Style & Fashion
The luxury pages of Country Life feature some of the most exlusive clothes and accessories for men and women – not many publications cater to both. In addition, every week online we find some of the most beautiful things to buy for yourself, or a loved one. Often made by some of the oldest, and most loved British brands, these pieces are the best we can find, whether it’s a classic trench coat or a Christmas party dress.
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How the sheep of the Cotswolds outlasted the Roman Empire and the Black Death to help build one of Britain's most beautiful areas
From warm cloaks for the Roman army to many handsome churches, much of England’s might and wealth once rested on the back of the Cotswold sheep’s ‘golden fleece’, says Charles Harris.
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Dior: All sewn up
Dior’s exquisite jewellery and watches will add the finishing touch to any new outfit.
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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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Lalage Beaumont: Bags of style
For those looking to update their accessories this season, Lalage Beaumont offers chic, timeless structured bags in luxurious leather.
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16 Mother's Day gifts guaranteed to either surprise or comfort
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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Shopping for a wedding dress at Miss Bush: Expertise, individuality and the personal touch
Wedding dress shopping should be a joy, and nowhere is it more so than at Miss Bush, one of the oldest and most established bridal boutiques in the UK. Their 35 years’ experience shows in its expert dress curation and personal service, tailored to empower brides from their first appointment to walking down the aisle.
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How to make your own coat of arms
Invented in the days when knights needed to be able to identify each other on the battlefield, heraldry still plays an important role. John F. Mueller delves into its history and explains how to create a coat of arms. Illustration by Fred van Deelen.
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Joe Gibbs: The sisters in tweed who ran the iconic Campbell’s of Beauly
Joe Gibbs pays tribute to the late Miriam and Catriona, the formidable sisters who made Campbell's of Beauly famous.
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Take your Christmas gifts to new heights this year with Aspinal’s magical, celestial-inspired collection
Get ready to play among the stars this festive season with Aspinall’s ‘Fly Me To The Moon’ collection: a dazzling offering of metallic tones, twinkly fabrics and festive hues, all inspired by a winter’s night sky.
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Dior's Touch of Frost
The first sprinkling of frost heralds that winter is on its way. Here, we showcase Dior’s exquisite jewellery and accessories hidden in a winter garden, each drawing inspiration from Nature, especially roses — magical in the icy months and the perfect adornment for the festive season.
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Christmas gifts for ladies to inspire, delight and entertain
From £50 to £1,280, we've selected some lovely items to help you find the perfect present.
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10 of the most beautiful corkscrews to make opening a great bottle of wine the event it should be
The best corkscrews you can buy today, as selected by Amelia Thorpe.
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Nine beautiful candles to light up the long autumn nights
It’s time to chill, says Hetty Lintell, whose candle addiction is more than merely aesthetic.
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Eco-friendly jewellery and accessories made from ‘sea diamonds’, computer wire and an unlikely kitchen utensil
In a world where everything is increasingly durable and worryingly disposable, those making quirky accessories from cast-offs are doing both the planet and our wardrobes a favour, says Claire Jackson.
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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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The Country Life x Ettinger collection
To celebrate our 125th anniversary, COUNTRY LIFE has joined forces with Ettinger to create a collection of luxurious travel accessories that embody the spirit of Edwardian travel
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10 of the best second-hand shops in Britain
Britain boasts a cornucopia of second-hand shops. Flora Watkins rounds up 10 of the best
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Floral fantasies with jeweller Cassandra Goad
With the RHS Chelsea Flower Show around the corner (May 24-28), and set to be even more glorious than ever, we focus on Chelsea-based jeweller Cassandra Goad’s passion for nature, and her use of floral motifs throughout some of her favourite collections.
