Lately: Via Instagram | Feeling Festive

This time of year is my very favourite; and its best spent snuggled up on the sofa with the Christmas gift guide from Vogue, watching the best Christmas film ever, Arthur Christmas and taking pit-stops from Christmas shopping trips with Starbucks Toffee Nut Lattes...

Little treats from the boy; macarons to brighten up a morning at the desk with an essential super-strength coffee and a hand-picked selection of my favourite Charbonnel et Walker champagne truffles.. Thoughtful gifts are the best gifts.

Inside Her Handbag: Alice Ripman

Alice Ripman, the beauty director at InStyle magazine, originally started work at Smash Hits, shadowing makeup artists on their shoots. She knew the world of magazines was for her & spent the early years of her career at More, Company & New Woman before spending the last seven years at InStyle.

 i n s i d e  a l i c e ' s  h a n d b a g  . . .

Laura Mercier Creme de Pistache Hand Creme (£13) - I love having something to smell when I'm suffering from writers block, and this smells good enough to eat! I like to think it stops me from eating all the macaroons and cupcakes that arrive in our office but sadly that’s not the case.

L'oreal Caresse Lipstick (£7.99) - This collection just landed on my desk and is so beautiful. This shade (Lovely Rose) is the perfect soft pink with no shimmer or glitter. The colour is very subtle so you can apply it without a mirror as you run into a meeting - always helpful!

Byredo La Tulipe Eau De Parfum (£130) - I discovered this perfume wandering through Liberty one day. Someone sprayed it and it completely stopped me in my tracks. Fresh and light, with slightly sweet dry down, after 10 years and over 1,000 sprays I’ve finally found my signature scent.

Essie Nail Varnish in Sexy Divide (£8.50) - This must be on my nails for 50 weeks of the year! I’ve bought my favourite colour, Sexy Divide, in bulk in case they ever discontinue it.

Clarins Hand & Nail Treatment Cream (£19) - This is such a beautiful hand cream and isn't sticky or sickly-smelling. The PR for Clarins taught me to add a few drops of their Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil into it for really dry emergencies and it works wonders.