1 BOOTS

“A great boot is such a versatile piece to have in your wardrobe. Elevating your daytime look, a knee-high boot can be worn both under a skirt or with your favourite jeans – then transform into evening chic with the right accessories. As an added bonus, it keeps your feet nice and warm in the colder months. The decision is what colour – if you want to go for something more trend-led now’s the time to opt for burgundy.”

2 TURTLENECK

“Consider your basics: a quality turtleneck is the real secret to looking stylish, as well as braving the cold throughout the winter months. Throw it under a blazer, under a shirt, or with your favourite jeans, and you are pretty much ready to go. It’s instant sophistication and style.”

3 BLAZER

“Every outfit in winter needs an extra layer, but not always a chunky coat. What I love about a good blazer is that you can be in leggings and a messy bun – but add this piece and suddenly you’re ‘casually powerful.’ It’s a great transitional staple that you can wear all year round, and something that I don’t see leaving our wardrobes anytime soon.”

4 DENIM

“We all need at least one good pair of jeans that are our true heroes. We can wear them in the day with boots or trainers, but we can also throw on a little heel and go for dinner. Jeans are so important to fit right and feel great in, as they are almost your foundation of every outfit – and you can wear them in so many ways. They’re timeless, versatile and survive all trends.”

5 SCARF

“A winter must for me is an oversized scarf. I don’t like to wear too many layers, as I want my outfit to be chic and polished, so a scarf is the perfect touch that can be removed when you arrive and you can avoid getting too hot. It’s an easy way to inject colour and fun into any outfit, and if you want to dip your toes in the colour of the season this is the perfect place to start.”

The post Winter Fashion Advice From Renowned Celebrity Stylist Ellis Ranson appeared first on Best of Living.

Pure Cashmere Zip Neck Jumper

“Crafted from 100% cashmere, this superior sweater is made from the finest wool, sourced from Inner Mongolia — where goats withstand the coldest conditions. Coming in a zip-neck style for a gently sporty feel, this jumper combines the most luxe fabric with a relaxed edge, so you can dress it down with jeans and a puffer jacket, or up with a shirt and suit trousers for work.” £179: buy here

Cashmere Check Scarf

“A guaranteed winning winter gift — or a treat for yourself — this scarf is crafted from 100% cashmere wool, meaning it’s not only super warm, but also lightweight and comfortable on the skin. Pick from smart checks, herringbone patterns or solid colours like seasonal maroon or every man’s favourite navy — it’ll go with whatever coat or jacket you team it with.” £89.95; buy here.

Italian Velvet Jacket

“Steal the show — whatever the event — in this jacket woven in Italy’s Pontoglio Mill. The definition of artisanal craftsmanship and fine tailoring, it’s crafted from 100% cotton, is deceptively comfortable to wear and super-soft to the touch. Pick from single and double-breasted styes, and shades like rich chocolate, versatile navy, striking indigo and timeless black.” £279; buy here.

Non-Iron Stretch Floral Print Shirt

“Made from 100% cotton with a natural stretch, this floral print shirt features non-iron tech for a smooth finish all night. High impact as well as being low maintenance, choose from a classic, slim or extra slim fit. Not a fan of florals? There’s a host of solid colours, geometric prints and subtle paisley patterns to pick from, too.” £74.95; buy here.

3-in-1 Rain Mac

“Coming with a detachable gilet for extra warmth, wear this rain mac all together, remove the gilet when the temperature gets a little milder, or wear the gilet solo as an easy, lightweight layer. The simple, elegant design can be worn over suits and jeans alike — and, no matter what you’re wearing underneath, you’ll stay dry and presentable.” £249; buy here.

The post Winter Fashion To Choose From For the Stylish Gentleman appeared first on Best of Living.

Invest In Art

“Art speaks volumes about your style and personality, so buy pieces you are instantly drawn to. Choosing art should be ‘love at first sight’. If you can’t stop thinking about it, you need to buy it. Art is very powerful and is about evoking emotion as much as looking good on a blank wall. I go shopping with my clients when they think they don’t know what they like, and it’s so interesting to see the genre and the colours they’re drawn to. The biggest misconception is that art should be bought last, to finish a room. It’s one of the first things I choose, and everything else evolves around it.”

Splurge On Statement

“This is another powerful way to add excitement to your interior. For me, a statement piece that sets your home apart from everyone else’s is priceless and will make your home memorable. My top tip would be to keep the other elements simple, so that your statement piece really shines. I bought this hand painted antique carousel horse by the famous funfair artist, George Hebborn in 2017. He’s called ‘Del Boy’ and has become an iconic piece, featured in numerous publications around the world.”

Mix Old and New

“To create striking and memorable interiors, I like to mix old and new pieces. Mixing different eras adds depth and interest to any scheme, almost taking your eyes on an unexpected journey around the room. A memorable room is one that keeps surprising — every time to you enter it, you should notice or discover something new.”

Use Symmetry and Asymmetry

“Symmetry is classic — it works in both modern and traditional interiors, creating balance and harmony to make a space feel calm. A symmetrical layout promotes stability and relaxation, which is often while it’s used in bedrooms, such as matching bedside tables and lamps. That said, too much symmetry can feel predictable and stiff. I often balance it with a touch of asymmetry, such as placing a lamp on one side of a sofa or juxtaposing a wall of vintage plates in a random design.”

Lighting is Key

“Statement lighting is always a great investment. A feature ‘showcase light’ is a great way to add wow factor, whilst drawing the eye up, especially if you have features on the ceiling such as ceiling roses and cornices. It’s also a wonderful way to anchor the room or create zones — just make sure it’s central to any features you want to highlight, such as a fireplace or kitchen island. Then, use a mix of task, ambient and accent lighting to add depth, warmth and functionality. This could be done with ceiling lights, wall lights, table lamps, floor lamps and even candlelight.”

The post Some Effective Ways to Give Your Home an Alluring Appeal appeared first on Best of Living.

Fortnum & Mason’s Feasting Advent Calendar

Eat, drink and be merry this Christmas with this calendar packed with gourmet delights — from black truffle and Champagne butter, Christmas gin, Amalthea Gin Olives and oh-so-much more.

£250, www.fortnumandmason.com

Cartwright & Butler Advent Calendar

This British brand’s packed with delectable treats in this moreish masterpiece, from savoury cheese biscuit and onion chutney to Earl Grey tea, sugar-topped shortbreads and an entire iced Christmas cake.

£249.99, www.selfridges.com

Liberty Men’s Advent Calendar

This stylish calendar includes a Liberty LBTY Fragrance Tudor Eau de Parfum; Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel; Votary Night Star Serum Meta Active Complex: just the start of its 25 line-up. 

£260, www.libertylondon.com

Penhaligons The Advent Calendar

Fabulous. Festive. Fully knitted. And that’s just the outside. Penhaligon’s iconic advent calendar is back, stitched with 24 scentsational surprises to keep you wrapped in wonder. What will you wear today?

£425, www.penhaligons.com

Jo Malone Advent Calendar

This calendar’s filled with an array of festive goods, from seasonal favourites to timeless colognes, candles, bath and body luxuries — alongside a celebratory 30ml fragrance and travel candle.

£360, www.jomalone.co.uk

Christian Louboutin Holiday 2025 Beauty Advent Calendar

Get set for 24 iconic pieces, from fragrances to signature lipsticks and glamorous accessories. Each piece reflects Christian Louboutin’s spirit and savoir-faire. Go on: you know you want to treat yourself.

£545, www.selfridges.com

Sisley Luke Edward Hall Advent Calendar

Another calendar filled with decadence, you’ve got Phyto-Lip Balm n°2 Pink Glow, Phyto-Noir Mascara, Sisleÿa l’Intégral Anti-Âge Anti-Wrinkle Concentrated Serum, Black Rose Cream Mask; we can go on.

£640, www.harrods.com

Villeroy & Boch Multi Christmas Toys 3D Advent Calendar

Crafted using premium porcelain, this calendar includes a Christmas tree, while each box reveals an ornament or figurine which you hang on the tree. It’s ideal for little ones and adults seeking nostalgia.

£446, www.harrods.com

BVLGARI Allegra Countdown Calendar

Starting from 25th December, unwrap a new fragrance until 1st of January — what better way to see in the New Year? It includes, among more, Bvlgari Allegra Insieme Eau de Parfum and a set of perfumable ceramics.

£393, www.harrods.com

ELEMIS x Harrods 25 Days of Pro-Collagen Skin Wonders Beauty Advent Calendar

Exclusive to Harrods and worth £1,229, expect Elemis formulas to leave skin looking and feeling its best. Think cleansers, masks, exfoliators, moisturisers, oils, eye creams — and all at nearly a third of its price.

£440, www.harrods.com

Disclaimer: This feature is for editorial purposes only. Prices, product details and availability were correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.

The post 10 Premium Advent Calendars to Purchase Now Before They Sell Out appeared first on Best of Living.

For a Job Interview, Night Out or Public Speaking

Choose red: it’s universally associated with power, passion and leadership.

Avoid beige/light grey: this can sometimes washing you out, especially in winter.

For a Work Meeting, First Date or Networking

Choose royal blue: this signals trust and credibility and is calming but authoritative.

Avoid yellow: it has a risk of making you look tired, and can be overpowering on pale skin.

For Everyday Office Wear

Choose emerald green: ideal when you want to be fresh, balanced and linked with growth.

Avoid white: it can feel exposing and impractical, not ideal for a high-stress or messy environments.

Other Advice

Use accents: If bright red feels too bold, introduce it with accessories such as a bag, lipstick or scarf.

Skin tone matters: Fairer tones may prefer jewel shades such as emerald or sapphire, while deeper skin can carry off brighter, bolder colours.

Layer neutrals with confidence colours: green or blue against black/grey can transform an outfit.

The post Dress for Success with These Fashion Colours for Confidence appeared first on Best of Living.

Why do you think people often get their skincare routine wrong?

“There’s many different reasons for this, starting with a lack of proper knowledge. Mismatching products, too, can be detrimental, as well as using products that are not suited to your skin type or concerns, such as heavy creams on oily skin which are more suitable for dry. Many of us are guilty of overcomplicating routines: step after step after step may look appealing, but too many products can disrupt your skin’s barrier. There’s also inconsistent use to factor in, as jumping from product to product often backfires; and you shouldn’t ignore ingredients, either: strong actives like retinol and acids together can lead to irritation or damage.”

What are the most common skincare mistakes we do without realising?

“Over-exfoliation, as using scrubs too often damages the skin barrier. Skipping sunscreen is a huge no-no, as UV damage is a major cause of aging and hyperpigmentation. Not moisturising oily skin is also a mistake – people who have this skin type think they don’t need moisturisers, but dehydration can actually cause more oil production.”

What products could actually be damaging your skin?

“Harsh physical exfoliants, as these can cause microtears and skin irritation. Again, the overuse of strong actives such as retinoids, acids, and benzoyl peroxide, which can damage the skin barrier and lead to peeling or redness. High-foaming or alcohol-heavy cleansers can strip the skin’s natural oils, while fragrance-heavy products – especially for sensitive skin– can trigger irritation. And don’t forget about keeping products that have expired: while you may well think there’s nothing wrong with them, they can actually harbour bacteria or lose efficacy.”

Why should we cut a skincare product out?

“If there’s immediate signs of irritation: think redness, stinging, burning, peeling, or breakouts after introducing a product. A prolonged lack of improvement also indicates it’s time to stop: if it hasn’t helped after six to eight weeks it’s likely it won’t be working – unless it’s a slow-acting product like retinoids. If your skin type changes; for example due to weather, pregnancy or medications; then your products may no longer be suitable; and if there’s a bad smell or texture change it could indicate it’s expired or become contaminated.”

How can we ensure we’re using the best skincare products?

“Know your type: dry, oily, combination, sensitive, or acne-prone – this is the foundation when choosing. For oily skin look for non-comedogenic, gel-based, or mattifying products, whereas dry skin should be cream-based and hydrating. Skin on the sensitive side? Opt for fragrance-free, minimal-ingredient formulas. Just be sure to listen to your skin, as if something causes dryness, tightness, or breakouts it may not be right – even if it’s a popular brand.”

What else should do so we know we’re not using the wrong products?

“Consult a doctor: they’re trained to recommend medical grade skincare products to treat skin conditions such as acne, pigmentation, eczema or rosacea.”

The post How To Tell if You’re Using the Wrong Products for Your Skin appeared first on Best of Living.