With a full-time job, busy social life, and social media accounts to update, it’s challenging to keep up with all the shiny newness out there.
That’s why we’ve created The Shopping Shortlist, a monthly need-to-know dispatch of the latest and greatest releases that should be on your radar for the month ahead.
Here at ES Best, we’ve got our ears to the ground and our noses up pressed against digital shop fronts, always looking for the newest fashion, events, and food and drink - so you don’t have to. From sell-out collections to limited edition collaborations, with exclusive events, fresh launches and new store unveilings in between, we’ve got you covered so you don’t miss out on a thing.
May is here and it seems summer is finally getting underway. We started the month with beautifully high temperatures, which means lighter (and hopefully brighter) wardrobe choices. With two Bank Holidays sandwiching the month, now’s the time to spruce up your spring clothes to make sure you’re properly attired for the upcoming festivities.
Speaking of which, May 5 ushers in Cinco de Mayo - and what better way to celebrate than with a margarita? You’ll find fresh lists on the best tequila in our Food & Drink section. Sunnier weather also means BBQs and if you plan to host your own grill-fest, find the hottest selection of gas- and charcoal-powered options here.
Horseracing season is going strong, and we’ve got the frocks to help you stand out in the stands. Wedding season is hot on its hooves - if you’re attending someone’s nuptials this summer, we’ve got this season’s best occasionwear cherry-picked and waiting.
Oxford Circus has received a shot in the arm as the city’s latest IKEA finally opens in the former Topshop flagship. It’s a peculiar experience walking around what feels like a normal IKEA only to emerge onto the country’s busiest shopping streets when you’ve finished. Read my in-store tour here.
And, of course, there’s the usual smorgasbord of glittering new launches, exciting collabs and epic shopping drops that will make this May feel like magic.
If you’re ever at a loss for something to do at the weekend or want to scratch the retail therapy itch, we’ll keep this page updated all month long; best to bookmark it so you’ve got the insider’s guide at your fingertips.
Don’t forget to sign up for the newsletter version of this Shortlist for a weekly digest covering everything from fashion and furniture to tech and travel.
Ready, set, shop
Alo Yoga sale
Birthdays are a big deal - quite literally at fitness brand Alo which is marking its anniversary with what it’s calling its ‘biggest sale of the year’.
Right now, you can get up to 30 per cent off across the site, meaning it’s never been easier or cheaper to update your yoga kit in line with Hailey Bieber and Kaia Gerber.
Plus, there are further discounts of up to 60 per cent on some already-reduced items.
Prices start at just £23.
Buy now, Alo
Introducing: Smeg Soda Maker
Why have it still when sparkling is on the menu? Chic appliance brand Smeg has launched a fizzy water machine to up your sparkling water game.
Offered in four chic colours, the sleek cordless unit features a dial turn that allows you to control the level of carbonation pushed into the water. Being wire-free means you can set it up anywhere, from your bedside table for pre-snooze hydration to out in the garden, ready to impress party guests.
Whether you’re someone who has to wait for the bubbles to drop after cracking open a can of pop or you like them tickling your nose, you’ll love this.
Buy now £149.95, Smeg
Karen Millen showcases new bridal collection
The days of wearing one white dress on one day only may be behind us if Karen Millen has anything to do with it. The fashion label has unveiled its bridal collection, which spans cocktail dresses, swimwear, tops, suits and dresses, providing plenty of affordable inspo for every one of your pre-wedding looks.
Prices start from £39.
Buy now, Karen Millen
Columbia reveals unisex coastal collection
When sunny weekends hit, it’s time to book a trip to the coast. Whether you’re headed to Brighton, Margate, or further afield, feel dresses for the part in Columbia’s new Heritage collection, inspired by the Oregon coastline.
The unisex collection includes separates and accessories with prices starting at £30. We’ve got our eye on the fishing co-ord set.
Buy now, Columbia
O2 launches Blue Mondays
For some, it’s the most depressing day of the week, but O2 is on a mission to turn all that around with the launch of a new rewards initiative called Blue Mondays.
The Priority from O2 scheme will see hundreds of vouchers on everything from holidays to cinema tickets and chocolate bars on the first working day of the week, which is enough to turn any frown upside down.
Get your broadband through Virgin Media? You will be eligible for it too.
Buy now, O2
Boots welcomes new wellness brands
Feeling frazzled? Can’t sleep? Or just want to boost your nutrient intake?
Boots, the high street chemist, has added two new labels to its wellness line-up: science-backed Modern Chemistry and HABI, a line of playful gummy supplements. Each one is powerful and will help restore a sense of calm to body and mind.
Buy now, Boots
Tony's Chocoloney's offers golden ticket Glasto giveaway
With the UK's best festival now just one month away, it's time to pull out all the stops to get yourself a ticket. Tony's is playing Willy Wonka by hiding tickets inside limited edition chocolate bars: the Everything bar and the vegan Dark bar 70%.
The confectioner is teaming up with Oxfam and the festival for the third year in a row to help raise cash for Worthy causes, with the competition collecting £125,000 already.
Time to crack open that piggy bank.
Buy now £3.99, Oxfam
