What I’m Making:

Cute little spiders - using old materials!

What I’m Doing:

Vintage Shopping in Brick Lane

I love vintage shopping—there’s nothing like rummaging through racks of unique clothes, wondering where they came from and if I could actually pull them off. Brick Lane has become my favorite spot in London for vintage finds. The prices are a bit steep, so I rarely buy anything- but it is full of textures, colors, and inspiration galore.

I spent a lovely Sunday in the markets, wandering the stalls and admiring frilly gowns, leather jackets, and (of course) anything with embroidery. Here are a few embroidered details that caught my eye:

If you’re planning a trip, here are my top tips:

• Go early – It gets crowded fast, especially on weekends.

• Explore both indoor and outdoor markets – The official Brick Lane Vintage Market (underground) and the street-level shops are both must-sees, packed with hidden gems.

• Visit Spitalfields Market – Since you’re in the area, Spitalfields is perfect for unique gifts and good food. It’s busy, but the vendors keep things moving!

Pub Quiz Nights: My Winter Pick-Me-Up

Every week, my friends and I gather at a local pub quiz, and it’s become my favorite way to stay cozy and connected as the days get shorter. There’s something so comforting about walking into a warm pub, with people of all ages—friends, families, coworkers, and plenty of dogs—crowded around tables, laughing and unwinding together.

As an American, I’m slowly discovering how special British pub culture can be. It’s not just about pints and pub food; it’s also about community, a place where everyone is welcome. And in the winter, that sense of togetherness is especially needed. Pubs are full of a casual warmth that makes it easier to forget about the dreary days.

Even though our quiz team hasn’t won (yet!), I love the tradition. Recently, we went to a Halloween-themed quiz where each team carved pumpkins during the spooky themed questions.

It’s these little traditions that keep me going through the winter months—having a weekly spot to gather, laugh, and escape the winter blues. If you haven’t tried a pub quiz before, there’s no better time than now!

What I’m Loving:

The Substance - Medical Beauty in Arts and Culture

The pressure to meet beauty standards is something I think most of us feel, myself included. In a world of constant comparison—endless scrolling on TikTok and Instagram doesn’t help—it’s hard not to feel the weight of those expectations.

Over the years, our understanding of “routine” beauty has evolved dramatically. What used to be simple skincare and curlers has expanded into practices like botox, microneedling, or red light therapy. I don’t see these as inherently good or bad—they’re choices, like any other. What fascinates me, though, is this new age of "medical beauty" and how it intersects with self-perception, societal standards, and even art. This idea has even inspired some of my own embroidered works - more on that later.

A recent film that offers commentary on our obsession with youth and beauty is The Substance. While I do recommend seeing it, be warned—it’s body horror, and it’s graphic. I found myself watching parts through my fingers, and I may or may not have accidentally traumatized my friend Laura, who thought she was coming to see a rom-com (sorry, Laura!).

In the film, Demi Moore’s character Elisabeth uses a mysterious new injection—the "substance"—in a desperate attempt to retain her youth. The injection splits her into two versions: a younger self and her true self, and she must constantly switch between the two in order to maintain her newfound youthful appearance. Without giving too much away, the film satirizes society’s obsession with beauty and self-acceptance.

I found myself relating to Elisabeth at times. Haven’t we all thought, “If I could just fix this one thing about myself, everything would be better?” The film, though extreme, prompts us to question what we’d endure to meet society’s ideals.

This theme of beauty, self-transformation, and even the grotesque became the focus of an embroidery project I did in my second year at the Royal School of Needlework. We were tasked with creating experimental samples that embodied the spirit of Alexander McQueen—a brand that famously embraces “grotesque beauty.” This led me to explore the concept of the “feminine grotesque” and the intersections between beauty, artifice, and plastic surgery.

It is no secret that societies interests and obsessions directly influence the art and fashion we consume. As medical beauty becomes more norm, how will fashion change with it? I have no idea, but I’m intrigued!

Here are some photos of the samples I created, where I played with materials like hair, nails, latex, and bold colors.

This project was just the beginning; I have so many more ideas I want to explore around this topic. I’m currently planning a larger body of work inspired by these themes, though it’ll be a while before I have new pieces to share. I’m excited for what’s to come!