Christmas Traditions

A cliche it may be, but this really is the most wonderful time of year. I love the the festive cheer everywhere (there are few things lovelier in December than the sound of carollers in Parliament and the Christmas lights around Regent Street), the glittering parties and celebrations, traditions old and new and, most importantly, sharing time with beloved friends and family.

The Clever Boyfriend is in Australia for a couple of weeks (our first Christmas apart), so we started the festivities rather early this year. So far, December has been filled with all the key ingredients which, for us, add up to a wonderful festive season; decorating the house (the first Christmas in our own apartment), coming home after a long day at work to a house filled with the sound of the Rat Pack’s Christmas tunes and the smell of Diptyque’s holiday candle, and Christmas movie nights with our friends (complete with a side of Christmas cake and mugs of candy cane hot chocolate).

When it comes to those presents under tree, I love the treasure-hunt involved in finding the perfect gift for everyone on my list (even if I do always seem to leave the wrapping until the last possible moment). For me, bringing joy to others with something that you know will make them smile makes the act of gift-giving more rewarding than receiving.

But that said, I do know what I most like to recieve; a stack of beautiful books, a boxset of old movies, or a gorgeous bauble to add to my jewel collection. Every year, my boyfriend buys me a beautiful piece of jewellery for Christmas. Whereas I’m always buying myself fun, statement costume jewellery when it comes to a special piece, when it comes to a special present, I prefer something delicate and beautiful that will stay with me for years to come. Monica Vinader has become one of my (and his) favourites; I treasure these perfect little rose gold rings, the gemstone earrings that work just as well on their own as they do when paired with a statement necklace, and the simple engraved charms that remind me of the love with which they were given every time I slip it on.

Guess what’s on my wish list this year…?

Wearing: Monica Vinader diamond hoop ring, diamond disk ring, moonstone stacking rings rose quartz earrings // Alice by Temperley dress (past season, but similar style available at Net-a-Porter TheOutnet Shopbop) // Monica Vinader engraved pendant necklace c/- // Eugenia Kim headband (similar style available at Net-a-Porter).
Beauty: Clinique ‘Matte Peony’ long last lipstick (also available at John Lewis Neiman Marcus) // Estee Lauder ‘Fuchsia Flash’ pure colour lip lacquer // Nars ‘Gaiety’ blush (also available at Sephora ASOS Selfridges) // Deborah Lippmann ‘Today Was a Fairytale’ glitter polish (also available at Liberty).
Homewares: Antrhopologie monogrammed mugs // C. Wonder gold plates (sold out, but similar styles available at Shopbop) // White Company platter // Paperchase Christmas decorations.

Love, Miss B xx

AGENT PROVOCATEUR: 20% off all styles free worldwide delivery with code ‘MINGLE’ (until 1st December)
ANTHROPOLOGIE (UK/EU): 20% off site-wide (until 1st December)
ANTHROPOLOGIE (US): 25% off site-wide with code ‘HOLIDAY25′
ASOS (UK): 20% off site-wide with code ‘CYBERWKND20′ (until 2nd December)
ASOS (US): 30% off site-wide with code ‘TGIBF’ (until 30th November) ‘ILOVEMONDAYS’ (until 2nd December)
BAUBLEBAR: Get 15% off 2 items with code ‘FRIDAY15′, 25% off 3 items with ‘FRIDAY25′ and 35% off 4 items with ‘FRIDAY35′ (28th – 29th November) 20% off with ‘CYBER20′ (30th November – 2nd December)
GAP: 50% off everything with code ‘BLKFRIDAY’ (28th November)
J. CREW: 30% off most full-priced items, extra 40% off sale and free shipping with code ‘HOLIDAY’ (until 30th November) ‘MONDAY’ (1st December)
JOHN LEWIS: Site-wide promotions and discounts on select lines (until 30th November)
LIBERTY: 20% off site-wide (until 30th November)
LULU GUINNESS: 20% off site-wide (until 1st December)
SELFRIDGES: 20% off site-wide with code ‘SELF14′ (until 30th November)
SHOPBOP: Save up to 25% off site-wide with code ‘GOBIG14′ (until 1st December)
TOPSHOP: Site-wide sale on select items free worldwide shipping (until 1st December)
URBAN OUTFITTERS: Site-wide sale on select items free shipping with code ‘BFDELIVERY’ (until 1st December)
WEST ELM: Save up to 25% off site-wide with code ‘SUPERSALE’ (until 1st December)
WHISTLES: 25% off site-wide (until 1st December)

Happy present-buying!

Love, Miss B xx