Red UK May 2021

ALI TATE models underwear that deserves to be seen on page 77. BEING STRONG MEANS… being adaptable. It means not allowing your past mistakes or missteps to dictate who you are now. THE LESSON I’M STILL LEARNING IS… to live in my integrity. SHARMAINE LOVEGROVE shares how she found her way after becoming homeless on page 32. BEING STRONG MEANS… being honest with oneself. THE LESSON I’M STILL LEARNING IS… to be better at forgiving people. GYNELLE LEON reveals how she opened London’s first cacti boutique on page 152. BEING STRONG MEANS… being your authentic self, no matter where you are or who you are with. THE LESSON I’M STILL LEARNING IS… to overcome my impostor syndrome and acknowledge my achievements. Red is a member of the Independent Press Standards Organisation (which regulates the UK’s magazine and newspaper industry). We abide by…

I’m writing this editor’s letter in the quiet tranquillity of my empty home, now that my daughters are finally back at school. It’s reminded me a bit of the children’s book A Squash And A Squeeze by Julia Donaldson, where the old woman thinks her house is too small, until all her animals move in – and then back out again – at which point she recognises how much space she actually has. My ‘jam-packed’ schedule suddenly feels more manageable now home-schooling has been removed from the mix. I suppose this is just a small example of recognising what we have, but also realising what the last year has taught us, too. With (hopefully) just a few more months of lockdown left, I asked the Red team what the biggest…

A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE In our March issue, we published Charlotte Fenton’s moving account of her dad’s journey to assisted dying in Switzerland and it struck a chord. @AniaDurose tweeted: ‘Charlotte’s article on assisted dying has moved me to tears.’ Another reader, Bonny, wrote: ‘It is vital that we recognise the rights of people like Keith to die peacefully and on their own terms. The article has inspired me to become more active in the campaign.’ NHS consultant Dr Sarah Green wrote to share a different perspective. ‘I read Charlotte’s moving account of her father’s illness with sympathy and compassion, but also with a slight sense of discomfort that Red should tackle such a politically and ethically charged topic without discussing the other side of the story,’ she wrote. ‘Tragic individual stories, like…

THE BEST GLAMPING SPOTS IN THE UK Whether you’re planning an outdoorsy weekend with friends, a romantic break or a post-lockdown family reunion, there’s a glamp-site for you. HOW TO COPE WITH THE ANXIETY OF LOCKDOWN ENDING Becka Livett has lived with agoraphobia for 25 years. She shares her coping strategies with Red. DISCOVER WHERE A 47-YEAR-OLD FASHION EDITOR SHOPS ON THE HIGH STREET Anna Cascarina shares the shops she rates for every item in your wardrobe. FRUIT AND VEG WORTH GETTING DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR We asked the Hearst Institute to test the bestselling boxes – and these are the ones they rate.…

CASHMERE IN LOVE THE DNA This is cashmere as we’ve never seen it before, with cool, contemporary designs and flattering fits that will transform comfort dressing for ever. THE CLOTHES Ribbed rollneck tops, slim joggers and sweater bodies, in a classic colour palette of neutrals, navy and red, are just some of the perennial pieces to invest in. We adore the ribbed finishes on the lightweight knits and the tie-waist detailing on skirts. And who would have thought we’d be wearing cashmere knickers before CIL lured us in with its flattering, comfortable and super-sensual designs in deliciously luxurious colours? The Mimie high-waisters are a must. NEED TO KNOW CIL’s accessories are top of every fashion editor’s wish list. The sell-out balaclavas and hoods took the winter by storm and now its bralettes and biker shorts are…

ALL RISE Thigh-skimming dresses for summer are well and truly ‘in’. A soft, flirty hem and long sleeves make the shorter length everyday wearable and elegant. Add pumps, sandals or espadrilles for a playful edge, or heels (remember them?) for an instant dose of dressy. TROLLEY DOLLY Even a granny shopping trolley becomes desirable when it’s had the Zara treatment. This stylish basket and canvas one is winging its way to me as we speak and will be upping the style ante in my local Waitrose & Partners, I can tell you. SLIP CLASS Prepping this month’s lingerie fashion story (see page 77) has made me fall in love with the romance of retro silk slips. In blush pink and with lace detailing, they’re a definite upgrade from the cosy loungewear I’ve been wearing all…