Unusually for me I have been hugely disorganised this year and left my Christmas shopping/wrapping/planning/general everything to the last minute. I still have presents to buy, which will inevitably involve a dash around Marks & Spencer on Christmas Eve filling in the gaps.
If you have a tricky fashion fiend to buy for I've picked a few of my fave pieces around at the moment which might be of some help...
A decent fashion book is always a winner and this year a glut of good 'uns were published which should be on any fash fan's wishlist. The World According to Karl (£18.95, Thames & Hudson) is a collection of witty one liners and fabulous quotes from the Kaiser himself. Talking Fashion (£19.99, Prestel) shows a fascinating insight into the secrets of some of the industry's heavyweights, from agents and photographers to designers, while New Fashion Photography (£29.99, Prestel) is a coffee table must have featuring the work of fashion photography's biggest names, including Rankin, Tim Richardson, Nick Knight and Miles Aldridge. It will be pored over for hours. For a nifty stocking filler, pick up a copy of Amy de la Haye's A to Z of Style (£9.99, Abrams), a chic little style guide peppered with adorable illustrations.
Always a fan of stylish footwear, I'm a little bit in love with Ted Baker's leopard print ponyskin high tops, so much more chic than Converse. £130 from www.tedbaker.com
For statement jewels, you can't beat Zara. Their collar necklaces are to die for - I have far too many - and this gilded beauty with a hint of sparkle is the perfect thing to jazz up a plain jumper. £29.99 from www.zara.com.
Cosy cashmere is always a winner at Christmas and Cashmere and Cotton has a great selection. I love the grey fingerless arm warmers; keeping you toasty warm whilst leaving fingers free for essential festive Tweeting. Order by midnight on Wednesday 18th for Christmas delivery. £39 from www.cashmereandcotton.co.uk.
Every fashion girl adores a Smythson note book. If she says she doesn't, she's lying. They are the ultimate in luxe stationery, not to mention a handy size for stocking filling. The Little Black Book address book always goes down a treat, but with a rainbow of colours and a host of slogans available (my faves - OMG and the inspirational Make It Happen) there's is something to suit everyone. From £45 from www.smythson.com, Selfridges & the Bond Street boutique.
Lastly, a little shameless self-promotion... If sexy lacy lingerie is a bit too cheesy, invest in some handmade knickers, lovingly stitched in London by yours truly. Yup, I make lingerie. A woman of many talents. Available online at www.livechic.co.uk (£20 each), each pair is totally unique. Order by Thursday for Christmas delivery.
With thanks to www.fluorescentimage.com for the photography.
Love Laurel x
