131.____My take on the Liberty gift recommendations

Firstly may I apologise for the length of this post, as you can tell, there's a lot that I liked on the Liberty website, and this is just from looking through their 'gifts for her' and 'gifts for him' sections. From that, I'm reluctant to go through their website for a while, I know I'll be broke before I've even opened it! So here it is, the epic list of lovely gifts from Liberty.

Some gifts for the men in your life.

This is the Cool Coast Liberty Print World Atlas, £36.00. It's a great present for anyone (not only men - I know it was featured in the recommended mens section) that you know who love travelling, and I think it's adorable, I really want one!

I love this Vivienne Westwood Grey Striped Orb Scarf, it would look dapper on any man, plus is a really reasonable £65.00. 

I love this scarf too, and grey is a brilliant colour as it goes with a multitude of things, colours and patterns, not that many of the men I know do wear a lot of pattern. This is a beautiful Mid Edge Grey Striped Scarf from Lanvin, which is also really reasonable at £70.00.

This Malin + Goetz Mojito gift set was also in the mens section, although, I'm sure that I, like most ladies would use it too. The great thing about this label is that all of their ingredients are natural so you really know what you are getting. This set is a brilliant £22.00. (Space NK also stock Malin + Goetz)

I think that these are amazing, but unfortunately I can't see many of the men that I know actually wearing them, they are the Paul Smith Mini Striped Car Cufflinks, £60.00.

These two mugs are part of a the River Series by Snowden Flood, the top is the Tower Bridge Mug, whilst the bottom is the London Eye Mug, both are £13.50, and would make a brilliant gift for any men who drink hot drinks and have ever been to London.

This is the best gift I've seen, although it's highly unpractical and I can't afford it, I think it's wonderful. This is the Medium Leather Hippo Footstool, £495.00.

I love this, it's so personal, I could be tempted to buy this for The Boyfriend for our anniversary instead of Christmas, it's wooden, which has been laser cut, with the beautiful inscription. The 'One day will be used but only by you' Wooden Key by Rob Ryan £29.00.

These are the perfect gift for my dad, a complaint a couple of years ago about receiving no socks resorted in the following year receiving over 100 pairs from various people. These are stylish but still work compliant, Paul Smith Brown Multi Stripe Socks £15.00.

Gifts for the women in your life

Know anyone who loves writing? Or just likes pretty things to stick on their bedroom wall? This set of 20 Liberty postcards are the perfect stocking filler at £5.95.

Know any lovely ladies who like to travel or are away from home a lot through work? This Malin + Goetz set is a brilliant gift, it's an introduction for those who haven't used the brand before, and a set of their favourites for those who have, Essential Travel Kit £18.00.

These are the perfect gift for the ladies who love a bit of pampering, Liberty Lavender and Eucalyptus soap & body lotion are a little bit of luxury for £4.95 and £11.00 respectively.

I love this letter tray, it's so cute! The Things I Like letter tray by John Derian is unfortunately £85.00, if it was cheaper I would definitely buy one!

This Cream Waterloo Bridge Rectangular Cushion by Charlene Mullen is amazing, although I imagine it could be hard to place in a pre decorated room. It is lovely though, although the price tag isn't £175.00.

I think that this is my favourite thing that I've seen on the lists, it's a Love Crystal Dome Paperweight by John Derian, it'd be a perfect addition at any desk, and reminds the recipient that they are loved. £55.00.

This is great, Love is a Killer card holder by Paris House, in an ultra slim design holding 6 cards, this is a Liberty exclusive £70.00. 

I love this Comme des Garçons Black and White Polka Dot Leather Purse, it's very chic and the perfect gift for a friend who has everything, £100.00.

Know someone who's always late? Who never knows when your birthday is? Or a meticulous diary keeper? This Miu Miu Purple Leather Organiser is beautiful, they will feel very sophisticated when taking this out to take down a lunch date. Make someone feel special, £215.00.

I love this Marc by Marc Jacobs Burgundy Classic Percy Cross-Body Bag, it's gorgeous plus a very practical size, stopping sore shoulders! It's really reasonably priced at £175.00.  

I love this Liberty Shopper Tote, which features the iconic store front, a perfect gift for any lady in your life at £14.95.

This is a gorgeous Marc by Marc Jacobs Green Leather Sophie Satchell which is lovely but expensive at £495.00, regardless of the hefty price tag I love it, although I have to say that this is only a gift to buy a girlfriend/fiancee/wife, the price tag can't really justify anything else.

As you can probably tell, I love shoes, and the various Manolo Blahnik collaborations are wonderful and have made me very excited and very willing to spend my money! The Manolo Blahnik New Shoes by Thames and Hudson £24.50, the gorgeous tote bag is Manolo Blahnik for Liberty £25.00, the Pocket Shoe Repeat Address Book is also Manolo Blahnik for Liberty & is £32.00. The Winter Shoes Fabric Covered Notebook is £32.00 and the Thames & Hudson book of Manolo Blahnik drawings is £9.95. Take your pick of these for any shoe lovers that you know.

This Marc Jacobs Gingham Make Up Pouch, is brilliant, it's affordable designer, allowing everyone to have a little piece of that world. It's very versatile, it could be used as a pouch or pencil case instead, although £50.00 is a lot for a pencil case!

All images from Liberty, happy shopping!

125._____V&A Series - Books

After my trip to the V&A in September and with a bit of inspiration from Jazzabelle's Diary I decided to raid through their online shop & post my favourite things from it. It's an amazing shop, with gifts for everyone you can possibly imagine, plus so many beautiful things I'd love to own that are getting permanently superglued onto my wishlist until I can afford them or santa decides to help.

All of these books would look great on a coffee table and I really hope to add them to my collection one day, shows a bit of culture, and lets The Boyfriend understand what I'm babbling about!

Not technically a book, but I'm a huge fan of penguin classics and this set of 100 postcards features iconic book covers from their huge range of books. On sale for £14.99

Scott Schuman is a genius, a simple people spotter who found fashion under his nose in New York, documenting it in his book and website, selling at £19.99

Having visited the Alhambra in Granada, Spain, the architecture and art is beautiful and this book is the perfect reminder of a great time. £30.00

I actually own this book after visiting the brilliant Grace Kelly exhibition in September, its a great book that tells the story of Grace Kelly as well as including photos of her in her most iconic outfits. £19.99

I'd love to read this, purely out of curiosity and a love of fashion, £24.99

Kenzo recently celebrated 40 years in fashion, and this book is the perfect accompaniment to find out more about the fashion house, £48.00

This catalogue features highlights from the Royal College of Art's fashion show, a great way to see the new talent and learn the names to keep an eye on, £5.00

I love the Keep Calm and Carry On posters, I have a great vintage war poster at home, I love them because they don't mean to be funny or amusing and were made with a serious point to get across. This is a book of stellar advice to get you through the hard times, £4.99

I also love Leonardo Da Vinci, his talent never ceases to amaze me, he was a master of so many things that I couldn't even begin to attempt. I'd love to read this book, and find out more about this incredibly intelligent man, £35.00

This lady is amazing. She's from the midlands like me, and is a redhead so I have a sort of affinity there, although I doubt that it will get me a discount anytime soon! I would like to own this book though, after seeing and reading numerous things about this remarkable lady, I'd like to know more. £19.99

I love spying into other people's lives and this book is the perfect way to find out various 'big names' favourite dresses and a sneaky look into their wardrobes. £29.50

I love Grace Kelly, she was such a glamorous and dignified lady, this book documents her life in Hollywood, £8.99

Dior. There's not a lot of words to describe the fashion house that don't include, inspired, sublime, amazing etc, this book tells the story of Christian Dior and his baby £19.99

I thought I'd throw this one in for The Boyfriend, and for Little Brother, so I can keep them both on the fashionable road, and I'd like to know more about mens fashion as I don't seem to make as much of an effort on that front as I do with women's. £9.99

All books available here, where the images are from.

119.____Ellie Goulding

Last week The Boyfriend, Little Brother and I trotted off to Leeds O2 Academy for an Ellie Goulding gig. It started off well with tickets only £15.00 each, and just kept getting better. Ellie had 2 support acts, Bright Light Bright Light, find them on twitter here and their website here and Sunday Girl, whose website is www.wearesundaygirl.com and twitter www.twitter.com/sundaygirljade.

Bright Light Bright Light were hands down fantastic, they are a similar genre to La Roux, only all male. Little Brother bought the limited edition tour EP, and after hearing it (which is amazing) I have to say that they are so much better live. It's a huge thing to say when a band is better live than their recorded work as very few bands are.

Sunday Girl were also really good, the only thing which annoyed me, was their lead singer had a very annoying tendency of flicking her hair about 200 times a song, which makes watching very off putting. On the other hand, she looked amazing in a gorgeous cape.

Ellie Goulding was also brilliant, she really puts on a show, talking to the crowd as well as performing some awesome music, including new songs and covers. Her version of Temper Trap's Sweet Disposition was unbelievable, I really hope she releases it on her new album. (If you were wondering Ellie wore a navy military jacket, black/navy embellished crop top and high waisted leather shorts/skirt).

If you can go and see her do, it's a brilliant show, and take a listen to Bright Light Bright Light & Sunday Girl, you will not be dissappointed.

Image from Ellie Goulding's website http://elliegoulding.com

116.____Jack Wills

After having a brilliant time on the Jack Wills website looking through, more comprehensively than I have before to bring you a list of the best pieces on the site, here is what I've come up with.

I love these gloves, especially because they are impossible to loose being on a string! The Broadley Gloves £24.00

This is my favourite style of purse, I'm desperate for a new one, although a little bird has told me that I have one coming from Santa so I've not been able to buy one, if I had, this would have been on my list - The Newbridge Wallet £24.00

I love this bag, the Crosby Leather Bag, however at £249.00, from a 'University Outfitters' it is a bit out of most of their clientele's price range, mine included.

I love this onesie, it's fantastic! Although, I can't really justify the Shelderton All-In-One at £69.00.

This Halfpenny Slouch Henley looks perfect for winter layering, and, will last long enough to pay off it's £44.00 price tag.

These headbands are perfect for the gym and bad hair days, and at £4.50 are really reasonable.

This is the Walters Gym Bag, which I am itching to own, as I do frequent a gym, which is my way of justifying buying it! It's quite reasonable compared to the Stella McCartney for Adidas range, at £39.00

This is the gorgeous Icenworth Bikini, which I'd love to have in preparation for my next non-existant holiday, but unfortunately Jack Wills bra sizes are rather small. The top is £34.00 with the pants being  £19.00

 

These are the lovely Darwen Waistband Lounge pants which just look so comfy, I'd love some for cosy winter nights at £49.00

I love this Tayport Classic Fit shirt, it reminds me of The Boyfriends shirts, but will actually flatter me rather than drown me, £59.00, there's a range of colours, but these two are my favourite.

This Hartley Tea Dress £69.00 can be dressed up or down, making it perfect for the Christmas season.

Springholme Tee £34.00

Ansley Tee £29.00

Woodhall Slouch Tee £29.00

Chatton Tee £34.00

Ellerbeck Henley Boytank £24.00

Blakemere Shrunken Rugby £59.00

Hailsham Top £49.00

I actually own this Kirkbridge Classic Gillet £98.00, it is the warmest 'outerwear' I have ever worn!

Farnworth Hoodie £54.00

Farnworth Hoodie £54.00

Wimbourne Hoodie £69.00

As you can probably tell I like hoodies, and these three are the best ones on the website.

 Corrbridge Boyfriend Sweat Pant £59.00

Ashover Classic Sweat Pant £49.00

Aldsworth Cardigan £59.00

Gatenby Polo £49.00

All in all this list would set you back £1432.50 which is rather a lot, and not really justifiable. I love the Jack Wills products, but I'd advise to buy one or two key pieces and not to go all out wardrobe, unless of course money is not option, if that's the case, feel free to splurge!

Images from Jack Wills