Christmas no. 1

No, I'm not talking about Little Mix's debut, this Christmas no. 1 was a day spent with the husband; opening presents, eating bite-sized and plate-sized food and repeatedly losing at Scrabble in preparation for the real family event.


My favourite present combined two great things - Tatty Devine jewellery and cats - and my new friend coordinated perfectly with the Christmas Lurex sparkle jumper I picked up from Barnardos' stall at the the Brighton Retro Fair.



Other gifts seemed to follow a theme, celebrating great artists who are no longer with us - RIP George Harrison, Michael Jackson and Amy Winehouse. I've been playing the latter's posthumous release Lioness: Hidden Treasures on repeat over the last few days, revelling in the mix of classic covers (Amy's raw vulnerability on 'Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow' is heart-renchingly beautiful), stripped-back versions of Back To Black songs and previously un-released tracks full of wit and charm.


As darkness descended and candles were lit and rabbits illuminated, Christmas dinner saw us make use of a collection of my ever expanding vintage crockery - vegetables were served in the Midwinter Sienna tureen and there was finally call for mid-century milk jugs thanks to some delicious gravy.

Scrabble defeats aside, a tip top day.

Christmas windows - Brighton Lanes

Fairy lights, foxes and decadent displays - the shop windows in Brighton's Lanes have infected me with Christmas spirit today. Ho, ho, ho!

The new do

After nearly a decade of long hair, I finally took the plunge and went for the chop. Thankfully, I think the new crop does just what I hoped it would - it makes me look like a grown up, and a rather sophisticated one at that, if I do say so myself. The lovely Spencer at Trevor Sorbie Brighton (pronounced Sorbee, rather than Sorbet I'm told) is to thank for the new do.

Before

After

In-between the steady snips and blow-dry blasts, Spencer told me that several of the salon's clients have been in for restyles over the past month, due to the change in season and the fact that many just don't get chance to get to the hairdressers in the school holidays. Many customers are asking for soft perms and waves, he said, predicting that the most popular Christmas party style this year is going to be big hair - blow dried, backcombed and curled. Time to invest in some super-strength hairspray...

NYE outfit

NYE was a cheap and cheerful affair this year: the husband and I went for dinner at a nice Italian restaurant and then enjoyed a few quiet drinks back at the home bar - a perfect way to see out what has been a perfect year.

It was a good opportunity to wear out my new Elizabeth Lau 'Sherlock' cape coat and white Urban Outfitters shirt with black velvet collar and cuffs - both self-picked Christmas presents. I teamed them with a black cord mini, wooly tights, shearling boots and a leather satchel, for a look that, in hindsight, had me look a little like a school girl, but not one who goes to foam parties...

Brighton Open Houses - Cross Street

What better way than to spend a Sunday afternoon in the run-up to Christmas than visiting some of the Open Houses currently displaying art and gifts from local creative talent in our area.


Much more enjoyable than trudging down Western Road (when was the last time you were given complimentary mulled wine and snacks while browsing in Churchill Square?) these are the perfect places to pick up unique Christmas gifts, decorations and cards, or even just a little treat for yourself.

My nearest Open House is just round the corner on Cross Street, Hove, a wooden panelled workshop space used for mosaic and jewellery-making classes.

Cosy and kitsch, the studio is jam-packed with gorgeous handmade crafts including mosaic artwork, bunting, cards, jewellery, prints, brooches, pocket mirrors, leather purses, soft-toy animals, fabric pin boards and much more. Plenty to pour over while your generous hosts pour you another mulled wine...

To find your nearest Open House, visit the Artists Open Houses website.

Elizabeth Lau cape coat from Oxfam

I put in the time, so it's only right that I should come across some extra special pieces in charity shops every now and then. And yesterday was one of those occasions. A brand new Elizabeth Lau coat, £49.99 in North Street Oxfam! This is why I spend half of my life riffling through second-hand clothes.


Having done all my Christmas shopping this month, I'm knew that I was without resource for such luxuries as summer coats in November, but I had to try it on, and it fit so well and looked so cute - the leather collar, diagonal button holes and polka dot lining add really unique detailing - that I came up with a plan.

The new husband didn't know what to buy me for Christmas, and for a while there he didn't know what he had bought me for Christmas. I saved him a job. How kind I am. And how thoughtful and clever he is to have got me a Sixties-style coat, with on-trend cape shaping, from one of my favourite designers and still have money left over for a few little surprises.


The cape coat has now been stashed away by said husband - who was quite pleased not to have to do his own Christmas shopping - but I'm so excited about it that I did some online research and came across Carrie of WishWishWish styling the Sherlock summer coat with cute Orla Kiely pieces. Exactly how it should be worn. I think there may have to be a few more layers involved in my outfits though as very much doubt I'll be able to wait till summer dress weather to wear my bargain find. I can hardly wait a month...