19 Sep, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
'Divorced and it's hard to tell my new man I don't have as much cash as him'
Resident agony aunt Coleen Nolan has advice for a reader who has met a new guy but he has more money than her and she can’t afford to go on the dates he suggests
19 Sep, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
I’m a shopping writer and here’s what I’m buying this week – from Omnes to Benefit
Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more
The weather may not be able to make up its mind this week, but our shopping expert is feeling pretty definite on what she’s been loving since last weekend.
Whether it’s a new jumper for the colder weather (because you can never have too many), skincare to keep your complexion from drying up in the cold or homeware upgrades to make your space properly cosy, we’ve found the best of the best this week.
But firstly, housekeeping – because this week has been packed with news and newness you’ll want to hear about.
Bringing together facial health and bodily wellness, FACEGYM, the global leader in facial fitness, has partnered with wellness brand SWIISH to bring functional hydration to all FACEGYM London studios throughout October.
From the 1st to the 31st October, every FACEGYM client will receive a SWIISH electrolyte drink to be enjoyed in-studio or taken away, designed to help supercharge hydration and enhance the results of your ‘face workout’.
The collab is the perfect way to tend to your inner health as FACEGYM’s incredible facialists look after your skin, celebrating a holistic approach to skin and performance.
I mean, you’d neck an electrolyte drink after a workout in the gym, so why not after a face workout at FACEGYM?
In other, more fashion-related news, Omnes, a London-based fashion brand designed with sustainability in mind, has just dropped its autumn range – and it’s absolutely to die for.
Filled with cosy knits, staple denim and even winter wedding guest pieces (currently at the top of my ‘to buy’ list), the collection has everything you could need to give your cold-weather wardrobe a spruce (pardon the pun).
On a different note, England’s women’s rugby team, the Red Roses, play France in the Women’s Rugby World Cup semi-final tomorrow (Saturday 20th September), and we’re pretty darn excited.
If you wanted to score a skincare must-have to commemorate our girls’ spectacular performance thus far, Clinique are selling a Limited-Edition Red Roses iteration of their Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ – and it’s absolutely iconic.
Finally, Benefit has dropped their newest Christmas gifting collection centered on the joy of playing games with your loved ones during the festive season, and with it three unmissable ‘Beneland’ pop-ups in Selfridges across the UK to celebrate the stunning range.
While their Manchester foray has already come to an end, you can take advantage of glam gifts and huge deals at both the Selfridges London pop-up (11th-24th September 2025) and the Selfridges Birmingham pop-up (1st -28th September 2025) coming up. Trust us, you don’t want to miss it.
Ready to check out our shopping expert’s top picks for the week? Explore below and find the cream of the crop.
This week we’re loving:
Omnes Eugina Cardigan in Merlot
The perfect autumn layer, this adorable Eugina Cardigan from Omnes has everything you need in your staple knitwear. Designed in a rich merlot wool-mix, it features a textured knit that adds depth and warmth to its easy-wearing silhouette, while blue bow details at the shoulders bring an adorable touch.
Clinique Limited-Edition Red Roses Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ 125ml
To celebrate Clinique's partnership with the England women's rugby team, the Red Roses, you can now shop the brand's iconic Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ in a limited-edition, rose-printed bottle. This deeply hydrating daily moisturiser delivers instant, soothing moisture for skin in need of comfort.
Kate Somerville HydraKate Pro-Collagen Lip Oil Elixir
My new favourite lip product, the Kate Somerville HydraKate Pro-Collagen Lip Oil Elixir is a hydrating and comforting product I now can't go without. The silky, fragrance-free formula glides on easily, leaving a smooth, glossy finish that feels comfortable and is conditioning from the very first application.
Berghaus Women's Explorer Down Jacket – Red
If you've been after the perfect winter jacket then Berghaus' new Autumn Winter 25 collection is sure to fit the bill. We, personally, can't get enough of the Women's Explorer Down Jacket – perfect for the cold weather with all its squidgy goodness. Made from 650 fill Berghaus Hydrodown®, the jacket keeps you cosy even when wet, while water and wind resistant Pertex® Quantum fabric makes it perfect for any storm.
Benefit BADgal Royalty 2-Piece Mascara Gift Set
The perfect festive gift for the beauty lover in your life (and yes, that can be yourself), the Benefit BADgal Royalty 2-Piece Mascara Gift Set features two full-sized mascaras to help deliver your most gorgeous lashes yet. Inside you'll find the BADgal BANG! and BADgal Bounce mascaras, presented in the most adorable chess piece keepsake tin.
Medik8 Advanced Pro-Collagen+ Peptide Cream 50ml
Medik8's new moisturiser is designed to stop the clock on your skin, featuring a lightweight, pillow-soft finish that's set to leave it instantly quenched. It's been formulated with a next-generation Growth Factor MiniProtein to visibly reduce the appearance of deep-set wrinkles, blended with a unique peptide to restore skin structure and prevent the formation of new lines.
M&S Collection Wool Blend Argyle Crew Neck Relaxed Jumper
Perfect for cold weather styling, this Wool Blend Argyle Crew Neck RelaxedJumper has me totally smitten, made with a wool and alpaca-blend and knitted with brushed yarn for a luxuriously soft feel. The all-over Argyle pattern is to die for, while the relaxed fit and a touch of stretch give that extra comfort.
St Eval Christmas Tealight Advent Calendar
This stunning St Eval Christmas Tealight Advent Calendar has totally captured my heart, featuring a breathtaking scene of the North Cornish coast with all the magical sea creatures that reside there. Behind every numbered door you'll discover a selection of 24 gorgeously scented tealights, as well as a gold-dusted tealight holder.
Abercrombie & Fitch Bra-Free Open-Back Knit Midi Dress
The Abercrombie & Fitch Bra-Free collection has been on my radar for a while, but this dress has me instantly reaching for my Apple Pay. This comfortable midi dress has been made with soft AF cotton-modal fabric and features high neckline, flattering ruching details along the bodice, an open back with a twist detail, plus a seamed-in bra with removable pads.
nere Venture Dual Open Cabin Suitcase
Pack smarter with the stunning Venture Dual Open Cabin Suitcase, the luggage upgrade your collection has been looking for. Lightweight and durable, this 36l suitcase boasts a dual opening system which enables easy access and organisation, letting you pack smarter and find your essentials with ease.
River Island x Olivia Attwood Red Handmade Wool Blend Scarf Coat
The scarf coat trend is back this season, and this Red Handmade Wool Blend Scarf Coat emulates it perfectly. This long coat boasts a scarf neckline, double-breasted front and waist belt for a cinched finish we simply love.
Mafalda Dominic Black Patent Leather Loafer
I only discovered Mafalda and its stunning, hand-made shoes this week, but I'm already totally obsessed. The Dominic loafers are a slingback style made of black patent leather, featuring a square toe and a smooth, structured upper. The result is a shoe that's stable, comfortable and totally chic.
MCoBeauty Miracle Flawless Setting Spray
Lock in your look and quench your skin with radiance and hydration with this Miracle Flawless Setting Spray. This beauty essential features a superfine mist and custom atomiser to deliver the perfect amount of product every time.
Truly, there’s been so much to love this week.
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For around a year, my skin was so itchy I would scratch it until I bled – even then, I never managed to satisfy the feeling, and it would often keep me awake at night. It never crossed my mind that it could be a symptom of a life-threatening illness.
At the same time, I was feeling tired, losing weight, sweating at night, and always coming down with a cold or flu. It was only when I found a lump on my neck that I thought it might be something serious.
I often couldn’t take a full breath in – this was because a tumour in my chest was about 30 centimetres – but I’d just assumed that it was probably down to something like glandular fever.
Consultants usually tell patients their diagnoses in person, so when the doctor said over the phone in September 2018, ‘You’ve got cancer’, it was clear time wasn’t on our side.
‘It’s stage 4 Hodgkin Lymphoma in the neck, lung, chest and under the diaphragm. If you’d come to us about a week later, we wouldn’t have been able to do anything for you,’ he added.
The diagnosis left me dumbstruck, like I’d been hit with a freight train. How did this happen? I was only 26.
After I put the phone down to my doctor, I said to my mum and dad, ‘Can you take me to the hospital because I’ve got cancer?’ It was completely unexpected for them, but we didn’t have the space to think about it; I just had to get started on treatment.
24 hours later, I began chemotherapy. I was able to stay surprisingly positive during the six months of treatment and tried to have a lot of fun. I’d fundraise, have chemo parties, and whenever I went out, I was always silly about being bald.
When I finally got the all-clear a few months later, I couldn’t wait to enjoy my life again.
Why can be itchy skin a sign of Hodgkin Lymphoma?
‘Skin irritations and problems such as dry, sore and itchy skin can be a symptom of lymphoma,’ the Lymphoma Action charity explains.
‘Scientists think that itching as a symptom of lymphoma might develop because of cytokines. These are proteins released by your immune system when your body is fighting an infection or an illness, like lymphoma. It’s thought that cytokines cause itching by irritating the nerves in your skin.
‘Skin problems often start to go away once treatment for lymphoma starts.’
Itchy skin is not always a sign of anything serious. You can often treat it yourself, and it will usually go away after a few weeks, but see a GP if you’re worried or the problem persists.
A step backwards
My parents and I were so confident I would be fine when I went for a routine check-up scan in June 2019 that we dressed up nicely for a celebratory lunch afterwards.
Then the doctor told me: ‘I’m afraid it’s back.’
It was shocking news, but we kept our restaurant reservation as I’d already learnt that you must enjoy life whenever you can. I knew I might not be well enough to go out soon. I enjoyed a few drinks and saw Jude Law, so that was fun!
The severity of my new cancer meant I needed a stem cell transplant, which replaces damaged or diseased blood-forming cells with healthy ones. When I had it in October 2019, I couldn’t leave the hospital – even to go outside – for nearly five weeks. I was also more unwell and didn’t have any energy to make it a fun experience, like last time.
When it came to shaving my head again, I remember my mum’s tearful face in the corner of the bathroom, and snapping at her because I didn’t want to see or feel any emotion.
In some ways, my illness was even harder for my parents. Some days, I was in so much pain it felt like there were little shards of glass floating around my body, and all they could do was sit and watch. Their lives were put on hold every day, not knowing if their daughter would make it.
Going through the menopause
Three months after my stem cell transplant, I had a scan which showed the cancer had gone. My procedure meant that my chances of having kids became around 0.1%, but I had no choice – what’s the point in being fertile if I wasn’t going to be alive?
However, when I started feeling better, reality hit. I always wanted to be a mum, and began grieving for the kids I’ll never get to have.
The transplant also put me through menopause at just 29, which was tough as the doctors didn’t explain it to me, and I didn’t realise what was happening.
At first, I thought I was having a mental breakdown. My emotions were all over the place, my anxiety was crazy, and I was so low. I was also suffering from night sweats, sore joints and brain fog. Once I put my iron in the fridge.
I was lucky to have a therapist who helped me through these life changes and eventually made the connection for me.
I was put back on the pill for oestrogen, but it was suggested I come off because I had strokes. The pill can lead to an increased risk of blood clots and further strokes.
So now, age 32, I’ve been hit by another wave of menopause symptoms, which can be difficult because none of my friends are at this stage and, as lovely and supportive as they are, they don’t entirely understand it.
A new chapter
A few months after the stem cell transplant, I went back to my job as an executive assistant at a recruitment company. They’d been so brilliant with me while I was ill, but in the end, I left so I could concentrate on my social media.
I’d used it as a way to let people know how I was getting on with the diagnosis and treatment, but I also wanted to share my experience in case it could help someone else feel less alone.
I hadn’t known anyone my age who had been sick, so I had no one I could ask about little things, such as how to tie a headscarf or protect my nails in chemo, or talk about the big stuff, like fears. I wanted to change that and now I have nearly 100k followers and the most wonderful community who are all kind, empowering, encouraging and understanding.
It’s also spurred me to start my own business, Life’s for Living, a travel company that takes women on adventure trips. Everyone’s there for a reason, whether they’ve had a health issue, they’re going through a divorce, they’ve struggled mentally, or they’ve been feeling insecure in their bodies. It’s so incredible to bring everyone together. We bond, and it becomes beautiful.
Having cancer means time feels like a precious thing, and now I want to do as much as I can. But my mum reminds me I can say ‘no’ sometimes. For a while, I’d give a panicked yes to everything and get burned out.
It sounds cheesy, but I’ve realised that saying yes isn’t just for the big things. I used to only light candles for nice occasions, but now I light them whenever I want. It’s not feasible to have some big bucket list trip every day, so I try to remind people it’s about the little things too.
Last year, I had a party to raise money for The Royal Marsden Hospital and celebrate being five years cancer-free.
What most people didn’t know was that I was still waiting to find out if it had come back, after an inconclusive scan. I felt as if I was cheating by celebrating, so I’ve never felt such relief when I got the all clear.
I never like to thank cancer for stuff, because I don’t think it deserves the credit, but I also know that without it, I wouldn’t be who I am now.
You can follow Georgie Swallow on Instagram here.
As told to Josie Copson
This article was first published on June 22, 2025.
What is Hodgkin Lymphoma?
Hodgkin lymphoma is an uncommon cancer that develops in the lymphatic system, which is a network of vessels and glands spread throughout your body. It can develop at any age, but it mostly affects people aged between 20-40 and those over 75.
Around 2,100 people are diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in the UK each year. The most common symptom of Hodgkin lymphoma is a painless swelling in a lymph node, usually in the neck, armpit or groin.
Around 8 out of 10 people with Hodgkin lymphoma live at least 5 years, and most of these will be cured. However, there’s a risk of long-term problems after treatment, including infertility and an increased risk of developing another type of cancer in the future.
Information taken from the NHS website
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19 Sep, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
We found a great alternative to Melania’s canary yellow state banquet gown (and it’s only £40!)
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President Trump’s official state visit to the UK is in full swing and last night’s glitzy state banquet at Windsor Castle marked the most formal and fashion-filled moment of the two-day affair.
The Princess of Wales looked breathtaking in a couture gold lace gown by British designer Phillipa Lepley, paired with the iconic Lover’s Knot tiara that the late Princess Diana adored.
You’d be forgiven for thinking that with such a sparkling, incredible dress all eyes would be on Catherine, but it was Melania Trump’s bright yellow dress that stole the show.
Love her or loathe her, the First Lady opted for something quite daring for the lavish dinner: an off-the-shoulder, floor-length Carolina Herrera dress in canary yellow, with a pale pink waist belt and turquoise earrings.
ASOS DESIGN Fold Over Bardot Midi Dress in Orange
A sleek off-the-shoulder number, this ASOS DESIGN Fold Over Bardot Midi Dress in Orange features a fold-over Bardot neckline and figure-skimming silhouette. The bold colour is bright and uplifting and works for all seasons. Pair it with a pale pink waist belt as worn by Melania.
It may not have been to everyone’s taste but there’s no arguing that Melania’s dress was eye-catching.
And while Melania’s exact look likely came with a five-figure price tag, we’ve found a high street alternative that delivers all the drama without the cost.
Let’s state the obvious, the ASOS DESIGN Fold Over Bardot Midi Dress isn’t quite as bright as the Carolina Herrera number, but with long sleeves and a fitted waist, this off-the-shoulder dress bears a pretty striking resemblance to its designer counterpart.
Pair it with a chunky light pink waist belt — Lemon Daisy Accessories’ Vasia Women Square Buckle Belt (£25) is perfect for this — and voila! You’ve got the First Lady’s look without spending a small fortune.
Melania’s bold banquet look might not be to everyone’s taste, but it’s proof that colour, confidence, and a strong silhouette can still steal the spotlight.
And with this ASOS version, there’s no designer label or designer budget required.
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There are things each star sign should do to prepare themselves for the incoming autumn equinox, from Cancer focusing on their family to Scorpio taking a break
19 Sep, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
'Married men are obsessed with me – I'm paid thousands just to speak to them'
Jolene Dawson, 29, is an influencer and model who has more than 16,000 followers on Instagram. She he admits married men can’t resist her, even going so far as to pay for her attention
19 Sep, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
'Low maintenance' friendships may seem appealing but could be a sign of something worse
It can be exhausting messaging your friends all day – but how infrequent is too infrequent? A relationship expert reveals whether TikTok’s ‘low maintenance friend’ trend can actually be healthy
19 Sep, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
Shoppers call Dunelm’s heated clothes rack ‘essential’ – and it costs just 7p per hour
Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more
When autumn/winter hits, the laundry pile can seem like a daunting task.
Piles of wet washing impossible to dry can mount up and if not dried fully, can develop a nasty musty smell.
While tumble dryers can help, they’re often expensive to run, bulky and not always gentle on your clothes.
That’s why a heated clothes airer is nothing short of an absolute must-have for all households.
There’s few on the market but the one we rate is Dunelm’s 3 Tier Heated Airer. Priced at £95, this heated clothes rack features three tiers that hold up to 15kg of washing and gives up to 20m of drying space.
Dunelm 3 Tier Heated Airer
With three tiers of heated racks, the Dunelm 3 Tier Heated Airer holds up to 15kg of washing and gives up to 20m of washing space. Light and foldable for easy storage, this airer speeds up drying time of wet laundry and costs just 7p per hour to run.
Made from sturdy but lightweight aluminium, the household gadget folds flat for easy storage and is designed to be used with the 3 Tier Heated Airer Cover to speed up drying time.
It’s economical too and costs just 7p per hour to run so there’s no need to panic about high energy bills.
Sharing their rave reviews, one previous shopper said: ‘Great Product, very cheap to run but also gets the job done!’
Another reviewer wrote: ‘Wouldn’t be without this as a family of 4. Can easily have 2 loads of washing on it, dries quicker than a standard airer for much less than the cost of running the tumble dryer! I wouldn’t be without it.’
And another review said: ‘Really very happy with my heated airer. It is so was to use, works really well and speedily dries a whole washing load virtually overnight. It’s so lovely not to have endless damp washing.’
This autumn/winter, don’t dread the laundry pile. Instead, shop Dunelm’s 3 Tier Heated Airer and get the job done for less.
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18 Sep, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
This £86 suit is the perfect alternative to Princess Catherine’s £1,370 Bella Freud look
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Princess Catherine knows how to pull together a look and her latest outfit is proof.
Over the weekend, the royal paid a visit to Sudbury Silk Mills in a sharp grey checked suit that oozed sophistication.
The tailored two-piece, a Bella Freud number, looked chic and put-together and proved the princess has got effortless power dressing down to a tee.
But, if you’re wanting to shop the suit for yourself you will have to fork out a whopping £1,370.
Luckily, the shopping experts at Metro have found a brilliant high street alternative for just £86, saving you a massive £1,284.
Next Grey/Blue Check Single Breasted Sculpting Blazer
Featuring a grey/blue checked pattern and fitted cut, the Next Grey/Blue Check Single Breasted Sculpting Blazer is stylish and chic. Also available is the matching Sculpting Slim Leg Trousers (£32) for a full-on power dressing moment. Both pieces are machine washable and available in a range of sizes with Petite sizing available too.
Next’s Grey/Blue Check Single Breasted Sculpting Blazer and matching Sculpting Slim Leg Trousers (£32) feature a similarly smart check pattern and flattering, tailored fit that echoes Catherine’s designer look without the designer price tag.
Appropriate for the office but versatile enough for dinner or drinks, this suit looks a lot more expensive than it is but is brilliantly practical and suitable for chucking in the washing machine when it gets dirty.
Style it with a black crew neck top like Kate, and finish with minimal jewellery, a black leather belt and a sleek blow-dry to really channel the Princess’s style.
Not quite confident enough to go all-in on the suit? They work just as well as separates. Try the blazer with black wide-leg trousers or jeans and the trousers with a crisp white shirt.
Because, as this look proves, you don’t need a royal budget to dress like a princess.
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18 Sep, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
Recreate Kate’s regal burgundy ensemble with these affordable high street versions
Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more
When the Princess of Wales stepped out in a regal burgundy outfit to greet President Trump during his arrival at Windsor yesterday, the fashion crowd took note.
Looking every bit the royal, Kate wore a stunning Emilia Wickstead coat dress, paired with a Jane Taylor hat, Gianvito Rossi 105 pumps, and a matching Chanel bag.
Follow rolling coverage of Donald Trump’s state visit on Metro’s live blog
While we’re not 100% sure of the exact cost of the entire ensemble, it’s safe to say it would have run well into the four figures.
After all, a near-identical Emilia Wickstead coat dress to the one Kate wore is currently listed on the brand’s website for a jaw-dropping £2,200.
Spending that much on an outfit is unthinkable for most of us, but rest assured—the shopping experts at Metro have found much more affordable options available on the high street right now.
From Monsoon to & Other Stories, we’ve rounded up our favourite pieces in the trending deep oxblood red colour to rival Kate’s stunning number, all at a far more affordable price.
The best high street burgundy dresses:
Monsoon Prue Knit Pleated Shirt Dress Red
Smart, feminine and easy to wear, Monsoon’s Prue Knit Pleated Shirt Dress is made from a soft knit fabric and features a collared neckline, gold-tone button placket and stitched panel seams that give a flattering, tailored fit.
Next Love & Roses Cherry Red Pleated Midi Dress
The Next Love & Roses Cherry Red Pleated Midi Dress has long sleeves, pleating from shoulder to skirt and a flattering fitted waist. Ideal for daytime events or evening occasions, it pairs beautifully with heels or boots for a polished look.
Nobody's Child Burgundy Cord Finchley Midi Shirt Dress
Made from soft burgundy corduroy, the Finchley midi shirt dress from Nobody’s Child features a classic collar, button-through front and long sleeves. It has a relaxed tailored fit and matching waist tie to cinch you in. Practical and stylish, it's a great choice for cooler days.
& Other Stories Knitted Wool Midi Dress
This long-sleeved midi dress is knitted using 55% responsibly sourced wool and 45% cotton. It’s in a slim fit and features include a classic collar and a keyhole opening at the front, fastened with a single button.
ASOS ONLY Dress in Vineyard Wine
This midi dress from ONLY at ASOS has a slim fit with long sleeves and is made from a soft, stretchy jersey fabric. The midi length and high neck will keep you cosy and look great styled with leather boots and a long coat.
Florere Acacia Curved Seam Midi Dress, Burgundy
The Acacia dress by Florere is cut in a flattering fit-and-flare silhouette with soft shaping through the waist and curved seam detailing. Made in a deep burgundy shade, this midi-length style features long split cuff sleeves and a high neckline for a clean finish.
Get ready to channel your inner Princess of Wales with these gorgeous dresses in the colour of the season.
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