She's not like a regular mum – she's a cool mum

1. Byredo Loose Lips Candle £50 here
1. Orelia disc lariat pendant £18 here
3. Alex Monroe for Liberty pineapple pendant £150 here
4. Byredo Blanche EDP £90 here
5. Illesteva rose gold sunglasses £140 here
6. Meli Melo Aloe silk scarf £150 here
7. Malone Souliers rainbow sandals (LOVE this brand) £545 here
8. Kate Spade recipe journal £45 here
9. Fornasetti Flora candle (the cool way to do flowers) £115 here
10. Rogues brogues exclusive to Harvey Nichols £170 here
11. Luxe City Guides Europe gift box £35 here
12. Anya Hindmarch rainbow shoulder bag £695 here
13. Carven skirt £240 here
14. Delfina Delettrez multi-stone earring £450 here
15. Iosselliani gold-plated earrings £95 here

2

Mother's Day is just around the corner, but it's not too late to make your lovely mum's day as special as possible.

I don't doubt for one second that your mum is every bit as chic as you are – so make darn sure your gift matches up.

The golden rule for golden children? If you wouldn't want it yourself, it simply isn't good enough for mum.

If you've left it a touch too late to buy a present, you can get creative with experiences for Sunday. Why not arrange an at-home Champagne Afternoon Tea with finger sandwiches, homemade scones and an assortment of scrumptious cakes and sweets? Or maybe you could spoil her silly with a beautiful bouquet and a spot of brekkie in bed?

Pop over to my Pinterest for lots of recipe ideas.

P.S.
Keep your eyes peeled over the coming days for Sugarfina at Harvey Nicks. Launching exclusively this month, you can expect Bento-style boxes choc-a-block with Champagne gummy bears, Kir Royale truffles and chocolate-dipped bacon toffees. Perhaps, you could write Mum and IOU? She's such a sweetie, after all.

Flaring Up

1. Wishbone necklace by Astrid & Miyu – £29.00 here
2. Gold initial rings by Astrid & Miyu – £39.00 here
3. Sophie Hulme Bordeaux cross-body bag – £425.00 here
4. Topshop Premium Prowl boots – £120.00 here
5. Topshop cropped shirt – £36.00 here
6. Miss Selfridge skinny flared jeans – £38.00 here

I'm a denim devotee. Monday to Sunday, season to season, I rarely stray from my skinny jean rotation: Moto Leighs one day, Hollister Ryans the next (don't judge - they are actually not as bad as the so-called "models" would have you think) and then back to my go-to Abercrombie & Fitch pair. The sartorial equivalent of a big ole' bowl of mac'n'cheese, skinnies are my comfort, despite being nigh-on impossible to remove in a remotely elegant, or sexy, manner. Just do the skinny shimmy or shake 'em off if you're feeling Swift-y.

Back to the matter at hand: denim. This season is all about the stuff– be it Alexa Chung for AG's delectable white dungaree dress or Victoria Victoria Beckham's chic flared mini, the workaday fabric is back on the sartorial agenda for SS15, and it's looking rather foxy. Inspired by the changing demands of their ready-to-wear clientele, designers took note, debuting an array of dressed-up denim pieces. Stella McCartney ticked off two trends in one, whipping hers into utilitarian overalls, while Burberry Prorsum took the perennial jean jacket up a notch or two with exquisite tailoring and tactile trimmings. The catwalk has spoken: it's time to take your denim in a new direction.

Ooh La L'Agent

1. Marisela black balconette bra £50.00 by L'Agent by Agent Provocateur (buy yours here)
2. Marisela black briefs £28.00 by L'Agent by Agent Provocateur (buy yours here)

Do you really need another lingerie set? No? Good, that makes two of us. No one ever 'needs' beautiful lingerie, but that's the charm.

Underwear is my biggest vice, and this month I have been led astray by Agent Provocateur's alluring  L'Agent line. The Autumn/Winter 2014 collection has been designed in collaboration with the Cruz sisters, drawing on their dance backgrounds for inspiration. Some pieces are showgirl-ready – namely the cerise satin bodysuit – but others are rather more reserved, like the lace-trimmed set pictured.

Though the promotional video is not the most tasteful – boys, you may (will) disagree – the collection itself is strong, particularly for those with smaller cup sizes. Most of the bras are designed in a balconette style to elongate the neck and accentuate the bust. They are pretty and playful, with a little touch of Agent Provocateur naughtiness.

Treat yourself. Next on my list? The cerise Marisela set with powder-pink trims.

BEST OF THE REST

Last Chance to Get Personal

 

Alex Monroe  is my go-to for delicate, beautifully crafted jewellery that will work for any occasion. The latest addition to the Alex Monroe collection is the idiosyncratic Enchanted Twig Alphabet Necklace in 18ct gold. At £375, these dainty, elegant necklaces are future classics. You can shop these here, or if you're in London this weekend pop along to the Alex Monroe sample sale which you can find out about here. 

Come Christmas, everybody wants something a little bit special. 

When I begin to think about Christmas shopping, my imagination really does run wild. I have so many great ideas for gifts, but sadly my student budget restricts my delusions of gifting grandeur.

However, to quote my darling Mum, "it's the thought that counts". A thoughtful gift, such as a photo album chock-a-block full of memories, can be every bit as adorable as a pair of Manolo Blahnik BBs... Well, not quite that adorable. Let's not be daft now. 

So if you're look for something special and thoughtful that won't break the bank, then look no further than the latest influx of personalised pieces to delight your darlings on Christmas day.

From ID tag bracelets through to jewel tone suede slippers, there is something for every giftee, no matter how fussy he/she may be. (PS boys yours is to follow so hold your horses.)

With a cool 19 days until you lay out your miniature mince piece for Santa's sustenance (yes, that IS your cue to panic), it is time to get personal and place your orders. 

Here is my edit.

Gifts with Wit by [v&bp]

Over Summer I have become obsessed with Pinterest. I could easily spend endless hours perusing various boards wondering why my dressing table never looks quite so elegant or my statement jewellery quite so twinkly. 

Nevertheless, I do tend to find a lot of inspiration on Pinterest, particularly when it comes to interiors. While my dreams are unlikely to leap from the pages of Vogue to Homes & Gardens any time soon, I have grown to appreciate slick interior design and kooky finishing touches. 

Later this month a couple of friends and I are due to move in to our new place in Battersea (yes, SW Fashion is moving SW). We are all hugely excited to get ourselves settled, and I have been hunting high and low for some stylish pieces to make our new flat look contemporary and chic. In my quest I have found a number of smaller brands which I just had to share with you, starting with Vinegar & Brown Paper.

Vinegar & Brown Paper is a charming boutique brand specialising in individually etched pieces ranging from lab glass through to sweetie jars and milk bottles. You can buy online, but [v&bp] is also stocked in a number of boutiques across England, all of which you will find listed here.

The witty pieces are unique and stylish, and really are the perfect gifts for he or she who appears to have EVERYTHING. Well, I bet they don't have a flask and beaker set engraved with GnT?

Vinegar & Brown Paper have something to suit everyone, be it an ink bottle engraved with Use Your Ink Well for budding wordsmiths or a personally engraved milk bottle for a newlywed couple.

If you are lacking gift inspiration, then you needn't look any further!

The stylish and modern brand produces pieces that are unique and picture-perfect: the sort of gift that you long to show off, the sort of gift that you are likely to remember.

I personally have fallen head-over-heels (as if often the case when gin is involved) with the GnT flask and beaker. They have that clinical aesthetic to a tee (oh hey there Aesop and Le Labo) and are sure to make Gin O'Clock a chic affair.

Girls with class don't need a glass... They need a litre flask.

The Creative Juices apothecary bottle also makes for a fabulous present for all those artistic types, who are notoriously tricky to buy for. You'll know it's a hit when it makes it to their Instagram feed complete with #bestpresent and #friendoftheyear.

So if you're thinking of buying me a flat-warming gift (!!), any of the above shall do the trick.

You can shop the full collection here.

Good Enough To Eat

1. Rose pink push up  bra with silk - £17.50 here
2. Rose pink Brazilian knickers with lace trim - £9.50 here
3. Pistachio green silk push up with lace trim - £17.50 here
4. Pistachio green Brazilian knickers with silk- £9.50 here

Happy sweet Saturday all !

Following a little discussion with my super sweet chum Harriet (check out her website Discover + Escape here for some luxury lifestyle inspiration... If you feel like treating yourself) this morning, I thought I should share with you the finest underwear out there just now, from Marks and Spencer no less.

Popping along to the High Summer press day a few weeks ago (post here) I was blown away by the utter gorgeousness of a number of pieces, but being such a ridiculous girly girl I was drawn to the scrumptious silken lingerie from Limited Collection.

Though I am personally waiting with baited breath to buy the mint and cream version of the sets featured above (hopefully in store soon- somebody put some aside for little old me), these pretty pastel versions are a lovely Springtime treat to make your weekend that little bit special.

The minute I laid eyes on the pistachio offering I was reminded of those gilded Ladurée boxes containing artfully crafted, feather light macaroons in a rainbow of sorbet shades. This sweet set also brought to mind the beautiful Ladurée cafes that are dotted around London offering rosy teas and the finest Champagne cocktail money can buy- The Laduree (rose syrup topped up with rosé champagne.)

The shape is universally flattering and sure to make you feel that little bit prettier for any occasion. Nothing feels nicer than wearing lovely lingerie, and these adorable Limited Collection pieces are certainly topping my wishlist this season.

Get Personal: Noble MacMillan

1. Personalised Tiffany blue leather iPad case from £75 here
2. Patriotic Passenger leather travelcard holder from £17 here
3. Personalised leather Kindle holder from £49 here
4. The World is Your Oyster leather travelcard holder from £17 here

Things are getting rather personal at the moment, with a charming trend for personalisation sweeping the market, cropping up everywhere from Whistles (see my feature here) through to luxury London labels like Anya Hindmarch and high street brands including Oasis (a feature is to follow!)

And while it is undoubtedly rather special to carry around all your essentials in a decadent leather handbag emblazoned with your initials, sometimes it feels rather more savvy to spend on little leather tech cases and notepads, which are the latest lot to get the personalisation treatment.

While Smythson also offer this service, this comes at a luxury price, so for something every bit as special yet rather more accessible, check out Noble Macmillan's classic leather stationary which is now available at my beloved www.notonthehighstreet.com.

Handcrafted in the UK from the finest leather, Noble Macmillan products offer a little everyday luxury with an assortment of essential accessories with elegant silver and gold leaf lettering.

For a little treat, feast your eyes on these unique leather pieces offering everything from Tiffany blue iPad cases- my personal pick- through to sweet Oyster card holders which will make sure you never misplace that pesky travelcard ever again (fingers crossed!)

Whether you opt for a little uplifting quote or simply plump for your initials, these ultra soft leather pieces will add oodles of polish to your work attire.

I have spent far too long hunting for an ideal iPad case, and i've finally met my match. It's simple, clean and it says SW on it... What more could a girl want!

I cannot neglect to mention that Noble Macmillan products make for the most lovely little gifts for those who are particularly difficult to buy for. I don't think you can go far wrong with the truly beautiful notebook,  while the gorgeous photo albums are ideal for special occasions or wedding gifts.

Best in Beauty: Early April

I can't believe that my Easter holidays have been and gone and I am back to London today until Summer holidays. Yup. SUMMER.

Without risking sounding like a grandmother, WHERE has this year gone?

Oh to be young again.

Anyway, without further ado, here are my first best in beauty picks for this month- i'll do another batch towards the end of the month because i'm that much of a beauty junkie.

Hope you likey! 

My first picks this month have to be two of the finest mascaras of the moment. Stila is a cult label that last year saw a long overdue relaunch. While their nourishing, super-shiny lip glazes are particularly iconic, I must admit that I have heard nothing but great things about their Stay All Day mascara (£15 from Space NK here). It really is in the name on this one, girls, for this mascara supposedly does not budge all day long. I am thinking that this shall be one for my Summer beauty bag (back off panda eyes- just back off) and will keep you posted when i've tried it. If anyone has already just pop a little comment below.

My second mascara pick is one that I have been using for a little while and must say that I do swear by it for giving me super fluttery eyelashes in just a couple of coats. Don't be perturbed by that snazzy looking old tube, for this MAC False Lashes mascara is certainly a keeper (£18 here). While it is certainly not smudge (ahem - tear) proof, this glossy mascara is thick but not clumpy and is perfect for lengthening and volumising without too much hassle. I always curl with Shu Uemura Eyelash Curlers beforehand, of course. 

I shudder to think how much money I have spent in this lifetime on lipgloss. I go through it at the speed of noughts, and buy way more than I really should. I just love a good lipgloss, I do. I also am pretty pernickety about the glosses I go for, as nothing is more off-putting than an overly viscous or oily "gloss", it's got to be suitably sticky and preferably sweet. 

My favourite, month by month, is always the NARS lipgloss. It is thick but not gloopy and has just the right amount of pigment to remove any need for a base lipstick or colour. It is a little bit more expensive than your average Superdrug shot (£17.50 here), but it is also a big bit better. This Turkish Delight colour is a pale, powdery pink and is soon to be the latest addition to my ever expanding beauty bag. See ya in Selfridges... Or Space NK... Or Harvey Nicks. I'm not fussy. 

Another product I am really keen to try is the Benefit Dandelion lipgloss (£14.50 here). If anyone has any feedback on it just let me know- I love the blusher personally for it's delicate touch of petal pink, so I can only imagine that the lipgloss is just as lovely. 

I featured these Urban Apothecary candles in my Mothers Day post a while back (after spotting on the amazing Discover and Escape) and I just had to feature them again because they sound SO delicious! I still haven't found an excuse to treat myself just yet, but don't they sound so lovely? Inspired by french macaroons (mmmmm...) these delightfully sweet candles come in an array of sugary scents that sound so very decadent. I felt as we edged into Summer, I should stay true to good old Great Britain and bring out the strawbs and cream! This luxury candle comes in a beautiful little glass jar which is perfect for storing trinkets once the candle is all gone. You can treat yourself here for £30. 

You know i'm off to New York this June, right? Don't know if i've mentioned...

Eep! I am so very excited to visit the Big Apple and on reading a book called The Stylist's Guide to NYC, I got even more excited about checking out some of the cities' big name perfumery stores such as Le Labo.

Le Labo scents are a tad expensive, but they are delightfully unique and can even have the labels personalised. What could possibly be a better souvenir? 

I think I shall be inclined to go for Jasmine. A light but floral Spring scent, this charming and distinctive scent is ladylike but still powerful. You can buy for £95 here or at Liberty (as per the one in the image)

Yesterday over lunch, my mother, sister and I spent a good half hour talking about our favourite nail polish brands, which made for a riotous old time for dad, as I'm sure you can imagine. 

While initially I flew the flag for Essie (I love Splash of Grenadine and Ballet Slippers- call me cliché!) and OPI, my mother plumped for Leighton Denny and my sister full on championed Butter London polishes. 

I must admit that my sister and I rarely agree, but on this one I could not argue. Butter London polishes really are quite fabulous and for Spring they have some delicious shades around. I just featured a couple of my favourites here- Fruit Machine, a poppy candy pink and Kerfuffle, a sugary soft coral. 

The polishes offer great coverage and don't go as streaky as other luxury polish brands tend to. Both these soft new interpretations of pastel shades would be great for the warmer months whether on your fingertips or tootsies. (both £13 at Butter London)

While skincare is not among the most girly or glamourous of beauty products, it is undoubtedly the most important, particularly if you suffer from skin problems like myself.

My skin is scarred from acne, dry in parts and oily in others, and also extremely blemish prone, so I spend my life in pursuit of a regime that will balance all of the above or, perhaps, make it all go away?

While this Eucerin DermoPurifyer hasn't quite cleared everything up, it really is helping. I have been using the cleanser (£9.18 here), toner (£9.18 here), concentrate (£9.50 here) and moisturiser/night here (both £9.18 here) every day and night for the past few weeks and I have noticed a great improvement in my skin.

My skin is nourished and no longer as oily, and spots are far rarer than they have been in the past. I have also been eating a far more nutritious diet since being at home, with more fats than I care to think about, which probably is a contributing factor, but I really would recommend this regime if you're a little conscious of your skin. 

Last but not least, a little touch of luxury from Anya Hindmarch. I really do wish I could call this make-up bag my own, but I think it's something I would need to ask for as a gift!

How adorable is it? This "Face Repair Kit" in soft metallic leather is £135 (here) but is perfect for carrying around all your favourite beauty essentials! 

How could you resist?!

The Glorious notonthehighstreet.com GIVEAWAY!

Ooh, don't I spoil you!

Today i'm launching my latest giveaway in collaboration with notonthehighstreet.com, the online boutique that offers everything from kooky wall prints through to gourmet gin and bespoke biscuits!

I absolutely adore notonthehighstreet.com for their expansive product selection and they really are the solution to ANY gift-buying issues.

I find the best way to sum notonthehighstreet.com up is to simply state that the store is full of wonderful things I didn't know I needed, until I saw them on the site. 

And now I need them all, perhaps even more than I need new shoes.

The lovely team at notonthehighstreet.com have offered me a £50 gift card to give away to one of you lovely lot.

To enter, all you  have to do is...

1) COMMENT BELOW WITH YOUR NAME AND EMAIL ADDRESS

2) FOLLOW @SWfashion_ ON TWITTER, LIKE SW FASHION ON FACEBOOK AND FOLLOW ON BLOGLOVIN'

If you're wondering where that gift card could go, here are a few ideas...

1. The very definition of adorable, this pillowcase is just £12.50

2. My cute little friends bought me this mini chest of drawers for my 19th birthday and I just love it- you can even have it personalised.

3. The store is full of uplifting, kooky artwork that is sure to bring even the simplest of rooms to life. I adore this timeless print for £49.

4. If it were up to me, i'd purchase one of these personalised bangles. I've been looking for a subtle way to pay tribute to someone loved and lost and I feel that one of these bangles, embossed with a 'C', would be a beautiful way to do so.  

5. With an abundance of delightful stationary, NOTHS is great for organised sorts like myself. I love this wee notebook...

6. The Biscuiteers are a huge hit in London at present, and their personalised, hand-decorated biscuits are now available on NOTHS. This personal tin of high tea inspired biccies is a great way to treat yourself or a loved one.

7. All together now: aaaw. I love these sweet little bottles complete with candy-stripe straws in a colour of your choosing. Cocktails are about to get a whole lot cuter...

8. I love sausage dogs: fact. This print is just so very sweet for £28 

9. I love this print every bit as much as I love gin (£18).

10. Make baking and cocktail shaking a rather more stylish art with these drink and cake toppers inspired by Alice in Wonderland- great for parties.

11. I adore these biscuit shaped cushions! I need one in every style, please- they are only £22 here!

12. Champagne is always the answer, the question is irrelevant.

Best of luck to you all- I will select a winner at random on April 20th.

Don't forget to share this post with your friends/readers (on Facebook or Twitter, or both ! )

Mother's Day: Spoil Her Rotten

Following yesterday's Mother's Day post full of lots of tasty treats and scents, today i'm going for something rather more luxurious. 

While it is certainly cutting it a tad fine, I just felt I needed to share these lovely picks with you. I also think that this post shall act as another gift for mum... A "things I would have bought you if I were rich" sort of thing.

You're welcome, mum. I've been rather generous, I know! 

I tweeted recently (@SWfashion_  love a shameless plug) about my overwhelming desire to spoil mum rotten this mother's day which clashes with my depleted bank balance. Someone was sweet enough to remind me in their response that it is not about money at all. 

Though these decadent treats are sure to put a smile on your mum's face, i'm sure she'd be every bit as grateful if you were to bring her breakfast in bed, run her a bubble bath and maybe even cook her a meal. 

Think of all she does for you, after all!

1. The new Mulberry Willow tote is a total godsend. While it is not exactly cheap at £1500 for this rose petal pink offering, you're basically getting two bags for the price of one as that natty little zip pouch at the front also doubles as a clutch. This is a deliciously decadent gift for mum, though it may be very difficult to part with something so very pretty.

2. I love Anya Hindmarch and this zip pouch in a lovely powdery green shade is a great way to say thanks to your mum for all she's put up with over the years! It's £135 from Selfridges. 

3. Mum's are the biggest stars around, so remind her of this little fact with these Anthropologie crystal studs. Anthropologie is a great place to look for mother's day presents- it's all so pretty and at a reasonable pricepoint. These studs are £18 here.

4. Ever since I was very little I have been telling my parents that I love them to the moon and back. This twinkling diamond ring from London-based boutique EC One would be a lovely way to remind my mum just how much she means to me. It is a bit of an investment at £368 but she's worth every last penny. You can buy the ring here. While on the EC One website, I also urge you to enter their I Love Mum competition. All you have to do to win a £200 voucher is send over a picture of you and your mum along with a few lines on why you love her so dearly. Enter here.

5. Another luscious candle. This Neom Organic Happiness candle, available at Selfridges, is natural and fresh. It has such an uplifting springtime scent with notes of mimosa, lemon and white neroli. It is £39.95 but will last for ages.

6. It kind of annoys me that I totally forgot about this Alex Monroe necklace when I was shopping for mother's day presents. The minute I saw it, I thought of my mum and I only wish that I had thought to buy it there and then. With a dinky little watering can adorned with a crystal blue water droplet, this charming pendant is perfect for any greenfingered mums! It is £138 in gold, here.

7. No card is truer, in all honesty, and I think these Door 77 cards (available on this site or on Not On The High Street) are some of the simplest but sweetest cards money can buy.

8. I have become all rather obsessed with Kate Spade since stumbling upon her store in Westfield a couple of months ago. I've since spent way too much time and money in there buying lots of cutesy little things that I certainly do not need, but certainly DO want. This blue bow bangle is a gorgeously unique gift for any lady, particularly a chic mum.

9. Smythson do the most wonderfully crafted leather stationary around and this Yummy Mummy notebook is the most lovely gift. I think it's really sweet to give something like this for mother's day, as it will always be remembered and cherished. You can buy it here for just £45.

10. Another one I wish i'd bought. Sadly I only spotted this Door 77 card after having bought both my card and present. This handmade card is truly special and will certainly put a smile on her face. Buy it from Door 77 or on NOTHS. For an extra £7 you can have it framed, which I think would make for a really special gift. I actually bought my dad the card at number 7 and framed it for him.

11. Most mum's love champagne. This is a fact. Most women do too. This is also a fact. If your mum has a taste for the pink fizz, you simply must indulge her with this extravagant Laurent Perrier gift set with four champagne flutes adorned with rosy pink decoration. It is £92 from Harvey Nichols, but is another gift that just keeps on giving! 

Valentines 2013: The Classics

(background image from here)

It's that time of year again. It's such fun if you're loved up, but less so if you're a single pringle. 

Bitterness aside, there is no denying that we can all appreciate the truly adorable pieces that can be found in the stores at the moment.

From the spine-tingling sexy lingerie through to the kitschy cutesy cards, there is something for everyone this time round. 

I'll be doing a few gifty guides over the next week, but i'll ease in with these unadulterated, romantic goodies that are classic but not even remotely cliche. 

If you would quite happily never see another heart-cuddling teddy bear again, you best direct your other half to this little post quick smart!

1. These cute cards from Topshop are the perfect little gesture for a loved one (£3.50 here)

2. It's a cheesy old chat up line, but this Paperchase card is also very cute. (£2.50 here)

3. I'm getting really into stamps just now (I'm that cool, yup) and this little Love Hearts stamp is an adorable little Valentines gift or treat. (£7.50 here)

4. Okay, this Paris Love bracelet by Mademoiselle Felee is a total beauty! It is delicate but stylish and a really unique present. (£34.50 here)

5. I'm weak at the knees for Mimi Holliday and this romantic Confetti Bomb balconette bra in an explosion of  coral and cherry polka dots is divine! Next on my list for sure. (£54 here)

6. Nicolas Feuillatte champagne is absolutely beautiful, and this rose offering is ideal for your pretty in pink lady. (£30 here) 

7. Sickeningly sweet, I know, but some people LOVE that. This key is an adorable gift for the person that truly does hold the key to your heart. (£8.50 NOTHS)

8. What lady wouldn't love a little Mulberry pouch on Valentines morning? This cherry red offering peppered with golden hearts is a romantic keepsake for your significant other. (£195 here)

9. I was lucky enough to receive these earrings for my birthday in a delicious aquamarine shade, but I love this pinky coral option for a more lovey-dovey twist. (£22 here)

10. What's the point in getting a bra without the matching knickers, boys? If you're treating your lucky lady to the Confetti Bomb bra, i'd be sure to pop these cerise lacy knickers in your basket as well. Tres jolie! (£40 here)

11. For another sickeningly adorable gift, why not invest in this gold-plated 'Cosy Lovebirds' pendant from Alex Monroe. It truly is beautiful and is most thoughtful! (£132 here)

12. How about these pillowcases for a you lovebirds to rest your sleepy heads on at night? I LOVE these (£45 here) 

13. Another little Mulberry indulgence, this is atop my wishlist at the moment, and i'm sure your other half would be more than grateful for one of these on the 14th. (£60 here)

14. More lingerie, this time you may go a little naughtier with a trip to Agent Provocateur. This silken Novah bra is truly glorious, even more so on. In rich raspberry satin with a kiss of scarlet lace, this bra is worth every last penny. (£95 here)

15. Pucker up! If you're looking for a little kiss this Valentines, then this Lulu Guinness lip clutch is sure to help you on your way. A modern classic! (£375 here)

16. These Charlotte Olympia limited edition Delphine heels are nothing short of yummy! They will 100% have you in the good books from here to eternity. (£595 here)

17. If you're looking for a little beauty product for your little miss, this limited edition 'Fracas' nail polish from Chanel should be just the ticket. It's sure to sell out fast, so get yourself to Selfridges to snap up this passionate bubblegum pink.  

18. These Novah lace trim silken french knickers are practically essential if you're buying the bra! The quality is superlative. (£65 here)

19. Yet another adorable card to swoon over. Not On The High Street always do 'em best, boys! This one contains a personalised love note- all together now: AAAAW. (£4.50 here)

Gift Guide: The Romantic

Christmas is, undoubtedly, a time to spend with loved ones, and if you're lucky enough to be all loved up this Christmas, then you'll no doubt be hunting for the perfect gift for your special somebody.

 And, as a much as i'm sure a lovey-dovey Christmas is beautiful, I must admit that I don't really envy you- buying the perfect present is a total nightmare.

In saying that, though, I simply must put my hands up and say that it is even harder for the boys. We're a picky lot, us ladies, and the worst part is that when men feel defeated and deflated after a good few hours of trawling the department stores, they will simply march to the lingerie department and buy some'it there. 

STOP. Read this first. Underwear is not as simple as "Ooft, that looked fit on Miranda Kerr so my girlfriend will look equally amazing in this hot pink lace corset with nipple tassels and suspenders."

Shopping for lingerie is a bit of a tricky one, but Marks & Spencer are reaching out a helping hand to you lost souls, with a lingerie buying guide on their website. This little godsend goes alongside their gorgeous collection of beautifully crafted, understated underwear (shop it here) that any lady would welcome with open arms on Christmas day.

You can read it here, but here are a few of my own little tips to ease you in... 

1. PICK THE RIGHT RED

For some reason, you guys seem particularly drawn to bright red lingerie, but you have to be careful. The wrong red is tacky, tomato bright and, more likely than not, cheap and nasty satin. Pick something a rich, black cherry shade with subtle lace detailing like this featured Rosie Huntington-Whiteley for Autograph set in Ruby... I just received this set and I think I am a little bit in love, it is decadent but still demure enough for everyday wear, and it fits like a dream.

2. KEEP IT SIMPLE 

It's all too easy to go a bit OTT when browsing the lingerie department, but you need to remember that this is a gift for her, not you. She is probably more drawn to pretty and feminine lingerie, so think about what she likes to wear rather than what you like her to wear.

3. ALWAYS GET THE RIGHT SIZE 

This is an obvious one, but a tricky one at that. She will not be grateful to unwrap a luxurious silken bra on Christmas morning, only to find that it does not fit. That will almost certainly have you in the bad books. Make sure it's the right size before you buy. Always.

1. This black lace set by Autograph at Marks and Spencer is sexy but still flattering and sophisticated: the balconette bra is a favourite of mine as it elongates the neck and boosts a smaller bust. The bra is £27.50 and the matching french knickers are £17.50.

2. A little champagne goes a long way, and is the perfect little extra for your lovely lady this Christmas. This Oudinot Rose champagne from Marks and Spencer is £28... It's also deliciously indulgent.

3. Light up her world with this heavenly candle by Diptyque. Nothing is more romantic than candle light and this delectable scented offering by Parisian favourite Diptyque has a heady and sensual Jasmine aroma that she will simply adore.

4. Give your girlfriend the gift of relaxation with this Jo Malone bath oil in seductive Pomegranate Noir. The scent is powerful and darkly luxurious and leaves skin soft and supple £52

5. My pick has to be this Rosie for Autograph set in Ruby. The rich dark red is glossy and festive, but still sophisticated and elegant. This underwear is the perfect balance of sexy and wearable. The bra is reduced to £18 and the matching knickers are reduced to £10.

6. My favourite set also comes in a number of other pretty colourways, including this soft oyster pink. Peachy pink lingerie is feminine but still sexy, and will always be a hit.

7. Another hit of jasmine comes from this ridiculously indulgent Tom Ford Private Blend fragrance in Jasmine Rouge. It smells seductive, sensual and richly opulent. A heady floral with a woody note, a little goes a long way and this £135 bottle will look fabulous in any boudoir.

8. All I want for Christmas is a man who is happy to buy me Agent Provocateur lingerie until it is coming out my ears. This little Selena set is beyond hot- I absolutely adore it. The bra is a cool £110 and the matching knickers are £96.

9. If you fancy buying something a little more pretty, then this Rosie for Autograph teddy in oyster pink silk is just stunning. It is flattering but still exudes glamour. This lovely piece is £45.

10. I absolutely adore Mimi Holliday by Damaris, and always keep my eyes peeled for it in post-Christmas sales, but if you're lady friend is an innocent one, then stick to this crisp cream set. The bra is just £45 and the matching lace knickers are £39.

11. Last but not least, if all else fails, buy 'er some chocolate. These passion fruit flavoured salted caramels by Artisan du Chocolat are so moreish that I could just eat them all day. Perfect with champagne. These are £13.45

Gift Guide: The Gym Bunny

All I want for Christmas is abs.

This is a fact.

However, some lucky little duckies already have abs, chiselled ones at that, and such ladies are known as Gym Bunnies.

So while they may appear to have everything, these fitness freaks need Christmas treats too.

Who? The gym bunny is the sort of girl who is all about health and fitness. It's in the name, really. While she could well spend every waking moment down the gym, she could also simply be a yoga fan or even a bit of a health food fanatic! This is one lady who wont need to detox post-Christmas, that's for sure!

What does she love? While it may be tempting to renew her gym membership, or buy her some trainers or some'it, be a little creative yeah? These presents are all treats which any fitness fan would go weak at the knees for- particularly that Wildfox set- I. NEED. THE. CROP. TOP.

So where shall I head for my little gym bunny?!

1. WILDFOX "I Need Coffee" Crop Top $50 at Dolls Kill and Trousers £90 on the Wildfox site
2. Elemental Herbology SOS Circulation Serum £27 here - dying to try this!
3. North Face E-Tip Gloves £30 - touch screen gloves for freezing fingers
4. I Am Off To The Gym tote bag at Not On The High Street £30
5. GO TO THE GYM Cushion (spotted on Pinterest, but buy here for $89)
6. New Generation iPad Nano £129
7. Stella McCartney for Adidas CLIMAPROOF Running Shorts £50
8. David Kirsch's Abs and Arms at Space NK £20
9. Bounce Balls Coconut and Macadamia Protein Bliss around £2.50 each- my favourite high protein snack
10. Yoga Fan Practise-A-Day Guide at Sweaty Betty here £15
11. Nip + Fab Tummy Fix Daily Ab Gel here £19.25