I have selected some of my favourite British brands to feature in this Christmas style and gift guide. As most Christmas shopping will be done online this year I thought it would be a good idea to bring together some great British brands that complement each another into one virtual Christmas “pop-up” shop, and encourage people to shop from British independent brands this Christmas. Many milliners and designers, such as Camilla Rose, Bee Smith, Beverley Edmonson and Lisa Redman, have pivoted during the pandemic by introducing small accessories which are a bit more lockdown friendly than their usual flamboyant race day creations. I’ve also included a few beautiful occasion wear pieces by Laura Green, Suzannah London, Vaai and Lalage Beaumont, Claire Mischevani and Caroline Charles for those who are planning on dressing up for Christmas Day at home. There’s luxe loungewear and fancy flats from Sargasso and Grey, Yosuru, Ethereal London, Nuiami and Bombshell, for sitting room soirees. For more casual festive style, take a look at my top picks from Troy London, Really Wild and Guinea London for Christmas walks in the countryside. Finally, it wouldn’t be Christmas without a bit of sparkle, courtesy of Jennifer Gibson, Susan Caplan and Auree Jewellery. I hope you enjoy browsing and find something suitable to buy for yourself or to give to your friends and family and support small British brands this Christmas!
I love the timeless elegance of these headbands by Laura Cathcart – perfect for a small winter wedding. For 10% off at Laura Cathcart use the discount code: THELADYSMAID10
Capelet coat by Katherine Hooker. Made in London from a classic Blackwatch wool (also available in aubergine. Detachable capelet so can be worn without for a different look. For 10% off full price items at Katherine Hooker use the discount code: LADYSMAID10.
For 20% off at Lalage Beaumont use the code: THELADYSMAID20. Lalage Beaumont are also offering offering Gift Vouchers this Christmas as a seasonal promotion, valid until 2022. A £500 voucher is available for the price of £400. A great idea if you want to plan ahead for a special occasion, at a special price.
Bombshell have a new range of Luxe Loungewear for Lockdown include this gorgeous wine velvet robe dressing gown. Available in other colours. For 15% off on orders over £100 at Bombshell use the code: LADYS15.
Wide fit dark green velvet embellished flats by Sargasso & Grey. (Also available in navy). 15% off at Sargasso & Grey is available with the code: LADYSMAID15
Teal cotton face mask by Vaai London. Made using left over fabric from previous collections at Vaai. Other colours available. £15. 10% off with the code: THELADYSMAID10.
Get crafty with a Christmas decoration craft kit designed by milliner Bee Smith Millinery: gingerbread man, brussels sprout and Christmas pudding available. £8 each. 10% discount available with the code: THELADYSMAID.
Mallow & White Hand Sanitiser. 70% alcohol hand cleanser + sanitiser, made from a bespoke blend of anti-bacterial essential oils, including tea tree and peppermint. Winner of 2020 “Best Hand Sanitiser”, Beauty Shortlist Awards. 10% off with the code: Ladysmaid10
If pyjamas have slipped into your working-from-home uniform wearing them with a cashmere poncho knit will elevate/disguise the look a little so that you can open the door to the DPD man and they will be none the wiser that you haven’t properly got dressed ;). I’d go for a neutral poncho style or knitted gilet – super comfortable to wear and much more chic than a dressing gown.
With heels a distant memory for most, this winter will be all about the fancy flat and the house shoe. Here are some of my favourite cosy slippers to motivate your feet to stay at home for Lockdown 2.
Checked moccasin, £19.50, M&SFireside House Shoe, £251.49Faux fur cross sliders, £35, The White CompanyVelvet bow slider slippers, £55, The White Company
Pom Pom mules, £17.50, M&SFaux fur open toe mules, £9.50, M&SArundel shearling slippers, £55, HushTeddy mules, £24, John LewisFaux fur mules, £28, John LewisVelvet bow slippers, £35, Boden Pom Pom ballet slippers, £19.95, JoulesPink shearling mules, £45, White StuffTartan trimmed faux fur mules, £39, BarbourSheepskin slide, £49, Emu Australia
With a winter lockdown looming, cosy comforts are on my mind. I’ve always loved the timeless and traditional look of a fair isle jumper – there’s something reliable and nostalgic about the classic pattern, making them my top pick for the wardrobe this winter when we are all in need of a sweater hug.
The island of Fair Isle, where this distinctive style of knitwear originated, is one of the most remote Scottish islands with a population of only 65. I imagine the people of Fair Isle are a hardy self-sufficient bunch for whom lockdown would be barely noticeable. So if you fancy adopting the style of a stoic Fair Islander, then here are some of my favourite knits for all budgets.
H&MBrora Troy x Brora M&SThe Croft House White Stuff The Croft House Boden Barbour Johnstons of Elgin
