First things first: this is absolutely not a last-minute-Christmas shopping guide. Yes, I am fully aware that it’s December already, but I intend to float serenely above the rising panic.
It drives me absolutely nuts the way that Christmas shopping from mid-November onward is now labelled as “last minute”, as if gift-buying is a two-month full-time activity. Please can we normalise starting your Christmas shopping in December? Otherwise, we will all go insane and bankrupt. Thank you for listening to my Ted Talk. Here are some lovely things to buy – for the people you love, or for your good self – this month.
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Possibly the perfect pair of suede ankle boots
Suede gold detail block heel ankle boots
£60.80 at M&SThese are seriously good. Suede is feeling right again now, after years in the style wilderness. These Marks & Spencer ankle boots have a 7.5cm heel, which would be ambitious as an all-day court shoe but is much more wearable in a chunky heel boot. This is because a) the snug boot supports your foot in the arched shape, which is much less tiring; and b) the shape of the heel spreads the pressure point so the height doesn’t feel so intense. The subtle gold detailing at the top of the heel is a nice touch.
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All I want for Christmas is a cowgirl belt
Streets Ahead Darci belt
£151 at Streets AheadNot to be over dramatic or anything, but I need a western-style belt urgently. I devoured the second series of Netflix romcom Nobody Wants This mainly for Morgan’s wardrobe, and I now have a serious craving for a belt with the bust-through-the-saloon-doors energy that you get from a chunky buckle and an arrow-shaped metal cap on the belt end. Beyoncé wore a Streets Ahead belt on Instagram, and if it’s good enough for Cowgirl Carter, right?
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The Icelandic coat that made me a puffer convert
Dyngja cropped down jacket
£440 at 66°NorthUntil a year ago my thoughts on puffer jackets were, in a nutshell: great for teenagers and football managers, absolutely not for me. But my 66°North puffer has converted me. It’s not just that it’s as sublimely toasty as you’d expect from the Icelandic brand (which has been the official outfitters of Iceland’s coastguards and search-and-rescue teams since 1928), with a pillowy collar and a detachable hood.
Also – I’m sorry, but this matters – it looks great. Chunky jackets tend to make your posture look dreadful, but this falls gracefully. It’s a lot of money, but built to last, and 66°North is committed to sustainability and will repair your coat, however old it is. (It keeps an archive of zips and fastenings at its Icelandic HQ so it is able to match what you have, however long ago you bought it.) I have this in a fire-engine red, which as an Arsenal fan, is ideal for cold-weather games at the Emirates, but I realise that is a niche choice, and “licorice” (black) is chic.
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Socks, lovely socks
Ribbed socks with metallic stripes
£9.99 at ZaraIt has been the year of the sock. They’re the ultimate Little Treat: an inexpensive, wholesome, guilt-free spirit-lifter. I think ribbed socks always look a bit more elegant than plain ones, and I love the chic combination of cream, chocolate and black.
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Ethical, high-quality cashmere that isn’t stupidly expensive
Baker Miller Pink cashmere sweatshirt
£180 at Baker Miller PinkBaker-Miller pink is the name of a specific, rose-meets-bubble-gum shade that’s scientifically proven to make you happier. No time to get into that here, look it up. It is also the name of a gorgeous, brand-new independent brand making high-quality, conscientiously produced cashmere that isn’t crazy money. We’re talking: happy goats (Inner Mongolia, since you asked), fairly paid herders, clean and safe factories, high-quality cashmere with zero nasty additives. Knitwear “with cashmere” is everywhere, but if it’s mostly polyester, it won’t feel like cashmere, and it won’t last. Invest in this instead. The cashmere sweatshirt has all the classic styling details of the sportswear classic – V-rib neckline, raglan sleeves. Also comes in sweatshirt-classic pale grey or cornflower blue. Guaranteed to make you happy.
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The ultimate pyjamas
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Liberty Tana Lawn pyjamas
£157.50 at LibertyCan you imagine how serene you would feel if bedtime looked like this? These pyjamas come in all the classic Liberty prints, from chinoiserie to spriggy florals. The Tana Lawn fabric is soft and breathable, and washes and softens beautifully. Truly timeless.
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Possibly the high-street treasure of the season
Wool tuxedo blazer
£189.99 at H&MI need to manage expectations here because, after I tried this on in store and stupidly decided to wait and think about it, it is now out of stock in my size, and I’m waiting nervously for a restock notification. If your size is available: snap it up. You think that what you need for the party season is a new dress, but I absolutely promise you this cropped tuxedo jacket, with satin lapels and kissing buttons on the cuff (classy touch), will be so much more useful. It is a total outfit maker. If you miss out, the mesh vest top (£54.99), also from the H&M Studio collection (the posh bit of H&M), is a great shout too.
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Put a ring on it
Gold-plated bubble initial ring
£16 at AccessorizeI have bought three of these so that I can spell out JCM, and I am completely thrilled with the trio. But just one would be a great gift – anything personalised always feels super thoughtful, and an initial requires much less planning than monogramming.
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Introducing your new favourite Christmas treat
Lakrids by Bülow chocolate-covered liquorice
£16 at John Lewis £17.99 at SelfridgesChocolate-coated liquorice is the food of the gods. I can’t even describe how delicious it is. This isn’t an opinion, this is simply fact, and I will be taking no further questions at this time, thank you very much. This all-in-one snack and conversation starter is perfect for the holiday season, so upgrade from Ferrero Rocher to a tub of these for your Christmas Eve Love Actually screening on the sofa. You can thank me later.
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Grownups need party bags too
Kurt Geiger Kensington heart bag
£99 at Kurt Geiger £99 at ShoeaholicsA clutch bag is charming if you’re in a box at the opera, but a nuisance and a theft hazard if you’re out on manoeuvres on the town. A heart-shaped bag is straight-up joyful, but it’s also comfortable to wear, because it sits flat across your body and doesn’t swing about. This one in festive red has the Kurt Geiger signature eagle head and a sturdy chain strap, and is just big enough for phone, card, keys, lipstick. Good to go.
