THE COMPASS This month’s cultural ups and downs

Pointing you in the right cultural direction this month

THE SNOWMAN

Michael Fassbender. The hunt for a missing woman. And some excellent knitwear. Our sort of thriller.

DOUBLE DIGITING

Not sure about giving your number to a stranger? Step in, Flipper. The app gives you a second number in your phone that can be texted instead.

AMERICAN BEAUTY

We didn’t know what a ‘beauty lifestyle brand’ was either, until every beauty insider we know introduced us to Glossier. UK shipping finally available; store coming next year.*

DOGGY STYLE

Calling all animal lovers. The Classic Tails** collection reworks old favourites with cats and canines as the protagonists. Pugs & Prejudice? We’ll take it.

PATENT PUFFAS

“Ooh, shiny!” That’s what people will say as you glide past in a patent puffa jacket. Minted? Get the Vetements offering. Less so? Urban Outfitters is your friend.

FURRY TIGHTS

We love Mulberry, we really do, but those mohair tights? Only for those who can live with looking like their razor took a 16-year sabbatical.

MANSPREADING

First, Madrid banned it. Now, Vistara airlines guarantee women flying solo won’t be given a middle seat. Bye, rogue thighs.

BURGER STRAWS

Why? Nobody knows. We wish this baffling Instagram trend of shoving a straw through a burger atop a soda cup could be explained but, alas, it cannot.

THE DIMPLEPLASTY

Sure, we’ve fantasised about having Miranda Kerr’s life, but never specifically her dimples. US surgeons say dimpleplasty demand has tripled in two years.

PUDDLE PUSHERS

Created by footwear designer Rich Franklin, Dry Steppers act as protective bags for your trainers. Er, right…