Over and out

By the very ‘pop up’ nature of this blog, we were only to be here for a short while – and we are now popping off again into the ether. It has been super sharing our festive thoughts, gift ideas and general frippery with you and we hope you’ve been inspired. Thanks so much for reading, commenting, partaking and making our Christmas a whole lot of fun. Here’s to a super 2012! Onwards and upwards, as they say…

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Wrapping up

As part of our My Christmas Q&As we’ve asked some fab people to reveal their favourite Christmas songs, and we have loved the answers – from Jenny Dyson’s Reggae Christmas, to Hilary Alexander’s I’m Gonna be Warm this Winter, Pearl Lowe’s Winter Wonderland and Taryn Ross’ Christmas in Hollis. As music is part and parcel of our Christmas, we wanted to share ours with you: it wouldn’t be Christmas without The Waitresses 1981 classic Christmas Wrapping! Cue us singing along…

 

 

 

 

Joyeux Noel

What would really blow the socks off in the present stakes? Why a trip to Paris, of course. It’s not too late to wrap up a Wallpaper* guide to Paris and book a couple of Eurostar tickets. For inspiration, here some festive Parisian snaps taken by Christmas Stocking friend and self-confessed Christmas ‘nut’ Ashling McCloy. Thanks Ashling – we’re sold!

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Ooh Le Labo

Who doesn’t love a great fragrance? Our tip is to go down the road less travelled where smellies are concerned and sniff out a bottle of something original for Christmas brownie points. We love Le Labo, for both the look and smell of the scents. Find these dreamy concoctions at their perfumery on Devonshire Street, W1 or the mini-version at Liberty.

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Scarf London

It’s all about prints right now and Collier Campbell is printastic. The printed scarves, cushions and totes are colourful, beautiful and crafted in the UK. These would make truly fabulous gifts and would disguise last-minute present-buying panic, with style. We’re fans of the Savoy Pop Long scarf (£69), the Plum Geo scarf (£50) and the Lyric Stripe canvas tote (£10).

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Good vintage

There’s nowt more original that choosing something vintage for a good friend/loved one – and it shows you’ve really put the effort in. We’re huge fans of Atelier-Mayer, which has both an online shop and real-life store in Marylebone. Our picks for perfect presents are the Salvatore Ferragamo 1970s purple belt (£150), the Whiting and Davie 1970s gold mesh wallet (£130) and Christian Dior 1960s lemon rhinestone earrings (£250). Any of these would be an ideal gift for a lady who has everything, including good taste.

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Village people

Want to do some Christmas shopping in the flesh, but bypass the crowds? Our top pick is Brixton Village, one of our new favourite places in London. The spider’s web of an arcade is full of small independent boutiques and cafes and has the creative urban vibe of Brooklyn or Berlin. Totally inspiring and an ideal time to visit – loads of Christmas gifts to be found here, from fashion, to homewear to vintage – and amazing brunch/lunch spots, too.

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