Style & Fashion
Style & Fashion
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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.
By Martin Fone Published
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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?
By Toby Keel Published
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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.
By Martin Fone Published
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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.
By Justine Picardie Published
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Jonathan Self: 'Shoes are part of what it means to be human — they were invented 4,000 years before the wheel'
Giving away his suits was one thing, but Jonathan Self struggled when it came to his classic brogues.
By Jonathan Self Published
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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.
By Mary Miers Published
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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.
By Hetty Lintell Published
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Christmas gift ideas for children
A collection of adorable gifts, perfect for that special toddler or precocious young person.
By Country Life Published
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Best poolside accessories, from loungers to shades
Practical needn't mean sacrificing style, says Hetty Lintell.
By Hetty Lintell Published
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Best hiking trousers for men, from mountaineering gear to smart trousers with hidden powers
From Francis Drake, Ernest Shackleton to Bear Grylls, men (and women) have been discovering the great outdoors for centuries. Their love of adventures may not have changed, but their wardrobe has.
By Lydia Stangroom Published
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The best wellington boots for walking, for the muddy treks when you need wellies — but not blisters
Long gone are the days where you would have to forego comfort for dry feet. We look at the best wellington boots for walking, the ideal footwear for all of your countryside rambles.
By Lydia Stangroom Published
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Best hiking trousers for women, for everything from walks in the park to climbing Helvellyn
Walking and hiking have become a part of our daily lives — a change that's here to stay. So you'll be in need of some walking trousers; Lydia Stangroom picks out six of the best pairs of hiking trousers for women.
By Lydia Stangroom Published
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Best umbrellas: Top 10 brollies for rainy days in Britain
Survive the next shower in style with one of our pick of the best umbrellas in Britain.
By Toby Keel Published
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Best walking boots for women, from walks in the woods to hiking the Himalayas
Whether you are planning a long country walk or a gentle stroll on a well-beaten path, make the most of the good season with our round-up of the best footwear.
By Carla Passino Published
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Best kids' wellies, from unicorns and dinosaurs to beautiful boots for young sophisticates
As gin is to tonic, children are to puddles. A staple in any child's wardrobe, wellington boots are the go-to necessity for little feet on big adventures. Lydia Stangroom picks out the best kids' wellies you can buy.
By Lydia Stangroom Published
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How to thrive in Lockdown 3.0, from enjoying nature and music to the Wonders of the World
If you'd told us 11 months ago where we'd be now, we wouldn't have believed you — but here some tips on keeping your head held high.
By Toby Keel Published
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Best winter hats, and how to keep them in top condition amid the wind, rain and snow
Hetty Lintell picks out the best hats for this time of year and offers tips on looking after them.
By Hetty Lintell Published