How did they come up with the numbers for shoe sizes?
If you've ever wondered why a six is a six and a ten is a ten, so has Martin Fone. He decided to find out how we came to settle on the shoe size numbers we use today.
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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All we are saying is give fleece a chance
Wool month is the time to consider sleeping in bedding sourced from a local flock, says Giles Kime.
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Chapman luggage: All in good time
Every bag at luxury brand Chapman is crafted with painstaking attention to detail and expert skill.
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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: Did English ladies really have a secret 'language of fans'?
Did ladies' fans in 18th and 19th century England carry hidden meanings? Many at the time certainly seemed to think so, and Martin Fone delves in to the history books and discovers that 'so shall each passion by the fan be seen, from noisie anger to the sullen spleen.'
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The best outfits from the 2023 Goodwood Revival, the 'best weekend of the year'
The period fashions are a huge part of the appeal for those attending the Goodwood Revival — here's a selection of some of the very best on display this year.
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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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Chaumet the sparkles
Bee My Love, the French jewellery house’s latest collection, continues a centuries-old tradition of crafting exquisite, Nature-inspired pieces for Europe’s great and good.
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How a £25 set of fake pearls made £150k at auction — and were a bargain at the price
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Best gifts for dads, from 'the ultimate experimental whisky' to gadgets, hampers and more
There are many ways to show your Dad that you love and appreciate him. There's breakfast in bed, an offer to mow the lawn, a big hug and the offer of the last biscuit. Or you could just buy him something that he definitely doesn't need, but we're pretty sure he'll want.
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Country Life's Little Green Book: The top eco-friendly companies making the world a better place
In our inaugural Little Green Book, Country Life presents a list of brands that are striving to make the world a better place without compromising on style. Compiled by Giles Kime and Rosie Paterson.
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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.
