Daisy Lester

Clothes steamers are generally faster, more portable and gentler on delicate fabrics, while traditional irons provide greater precision and a sharper finish on structured garments and heavy materials such as cotton, linen and denim. Experts recommend steamers for quick touch-ups, travel, curtains and upholstery, and irons for crisp collars, pleats and large laundry loads. Product testing identifies the Russell Hobbs Steam Genie VacuSteam as the best overall steamer, while the Tefal Express Optimal is the preferred steam generator iron.

Fairmont Hanoi is presented as a polished, relatively affordable luxury hotel in Hanoi’s French Quarter, conveniently located near Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter and government and diplomatic offices. The 260-room property offers colonial-inspired architecture, Southeast Asian design, attentive service, eight restaurants and bars, family-friendly accommodation, accessible rooms and extensive wellness facilities, including thermal pools, saunas, treatment rooms and fitness services. Highlights include the Tran Dynasty restaurant led by Luke Nguyen, the Gold Club Lounge and the spectacular spa. Potential drawbacks include limited privacy or unattractive views from some rooms, a rooftop pool with a subdued atmosphere, and a design that may not suit guests seeking an intimate boutique experience.

Wine experts recommend nine supermarket rosés as affordable alternatives to the popular but costly Whispering Angel. The selection ranges from pale, dry Provençal styles to richer, darker and more structured wines from Corsica, Sicily and the Rhône. Studio by Miraval, Screaming Devil, Sainsbury’s Île-de-Beauté, Maison Mariselle and Love by Leoube receive particularly strong endorsements, while M&S La Balconne is considered less suitable for drinkers seeking a close Whispering Angel comparison. Experts advise shoppers to look for wines from Provence and nearby Mediterranean regions, as well as Loire Valley rosés with similarly dry, crisp characteristics.

Sommeliers, wine consultants and influential wine reviewers recommend nine affordable supermarket bottles, including crisp whites, rosés, sparkling wines, barbecue pairings and champagne alternatives. The selection spans wines from Spain, South Africa, Greece, France, Portugal and England, with experts emphasizing refreshing flavors, food compatibility and value. Supermarkets are portrayed as improving their wine ranges and appealing increasingly to discerning drinkers, while social-media recommendations are helping make wine more accessible and less intimidating.

Clothes steamers are faster, more portable and generally gentler on delicate fabrics, making them useful for quick touch-ups, travel, curtains and upholstery. Irons remain preferable for heavy fabrics such as denim and cotton, large laundry loads, and sharply pressed collars, cuffs, pleats and creases. Experts recommend choosing a steamer with a suitable water-tank size, rapid heat-up time and useful attachments, while iron buyers should consider power, steam output, soleplate material and tank capacity. Product testing identifies the Russell Hobbs Steam Genie VacuSteam as the best overall steamer and the Tefal Express Optimal Steam Generator Iron as the best overall iron.

Supermarkets now offer a wider range of affordable wines that can rival specialist-shop selections, according to sommeliers, consultants and wine influencers. The recommendations cover crisp whites, rosés, reds, vinho verde and sparkling wines, with bottles from Waitrose, Morrisons and Co-op praised for value, quality and suitability for occasions such as barbecues, summer lunches, cheese courses and celebrations. Expert advice emphasizes accessible styles, food pairings and alternatives to more expensive Champagne or Whispering Angel.

ASOS customers can access a range of savings including up to 70 percent off sale items, new‑customer discounts, student savings and frequent app‑exclusive promo codes. Additional benefits are available through ASOS World loyalty tiers and ASOS Premier, which offers free delivery for an annual fee. The article highlights the variety of brands discounted, outlines how codes are verified by The Independent’s deals team and underscores the platform’s value for affordable fashion.

Explains Wizz Air’s strict hand luggage rules and highlights affordable bags that comply with the airline’s size limits, recommending a £30 Cabin Max backpack for its light weight, practical features and value, while also noting an Antler cabin suitcase suitable for Wizz Air Priority and other budget carriers.

A curated guide to the best online lingerie retailers highlights brands ranging from affordable high-street options to luxury labels, noting differences in style, comfort, size inclusivity and design. Key brands such as Skims, Boux Avenue, Dora Larsen and M&S are praised for quality, value and broad appeal, while high-end names like Agent Provocateur and I.D. Sarrieri cater to luxury tastes. The overview emphasizes versatility, from everyday basics to special-occasion pieces, and offers insight grounded in the writer’s experience reviewing clothing.

A £15 tinted SPF from Elf is highlighted as an effective and affordable alternative to Supergoop’s glowscreen, offering strong coverage, a radiant finish and added skincare ingredients. Despite a thick texture, sunscreen scent and less lasting power than premium formulas, it works well as a dual-action SPF and primer, making it a practical low-cost option for daily use.

Experts highlight affordable, high-quality supermarket wines across categories including crisp whites, rosés, sparkling options and barbecue reds. Influencers and sommeliers note that increased competition and skilled wine buyers have raised supermarket standards, making good bottles widely accessible. Recommended picks include options from Spain, France, Portugal and England, with several standout bottles from Waitrose, Co‑op and Morrisons. The rise of social media wine personalities continues to drive demand for popular and well-reviewed selections.

Industry experts highlight top-value supermarket whiskies across styles and regions, with strong endorsements for bottles such as Bankhall single malt, Glenmorangie 12-year-old, Laphroaig 10-year-old, and Buffalo Trace. Rising demand for whisky and improved supermarket offerings contribute to a wide selection of accessible, high-quality options, spanning Scottish single malts, Irish whiskey, and American bourbon.

A month‑long test of Gousto’s recipe‑box service highlights its extensive variety, inventive flavours and strong value, especially with introductory offers. Recipes are more complex and time‑consuming than rival kits such as Hello Fresh, but generally deliver satisfying, well‑balanced meals with high‑quality ingredients and sustainable packaging. While some dishes fall flat and the algorithmic selections can be inconsistent early on, the service offers flexibility, a wide weekly menu and strong portion sizes, making it a compelling option for those seeking more adventurous home cooking.

Testing of Eve Sleep’s wunderflip hybrid mattress found strong support, effective motion isolation and dual‑firmness customisation, with the firmer side offering balanced alignment and comfort. While temperature regulation was average and the mattress occasionally shifted on the frame, overall quality, cushioning and ease of setup made it a strong mid‑range option for light and restless sleepers.

Virginia Evans’s novel The Correspondent won the 2026 Women’s Prize for Fiction, recognized for its intimate epistolary structure and exploration of aging, grief, and reconnection. The book follows 73‑year‑old Sybil Van Antwerp as she rebuilds relationships through letters over a decade, revealing both her emotional distance and underlying empathy. The novel has become a word‑of‑mouth bestseller, resonating for its themes of loss, forgiveness and hope, and has secured a forthcoming film adaptation starring Jane Fonda.

A newly renovated Noosa hotel offers a prime Sunshine Coast location, design‑focused interiors and a lively atmosphere built around a lagoon‑style pool. Mediterranean‑inspired dining at Cibaria and Bar Capri stands out, supported by attentive service and thoughtful touches. Rooms are bright and well detailed, with suites and family‑friendly options available. Facilities include a spa, gym and accessible amenities, while proximity to beaches, nature walks and local nightlife enhances its appeal for couples and families seeking a relaxed coastal stay.

A restored Edwardian Baroque building in Sydney’s CBD, Capella Sydney offers a prime location, refined design, family‑friendly amenities and extensive cultural programming. Rooms and suites are spacious with high-end features, while dining highlights include Brasserie 1930 and the Aperture courtyard. Facilities span a spa with a heated indoor pool, a 24‑hour gym and curated tours. Service is attentive, accessibility provisions are extensive and the hotel suits culture-focused travellers seeking a luxury city stay.

Provides an overview of Jilly Cooper’s Rutshire Chronicles and the recommended reading order, outlining the themes and central characters of each novel and noting renewed interest sparked by the Disney+ adaptation of Rivals.

Amazon is developing a TV adaptation of Rebecca Yarros’s bestselling Empyrean series, with a five‑season plan expected to begin with the novel Fourth Wing. Executive producers include Michael Jordan, Lisa Joy, and Yarros, with Meredith Averill serving as showrunner. Casting has not been finalized and filming has yet to begin. The story follows Violet Sorrengail’s dangerous training at a dragon‑rider war college, blending romance, magic, and high‑stakes action.

A highly discounted offer reduces the price of Garnier’s Summer Body gradual tanning moisturiser to under £5, highlighting its long-standing popularity, affordability and reliable results. The moisturiser provides a subtle, buildable tan with hydrating benefits and is noted for its warm apricot scent and smooth finish, though it requires regular reapplication to maintain colour.

The piece highlights FatFace’s revamped summer collection, praising its improved style, quality fabrics, and accessible pricing. It outlines several standout clothing and accessory items, noting their design details, versatility and seasonal appeal, and positions the brand as a strong option for building a spring and summer wardrobe.

Kate Middleton marked the start of the UK summer social season in a custom Self Portrait polka dot ensemble, reflecting her longstanding preference for the pattern at public engagements. Her past appearances in polka dot looks at Wimbledon, Royal Ascot and other events highlight the print as a staple of her wardrobe. A curated selection of high‑street dresses offers affordable options inspired by the Princess’s style.

Emerald Fennell’s 2026 adaptation of Wuthering Heights, featuring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, has split critics and audiences, but is now available to stream in the UK on HBO Max. The film offers a stylised retelling of Emily Brontë’s novel, emphasising intense romance over class themes. Viewers can watch via a standard or ad‑free HBO Max subscription, with the option to access the service through Amazon Prime Channels for added convenience.

Testing compared the Dyson Airwrap i.d and Shark Glam multi-stylers across drying power, attachments, ease of use and styling results. Dyson delivered smoother, longer-lasting curls and strong app-guided functionality, while Shark provided superior drying performance, added straightening capability and strong versatility at a significantly lower price. Dyson excelled in smoothing and curl quality, whereas Shark offered greater value and a more powerful hair dryer, making it the top option for cost-conscious buyers seeking an all‑round styler.

The review highlights 1 Hotel Melbourne as an eco‑luxury property in the Docklands area offering sustainable design, extensive plant‑filled interiors, high‑quality service and a strong food and beverage offering led by chef Mike McNearney. Rooms are described as comfortable and thoughtfully designed, with notable wellness facilities including a large spa, fitness options and an indoor pool. The hotel caters to families and pet owners and provides a wide range of activities and events. Its location offers access to Melbourne attractions, though it is not the most central option.

TU at Sainsbury’s is highlighted as a popular and affordable fashion brand gaining traction on TikTok, offering trend-led clothing at low prices. The supermarket has launched a sale with 20% off dresses, featuring pieces suited for spring and summer, from casual styles to office-friendly options. Various supermarket clothing brands are referenced as part of a broader trend of affordable fashion available alongside grocery shopping.