Book a fab holiday or turn heads in a new hat this January
Winter still has us in its clutches, but the silver lining comes in the form of Willow Cashmere, which makes some of the finest knits in which to swathe yourself until it’s time to emerge from hibernation. This cashmere shawl with suede fringing could easily be worn as an elegant evening layer, to garments with multiple roles always justify an investment. £235 (0845 680 9489; www.willowcashmere.com)
Closet success
For those who have all the clothes they desire, but not enough time to organise them, Vault Couture has the answer. Hand over the entire contents of your wardrobe and the firm will sort and photograph your favourite pieces, then store them in a climate-controlled, air-purified environment in central London. Access to your ‘virtual vault’ allows you to style outfits and request items to be sent to anywhere in the world, within 24 hours, at the click of a button. From £4 per garment per month (020–8993 5212; www.vaultcouture.com)
It might be small, but Land Rover’s new convertible Range Rover Evoque promises to loom large in the motoring-style stakes. Available from May 1, the world’s first compact SUV convertible is a nippy number that retains all the power and practicality of its elder siblings. The interior is just as smart, too, thanks mto the next-generation infotainment system and a roof that retracts in a mere 18 seconds. From £47,500 (www.landrover.co.uk)
London’s most glamorous hotel, The Ritz on Piccadilly, is offering an array of packages this year to celebrate its 110th birthday. Highlights include a black-tie celebration at Royal Windsor Horse Show in May, comprising a two-night stay at The Ritz, followed by dinner at Windsor Castle and an invitation to The Queen’s official 90th-birthday celebration, set to feature 900 horses. The hotel will also be raising a glass with a special trip to Ladies’ Day at Royal Ascot in June, including a three-night stay, lunch and a view of the races from the Rosebery, an immaculately restored 1966 Route master bus. Windsor package from £4,660 per room, Ascot package from £5,710 (020–7493 8181; www.theritzlondon.com)
Turn heads
Add some sparkle to your winter attire with Penmayne of London’s new crystal-embellished felt hats. In a modern take on the traditional fedora, colours are kept subtle so the bling is the star. Indeed, we should take our hats off to Penmayne’s owner, Claire Howeson, who left her job as a City solicitor to train in millinery and established the brand in 2013. Now, her luxurious fedoras and trilbies can be found in Harrods, William & Son and on the heads of the smartest set. Willow fedoras with Swarovski crystals from £525, available exclusively at Harrods (020–7730 1234; www.harrods.com)
To be sure of enjoying an indulgent getaway in total privacy, head to The Gilpin Hotel and Lake House to stay in one of the six new spa lodges at this family-run retreat near Windermere in the Lake District. Each lodge has its own treatment area, sauna, steam room, rainmaker shower and hot tub. Surrounded by a walled garden and with plenty of time to sit back and take in the tranquil views, seclusion and relaxation are guaranteed. From £595 per night, including dinner, bed and breakfast (015394 88818; www.thegilpin.co.uk)
If you’re after a striking piece of arm candy in the shape of an eye-catching clutch bag, look no further than Ethan K’s bespoke design service. Choose from a host of vibrantly coloured bags—in Nile crocodile, alligator, ostrich, lizard or python skin linings, zips and all sorts of exotic and distinctive clasps. We love the animal clasps, which can be dipped in 18ct gold to elevate your clutch to the next level of luxury. From £1,800 (www.ethan-k.com)
Satisfy a longing for blue skies and sunshine by booking a break through Ultra Villa, the world’s first global rental agency. Staff search for the best luxury villas for your specific needs and contact local experts to learn more about the destination. The company brings together exclusive and handpicked holiday villas, apartments or lodges and provide extensive advice on the best places to eat, what to buy and where to visit locally. Before you know it, you could be looking forward to two weeks in the sun at Villa Athena, available through St Barth Properties, a member of UltraVilla (www.ultravilla.com).
