Continuing our Christmas 100, we have a selection of fashion forward designs for you to mull over this festive season:
1. I was fortunate enough to already get a taster of this one and that is precisely why it’s on my Christmas ten list. It’s a proven winner and you’ll just have to take my word for it. Victoria Rangayah, the name behind the label Z-Mode, has created something supremely special here. The dress, called “Cloud Nine Dress” (what else?) has what I call, subtle glamour. The midnight blue fabric, which clings so very nicely to every curve, is fantastically complemented by the most unbelievable organza ruffle and strategically placed bustle. Try it and see. Preferably via Young British Designers, where you’ll find a selection of Victoria’s most beautiful creations. Price now £450. (Photography by Natalie J Watts)
2. The cobbled streets of Vienna are magical during the festive season. The smell of mulled wine and the many Christmas markets as you tweet your way, like me, through the Innere Stadt, will fill you with warm Christmas cheer and inspiration as you pass small, exquisitely stocked boutiques. Mühlbauer is one such boutique and in my opinion one of the best hat stores ever. Not really a small company, quite international actually but retaining all that Austrian charm and exclusivity. The one that caught my eye in the shop window (beautiful window displays by the way) was all fur and flappy long ears. Get Vladimir in Natural Racoon (pictured) in Vienna or online. Muehlbauer have a very cool website.
3. Am not really a Rolex or even a Cartier girl, it has to be said. For me, if we’re talking seriously about watches, IWC is the one. Shame they don’t do women’s watches, then, right? Wrong. I love a challenge, and the more unattainable, the more I want it. Rather than throwing in the towel or opting for one of the undeniably perfect Portofino or Portuguese models, I fell in love, utterly and intensely, with this wonderful rosé gold Da Vinci Automatic. It has an unmistakeable retro, dare I say, late 70’s feel to it as well as subtle femininity. Buy, place on wrist and wear with Halston Heritage Jumpsuit and you’re good to go. Price £10’000 For stockists call 0845 337 1868 or visit the website.
4. I’ve been waiting for my Halston Heritage jumpsuit since I was a 5 year old girl, living in New York – gazing at my impossibly glamorous Halston-clad mother. It’s never too late for Halston, especially since Net-a-Porter have a small choice selection of silk georgette items and offer special delivery over the Holiday season. Visit their website. Price £450
5. The dog matters. He is large, his fur is short and he shall be cold here in the wind, sleet and rain. Pre-dog I scorned and laughed, now I totally see the point and wouldn’t have it any other way. He shall go to the field and he shall wear but the finest Scottish waxed coat. Barbour, of course. You’ll find a selection (even a quilted version) on the website but this is our choice, the Hungarian’s and mine. Price £34.95
6. I can’t say the word “cape” without thinking of the tiny, hilarious cartoon character Edna Mode in “The Incredibles” (remember? “NO capes!”). She was talking about superhero outfits with capes though, not about the ones that have reappeared prominently on our fashion radars once again, so her order doesn’t count. I’d love one to swoosh around in elegantly in town or in the woods and a beautiful version is this one by Toast. Edgy and fabulous, it has the perfect colour, great length and lots of swooshing power. £245
7. I love stripes. I mean really love them. Timeless, classic, clean. My quest to find the perfect stripe has become a bit of an obsession and fortunately not a season goes by without them appearing in a selection of collections, so I’m pretty confident that I can feed my addiction for the rest of my days. This season, I love Gucci’s version – turtleneck, fitted, classic colours. Close to perfect. £540
8. Clarks. Do you remember how old you where when you had your first pair? I was about 5 and we were living in London at the time. It was a Desert Boot in sand and they were all the shoes I needed. Today I require a few more styles to choose from but the originals are still there. For Christmas I want to upgrade to the wedge, it’s called the “Yarra Desert Boot” and does wonderful things to the ankle and looks fantastic with your skinny jeans and the cape. Find this style and all the other classics here. £99
9. Sunglasses don’t get much more glamorous than this. Linda Farrow does the best shapes and always that little bit bigger than all the rest. Not your everyday pair admittedly, but perfect as a stocking filler and for the morning after when you feel like hiding as much of your face as possible from the glaring sunlight and the neighbors curious glances. £303
10. And finally, my Christmas just would not be Christmas without a Dyptique candle (in “Tubereuse”, my other long-term addiction). If you’re lucky enough to be in Paris do pop down to no. 34 Boulevard de St. German and visit the company’s original and most beautiful antique store. Alternatively, visit the website which is also pretty fantastic and you’ll find the entire range as well as a special Holiday Collection plus a number of other gift sets. I do hope my husband’s reading this. £38
