Christmas Gift Guide 2017: from Provence to St Pancras

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Sisley A/W 17 Parisian collection (from £31)

Sisley’s latest collection has a Parisian theme—well, why wouldn’t it? Wear its knockout smoky eye shades with sexily bruised lip colours against skin that’s bare, but better. All you need to complete the it-femme vibe is a 20-a-day Gauloises habit, smug book about French women never getting fat, and healthy disregard for the rest of all womankind.

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Hape Little Red Rider (£46.18)

Whose heart wouldn’t be melted by watching their little one learning to toddle around the grounds of their Provençal villa on this? (Answer: probably depends)

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Cocoa Brown One-Hour Tan Mousse and Mitt (£9.95) and Rose Gold Goddess Shimmering Dry Body Oil (£8.95)

Oooh, I love this one! Such a brilliant colour, to the extent that even if one hasn’t been hanging out in one’s Provençal villa, one can pretend. So not Paris chic, but if needed, it really works. Take note, Mr Trump (it’s very reasonably priced too). It’s apparently a favourite of the Kardashians, but please don’t let that put you off.

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James Read Hydra Tan Mist for men (£20)

Men can also indulge in that summer-on-the-Riviera look, without stepping outside the front door. James Read’s recharging spray provides an immediate boost of hydration and a hint of tan. The lightweight mist offers the ultimate gradual tanning experience, ideal for tan novices worried about ending up mahogany. Each application gradually builds a deeper tan, allowing you to take control of your colour.

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Art de Parfum Sea Foam (£114)

Art de Parfum continues to deliver, in this scent presenting a sexy, ozone fragrance that makes you think of just-showered men who might or might not prefer French girls (or boys).

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Sweet Reason Indulgent Christmas Brownie Box (£36.90)

The Sweet Reason is a fabulous new company. The brownies are to die for and Suzie puts her heart and soul into it. So yummy.

Newbie jumper

Newbie jumper (£18)

And so the French theme continues… Oh la la! How gorgeous is this little matelot jumper? So firmly in Europe.

However, so proud to be British too:

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British Library annual membership (£80)

Imply that you consider your loved ones erudite, cultured and well-read with the newly launched year’s membership to the British Library—even if their tastes are more Dan Brown/Jackie Collins than Proust.

The myriad benefits include access to the exclusive Members’ Room, 20% discount in the public restaurants, cafes and shops and free entry for the member and three friends every weeknight in the Knowledge Centre Bar. One for literary groupies everywhere.

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Equafleece Polartec dog fleece (£15–£51)

And our furry friends are not forgotten! This Christmas wrap your dog in an Equafleece Polartec fleece for timeless style and unique British design. The velvety Polartec fleece fabric is 100% rainproof, unlike a woolen sweater or some flimsy mackintosh fabrics. Offering warmth as well as protection from the wind rain and snow, it appeals to discerning dog owners looking to make winter walks warmer, drier and less muddy!

Ideal for single coated breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs or French Bulldogs, Equafleece’s rainproof, breathable, warm and washable Polartec fleeces help your pup stay out enjoying themselves longer on winter walks.

Fashion Focus