A WALLIS WINTER

 At this time of the year I simply adore my weekends in the countryside.  The low lying sunlight and crisp beach leaves make for perfect brisk walks on a Sunday morning.  This season Wallis has conquered the classics whilst keeping them fresh and new.  From the very Parisian navy pea coats to the fine roll next sweaters and the butter soft leather skirts the brand has created the perfect winter wardrobe.  The pieces are well cut and look far more expensive than their High St price tags.  I haven't yet found anything this deep navy coat doesn't go with and am planning a purchase in another colour way to see me through the season.  Check out my other current Wallis favourites below.

Bright Blue Leather Pencil Skirt £95

Grey Knitted Coat £45 

Red Shirt Dress £65

Above I'm Wearing:

 Ink Twill Reefer Coat £70 (currently on offer at £29)

THESE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVOURITE THINGS

I have started my Christmas shopping and browsing the beautiful gifts on offer this year.  Here are a few of my favourites to give you all some ideas for what to buy those lovely ladies in your life. 

Agnes patent Jimmy Choo heels £360

Charbonnel et Walker Rose and Violet truffles £12.95

Diptyque Violette Scented Candle £40

Skull hoop earrings at Thomas Sabo £89

Carven Sweater via mywardrobe.com £123

Pearl cocktail ring £7.50

THIS IS THE YEAR

Christmas really is the most magical time of year. London's turned crisp, hats and scarfs are out and evenings are best spent in a pub with a log fire.  But imagine if there wasn't a Christmas next year. Imagine if Selfridges had no festive window. Imagine if Starbucks had no red cups. If the year was to pass by without a John Lewis advert that bought a tear to your eye.

Last night London's Oxford St turned on their Christmas lights and the festive High St was opened for another year. The British High St is a true treasure and I for one am guilty of not visiting it quite as often as I should. It really is 'use it or lose it'. It takes just a few tiny adjustments to support our great industry and wouldn't it be brilliant to hear some great sales figures from everyone in January not about more brands having to close their doors forever.

So let's all try the following. Rather than that glass of wine at home with the laptop embrace the later opening hours and pop to stores after work. The music and beautiful displays will soon get you in the mood. You can even stop off for a mulled wine in between. If the shop staff have to work late at least we can support them.

Number two is plan better. I hate shopping at Christmas because I've usually left it too late for online deliveries. It's busy and I still have no idea what to get people. Instead get together a list of ideas and possible stores early and make sure you get in before the rush. Give yourself time to enjoy the department stores and browse the boutiques. I am putting my list together this week and planning trips accordingly so I can enjoy the lights and pick up some mince pies and a bauble or two at the same time.

Lastly pick British brands where possible or at least retailers found in our towns and cities. Visit shops you'd usually pass by to see how they have moved on and discover new products and exclusives. Treat yourself to something a bit different.

Marks and Spencer is one of these great brands that we should be embracing. They are part of our history and our heritage. After a recent shopping trip to the store I left with the most wonderful goodies and a smile that it was money well spent. The butter soft leather skirts in black and silver, the palest snowy pastel cashmere polos, the 60s grey suede ankle boots and the mini pigs in blankets with a cranberry dipping sauce were all delicious!

So even if you just give it a go, close that laptop, grab a friend or loved one and go see the lights. Save our High St this Christmas.

Cashmere Polo Neck Jumper £99

Silver Leather Skirt £149

Red flat buckle boots £39.50

Leather duffle bag £79

Red bra £29.50

All at Marks & Spencer

What do I buy him?

How many times are you completely lost for a great present to buy the men in your life? Well beautiful French cosmetics brand L'Occitane may have the answer.  Their Christmas gift sets are filled with best selling products and are great ways to treat friends and family to their favourites. This year their gift sets also include L'Occitanes mens products from both their Cade and L'Occitan Homme scents.  This Elegant L'Occitan box is filled with products in the most delicious distilled Lavender, nutmeg and black pepper fragrance. It includes the EDT, shower gel, shaving foam, shaving balm and pebble soap - everything to keep him smelling scrummy!  By purchasing the products beautifully wrapped in tissue, a gift box and tied with ribbon you save money.  This set costs just £49.50 rather than its full value of £79.  Well that will do nicely.

Elegant L'Occitan Collection £49.50

Snowflakes at Dawn

Now it's November it seems acceptable to start thinking about the Party Season and where better to start  than with a little glitter.  Nails Inc have bought out their christmas collection which includes this beautiful heavy white glitter polish 'Whitechapel Snowflake'.  A mixture of gold glitter flakes and white snowflake circles this polish gives far better coverage than most glitter varnishes.  I can't decide whether I prefer it on its own over buffed, over a white polish or over the palest blue-grey.  I recommend trying them all!  Why not treat yourself to a little glitz today?

Nails Inc Whitechapel Snowflake polish via Debenhams £16