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Anya Hindmarch: 'Luxury can become achingly boring and a bit worthy. I like things that make you smile’
The thrill of a new pencil case doesn’t fade with age, finds Jo Rodgers, on a visit to Anya Hindmarch’s new stationery pop-up shop.
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Tim Henman: A lifetime at Wimbledon
Tim Henman has spent years of his life at Wimbledon, as a fan, player, broadcaster and more. He spoke to Toby Keel.
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What (not) to wear at the Cheltenham Festival
Tips from an expert stylist on what to wear at one of the highlights of the racing calendar: the Cheltenham Festival.
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Luscious red or gorgeous green? 12 Valentine gifts to keep them keen, from £45 to £22k
Country Life's Luxury Editor Hetty Lintell picks out some wonderful Valentine's gifts in red or green.
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Curious Questions: 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.
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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: 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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How a £25 set of fake pearls made £150k at auction — and were a bargain at the price
One man’s — or woman’s — trash really is another’s treasure says Giles Kime, as he looks at a fascinating sale taking place in London.
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![2E9HHJ0 MESSRS HARDING HOWELL & CO Author Ackermann, Rudolph 27.20. Place of publication: [London] Publisher: For No3 of ACKERMANN'S REPOSITORY of ARTS ,c Pub March 1809, 101 Strand, LONDON., Date of publication: [March 1809] Item type: 1 print Medium: aquatint and etching with hand-colouring Dimensions: sheet 13.9 x 22 cm Former owner: George III, King of Great Britain, 1738-1820](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/qyXmWBZb2Q2UdJZEnKwfx6-230-80.jpg)
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.
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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?
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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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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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Christmas gift ideas for children
A collection of adorable gifts, perfect for that special toddler or precocious young person.
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Best poolside accessories, from loungers to shades
Practical needn't mean sacrificing style, says Hetty Lintell.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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