All I want for Christmas...

Chaz has been asking where this year's Christmas present guide is for days.  Not for himself of course but for all those husbands out there - in Shanghai apparently - who are relying on me to help them shop for their wives.    So here it is;  rather later than planned I'm sorry.  I seem to have gone for (mega) quality over quantity - not many stocking fillers here. I'll do a 'part two' filled with smaller, more purse friendly ideas later this week.

Top top top of my list - and I imagine every other girl in the world - are these Chloe, navy, suede Susannah boots.  These will keep you in the good books for years to come. Maybe even centuries. 

Zimmerman celestial swimsuit.  Perfect for a bit of New Year tanning.  If this is a bit loud/too covered up, try one of Lisa Marie Fernadez's towelling creations.

A Tibi red faille skirt.  A red, silk, pouffy sensation.  Girls dream about skirts like this.

Sibella Court's newest book Gypsy

A Hugo Guinness print or painting

This 'Giraffes' painting by Roger Hilton

A plane ticket somewhere hot, sunny and beach trimmed.  

I'd like one to Singapore to see my tiny new Godson.  

A flower arranging course at The Little Flower school in Brooklyn.  Or if you're UK based, maybe one slighter nearer home like Judith Blacklock's.

J Crew embellished sweatshirt. 

This one's quite a fancy one but the new J Crew shop is so full of sensational sparkly numbers you can't really go wrong.  I'm not sure if J Crew has reached Shanghai yet...  

J Crew navy cashmere tunic

Boys, this may look like a boring old blue jumper but don't be fooled.   It's jumper perfection.  And if she/you are bored by the blue, they offer them in a whole colour wheel of colours.  

Emma Bridgewater splatters.  

This pattern was originally made as a one off for Liberty.  Thank God they have come to their senses and are now selling a few special bits online.

Sophie Hulme ponyskin tote

The whole collection is a sensation and you can't really go wrong.  The cross body bags are especially wondrous.

I am permanently wanting a new look at home and would love nothing more than a huge box of Designer's Guild Amrapali peony wallpaper to redecorate our bedroom in.  For something a little less bold have a look at the equally beautiful Barneby Gates papers.

Some people I know wouldn't be thrilled to find an old carpet under the tree.  I for one though would be over joyed.  In fact I would love any of Penny Morrison's heavenly rugs.  Or lampshades or cushions for that matter.  For a cushion lover, Rifat Ozbek and Erdal Karaman's Yastik collection can't be beaten.

Chaz absolutely does not get my obsession with old china.  I think it could be a girl thing.  The line between good and bad china is a fine one and one that unless you're 100% sure of what you're buying, should maybe be left alone.  Did I mention the Chloe boots?

However, if you do find your self surrounded by good antique spoils look out for pink lustre or speckled blue spongewear.  I always find jugs and loving cups go down very well.

Happy Christmas!

x

Sophie Hulme

We've just got back from our family skiing "holiday".  It's boring to talk about being tired - and I know I should be used to it by now but going away in a group, as the only ones with children - both aged 3 and under  - to a ski resort  - is not something to be taken lightly.  I was hallucinating with exhaustion when we walked through our front door nine hours later.  I might add - nine hours later and having left the beloved iPad in the bus that took us to Geneva airport.

But more of that another time.  

Whilst waiting at the airport check in, my attempts of trying to stop the screaming, bigger Cub from karate kicking the smaller Cub off the Trunki, were temporarily distracted when the most well dressed, immaculate, peaceful family pulled up in the queue behind us.  How on earth could travelling with a toddler be such a serene, stress free experience? Why weren't they covered in apple puree and Babybell? How were they cool, calm and collected still wearing their Moncler goose-down coats when I was red faced and hot in a grubby t-shirt?  And then I saw their handbags and I realised.  They had quite clearly been hypnotised by their beauty.  Nothing would phase them with one of these on their arm.  One had an orange one, the other black.  

 

Long story short, after landing, waiting at passport control, I came face to face with one of the girls and couldn't resist asking her where I could get one of these visions.   It turned out that her sister - 'Sophie' was the actual designer. She was none other than the magical Sophie Hulme.

Since we got home, every second I've not been tied to the washing machine has been spent trying to track down one of her creations.  At a majorly discounted price.  I'm trying to work out when the next batch of sales are and have an awful feeling it's July.  I have found one on ebay with a dinosaur charm on it.  The Cubs love a dino.  I thought I could maybe use it as a new toy/baby bag - surely a household necessity?