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Introducing Bella Freud scented candles



Bella Freud Candle

I’m a firm believer that your choice of scented candle says a lot about you. Luxe  Diptyques, Jo Malones and Fornasettis all suggest a person who enjoys the finer, prettier things in life  *nods vigorously*.

The fact is, most posh candles last a good age so you don’t really need to replenish. In that way, they’re a little like clothes, accessories, or indeed perfume, more about variety and the sheer delight of having lovely things surrounding you.

Proving my point perfectly is Bella Freud who has just introduced a line of scented candles, daubed with her famous whimsical slogans. Possibly almost better than a ‘Ginsberg is God’ knit in that you can enjoy this every single day – just keep it as a fragrant desk ornament (I certainly will).

The candle is available at Space NK in three varieties at £38 each.



Personalised style: Chinti and Parker’s initial sweater




This year is all about the personalised gift, whether that’s monogramming, customising or having things made for you completely from scratch. To those I’d add these Chiniti and Parker initial sweaters. Although I love having my name on things, I wouldn’t want it emblazoned across a sweater, but these supersized initials are so big they’re almost abstract.

The navy cashmere sweaters come in one size, which on me is suitably slouchy (I’m a UK 8), and are perfect for weekend afternoons out and about when you want to be warm enough but not bundled in a dozen layers. I usually stick to plain navy, black or grey knits but the contrast of navy with winter white results in a much-needed brightening effect on dull skin. At £350 these aren’t cheap, but they’re made in Italy from Italian cashmere and Chinti and Parker prides itself on its ethical practices.

I also asked about my cashmere bugbear – bobbling cashmere. Chinti and Parker’s Anna Singh’s advice is to “invest in a debobbler. Contrary to popular belief, high quality cashmere still bobbles over time. Our designer uses a blunt razor to keep hers nice and smooth, stretching her sweater out on an ironing board, but even she admits to the odd mishap, so a debobbler* is best.”

Buy your initial sweater from Net-a-Porter or Chinti and Parker.

*UPDATE: Thank you lovely Amanda from The Womens Room blog for recommending the ‘John Lewis clothes shaver‘ for debobbling duties…
** Typically, it’s currently out of stock



Buy it now: Polished Punk



Rich reds and warm neutrals are on my radar this month (even though I’ve spent the last few weeks looking at ss13 colours – white, orange and Yves Klein blue are trending so far). I love the combination of Carven’s cheery red skirt and Kenzo’s vibrant printed scarf with Antipodium’s plastic-sleeved bomber. And also the contrast of Junya Watanabe’s abbreviated biker (only £272!) with McQueen’s chi-chi Heroine bag. Shaune Leane’s thorn ring adds unexpected drama.



ABOVE LEFT TO RIGHT:
TOP: Creatures of the Wind sweater, £395; Charlotte Olympia heels, £506,16; Antipodium jacket, £190
MIDDLE: Kenzo scarf, £95; Kate Moss book, £50; Alexander McQueen bag, £1,345
BOTTOM: Junya Watanabe jacket, £272; Carven skirt, £305; Shaun Leane ring, £140



James Long for Topman drops any day now



This is the season of the super-sweater and there are none more super than James Long’s exclusive new knits for Topman. Suitably texture-clashy in keeping with the trend for smooth-meets-hairy jumpers, these seven British-made knits arrive in store and online on Monday 12th November. (more…)