My Christmas List

I have the best childhood memories of writing my Christmas list. Every year, at some point during October or November, my sister and I would stay overnight at my grandparents. After several games of What! and Monopoly, a dinner of sugar sandwiches (you’d never guess my Gran grew up above a sweetshop), we would be tucked into bed. Only we’d be far too excited to sleep and, as a tactic to wear us out, my Gran would hand us both the Argos catalogue and a notepad each to write our Christmas lists. 3,000 pages later and my list would be complete. I particularly remember being age 8 or 9 and obsessed with getting a pager (the pre-cursor to the mobile phone and not something that any of my peers had so I don’t know what I expected to achieve by owning one!). Years later that obsessive yearning would move onto the Sims computer game and eventually the Friends box set which I spent all of my pocket money on filling the gaps until I owned every episode! Needless to say, aged 28, I still love writing a Christmas list and love even more that my family still asks for it!

MISSOMA.

I have been crushing on this duo since Missoma took the YouTube scene by storm (you will see a trend emerging here in my Christmas List, I confess...). I’m not very fickle when it comes to jewellery but this duo is a completely different look from my usual. After months of lusting, I think I'm ready to commit. LUCY WILLIAMS MINI FANG NECKLACE £105 | LUCY WILLIAMS LARGE HORN NECKLACE £139

KAREN MILLEN.

These boots are to die for. I’m not generally an over-the-knee kind of a gal (I think you generally know if you are or not) and historically all my boots have all been below-knee in life thus far. I, however, have been on the lookout for a good pair of winter boots for the last five years as my damn Letley calves (read: larger-than-your-average) make this an incredibly difficult task. I love the block heel and light grey colour which make these perfect for daytime. SUEDE OVER-THE-KNEE BOOTS £395

SWEATY BETTY.

My gym kit has been seriously tested since my Physique 57 membership has been reinstated. Needless to say, the endless washing is taking its toll on a few items. Sweaty Betty is a brand of dreams so it has its rightful place on my Christmas List (if a little punchy for most gift budgets) but I’ve had my eye on this sports bra - a tried and tested design that I know offers the support I’m after for the ladies. I'm completing the look with this slogan top that has my motivation nailed to perfection plus a pair of their iconic gym leggings. VICTORY PADDED RUN BRA £45 | ASTEYA LONG SLEEVE YOGA TOP £55 | reversible 7/8 yoga leggings £90

LONGCHAMP.

I had this exact item on my Christmas List about five years ago but after much love and use, I literally wore it out! Now it’s time for a replacement. I am loving the limited edition all-black design and it’s the perfect size to carry my make-up bag, book and gym kit in one go (and even a laptop if needs be). I’m currently resembling a saddle-horse every Monday morning as I carry my laptop case, gym bag and handbag to work! LE PLIAGE NÉO TOTE BAG L £95

HUM NUTRITION.

I found this brand on the Sephora website and have been intrigued ever since. I’m a big advocate of vitamins and have, over the years, taken Evening Primrose Oil, Cod Liver Oil and Calcium amongst others. If you’re new to this world, HUM have a great online consultation tool on their website which is super simple to fill out and gets to the bottom of what your body needs. Their business is built upon a network of qualified nutritionists reviewing your answers to tailor a bespoke package just for you. Tackling every kind of digestive issue, nutrient-deficiency and health concern, HUM have you covered. A regular addition to my morning routine is a vitamin hit for skin, nail and hair. Ideal for the winter and to kick-start 2018. Runway Ready Skin, Body and Nail Repair Kit $35

BY TERRY.

My sister first introduced me to By Terry a few Christmases ago thanks to her frequent visits to SpaceNK (what a haven that place!)! It’s a beauty brand that has been rising in popularity but comes with a pretty hefty price tag. Their cult hero product, Baume de Rose, is in good company of other beauty classics such as YSL’s Touche Eclat, Elizabeth Arden’s Eight Hour Cream and Nars Blush in Orgasm. So, inevitably, I want in on the action and I love the look of this packaging vs. the traditional Baume de Rose pot which can be a little messy on the go. Anyone else have lip-balm smears down their sleeves and coats? Another product on my radar thanks to Lydia Elise Millen’s constant advocacy is the Cellularose Brightening CC Lumi-Serum as a perfect base before foundation. It’s available in different shades to match your skin tone. Mini Baume de Rose Crystalline $19 | Cellularose Brightening CC Lumi-Serum $90

SEZANE.

New womenswear brand of the moment and my new favourite shop in New York is Sezane. Having said a tearful goodbye to a (very old) Warehouse faux leopard print handbag, I’m having withdrawals. It’s the perfect pop to add to a darker winter wardrobe. I am loving this bucket bag – their signature style – and super cute Arthur boots. I promise not to wear them together but definitely have a home for both of these in my wardrobe! LEOPARD HOPE BAG $280 | LEOPARD LOW ARTHUR BOOTS $235

Now that piece of festive admin is done, someone pass me a Radio Times, I have my highlighter ready for planning out my sofa schedule with Christmas specials and movie time! What’s on your Christmas List this year?