CHRISTMAS JUMPERS EDIT

Ah Christmas jumpers - that tricky knitted territory that rises up to greet us but once a year. You're drawn to the kitsch but would ideally like something you can wear more than once and might even have a life span that outlives the contents of the Quality Streets tin.

Here are four that have caught my eye for the upcoming festivities.

From top to bottom: 

1. The ultimate Christmas jumper for now and also for ever more - Bella Freud x Kate Moss. Be still my beating heart. Available from Matches. 
2. Scandi chic with a dose of sequins to ensure good cheer. I think this would be great in the run up to the big day and for cosy boxing day walks. A strong contender. Available from ASOS
3. Bella Freud on a budget courtesy of Topshop. Don't be put off by the 'petite' sizing - this is just the right fit for non-petite folk too. Cheap, cheerful and appropriately cheeky. 
4. I love a navy crew neck and this would be the perfect Christmas addition - give into the sequins! Another gem from Topshop. 

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CURRENTLY CRUSHING ON... DESMOND & DEMPSEY 

Well it certainly has been a while since my last post! A smaaaall hiatus of approximately 12 months. 

As is always the way, life somehow took over. But in recent months I've been missing the blog and I think it is time to focus upon its resurrection! 

What better way to embark upon its return that with something I am currently crushing on humongously: Desmond & Dempsey pyjamas. 

I have a bit of a thing about pyjamas and am already earmarking multiple pairs in the run up to Christmas (I have a feeling that I may need to welcome a pair of Desmond & Dempseys a little bit sooner, however). 

They'd be perfect to pack for a few upcoming weekends in the country with friends, and just for general joyous lounging at home of course. I just love how a classic PJ can make you feel that bit more pulled together and happy to face both the early and lazy mornings, or settle down for the evening in style. 

My favourite Signature Cut sets below are either available now or for pre-order and can be monogrammed for an extra cost (as if the whole situation could get any better!)

Desmond & Dempsey

All images from Desmond & Dempsey

WISH LIST: MANSUR GAVRIEL

Currently lusting after this deliciously simple leather tote by Mansur Gavriel. I'm due to start a new job soon and this would just be the chicest thing going. 

Mansur Gavriel Small Tote in Black. 

Photo credits: Mansur Gavriel and The Telegraph.

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WISH LIST: FRESH THINKING

With Spring in the air, I'm lusting after the same sorts of things I always end up hankering for at this time of year. All things fresh, floral, crisp and clean! 

New pjs sets (all perfectly folded neatly in the drawer of course), watercolour florals and jacquard with neon trim? Yes please. Fresh scents come courtesy of Creed's wonderfully hopeful Spring Flower, Diptyque's Menthe Verte candle and a lavender scented oval. 

My attention is also moving towards upcoming trips abroad, starting with Morocco next month! 

So I'm hoping to snare these printed trousers for trips to the souks, a floppy hat (for lounging by the pool) and these cool (yet walkable) chunky heeled sandals would be such a welcome addition to my wardrobe! They'll work with midi dresses and cuffed jeans alike. 

From L to R, Topshop floral pjs, Accessorize sun hat, Topshop jacquard pjs, Diptyqye Menthe Verte candle, Creed Spring Flower, Diptyque Lavender scented oval, Topshop floral trousers, Topshop sandals. 

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CHRISTMAS (AND BIRTHDAY) WISHLIST

I have been compiling my list for an embarrassingly long time. I take great pleasure every year in slowly adding this and that, taking items out, putting them back in, and so on until I'm left with my perfect collection for that year. 

The same things make their way on year in, year out, without fail (cashmere and new sheepskin slippers). I would have LOVED a cashmere dressing down (as per usual), but this little cable knit chap from Topshop will happily fit the bill until the time for cashmere loungewear is nigh. 

Luxe knitwear comes courtesy of Reiss and Whistles, perfect for cosying up in on Boxing day (layered over a white Whistles blouse and classic-wash Topshop Jamie jeans). 

I always keep one eye permanently on J.Crew's beautiful jewellery, and adding this classic statement necklace to my collection would make me very happy come Christmas day. A more subtle, yet just as wondrous piece of jewellery comes from Monica Vinader in the form of their perfect gold Siren engravable ring.

In terms of beauty, I would love to replace my fantastic (but aged) Shu Uemura eyelash curlers. Being something of a lip balm fiend, it would be very exciting to make the cult By Terry Baume de Rose one mine at last. I'm also keen to add some Aromatherapy Associates bath and shower oils to my bathroom cabinet for those days when my regular shower gel just doesn't cut the mustard. Candles always make lovely gifts. I first discovered Christian Tortu candles whilst on holiday in America and they smell beyond divine. As is mu tradition, I like to start a new perfume on Christmas day - this year I hope it'll be Jo Malone's Orange Blossom cologne.

I've noticed how silver oxfords feature regularly (and perfectly) in Olivia Palermo's wardrobe, and when I spotted these narrow and perfectly refined ones from J.Crew, I dropped some hefty hints to my man friend. He's not entirely on board with shoes that he can see his reflection in, but he seems willing to put his misgivings to one side in order to make me happy. 

Last, but not least, I've become mildly obsessed with coffee table books and would love to have all of the above on my coffee table, ready to be leafed through or simply sit ever so prettily in a stylish stack. And yes, I am a very late convert to the Rachel Zoe Project and love all things Zoe at the mo. Incidentally, the books would look great sitting next to this beautiful gold tray from Zara Home. 

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OFF TO FRANCE: AIRPORT SHOPPING LIST

I'm off to France for a long weekend this coming Friday, and as per, one of the bits I'm looking forward to the most (and my boyfriend will do his darndest to curtail) is scuttling around duty free in Heathrow's stupendous Terminal 5. I literally cannot wait. 

I must admit I've already ordered the Supergoop face serum and lip balm (I don't know if I would have found this in the airport and as we all know, sun protection is not something to take a chance with!)
I'm hoping to visit Clarins for sure, and am crossing my fingers that there will be a Laura Mercier stand somewhere. I'm out of my ever-faithful illuminating tinted moisturiser. Likewise, I'm hoping I'll be able to seek out Origins too - I've decided it's time to look into eye care products and reign in my perennially puffy under-eye bags. Looking tired at all times ain't cute. I'd really welcome any eye cream recommendations you have!

I'm definitely going to buy Hydraluron soon after reading so many good things about it, and am entertaining a vague hope that it might (for some reason) be a little cheaper in the airport Boots. 

Once in France, I'll naturally be popping over to the nearest pharmacy like a woman possessed, clearing the shelves of Bioderma Crealine in one fell swoop, like you do. But I'm also keen to secure La Roche-Posay's Serozinc.

Last but not least, the sunglasses trying on session. No airport visit would be complete without it - oh how I love it.The dream scenario would be being left alone by the Karen Walker stand for long enough to find my perfect pair. 

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SHOPPING WISH LIST

 

The above are all on my shopping wish list at the moment. The jacquard coat is from Zara and would be pure perfection with ankle grazing denim and ballet flats for the move into Spring. The stripe top and simple leopard heels are both Topshop - stripes speak for themselves (we always need more) - but the leopard heels would be such a great addition for evening drinks. ESPECIALLY with some ripped denim (these are Topshop too) and a simple top, like, say, this white Whistles one? Last but not least, I'd love to get some Klorane dry shampoo in my cupboard. I've always known it's not wise that I wash my hair every day and so need to get involved in this dry shampoo malarky. I am not a fan of Batiste - too powdery, too scented. I'm told this one is the bees knees though.

 

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