Christmas gifting
It was so much fun to do a joint live with the lovely Danielle Collins last night, also known as the Face Yoga Expert. After connecting online as so many of us do these days, and having heaps in common we finally met in Bath a few weeks ago for lunch, a bit of business planning, and lots of hugs (see my Instagram post for more on that).
Amongst all the planning, we decided to bring to you a little Christmas gifting inspiration, in case you were feeling a little uninspired or just disorganised like me this year - so do check out our video over on social media to see our chat… in the meantime, here’s a little run down of my picks here:
Beanies & Wrist warmers from Somerville Scarves
Accessories are always a popular gifting choice as there is no fuss about sizing, and can be a lovely way of injecting an extra splash of colour into an outfit. Somerville Scarves have long been a favourite with bloggers for their super soft and stylish cashmere knits. I particularly love their beanies and wrist warmers, which come in a variety of candy-coloured options and would cheer up the greyest of winter days. @somervillescarves
Pyjamas and pants from Stripe & Stare
It’s always lovely at Christmas to receive some comforting essentials, and Stripe and Stare’s sustainable knickers and pyjamas ingeniously made from breathable sustainable modal from Beechwood trees. Celebrity approved - and by yours truly too - you have not experienced a really good fit and true comfort levels until you’ve tried these. Their pyjamas are also beautiful, colourful and oh so soft, they would make a wonderful gift for young and old, but should come with a warning - once tried you will be hooked! @stripeandstare
Icandi Rocks Jewellery
What would make a nicer gift than some new sparkly jewels?! I have worked with this little brand for a couple of years now and they remain my absolute favourite. Claire’s pieces are delicate and whimsical and are just made for layering. Layering fine jewellery really is one of the easiest ways of elevating the plainest of outfits and is a great way to achieve a more personalised or curated look that reflects who you are.
The collection comes in gold and silver, and I always receive so many compliments whenever I wear my pieces. @icandirocksjewellery
Chocolates by Painted Peacock
I discovered these delicious handmade chocolates when I was at the Spirit of Christmas Fair at Olympia this year. I was searching for somebody who has almost everything but deserves a little indulgence and these, tasting absolutely sublime and being exquisite to look at were perfect. The handmade and hand-decorated chocolates came in a rainbow and are very moreish! It’s so lovely to support another small business rather than buy more generic choices from the larger high street chains. @thepaintedpeacockco
Chilli & Mint Cookbook
I met the wonderful Tori on Instagram a few years ago and was instantly attracted to her tempting food pictures and suggestions. Earlier this year I arranged a zoom cooking party for several friends for my husband’s birthday, which was totally brilliant and everybody raved about the food afterwards.
Tori has now released her first cookbook ‘Chilli and Mint, Indian home cooking from a British Kitchen’ which as expected is fantastic and for keen cooks, filled with Indian recipes that just feel so authentic and a little bit different. @chilliandmint
(Available at all Waterstones shops & Amazon)
Bright Cashmere Jumpers from Jumper 1234
Everyone deserves a cashmere sweater! Yes, they are an investment, but in terms of comfort, sustainability and quality you cannot beat this little brand who specialise in bright colourful knits in modern shapes that will shake up the most tired of wardrobes. I am known for eulogising about the transformative powers of wearing the right colours for your skin tone and how this can take years off you - what better way to do it than in one of these gorgeous knits?! @jumper_1_2_3_4
Olverum Bath Oil
This is my absolute favourite bath oil and a wonderful way to relax after a hard day. It smells divine, is intensely moisturising and just seems to have hypnotically effective relaxing properties! Loved by the Royal Family and every Beauty Editor in the know, a little goes a very long way for the most indulgent bathing experience.
This is my favourite detox bath recipe: 500g Epsom salts, a handful Himalayan salt, 1 cup of bicarbonate of soda and Olverum bath oil. Bliss! @olverum
Glitter clutch bags from I Know the Queen
Remember - fashion is supposed to be fun - and this little brand is the most fun way to express yourself in all sorts of ways with their eye-catching, colourful glitter clutches. Absolutely perfect for party season, but fabulous for all year round, you’ll see them clutched all over the red carpet and they also make wonderful pouches for safely - and very glamorously - storing essential within other larger bags or drawers.
These clutches are such an easy way to uplevel an evening outfit that might feel a little too stuffy or formal and transport it to edgy and cool in a jiffy! @iknowthequeen
Pomegranate in scented Terracotta Wardrobe freshener - Sant Maria Novella
I first discovered this amazing company when I was on holiday in Florence a couple of years ago. This very special apothecary is set in the most beautiful chapel and everything within is made by monks using local herbs, fruits and other ingredients. It felt magical…. everything smelt just beautiful, and Lily and I were like children in a sweetshop trying out all the lotions and potions.
They have lots of lovely and unusual things but my favourite has to be this little scented pomegranate ceramic, that sits on its own plate and scents your wardrobe whilst warding off moths and other pests.
It smells absolutely divine - you’ll have to just take my word for it until they invent smellivision - or you could drop into the store on Picadilly in London, or purchase one online to see for yourself. The fragrance is exceptional, and it might make a really lovely and long-lasting gift for the fashionista who has everything. @santamarianovella1221
Hayo’u Method Quartz Crystal Compress
I’ve been a Gua Sha devotee ever since I connected with Katie Brindle in Lockdown 1… which now seems like just ages away. It really works, it’s so relaxing as it feels so lovely to do, I love working with the different properties of the different crystals and there is no doubt that my skin is much plumper and glowing when I keep up my daily routine. I was intrigued to try the compress and was actually dubious that it would add anything new to my skin but boy was I wrong! This is absolutely the icing on the cake after a Gua Sha facial! Moving the cool compress slowly over your skin following the more rigorous Gua Sha moves just melts away any remaining tension, smoothes out any lines and wrinkles and sends me into such a relaxing state that I am so ready to fall in to a deep sleep. @thehayoumethod
And in the Spirit of the Festive Season, I am delighted to offer you two special discounted seasonal style packages to help you look and feel your very best this season and into the New Year.
Goddess Style Session
Seasonal special offer- £197 reduced to £97
A ‘power hour’ of personal styling online dedicated to you with bespoke shoppable links and style notes to help you stand out and shine.
or
Feel Good Goddess Package
Seasonal special offer - £697 reduced to £497
An intensive 3 hour deep dive to give you a deeper understanding of your colour, body shape and personal style to give you everything you need to step stylishly into 2022, with detailed information on everything you need to make the most of your unique assets and feel like you are truly making the most of what you’ve got, with a follow-up style concierge service delivered by me for one month afterwards.
For full details click here.
For all those of you who have been asking, here are the links to the products that Danielle Collins, Face Yoga Expert, recommended.
Affirmation Deck from Mal Paper
@malpaper
DIFFUSER AND LAVENDER ROLL ON ESSENTIAL OIL
@doterraeurope
AYURVEDA TOOLS BY JASMINE HEMSLEY
@jasminehemsley
FOREO BEAR (MICROCURRENT DEVICE) FROM FOREO
@foreo_uk
CLEANSE AND POLISH FROM LIZ EARLE
@lizeaearleme
DANIELLE COLLINS’ FACE YOGA AND THE FACE YOGA JOURNAL
@faceyogaexpert