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'It’s harder with someone who says yes to everything’: What it's like having a bespoke scent made by one of London's oldest perfumers
Scent is the most romantic of the senses, some say. Lotte Brundle heads to Floris in London, ahead of Valentine’s Day, to have a bespoke perfume made for her.
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‘Re-using gemstones and gold pays in so many ways, turning "something old" into "something new" again’
Approximately 40% of all UK engagements happen between November and Valentine's Day, but choosing what to propose with can be a minefield. Why not look at what's hiding in the family jewellery box, says Jessica Diamond.
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'The Taylor Swift effect? We've never experienced anything like it': Jeweller Cece Fein-Hughes' consuming passions
Cece Jewellery's signature signet rings are beloved by the famous and fabulous — including Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi and Taylor Swift. Lotte Brundle meets the woman behind the jewellery.
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Slipshod no more: The slipper has made its way out of the bedroom and into the world of high fashion
Versatile, stylish, comfortable and elegant. What's not to love about footwear that's perfect for almost every occasion?
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Hello Kitty, the FBI and the exclusive island of Nantucket: Weird and wonderful tartans, and where to find them
This Burns Night, Lotte Brundle offers you a brief history of the internationally celebrated chequered fabric.
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Come rain or shine: Burberry’s Gabardine Capsule collection celebrates the art of dressing for Britain’s changeable skies
Burberry is celebrating the revolutionary fabric its founder invented with a new collection designed for adventures in Britain's countryside — and its unpredictable weather.
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The monk strap: Where did the shoe with sole and sophistication come from?
Amie Elizabeth White charts the history of the monk strap shoe — beloved by Clark Gable, Cary Grant and James Bond.
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What do Taylor Swift, Guy Ritchie and The King have in common? They all love a 200-year-old fabric born in Scotland’s textile mills
Lovat Mill, the last tweed producer in the Scottish Borders, has fans in Madonna, Taylor Swift and The King — and they’re releasing 15 new designs to celebrate the fabric’s 200 year anniversary.
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‘Live in the country (or, failing that, Kensington Square) and wear navy’: A brief history of the colour that never goes out of style
Deborah Nicholls-Lee takes a look at how the colour navy got its name — and why its still a safe bet, centuries on.
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A short history of all the must-have toys for Christmas
Today’s queues may be digital, but the fight to secure that must-have present and avoid small, disappointed faces is timeless. Tom Howells looks at the toys topping recent (and less recent) Christmas wish lists.
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Just can't get enough of the muff? The history of the furry handwarmer with the funny name
Deborah Nicholls-Lee goes diving into the history of the muff.
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'There were 900 people in the queue and I waited three hours, but it was worth it': The Christmas cracker-maker who supplies Britain's most exclusive shops
Hannah Bidmead of Nancy & Betty is the luxury Christmas cracker maker who makes the list of our heroes of Christmas.
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What do a 19th century earl, Coco Chanel and Harry Styles have in common? A love of cardigans, of course
Amie Elizabeth White takes a look back at the history of the cardigan.
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What do you get a man who already has everything?
Jeremy Langmead sets out to find the ultimate personalised gift. Illustration by Giles Deacon.
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From five-figure sensations to fashion-forward timepieces, there’s a watch for everyone this Christmas, says Country Life’s expert
Have you left your Christmas shopping to the last minute? Not sure what to buy your fickle teenage son? Panic not, says Chris Hall, who has found a watch for everyone.
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Suit yourself: I’m a 49 year-old man-about-town and I’ve never owned a suit
When Hugh Smithson-Wright turned up to Country Life's annual Gentleman's Life party sans suit, it sparked a passionate conversation about why the formal fashion just isn't for everyone.
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Meet the British perfumers squeezing landscapes into scents
The nuances of modern perfumery now allow a single drop to evoke an entire landscape. Amie Elizabeth White explores the native houses hitting the right notes
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Country Life's luxury editor's Christmas gift ideas for leading ladies
The Country Life Christmas gift guide is back and it's bigger than ever. Here's what to buy your mother, wife, sister or girlfriend (or all four).
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Kilt status: A history of the iconic Scottish skirt, from wartime wrap to punk protest
Everything you need to know about the kilt — apart from what to wear underneath one.
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How fashions finest would dress an Airedale, Dalmatian, corgi and more if only they had the chance
We’ve matched some much-loved breeds to the designers that share their history, temperament and vibe — because why not. Illustrations by Tug Rice.
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Savile Row might be the beating heart of bespoke men's tailoring, but it was named after a woman
Savile Row is the home of the bespoke suit, but its history is a lot more colourful than you might expect.
