I’ve found a perfect high street dupe of an £800 pair of jeans in River Island – I’d love to swap style tips with Meghan

THIS week, I‘ve been so flipping proud of myself. Before he died, John and I spoke about how I would cope without him being there to sort things out.

He was Mr Fixer and I was more than happy to take a back seat. But not any longer.

I’ve had to learn how to speak up now I’m on my own. I did it recently in Paris – where John and I used to create a lot of my early content – on a photo shoot for River Island for my upcoming denim edit.

The photographer was capturing a lot of the imagery in the sunlight, but I prefer it darker. I didn’t want to be difficult, but I knew John would say: “Stick up for yourself,” so I explained how I like images to look more like me. “More John,” I said.

They accepted it and we cracked on doing it my way, which was so liberating.

There’s an authenticity to being yourself and sticking to your guns, and me having my own aesthetic is part of that. It can be easier to be the people pleaser, but ultimately, I want my denim edit to be the best it can be.

I’m so excited about it – I’m very keen on democratising fashion.

I had these £800 Saint Laurent jeans, which fitted like a glove – but no glove should cost that much! One high-street hunt later and I landed upon a River Island pair that was almost identical, and for a fraction of the price.

Of course, it’s nice to have designer gear, but I’m a northern lass who loves a bargain. River Island’s jeans are exceptional, and I don’t use that word lightly.

Can you believe we are almost at the end of October? I’m already thinking about what I want to achieve in 2027.

I’m someone who likes a pivot – I went from cabin crew, to working in a shop, to being an content creator/influencer, to launching brands and now a columnist – who knows what’s next?

One thing I can share is that I’ve had some meetings about moving into TV. I’d never want to leave my Insta community, but I’ve had discussions about potentially creating a reality show or a docuseries.

I’ve seen some that are so set up – the house is immaculate, the celeb is dressed to the nines and it’s all very controlled and guarded – but mine would be warts and all.

Plus, my brand No.98 Beauty is moving into skincare, and I can’t wait to share some of the Hollywood faces I’m working with. I’m currently sworn to secrecy, which is challenging for me, but it’s major!

Meanwhile, I’m getting a fair bit done back at Ghost House. I always left John in charge of dealing with workmen, and it’s thanks to him I’ve got my beautiful pink marble bathroom.

But I want to get my dream built-in wardrobes made of lacquered wood, so I’ve roped in my pal Steve Smith, who designed the house. I’m leaning on people who have the skills I don’t, and it feels empowering.

Steve’s an interesting guy – he was living in Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi’s Cotswolds house while finding his own place.

Rumour has it, Ellen and Portia have been hanging out with their new neighbours Meghan and Harry, too, so I’ll keep an eye out for them on my next visit.

Meghan loves a good pair of jeans, so perhaps we could swap some styling tips.

• Follow Lorna on Instagram @Lorna.