If anyone has one (whether they use it or not) I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Covets and Craves

Sorry to anyone in training to be the local scrooge - But with the first window on my Advent Calendar comes the start of my favourite month and this week's covets and craves is inspired by the start of the Christmas preparation period. 
Hotel Chocolat Advent Calendar:

It's just not a Christmassy December without a cardboard box containing a daily dose of chocolate. And for the last three years I've loved my Hotel Chocolat calendar - a daily dose of luxury. And yes it might be more expensive than buying a cheap calendar at Tesco's, but you not only get good chocolate -you avoid the disappointing feeling when you open up the window to discover a sliver of chemically tasting chocolate.

http://www.hotelchocolat.co.uk/advent-calendars-CHCAdvent/

Scandilicious

I'm making a rare exception to listing stuff I want to include something I have. I just think you should have it too. Especially if you like to cook. 

I have a weakness at the moment for all things Nordic. I'm devouring Swedish fiction, I'm desperately wanting to visit Helsinki soon, and I'd love to go above the arctic circle and gaze on the northern lights and I'm becoming near expert at making Cinnamon Buns.Last May during my time at the Hay festival (  www.hayfestival.com/ ) I was lucky enough to listen to Signe talk about her cook book Scandilicous and promptly bought a copy. And since then I've been making the best cakes ever (FYI - Try using the sponge recipe from the coconut cake for cupcakes - it's sublime). Not to mention the fabulous Cinnamon buns. And the non-baking recipes are pretty good too.

http://www.waterstones.com/waterstonesweb/products/signe+johansen/scandilicious+baking/8698895/


That Dress

How's this dress for something truly amazing? Just the thought of wearing this over a tight laced corset makes me start to melt inside. Trust me - anyone looking for a vavavoom dress - look no further...and if you do wear it to the office party then I think the world needs photos.

www.belladonnasboudoir.com 

Ok - well this weeks covets and craves just has to be about the vintage range from Triumph .

Like any vintage loving gal who's built sandcastles in her past, I do agree that you can't build something truly amazing without the right foundations. From Michelle Williams to Christine Hendricks, any vintage inspiring goddess says that the key to the look involves the right underwear.

It might not be as comfortable as a T-Shirt B, It might not allow you to slump back or to ignore an expanding waistline - but it does make you feel and look more feminine*. The days I wear a Corset, stockings or Girdle I feel conscious of my body. I stand straighter, I feel more feminine and whatever I wear instantly looks better. Take any dress and add a corset and all of a sudden you're filled with that vavavoom.

On my santas wish list is this corset:

& These

And best of all? Right now it's 30% off online.
http://shop-uk.triumph.com/

This is a longer covets and craves post then normal seeing as it’s the first one in quite a while. And While I could just list everything on my seasonal wish list, I’m pretty sure that would be more than a touch overkill. So I thought I’d just focus on the 5 senses instead:



Aroma: Rituals Spice Trail

        For my birthday I was given a rituals set. I’d never heard of the brand before but instantly fell in adoration the first time I tried it. One of those lovely spa style brands with unfussy packaging, essential oils and well trained staff. (Bonus points to the counter at John Lewis, Southampton.) They have surprisingly range covering everything from bathing indulgences to teas and candles. Every so often I buy a fragranced candle but am increasingly tempted by the fragrance sticks (Hopefully they’ll banish the memories of cheap joss sticks in my teen years) and this one sounds perfect for autumn.

(www.rituals.com/nl-en/product/spice-trail-760)

Taste: Hotel Chocolat’s Billionaire Shortbread

        I love Hotel Chocolat – far and away my favourite chocolatiers, and not just due to their habit of getting you hooked by handing out free samples in their stores. It’s the kind of chocolates that you hide away from everyone else and eat very slowly, appreciating the smell and textures as well as the taste. And right now, these are my favourites. Although I wouldn’t exactly say no to any of the others….

(http://www.hotelchocolat.co.uk/Billionaire-Shortbread-P190252)

Sight: Alexander Mcqueen shoes

        Those who see me on a fairly regular basis might be aware that I always tend to have some skull like jewellery on my person. But if I could – I’d be wearing these right now.

     Alexander McQueen is my favourite design house. I love the quirkiness, the gothic touches and the pure ability and knowledge displayed in every piece. And right now these shoes have me salivating over my keyboard. And just in case anyone has a size 6 pair going spare, I can offer them a very good home ;)      

( http://www.alexandermcqueen.co.uk/uk/en/shop/Womenswear/Shop/Shoes/High-Heels/P-STUDDED-TWEED-SKULL-PUMP.aspx)



Touch: Faux Fur Blanket

        Autumn for me always involves curling up under a gorgeous blanket with my SO and right now I’m loving this

Faux Fur throw from the Star by Julien MacDonald range at Debenhams

 (http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10001_10001_329004017894THRO_-1?breadcrumb=Home%7EHome+%26amp%3B+furniture%7ECushions+throws+%26amp%3B+rugs) .

 It seems positively designed for an evening spent sipping red wine and listening to the rain hitting the windows.

Sound: Motorhead

        I’m all excited about being off to see Motorhead next week in Southampton so it’s really got to be them. Classic rock from some of the gamechangers of the genre.

How fabulous are these bags? By the fabulous Olympia Le Tan.
http://www.olympialetan.com/index.cfm


Put simply...I want!