Spring AWAKENING - My March Faves
Collagen, Demon Twinks, and a Bag That’s Been Through It
Call me a spring chicken, because my levels of optimism are RISING. I hate to be that girl who, like the annoying best friend in the seminal teen queen flick “Wild Child”, warned of SAD like a bad omen, but I actually thrive in the sun… not even the sun, just not in the Rain. My 2-year stint in Manchester, I fear, is to blame for that.
Nevertheless, in all the weird and wonderful ways spring has sprung, I feel young, dumb, and full of HOPE. From glowy skincare to queer pulp fiction to perfume that smells like cedarwood and existentialism, here’s a *tableaux* of everything I’ve loved recently: books, films, exhibitions, podcasts, and, yes, a handbag that’s survived a lime bike basket better than any other.
Books (Rogue, Queer, and Slightly )
I set myself a little reading system: one nonfiction, one fiction, and one poetry collection at a time. It sounds unhinged, but it actually works. If I get bored of one, I just hop to another.
Red Closet by Rustam Alexander – A gut-punch of queer Soviet history. Think police reports, KGB archives, and court transcripts reimagined as powerful, accessible storytelling. It’s part archival drama, part tragic love letter. If you like knowing things you’ll never be tested on, this one’s for you.
Don’t Leave Me This Way by Eric Sneathen– A beautiful, brutal collection centring around the HIV/AIDS crisis. It’s lyrical, devastating, and completely absorbing. Recommended for anyone who has ever tried to understand enjambment and failed.
I Want That Twink Obliterated – a collection of short stories… Sci-fi, horror, fantasy, pulp, camp — this is queer storytelling with claws out. One of the first lines involves a ten-foot veined stone phallus. Need I say more? It’s a ride.
Skincare & Makeup (Things That Are Keeping Me Alive (Aesthetically))
Pleasing Big Lip & Cheek – Peachy, glowy, and ideal for summer. Harry Styles’ brand. I don’t know if it makes me look like him, but I feel more dewy and romantic. I’m 6’4, but I imagine if I were more timid in stature, I could say ethereal, too.
Pro-Collagen Energising Marine cleanser – My La Roche-Posay era may be waning (after nearly 15 years). This one feels grown. Like, skincare for someone who has a pension (or at least ).
Byoma Phytomucin – Vegan snail mucin! Glowy skin in a bottle. Slightly disgusting in concept, but transformative in execution. It really is my miracle product of the meauxment.
Aesop Fabulous Face Oil – Nighttime ritual heavy hitter. Been using it for nearly a decade. I will
probablyabsolutely request to be embalmed in it.
Fragrance (Smelling Like a Poem)
Le Labo Eucalyptus 20 – The scent of being hot and having opinions. I own 51% of this company, but I’m on a hike on a Tuesday afternoon, and I still smell amazing. Eucalyptus, cedarwood, leather, musk… sex tbh.
D.S. & Durga I Don’t Know What – The perfume equivalent of leaning in to ask someone what they’re wearing and being told, "Oh, it’s just me." Compliment magnet. When I started doing architecture work experience in studios (Around 16 years old, I know what a freak), there was this very handsome architect whose main appeal was his aftershave it was wild - this is the closest thing i’ve ever been able to compare it to.
Journaling & Objects That Spark Joy
Voyager Journal by Paper Republic – Multiple inserts, sexy leather, chic as hell. Journaling has become my main character habit, and this is the untimate prop.
Coach Brooklyn Bag in Oxblood – Technically not new, but still perfect. Been through bike rides, rain, and coffee spills. She’s giving "weathered and wise."
Exhibitions (London Girls Only, Sorry!)
The Leigh Bowery Exhibition at The Tate modern – Queer, maximalist, beautifully curated. Affirming in all the best ways.
Museum of Transology – DIY brilliance. Emotional and powerful storytelling across the UK trans community.
Peter Hujar at Raven Row (not on anymore, sorry)– Gritty, voyeuristic, poetic. Think New York queer life in the ‘70s & ‘80s, captured in medium format black and white. Actually cried at this.
Films
The Fall (2006) – Surrealist, stunning, shot in over 20 countries. Pure visual opulence. Possibly the most beautiful film I’ve ever seen.
Great Freedom (2021) – A heartbreaking depiction of post-war queer imprisonment in Germany. Quiet, painful, gorgeous.
Podcasts, TV & Other Bits
Still Ugly – The Ugly Betty rewatch pod hosted by Marc and Amanda. Pure serotonin.
Yellowjackets / White Lotus / See No Evil: The Moors Murders – Range? I have it.
Lime Bikes – Specifically, listening to podcasts on Lime Bikes and feeling like the wind is carrying me away from all my responsibilities.
Architect of the Month
Ricardo Bofill – Brutalist legend. He’s dead. I’m still obsessed. He recently designed a hotel in Albania. Road trip?
That’s all for March. If you made it this far, I love you. And if you didn’t, I don’t blame you — but you’re missing out on the vegan snail mucus.
Let me know your favourites, tell me your recs, and as always: be intentional, be moisturised, and dare to dream of a fem boy space captain.
Don’t Leave Me This Way!!!!! One of my faves from last year. I fear I need to reread it soon…