Connolly

Secret London: Clifford Street



Perfumer H Clifford Street

Clifford Street, a London gem so discreet I can never quite locate it, just got more inviting.

If you ever need some respite from the madness of New Bond Street and Regent Street, just look for the wee street opposite the Dior flagship on Bond. Here you’ll find Morris’s café for a cuppa (and occasional sighting of Bill Nighy), Connolly’s leathergoods and fabulous oversize knits, Adret’s relaxed-yet-always-refined contemporary menswear, and all manner of gentlemanly ready-to-wear finds at Anderson & Sheppard Haberdashery (in a past life this was the rather more flamboyant Mr Fish). (more…)



Put a jumper on



& Daughter AW22

“Put a jumper on” is a phrase I’ve already got used to hearing and it’s only early autumn. In truth, I’m a jumper queen. I even wear them in summer. While fashion people love to rave about cashmere (which I do love too), it’s not the be all and end all and it’s certainly not the warmest.

My go-to for warm knitwear is Shetland and mohair. Thanks to Michael Williams (of A Continuous Lean fame), I’ve just learnt about ‘Shaggy Dog’ sweaters. These fuzzy Shetland wool sweaters seem to be everywhere on the menswear circuit; Mr DRG likes the Drake’s version (below), while Williams recommends the endless colourways from J Press (below). (more…)



Trend report: Connolly AW22



Connolly aw22

How soon is too soon to talk about AW22 tweed winter coats and handknit sweaters? I’m writing this during a June heatwave but by the time I finish, we could well be buried in a freak ice storm. This is London, anything could happen.

This is the AW22 collection from Connolly which I was fortunate enough to witness up close at the Clifford Street store a couple of weeks ago. God, it was heaven. Connolly is a unique store anyway, in a quiet 1719 townhouse selling fashion (by which I mean impeccably crafted clothes) alongside art, homewares and luxury leather goods in a welcoming home-from-home setting. The clothes are designed by Marc Audibet with knitwear designed by Lorraine Acornley, who I know from her previous work with Begg & Co. (more…)



Shop the post: A calm, collected (last minute) gift guide



Toast Xmas gift

When it comes to gift guides, I always think about the things I’d like to receive. I’m actually very easy to buy for as I’m content with socks, books and edibles. Posh edibles are my top choice as a gift as you can just buy the person the elevated version of whatever their favourite thing is. (Pierre Marcolini chocs are my faves if anyone’s wondering, with Alain Ducasse chocolate and hazelnut spread a very close second.) Tea and biscuits are a particular no-brainer. Fortnums, Liberty and Harrods are especially good for these as the packaging is just sublime and the tins are obviously reusable. Plus, a stroll through the Harrods Food Hall or Fortnum’s biscuit room is surely an essential part of the Christmas experience, right? (more…)