Inspired by Aja, the goddess of nature, this edition of Tilly Loves includes winter whites, new skincare finds, the power of trees and a new Florentine trattoria in West London.
Shop Aja Botanicals
This month’s muse
This month, my muse is Aja—the goddess of nature. I love everything she embodies: the silent messages from the trees, the magic of forest animals, and the healing gifts that nature offers. Herbal medicine is so powerful; arnica for bruises is a staple in our home, and I especially love using essential oils in our fragrances for their beauty and depth. I always feel more grounded after time outdoors; I try to put my phone away and be truly present. Even a few minutes in nature helps me breathe more deeply. Whenever a robin appears, I think of my father or someone who’s recently passed, and I always feel his presence on really windy days.
Fashion
I love the winter white look for an extra touch of festive party season glamour—a look brought to life by my friend and brilliant stylist, Tracy. While the jewelled colours—dark reds, burgundies, browns, greens, and navy—fill our winter wardrobes, there’s something quite magical about winter whites, especially for dressed-up events. A vintage shrug adds timeless elegance and warmth (easily found at Portobello market on a Friday), and my dress is from Rick Owens. To give the look a contemporary twist, we styled it with fishnets and black leather gloves.
You can find Tracy on Instagram at @tracymohally.
Beauty
I was so happy to discover Skin Rules at the Alexandra Tolstoy Christmas Fair and I have fallen in love with their Glow Face Oil - packed with rosehip seed oil and sea buckthorn, known as liquid gold for the skin. Their Niacinamide Serum, enriched with hyaluronic acid, brightens and hydrates beautifully. Skin Rules is a super sustainable, cost-effective brand I highly recommend if you’re looking for products that really workand literally don’t cost the earth.
Out & About
Recently, I enjoyed a lovely dinner at Trogolo, the new Florentine trattoria and bar on Westbourne Grove by Lara Boglione of Petersham Nurseries and her husband, Giovanni Mazzei. The wild boar ravioli was delicious, and the atmosphere was great—we loved the sharing plates and excellent wines. With a charming courtyard for summer and outdoor tables, it’s a great new spot to visit.
The Wellbeing Edit
All the festive eating, drinking, and late nights can take a toll on your lymphatic system. One of my favourite ways to reset is dry body brushing—it’s easy, effective, and feels wonderful. The Urban Veda Ayurvedic Body Brush is a great choice. Dry brushing helps prevent ingrown hairs, smooth cellulite, and supports lymphatic drainage and blood circulation. It’s a centuries-old ritual that truly brings out your natural glow. Pair your dry brushing with a candlelit magnesium bath to soothe tired muscles and promote restful sleep, a must during the busy festive season.
Nature
My “Aja tree,” as I call it, stands in the woods near my home with three branches growing from one trunk. It’s become a place of inspiration and calm for me, and I love sitting at its base and letting its grounding energy blend with mine, watching the light filter through the branches, noticing the colours change with the season, listening to the rustle of leaves. I especially love to hear the tapping of a woodpecker during the day, or the twilight call of an owl at dusk.
When we de-stress, we can reconnect with our heart and soul. Someone once told me that negative thoughts get stuck in your head to protect your heart, as only the truth you will feel in your heart. So, the next time something is really bothering you, and you can’t stop thinking about it, remember: it’s probably just an illusion.
Something that's made me happy
My friend Margaret Clancy’s mince pies are a true highlight of the season. She’s a private chef and owner of the catering company Mashed and Smashed, and her festive treats are legendary in Richmond. If you’re not local, Daylesford’s mini mince pies are a close second - a delicious reminder that sometimes the best things come in little packages.
