Birthday/Christmas Wishlist (or 'gift ideas for people with good taste')

    From left to right

Headphones- ASOS;.  Cheapies that are a choice based on style over substance, I only use headphones if I'm stuck on a bus or train and I can't justify an expensive pair that are excellent quality if they'll only be needed once a month. An added bonus is that this will be one pair that the other half won't steal!

'Bubbles' bra- Agent Provocateur; This is probably the item that will stay firmly in the 'Wish' category rather than becoming a reality- a bra that costs £100. I've wanted it for so long, its so sexy and it's completely impractical- all of which just makes it even more desirable.

Brain ring- VeraMeat; Recently I've felt less excited about ostentatious jewellery, there's something much more personal about a piece that's so small and delicate that it doesn't attract attention. I love the idea of having something as ugly as a brain on a beautiful ring, and it's a much more appealing sentiment than wearing your heart on your sleeve.

Pantone Iphone 5 case in Permisson; No need for explanation here- this colour makes me happy and I may as well be flying the flag for Pantone with the one thing that's constantly in my hand.

Smythson Existential Crisis notebook; Firstly, there's something that irks me about buying into a brand that Samantha Cameron is a part of. Secondly, this is about four times more expensive than Moleskine notebooks, which aren't cheap in the first place. Third, this is covered in lambskin- who do I think I am?Finally, the title feels somewhat pretentious, and I'd be slightly embarrassed for certain people in my life to see this peeping out of my bag. But even with all these reasons that mean I shouldn't want it, I still very much do.

Silver ankle boots-Zara; Everything I've ever wanted in a shoe. 

Robert Johnson record; I've wanted this for so long but somehow it never actually gets purchased. I should probably have some interest in buying some new music instead, but honestly I'm happy stuck in my little rut for the moment. 

Ultra Facial Moisturiser- Kiehl's; I got a sample size of this last year and only needed one drop a day, my combination skin was at it's absolute softest it's ever been. I've had to restrain myself from visiting the new Kiehl's shop that's opened in Newcastle (such a clever move just before Christmas) because all I really need is this cream, but I can't see my willpower lasting much longer!

Jellyfish paperweight- Zara Home; My obsession with Zara's homeware has become as unhealthy as my complete dependence on the Zara fashion brand. This is just a tiny, relatively cheap snippet of a selection of pieces that you don't even know you've always needed. In particular, this is for me because I have an inexpiable love for jellyfish, the ugly (beautiful) freaks of the sea.  

Martin Amis- The War Against Cliche; I love Amis, and for some reason lately collections of essays and reviews are more appealing to me than a novel. It's likely to be pure laziness, but I like to top up on critical writing and theory when I'm struggling to write creatively. That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it.

Longchamp La Pliage bag; The perfect plain, practical, unassuming bag. Semi-luggage and hopefully more timeless than of my usual handbag purchases. The combination of black and tan always looks sophisticated to me.

Nike Roshe Run in Pepper; I've loved these for a while and frankly I wish I'd bought them instead of turquoise suede high tops, these definitely would've been the more practical choice! They're an absolute necessity when working on your feet, and look about as polished as it's possible for a trainer to be.

Orange tapestry rug- Urban Outfitters; Loud, bright, slightly off-kilter version of the classic tapestry rug, which can look a little staid and stuffy. 

REN invisible pores detox mask; Well documented as being a fantastic face mask that delivers what it promises, using this once a week completely draws out all impurities (visibly- if that's your bag) and gives a deeper clean than I've ever found with any other product. Along with their exfoliator and the aforementioned Kiehl's moisturiser, I haven't needed anything else all year to keep my skin clear and I seem to have managed to reverse some of the damage my former lifestyle had done to my complexion!

Glass terrarium; this may not be for everyone, but I think its the most elegant looking (and least messy) way to introduce some vegetation into interiors.

Eau Buelle by Diptyque; To be honest, I'll be happy with any of the Diptyque perfumes, but on paper this one sounds the closest to my former favourites. Anyone who may be reading this for gift ideas, you can't go wrong with anything at all from Diptyque, the holy grail of instagram-worthy boasting.