This is One Thing: Volume 40

The return of Lena Dunham, an unbeatable ice cream spot, and a Scandi baby carrier that’s both chic and practical.

Welcome to One Thing, a weekly newsletter that highlights the must-haves of the week across shopping, beauty, tv, restaurants, music, & more. If you read One Thing this week, make it this.

If you watch One Thing this week:

Too Much

While reviews of Lena Dunham’s newest show have been decidedly mixed, I absolutely enjoyed the 10-part series now streaming on Netflix. Perhaps it's because, like the protagonist, I also moved from New York to London. And while I may not have been naïve enough to think that “estates” meant sprawling Downton Abbey grounds, there's a familiar humour in the realisation every American expat eventually has, that even though we may technically both be speaking English, our countries and cultures are vastly different. Jessica reaches this same revelation during a British wedding with her East London-cool boyfriend, screaming at him after meeting his uni mates: “They’re cheerful but they’re not kind. They’re horny but they’re not warm!” While this show might not be this generation’s Girls, it’s still well worth the watch. I found myself cackling through every episode and falling even more in love with Meg Stalter, who is the undeniable highlight of another brilliant show, Hacks. In a season when quality television feels months away, this series was a delightfully refreshing surprise, one that had me warmly welcoming Ms. Dunham back to my screen.

If you shop One Thing this week:

Grey Cardigan / Striped Sweater / Jeans / Cream Sunnies / Bucket Bag / Trainers

Black Dress / Earrings / Checked Top / Cream Jacket / Sunnies / Mini Skirt / Belt / Mary Janes

MyTheresa Sale

As I sit at home, trying my best to stay cool by consuming my weight in ice lollies (popsicles, for my North American readers) and impatiently waiting to go into labor, I don’t have much to do besides folding tiny onesies and stalking the best luxury sales the internet has to offer. Now that my beloved employee discount at Matches is a thing of the past (RIP), paying full price on most brands feels borderline offensive and sale seasons have now become my Super Bowl. Case in point, the MyTheresa sale, currently offering an extra 20% off a huge selection of already-discounted items on their UK site until July 22nd. This includes further markdowns on everything from The Row handbags and Toteme staples to Celine sunnies and Le Monde Beryl flats, which, by the way, I cannot recommend enough. While I’m not exactly shopping for summer pieces right now, I’m already curating my chic mom wardrobe for fall and winter. See above for some of my favourite highlights!

If you indulge in One Thing this week:

YHangry

Anyone who knows me knows I absolutely despise cooking, but I love good food and I love hosting. What I don’t love? Constantly running back and forth to the kitchen while guests are enjoying a glass of gorgeous wine, or serving food that no matter what you do is lukewarm. That’s why I’m obsessed with Yhangry, a UK-based (and female-founded!) company that lets you book a private chef for your next dinner party. The platform features a wide range of talented chefs offering diverse cuisines and customizable menus which is perfect for accommodating dietary restrictions or matching the vibe of your event. Even better, the chefs work with you to tailor the timing and course structure of the meal, and can advise on wine pairings for each dish. We recently hosted an intimate dinner party using Yhangry, and the experience was incredible, and more affordable than a mediocre meal in Mayfair. Our chef adapted the menu to account for my pregnancy and a guest’s gluten allergy, and the food was absolutely delicious. Best of all? There was no stress on timings and no huge mess to clean-up after dessert. Just a perfect evening with friends, good wine, and great food.

If you gift One Thing to new parents this week:

Najell Sleep Carrier

While out for dinner in Copenhagen last fall, a friend and I noticed a chicly dressed woman with what looked like a large purse hanging from her arm, only the purse seemed to be moving. On closer inspection, it turned out not to be a bag at all, but a cleverly designed baby carrier, cradling a bundled-up newborn fast asleep as the new parents enjoyed their date night. When I found out I was pregnant, that image immediately came back to me. A bit of research led me to the source: Najell, a Swedish brand (because of course it had to be a Scandi brand making these). Though our baby hasn’t arrived yet, my husband and I are determined to remain the kind of family that travels often, dines out, and still hops over to Paris when the mood strikes. This carrier feels like the perfect companion to help make that possible. Just a few weeks ago, a dashing blond couple (definitely of Scandi descent) strolled into Dorian with the exact same carrier. They enjoyed a Sunday dinner with friends while their baby slept soundly, nestled beside them. While I may not be ready to leave my baby outside in a pram while I sip coffee indoors mid-winter, I do think there’s something to learn from our Northern neighbors when it comes to gently ushering babies into our newly changed lives.

If you treat yourself One Thing this week:

Udderlicious

With three locations now across London, Udderlicious is a must-visit for when the next heatwave hits. Their salted vanilla cookie dough is nothing short of heavenly, but if that’s not your vibe, there’s a flavour for everyone, from raspberry cheesecake and lemon sorbet to pistachio and Greek yogurt with cherry. They also roll out inventive new creations each month; for July, look out for cold brew coffee and apple spritz. Yes, the queues can be long, but trust me, it’s worth the wait for a fresh waffle cone piled high with a scoop (or two) of homemade goodness.