It's January. It's cold, it's miserable and you're supposed to be excercising and not drinking but pizza, wine and your sofa are the only appealing things in your life right now. Until today!
Being a decent type, I have made it my mission to find a selection of items that cannot fail to bring cheer into your day. You're welcome.
Tiger Tee
£24.50, Lazy Oaf
It's a tiger! On a bike! LOL! Whoever heard of such a thing? Not I. This cheery shirt has the added bonus of being super stylish and from a lovely, Brit-based independent company. The actual design is the work of Karin Soderquist, an upcoming illustrator who won Lazy Oaf's inaugural t-shirt design competition so you get to feel good about supporting fresh talent. Well done you, give yourself another cake.
Canary Mirror Pendant
£27.50, Tatty Devine
Tatty Devine have made a name for themselves re-imagining everyday objects as ultra-desirable, collectable costume jewellery and this canary mirror from their Spring/Summer 2009 collection is bound to bring a little cheer into your life. Hearts are a guaranteed positive mood bringer I find and combined with a bell? Well a bell is definitely going to make you merry as you jingle jangle your way around the work place.
Funny Monkey Ankle Socks
£3, Topshop
The clue's in the name with this one. How can any decent human fail to be at least slightly heartened by the sight of a beaming chimp with a bobble hat on? And, take note, the monkey also has a heart on its stomach. Ah. Hearts you see, I told you. Magical effects. Socks are a small start but we all know full well that there is probably nothing better than a warm, comfy, new pair of socks. You know I'm right. Enhancing said socks with a chimp pattern can only be a good thing.
Red Velvet Bow Headband
£6, Miss Selfridge
Ah the humble hair accessory. What did we all do before the 80s came back into fashion and hair bows and clips and veils and shit were available everywhere? We were miserable, that's what. Putting a bow on your head has the scientific benefit of fooling the eye into believing you are a giant present, and everyone likes presents, right? That might not be real science, but I sure believe it. Red velvet is also a feel-good fabric, that's a true fact! Mmm warm and comfortable!
Brown Puppy Hat
$30, Jackthemanabouttown @ Etsy
Remember that panda ear hat from River Island that everyone and their mother (and myself) wore before Christmas? Of course you do, they're everywhere. Whenever I see a fellow pom-pom-earred hat wearer on the tube I share a smile and an ear wiggle; it's just courtesy. Anyway, time for a bit more science. Ears on hats and hoods make people happy. FACT. If you're crafty then make one and feel your life improve. If, like me, you're lazy, buy one. I like this one because it features a friendly dog. Lovely!
You're Not Dead Yet Tee
$18, Print Liberation
It's true! If you're still managing to read this and browse your other 20 tabs and balance a cup of tea on your sofa then it's a fact; you're not dead yet. Not only is this shirt telling it like it is and making you wise up to the fact that it could be worse - it's telling you that in flouro pink letters. Even if you're not feeling particularly chipper, this shirt will make other people smile and that, friends, is the gift that keeps on giving.