This weekend brought the first cold days of the season here in London. The air was crisp and the changing leaves started carpeting the sidewalks in our neighborhood, which means it won’t be long before the majority of my diet consists of roast dinners and mulled wine, while my main source of cardio is walking around Mayfair checking out the holiday decor.

It’s officially cozy season, and time to bring out those things that help you feel, well, cozy. The soft stuff, the soothing stuff, the snuggle-ready stuff. Each of this week’s three picks checks one of those boxes without breaking your budget ahead of all the holiday shopping that is to come. (Spoiler alert: 2023 MIDDI Gift Guides coming soon.)

P.S. I’ll be on holiday for the next two weeks, which means I’ll be re-sharing some of MIDDI’s top editions. Stay tuned to see what I pick up on my travels.

1. Dr Sam's Flawless Moisturiser Light (£24)

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While my skin is oily 365 days a year, it feels more dehydrated as the temps drop. So this weekend, I returned to this gel cream from one of my favorite lines, Dr Sam’s (previously featured here and here), to switch up my nighttime routine. Free of fragrance and non-comedogenic, this straightforward moisturizer’s main ingredients are glycerin, shea butter and ceramides, which keep the skin balanced. It absorbs beautifully and layers well with actives to hydrate and calm your complexion.

2. Sézane Will Jacket (£105 and up)

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As a petite person, I have a complicated relationship with “oversized” clothing. Whether it’s a boxy blazer or t-shirt dress, the cut is always so unflattering; I look like I’m drowning in my clothes. This versatile jacket from Sézane, the Parisian line founded 10 years ago by Morgane Sézalory, is the opposite of that. The jacket, which is available in 20+ styles, has a roomy feel that doesn’t swallow you up and spacious pockets that make it the ultimate grab-and-go layering item. I chose the Denim Blue version and plan to add a couple more, like the Mottled Ecru shown above.

3. Cosi Home Fleece Electric Heated Throw (£59.99)

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From October to April, you can usually find me under a heated throw blanket. When I pulled out mine today, my dog jumped for joy and immediately hopped into my lap as soon as I finished plugging it in. I bought this washable one from Cosi Home last year and it heated up just as quickly as the last time I used it. Made from fleece with 10 heat settings and a timer, you choose your desired level of hibernation. It’s also available in grey and brown—three neutrals to suit any decor—and makes a great host/hostess gift for overnight stays.

Something to think about …

Cozy season is not all fun and cider for everyone. First comes the falling leaves, then comes the falling snow and before you know it, the sun is setting at 4 p.m.

Those changes can have a major impact on your mental health. This article from The Washington Post has lots of info for those who deal with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) to help you get ahead of it.

Last week on MIDDI …

Speed It Up Petra Canan Trudell · Oct 9 Read full story

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