Lauren Bravo

2 months ago | theguardian.com | Lauren Bravo

I don’t know about you, but for me the joys of spring are always infused with mild panic. Birds are singing, lambs are gambolling, the mornings are getting lighter – and I’m spending them standing in my pants, whirling clothes around the room like a form of sartorial semaphore. Yes, with the promise of blossom and alfresco brunches comes the expectation of a wardrobe overhaul. We’re supposed to crawl out of hibernation, peel off our polo necks and emerge: a vibrant, new-season version of ourselves.

Jan 24, 2025 | ca.news.yahoo.com | Lauren Bravo

I don’t know about you, but for me the joys of spring are always infused with mild panic. Birds are singing, lambs are gambolling, the mornings are getting lighter – and I’m spending them standing in my pants, whirling clothes around the room like a form of sartorial semaphore. Yes, with the promise of blossom and alfresco brunches comes the expectation of a wardrobe overhaul. We’re supposed to crawl out of hibernation, peel off our polo necks and emerge: a vibrant, new-season version of ourselves.

Jan 8, 2025 | theguardian.com | Lauren Bravo

Oh, there’s nothing like the thrill of the chase. That adrenaline rush that only comes from the pursuit of the elusive, the legendary or the priceless (to you). Captain Ahab had his white whale, the knights had the holy grail – and I had a jumper. It was a memorable jumper; cropped, collared and covered in peace signs, which I’d spied on Anne-Marie Duff in season one of Bad Sisters. While everyone else was reeling at the show’s twisty denouement, I was playing detective.

Nov 5, 2024 | theguardian.com | Lauren Bravo

We know that keeping our clothes in circulation for longer is the best way to lessen their environmental impact. But overwashing – or over-enthusiastic washing – is one of the quickest routes to the rag bag, leading to shrinkage, fading, weakened fibres, unravelling hems and all manner of other sartorial sob stories. Your clothes deserve better. So before you bung another mixed load on at 40C, let’s have a quick refresher course.

Nov 5, 2024 | theguardian.com | Lauren Bravo

Look, we all know we’re supposed to be washing our clothes cool. For the sake of the planet, and our energy bills, defaulting to 30C instead of higher temperatures can save 40% of the energy used each year, according to the Energy Saving Trust. The EU has even made it compulsory since . Still, it can be tempting to let the dial slip back to 40C for old times’ sake, or stick on a cheeky 60c wash when faced with serious stains, feeling we need to crank up the heat.