Christmas Archives - Style&Minimalism

An Independent Shops Christmas Gift Guide

Christmas is not that far away, especially if you’re planning to order your gifts online. I’ve found that small independent shops offer more unique gifts than most. They are often handmade, have a story and sometimes give back to the community.

This year I’ve been thinking about what makes a good gift. Big statement presents may be suitable for growing children whose needs are constantly changing but for us adults I think it’s the everyday objects that elevate our experiences of the ordinary; items that bring comfort or a little luxury to our day-to-day. This year why not buy someone you love something they’ll use over and over again. It could be a beautiful handmade cup to enjoy their coffee or tea in throughout the day, a linen cushion or warm merino wool blanket for when they sit down and relax at the end of the day, or even a pair of socks that feel comfortable against their feet all day long.

Independent shop owners spend hours searching for the best makers and artisans. They have done the research for us and offer a curated selection of well-made items, often made here in the UK.

I’ve selected a few of my favourite independent shops (that I buy from) to highlight; sharing some of the incredible products they sell, that I believe could make someone very happy this Christmas.

Aerende

Aerende is an Olde-English word meaning ‘care’. It’s a great word for describing everything about this online shop. All their products are made by people in the UK who face social challenges. They are all beautiful ‘life-improving homewares’, that have been made to last.

Large Sycamore Chopping Board with Handle

Linen Lumbar Cushion, Grey and White Stripes

Natural Rapeseed Wax Pillar Candle, Ivory

Oggetto

Oggetto is an Italian word meaning ‘object’. Owners, Helen and Charlie Camm make and source the handmade pieces they sell, with a focus on quality, craftsmanship and longevity. They are keen to help keep traditional artisan skills alive, both for the benefit of the makers and the end users.

Olea Living

Olea Living was set-up by two mum’s with young families, looking to create adaptable, relaxed spaces in their homes. They source timeless, traditionally crafted products, made by small-scale manufacturers and artisans, with a focus on natural materials.

The Small Home

The Small Home seek out small, socially responsible artisans and makers, who produce useful and beautiful products that will stay with you for years to come. With their products they hope to celebrate simple, life-enhancing pleasures.

Indigo Hand Embroidered Cushion – Square

Sheepskin Moccasin Slippers Love Birds Pink*

Short Stubby – Pairs of 100% Pure Beeswax Candles

Workshop

Workshop are interested in helping us achieve more balance in our lives, with respect for what sustains and protects natural elements and materials. With the help of their well-curated goods, they hope to bring back an appreciation and connection to the value in the craft, technique, materials and history of a product.

Christmas Gift Guide 2018

As I’m a little short on blogging time these days I thought it best to combine my Christmas gift lists into one big Christmas gift guide this year, covering all the family. It’s much easier for me and, hopefully, easier for you if you’re able to see everything in one place.

I prefer to order online as I’m not a fan of crowds or wet weather, and if you can have something delivered to your door then why wouldn’t you. I just hope that my orders arrive in minimal, recyclable packaging; nothing worse than a huge box with a tiny one inside, such a waste.

My preference is towards more unique gifts that are harder to find but worth trawling for. I love to support small shops and brands, so I hope you’ll find something unexpected and special in my Christmas gift ideas. You’ll also find a few well-made, timeless classics; good investment items that everyone can appreciate.

1. Study 34 Crew Neck Baby Alpaca Jumper in Grey | 2. Cox & Cox Drip Glazed Table Lamp | 3. Wood & Meadow Japanese Sentei Garden Scissors (use code welcome10 for 10% off) | 4. Architectmade BIRD | 5. Price & Kensington Teapot 1100ml in Grey | 6. Grainger & Jameson Children’s Bunny Stool (website closed)| 7. Tilly Sveas Small Gold T-Bar On Fine Gold Belcher Chain (sign-up to their newsletter for 10% off) | 8. Susanne Kaufmann Best of Body Limited Edition | 9. Allbirds Wool Runners in Kotare Jo | 10. Sunspel Woven Cashmere Scarf in Navy | 11. uki.be Toothbrush & Spoon | 12. Beatrice Felicki Nordic Light Print | 13. House Doctor Atmospheric Matter Wall Hanging Mobile | 14. Jono Smart Low Bowl in Textured Grey | 15. Laura Lombardi Curve Hoops | 16. Chemex 3-6 Cup Filter Drip Coffee Maker

I won’t go into detail about everything in my guide but I wanted to highlight a few of the brands so you understand a little more about why I’ve chosen to include them.

Study 34 is a wonderful, sustainable brand that uses baby alpaca in their knitwear; it’s very warm and incredibly soft. Everything is designed in Newcastle and made in Peru.

Allbirds are an environmentally-friendly footwear brand that use natural materials like merino wool, eucalyptus tree fibre and sugar cane to make their comfy, machine washable trainers.

uki.be specialise in teethers for babies that are BPA-free and made from food-grade rubber. They don’t look like your standard teethers either.

Beatrice Felicki‘s beautiful monochrome prints are atmospheric and eerily beautiful. (Thanks for the introduction Abi.)

Jono Smart makes his minimal ceramics in a studio in Glasgow. His timeless pottery always sells out fast so be quick. (Also check out his partner, Emily’s wood turned creations.)

Love, Travel, Laugh

This post was created in collaboration with Auree Jewellery.

LOVE, TRAVEL, LAUGH; three things that mean a lot to me. They’re the three things that I most like to do, and am lucky enough to do regularly. I carry these words with me on my necklace, a small reminder of what I believe is important. My mind is often distracted and I’ve found that by working out what is most important to me, I’m able to let go of the things and thoughts that aren’t.

Growing up I was told that it was important for me to be my own person, not to copy others but to discover the things I liked and enjoyed. The older I get the more that makes sense to me. We’re all individuals with our own passions and although it’s easy to get swept along with what everyone else is doing, it’s more fun to discover something more personal to you. Some things are universal though, we all need and gain from having and building good relationships. Without the LOVE of our partners, friends and family, life would be dull. Having someone to share the good and bad times with is important for all of us and allows us to grow as people. TRAVEL always offers me the opportunity to meet you new people, be inspired by new places and learn about different cultures. It’s the chance to escape the ordinary that is a breath of fresh air to me. And, life shouldn’t always be taken too seriously, there is something so energising about really LAUGHing with someone, the friends that have me in fits of giggles are my best friends. I’m unguarded with them and utterly relaxed.

The necklace I’m wearing is Auree’s Seychelles Spinning Love, Travel, Laugh Pendant. It’s a classic Victorian design that hides the message until you spin it. Auree are kindly offering you a discount code to use on their website until 18/12/17. If you type in AUREEANGEL7 you will receive 15% off all pendants and necklaces, just in time for you to buy some lovely Christmas presents. If you’d like to know which items are my favourite, head over to Auree’s Journal. If you follow me on Instagram, there’s a chance for you to win one of the Seychelles Spinning Pendants, either to give as a gift this Christmas or to keep for yourself. And, if you sign up to the Auree newsletter you’ll be entered into a competition to win a £250 necklace. Good luck!

Christmas Gift Guide: For Her 2017

So I’ve been a bit sneaky this year, instead of creating a women’s gift guide and a wish list like I usually do, I’ve combined them. I always want everything that’s on the women’s gift guide anyway so it made sense. The result is a bumper list of amazing products which I highly recommend. Each of the brands I’ve featured create the most amazing products and even if you don’t see something suitable here, please click through to their websites using the product links below, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.

1. Toast Lotus Print Flannel Gown | 2. Otiumberg Gold Graduated Hoops | 3. Print Club London ‘Swimmers’ by Nadia Taylor | 4. Aesop Reverence Aromatique Hand Wash | 5. Sarah & Sebastian Small Disc Ring in Gold | 6. PB 0110 AB 52 Shoulder Bag in Black | 7. ‘House of Plants – Living with Succulents, Air Plants and Cacti’ Book | 8. Immunocologie The Luminous Kit | 9. Sort of Coal Bincho Water Purifier | 10. ARKET Recycled Cashmere Jumper in Grey | 11. Merci Maman Personalised Pastille Chain Bracelet | 12. Comme des Garçons Medium Classic Leather Wallet in Black | 13. An Organised Life 2018 Daily Planner | 14. Murmur Mura Wash Bag in Warm White & Indigo | 15. Geo Fleur Cacti Selection Box | 16. Rathbornes Bitter Orange, Birch Tar & Balsam Classic Candle | 17. Laboratory Perfumes Amber Eau de Toilette | 18. SEP Jordan Koutubia Embroidered Cushion Cover | 19. ‘Bowls of Goodness’ Cookery Book by Nina Olsson | 20. Another Country Mug | 21. True Grace Candle Wick Trimmer | 22. Everlane The Twill Weekender in Black

I’ve included all sorts in my gift guide, some obvious gifts like earrings, beauty products and candles as well as something a little more unusual like this beautiful print by Nadia Taylor at Print Club London and a box of cacti from the cool plant people at Geo Fleur. The gorgeous hoop earrings are from Otiumberg, a brand whose website I find myself returning to over and over again because I just can’t decide which pair of earrings I want most. Women will always tell you they need another handbag but they might not feel that way if they own one of PB 0110’s timeless designs. As long as it fits the world in (well a nice make-up bag and a few other bits) and is versatile enough to go with almost everything, it’ll be a big hit. Immunocologie’s The Luminous Set is perfect for anyone struggling with their skin in this cold weather, oil based products will keep them protected. And if they’re feeling really cold and just want to cosy up at home, a beautiful dressing gown should do the trick, I’ve not seen one more beautiful than this one from Toast. SEP Jordan’s geometric cushion covers are designed and made in Jordan by female refugees. The brand has given these women a chance to make their own money so they no longer have to beg for even the most basic things. I hope you find something wonderful for the important women in your life. Happy shopping.

Christmas Gift Guide: For Him 2017

Christmas is just around the corner and I’m finally thinking about gift ideas. I always aim to buy presents that are useful. Unless I know someone needs something specific, I try to keep it quite simple. I love to buy things that people can eat, drink or use in the home, as I know they’re not likely to go to waste.

1. David Mellor Rosewood Starter Knife Set | 2. Prévu Core Combed Cotton Hoodie in Olive | 3. Cate & Nelson Nº 173 40 mm Watch in Black | 4. Gestalten Small Homes, Grand Living – Interior Design for Compact Spaces Book | 5. Iris Hantverk Shoehorn | 6. Murmur Speck Throw in Grey, White & Black | 7. Native Union Lightning Cable Collection | 8. Moleskine Wine Journal | 9. Muuto Corky Carafe | 10. Willow Organic Men’s Shower Set | 11. Sunspel Pima Cotton Lounge Pants in Navy | 12. Sunspel Cotton Cellulock Long Sleeve T-Shirt in Navy | 13. ferm LIVING Brass Semicircle Stand | 14. ARKET Vetiver Hand Wash 500ml | 15. Toast Christmas Hamper | 16. PB 0110 CM39 Coin Case in Black | 17. Herbivore Beard Tonic Sampler

Toast‘s Christmas hamper contains enough goodies to keep most men happy, at least until the start of the new year. There are some things I know will always go down well. Most men will not be disappointed to receive a watch for Christmas, as long as it’s a classic style and I think Cate & Nelson make some pretty awesome watches. They’re great value as the quality is very good, with supple leather straps and Swiss movements. Loungewear has come a long way in the last few years, it’s much smarter and much more comfortable, perfect for those lazy Sundays on the sofa. I love the soft cotton of Sunspel and have my eye on so many pieces from new menswear label, Prévu (I may end up having to steal anything I do buy, so naughty). If anyone else finds their man “borrowing” their phone charger cable on a regular basis Native Union have some very nice designs that he’ll know are his (or ask for a set yourself so that he can’t suggest it’s his). Hopefully there’s something in my list that will be a good fit or will inspire you to buy something nice for the men in your life. I’ve only selected pieces from brands that I believe produce good quality products. Happy shopping.

My Christmas Eve Style with Endource

This post was created in collaboration with Endource.

**Next** Velvet Top in Black | **Whistles** Wave Tassel Skirt in Black | **Boden** Party Heels in Black Suede

I hope you have lovely plans for celebrating Christmas Eve tonight. I’m off for a glass of champagne and a few canapés with some family friends. We go every year and it always gets me in the festive mood, the fire is always lit, their tree is as tall as the ceiling and perfectly decorated, and it’s good to catch up with everyone.

“it always gets me in the festive mood, the fire is always lit, their tree is as tall as the ceiling”

I’ve partnered up with Endource to share my favourite Christmas Eve look with you, a little bit of black velvet from Next, a skirt made for shimmying in from Whistles (it’s so hard to resist once you put it on) and some not too high heels from Boden. We got together at photographer Alex James‘ house on a chilly Monday morning not too long ago. I caught up with Endource’s lovely stylist Aja who had picked out a selection of clothes for me to choose from. And the awesome Lizzie Court did my hair and makeup, keeping me shine free throughout the shoot.

‘What’s Endource?’ I hear you say. It’s a website that takes the products I feature here on the blog and puts them into one big feed (one website page). From there you can add as many things as you like (buy a whole look) to your basket and pay for everything in one go – there’s no need to visit each site and pay separately for each item. You can find my new feed on Endource here. I will still be featuring direct links here though, just in case you prefer my usual way.

Alternative Christmas Party Style with ME+EM

This post was created in collaboration with ME+EM.

**ME+EM** Forever Tux Jacket | **ME+EM** Day to Evening Tux Trouser | **ME+EM** Wrap Silk Blouse in Soft White | **ME+EM** AM to PM Chain Necklace | **Whistles** Cornel Suede Point Pumps in Black

I’ve always found dressing for the Christmas party season a bit challenging. There’s an expectation that you should wear something red or sparkly but my go-to is a tux. If it’s a smart do I’ll pair it with a silk blouse or cami and some standout heels. If it’s a more casual affair then I’ll wear it with a vintage t-shirt and a pair of white trainers. I know that’s a bit bah-humbug but I’d much rather feel comfortable and myself than trying to fit into a preconceived idea. If I’m feeling a bit more festive I’ll wear a pair of metallic heels and clutch, or a red lip.

“that’s a bit bah-humbug but I’d much rather feel comfortable”

This ME+EM tux fits me like a dream, so I feel particularly good in it. We managed to shoot it in that perfect hour when the sun was low in the sky, the same day that we shot this post. The trousers are true to size and are so flattering (I feel a size smaller in them). For the blazer I actually went down a size, it’s neat on the shoulders and a longer length which covers by bum and hips, great for when you’ve eaten all the mince pies. What I love most about owning a good black suit is that you have so many options, it’s such a versatile wardrobe essential. I know I’m going to be wearing the blazer with my Levi’s a lot and love wearing black trousers with a white t-shirt and trainers.

It was so lovely to shoot with my best bud, Christina from Chrissabella, she’s wearing the red version of the silk shirt I wore in Zurich.

Minimalist Christmas Decorations

Have you put up your Christmas decorations, yet? No, then you’re not alone, apparently most people are expected to decorate their house this weekend. I insisted Dan buy our Christmas tree last week but the poor thing has sat undecorated for all week whilst I’ve been running across town for various events.

For me today is the day. I spent the morning searching through Pinterest and found some inspiring images. These are my favourites but you can see the rest of the board I created here, if you want a little more inspiration. As with my home and personal style, I’ve gone for quite minimal Christmas decorations; think green foliage, pine cones, red berries and lots of candles. I want to give my house a homely hygge feel.

I want it to be a calm, peaceful time of year when we slow down and spend quality time with our family and friends. A slice of panettone, lots of satsumas and a few glasses of mulled wine will help me get in the mood.

All images found on Pinterest

This Year with ME+EM

This post was created in collaboration with ME+EM.

**ME+EM** Very Useful Cardi Coat in Grey Marl* | **ME+EM** Long Layering Tee in Soft White* | **ME+EM** High Rise Full Leather Legging in Black* | **ME+EM** 2-in-1 Cross Body Clutch in Claret | **ME+EM** AM To PM Chain Necklace | **Seven Boot Lane** Honey Ankle Boots in Black* | **Ace & Tate** x **It’s Nice That** Sunglasses* | **Myia Bonner** Mini Diamond Circle Stud Earrings in Gold

This year has been an important one for my blog. It’s been just over a year since I decided to start including personal style posts. It was a big step, I’m quite cerebral and think things through for a long time before acting on an idea. I didn’t feel ready to put myself in front of the camera but felt I was missing out on incredible opportunities because I wasn’t willing to. It all changed when I was photographed at Paris Fashion Week by Christian from The Styleograph and then by Daniel from Stockholm Streetstyle, two major street style photographers. I realised then that a photograph is as much about the photographer as the person in it.

A few months in and I started to find that there were some incredible brands that wanted to work with me. Lots of people have told me over the last year that it’s not all about your Instagram following, that interaction on your blog and social-media are more important, but it’s not until these opportunities came along that I believed them and started to realise that something else I’ve been told over and over again is also true, it’s about quality not quantity.

One of the brands you’ll have seen featured quite a lot over the last few months is ME+EM. It’s a brand that fits my style and ethos very well; they make timeless, versatile, low-luxe clothing in fabrics that feel great on. They took a risk on me (a small, fairly unknown blogger) when they first approached me but I grabbed the opportunity with both hands and have put everything into styling and creating content with them that I’m proud to put my name to.

Last weekend ME+EM asked me if I’d like join them at their Elizabeth Street pop-up store to style a couple of looks from their current collection. We took a stroll through the Elizabeth Street Christmas Market, a beautiful festive street market, and took a few photographs of the looks I had styled. I got to work with Dina Tsesarsky, a photographer that always manages to capture a side of me that I like. My lovely friend Christina was there, styling and shooting a couple of outfits for them, too. It was a wonderful day and a reminder of just how things have changed this year. I love what I do and don’t mind all the hours that I put into it when I get to do exactly what only a year ago I had merely dreamed of.

Christmas Wish List 2016

I have to admit that I love receiving presents as much as I love giving them, especially when you unwrap something that you have been thinking about buying for some time. My Christmas wish list is made up of all the things I’m currently in love with and know I will appreciate over the next year, not just the next month.

1. Isabel Marant Étoile Olga Cotton-Twill Wrap Skirt | 2. A.P.C. Demi-Lune Shoulder Bag in Black | 3. Taschen Peter Lindbergh – A Different Vision on Fashion Photography | 4. Isabel Marant Étoile Clifton Mohair-Blend Sweater in Grey | 5. HAY Large Dot Wash Bag | 6. Isabel Marant Étoile Checked Wool Scarf | 7. London Tea Club Crème Earl Grey Loose Black Tea (now closed) | 8. HAY Mirror Mirror Handheld Mirror | 9. Lucy Williams x Missoma Horn Hoops in Gold Vermeil | 10. Gucci Double G Buckle Leather Belt | 11. HAY Kaleido Large Metal Tray in Light Grey

I’m pretty obsessed with all things Isabel Marant Étoile and A.P.C. when it comes to my wardrobe; there’s a pretty high chance that if I open something from either of them that I’ll be thrilled but the pieces above are my current favourites. Likewise for the home, HAY has my heart, their designs are super simple and fit in our house really easily.

I’m always looking for shoot inspiration and Peter Lindbergh’s beautiful black and white images really capture my imagination. I’d love to spend an hour or two once a month pouring over his photography whilst enjoying a cup of my all time favourite tea, the London Tea Club Crème Earl Grey. I met their founder, Cecelia, in the summer and attended one of their tea ceremonies not long after. If you sign up to their club they will send you three teas to try each month.

Christmas Gift Guide: For Her 2016

Keeping with the same minimalist theme as my earlier Men’s Gift Guide, this is my women’s one. I’ve put together a selection of well-made, timeless products that I think will make great gifts this Christmas.

1. Laurence King Publishing The New Garconne – How To Be A Modern Gentlewoman by Navaz Batliwalla | 2. Armor-Lux Tri-Color Breton Top | 3. Whistles Statement Disc Hoop Earring | 4. Comme des Garçons Floriental Eau de Parfum | 5. Rotary Legacy Women’s Watch | 6. Isabel Marant Étoile Marfa Mini Cross Body Bag in Black Suede | 7. Seventy Tree Circles Print | 8. Felice Dahl Första Pendant Necklace in Gold | 9. The Soap Co. Black Poppy & Wild Fig Hand Wash & Hand Lotion Gift Box | 10. Hush Cindy Silk Cami in Ecru | 11. Gucci Princetown Leather Slipper in Black | 12. Stelton Em Coffee Press

A classic Breton looks good on everyone and this one from Armor-Lux is made from super soft cotton that feels wonderful on (I know because I have a few). The Soap & Co. are on a mission to make products that are not only sustainable but can be used by all, each product has its name in Braille on the packaging. Buying jewellery can feel like a bit of a risk as it’s such a personal item but I think these Whistles earrings and Felice Dahl necklace will be crowd pleasers. I discovered Comme des Garçons Floriental only the other day when I asked someone what they were wearing, it smelt divine; it’s a unisex sent so great for men, too.

I’ve also put together a Pinterest board of women’s gifts.

COS x MUSICAL CHAIRS

Continue reading COS x MUSICAL CHAIRS

Christmas Gifts For Mums with Caudalie

This post was created in collaboration with Caudalie.

**Caudalie** Jason Wu Limited Edition Beauty Elixir

Caudalie is a great French beauty brand that use natural and environmentally-friendly ingredients. They source their vine and grape extracts (key ingredients in a lot of their products) from the vineyards of Bordeaux, Champagne and Burgundy.

The research that has gone into developing each product and sourcing ingredients is astounding. Grape-seed Polyphenols are reputed to be the most powerful anti-oxidant in the plant world and Vine Resveratrol, from grapevine stalks, intensifies the firmness and youthfulness of the skin. All their products are free from parabens, phenoxyethanol, mineral oils, paraffin, sodium laureth sulfate, phthalates and animal-derived raw materials.

I first came across Caudalie about three years ago. I was looking for Christmas gifts for my mum and she always like to be given beauty products. I’d already found her a few bits and pieces but felt I needed just one more gift. I spotted a handbag-sized bottle of Caudalie’s Beauty Elixir on the shelf of Space NK and bought two (one for her and one for me). It’s a fine mist that you spritz on your face throughout the day, it wakes up the skin and gives it a quick hit of moisture. It’s perfect for your desk or make-up bag. I’ve heard it’s used by lots of make-up artists for setting make-up.

This year my mum will be receiving some lovely Christmas gifts from Caudalie. The Vine Body Gift Set (which combines Vine Body Butter, Hand & Nail Cream, and a Lip Conditioner) should keep her feeling nourished all over. She’ll also be receiving an exclusive new limited edition bottle of their Beauty Elixir that’s been designed by Jason Wu. They have a few more gift sets that would all make lovely presents so if you’re stuck for an idea, you’ll easily find some nice gifts for friends and family on their website.

Christmas Gift Guide: For Him 2016

There’s a lot more focus on quality within the male retail sector, at least here in the UK anyway. I think this comes down to the fact that men don’t (on the whole) enjoy going out shopping as much as women, so the market is a lot more specific. Men will go shopping when they need to replace an item and tend to search for something that will last, so that they don’t have to repeat the process too soon.

1. J.Crew Wallace & Barnes Wool MA-1 Bomber Jacket in Navy | 2. Uniform Wares M37 Leather Strap Watch in Black/Grey | 3. Taschen Treehouses by Philip Jodidio | 4. The White Company Men’s Suede Mule Slippers in Dark Grey | 5. LSA Ono Glass Wine Decanter | 6. Aesop London Grooming Kit | 7. Tumi Larkin Erin Brief Bag | 8. Moleskine Ruled Notebook | 9. Leica C Compact Camera | 10. Converse Jack Purcell Signature Canvas Sneakers

I often hear men complaining about the fact that women have more variety but I think that’s just down to the fact that there’s a lot more fast fashion for women – cheaper products that are trend-led, tend to be made in sweatshops and don’t last very long.

There’s less noise to distract men and more quality essentials. I think that’s why I find it much easier to find good gifts for men come Christmas. I wish the J.Crew wool bomber came in my size, would never say no to some Aesop goodies and could spend hours looking at tree houses and dreaming of an escape to the Treehotel in Sweden.

I’ve put together a new Pinterest board for men’s gifts. No excuse for buying the men in your life a pair of socks this Christmas.