of a vintage tin of sardines on a striped red background, there’s a lot to love about this laidback graphic tee. Throw it on over a bikini and you’ve got a casual poolside fit.
Oliver Bonas Marlin Yellow & Red Fish Hair Clips Set Of Two
Designed in playful shades of pink, red, and yellow — and complete with black enamel detail – these fishy clips will add a playful touch of seaside charm to any summer hairstyle.
New Look Cream Fish Print Textured Puff Sleeve Midi Dress
Boasting a picnic-ready print of fish and fruit, this cute cream midi dress will look lovely with sandals or trainers. The perfect day dress, we’re big fans of its flattering empire-line silhouette, and flowing A-line skirt.
ASOS Design Knitted Tank Top with Fish Embroidery
With its crochet fabric, and boat neck fit with tie straps, and statement fish embroidery, this tank offers a slightly more muted and coastal take on the vibrant #sardinecore aesthetic.
Oliver Bonas Doris Fish Charm Beaded Layered Necklace
One of these necklaces is threaded with tonal green, blue, and pearl beads – and complete with an engraved fish charm – while the other is a shorter simple gold chain boasting a hammered pendant and faux pearl bead.
Damson Madder Chlo Shirt in Holiday Print
Designed to be paired with the matching shorts for an effortless co-ord look, this easy pull-on shirt truly deserves a spot in your suitcase. Crafted from a breathable organic cotton-linen blend, it’s a true warm weather staple.
Next Red Fish Graphic Knitted Tank
With its retro sweater vest silhouette, bold tomato red material with contrasting white trims, and detailed fish motif, this tank ticks pretty much every single box in the Sardine Girl Summer checklist.
Anthropologie Fish Icon Stretch Bracelet
Whether you're jetting off somewhere tropical or heading out in the city, these Siri climber earrings are your shortcut to standout style. With polished floral layers cascading from lobe to shoulder, they’re a statement piece that does all the talking – secured with a classic post fastening for easy wear.
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26 Aug, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
This £65 M&S leather jacket is the ultimate autumn staple — here’s why you need to buy it now
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Marks and Spencer is having a real moment right now. It’s like, what cyber attack?
There are a number of fashion staples that are going viral on social media and selling out due to wildly popular demand, such as the short checked trench.
But there’s another jacket we need in our closet this autumn and it’s the M&S Faux Leather Lacquered Harrington Jacket.
M&S Faux Leather Lacquered Harrington Jacket
Crafted from polyurethane with a soft polyester lining, this jacket nails that crushed patent leather look without the stiffness. It’s got all the hallmarks of a classic Harrington-boxy fit, dropped shoulders, cropped length and a sharp collar. Available in UK sizes 6 to 22.
The Faux Leather Lacquered Harrington Jacket boasts the signature features of a classic Harrington jacket, such as a short length, sitting nicely on the hips, as well as a relaxed boxy fit, zip front and collar.
The typical Harrington may come in black, khaki, checked print or burgundy red, but M&S has elevated the look with the burgundy lacquered finish, which is almost like a crushed PVC – though not as stiff or too shiny.
This stylish jacket also features two large front pockets, dropped shoulders and a button fastening on the cuffs if you want to cinch up the sleeves.
This design has been crafted from polyurethane with a polyester lining, which offers warmth, coverage and protection from light rain.
M&S’ Harrington is ultra versatile and can be worn in the daytime and night. Pair with barrel leg jeans, a white T-shirt and grey cardigan and ballet pumps for the days when it’s a little more mild out. Alternatively, team with black leather trousers, a satin shirt, and heeled boots for an evening out.
This jacket comes in UK dress sizes 6 to 22, but sizes are selling out fast. Shoppers have yet to leave a review, but the website states over 100 other shoppers are eyeballing this jacket.
For £65, we think this M&S Harrington Jacket is a steal, especially considering the cost per wear we anticipate you will get out of this design.
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26 Aug, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
After a year, Fat Face’s viral £69 sell-out dress is finally back in stock
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Fat Face caused a huge stir when it launched the Adele Midi Dress, which sold out due to popular demand last summer.
So, we were pleased to see the milkmaid-inspired dress make a return this summer. If you missed out the one-and-done dress last year, or want to stock up on more colours, now is the prime time to do so.
Fat Face Adele Black Midi Dress
Made from lenzing ecovero viscose, cotton, and linen fabric blend. This design boasts a V-neckline, and square neckline, which means you can wear two ways. It also features 3.4 length puff sleeves, a button front fastening, shirred body, and floaty midi skirt.Available in four colours, including black, red, plum and orange. It also comes in UK dress sizes 6 to 18, though sizes are selling out fast.
The Adele Midi Dress is a super versatile design, and not least because it has a V-neckline and square neck, which means you can wear this staple two ways; either style with the V-neckline at the front of the dress, or at the back for more coverage.
This easy breezy dress has been crafted from a fabric blend of lenzing ecovero viscose, cotton and linen, which is a recipe for a lightweight, breathable and comfortable dress that is perfect for any heatwave.
The design features ¾ length sleeves, which can be cinched up to create a short puff ball sleeve.
The upper body of the dress features an elasticated and shirred upper to provide a secure fit, which contrasts the loose A-line skirt that falls midway down the calves. It also features button details on the V-front side. But the detail we really love are the side pockets – who doesn’t love a dress with pockets?
This fashion staple is available in four colours, including black, red, plum and orange, though certain colours are sold out or available in limited sizes.
This versatile dress can be paired with ballet pumps, sandals, and trainers for casual off-duty days, or to the office. Alternatively, style with thong kitten heels, or wedges, for a more glamorous evening out.
The dress fetches £69, but when you consider the numerous ways to style it, you will certainly get your cost per wear out of this staple.
Don’t just take our word for it, as Fat Face customers have been singing the praises of the Adele dress.
Karen gushed: ‘Love the new option of buttons one side and original square neck on other. I love the buttons on the front and love that it’s now not got the frilly hem. I do have two old style ones, but may get another new one! I’m a dress size 14/16 in fat face but went down to 14 this time and it fits perfectly.’
Denise added: ‘Perfect fit. Well made and looks fabulous on’, while Magee weighed in: ‘A stylish vibrant colour well fitted dress! The material is good quality in this very versatile dress. Thank you Fat Face another wonderful winner.’
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26 Aug, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
New Look’s suede trainers have an uncanny resemblance to Prada’s sneakers for £700 less
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New Look is a longstanding high street retailer we have long relied on for chic staples to see us from season to season, year after year.
Over the years, the fashion label has gone above and beyond to bring us designer-inspired fashion pieces, including an alternative to Jacquemus dress and Molly-Mae Hague’s sell-out tank top.
The latest luxury looking item we have spotted at New Look are the Tan Suede Lace Up Trainers, which made us double take because they look almost identical to Prada’s Suede Sneakers.
New Look Tan Suede Lace Up Trainers
Crafted from a split cow suede fabric on the outer, with a rubber sole, thick foam cushioning and heel to toe padding, these shoes deliver optimal comfort. They boast contrast laces, a flat sole and round toe, which are ultra versatile. Available in two colourways, including tan and leopard print, as well as UK shoe sizes 3 to 9.
New Look’s Tan Suede Lace Up Trainers have been crafted from a split cow suede fabric, with polyester lining, and polyurethane insole, while the sole has been created using thermo plastic rubber.
These flat trainers also boast heel to toe padding, as well as flexible padding for a comfortable fit. Plus, it is fully cushioned with a thick foam lining, which makes for a durable pair of trainers.
New Look’s trainers feature seam detail on the outside, as well as contrast white laces, which is what makes these trainers look very similar to Prada’s premium footwear design.
Prada’s Suede Sneakers have been made using calfskin fabric, it also boasts leather inserts, as well as a leather-covered insole, and a rubber sole measuring 20mm. Of course, Prada trainers would not be complete without the brand’s iconic Prada Milano logo on the front of the trainers.
Both designs also feature a round toe, and flat sole, which are all the craze of late. New Look and Prada’s trainers both come in two colours, but it is the tan hue that is most similar to the designer alternative. Prada has also created a stone colourway, while New Look has a leopard print design, which will complement any outfit.
The main difference, aside from the visible logo, is the price tag. New Look’s trainers fetch for £39.99, while the designer original costs £730.
We would style both trainers in the exact same way, with a pair of wide leg jeans and a white T-shirt layered under a cardigan. However, they are also perfectly paired with shorts, midi skirts and summer dresses.
If there’s anything we can attest to, it’s that New Look’s footwear are ultra comfortable, and are perfect for hours of wear.
But we are not the only fans of New Look’s Tan Suede Trainers, as fellow shoppers have a soft spot for the design too.
One reviewer – who goes under the name Caro15 – shared: ‘Love the fit and brown is the new trend for the autumn.’
While Emilia7 added: ‘Lovely trainers, so comfortable and real leather.’
Considering the price and close semblance to Prada’s trainers, it would be rude not to stock up on New Look’s trainers.
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26 Aug, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
I paid £62,851 for excruciating height surgery to make me 6-foot tall
‘It’s brutal. You can’t think of the pain, you need to think six foot.’
This was how Hugo Ramirez made it through height surgery, which took him from 5’9 to 6’0.
But the three inches the Miami attorney gained isn’t enough, because he’s planning to go back for a second surgery to reach the lofty height of 6’3.
While many men desire to be taller in the belief it’ll give them better dating prospects, for Hugo, being 5’9 (average UK height) meant he felt he’d had to work harder to be noticed in the workplace, compared to taller men.
‘I’ve been married for 13 years and my wife didn’t want me to do this, but at work, people that are 5’9 have to compete,’ he tells Metro’s Just Between Us podcast.
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‘You see a guy walk in at 6’1 and it’s tough. We have to [try harder to] stand out, whether it’s in court or a business meeting because when a six
foot person walks in that door, that’s who everybody looks at.
‘There’s a lot of out there that got really good positions because of their height.’
He also admits his motivation was ‘vanity’ because he doesn’t want to be seen as average.
Hugo had the surgery in Vegas at Limbplastx, after making a pact with a colleague to get it done – although that work friend backed out at the last minute due to concerns about being able to take care of his children.
But, since he’d already paid £62,851 for the surgery, Hugo thought ‘I’m going to do it anyway’.
He explains the process involves being put to sleep and having the surgeons use a hammer and chisel to break your leg bones sideways.
‘It’s almost like a laser cut. It’s very, very thin. It’s not like they shatter it,’ he says. ‘When they break it they put a rod from your hip inside your femur, all the way down.’
This rod, known as an intramedullary nail is magnetically controlled, and whenever the body generates new bone to heal, the magnet separates to force your body to grow yet more bone, which in turn makes you taller.
As a result the limb can be extended by one millimetre per day or one inch per month – and the whole process takes about three months.
‘You’re left with a tiny little scar,’ Hugo adds. He had the operation on his femur, although they can operate on both the tibia and femur at the same time.
The Miami local explains he opted to do his tibia separately because he’d only gain five inches in total if he did them both at the same time.
‘Your tendons, ligaments and skin can only stretch so much at a time,’ Hugo explains. ‘Five inches didn’t sound good to me, so I’d rather just deal with the pain and do it the right way.
‘Everybody’s tall these days, they’re 6’3 or 6’4 – I want to be 6’3, that’s the perfect height.’
When it comes to recovery, which he says that re-learning how to walk with his new legs was the ‘hardest part’.
‘Imagine you’re getting your legs stretched and you have no more muscle,’ he describes. ‘I’m really big on top so I was wobbly because my body was heavier on top than on the bottom. Leaning how to walk all over again was a nightmare.’
His wife had to help him to the bathroom and to shower, even just to get out of bed.
‘You cannot do this by yourself,’ he adds. ‘You definitely need a partner or at least a housemate or nurse to take care of you through the whole process, because there are going to be times you’re going to say “man, why did I do this”.’
He stayed at the ARIA Resort & Casino where he had someone transport him to and from physical therapy. Apart from that, he was bed bound because he wasn’t supposed to put weight on his legs.
‘You’re supposed to not do much of anything for those three months,’ he explains. ‘You’re supposed to be good boy and stay at home.’
By the third month, he was so bored that he went against medical advice, risking injury by getting on a yacht.
For six months he walked with a limp, but after the muscles in his legs got stronger, he felt himself balancing out.
What is it like to date as a shorter man?
Height is often a source of contention when it comes to men dating, with six foot often being the benchmark for what is considered desirable in society.
This isn’t helped by height filters on apps like Hinge, Bumble and Tinder which allow people to filter out men or women who are too short or tall for their liking.
James Cullen previously shared his experience of dating as a short man with Metro, branding his 5’8 height as a ‘shortcoming’.
‘Growing up, I was always vastly under-average for my age height-wise, so being referred to with some derivation of ‘small’ or ‘little’ was so common it almost didn’t even register,’ he said.
‘Now, all of my romantic mishaps have revolved around the fact I am short. I see the dating game like riding a rollercoaster – everyone under a certain height is banned and it doesn’t matter if you’re just under the cut off or you’re barely on the chart.
‘After three successful dates, one man once told me that our pictures didn’t look good on Instagram because of the height difference – and I never heard from him again.
‘Another had to stand, alone, at the back of a cabaret show while I elbowed my way forward just to see the stage. I returned at the end to find he had already found someone else – someone taller – to speak with while I’d been clapping away at the front.
‘And if I had £1 for every time I’d been ghosted after answering the inevitable “how tall r u” question on dating apps then I’d have enough money for the surgery that lengthens your shins.’
Now he’s fully recovered, Hugo has no regrets and is already happy with his new height.
He reveals on the Just Between Us podcast that a successful judge in Houston had never paid attention to him before, but when he walked into the room at six foot tall, she immediately came and introduced herself.
‘It took me being six foot to realise who I was,’ he adds. There’s also perks when it comes to taking pictures with his wife, too.
‘She’s 5’7 and she wears these six inch heels, so she was always taller than me,’ he says. ‘Now, we’ve switched it and I’m taller than her.
‘In life [it feels like] men always have to be taller than the person he’s dating or married to.’
To catch the whole interview with Hugo and for a hot debate on whether height really matters, listen to the full episode of Just Between Us, wherever you get your podcasts.
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24 Aug, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
Major change coming to supermarket shelves that shoppers have ‘never seen before’
Supermarkets have been making some big changes lately – from AI cameras being added to self-checkouts, to a SmartShop trial that allows customers to avoid the tills altogether.
Customers have been pretty vocal about their dislike of some of the new technology, with many wishing we could go back to a simpler time and some even protesting the changes.
But there’s still more change set to come, however, experts claim the latest one supermarkets are adopting is ‘exciting’.
Earlier this year, Co-op started rolling out electronic shelf labels (ESLs) in its stores, which you might have seen in other retailers like Sainsbury’s, Asda and Waitrose.
The devices themselves are nothing new as they launched more than 30 years ago, but Co-op is the first major supermarket to utilise them for customer engagement, inviting shoppers to tap their phone on them in order to sign up to become Co-op members.
These shelf labels contain what is known as an NFC, a built-in near-field communication chip, which can be read by most smartphones.
According to global semiconductor company, ST, an NFC chip ‘enables short-range, wireless communication between two devices, such as a smartphone and a consumer product.’
In this instance, you wave or tap your phone near the NFC and your phone will automatically load Co-op’s membership page, so you can sign up.
David Tyas, Co-op’s operations innovation lead, said of the new labels: ‘Co-op is committed to continually exploring innovative technology that can improve how we operate – with ease, convenience and the customer experience at the heart of everything we do.
‘The electronic labels not only have the potential to enhance product information and transparency, avoid paper waste, and improve ways of working, they can also enhance the shopping experience and make it easier for customers to become a Co-op member and start to benefit from member price savings, promotions and deals, and save on a wide range of everyday essentials.’
While this change might not seem like a huge deal on the surface, retail experts claim it’s a very ‘interesting’ move that’s never been seen before in the UK – and it could drive more innovation in supermarkets.
Toby Pickard, a retail futures senior partner from the Institute of Grocery Distribution, tells Metro: ‘We have not seen ESL technology in the UK utilising NFC technology before for customer engagement.
‘This is an exciting and forward-thinking move by Co-op. It offers customers the opportunity to benefit from membership pricing at the shelf edge, and removes a number of physical barriers to signing up to membership schemes.
‘It is a really interesting example of how the physical store is utilising technology to become more efficient.’
Toby continues to say that using ESLs in this way could help ‘free up’ supermarket employees from tasks so that they can spend more time on the shop floor helping customers.
And it’s likely we’ll start to see many other retailers utilising ESL technology to help them ‘better run their stores’.
‘This technology has many benefits, for example, it can be used to help store staff know where products go on the shelf, and the device can flash a light to indicate where to place the product,’ the expert explains.
‘This flashing light technology can also be used to help store associates pick online orders faster on the shop floors.
‘In some markets, we have even seen this technology being offered to shoppers to help them find products that they are looking for, especially in parts of the store where there can be a lot of similar looking products like the wine aisle.’
Toby claims that as well as this, there are ‘huge’ opportunities for both brands and retailers to start using ESLs to ‘bring products to life’ on shelves.
They could be used to inform customers about ingredients in products, communicate brand values or share sustainability credits with shoppers.
He adds: ‘We believe that retailers will continue to push ahead with ESL technology and other in store technology, as there are numerous benefits that digitalising the physical store can offer to them as well as brands and consumers.’
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24 Aug, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
The stylish kitten heels we’re wearing all season – including designer alternative that’s £615 cheaper
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Fashion heavyweights Alexa Chung, Kendall Jenner and Katie Holmes have all been spotted wearing the biggest fashion trend of 2025: kitten heels.
And if you thought these dainty shoes were just for your nan, think again. The kitten heel is back and it’s sleeker, cooler, and more fashionable than ever.
From front-row at fashion weeks to Sunday brunches in Soho, this low-heeled hero is suddenly everywhere.
High-end designers have embraced the style from the 90s, reimagining it in satin bows, mesh fabrics and pops of metallic that look effortlessly cool and don’t sacrifice your ankles.
And now, highstreet versions are popping up with just as much style, minus the eye-watering cost.
Whether you’re after a subtle nude pump for the office or a bright patterned pair to jazz up your weekend wardrobe, kitten heels are both comfortable and chic.
So, if you haven’t shopped the kitten heel trend yet, 2025 is your moment and we’ve rounded up some of the coolest pairs and even some designer dupes.
Best Kitten Heels for 2025
Mango Kitten-Heeled Strappy Shoes
Mango’s Kitten-Heeled Strappy Shoes are a sleek, all-rounder for summer. Featuring a patent leather effect, pointed toe (which is great for elongating your legs btw) and cute rounded buckles, they’re an impressive alternative for high-end designer Proenza Schouler’s Slash slingbacks, which retail for over £600.
Charles & Keith Katarina Trapeze Heel Slingback Pumps
Featuring a low, trapeze-shaped block heel, slingback strap and pointed toe, the Katarina Trapeze Heel Slingback Pumps from Charles & Keith are a summer staple. Comfortable and easy to walk in, they pair well with everything from slip dresses to raw hem jeans.
New Look Brown Animal Print Faux Leather Slingback Pumps
Cow print is no longer just for your Adidas Sambas, now it’s stepping up your heel game. New Look’s Brown Animal Print Faux Leather Slingback Pumps bring the trend to a sharper silhouette. Featuring extra cushioning, a flexible sole and a soft foam lining they look and feel incredible.
Tesco Sacha Pointed Toe Kitten Heel Mules in Black
Despite its low price point, the Sacha Pointed Toe Kitten Heel Mules in Black from Tesco rivals any high end alternatives. The slip-on style mule features a pointed toe, leather-effect material and a heel that’s low enough to walk in.
H&M Pointed Heel Sandals
Level up your shoe-drobe with H&M’s Pointed Heel Sandals in silver. Designed with a sharply pointed toe and slender heel, they give you a sleek, modern silhouette that feels effortlessly put-together. The delicate straps keep things minimal and comfortable, making them ideal for everything from dinner dates to summer weddings.
River Island Orange Cross Strap Kitten Heel Mule Sandals
Love a pop of colour but not sure what to go for? River Island’s Orange Cross Strap Kitten Heel Mules feature cross-over straps and a low heel, while the bold orange adds something interesting to an everyday look. They’re perfect for summer dresses and skirts.
Dune Charismatic Mesh Diamante Slingback Shoes
Designed with a pointed toe and low 6.5 cm kitten heel, Dune’s Charismatic Mesh Diamante Slingback Shoes feature a sheer mesh upper embellished with subtle diamante detailing that extends down the heel. Crossover ankle straps provide added support, while the slingback design keeps the silhouette minimal.
Schuh Serenity Kitten in Natural
If you don’t want to fork out £790 for the Khaite Loop Leather Sandals, then take a look at Shuh’s affordable alternatives. Featuring delicate straps, low heel and a square toe, they’re minimal, stylish and great for pairing with your summer wardrobe. They’re also available in pink and blue if colour is what you’re after.
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I kissed my daughter, Amelia, on the forehead one last time and screwed down the lid of her coffin.
As impossible as it was, it felt like tucking her in for bed – a nightmare neither of us would wake from.
At her funeral, I sang John Legend’s All of Me, the song I had dreamed of performing on her wedding day. That final goodbye was my way of giving her the dream nuptials we used to act out in make-believe.
My baby girl was gone, aged six. And the most galling thing is that her death was an accident.
Amelia – or Millie, as we called her – was five when she began bruising more easily and picking up illnesses more often.
In early 2022, she visited the GP and had follow-up blood tests at Luton and Dunstable University Hospital, under the care of Addenbrooke’s Hospital. That led to months of monitoring her low blood counts.
On May 28, she was finally admitted to that same hospital. Throughout it all, Amelia remained her playful, sassy self, but I knew something was wrong.
I pushed for a bone marrow biopsy to confirm what I feared – cancer. The biopsy procedure was first scheduled for Tuesday June 14, but it was moved to Thursday June 16 for reasons still unclear.
I was with her as she went under anaesthetic. She was scared, clinging to her mum and looking at me with eyes that said, ‘Save me, Daddy’.
She was scared of the sleeping gas mask, so they tried a flavoured lip balm smeared inside it. I said ‘Fanta’ and she smiled.
That was the last smile I saw, but I also saw her fear. All I wanted to do at that moment was protect her.
She closed her eyes, and I stepped into the hallway, but I had a feeling that something was wrong.
Ten minutes later, I felt the air go heavy. The staff moved quickly. Then a crash cart appeared.
At that moment, I knew the worst must’ve happened.
Amelia had suffered massive internal bleeding. The biopsy needle had passed through her bone and pierced vital vessels causing massive, catastrophic bleeding internally.
From that moment, nothing could be done.
She was resuscitated multiple times before they told us her condition was critical. I called my parents to come. I needed them there.
Still, I hoped for a miracle. But that miracle didn’t come.
Later that day, I walked to clear my head. About 45 minutes in, I saw a vision: My grandmother with her arm around Amelia, who ran toward me and said, ‘It’s okay, Daddy.’
Soon after, the hospital called. I said, ‘It’s okay. She’s already told me.’
Even in death, she found a way to soften the blow.
What followed was appalling. The hospital kept us from seeing Amelia and sat us down to walk us through what had happened, almost like therapy for their benefit. It felt inhuman and traumatic.
Within a couple of weeks, we were told she had an aggressive form of aplastic anemia – a rare and serious blood condition.
Eventually, we learned the full truth about her death through a coroner’s report and inquest, which was finally completed in February this year.
What is aplastic anemia?
Aplastic anemia is a ‘serious condition affecting the blood, where the bone marrow and stem cells do not produce enough blood cells’. It is diagnosed by examining a sample of bone marrow.
Symptoms include:
- Bruising easily, often without falls or knocks
- Gums bleeding after brushing teeth
- Nosebleeds
- Red pinprick spots under the skin
- Lethargy
- Pale complexion
- Unusually breathless after exercise
- Increased frequency of infections
In it, we were shocked to discover that the doctor who asked for the procedure thought unilateral — meaning one side — was needed, but did not specify this in their notes. The separate doctor actually carrying out the procedure made the call for it to be bilateral, meaning both sides.
The inquest found the bilateral procedure was ‘reasonable’, but that the second insertion caused the fatal bleeding. Amelia’s death was deemed an ‘accident’. A ‘rare but known complication’ of the bone marrow procedure.
If the doctor’s notes were handed over properly and only the first procedure was carried out, Amelia might still be here today.
In the aftermath, there was no apology. No real accountability.
I knew who my daughter was and the things she stood for. That is why I pushed for change.
The coroner’s inquest brought care, truth, and dignity. The inquest brought me warmth in that the coroner also wanted to see change.
Her report called for clearer national guidelines for paediatric bone marrow biopsies to avoid tragedies like Amelia’s. The British Society for Haematology listened.
‘Millie’s Method’ was born and is a call for national clinical standards: better communication, clearer protocols, and safer practice when it comes to invasive procedures in children. It’s a universal method to bring practices around bone marrow biopsies up to standard.
I truly believe that Millie’s method would have prevented her death.
These changes are not complex. It’s common sense. And it’s something I’ll fight for as long as I live.
Millie’s Method is a way for Amelia to go on protecting and caring for others – just as she always did. It’s my way of making sure she’s never forgotten.
Three years on, Addenbrooke’s still hasn’t apologised. They still haven’t answered the questions they promised they would. They’ve treated me like I don’t exist and like Amelia didn’t matter.
But she did. And she always will.
Burying your child is something no parent should ever have to do. Wanting the ground to swallow you so you can shelter her from the dark – that’s a kind of pain that doesn’t leave.
I’m not a doctor. I’m a dad.
But I know who my daughter was – and I know what she deserved. She was brave, funny, and endlessly kind.
Her death cannot be in vain.
A Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust spokesperson said:
‘We have already taken action to improve the safety of this procedure to ensure this does not happen again. We remain deeply saddened by Amelia’s death and reiterate our sincere condolences and apologies to her family.’
Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing James.Besanvalle@metro.co.uk.
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23 Aug, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
This £19 bottle of water tastes like champagne and I can’t get enough
Remember when water was just… water?
I used to think water was just for hydration, or a hangover prevention strategy while chugging cocktails on date night. Recently though, it’s become so much more.
An entire water menu has sprung up at a La Popote restaurant in Macclesfield, a fine dining spot that’s featured in the Michelin Guide.
And they even have a water sommelier – as in, an actual professional who will pair your Iberico pork chops to the bottle of H2O with the closest texture match.
Doran Binder is the restaurant’s certified water sommelier and he’s responsible for the water list, which features everything from Crag, the house spring water which costs £5 to Vidago, a naturally sparkling mineral water from Portugal, that’s priced at £19 a bottle.
What does £19 water taste like?
Water’s flavour and texture are down to something called TDS (total dissolvable solids), which tells you how mineralised your water is, measured in mg/l.
TDS levels affect the taste and mouthfeel of water, with high levels typically tasting saltier and more bitter, even with a slightly sulphuric taste or aroma.
Doran encourages us to, ‘think of TDS like natural electrolytes’ and explains that they taste slightly medicinal at high levels because they are.
‘Why do you think Roman soldiers were guzzling mineral water? At astronomical TDS levels, it gave them energy – like Lucozade without all the sugar,’ he adds.
In contrast, water with a low TDS typically tastes more neutral, purer and with less texture.
Vidago has a super high mineral count of 2,853g/l TDS, making it a serious sparkling mineral water.
It has particularly high levels of iron, which is said to have therapeutic properties, and the water comes from a deep, 200-year-old aquifer, which naturally produces fine, long-lasting bubbles.
Flavour-wise, there’s an incredible oyster shell minerality, it’s saline, with a lightly herbal bitterness, bight bubbles and some bicarbonate notes.
It even resembles a non-vintage Champagne if you keep your eyes closed and I couldn’t get enough of it.
Christopher Tanousis, another certified water sommelier who co-owns Aqua Amore, a company that has been selling luxury water in the UK for almost twenty years, isn’t surprised by this verdict.
He believes some specialist waters could even replace wine as a food-matcher during a meal.
‘If you had a bad water, it would diminish the flavour of the accompanying food,’ he explains.
‘There are some waters that go especially well with food. For example, waters with high natural carbonation will cut through a fatty meat (like lamb) beautifully.’
What’s the difference between pricey mineral water and tap water?
But what’s the difference between a £19 water and a bottle from the supermarket? The answer might surprise you, as it’s ‘not much’.
Doran explains: ‘Fine water brands are built around a romantic water source in unusual places which can generate a “story”. For instance, Vidago has a palace built around its source.
‘Conversely, Aldi’s, is bottled in an industrial unit in Trafford Park, specifically made for volume production.
‘But, the better water is, quite simply, the one you like the most.’
Christopher clarifies that there are three types of water; mineral, spring and table (tap).
Mineral water is the ‘most highly regulated water in the EU’ and must be bottled directly at the source, so it is microbiologically pure (i.e. the mineral content isn’t affected). It also must have a stable mineral analysis over two years, meaning the mineral levels must remain constant during that time.
Likewise, spring water must also be bottled at source, but can have a varying mineral content over two years. And in the case of table water, anything goes, it is generally processed to achieve the required levels by the water authorities.
Interestingly, both spring and table water are natural or from underground sources. In 60% of cases, spring water is extracted from the same layer in the ground as table water, so they’re not that dissimilar.
With all that in mind, I put a few other fancy mineral waters to the test to find out how they taste. Here’s what I thought of them…
Eira Still, Norway, available at aqua-amore.com
TDS Count: 9mg/l
Textured, with a slight sharpness (like melted snow), fresh, pure, almost tangy, extremely hydrating but bizarrely drying on the finish with a slatey, rocky aftertaste (like licking a river stone).
Neue Water, Denmark, available at neuwater.com
TDS Count: 330mg/l
Lightly textured, pure, slight marine character, silky, slight punctuation of zestiness on the finish.
Clearer Water, Ireland, available at Brityard on Regents St
TDS Count: 391mg/l
Light on the palate, creamy with some good texture. No sharpness, stoniness or minerality, very pure in flavour. Great neutrality
Marzia Still, Italy, available at aqua-amore.com
TDS Count: 1,372mg/l
A definite silkiness and weight to it, very pure tasting, creamy, satin-like, lubricating almost leaving a layer of silk in your mouth. Very good.
Eira Sparkling, Norway, available at aqua-amore.com
TDS Count: 9mg/l
Pronounced bubbles but very smooth, velvety, good amount of salinity and bicarbonate, but fresh on the finish. Doesn’t leave an after taste
Clearer Water with Bubbles, Ireland, available Brityard on Regents St
TDS Count: 391mg/l
Sharp, fine bubbles, low salinity, zestiness on the finish, almost lemony.
Marzia Sparkling, Italy, available at aqua-amore.com
TDS Count: 1,372 mg/l
Bicarbonate on nose, herbal bitterness on palate, saline, bright, brisk, mineral, stoney, slatey, fresh as a daisy!
Vichy Catalan, Spain, available at aqua-amore.com
TDS Count: 2,900g/l
Delightfully salty, bicarbonate-like almost like a citrussy Alka-Selzer, herbal, mineral, soft and silky texture, lemon pith bitterness with a touch of sweetness – endlessly complex!
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