Style & Fashion
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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?
By Harry Pearson Published
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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.
By Country Life Published
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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.
By Giles Kime Published
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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.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.
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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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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A look at Barbour's new womenswear, a nature-inspired collection made with House of Hackney
Barbour has released a nature-inspired collection made in collaboration with interiors company House of Hackney. Hetty Lintell takes a look, and picks out some of her favourite pieces.
By Hetty Lintell 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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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
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TAG Heuer and Porsche join forces on Carrera watch
Swiss watch brand TAG Heuer and iconic motoring firm Porsche have embarked upon a new partnership, resulting in the TAG Heuer Carrera Porsche Chronograph.
By Hetty Lintell Published
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Curious Questions: Did Mark Twain really invent the bra strap?
Samuel Clemens Leghorn — better known as Mark Twain — was a man of many trades besides writing, and one of his inventions is still with us today. Martin Fone explains more.
By Martin Fone Published


