Wednesday 23 December 2015

A GROWN UP CHRISTMAS GUIDE

It’s amazing how quickly 2015 has flown, and incredible that it’s already Christmas Eve (Or, Christmas Eve Eve as I finish this. Any Friends fans out there?...) 
While on the topic of New Yorkers, I was recently introduced to Spring, a lovely NYC fashion & beauty brand,  who kindly asked me to curate my ideal grown up Christmas wish list. All the pieces listed are available on their site, shopspring.com, but for those who are not stateside - these garments are also available on sites direct from the designers, or on Selfridges/ Harvey Nichols/ Harrods also.

Gone are the days where as a kid I would sit down to basically re-write the Argos catalogue, but now here  I am -  preparing my list as a young woman who has a strong & concrete knowledge of her own personal style.  Maybe this is why I’m described as difficult to buy for?

I’m tackling this wish list confidently and head on, under the 4 key categories which I am always scouting for. Even if these don’t find their way to me on Christmas morning, why not think of this as Rachel’s guide to the sales #1? The key - always invest in pieces you love, that more expensive (and better quality piece) will satisfy you much more than 10,000 second best pieces.

1. The Accessory
Jo Malone |  Mary Katrantzou | Diptyque | Salvatore Ferragamo

Versatile, personal and full of personality, accessories are the perfect gift for those who seem to have everything - without the panic of, "which size would they be?"
The correct accessories give you a real insight to an individuals style & personality, and are the way to accentuate an outfit. Whether for yourself or as a gift, find something of quality which is unique, and it will be forever worn & treasured. Think along the lines of these wonderful creations by Mary Katrantzou & Salvatore Ferragamo - full of statement, colour, class & not a hint of boring.

Accessorising needn’t only be reserved as the perfect excuse to wrap ourselves up in beautiful scarves, remember to turn your thoughts to the home too. Diptyque are the home fragrance brand at the moment, and Baies seems to have taken the bloggers by storm with this floral scent. 
Jo Malone perfumes have been well regarded for a long time, and my fragrance Nectarine Blossom & Honey (which you can read here), needs another JM bottle to sit next to. Just so it’s not lonely on the shelf, you know? Wild Bluebells or Earl Grey & Cucumber would be absolutely perfect, and will be the fragrances I pick up in the future. 

2. The Beauty


With or without makeup, you ladies are always beautiful. 
But if you’re anything like myself, putting on makeup makes me look, and feel, more prepared to face the outside world. With such cold weather, lips are often take the hit of this and become dry, chapped & uncomfortable.  This lip butter set (blood orange, mint & rose) offer a little TLC this winter, keeping your pout perfected, before later applying your favourite lip colour!

British Makeup Artist Charlotte Tilbury has recently taken the beauty world by storm, with her stunning and wide variety of products. The Vintage Vamp & Eyes to Mesmerise sets have been firmly on my wish list for a long time now, as who can ever have too many beautiful eyeshadows? And to give your entire look a perfected finish, there’s nothing better than a brand new set of Smashbox Cosmetics Studio Pro brushes.


3. The Dancing Shoes

No matter how good your dance moves actually are, you’re guaranteed to be given extra kudos for some stunning footwear. Who will be paying attention to your dancing in these statement heels?
High heels are the one department where I am severely lacking in choice, both in classic styles & something more snazzy. To boost my classics collection, I’m looking no further than these Sophia Webster heels & boots. SW is such a fun brand, so lively & fun, and these styles are quite conservative for her. Who knew you needed a pair of heels with wings?

To make a statement, I’m turning to Brian Atwood’s Classic Gold heels, as with an all metallic shoe - you really don’t want an over complicated design. Gold, metallic while keeping it completely classy ladies! When it’s time to play with colour, there’s nothing shy about these pink & orange Pierre Hardy Majorelle pretties. A combination that sounds so wrong, but looks so right. With the added ankle tie & side tassel, you’re on trend and hot to trot.


4. Cold Outdoors

Rebecca Taylor | Datura |  Modern Citizen  | French Connection 


Scotland is hardly known for it’s soaring heat, so it’s probably unsurprising to find that clothes to keep me warm, yet stylish, is a constant for my wardrobe. The first garment which stood out to me was this Rebecca Taylor Tweed blazer. Perfect for the office with a cashmere stole, or to glam up a simple tee, jeans and heels combination for evening cocktails. It immediately oozes Chanel-esque elegance, and which girl would deny such appeal?

I adore styles which are a bit more relaxed, which brought both the Datura & Modern Citizen coats into the wish list. The Cashmere/Wool composition of the Datura garments makes it great for a more luxurious occasion, while the Modern Citizen I would also love to wear belted up, for more casual outings. No Scottish girls fashion guide is complete without a piece of chunky knitwear. This white number by French Connection has a unique knit pattern on the garment sleeves, which may let the cold in a little - but at least I would still look super stylish.




I know this has turned into a bit of a long one, but I hope this has provided your with a bit if inspiration this festive season! Be it for outfits of your own, delayed gift giving, or a little bit of Boxing Day sale indulgence.
As ever, let me know which pieces are your favourites, and what would feature in your gift guide?




Much love & a very  Merry Christmas to every single one of you beauties,




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