Recs: A poor (wo)man's Gala Pant, the power of silence, Mon Review & a brow gel worth the hype.

A list of good things to read, listen to, wear and try because you just might like it too.

I’m sharing some unsolicited recommendations – the things I’ve read or bought, tried, enjoyed and think you would too. Disclaimer: I take my recommendations seriously, and I may make a small commission from links and some items may be gifted, but if they are shit, they won’t make the list.

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Ashley Olsen and the power of perfect silence.

It’s no surprise that no one knew when exactly Ashley Olsen gave birth to her son Otto. Come to think of it, I didn’t even know she was pregnant. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about privacy and the lack there of privacy when it comes to sharing our lives and our families on the internet – is anything truly off-limits? This opinion piece by Raven Smith explores, well grapples with the idea that privacy is rare, especially when using one’s life to market one’s self and brand, which in a lot of cases is one and the same. “It’s somehow both shocking and refreshing for someone in the public eye to have deep and meaningful life-changing developments that aren’t used as opportunities to draw themselves more attention.”

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Mon Review

by Fashion Journalist, Monica de la Villardière.

@Monicaainleydlv

I had not heard of Canadian writer Monica (née Ainley) prior to asking who you all who you would like to see on

Dear Dilate

in the series, What Mums Wear (launching Sunday!). So a big thank you to the chic mother who recommended her. I have devoured most of her style posts, which take you through what she wears regularly and on occasions like a holiday to Tuscany (a girl can dream!), and I love that her style is effortless, comfortable and interesting. I signed up to become a paid subscriber which gives an into her life in Paris, along with her thorough recommendations… though I won’t be jetting off to Europe anytime soon (sigh) I enjoy reading along and learning more about the culture, especially the French parenting culture; “But what I will say just anecdotally is that a lot of French women around me don’t seem to put as much pressure on themselves for things like, say, breastfeeding. And the French doctors and midwives don’t just like, assume you are going to do it. They ask if you want to. That might seem like a small thing. It’s not. So I reckon they’re off to a slightly more relaxed start. Then there’s also this stronger traditional belief in having your kids fit into your life, not suddenly fitting your life your kids’ lives. The difference is philosophical.”

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The Irving Pant By Harris Tapper, The Undone.

Wearing Oroton shirt, Toteme Tank, Harris Tapper Irving pants.

The Row Gala pants have been on my wish list (read; if-I-win-the-lottery list) forever. But the price is well and truly out of my budget… no matter the girl math. The Irving Pant by Harris Tapper had been in my cart (abandoned many a time!) for a few weeks, so what sealed the deal? A conversation over DMs with the founder of The Undone, Sara Crampton aka @harperandharley. I asked; “are these my answer/the poor man’s Gala pants?” She laughed and replied, “Yes they are and I can highly recommend!” I was sold. They are perfect and quite frankly I haven’t taken them off. They are mid, elastic waist, thick quality fabric that doesn’t crease easily and just falls. I took my regular size but I’d size up if you have a growing bump!

Kosas Air Brow Clear Lifting Gel, Mecca.

I do love a laminated brow and I have been using Refy pretty religiously since launch but I ran out and I was in Mecca so this was an impulse buy. I’d heard many a cool girl review on the lip oils, concealers and brow gels and I guess all the marketing worked on me! I went for the clear as I wanted a natural look that I could just brush on-and-go. I like that it lifts but it feels like a soft gel not a waxy formula like other laminating products. This is better than other brow gels I have tried as it holds well throughout the day and also doubles as a treatment.

Got any recommendations? Or need help shopping? Leave a comment or email me: hello@deardilate.com