Happy New Year

Wherever you are in the world, The Beauty Scoop would like to wish you a very happy New Year.

Have a wonderful NYE and here's to a successful, happy and healthy 2011.

Sydney, Australia

London, England

New York City, USA

Steven Stipelman: In Conversation

Steven Stipelman is one of the biggest and highly regarded illustrators in the fashion world. His work has appeared in every glossy you can think of and he has made capturing the work of designers like Dior, Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent his specialism. He also teaches at the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC.

For those of us not young enough (or creative enough) to be one of his students, all is not lost. On Monday 17th January, Mr Stipelman will be in conversation with Colin McDowell at the Design Museum in London, where he will provide insight into his working methods, amongst other things. You'll also get the opportunity to have a brief tour of the Drawing Fashion Exhibition which is currently on show at the museum,

Monday 17 January 2011, 11am - 1pm
Tickets £25 / £12 members
T: 0207 940 8783
E: tickets@designmuseum.org
W: Ticketweb.co.uk

All images by Steven Stipelman

Lacoste: New Ad

New pics from the latest Lacoste ad have just dropped and, by the looks of things, the brand is taking things up a style notch.

Shot by famous snappers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggot, the new ad named "Unconventional Chic", features Anja Rubik and Lauder muse Liya Kebede, to name but a few.

Delicious.

What A Teese

Here's the first image from Dita Von Teese's as yet unreleased beauty book, where she will apparently share her hair and make-up secrets with her fans.

Not only is Dita edgy and cool, she's also just like one of us. She said recently: "I always felt very ordinary and very boring. I never felt like a beauty, but I understood that beauty and glamour were two different things - and that glamour is something any woman can achieve."

We heart you, Ms Teese.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and New Year.

I'll be back later in the week to continue where we left off.

With love,

The Beauty Scoop

Christmas Gift Guide: Day 23

Saving the best until last... (I figured there was little point in doing a present guide tomorrow as it is mainly women that read this blog and they, being organised creatures, will have their shopping wrapped by then.)

Give this gift, the Liz Earle Ultimate Christmas Hamper, to your favourite friend and you'll be their person of choice for the whole of 2011. As the website says: "Layer upon layer of lovingly hand-wrapped botanical treats to surprise and delight on Christmas morning."

My sentiments exactly.

Merry Christmas.

£163.25
www.lizearle.com

Taylor For Galliano

Here's Gossip Girl star, and my favourite grumpy teen, Taylor Momsen posing for John Galliano's Parlez moi d’amour fragrance ad.

Watch the video below for John Galliano's take on the lovely lass.



And now click on to see Taylor in action.

Christmas Gift Guide: Day 22

In anticipation of a new year and a new me (I say this every year), I like to shake things up in my fragrance wardrobe.

In 2011 I'm hoping to come across all clean and fresh by wafting Chantecaille's flawless Vetyver scent wherever I go.

With top notes of citron, pepper, nutmeg and bergamot, a heart of delicious vetyver and base notes of musk and sandalwood, this is an exotic blend that will subtly whisper, 'sophistication is my middle name.'

The etched glass bottle and crystal stopper won't look out of place on your beautiful dressing table either. Go on, stick it on the list. Pronto.

£175
www.harrods.com

Megan Fox For Giorgio Armani Beauty

Here's the delightful Megan Fox in the new Giorgio Armani Beauty campaign video.

Mr Armani says he chose Miss Fox as the new face of his beauty business because, "she embodies the spirit of the women of today: free, confident and seductive. Her beautiful features reveal femininity, sensuality and strength."

Gorgeous.

Christmas Gift Guide: Day 21

After the stress of the festive period (the weather, flight cancellations and last-minute Christmas shopping) I for one will be in dire need of something nice to look forward to.

Step forward the Serenity Package courtesy of The Spa At Bluebird (nestled inside The Shop At Bluebird, the lifestyle mecca on the Kings Road, London).

This is 120 minutes of pure relaxation and indulgence. Perfect as a gift or as a tonic for the winter blues, spend two hours being pampered and spoiled with this all-inclusive treatment package that tackles every inch of your weary body.

Enjoy a full body massage followed by a scrub and a rinse, finished off with a moisturising body mask and facial.

Literally, to die for.

Serenity Package £200
The Shop at Bluebird
350 Kings Road
London
SW3 5UU
+44 (0)207 351 3873
info@theshopatbluebird.com

Christmas Gift Guide: Day 20

I'm a sucker for quirky lighting appliances and this one is no exception.

This is a super-stylish and eco-friendly light that will definitely spark conversation in your household. Designed by Liquidesign, this lamp can be hung from the ceiling. The light gives a lovely, warm glow which will make your home nice and cosy. Perfect for those January evenings.

Fittings and bulb included.
Made from paper and cardboard

Dimensions: 30.5cm x 23 cm
£35.00

www.something-shop.com

Erin's Erotic Shoot

Another day, another ad campaign that catches my eye.

Here's Texan model Erin Wasson modelling items from the spring/winter collection of her Low Luv jewellery line.

Stunning, yes?

Anna Sui's New Ad Campaign

Here is Anna Sui's latest ad (spring 2011) for her amazing beauty line, which features Swedish model Frida Gustavsson. If you don't know much about Sui's cosmetic endeavours, all I can say is that aside from the incredible spectrum of her colour products, the packaging is totally standout.

Quite lovely.

Christmas Gift Guide: Day 16

As the snow starts to fall (again), I'm longing to cuddle up in bed - and this little pom pom-embellished hot water bottle is a welcome addition to the swathes of fabric that I'm about to envelop myself in.

Why not treat yourself to something toasty this yuletide?
£30

www.something-shop.com

Christmas Gift Guide: Day 15

Everyone knows that to have good hair is to have pretty much everything - take Cheryl Cole as your example.

To keep mine looking in order and, quite frankly, flippin' fabulous, I'll be hoping that some nice person picks this Umberto Giannini Beauty Secrets Perfect Beauty set up for me on their Christmas travels.

Filled with shampoo and conditioner, finishing cream and makeover spray (perfect for sprucing up your locks should you happen to end up in someone's home after the Christmas party, ehem) and housed in a pretty little bag (which has a frame that's reminiscent of Mary Poppins' carpet bag), this is the perfect travel companion.

Please Santa, I've been (quite) good this year.

£16
www.umbertogiannini.com

Time Magazine's Person Of The Year

Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg, 26, has been named Time magazine’s Person of the Year 2010.

The accolade goes to the person/ thing that has most influenced culture and news during the past year for good or bad reasons.

Impressive and very inspiring stuff.

January Jones For Versace: First Pics

Here's the gorgeous January Jones in the nude (aside for some very cleverly placed accessories) in Versace's spring/summer 2011 ad. The campaign was shot in London by Mario Testino.

NEWGEN 2011 Recipients Announced

The British Fashion Council today announced the names of 18 of London’s brightest emerging fashion design talents who've been selected to receive BFC NEWGEN sponsorship, supported by Topshop, to show at London Fashion Week in Feb 2011.

NEWGEN, which was established in 1993, is one of the world’s most recognised talent schemes. Previous recipients include Alexander McQueen, Matthew Williamson, Christopher Kane, Erdem and Meadham Kirchhoff.

And the winners are:

Catwalk sponsorship: David Koma, Holly Fulton, Louise Gray, Mary Katrantzou and Michael van der Ham.

Presentation sponsorship: Christopher Raeburn, Craig Lawrence, JS Lee, JW Anderson (film presentation) and Nasir Mazhar.

Installation sponsorship: Dominic Jones and Jordan Askill.

Exhibition sponsorship: Chau Har Lee, Christopher Raeburn, Craig Lawrence, David Koma, Dominic Jones, Fannie Schiavoni, Felicity Brown, Heikki Salonen, Holly Fulton, Jordan Askill, JS Lee, JW Anderson, Louise Gray, Mary Katrantzou, Michael van der Ham, Nasir Mazhar, Thomas Tait and Yang Du.

Well done, everyone.

Christmas Gift Guide: Day 14

To be in the possession of a designer purse is, I believe, a signal that you're fashion savvy, have rather good taste but don't necessarily have the funds to stretch to, say, anything bigger (read: more expensive) from the brand in question. Therefore, it's a great entry point to sample the luxury of high-end goods.

I (and many others, I imagine) are coveting this bamboo-clasped black leather purse from Gucci. One flash of this bad boy and you'll have those haughty sales staff eating out your hand (if only they knew it contained a mere scruffy £5 note - mwah haa haa!)

Gucci continental wallet with bamboo detail
£335
www.gucci.com

The Beauty Spot: Samantha Burlton

I talk to Samantha Burlton, founder of So Organic - the one stop shop for an organic lifestyle - and recently voted as one of the most influential people in the UK organic and natural beauty business.

Please introduce yourself to the Beauty Scoop readers - who are you and what do you do?
I’m the founder of So Organic, the one stop shop for an organic lifestyle. We offer everything you need to go organic from top to toe via our website www.SoOrganic.com, our store and treatment rooms in Greenwich, London and our mail order catalogue. We stock over 2500 products from more than 50 brands, everything from organic make-up to green cleaning products. Think of us like an organic John Lewis and you won’t be far wrong.

What is your background and what made you decide to get into the organic lifestyle market?
My background is in something completely different; I used to work as a corporate account manager for various big telecoms companies. But cooking is my passion and hobby and when I discovered the taste and quality of organic ingredients were second to none and that by choosing organic I could help the environment, animal welfare and feel I was making a healthier choice for me and my family I made the switch to organic food. But then when I started to look for organic beauty products and things for my home, the shopping experience was much more difficult and no one could give me the advice I needed. This made me realise that there was a huge gap in the market so I created So Organic to meet the needs of people like me, who enjoy quality skincare and pampering products and want to use products in their home and on their children that work brilliantly but are as pure and organic as they can be. If you are short on time and want to feel confident that you’re choosing genuinely natural products that really work, you can order from So Organic and have the products delivered to your door quickly feeling confident that we will have done the legwork to check that the products really work and the ingredients can be trusted.

Why do you think it is important to 'go organic' or at least attempt to incorporate organic products into your life?
These days most of us are concerned about animal welfare, caring for the environment in the choices that we make, and protecting ourselves and our families from exposure to potential toxins. In addition, many people suffer from sensitive skin and allergies and need to find products that can help. Choosing organic products wherever you can is one small and easy step to dealing with all of these issues. Organic is better for you, better for the environment and better for animals, and if occasionally it does cost a fraction more it’s worth it. However, if you usually choose big beauty counter brands of skincare and make-up, you’ll probably find that organic products are in fact cheaper than your usual brand too.

What are some hero products that you offer that could make a small difference to those who are not yet converts to this way of life?
If you’re a lip balm addict then choose an organic lip balm, such as the Basis Lip Balm by Lavera (£2.45 for a 4.5g stick). Most lip balms are made from petroleum oil which coats your skin and prevents it doing what it naturally should do to repair and renew itself. They feel good when you put them on but your lips never improve, which is why you have to continually reapply. Choosing a lip balm made from organic plant waxes gets to the root of the problem, it is absorbed into the skin and helps with repair, and if you end up eating a bit, which of course you will, then wouldn’t you rather be eating mango butter than petroleum?

If you use a body lotion (and you know you really should to keep your skin soft and supple) then make the switch to an organic one as soon as you can. It’s thought that up to 60% of what we apply to our skin can be absorbed into the blood stream and conventional body lotions are made from a whole range of ingredients that have been shown to be potentially harmful. Synthetic fragrance which gives the scent can trigger allergies, parabens used as preservatives have been shown to have a hormone disrupting effect and can accumulate in the body, propylene glycol which keep the product texture stable is similar to anti freeze and made from petroleum and petroleum derived mineral oil used as a moisturiser just as it is in the lip balm is of no positive benefit to the skin. You apply body lotion all over so that’s a lot of product potentially being absorbed, by choosing an organic body lotion you’ll cut your exposure to these ingredients significantly and your skin will feel better too.

What does a day in your life look like?
Very busy! I’m a new mum in addition to running my own business so I don’t get a lot of free time! I’m usually up at 6:00am or 6:30am to try to have a shower, dress and put my make up on before getting Lily up at 7:00am. Then I have a mad rush to get her ready before handing over to her grandparents or her nanny at 8:00am.

My husband, Stuart, also works in the business as our Chief Operations Officer. Living and working together means we have to be very clear about our roles and make the switch between home time and work time. Lots of people say that they would struggle to work with their partner but for us it works brilliantly and we really wouldn’t want it any other way. We try to walk to work whenever we can, we have a beautiful walk across Blackheath and through Greenwich Royal Park so it’s a wonderful start to the day and a lovely way to collect our thoughts and plan the day before arriving at the office.

Every day is different which makes my job so wonderfully interesting. I might be researching and testing new products to add to our range, planning new treatments for our organic beauty rooms or having them tested on me, (a job which requires you to have regular organic facials can’t be bad!). Or I could be writing articles for a magazine or our blog, working with the marketing team on ideas for offers or promotions, or any one of hundreds of other things that I get involved with. I try to take in a healthy lunch from home, but rarely stop for long. I need to use every minute I spend in the office productively as now that I’m a mum I’m very firm about keeping home time sacred and spending it with Lily and Stuart.

Just after 6:00pm we’re back home again with Lily, and enjoying some lovely play time to wind down before her bath and bed at 7:30pm. Cooking is important to me and helps me relax so I try to cook properly every evening and Stuart and I usually sit down to a healthy organic dinner and a glass of wine at around 8.30pm. Evenings are spent on the sofa with a good book or a film; my days of staying up late and partying into the small hours are long gone.

How do you think the organic market has changed since you started your business?
There are now far more organic products available than ever before and the quality is truly excellent. There’s no need to make a compromise in terms of performance, even technical products such as make-up and hair styling products are now available made from organic ingredients and work brilliantly. And it’s not only people who look like eco warriors that buy them! Organic is better for you, better for the planet and better for animals, everyone cares about those issues and these days all kinds of people understand that and are choosing organic.

You also find time to lectures and mentor on entrepreneurship/ small business start-ups - what tips do you have for any budding businesswomen/men?
Don’t think that starting your own business will be a way to get rich quick, or do less work! Yes, there are a few lucky people who make their millions very quickly, but for most starting your own business will involve a lot of hard work, sacrifices and stress. There are huge rewards too, a real sense of achievement when you get the business off the ground and a real pride in yourself and your team when you receive compliments and accolades, but don’t underestimate how hard you will have to work.

You need to be sure that not only do you have a good idea but that it is in something that you care deeply about and will sustain your interest over the long term. Write a business plan and refer back to it regularly, both to check that you’re still on track, and to help you make a conscious choice to deviate from the plan if you need to, but also to boost your confidence when things get difficult. By referring back to your business plan you will be able to see how far you’ve come.

Network well so that you can surround yourself with people who understand the challenges you face. If all of your friends work for big organisations it can be hard for them to understand what running your own business is like. Making friendships with other business owners will enable you to support each other and bounce ideas around.

www.SoOrganic.com

Christmas Gift Guide: Day 13

Every woman needs a nice washbag and I for one will be adding this Anya Hindmarch hard-wearing canvas version to my ever-growing list for Santa.

The lettering is courtesy of Ben Eine, who specialises in producing big letters on shop fronts across the capital, some single letters, others funny combinations that "serve as a reminder that writing is art."

£50
www.anyahindmarch.com

Christmas Gift Guide: Day 12

A gift of a handbag will always go down well with the lady of the house, particularly if said handbag is Mulberry and named after a certain fashion-forward TV presenter.

Yes, it's the Alexa - but the clutch version. This is the new-season update on the phenominally successful Alexa bag, inspired by Brit favourite Alexa Chung, and is the perfect accessory for day or night. It looks great thrown over your shoulder and teamed with skinny jeans and an oversized sweater, or fold the strap away and add a tough-luxe edge to your evening ensemble.

Yes, please.

£495
www.selfridges.com

William & Kate's Official Shoot

The official engagement photographs of Prince William and his beautiful b2b Kate Middleton, which were shot by renowned photographer Mario Testino, have just been published.

The photo shoot, which consists of one formal and one informal snap, took place in the luxuriously grand setting of St. James' Palace.

If you're interested to know (of course you are), Kate wears a Reiss dress in the formal photograph and a Whistles blouse in the more relaxed snap. Expect the brands' site to crash momentarily!

Photos by Mario Testino.

Christmas Gift Guide: Day 11

As I am writing this from the comfort of Mother Dearest's home in the heart of the Cotswolds, I thought it only right to offer you a gift idea on the 11th day of the Christmas present guide that has a distinctly country feel to it. An offering from Daylesford Organic.

As writer and former Blur guitarist Alex James once said: "Daylesford Organic is not just a grocer's, it's a glamorous social hub where film stars, aristos and the super-rich jostle in the aisles."

But don't let that put you off. It is a beautiful place to visit - near the village of Kingham lies Lady Bamford's lair of luxurious farm-style buildings that house myriad of items to charm your credit cards from their hiding place: delicious food goodies (all organic of course), a chilled cheese room, cookery items, just-out-the-oven bread, vastly expensive fashion pieces, a deluxe florist and a well-run, well-stocked cafe.

If you can't make the journey, there are also outposts in London (Pimlico and Notting Hill and in Selfridges Food Hall), but until then why not add this basket of delights to your Christmas list.

The Winter Larder hamper has everything, and more, that you'll need to keep you stocked up over the festive period and beyond. Enjoy.

Better dash - we're off up there now.

Winter Larder Christmas Hamper £195

www.daylesfordorganic.com

Christmas Gift Guide: Day 10

If you haven't watched Mad Men yet, where have you been? This is by far the best thing that's ever been on TV (oh, and Sex And The City) - it's stylish, smart, funny and totally and utterly addictive.

"Set in 1960s New York, the sexy, stylised and provocative drama follows the lives of the ruthlessly competitive men and women of Madison Avenue advertising, an ego-driven world where key players make an art of the sell."

Trust me, by New Year you'll be hooked (on Don Draper, if nothing else.)

Mad Men Series 1-3
From £26.97
www.amazon.co.uk

Marion Cotillard Don't-Miss Dior Video

This is the most visually beautiful piece of film I've seen in 2010.

Please enjoy this stunning Dior video to advertise the brand's Lady Dior bag, starring the magnetic Marion Cotillard.

It's mesmerising.

Christmas Gift Guide: Day Nine

You can't go wrong with a beautiful cocktail ring, like this one from Monica Vinader.

With celebrity fans like Cameron Diaz and Cheryl Cole, you can be sure you'll be in the best A-list company when you sport this sparkler.

The other good news is that it's soon to be discounted at www.cocosa.com. From noon on 13th December until 15th December, you'll be able to purchase it for just £70 (regular price £165.)

Log on to the private members' site using the code 'luxury' to register (if you're not already a member) and shop this and other gorgeous MV items - but be quick, they're sure to be snapped up pronto.

Tribute To John

John Lennon: 30 years on and still a legend.

Christmas Gift Guide: Day Eight

There's nothing like a gift of a designer sweater to make you feel warm on the inside - and on the outside. This wicked merino wool number with sequinned perfume bottle embellishment is courtesy of German designer Markus Lupfer and will definitely make a splash amongst the other, less cool, Christmas-type jumpers you'll start seeing at casual shindigs across the land in the coming days.

Stay cosy and keep your cred, all for £235. Sold to the lady clutching her husband's Amex.

www.net-a-porter.com

British Fashion Awards: The Winners

The prestigious British Fashion Awards took place last night at the Savoy Hotel in London. See the full list of winners below:

EMERGING TALENT AWARD - ACCESSORIES: Husam El Odeh
EMERGING TALENT AWARD - READY TO WEAR: Meadham Kirchhoff
DESIGNER BRAND: Mulberry
MODEL: Lara Stone
ACCESSORY DESIGNER: Nicholas Kirkwood
MENSWEAR DESIGNER: Patrick Grant for E. Tautz
BFC OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN FASHION DESIGN: Lee Alexander McQueen
BRITISH STYLE: Alexa Chung
ISABELLA BLOW AWARD FOR FASHION CREATOR: Nicola Formichetti
DESIGNER BRAND OF THE YEAR: Phoebe Philo for Celine
SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD: Naomi Campbell
DIGITAL INNOVATION AWARD: Burberry

Christmas Gift Guide: Day Seven

I'm a big fan of solid fragrances, they're just so old-school and vintage, and I especially like this pretty Bluebell scented one from Penhaligon's. A firm favourite of stars like Kate Moss, Tilda Swinton and Sienna Miller, the Bluebell fragrance is evocative of wet earth, moss and rain - it's a classic scent that never goes out of fashion.

Leave the bottle at home and make your handbag lighter with this beautiful silver-plated compact filled with a delicious helping of the elegant fragrance.

Head note: Citrus
Heart notes: Hyacinth, Lily of the Valley, Cyclamen, Jasmine and Rose
Base notes: Galbanum, Clove and Cinnamon

£40
www.penhaligons.com

The Beauty Spot: Malin + Goetz

I talk to the founders behind cult New York apothecary Malin + Goetz, Matthew Malin and Andrew Goetz, as they launch their pop-up lab space in London.

What is the thinking behind your decision to launch a pop-up lab space at St Martin's Lane Hotel?
The Pop-Up Lab was part of the launch strategy and opportunity with the Morgans Hotel Group. This will include their store at the Mondrian LA as well in Feb. London, we hope, foreshadows our desire to have a flagship M+G store here in the new future!

How do you think the beauty industry/skincare market has changed since you started Malin + Goetz?
The biggest change has been with the internet - all the many new venues and opportunities that exist there. We were lucky since our brand's launch included an e-com website so we have been navigating this space as it has developed around us. It is an exciting time to be involved.

For readers that don't know much about your brand, what is your USP and philosophy?
M+G makes skincare easy, starting with sensitive skin. As such, it is unisex and an idea for how a couple may shop for and use products together. Based in NYC, we are family owned (unusual today) and produce in artisanal batches which keeps us special and exclusive as an accessible luxury staple for daily use. Our detox face mask won Allure magazine's best mask of the year in 2009 and our rum candles won best candle this year. Our eucalyptus deodorant, a clear stick, has been our most successful and recent launch. It is aluminum and alcohol free. Our lip moisturiser is a great introduction to our brand and our peppermint shampoo is part of our developing amenity program and has created tremendous loyalty as a daily use cleanser for all, including colour treated and processed hair.

How does the UK market compare to the US market - do your British clients have different needs and wants to your US customers? If so, what are these?
While there are many cultural differences between the US and the UK, our customers are looking for ease and effectiveness from natural products. We deliver this in an honest and no fuss manner for head to toe health and wellbeing.

What does the future look like for M+G?
We are just six years old and having our best year ever. We have only just launched nationally in the UK, so we are still at the beginning and adding products to our assortment to accommodate customer requests and needs. We would like to open additional key, flagship stores. We have two in Manhattan and two in Asia. Look out London!

Malin + Goetz Pop-Up Lab
8th - 15th December
St Martins Hotel, 45 St Martins Lane, WC2
www.malinandgoetz.com

Christmas Gift Guide: Day Six

This is a great must-have little black book stuffed with the best things to do/see/try/buy and the perfect gift for girls/ ladies who want to know where's it's at anytime, anywhere.

The Modern Girl's Guide to Fabulousness: Your Lifestyle Bible of Services, Places, Tips and Tricks for Modern Life is like having a concierge on speed dial. If you need tips on the places to be and be seen in, where to eat, shop, beautify etc in the UK then this is for you. The author, Bethanie Lunn, has done all the hard work so you don't have to. A trusty little guide for those who want to be in the know.

From £6.19
www.amazon.co.uk

Christmas Gift Guide: Day Five

Day five and it's time for something tres indulgent. And where would we find that? Harrods, of course.

For the lady who loves the extravagant things in life, this DL&Co Enchanted Apple Crystal Candle is the perfect gift. Embellished with over 2,500 Swarovski crystals, the thorn apple scent created from crisp Fuji apple, vetiver, verdant oak moss and a dash of antique patchouli, will envelop your home with the a scent that is befitting of such a decadent item.

£389

www.harrods.com

Katy Perry The Cover Girl

This has to be one of my favourite magazine covers of the year, Katy Perry complete with Swarovski crystal-embellished lips on the cover of December's US Harper's Bazaar. What I love about it is the fact that you can't make out the dimensions of her face, lettings her magnificent mouth and feathery-looking eyes do the talking.

The cover was shot by photographer Alexi Lubomirski and features Katy adorned with 150 red crystal Swarovski Elements on her pretty little pout.

Check out the behind the scenes action below.

Christmas Gift Guide: Day Four

Christmas isn't just about celebrating the life of baby Jesus, spending time with your family and handing out ridiculously expensive presents to your nearest and dearest, it's also a time when you can stuff your merry little face with calorific treats.

Leading me seemlessly to the prize on day four of the Christmas gift guide, The John Galliano macaroons from Laduree. Apparently Mr Galliano is as partial to the sweet treats as us, so decided that a collaboration made sugary sense. Laduree was apparently inspired by the rose and ginger notes of the designer's fragrance, Parlez-moi d'Amour, to create the unique John Galliano Macaroon.

Perfection in a box.

www.laduree.fr

Christmas Gift Guide: Day Three

Pampering power is the order of the day on the third day of the gift guide and I've found the perfect thing - this gorgeous Deluxe Gift Set from Cowshed.

For £40 you'll receive a gift box crammed full of delicious treats:

Travel sizes of:
Grumpy Cow Uplifting Bath & Shower Gel
Knackered Cow Relaxing Body Lotion
Horny Cow Seductive Bath & Body Oil

Moody Cow Balancing Soap

Travel candles in Wild Cow and Lazy Cow fragrances

Spoilt cow, moi?

www.cowshedonline.com

McQ Reloaded

The late Alexander McQueen's diffusion line, McQ, relaunched today with a new website, www.m-c-q.com, with a big emphasis on social media and consumer interaction. The brand presents its pre-fall/winter 2011 line by releasing six short films, "showcasing the subtle complexities of four young British girls from London, Derby, and Stratford; observe their unique environments by entering their homes and lives."

The first one, featuring London model Charlotte Benson, is a quirky, off-beat commentary and gives us wallet-toting fashion fiends a chance to see the collection move and sway in real life.

Quite delightful, I think you'll agree.

Holiday Cheer

Something to get you in the festive spirit.

Christmas Gift Guide: Day Two

For those who need and rely on the gadgets of our modern world but don't want to compromise on style, this iPhone cover from Liberty is the perfect gift for the tooled-up fashionista in your life. Made in Italian calf leather and embossed with Liberty’s Ianthe print, this cover has classic and elegant written all over it.

W 8cm x H 12.5cm x D 4mm
£60
www.liberty.co.uk

Salma Puts The 'S' In Sass

Sasha Fierce, get back in your box because there's a new sex bomb in town - in the form of an Alexander McQueen-clad Salma Hayek.

Salma's the cover girl for the latest issue of Spanish V Magazine and doesn't she look a-mazing?

Wondering how I can work that up-do at the Christmas party...

Christmas Gift Guide: Day One

Day one of my wonderful guide to the festive season or, in other words, all of the lovely things that I want from Mr Claus. First up, is this beautiful Smythson Panama Diary by Holly Fulton. I get a Panama every Christmas and this year's will be extra special, thanks to the stunning art deco sketch work, courtesy of Miss Fulton.

Super-stylish in 2011? Oh yes.

£70
www.brownsfashion.com