Cool Stuff Pt.8
A roundup of the cool things that inspired me this past week
London is in bloom, and so is The Inside Pocket. After my time in New York, I’m back in the city just in time for picnics, monsteras blooming, light stretching into the late evening, and that sense of something magical about to happen? Spring, I love you!
And with that, The Inside Pocket returns to its usual rhythm—inspiration, exciting collaborations, and your favourite series like Italian Icons and Visual Voyage. There’s so much beauty to uncover this season, and I can’t wait to share it with you.
For those who don’t already know, Cool Stuff is The Inside Pocket series where I present some inspiring and beautiful finds from the fashion world and beyond—hoping to bring you a bit of joy, of course. :)
Here’s a list of things I loved this past week, as usual, in no particular order:
Check out the previous volumes!
If you are looking for inspiration you might also want to take a look to the Visual Voyage series!
It Girl
Who was the real Jane Birkin? Beyond the iconic bag, the actress-singer was a woman with a life as fascinating as her signature looks. In It Girl, New York Times bestselling author Marisa Meltzer uncovers the secrets behind the chic French-girl aesthetic we all look up to. From her 1960s London beginnings to her Parisian celebrity life, Birkin's story has romance, rebellion, and rock ’n’ roll.
This book, out on 7 October 2025, collects interviews and juicy insights about the number one it-girl to ever exist. Meltzer finally gives the legendary muse the full biography she deserves, revealing her influence on femininity, style, and, yes, the bag of dreams.
Dinner With Strangers
I moved to London something like six years ago, and I’d be lying if I told you I’ve got loads of friends. It’s true: the older you get, the more selective you become, leaning towards quality over quantity. But let’s be honest, making friends in big cities is hard, no matter what. Especially when you’re a foreigner without childhood or uni friends as backup. Add a busy schedule into the mix and there you have it: making friends is full-on effort.
Brits are famously kind, but perhaps not the most open bunch in Europe. So here I am, with a beautiful but small group of friends. And while I know my girls would go to war for me, it’s never too late to expand your circle.
That’s why I decided to give Timeleft a go. The app wants to revive the lost art of spontaneous connection: no swiping, no scrolling, just real people meeting in real life. They organise dinners with strangers, every Wednesday, in major cities. You take a little personality test, which matches you with the right crowd, then buy a ticket or a subscription and wait for Tuesday. That’s when you’ll receive the restaurant details, your new potential friends, and unlock a mini game to test your connection.
Important note: this is not a dating app. It’s designed for friendship, and if you feel more comfortable, you can opt for a women-only dinner.
Sure, this could go terribly wrong. But after chatting with basically half of New York last month (thank you, New Yorkers! I adore how chatty you are), I remembered how energising being social can be. I’ve become lazy in my little, curated nest, and I think this could be the shake-up I need. Even if it's awkward (and let’s be real, it might be), it could also be the start of something lovely.
My next dinner is booked for Wednesday. I’ll report back once it happens. Please watch this space.
New Denim
A good pair of jeans can solve most wardrobe issues and make you feel like a superstar. When I first saw the Atlanta Mid Rise Flare Jeans by Ética Denim, I wasn’t sure they’d suit me. They’re a bit out of my comfort zone. I usually gravitate towards baggy or barrel jeans, and I’m borderline too self-conscious. But you know what? Screw that.
I put them on, and my legs were instantly five centimetres longer, my bum was up where it belongs, and I felt like Christina Aguilera in that Dirrty video (yes, I know you watched it too, fellow thirty-somethings).
If you want to feel sexy, these are for you. Great with a blazer or a white tee. I’ve washed them twice already, and they’re still fab—true to size and ethically made.
The First Monday in May
It’s no surprise to hear that this year’s Met Gala raised more money than any other in its history. The Met Gala, aka one of fashion’s biggest night, is the annual fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute in New York. And yes, it’s my favourite Monday of the year. No cap.
This year’s theme was Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, a tribute to the rich legacy of Black dandyism: where elegance meets resistance. From the 18th century to today’s runways, the exhibit honoured how Black individuals have used sharp tailoring and personal style as tools of identity, empowerment, and cultural expression. It was also the Costume Institute’s first menswear-focused exhibition since 2003, inspired by Monica L. Miller’s Slaves to Fashion.
The dress code, Tailored for You, encouraged guests to reinterpret classic menswear with flair. Zendaya channelled Bianca Jagger, and Colman Domingo paid homage to André Leon Talley which I am so sad is not here to witness this.
The gala raised a record-breaking $31 million. And yet... I wasn’t blown away by the looks. With Louis Vuitton as the main sponsor, I suspected we’d see a lot of Pharrell’s Vuitton—and we did. Groundbreaking.
So, skipping to the important bit: Rihanna is pregnant again and wearing Marc Jacobs. That would be my headline.
The Longest Lashes
I am nothing without a good mascara. And I’ll spend BUCKS on one that meets my (very important) criteria: no smudging, great brush, long hold. I’ve tried all the expensive ones, but always circle back to a trusty drugstore fave—until now. Enter: Sweed Cloud Mascara, teamed with the Sweed Eyelash Serum. Oh my golly gosh.
The growth serum is packed with vitamins and meant to nourish your lashes, and I can confidently say that after two weeks: IT WORKS WONDERS.
I now have two new heroes in my very minimal beauty routine. And just to note, this was a gifted product from Sweed, but I’d never shout about something I hadn’t tried, loved, and planned to repurchase forever. And in this case, I absolutely will.
Smell Like A Witch
I love a new fragrance, especially when it becomes tied to a trip, a moment, or a mood. For me, scent is the cherry on top of a good outfit. Vyrao is a new brand that enchanted me with its concept: blending scent, energy, emotion, and wellness. Think perfumery meets neuroscience, meets vibeZ.
All their products are genderless, vegan, cruelty-free, and made with ethically sourced natural ingredients (an instant yes from me.) Each scent is designed to target a mood: joy, mindfulness, confidence, transformation. They partner with the Science of Wellness Program at IFF, and their formulas are crafted to activate the emotional and memory centres of the brain.
I got The Six discovery set to try all the cult favourites:
Georgette for self-love
I Am Verdant for transformation and illumination
Witchy Woo for courage and creativity
Magnetic 70 for attraction and protection
Free 00 for freedom and sensuality
The Sixth for mindfulness and intuition
Right now, I’m obsessed with Magnetic 70—Vetiver, Cedarwood, Frankincense, Angelica, Juniper, and a sprinkle of black pepper for anti-anxiety. I feel invincible wearing it.
I also adore Georgette, and I can’t decide which one to get in full size. The full bottles include a Herkimer diamond for positive energy and come with affirmation cards to “say as you spray.” Isn’t that the most magical new ritual to add to your day?
A Spa Day
While in NY (and visiting an obscene number of vintage shops), I came across some real gems.
The most incredible? This buttery yellow Gucci bag below. I snapped it up for $280 and I’ve never seen anything quite like it. The bamboo handle suggests 1970s–80s, but it could also be a baby from the Tom Ford era—so somewhere between 1994–2004? What do you think? I’m still trying to place her in Gucci history.
Either way, she clearly needs some love. I asked a few of the best places in town how much a full restoration would cost. Prices ranged from £150 to £450. The standout was definitely The Handbag Clinic, with their clever quote system and brilliant before-and-afters. I am still taking my time asking around just to see what London can offer, I’ll report back with before-and-after pics soon!
But please, take care of your leather goods. See this as your sign to book your battered leather bag in for a spa day. If you are not convinced please watch the video below.
Thank you so much for sticking with me. I’ll see you very soon with another volume of Cool Stuff.
I love you all,
Giulia xx
Some of the products mentioned in this article were kindly gifted, but I only feature what I truly believe in: things I’ve tried, loved, and would buy again. Thank you for your trust, it means the world.
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Those jeans were made for you! And I'm obsessed with your new bag. What a find!! x
The jeans are fabulous on you (I love a good flare/bootcut), the bag is amazing, and I wouldn't touch her (I love me some patina), and that app for meeting people sounds so fun! It's so hard to make new friends as an adult - all of my friends I have now I met when I was in my 30s.
I was not blown away by the Met Gala looks, but it's so good to see menswear represent!