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Curious Questions: Why do woolly hats have bobbles?
Some can rock a bobble hat, others will always resemble Where’s Wally, but the big question is why the bobbles are there in the first place. Harry Pearson finds out as he celebrates a knitted that creation belongs on every hat rack.
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Style and substance: Why the handkerchief remains a small symbol of civilised behaviour
Once considered a luxury item and given as a love token — or even used as a makeshift toothbrush — the handkerchief still offers an elegance sorely lacking in a packet of paper tissues, says Matthew Dennison.
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How to dress with joy, elan, exuberance and carefully-managed extrovertism — no matter how old you are
A wardrobe consisting of the perfect balance of colour, character and joie de vivre might be hard to achieve, but is worth striving for. Simon Mills finds out how it’s done.
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Bentley launches new fragrance, causing me to briefly lose touch with reality
Bentley's has launched an Eau de Parfum named Become. James Fisher ponders the nature of the 21st-century economic system as a result.
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Anya Hindmarch: 'Luxury can become achingly boring and a bit worthy. I like things that make you smile’
The thrill of a new pencil case doesn’t fade with age, finds Jo Rodgers, on a visit to Anya Hindmarch’s new stationery pop-up shop.
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Tim Henman: A lifetime at Wimbledon
Tim Henman has spent years of his life at Wimbledon, as a fan, player, broadcaster and more. He spoke to Toby Keel.
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What (not) to wear at the Cheltenham Festival
Tips from an expert stylist on what to wear at one of the highlights of the racing calendar: the Cheltenham Festival.
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Luscious red or gorgeous green? 12 Valentine gifts to keep them keen, from £45 to £22k
Country Life's Luxury Editor Hetty Lintell picks out some wonderful Valentine's gifts in red or green.
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Donald John Mackay, the Hebridean tweed weaver who has changed an entire industry
Given the chance create his very own ‘estate’ Harris tweed, David Profumo knocks at the door of Donald John Mackay, the Hebridean weaver who has changed an entire industry. Photographs by Glyn Satterley.
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Coco Chanel's enduring love affair with the English countryside
An affair with the 2nd Duke of Westminster introduced Coco Chanel to fly-fishing, Winston Churchill and the tweed clothing that shaped some of her most enduring designs, reveals Justine Picardie.
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Curious Questions: Do Panama hats actually come from Panama?
As supple as an Olympic gymnast and as uncrushable as the bulldog spirit, the Panama hat has long been a staple of the British gentleman’s summer attire. Harry Pearson takes a look at them, and answers the burning question: do Panama hats come from Panama?
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The Utterly Inessential Wimbledon Shopping List
We've rounded up all the utterly inessential products — posh tennis gear, in other words — that you absolutely do not need to enjoy Wimbledon, but would probably fancy having anyway.
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How a £25 set of fake pearls made £150k at auction — and were a bargain at the price
One man’s — or woman’s — trash really is another’s treasure says Giles Kime, as he looks at a fascinating sale taking place in London.
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![2E9HHJ0 MESSRS HARDING HOWELL & CO Author Ackermann, Rudolph 27.20. Place of publication: [London] Publisher: For No3 of ACKERMANN'S REPOSITORY of ARTS ,c Pub March 1809, 101 Strand, LONDON., Date of publication: [March 1809] Item type: 1 print Medium: aquatint and etching with hand-colouring Dimensions: sheet 13.9 x 22 cm Former owner: George III, King of Great Britain, 1738-1820](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/qyXmWBZb2Q2UdJZEnKwfx6-230-80.jpg)
Curious Questions: Who opened the first ever department store?
Forget the mid-19th century institutions of Harrods, Macy's or Bloomingdale's — the oldest department store in the world was founded in London in the 1780s. Martin Fone tells the story of Harding, Howell’s & Co Grand Fashionable Magazine.
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The Utterly Inessential Mother's Day list: 16 gifts guaranteed to either surprise or delight
Is your mum the sort who's happiest with what she knows — or one who loves a surprise?
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Curious Questions: Why do we call a waterproof rain coat a mackintosh?
Scotland has turned out endless inventors of great genius in the past few hundred years, and Charles Macintosh — the man who brought waterproof clothing to the world — was as successful as any of them. Martin Fone tells his story.
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70 years of style: The clothes of Queen Elizabeth II
Far from being a passive dresser, The Queen pays close attention to what she wears and what those clothes convey. She has left a lasting impression on the fashion industry, believes Justine Picardie.
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English Tweed: The cloth made 'to look like grandpa wore it, but to feel like butter'
You might think tweed, named for the Scottish pronunciation of ‘twill’, is only made north of the border. Not so, says Mary Miers, who finds English makers are becoming a force to be reckoned with. Photographs by Mark Williamson.
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Best Barbour jackets: The finest waxed jackets from an iconic British company
Nothing feels quite so right for a walk in the British countryside as a Barbour jacket. Here's our pick of the best you can buy today.
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Christmas gift ideas for children
A collection of adorable gifts, perfect for that special toddler or precocious young person.
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A look at Barbour's new womenswear, a nature-inspired collection made with House of Hackney
Barbour has released a nature-inspired collection made in collaboration with interiors company House of Hackney. Hetty Lintell takes a look, and picks out some of her favourite pieces.
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