I hate to mention the C word, but Christmas is just around the corner. For months now I’ve been merrily conjuring up that, all-important, Christmas List for Dr Husband; to ensure Jeff Goldblum doesn’t have to teach me how to act on the 25th. This year I am trying to incorporate the N4 Mummy ethos, of buying less but selecting well, even into Christmas. Much to my family’s dismay I have persuaded them all to opt for one lovely present each, rather than a whole host of little pressies. So as my sister pointed out, it’s even more crucial that present is right otherwise Christmas may be a little sad.
So here is my list of lovely presents, each item has been selected for it’s good design, quality, sustainable stance and timeless appeal. Items I hope to still be using in years to come. Let’s hope Dr Husband is taking notes!
Rose Oversized Silk Scarf, £148 by Leanne Claxton.
Leanne is a British artist who did her BA at Central Saint Martins where she studied textile design. But it was in Paris training at Christian Lacroix where she discovered haute couture as the relationship between art and fashion. She takes commissions and will hand paint you your own luxury scarf for a special occasion, but as that takes 8-12 weeks I am opting for one of her AW collection of silk scarves. She gets her inspiration from flowers and she uses the most amazing bright vivid colours to brighten up a dull day.
Alfie One Mini, £150 by Alfie Douglas
All the bags from Alfie Douglas are handmade here in the UK. Their leather designs are simple and minimalist with beautiful clean lines in classic colours. What is so refreshing about them is that adhere to a standard where traceability is key; they even invite you to their studio to view the products and watch them being made.
Granada Necklace, £50 by Little by Little
Designer, Annabel Panes, and food editor and stylist Georgina Fuggle have joined forces to create a jewellery range that is not only quirky and original but also gives back to society. The Granada necklace is in sterling silver, but if you look closely you’ll notice that the pomegranate seeds have been highlighted in rose gold. Little by Little partners with Action Against Hunger, and for every item sold, they pay for a day’s supply of therapeutic food to nurse an acutely malnourished child back to health.
Zady 09 Jumper, £160 by Zady
Ok so £160 is slightly more than I would normally pay for a jumper, but it is a toasty 100% wool, 3gg (sorry I’m still a knitwear geek) and in my favourite colour grey, so it will be the kind of jumper I will pull out time and time again. Also, importantly, they clearly care about the ethics and sustainability of their production. Below this jumper, Zady lists in painstaking detail every step of the production process with photos. I learn that the wool comes from Jeanne and Dan Carver’s Imperial Stock Ranch in Shaniko, Oregon and is dyed by G.J. Littlewood and Sons in Philadelphia. They all have taken the time to explore some of the environmental issues that arise in the manufacturing of my jumper, and explain what they are doing to combat this.
Star Earing, £225 by Alexia Jordan
Yesterday Alexia Jordan launched her luxury jewellery collection titled, Symbols. As you all know I am in love with ear candy, so much so that despite my aged status I recently had a 2nd ear-piercing done. This star earing is super cute and I am already styling it in my head as I write. What I love about Alexia’s collection is that she has opted for the very best in quality. This earing is made in Italy from 18K Rose gold, so there won’t be any unsightly tarnishing.
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