Tag: The White Company

Time To Slow Down with C.P. Hart

This post was created in collaboration with C.P. Hart.

The White Company Wooden Bath Tidy | Iris Hantverk Bath Brush | Meraki Sponge | Ex Nihilo Ultra Rose Candle*
C.P. Hart Winchester Freestanding Cast Iron Bath

The latest addition to our house is a new roll top bath from C.P. Hart. We finally have a bath, it’s only taken us 7 years!

At the beginning of the year I wrote a post about my New Year Intentions, one of which was to slow down. Learning when to slow down (especially when you live in a city like London) is an important skill to hone, and one that often takes time to acquire. I’ve lived in London for around 12 years and it’s only now that I truly appreciate the need. Life can pass you by in a flash, so it’s important to take your time to appreciate the simple things. Whether that’s reading a book/magazine/newspaper whilst sitting in a favourite café and sipping on a freshly made coffee. Or taking a walk in a local park/favourite part of town/the countryside and enjoying taking everything in without an alternative agenda. Or (for me) slipping into a deep bath scented with my favourite bath oil (currently Olverum) whilst listening to calming music.

House Doctor Large Rustic Bowl | House Doctor Pure Nature Stool | Iris Hantverk Body Brush | Meraki Nail Brush* | Meraki Pumice Stone* | Pai Skincare Rosehip BioRegenerate Rapid Radiance Mask* | Olverum Bath Oil

Pregnancy really forced me to slow down, I would get tired after the least taxing of activities and, as the months wore on, I got more and more achey as my ligaments softened. Getting our new bath from C.P. Hart was an absolute game-changer. Barely a day went by when I was pregnant that I didn’t take a dip in it, whether that was to soothe my aches and pains or to chill out from the insane heatwave. There’s nowhere I felt more relaxed and would happily wallow away an hour.

There’s not a lot of time for me to wallow these days but I still grab a bath whenever I can, the pregnancy aches have been replaced by back and shoulder aches from carrying my gorgeous little girl around (she’s now 6.5kg). Little Isabelle, on the other hand, uses it daily as part of her bedtime routine.

Balance Me Super Moisturising Body Wash* | Immunocologie Cleansing Lotion* | Immunocologie Exfoliator Lotion* | Susanne Kaufmann Witch Hazel Bath

You might be wondering why it took us 7 years to get a bath. When we bought our house we completely gutted the kitchen and bathroom, removing the floor in-between and the ceiling above. This hadn’t been our plan but that’s what you get when you buy an old Victorian cottage with character. This, sadly, used up our budget and we just couldn’t afford the dreamy cast iron roll top bath I had planned for. Fast-forward 7 years and it’s been worth the wait, I couldn’t be happier with our beautiful bath, it’s just the right size and fits in perfectly, bringing together the old character of our Victorian house with my minimal style.

Just before the bump got too big I was on my hands and knees priming and painting the bath, a week later and the bump was too big and I wouldn’t have been able to. I used Johnstone’s Anti-Rust Metal Primer in Red Oxide and Farrow & Ball Estate Eggshell in Off-Black No.57. I used two coats of the primer and then two coats of the top coat. The 750ml pots of each were more than enough.

C.P. Hart were the obvious choice for me, they’ve been around for over 75 years, are well known for producing high quality products and work with some incredible designers (including Alessi and Philippe Starck). I can’t fault them on quality, our bath has been very well made and will be here for many years, long after we’ve moved on. It’s given our bathroom a stunning focal-point and finally it feels complete.

Holiday Style With A Bump

Before I went away to Kos I was in a bit of a pickle about what to pack. I keep all my summer holiday clothes in a trunk in the bedroom. After going through everything I realised that about 90% of the contents wasn’t going to work this time around. I have grown a little all over since being pregnant, not just on my tummy as I’d hoped and expected. As I’m sure you can understand this left me feeling a bit disappointed, nothing some well-considered retail-therapy couldn’t fix.

Second Female Frappo Kimono in Dusty Pink* | The White Company Seagrass Circular Basket Bag* | Ace & Tate Suzy Sunglasses in Bio Black* | Castañer Carina Espadrilles in Marsala

I usually spend my summer holidays in little cotton dresses, denim shorts or skirts, and bikinis. I decided to buy a pair of maternity denim shorts from Topshop (go for your pre-pregnancy size, if you do) but I ended up wearing them just once whilst I was away. I’ve become very self-conscious of my legs and I just didn’t feel that comfortable exposing that much of them. For a weekend away a month ago, I bought a Hunza G swimming costume from Net-a-Porter. It’s super stretchy and fits around my bump easily but after one swim I discovered it reveals my nipples after a few strokes. I don’t think anyone wants to be flashed by a pregnant woman so I went in search of some bikinis to take away instead. I found a great bikini from The White Company, the soft non-wired triangle style was the most comfortable to wear. I went up a size from my usual in the top and bottoms, and I found this worked well. I also wanted a couple of bikinis that were more supportive so I looked for brands that offered bikini tops in a cup size; Next offered the nicest designs.

French Connection Rhodes Poplin Relaxed Fit Shirt in White* | SEP Jordan Sinead Hijjab Shawl* | Ace & Tate Heather Sunglasses in Latte* | Annabel Brocks Bora Sun Hat in Truffle*

I lived in the three bikinis whilst I was away, they were perfect for sunbathing by our pool but for breakfast, lunch and walks along the beach I preferred to cover-up a little. Oversized shirt dresses, kaftans, and wraps worn with shirts (try French Connection) were ideal. I felt covered up but still comfortable and cool.

Second Female Tonga Silk Top in Black* | Baukjen Cecile Wrap Skirt* | Ace & Tate Suzy Sunglasses in Bio Black* | Castañer Carina Espadrilles in Black | Rae Feather Macramé Clutch in Natural*

In the evenings it felt good to dress up (in England I’d been living in trousers, shirts and jackets), I’d been dying to wear a dress for weeks. Wrap dresses and skirts from my usual brands, in a size up just about covered my bump. I know I’ll be able to make them work after I’ve had the baby so they don’t feel like a waste of money. A-line dresses in soft jersey worked really well too, I felt so comfortable in the Beaumont Organic dress I wore and again it’s a style that will work post-pregnancy. Natural fabrics always work best in the heat as they’re more breathable than synthetics, linen being one of my favourites. I wore a lovely linen dress from Great Plains one evening which was the shortest length I felt comfortable in.

The White Company Cotton Stripe Beach Shirt Dress* | The White Company Pom-Pom Edge Bikini Top* | The White Company Pom-Pom Edge Bikini Briefs* | The White Company Seagrass Circular Basket Bag* | Ace & Tate Suzy Sunglasses in Bio Black*

This is the best time to invest in a good pair of espadrilles. Personally, I love Castañer and have a couple of their Carina wedge style. I bought a pair in Seville last year and another from Net-a-Porter this year. It’s not good for your back to wear heels when you’re pregnant but I’ve found these to be quite supportive. I wouldn’t suggest wearing them all day although I’ve survived a wedding in one pair. They’ll give you a some extra height in the evenings and help you feel a little more elegant.

Beaumont Organic Penny Dress in Black* | Rae Feather Macramé Clutch in Natural* | Ace & Tate Suzy Sunglasses in Bio Black* | Hanishken Raffia Slipper Shoes | Merci Maman Personalised Flat Bangle* | Matthew Calvin Thin Meteorite Ring in Gold*

Overall, I would suggest buying some good swimwear and loose fitting dresses in natural fabrics, that you feel good in (I found longer dresses more flattering). Don’t stress out and don’t spend too much money on things you might only wear a handful of times.

Rae Feather Cross Stitch Kaftan in Red* | Ace & Tate Suzy Sunglasses in Bio Black* | The White Company Pom-Pom Edge Bikini Top* | The White Company Pom-Pom Edge Bikini Briefs*

New Year Intentions

Skagerak Paddle Jar* | Cate & Nelson No. 165 Watch* | Otiumberg Gold Graduated Hoops | The White Company Sandlewood Candle* | Sûrface Hand Cream* | Cereal Magazine | British Girls Magazine

I’ve never been one to think too far ahead. When someone asks me where I see myself in 5 years or 10 years my answer is usually quite predictable with no real specific goals except to be settled and happy. In some ways this is good because I tend to live in the present moment. In other ways it’s not so great because it’s important to feel you have achieved something and to know that you can achieve things if you put your mind to them.

I thought I’d try something new this year and set some New Year intentions. Intentions are more gentle than resolutions, I’ve never really stuck with resolutions and often forget about them as soon as January is over. A resolution can leave you feeling disappointed with yourself if you’re unable to complete them in the time you have allocated whereas an intention is more encouraging, something to continue to aim for this year, and next.

Six New Year Intentions

Follow My Own Path

It’s so easy to look at and take direction from others who have gone before us but to be true to myself, and get the most out of life, I think it’s important to follow my own path.

Be Mindful of What I Absorb

With so much information coming from every direction I think it’s important to learn to filter what’s useful and inspiring from what’s not. I plan to spend time reading more of the magazines I find inspiring, to limit my time online to sites and blogs that enrich my perspective, and to continue to surround myself with kind, interesting people, I respect.

Slow Down

I tend to squeeze a lot into each day, rarely giving myself the time to enjoy the moment or appreciate what I have achieved. I think it’s better to do less but do it well.

Continue To Learn

If there’s one thing that drives me it’s the desire to keep learning, whether that’s in photography, cooking, designing or styling.

Spend More Time Outside

There’s something so refreshing about a walk in the park or countryside, switching off from everything apart from what’s in front of me. It really helps to clear my mind and I don’t do it enough.

Go With The Flow

I need to learn to let go a little and appreciate the incidental things that happen, rather than worrying about what I think I should be doing.

Always In Denim

The White Company Three Quarter Sleeve Linen Blouse in White* | Sandro Veinarde Leather Biker Jacket in Black | Levi’s 501 (Vintage) Jeans | G.H. Bass & Co. Weejuns Penny Loafers in Black* | Ace & Tate Suzy Sunglasses in Bio Black* | Finery London Flora Fan Peel Earrings* | 88&Cloudless Joy Mini-Star Necklace in Solid 9ct Gold* | Merci Maman Personalised Flat Bangle in Gold* | Straw Bag (Bought In France)

It probably became clear some time ago that I’m always in denim. It’s one of those fabrics that’s never out of fashion, it’s unisex and crosses classes. It’s a leveller, and that suits me down to the ground. I don’t choose to stand out so it’s quite strange to have ended up as a blogger, sharing my style on a regular basis. I’m not the stereotypical loud, centre of attention kind of person that bloggers are perceived to be (and I’ve met many others who aren’t either). Even when I speak normally I’m softly spoken, I really have to project my voice to be heard.

“…finding my comfort zone has actually given me the confidence to experiment more with my style.”

I would never describe myself as glamorous. I don’t feel comfortable with hairspray in my hair, let alone when it’s styled. I feel overwhelmed by make-up, if I wear a lot it seems to wear me, which is why I stick with a natural look. And, I like to wear simple clothes with subtle details, it’s what I feel most comfortable in. That’s not to say I don’t wear dresses or that I don’t dress up for special occasions, I do, but just not in the same way others might do.

Being comfortable has always been an important factor in what I wear, not just physically but emotionally, too. I hate dress codes, I often don’t conform because they usually make me feel more conspicuous. And who likes being told what to wear anyway?

Believe it or not, finding my comfort zone has actually given me the confidence to experiment more with my style. I love to elevate the ordinary, taking my simple style and adding in a detail that changes things up. At the moment, I love adding a pair of statement earrings or a small splash of red. I’m actually thinking about trying a red lip on occasion. There’s one that MAC do, I think it’s ‘Dangerous’ that’s not too red and I reckon I might be able to carry off without feeling like everyone is staring at my lips.

I’m always going to love the classic, timeless styles and quality wardrobe investments but there’s nothing wrong with trying something new sometimes. Stay tuned for more denim and, occasionally, something a little bit different.

Black, In Summer?

Sandro Veinarde Leather Biker Jacket in Black | The White Company Silk Maxi Drawstring Dress in Black | Baia Trio Bag in Dove Grey* | Ace & Tate Suzy Sunglasses in Bio Black* | Cate & Nelson No. 165 Watch* | Merci Maman Personalised Flat Bangle in Gold* | Auree Jewellery Tembo Shina Bracelet in Rose Gold* | Kristen Elspeth Blade Ring & Axe Ring* | Lines & Current The Bar Earrings in Gold* |  Littionary 14k Tiny Yellow Gold Dot Stud Earrings | Dinny Hall Bijou Geode Stud in Gold* | Merci Maman Graduation Chain Charm Necklace*

I admit black may not be your colour of choice when it comes to what to wear on a hot summer day but come the evening, when the temperature drops a little and the sun’s rays no longer penetrate, it’s perfect. And if you have a golden tan then all the better for showing it off.

This loose fitting black silk dress feels amazing on, it’s soft on the skin, floaty and hangs really nicely. I knew from the moment that I first tried it on that I had to have it. It’s another piece in my growing collection of wardrobe essentials from The White Company. I’ve been so impressed with their collection this season and it’s been hard not to go in and buy up half the shop. I can see myself wearing this dress beyond summer and into next season, with the addition of a long sleeved t-shirt or jumper it may even make it into winter.

Denim Skirts & Linen Shirts

The White Company Linen Pocket Shirt in Pale Blue* | & Other Stories Denim Mini Skirt in Off-White | G.H. Bass & Co. Weejuns Penny Loafers in Black* | A.P.C. Demi-Lune Shoulder Bag in Black | Komono Renee Sunglasses* | Cate & Nelson No. 165 Watch* | Merci Maman Personalised Flat Bangle in Gold* | Wacoal Classic Reinvention Bra in Black*

I’m one of those people that will buy the same thing in every colour; usually in black, white and/or blue. You’ve witnessed my growing collection of linen shirts. But my other new obsession is denim skirts, I guess it’s just an extension of my love of denim, in general. And, with the weather being a little unsuitable for jeans most days I seem to have transferred my love to their summery alternative. There’s the black one I bought from Topshop a little while ago, this off-white one from & Other Stories and a regular blue wash one that I also bought recently in Topshop. I don’t think I’ll be buying any more for a while and I hope I don’t bore you with too many denim skirt looks. This off-white one feels particularly summery so it’s definitely coming on holiday with me to Istria in a few weeks.

Not The Cold Shoulder

Baukjen Medina Top in Black* | Paige High-Rise Sarah Straight-Leg Jeans in Sachi* | The White Company Leather Flat Tassel Sandals in Black* | Baia Trio Bag in Dove Grey* | Komono Renee Sunglasses* | Cate & Nelson No. 165 Watch* | Merci Maman Personalised Flat Bangle in Gold* | Felice Dahl Första Ring in Gold* | 88&Cloudless Gold Star Necklace* | Lucy Williams x Missoma Gold Graduated Fang Necklace* | Lines & Current The Bar Earrings in Gold*

Finally, it’s time to show some shoulder, throw on some sandals and sunglasses. Yes, I’m excited that I can leave the house without a coat and not worry that I’ll freeze my butt off 2 hours later.

I’ve been dying to wear this Baukjen top for so long. It’s made from a really light soft cotton jersey and feels wonderful on; it’s not clingy in the slightest. For those of you heading somewhere hot, it’s a good one for rolling up and tucking into your suitcase, it takes up very little room and is perfect for day or night. I can just imagine it with a black floor skimming maxi skirt or printed wrap. But today, I’m wearing it with these Paige straight-leg jeans which I’ve barely taken off since I got them, they’ve been in and out the washing machine non-stop. They’re a similar cut to Levi’s 501s and a similar wash but with none of that crotch bagging that bothers every girl I know. So if you’re looking for a good alternative, these are a good style to try!

I felt like Baia is one of those brands that only those in the know knew about, until recently when Emma Watson got her hands on one of their beautiful bags and suddenly it feels like everyone knows about them. But I like Emma and what she stands for, so I’m not complaining that she’s let the cat out of the bag. They are very special bags, made by hand up in Yorkshire by my friend Susy. She’s incredibly talented and I love every single one of her bags (I own three).

Does anyone else struggle when they first wear new sandals? My feet seem to blister at the slightest little rub BUT this was not the case with these ones from The White Company. It’s unbelievable just how soft and comfortable they are. It’s like walking on velvet and because of the way the straps attach to the back of the heel you don’t get that horrible feeling you get with some that tie around the ankle, when you’ve done them up too tightly and feel like your feet might fall off.

Feeling Fresh In Linen

The White Company Linen Classic Shirt in White* | Topshop MOTO Denim Mini Skirt in Black | A.P.C. Demi-Lune Shoulder Bag in Black | A. Andreassen Elskling Leather Mules in Black* | Kapten & Son Berkeley Sunglasses in Tortoiseshell* | 88&Cloudless Joy Mini-Star Necklace in Solid 9ct Gold*

We all know how amazing and versatile a crisp white cotton shirt is but how many of you own a white linen shirt? Linen has quite a different feel, often stiff when you first wear it but softening with time, the more you wear and wash it. It’s especially good in the warmer months as it helps keep you cool whilst also being breathable. The White Company have a really great selection at the moment, from the quite classic style that I’m wearing here to more bohemian styles, that are perfect for any upcoming holidays in the Mediterranean. It does crinkle easily but I think that just adds to its charm.

You’ve probably noticed that I’ve been moving back towards a more monochrome wardrobe of late. I’m certainly not anti-colour but I do find it easier to create looks from fewer pieces with a lot of monochrome basics. There will be some colour, I promise, just styled in my minimal way. For now, this feels very me and I would encourage everyone to find what works for them. A little trial and error is not a bad thing. I have to admit this skirt was pushing it for me. I wasn’t so sure if I could still wear mini skirts but the response I’ve had from wearing this Topshop one has given me the confidence to get my legs out a bit more, plus I don’t want them to be so pale when summer hits. Maybe the last three weeks of going to the gym are finally starting to pay off.

I also wanted to mention the lovely story behind these mules from A. Andreassen. Their name ‘Elskling’ translates as little sweetheart or darling in Norwegian, and the heart motif on the top of them comes from a Scandinavian tradition when children at Christmas made paper baskets and hung them on the tree, filled with sweets.

New Boyfriend (Jeans)

Samsøe & Samsøe Kahlia Coat in Navy* | Armor-Lux Mariniere Top in Navy/White* | The White Company Brompton Jeans in Indigo* | Converse Chuck Taylor II Plimsolls | A.P.C. Demi-Lune Bag in Black | Abbott Lyon Silver Chain Kensington Watch* | Saint James Mariner’s Cap in Navy | 88&Cloudless Gold Star Necklace*

I’ve discovered the softest, comfiest boyfriend jeans from The White Company. When you choose to wear a pair of boyfriend jeans comfort is usually on your mind. I’ve tried quite a few in my time but none feel as soft as these. They also come in a pale wash, white and grey; no points for guessing where I’ll be buying my boyfriend jeans from now on.

I’ve spent much of the last few months in stripes, what can I say, I’m a bit of an addict. I would really recommend Armor-Lux if you’re looking for a good Breton top, also known as a mariniere in France. They are well-made, soft and traditional in style, and they have a huge range of styles. They’re unisex so choose wisely when ordering, mine’s a size 3.

I’ll be sharing more spring looks soon, now it’s officially spring.

New Bedroom Textiles

This post was created in collaboration with The White Company.

Bamford Herringbone Blanket
The Duvet Store Hungarian Goose Down Duvet | Habitat Duvet Cover* | The White Company Square Pillows* | The White Company Square Pillowcases* | The White Company Standard Pillows* | The White Company Standard Pillow Cases (top)* | Habitat Standard Pillow Cases (bottom)* | The White Company Quilt* | Wood/Grey Stripe Cushion* | Wood/Grey Blanket*
West Elm Souk Wool Rug* | Mahabis Classic Slippers in Larvik Grey* (10% off with code ‘IGX-9d5bd925’)

Finding good textiles to use in the bedroom is vital if you want to create an inviting, warm space that you feel comfortable in. I thought I’d share a few of my favourite brands and items, as I begin to share my home with you on Style&Minimalism. From duvets to rugs, pillowcases to blankets, I’ve tried all sorts and have been lucky to discover some really great products.

Without a good night’s sleep I can’t function so finding bedding that works for both me and Dan was really important. We were given our Hungarian goose down duvet as a Christmas present, and have been very happy with it, at 10.5 togs it’s both lightweight and warm. Our pillows are a new addition from The White Company. The large square ones are great for sitting up and reading in bed, and the standard pillows are a special design with three chambers for a better sleeping position. The two outer chambers have more supportive feathers for side sleepers and the central chamber has more soft down ideal for front or back sleepers. I’ve definitely noticed an improvement in how my neck feels when I wake up.

Bedlinen can also make a huge difference to how I feel in bed, I prefer cotton sheets as they feel fresh and clean, and usually go for a simple palette of white and pale grey. I’ve experimented a little with linen pillowcases and although I like the look and feel of them they’re not as soft on my face as cotton. The square pillowcases and top standard pillowcases are from The White Company’s Avignon collection. I love the little pom-pom details along the edges, it’s fun but still quite minimal. The bottom standard pillowcases and duvet cover are both from Habitat, part of their Percale collection, a 180 thread count Egyptian cotton that is more soft than crisp; it feels really good to be enveloped in. On top of the duvet we have a gorgeous grey quilt, perfect for keeping our feet warm on cold winter nights, or chillier summer ones when I’ll be pulling it up over a flat sheet. It’s another item from The White Company, a brand as you’ve probably gathered by now I’m quite fond of. The quality is just so much better than most you find on the high street. There’s a coordinating cushion that goes with the quilt but I prefer not to have everything too matchy-matchy, mine’s from Wood/Grey, an incredible little website that sources some really beautiful and unusual designs for the home. They have some great beauty products, too, like Herbivore Botanicals. The herringbone blanket across the bed is also from them.

I think it’s really important to have great textiles on the floor, too. Wandering around the room barefoot you want to feel something soft under your feet. When I first featured this Beni Ourain style rug from West Elm I had no idea that it was going to be so soft! It’s the sort of rug you stop just to wriggle your toes in. I cannot express just how happy I am with it. Downstairs we have floorboards and tiles so I wear slippers most of the time. These Mahabis ones have a soft wool lining, squidgy cushioned inner sole and detachable outer soles which convert them into an outdoor shoe. They’re really warm and comfortable.

I would love to know if you’ve tried any of the products and what you thought of them. Or if you have any great recommendations please let me know in the comments section below.

Transitional Trench

The White Company Soft Trench Coat in Clay* | Comme des Garçons PLAY T-Shirt in White | Samsøe & Samsøe Lisa Jeans* | Adidas Originals Stan Smith Trainers* | Straw Bag (bought in France) | Larsson & Jennings Lugano Watch* | Lucy Williams x Missoma Gold Graduated Fang Necklace* | Missoma Small Initial Necklace in Gold*

If you buy one coat at this time of the year it has to be a trench coat. It’s the perfect transitional coat and a versatile one; wear it over a cashmere knit on chilly days and then swap it for a simple t-shirt when the temperature rises a few degrees. It’ll always looks chic with tailored black trousers or for a more casual look with dark jeans. I really like the simple design of this one from The White Company, no buckles or buttonholes, just a simple tie. I just need to be careful to keep it clean.

I’m also wearing a few of my favourite t-shirts. My Comme des Garçons PLAY t-shirt collection is starting to grow; I love their stripe t-shirts but this time I’ve gone for a short-sleeve white one. As with all their tees, I’d recommend going up a size.

Another collection that’s been growing are my jeans from Samsøe & Samsøe, they do a great straight-leg style.

New Season Bedroom Accessories

Spring is only a few weeks away and I’m looking forward to the longer days; for me more daylight means more shooting time and not worrying if I’ve missed the only good light of the day. As we’re coming out of winter I feel like it’s a good time to freshen things up in the house.

1. The White Company Bourton Collection Cushion | 2. The White Company Bourton Collection Quilt | 3. Frama Shelf | 4. West Elm Souk Wool Rug | 5. HAY Medium Gym Hook | 6. ferm LIVING Collect Pendant Lamp | 7. Byredo Cotton Poplin Candle | 8. Folio Society Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov | 9. MENU x JWDA Concrete Lamp | 10. Holly’s House Light Grey Plant Pot Large | 11. House Doctor Black & White Stripe Laundry Bag

I’ve been thinking more and more about how we use our bedroom and the kind of mood I want to inspire. Above all else it’s where we sleep so the bed, bed linen, pillows and duvet need to work hard. I think textiles are key when it comes to creating a comfortable and relaxed space. The White Company are one of my favourite brands for bed linen, the quality is exceptional and although not cheap I think their products are good value. I’ve been on the lookout for a great quilt for a little while and their new Bourton Collection has a gorgeous grey one that has matching cushion covers. It’s grey herringbone on one side and a stripe chambray on the other, so when I fancy a change I can flip it over.

I’m starting to experiment with lighting, we have downlights in most rooms but I think we’re missing a trick and could do with a few lamps here and there. I’ve seen a lot of great designs out there that don’t seem too expensive, especially for something that makes such a big difference to the mood of a room. Scandinavian designers are particularly good with lighting; maybe as daylight (or lack of it) has such a big impact on them. MENU and ferm LIVING are two brilliant Danish brands that not only make great lamps but lots other great homeware products, too. I’ve picked out a couple of my favourites above.

Like many of my Instagram buddies I’ve become quite obsessed with Beni Ourain rugs. They’re traditional Moroccan rugs woven from undyed natural wool by the Beni Ourain people from the Rif Mountains. Modernist architects, Le Corbusier and Frank Lloyd Wright were also known to like them. Like those guys, I’m a fan of order but I love the imperfect nature of their patterns. The thick pile is perfect for rubbing your toes in as you get out of bed. With their current popularity there are so many great Beni Ourain style rugs available online, I particularly love this one from West Elm. It’s not a traditional Moroccan rug but was made in New Delhi as part of the Craftmark initiative, “which helps denote genuine Indian handicrafts, develop sector-wide minimum standards and norms for labeling a product as a handicrafts product“. If you’re looking for a genuine Moroccan rug, India May Home have some coming soon.

One of the other things I like to do in bed is read a good book. I read a lot, I have a book on the go constantly. Usually I buy three or four at a time which I keep beside the bed. I’m planning to put up a new shelf in our bedroom to keep them on so I can keep my bedside table clear. I’m undecided about the style and size of the shelf at the moment as I’ve yet to decide where to hang it but I love the simplicity of this one by Frama. And being a book lover, the recent discovery of Folio Society has got me all excited, their beautifully bound editions are keepers.

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.

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