At the risk of sounding like the 21st century incarnation of Dicken’s most popular character [that's Scrooge according to Penguin Books] - I can’t stand Secret Santa. I’m not sure if it’s the budget, the element of surprise or the opportunity to be comedic that throws people, but it’s this gifting formula that has thrown up some of my most bizarre festive gifts. Comedy gifts are my greatest bugbears; £10 for a momentary laugh followed by a swift trip down the charity shop seems like a big expenditure IMHO. So here's an edit of great gifts under £10 that I think would be genuinely lovely to receive. For the boozers in your life offer something more imaginative that a bottle and opt for an alcoholic pastille from Smith & Sinclair (I have sampled them and they really are strong!). For the budding chef, Leon's 'Little' cookbook collection is both aesthetically pleasing and full of useful recipes. Monogrammed gifts are the easiest way to offer something personal and Alphabet bags add an initial to just about anything. For the caffeine fiend, Keepcup's awesome website offers the opportunity to create bespoke reusable coffee cups in the recipients favourite pantone pallet (make mine mint green). So here's the under £10 edit [apart from Selfridges £15 Astro Pouch that I slipped in because it's so pretty!]
Top row L - R: Little Leon Book: Brownies, Bars & Muffins, Oliver Bonas, £6.99. Smith and Sinclair Gin Pastilles, Harvey Nichols, £9.50. Orelia Star Hoops, Topshop, £10. Weekly Meal Planner, Kikki K, £9. Second row L - R: Jolly Ginger Biscuits, Biscuiteers, £6. Assorted Napolitan Chocolates, Fortnum & Mason, £9.50. Christmas Lip Bullet Duo, Topshop, £10. Bespoke Keepcup, Keepcup.com, £10. Third row L - R: S Mini Tote, Alphabet Bags, £8. Astro Fragrance Pouch, Selfridges, £15. Alphabet Candle, Marks and Spencer, £3. Bottom row L - R : This Works Dream Team Set, Harvey Nichols, £10. Marble Monogram Notebook, Studio Sarah, £6.95. Glitter Lights Socks, Topshop, £3.50. Korres Mini Showergel Collection, Birchbox, £10.
If you've ever been to The Clothes Show before, you'll know it's a fun day out from which you'll come home loaded with fashion and beauty treats. I have great memories of the girly days out mum and I shared there when I was a teen [a decade ago - yikes!] and seeing my first ever catwalk show. This year the show will boast a new and improved layout with fresh, innovative features to enhance and enrich the shopping, catwalk and seminar experiences for us style-savvy visitors. I have two tickets to give away (worth £29 each) for the Saturday December 5th show, with a line-up that includes fashion experts Mark Heyes, Hilary Alexander and Caryn Franklin plus eye-candy in the form of Andy Jordan (hello secret crush alert!). Entering is really easy through the competition form below and I'll be announcing the winner via email and on social media next week. Good luck!
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With my festive social calendar looking busier than newly single Spencer Matthews at Bodo’s Schloss on a Friday night, I’m looking for a few party pieces to add some sparkle to my seasonal wardrobe. The brief; fancy pieces that I can wear for a day in the office and tweak for a night on the tiles. My go-to source of inspiration? You might be suprised - the Boden festive catalogue - which landed on my doormat a couple of weeks ago and is filled with super-gorgeous glitter-dusted outfit inspiration. Take the brocade lace ‘Party Trousers' for example. Layer them up with a soft navy knit for day, and add a pointed court shoe and striped tee come party time. The glitter dusted Mary Janes are also super fabulous and v. Miu Miu! I’d pair them with some frayed hem jeans for that cool luxe - casual contrast. Here's an edit of my favourite styles:
One of the best things about living in London is the germinating multitude of green spaces. The city's parks play a big part in my life - I run round Clapham Common, picnic in Battersea Park and play tourist in Hyde Park. When UGG Australia invited me to road-test a pair of their classic UGG boots in the park, I happily obliged. Which is how I found myself in Hyde Park last Saturday enjoying the last few rays of autumn sunshine.
