Wicked: For Good, The Viral Primark Coat & Is It Okay To Fancy Your PT? | SheerLuxe Podcast

20 Nov 2025 · 45 min · 20 chapters

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In short

The SheerLuxe Podcast episode covers: Wicked 2 premiere reactions and themes of embracing difference; a “restaurant in the dark” sensory dining experience; Bravissimo bra fittings without tape measures; Primark Press Day finds (including a cow-print trench-length coat around £60); winter wardrobe shopping (COS Fair Isle knits, mohair sets, triangle scarves, ASOS “Arrange”); celebrity/style moments (Wicked Part 2, Cynthia Erivo/Ariana Grande solidarity, People’s Sexiest Man Alive Jonathan Bailey, Governor’s Awards outfits, Devil Wears Prada 2 trailer); and dilemmas about dating a PT, managing marriage planning roles, and dressing to impress on a budget.

Guests

Nana O’Champong (host), Lucia Hawley, and Josh Smith (SheerLuxe friend of SL).

Key claims/examples

Wicked 2 is darker/emotional with a “for good” message; Dan’s Le Noir (Shoreditch) is fully pitch black with blind/visually impaired staff; Bravissimo fittings can be done by sight/virtually; Primark coat is cow-print and meta; “dress to impress” pressure is unnecessary—use high-street staples like blazers/jeans/white tees.

Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.

Chapters

Tap a time to open that second in VO

Fashion Finds and Celebrity Moments

0:45 to 2:42

Discussion on favorite fashion finds and notable celebrity moments.

“They meet on a blind date and it's a restaurant in the dark.”

Restaurant Recommendations and Outfits

2:42 to 4:52

Sharing restaurant experiences and outfit details from the hosts.

“So black leather cinched in blazer is from ASOS.”

New and Noteworthy TV Shows

4:52 to 8:02

Hosts discuss a new BBC show and its themes, including societal issues.

“And the glasses are Gucci because I know everyone always asks about these.”

Dining in the Dark Experience

8:02 to 11:22

Lucia describes her unique experience at a restaurant where dining occurs in complete darkness.

“on Thursday night with two of my friends and my partner.”

Bra Fitting Experience

11:22 to 13:23

Discussion on an enjoyable bra fitting experience at Bravissimo.

“I would have obviously gone into a store and done it.”

Exciting Fashion Finds from Primark

13:23 to 14:01

Josh shares about a Primark Press Day and trendy finds.

“that I can't wait to buy because I don't think I can pull it off, but I really want to recommend that everyone gets it.”

Discussion on Viral Fashion Trends

14:01 to 14:58

Explore the buzz around a viral cow print coat from Primark and its appeal.

“You must have seen the clip of her with Kim Kardashian.”

Weather and Seasonal Fashion

14:59 to 18:49

Reflecting on the changing seasons and its impact on fashion choices.

“Today was the first single digit, I think, that we've had, right?”

British Weather Conversations

18:50 to 19:13

A light-hearted take on how the British frequently discuss the weather.

“Oh God, I can't believe it gets dark at 4pm in the winter.”

Personal Preferences on Temperature

19:14 to 19:59

Diverse opinions on summer versus winter weather preferences.

“And you were like, I actually have a confession to make.”
Show all 20 chapters

Wicked Premiere Experience

20:00 to 22:20

Sharing insights and emotions from attending the premiere of Wicked Part 2.

Celebrity Discussions and Protection

22:21 to 24:28

Talk about celebrity culture and the need for protecting public figures.

“uk she's a british that's always that is what happens to black british women i have to say they have to go to america before they are recognized for their talents i think it happens so often.”

Representation in the Entertainment Industry

24:29 to 25:57

Discussing the importance of representation for queer individuals in Hollywood.

“in a way that they don't to men yeah like you wouldn't see that happening You would never see that happen.”

Addressing the Gender Pay Gap

25:58 to 28:00

Highlighting the gender pay gap and its implications for women in society.

“And as long as I believe I can have this much.”

The Pressure of Beauty Standards for Kids

28:00 to 31:36

Discussing the impact of early exposure to beauty standards on children and teenagers.

“I just think it's the way that it's being marketed.”

Fashion Highlights from the Governor's Awards

31:36 to 34:10

A rundown of the best-dressed celebrities at the Governor's Awards, including Jennifer Lawrence and Emily Blunt.

“My other celeb moment for the week, Governor's Awards, were last night, which is kind of a prerequisite to the Oscars, I'd say.”

Anticipating the Devil Wears Prada Sequel

34:10 to 37:35

Excitement surrounding the Devil Wears Prada sequel and discussions about character preferences.

“And she has some candles in that collection that are 20 out of 10.”

Dilemmas: Love Life and Organization

37:35 to 42:00

Answering listener dilemmas about romantic interest in personal trainers and organizational dynamics in relationships.

“We are going to jump straight into dilemmas.”

Wedding Proposals and Dressing to Impress

42:00 to 44:09

The hosts discuss wedding proposals and the pressure to dress impressively without financial strain.

“if when I do propose to him, he will literally have the entire wedding organised.”

Creating a Staple Wardrobe

44:10 to 44:44

Exploring how to build a versatile and affordable wardrobe without overspending.

“clucks of it is and also I think you can think about what your uniform is yeah right like try and make it less stressful yourself by being like okay my I'm gonna wear like I'm gonna be a her skirt and suit girly.”
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Transcript

Automatic transcript. May contain errors.

0:00You're listening to the Shear Lux Team podcast. Expect fashion inspo, dilemma solving and all the latest recommendations you could possibly want from the Shear Lux Team. Don't forget also to please subscribe to our channel. Check out our free newsletter that lands in your inbox every single day and follow us on Instagram and TikTok too. Hello and welcome to this week's Shear Lux podcast. This week we are talking about all of my favourite fashion finds. I had on this insane look. Oh, you look mega. I think I sent you about 65 fire emojis. That Wicked 2 premiere moment that everyone is still talking about.

0:36Leave women alone. Women in the public eye need to be protected more. Lucia's latest restaurant recommendation. I don't know if you've seen the movie About Time. They meet on a blind date and it's a restaurant in the dark. Completely in the dark. Oh my god, did you go to this restaurant? I went to that restaurant. And what to do if you feel the pressure to dress to impress at work but don't want to remortgage your house. Well, doll, I don't have a mortgage. So that's the key. That's the key. Sell the house. Sell the house. And get some new clothes. It's a fun one. Make sure you stay tuned.

1:19Welcome to the Sheerlikes podcast. I'm your host, Nana O 'Champong. And today I'm joined by the lovely Josh Smith, friend of SL. and lucia hawley your first podcast i'm so excited to pop your podcast cherry today we've got a full lineup for you today including trend highlights celebrity standout moments of the week and also fashion finds that you need to know about now plus we answer all of your dilemmas but before we get started please can you make sure that you subscribe wherever you listen to your podcast it really helps us out and we just love you forever right guys before we get into the chat I'm going to talk about what we're wearing so please Lucia I'm going to start with you if you can describe your outfit for our lovely listeners and tell me where everything's from so this is a little cape that I got from Armada I actually got it it's like a coat cape set yeah which was just like yeah I know it's a bit of like a bit bold for me maybe it's a bit like out of the box i don't know i love the color like the color so i didn't know whether i could like mix and match black and chocolate like how do we feel about that you've done it really with the denim as well babe it's like a real mixture of tones textures thank you yeah i felt a bit like well i didn't have much time this morning truthfully i was feeling a little bit disheveled so i'm glad that everyone's like here for it you look very put together this is like an intimacy is that how say it into miss me top the cashmere like viral sensation aila baggy jeans from citizens of humanity my faves of all time and then i'm like looking for you to like tell me where these are from your black have no idea it's like classy and dominatrix all in one okay i'll take it oh my gosh josh over to you i am wearing a leather jacket it's like a shacket yeah because it's almost like a shirt but it's a jacket we've got that and i run very hot so it's like perfect for me in terms of like thickness where's it from it's from m &s menswear who are literally killing it when it comes to menswear at the moment like every single thing i i want when i go in store i'm like i need it yeah and then i've got like i would actually say this is giving like a little bit strictly come dancing this show i know i'm enjoying the kind of like i like it i call it my man village okay right see what i'm doing yes i see it's just it's just enough because i'm always a bit concerned about how many buttons is too many buttons but i feel like that's the perfect that's the perfect amount any less yeah and it's giving navel yeah and you're like we don't need to see the stomach yeah so this is like a silk oversized shirt from reese and these oversized trousers are from paul smith and they are a bistur village purchase they are a great color they are great colour they're kind of like a rusty colour and then I'm just wearing my trusty Russell Bromley boots on the bottom it's a little fantastic over here I have gone all leather today which I know black on black which isn't really obviously what you usually expect from me but black I was going to say it's very subdued for you I know it is we were filming something fun that I can't talk about right now this morning and this is what the look needed to be.

4:39So black leather cinched in blazer is from ASOS. The black leather skirt actually also ASOS. And then I've got on some kind of leopard print, cheetah print heels from Zara. You look so fab. You look really fab. The pony hair is a moment. Thank you. And the glasses are Gucci because I know everyone always asks about these.

5:07so we're going to kick off with new and noteworthy i would love from each of you what has stood out what discoveries have you made in the last week okay i have become addicted to this new tv show on bbc it's called wild cherry has anyone heard of it yes i have so nicole i actually interviewed nicole last week who is an absolute powerhouse she is the most talented person in Britain. I'm putting it out there. Yeah. So her first show Mood was all about the dark side of OnlyFans and sex workers. Yeah. And she wrote it, created it, produced it. Yeah. Did all the music for it, like produced all the music and sung it.

5:48Yeah. And she won two BAFTAs for it. Like she is talented with a capital T. She is. So she's back with this new show and it's completely different to Mood. So if you did watch Mood, it's not necessarily the same tonally. Yeah. Is it fiction? It is fiction. Yeah. And the idea is it's about these two girls who go to this dead bougie private school and they make a video that then gets shared around the school. Yeah. And what happens next? And the mother bears get involved and they're trying to protect their family image. And they live in this insane private island in Surrey, which I did not know these gated communities existed.

6:29okay I was gonna say I know is it Oshii Island you know the one in Essex yeah no it's like it's like a private like island that they basically live on I'm like wow this is sensational it's like Big Little Lies yeah it's giving that vibe it's like that level and also for a BBC drama it's very high level I know I really I need to start watching it it's so good Clara's in it Clara Ampo's in it for a hot second she plays she plays a TV host in it called Ava I was like I went to the screen and I was like screaming. I was like, go on, Clara. But honestly, Nicole is so talented and she's created it. She's written it.

7:07And she also co-stars in it as well. And you have to watch it. It's on BBC. I really want to get into it because, yeah, I did an interview and she was telling me about the kind of process of, which actually I think the interview's out next week by the time this podcast comes out. It's so crazy how talented she is. And also she always makes comments about our society in really clever ways. Yeah. And I think if you watch adolescence that made you very paranoid about the boys that we're raising our society, this is going to make you really think about how we're parenting our girls too. Wow. And making sure that they are being brought up in a safe, nurturing environment.

7:42Yeah. It's very clever. There's plot twists galore. You're not going to see what's coming next, girlies. How many episodes did you watch at the screening? I only watched one at the screening, but I've watched a couple more now. Okay. Amazing. Dot, dot, dot. I need a new show. So this is like... That's it, babes. Yeah. Add it to the list. Lucia, what have you seen this week? So I went to this really cool restaurant, though, on Thursday night with two of my friends and my partner. We did like a double date situation. And I don't know if you've seen the movie About Time. Yes. I love that movie. So you know how they meet?

8:15Okay, so essentially they meet on a blind date and it's a restaurant in the dark. Completely in the dark. Oh my God, did you go to this restaurant? I went to that restaurant. I've always wanted to go to that restaurant. What was it like? This, guys, insane. Really? Like, it is completely pitch black. I have never experienced anything like it. You cannot see your food. They don't tell you what you're getting. You have to pour your own drinks. Like, they have to lead you in one by one into the table. Like, it's a whole operation. Yeah. Everyone working in there is, like, visually impaired or completely blind.

8:46So the wait staff know how to, like, get their way around. And it was an experience. How was the food? Was it actually good food as well? Yeah, it's crazy though because you're like eating and you don't know what it is. And I think naturally you think, oh, I'll be able to tell exactly what this is. And they show you after they like go through everything that you ate and drank. Yeah. It was so strange. We had, I think it was like slow cooked beef or something. We didn't know what it was. And then at the entree, we had ceviche, like smoked salmon ceviche. And we were like, oh, yeah, I know, beautiful.

9:17Yeah, it sounds delicious. I haven't eaten breakfast. I'm starving. I'm salivating. But I had to like eat with my fingers because I couldn't get the food. So I was like, yeah, it was, it was, it was an imprimative. I was like, it was awesome. And I just like, I think those kinds of things, we forget how fun that is. And also you take your site for granted so much. Yeah. And sitting in there having a few drinks with like a group of friends. Yeah. It was so nice as well. I feel like you also get really distracted by your phones and things like that. We had to hand those in. It was just like really enjoying the company and the conversation.

9:53I would really love to enjoy like the flavors, you know, sometimes when you're just eating this so quickly and you're not really paying attention in a setting like that. Yeah. It's like you actually really get to taste and enjoy your food. And think, oh my gosh, like, is that cinnamon they've added or sage? I don't know, whatever spice it might be. Yeah. And then, yeah, go on to the next dish. Well, your senses are so heightened. Yes. And like you're looking around the room, you cannot see a thing. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I like was like tapping onto the guy next to me. Some stranger. Just like another table.

10:27I was like, Henry, is that you? He was like, no, dude, that is not me. That's not your fella. Touching up some random man. Yeah, yeah. I was like, wait, I just. Playing 16. I just touched someone who was like, we don't know. At least your boyfriend couldn't see. He's absolutely fine, babe. Well, yeah. And he, yeah. He's getting even handsy. So you would highly recommend that restaurant? Highly recommend, yeah. Amazing. Where is it? Shawditch area, yeah. Okay. What's it called? Dan's Le Noir. In the dark in French. So I'm not saying that correctly. Yeah. Dan's Le Noir. That was so chic. That was so French.

11:03So, so French. I, for new and noteworthy, I'm actually going to talk about, I went to a bra fitting last week at Bravissimo. The last time I had a bra fitting, obviously you go in, they get a tape measure out, give you a load of bras and send it on your way. This was like a whole experience. They don't use a tape measure for a start. They do it all by sight. I would have obviously gone into a store and done it. But because they do it just by looking at you, you can also get it done virtually. That's amazing. Which is really great. That's game changing. Yeah, exactly. I need to do that. My bras dig in so much and I'm just, I've never done anything about it.

11:40Yeah, it was a really just actually like enjoyable experience. I feel like some people can feel like something like that could be quite daunting. but actually it was just yeah really easy they also do swimwear as well which they had some really great colours and for someone like me that's always on holiday that's handy yeah like Dua Lipa you're the Dua Lipa of Shilax I really respect an annual leave girly do you know what I mean like someone who should maximise their annual leave to that extent I've still got five days left but Nana's just you're making that up no I'm not call HR I want to double check that immediately Nana's life is a holiday Yeah it is It is what you make it You know No it is But back to bras Guys It's not my annual leave How many bras did you get?

12:28I got like four bras Wow Yeah She really went in She was just going like Back up and down the stairs I went to the Oxford Street store Yeah Which is actually really really big So the fitting rooms were downstairs And yes she just kept coming back With like lots of different options Really great kind of like seamless Bras that I got So they're just like Comfortable as you know like underneath like a top or a t-shirt or anything it just feels the team there are so lovely yeah they're really really great so yeah that was me that's my new new thing for this week she's got new bras and she's raring to go girls exactly leather's on I've actually got one on today she's feeling supported and empowered I am I am

13:13we are going on next to fashion finds maybe my favourite segment of the whole podcast. What have you found, Josh, this week that you can't wait to buy? Okay, well, it's not something that I can't wait to buy because I don't think I can pull it off, but I really want to recommend that everyone gets it. So I went to this Primark Press Day the other day. Oh my gosh, I went to that. Do you know what I'm about to say? There was someone dressed up as a giant present. And also, you're not going to be familiar with her. That was Josh. But someone called Grime Granny, who I love. I would have died to have been there when Grime Granny was there.

13:48Wait, who is she? She, oh my God. She is an icon. Yeah, she's like an Instagram, TikTok. Okay. Famous granny that interviews Grime artists. Yeah. Oh, I love. Oh, wait, maybe I do actually know. You must have seen the clip of her with Kim Kardashian. Yes, that's what I saw. And then she's like, Jaka Batea. Yes. And she's like, I can't wait. She's like, who? Yes. She makes like Jaka Batea is a person. Kim is so monotony. She's like, sorry? really polite and nice to Grime Granny but yeah Grime Granny was at the Primark place also if you were not ready for Christmas oh you're ready now sweet cheeks slaying all the way into Christmas what did you see so there's this amazing cow print coats oh yeah Abby's got it that they've created and it's about 60 pounds I think it is exactly 60 pounds honestly it is so fab and I'm a big cow print fan I once went to Glass and Marina cow print 2B's on a dairy farm very meta and I really recommend that if I was a girly I would be getting that right now you can still pull it off I know I can't no I know but actually no I can't but I would highly recommend that everyone gets their their hooves on that shall I say gosh honestly the cow puns are coming thick and fast it's actually a really great it's a great coat it's a really good length it's kind of like trench length oh okay I'm intrigued to see it Yeah, and also the weather is about to turn.

15:18So get your winter coats in. Yes. It is a big piece of the vase. Today was the first single digit, I think, that we've had, right? Also, it must be a real shock for you, babe. Yeah. It's been a baptism of fire. I know. You've been lulled into a false sense of security because it's never this warm this late. We've had a very mild October and November. And it's all downhill from here, babe. You know what? I can do the cold. Yeah. It is the darkness for me that's really like spiritually crushing. Say it as if, babe. I yesterday was like, it was Sunday and I was just kind of like a little bit hungover.

15:56And I just thought this sucks. Like who is doing this? And we've got to lock in for now another like five months. And then I'm watching all the stories of my friends in Australia. Peak of summer, 30 degrees, crystal clear water. and I just and you're like regretting your life decisions I was like do I just block all my friends and like oh mute them babe yeah mute them I think I must cull it because otherwise it's going to be a mental health crisis in 2.2 if I see another Aperol spritz in front of a blue sky I will honestly like that's it yeah you need to mix up your algorithm babe yeah yeah just start following all of the Brits and like wet in it with you I just love how you had a slight hangover and basically had an existential crisis about getting dark at 4pm Yeah, I think.

16:41That's classic me. I think that's why, like, I just can't be hungover anymore. Yeah. I just cannot be hungover. Until summer. Yeah, only in summer can you drink again. Lucia, what have you seen fashion-wise that you cannot wait to buy? Well, there have been so many things. I feel like coming here, the girls actually make fun of me at work because my new line has just been like, oh, maybe I should get that whenever we see something really nice. because I've essentially come over from Sydney where winter is so mild, as you were saying. I have nothing to prepare me for this weather. And so my mindset has just been like, well.

17:17You need to get it. I should just, yeah, like here's a reason. I need that. Yeah. On the high street, I feel like I've seen lots of really good stuff, really good cashmere knitwear. COS has really beautiful, this like funnel neck Fair Isle knit, which comes in I think it's like white and then a brown colourway. I'm definitely going to get one of those. And then they have sort of like a brushed mohair fair isle as well which comes with the matching triangle scarf. And I'm really into that. I'm loving a little triangle scarf. That is very SL coded. I just feel like in Australia you don't get the opportunity to like dress up like that.

17:58So I'm taking this as well as working in this sheer luxe office just to be a bit more glam. like Nana waltzes in every single day looking like that. So you can't really come in. Like I really have to set my game up. You are doing a great job, sweetie. You look great. You're doing great, sweetie. No, my like bank account is screaming at me. But I'm like, I have to look fashionable. But you've got to build a whole winter wardrobe, babe, for the first time. Exactly. I also love how you're like leaning into winter but then also depressed at the same time. I know. I just don't. I can't. both sides of the coin there are happening I think it's today because today really feels like winter yeah today is really really dropped but I will say about today at least we have blue skies yeah yeah yeah oh I love the blue sky winter blue sky and cold I can handle it's cold and grey sky I know what you're saying can I just say this is the most British conversation I've ever had on this podcast we've literally just been talking about the weather yeah do you find that everyone talks about it all the time it's all everyone talks about and then it's literally like oh god I don't remember the summer being this warm.

19:03Oh God, I can't believe it gets dark at 4pm in the winter. I'm like, you don't like summer. Every year. Every year. The whole time. Every year. I think I, I think I saw you in summer and it was a cold summer's day. Like in London. And you were like, I actually have a confession to make. I don't like summer. Okay. This feels like you're really out of me here. He's pretending. My thing is like, I don't like being hot. Yeah. Okay. So I like being cold as a person. So you are a freak. Literally. When I say I cannot relate, like could not relate. Yeah. I just could never. I love a holiday. Could never be me.

19:44We know you love a holiday. I know I love a holiday, darling. Not as much as Queen of Annual Leave over there. On to I am loving at the moment Arrange. ASOS Arrange. Yes. Oh my God. I've seen that everywhere. I know. So I had on, they had a Christmas dinner last week and I had on this insane. I saw oh you looked mega I think I sent you about 65 fire emojis you did I also loved your comment which a lot of people loved as well which were I'm gonna let you shall I tell you what it was it was babe town population one brackets nana she was great I would sit in a room and think of these no it just comes to me babe just just comes to me just comes just comes to me but yeah I had on really amazing brown corseted kind of essentially not ball gown but maxi dress which looked amazing polly also did a reel at the weekend which i loved and it was a red collarless oh she looked great too she looked amazing oh was that a range yeah that was a range wow yeah they have got some really great pieces

20:54we are going to move on to a hot topic slash celebrity moment of the week and as we were saying actually before we started recording sometimes i struggle with this section but this week the celebrity's been delivering literally they've been out they've been busy a lot so i feel like we can say two or three things each and yeah we would have yeah a lot to chat about Josh is like he's ready I'm ready chomping at the bit literally so hit me back I need to talk about Wicked Part 2 okay oh yes of course so I went to the premiere on Monday yes and when I say that I was in bits I was in pieces like I had to like bring myself back together like it was so emotional if you love the first movie it's completely different tone to the second movie yeah it's a lot darker it's way more emotional and when they sing for good my heart broke into a thousand pieces and i just think it's such a great message for us in our society right now to have a movie about embracing difference and not defying yourself by the expectations of others i think it's just such a powerful message yeah and those two women are the most talented people on the planet like cynthia revo and i'm going to say this that voice that voice that talent yeah that acting what she can't do is she's inhuman she's that talented and do you know one thing that really bugs me is i feel like she should be way more famous in the uk she's a british that's always that is what happens to black british women i have to say they have to go to america before they are recognized for their talents i think it happens so often.

22:38Like, do you know the comedian? London Hughes. London Hughes. Yes, she said that a lot. That's exactly what she had to do before she made it big. Was to leave the UK, go to America and then they're celebrated and I'm so glad that that has happened for Cynthia. Yeah. And I feel like now and since day dot because she's been doing the West End for a long time, she should be on the front page of every single newspaper. Like, we should be embracing her for the incredible time that she is. So, everyone get on board with my Cynthia bandwagon I know and also just what I love about them as well is I just love this showing of female solidarity and like this was the moment that I was going to talk about about the the oversellers fan the oversellers fan oh my gosh yeah I was in Singapore so excited it was crazy who jumped on jumped on Ariana when they were walking the red carpet for the premiere in Singapore my thing was that Cynthia was quicker than security yes Like she jumped in.

23:36She was in there, babe. And she was like, get off her. Yeah. Like you say, I love the friendship that they have. The camaraderie. Yeah. They've got matching tattoos now, which I think is like the cutest thing. And yeah, do not mess. If Cynthia's on the red carpet, she is going to come for you. But also this is the thing, like leave women alone. Yeah. Like just women in the public eye need to be protected more. And these ridiculous people who were like jumping over barriers. like she what Ariana Grande has been through is insane like everyone forgets that she makes it out as a pop star she's then involved in a terrorist attack at her at her concert yeah and for someone to literally be running over a barrier and grabbing her like anything can happen like that girl has been through so much like leave her fuck alone and it drives me insane yeah like that people feel like they can have this access to women in a way that they don't to men yeah like you wouldn't see that happening You would never see that happen.

24:34You wouldn't. So I just wouldn't. So step the fuck back and let's protect our girlies. Wow. And just the bodyguard moment. I have seen all the memes of like the remake of The Bodyguards with Cynthia Eribo. And I'm like, yeah, I would watch that. Yeah, she should so do that. She should so do that. Oh my God, I didn't even think. Wicked 3. Yeah. Wicked 3, The Bodyguard spin-off. Yeah. And also Jonathan Bailey. Sweet baby Jesus. That man is just perfect. He is. Oh my gosh. I was so recently crowned people's sexiest man alive. Which also is such a great moment because he's the first ever gay man to be giving that title.

25:10Yeah. Oh, really? Yes. And I think it's so great to see gay men being embraced as being sexy for everyone. Of course. Like, that's always been the way. Like, then you're like, oh. He is sexy for everyone. He's so sexy for everyone. 100%. And we are sexy for him. And we are. Don't. I hope my brother's not listening to this. so I'm just banging myself down but like that's so great and that's again another thing that Ruki is so great about like you know Cynthia is a queer black woman and when I had her on the podcast we were talking about what it's like to the importance of dreaming big when you are women of color and you're also a queer person yeah and she just doesn't subscribe to what people think that she should do yeah she's like why do I have to have this much I can have this much yeah and The only person who's saying that I can't have this much.

25:59Is everyone else. Is everyone else. Yeah. And as long as I believe I can have this much. Then I can. You will get to where you need to go in life. Yeah. She's just an exceptional person. And like we just love queer representation. Yeah. Definitely. Speaking of which is Transgender Awareness Week this week. So again just so many voices out there. Support the dolls. Yeah. Support the dolls. More than ever it's so important. At all times. While we're talking about great women. Yeah. I feel like we have to talk about this today. because when we're filming this, this is, it's the 17th of November today, right?

26:30As of the 17th of November, women technically are not earning any money for the rest of the year because of the pay gap. Yeah. And I feel like we should be talking about this more. So girlies, down your tools, wherever you are, get those placards out. We need to be campaigning for this. It's crazy. It is absolutely right. That is a huge pay gap. Like we've still got a whole like month and a half left of - The year. The year. And I can't believe we don't talk about that more. And the only way we're going to get changed is men also start talking about that. Yeah. So thank you. So come on, men. Let's start talking about it.

27:02Let's. Lucia, what has been your celebrity moment of the week? I was going to say the biggest thing that stood out to me, and I'm not even sure where I sit with this, but I feel like it's been quite a controversial topic, is the rainy skincare by Shay Mitchell, the skincare for kids. Oh, I think. What? What was she thinking? so when I first saw that the first thing and this is actually funny because I was listening to a deep dive on this on another podcast called shameless and Zara McDonald the host said the first thing she thought was greed and I was like that's so funny because that's kind of what came to me as well it's like why you know why just what like honestly it like left me speechless because Because you should not be putting anything other than, I don't know, a bit of soap and water.

27:52And if it was me, some like cocoa butter. Because cocoa butter from a young age is very important. The smooth skin. But you shouldn't be putting anything. Why does your child need a face mask? I just think it's the way that it's being marketed. It's just, it's a slippery slope from there, right? Like what happens then? Because you're, I think the whole premise is, yeah. Yeah, like you say. Self-care. for more it's like what you shouldn't be putting those i know it's meant to be like gentle and everything else but kids skin it's still developing like you shouldn't be putting those products i also just think give children a chance to be kids yeah like i'm an ambassador for a children's mental health charity called place to be which is the only children's mental health charity based in schools and i went to a school recently and i was talking to the therapists that work in the school yeah i was like what are you seeing there's like we're seeing everything so much earlier in these kids yeah and these were primary school kids right the way up to uh secondary school kids yeah like everything is happening so much earlier for them and even it's changing their bodies physically like they're now having periods earlier than ever because they're so much more exposed to the world and i just think that exposing children to beauty products before they need to have it or to kind of because it sends this obliminal message of saying that you are not great the way you are so you need this to help you to help you get to greatness be beautiful or to feel like you're in keeping with everyone else I just think we're just setting these impossible goals and challenges and hurdles for kids to overcome it's just like let them breathe and let them be well I feel like it speaks to that broader conversation that we spoke about or touched on before yeah with that emerging trend of things just happening or becoming normalized that were never really normalized So for kids, it's now skincare and then it's going to be makeup.

29:35And for my generation, I especially feel like as someone in their mid-20s, the pressure to now be getting Botox or filler. Yeah, which I also think is wild at that age. It's wild. And it's just like it's so normalized that it's really scary. And it's like I can't say that that hasn't crossed my mind before and something that I feel a desire to get. And then I was watching one of these movies from the 90s and I was like, wow everyone looks so different and beautiful and like yeah natural yeah we just I think you don't realize how similar everyone is looking these days because we're all getting the same stuff done and it's that like Instagram face yeah where you can't move yeah well it's also like we were talking about this so all's fair so if anyone's watched all's fair it's the Disney plus show about the lawyers which stars kim kardashian and when you watch this show me and my boyfriend watched it over the weekend i was like everyone's face is like this it's so tight like we're forgetting what normal women in their 40s 50s are meant to look like and it's just not okay to be sending these messages down to people that this is what you need to look like to fit in or to be beautiful No, I also am on board for like each to their own.

30:52Yes, totally agree with that. Your rules. Your rules. If that's what you want to do to make yourself feel better. Two things can be true at once. That's fine that you have the autonomy to do that yourself. But then I think in the same breath, I mean, you're essentially trying to just keep up with the expectation that society now has of you. And unfortunately, by then buying into that and doing it yourself, you are then perpetuating that narrative so it's like it's a vicious cycle right but it's just sad yeah to be honest yeah and it's so let's not start with kids yeah yeah bringing it back around like let our children be children or be aware of it and i think this is a time where it's like yeah just think about it yeah and not feel like i don't know try not to give into that pressure and start questioning your decisions.

31:43I completely agree. My other celeb moment for the week, Governor's Awards, were last night, which is kind of a prerequisite to the Oscars, I'd say. So all of the A-listers out in Hollywood. And the ladies, I honestly did not see one bad outfit. Jennifer Lawrence looked incredible. Oh my God. That was your favorite look, That outfit is like this white number. Yeah, there's kind of a lot of draping detail. I'm a huge Jennifer Lawrence fan. Yeah. And I just think she's bloody great. I love her. She looks so good. You know, the other day she said that she thought she was annoying. Did you see this?

32:18I did. I never thought you were annoying. You're never annoying. You're perfect, honey. Just the way you are. Because she was saying that all of our old interviews were saying that she was just so annoying every time she listened to herself. I was like, I love you in interviews. She's the best. Oh, my gosh. I've not watched an interview with her, but I've never found her annoying. J-Law Supremacy. Oh, my God. Do yourself a favor. I've watched Jailor's like best moments. They're so great. She is so funny. Zero filter. Yeah. Yeah. And she's looking fabulous. Off the cuff though. Like she is funny.

32:48Witty. Just a funny, funny girlie. And she's looking fab. Love that. I also loved Emily Blunt's outfit as well. She was in a kind of red asymmetrical kind of dress. And I'm so excited for Devil Wears Prada 2. Oh my gosh. We obviously had, we had the trailer last week. But can we just talk about the trailer? I haven't watched the trailer. What? Where am I? where have I been what have you been doing for the last week well I've been trying to she's been mourning winter yeah she's been busy buying her winter outfits she's been rocking in a ball in my room she's been busy guys she's been in a dark room literally like but can we just talk about this trailer because yeah do you honestly think that in 2025 that Anne Hathaway's character would be wearing those red Valentino stud shoes oh I thought that was Meryl Streep's character I thought that was Meryl Streep's character either way either way if anyone those shoes are hideous I know what I thought about the shoes whether you like them or not it's the poster do you know what I mean like we're bringing it back it's a little full circle moment so I wasn't really buying into I wasn't buying into the shoe choice yeah I wasn't buying into the style necessarily but to me it evokes the fact that and I also love the poster when they've got the two heels yes it's gonna have to be good though yes do you know what I mean there's a whole thing so yeah Devil Wears Prada I think it's out next in May yeah I'm going to the musical on Saturday It's great I loved it You know like how in the film everyone's favourite character Is Emily In the different ways brought up No Who's your favourite character Andy I love Andy Why do you love Andy so much I'm just really confused I just Actually you know now that we get down to it Maybe you don't like her I just liked her for like her fashion and like maybe Emily's the best character Emily's the best character no she's not she's got the best lines she's got the best lines I'm hearing this I want to hear this yeah oh I didn't every time I go I eat a block of cheese that's my favourite line I could do a one man show with that

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34:56Rital diet beauty products or treatments have you had anything that you've bought that you haven't done so something that I bought recently that I'm obsessed with is I've become obsessed with Kelly Hoppen's interiors range for M &S. Okay. And she has some candles in that collection that are 20 out of 10. Really? Oh my God. They are the best candles on the high street. I love a candle. I'm saying this. I love a candle. I'm going to try this. So there's two. Yeah. They come in a ceramic pot. Yeah. And they've got a little pot topper on them as well. Double wick. We love two wicks. Yes. The first one is like, she described it to me as smelling like a clean man.

35:38Oh, okay. And she was like, it really impregnates the space. So I was like howling, be like, oh my God, we all love a clean man that impregnates. But it's like the freshest candle. Yeah. And then she also has now just released this Christmas candle. Okay. And I love me a Christmas candle. I love Christmas candle. That Christmas candle, M &S, Kelly Hoppen, is the best Christmas candle on the high street. Okay. And they also look stunning as well. They're a stunning piece. And then, as she says, it really impregnates the space. Fantastic. That's a real, that's a visceral kind of thing. So visceral.

36:16Lucia, what are you buying at the moment? Everything. We actually have established that. Beauty-wise, what are you buying at the moment? So I was on the Le Mare train. Okay. And it was, unfortunately, after spending that much money, making me break out it's too thick for my skin and so I've stripped it back and this is kind of a bit of a win for my bank account because I found that the best thing that's been working for me is the La Roche-Posay it's Toleraine I think that's how you say it it's a cleansing sort of balm and then there's also the moisturizer it's like the soothing moisturizer La Roche-Posay skincare is top notch amazing yeah my skin has never been better you are glowing everyone tune in to watch it so you can see the skin yeah i have just discovered and it's not a new discovery but went to new york a couple of weeks ago and everyone has been talking about this american makeup artist called danessa myrick and her blurring balm which essentially is for the girlies to put on before your makeup so that you don't get kind of shiny or oily as the day goes on.

37:30And honestly, just changed my life.

37:36We are going to jump straight into dilemmas. This is my favorite thing about the podcast. You love me. I love a dilemma. You love a dilemma. I can just see you. I love giving advice. You're gearing up. I'm telling you my belt, I'm ready to go. Okay, number one. I have started fancying my PT I'm 90 % sure it's mutual do I switch gyms and then shoot my shot I'm going to tell you to get laid with the PT right dust down those barbells whatever you're doing down your tools and get on it so she's got to move gyms is that the does she have to move gyms though I don't know you have to move gyms to bang your PT no no no no that's yeah yeah yeah let's just see if it's a mutual thing I just think it's a big commitment you might as well see if you think it's mutual you know put some feelers out there yeah so to speak how are you putting feelers out there like how would you be dropping that are you like being completely like i would be completely like the biggest flirt of all time just to make sure that it's being received yeah and then i'd probably send like a cheeky message yeah do you know what i mean yeah so like to work out what's going on should we get a coffee after pt but that could be friends yeah that could friend zone yeah it's It's got to be like an evening drink.

38:49I think it's got to be like, you've got to be like, we're going for a drink. Evening session into drinks. Evening session into drinks. Yeah, when you've only ever done mornings. There's a clue. There's a clue. There's a clue. Let's do 6pm on a Friday. So in conclusion, don't leave the gym, bang him, and then move on with your life. You're crazy. Oh, I just think, just do it. Yeah, life's too short. Life's too short, so not bang your PT. If you think we're feelings mutual, then yeah, go for it. Next up, I feel like this is quite a good one for you because I'd be interested to hear which role you play.

39:23So my husband is the perfect partner, but the world's worst planner. I'm tired of organizing our entire life. How do I stop being the project manager of my own marriage? So who's the project manager? You or Tom? I'm really nervous that Tom has actually sent this in and it's about me. He's definitely the project manager. He is the project manager. he organizes everything and i kind of like turn i'm like the girlie who turns up at the airport and i'm like i don't even know where we're going you bring the vibe i'm the passenger princess i'm the passenger princess tom really does bring the vibes but he definitely brings the organizational vibes but to the point where you know with like he's like desperate for us to get engaged at the moment and he's like itching for it and he's literally sat me down to be like you're the one he needs to propose to me because I organise everything.

40:18And then he's like, and then he will obviously then end up having to like organise everything to the wedding. So he's putting a lot of pressure on me to do that right now. So I have to finally organise something myself, which is very overwhelming. You're like, I am terrified. Let's not let Tom listen to this episode because we want it to be a surprise. But what advice can we give this listener about how... Do you want, honestly, when it comes to any relationship, just have an open and honest conversation. I don't get this whole like tiptoeing around an issue. Just be like, look, here's the situation.

40:51I love to organize things, but I feel like you should step in to help me with a bit of the organization. So I'm going to give you this thing to organize. I'm going to give you this thing to organize. Yes, before you know it, he's organized the whole trip. But also Tom has made me a more organized person. Like I used to be the most untidy person on the planet. it was like embarrassing if someone came to my flat i don't know how i got with so many boys back in the day because once they got to the bedroom it's like a complete mess like i'm so tidy now and so you can turn your partner into a passion project yeah and it can work okay so proof is in the pudding i've also made tom a better communicator well that's what i was about to say the key in any relationship is communication yes so this is another instance where just communicating how you're feeling about being tired about organizing everything yes really helpful you can't just expect that they're going to know immediately yeah like i think it is yeah they're not mind readers yeah get around that table and have a great chat oh my gosh also i've got my hat ready for when this does happen so i'm just just putting it out i also think that if if when I do propose to him, he will literally have the entire wedding organised.

42:07Yes! It'll be so sick. So it will literally be like... He's booked it next summer. It'll be next summer. It'll be like six months. I swear that he's already got dates, like, penciled in places. So I feel like I propose in the morning and by midday it will be there. Invites will be out. Yeah, invites will be out. Oh my God, all the invites will be ready. You over there have got a gauge. You just know the invites. I just get a wedding invite. I'm like, oh my God, it's happening. It's happening. I'm ready. Right, last one. Is this from you? I love my job, but I can't afford to dress to impress. I can't afford the dress to impress culture anymore.

42:48How do I get polished without remortgaging my house? Oh, darling. Well, doll, I don't have a mortgage. So that's the key. That's the key. Sell the house. Sell the house. And get some new clothes. Get some new clothes. Sorry. This is not serious advice. I feel bad. What can we do? You don't need to dress to impress. I think that's you putting the onus on yourself. Do you know what I mean? That pressure is coming from you. Your work colleagues shouldn't care about that. And if they do, it's the wrong workplace. But I think you'd be surprised by how little people expect that of you. Do you know what I mean?

43:22I know this sounds really bad. But no one is looking at you in the same way that you're looking at yourself every single day. Like you have to show up, look in the mirror every single day. and as long as you're looking in the mirror and you're like i'm good at my job i've got some great skills i have so much to offer it doesn't matter what you're wearing no not at all bring the skills yeah and bring the personality but i will also say there are so like i think we are so blessed in england to have such a great high street yeah to look impressive or polished or whatever it is you want to do you do not have to remortgage your house like you don't have to break the bank there are so many good high street options where you can go in and get like a staple wardrobe and just mix and match your pieces it's more about knowing how to style yourself I think that's what the key clucks of it is and also I think you can think about what your uniform is yeah right like try and make it less stressful yourself by being like okay my I'm gonna wear like I'm gonna be a her skirt and suit girly.

44:28Like whatever you want to be, do that, lean into that, make it into your thing. But like the power of a good blazer, good jeans and a white t-shirt. Like you can just mix and match that with literally everything. Yeah. Well, this is it. That's what I'm saying. Create a staple wardrobe and I think that will really help and a staple wardrobe doesn't need to break the bank. So I hope that helped. Guys, which comes to the end. Lots of lols. How was it your first time? um hated it

44:58thank you so much you Tia and Joss for joining me I hope everyone has enjoyed that that is a wrap for this week's episode thank you so much for tuning in as I said please do subscribe wherever you listen to your podcast it really does help us out see you soon

From the publisher

On this episode of the SheerLuxe Podcast, host Nana Acheampong is joined by author and fellow podcast host Josh Smith, along with first-timer Lucia Hawley – SL’s shopping and copy associate. The trio share their latest discoveries across TV, fashion, beauty and culture, from the new BBC drama ‘Wild Cherry’ to London’s buzziest restaurant openings and the bra fittings that really do change your life.They also dive into the celebrity moments everyone is talking about – including the ‘Wicked: For Good’ premiere (and Cynthia Erivo leaping to Ariana Grande’s defence on the red carpet), Jennifer Lawrence’s style evolution, Jonathan Bailey being named People’s Sexiest Man Alive and the internet’s take on ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’. Plus, they unpack the controversy surrounding Shay Mitchell’s new kids’ skincare brand – and why children need protection from beauty pressure more than ever. Elsewhere, the team run through the best winter buys on the high street – from the viral Primark coat to the M&S menswear Josh can’t get enough of – before rounding things off with your dilemmas. This week: is it okay to fancy your PT? How do you stop being the default project manager in your relationship? And what are the easiest ways to look polished at work on a budget?


PANEL

Josh Smith | @joshsmithhosts | https://www.instagram.com/joshsmithhosts/?hl=en 

Nana Acheampong | @styledbynana | https://www.instagram.com/styledbynana/?hl=en 

Lucia Hawley | @luchhawley | https://www.instagram.com/luchhawley/?hl=en 


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