My Desk-side Spa

Am I the only one who takes pleasure in transforming their desk into a makeshift spa sanctuary? Face wipes and deodorant are practical additions to any cabinet drawer, but other products are for pleasure and functionality as one. My frantically typing fingers take solace in high quality hand cream, and recently I have been rewarding them with Yonka’s ‘Nutri-protect’ which is a ‘repairing, comforting hand cream’. It smells lovely and doesn’t leave a sticky residue.  I’m looking forward to returning to it in 2014. If you’re stuck for last-minute gifts or stocking fillers, I can’t recommend this highly enough! 

Happy Christmas Fashion Slant Followers!

Happy Christmas Fashion Slant readers! I hope you have a wonderful break and that the New Year brings you everything you want and need. See you in 2014...

It’s Good to Dream

The Kooples, Sandro and Maje are all brands I fully intend to rock when I’ve lost a couple of stone of Christmas gingerbread, chocolate coins and cocktail weight. Zara trousers? I’m coming for you, your mental sizing is no match for my willpower.

Hot London label Three Floor also caught my attention recently, when I saw the (wonderfully svelte) Laura Whitmore rocking a grey ‘naughty schoolgirl’ dress at a Pond’s event. I later found out the style she was wearing was called the ‘Little Beauty’. With many of the styles featuring cutaway arms and general skimpiness, I’m adding this one to my wishlist. I love how unusual the designs are; you’d really stand out for the right reason in a Three Floor style.

Now I just have to get my head out of the fridge/that box of Celebrations/the dog’s bowl (made the last one up…for now). In 2014, not yet. 

There are a selection of Three Floor styles on asos.com but it's worth visiting the brand’s website to see everything: threefloorfashion.com.

These are some of my favourites:

Laura models the 'Little Beauty' dress.

Stocking Fillers

I love a luxuriously stuffed stocking, don't you? These would all make lovely additions to my dream version. 

Some Annie Haak ‘Santeenies’ in rose gold (£39.00 each)

Anything from the Nars Guy Bourdin collection…

A new Tangle Teezer – I’m never without my large neon pink one but have LOST my handbag-sized one which was given to me but the Tangle Teezer founder himself! (£16.00)

This pretty Balar necklace with the brand’s trademark Jersey shells (£75.00)

Get in my Stocking!

Dear Santa,

I promise to be well-behaved all of 2014 if you pop this Limited Edition ‘Sicilian Jewels’ Dolce & Gabbana lippie in my stocking. Only ‘Ametista’ will do – I’ll wear it with a sparkly New Year’s party dress and a big grin. 

£27, Harrods.com 

Christmas Gift Guide!

Yay, it's nearly Christmas! I hope my gift guide provides some inspiration for your festive shopping trips. I do love guilt-free shopping.

For a Writer

A line a day diary! Much nicer than Twitter. 

£11.95 Handpickedcollection.com 

For the Action Enthusiast

Indulge their inner Jack Bauer. 

£19.95 handpickedcollection.com 

For a Reader

A love story everyone adores, with beautiful illustrations by Karen Klassen. 

£24.95 foliosociety.com 

For a Luxury-loving Friend

Her favourite fragrance has had a Christmas make-over! The stripy packaging is very joyful too.

£85.00 jomalone.co.uk

For Your Man

Encourage some ‘skin fitness’ in the New Year. The scrub and lotion are a great place to start.

From £26 yonka.co.uk

For Artistic Little People

Parents will breathe a sigh of relief when they realise mealtimes can be made peaceful. 

£8.99 whitestuff.com 

For Your Star Wars Fanatic Brother

May the Oreo force be with him. 

£34.99 notonthehighstreet.com 

Clarks Spring/Summer 2014 Collection

I have always been a Clarks fan – footwear that doesn’t completely destroy your feet in five minutes is a winner in my book. In the past, I have looked to Clarks for simple styles; classic ankle boots and fuss-free sandals. Recently, however, Clarks have really stepped their game up fashion-wise. The crème de la crème of fashion press (and me) turned up to the Clarks Spring/Summer 2014 press day in Covent Garden to see the new styles. I expect the sandals will be turning up on many summer fashion pages – they’re very Prada-y. There were some great simple sandals with a low heel- a perfect option for British summertime. The Orla Kiely platform collection also stood out. 

www.clarks.co.uk/

Annie Haak Breakfast, Holborn

Last Thursday I attended a special breakfast hosted at Hush by jewellery designer Annie Haak. We had the chance to glimpse the new collection and there was an impressive selection of new pieces to look at as we munched a stack of delicious pancakes and fresh pastries. 

Annie’s work is inspired by Indonesia. Her attention to detail is amazing and Annie ensures every piece has meaning; even the hearts on her logo represent her three children. Annie is based in Bali for most of the year, where she lives with her family and dogs. Her influences are gathered from many aspects of Bali life – they really come through in the charms on her bracelets and necklaces. 

Annie has recently launched a gold collection as part of her range, which feels incredibly luxurious. The Yard of Gold bracelet is a real Christmas party showstopper; it’s a yard long wrap of gold and was designed to act as five bracelets in one. 

The single strand bracelets would make a welcome addition to any stocking and I’ll certainly be adding the Yard of Gold bracelet to my Christmas list. 

www.anniehaakdesigns.co.uk