Christmas: What to buy the boys in your life

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Christmas is the time of year we all love to complain about, to be honest. As December rapidly approaches, it is officially time to get out our wallets and think about the difficult task of picking presents for our loved ones. This year, I made it my mission to stay ahead of the game, and task myself with completing my shopping list before December had really got under way.

I love to avoid the bustling crowds and that means online shopping is a must for me at this busy time of year. London's Oxford Street, pressed up against strangers, crushed in a sea of shoppers, whilst being forced to make important retail decisions? No thanks! I find sitting in the warmth, browsing the internet with a big cup of coffee somewhat more appealing. 

It's pretty much a given that guys are not the easiest to shop for. They either have no ideas or already have everything they need and let's be honest, what gift is worth buying your boyfriend when you can't pinch it yourself?!

Here is a round-up of my top favourite clothing ideas for the men in my life this Christmas - No peeking guys!

Serge DeNimes - So Serge Palm Leaves Arm Sweat - Buy here

This is my favourite sweatshirt this AW15. From Oliver Proudlock's own clothing line, Serge DeNimes, this simple sweat is soft to the touch and can easily be styled with black skinny jeans and the right pair of Nike trainers to complete a cool, street look.

Sik Silk - Heavy Neps Curved Hem Tee - Buy here and here

I tend to stay away from brighter colours during the winter, leaving the memories of the Sik Silk/Cafe Mambo collaboration far behind us. This is one of the many new tees we've seen emerge from Sik Silk recently. Sik Silk has undergone a full transformation fro the sharp, bold patterned vests and vivid colours of their summer collection to the more seasonal AW15 collection. I feel like the best thing about the minimalistic colour scheme is the way you can wear it with pretty much anything.

11 Degrees - Base Jogger - Buy here

With clothing designed for today's urban male, 11 Degrees is definitely a label to watch. I'm a big fan of comfort and warmth over fashion and that's why these snuggly 11 Degrees Base Joggers in red are a go-to this winter. With the weather swiftly deteriorating, who wants to walk around in damp denim?

Chptr and Vrse - PU Snood Hood - Buy here

For the diva that exists inside every man in my life - The Snood Hood, half way between a scarf and a hood, does anything sound more appealing this winter? Chptr and Vrse are a brand that puts a breath of fresh air into the industry; this clothing line is devoted to the pursuit of personal, individual style. Incorporating the wet-look sleeves, cuff and hem with a simply small logo embroidered on the chest, in my opinion this is a really cool urban streetwear hoodie (snoodie?).

Sik Silk - Oil Racerback Curved Hem Tee - Buy here and here

New in and possibly something to bring a bit of colour to your nights out this winter is the Sik Silk Racerback Tee. The subtlety of colour really compliments the all over look of the tee. Easily styled with the Sik Silk drop crotch skinny jeans in blue (buy here), this is definitely a big contender for that all important New Year's Eve outfit.

Eloise x

Eloise Rolfe writes for Beauty & Ruin

Christmas Shopping: Gifts that Give Back

I'm fairly sure that this is going to be my favourite of the Christmas shopping ideas I'm going to share with you. This list is special because when you buy one of these gifts, you'll not only be giving a gift to a loved-one, but you'll also be giving a gift to the environment, or an animal, or a human. These gifts are fantastic for those people in your life who seem to have everything, or who don't want anything for Christmas but you still want to get them something. I think I've found a pretty great selection for you to choose from. Enjoy!

1. Toms

I'm pretty sure everybody knows about Toms, and for very good reason. For every pair of Toms sold, a child in need will receive a new pair of shoes. Having worked in Cambodia, I've seen firsthand how children long for a decent pair of shoes but have to make do with flimsy, ill-fitting plastic sandals, or no shoes at all. There are so many styles and colours of Toms shoes to choose from, so you're sure to find the perfect pair to give as a gift.

SHOP TOMS

2. Wicker Wings

This is a fairly new company, but it has a similar model to Toms, but instead of shoes, this company sells bags. When you buy one of their bags, they will give a child in need a bag of inspiration. A child will receive a drawstring bag that contains a book and a little note that you can write yourself! The book and the note will be in the child's language, and are designed to inspire children to read and pursue education. Wicker Wings' bags are absolutely adorable, and you're bound to have a friend who will absolutely love to receive one as a gift.

SHOP WICKER WINGS

3. Jonas Umbrellas

When you buy one of Jonas Umbrella's limited edition umbrellas, you help to fund a clean water well at a school in South Sudan or Uganda. The current limited edition umbrella features a cute bicycle print on the inside. You're bound to have a friend or relative who both loves bicycles and needs a fantastic new umbrella!

SHOP JONAS UMBRELLAS

4. Oxfam Unwrapped

Oxfam Unwrapped is a great gift for someone who has everything. On their behalf, you can buy anything from a goat to an emergency toilet, mosquito nets to manure, a duck to a bicycle, and all sorts of wonderful things in between! Your friend will receive a card that you can personalize, and will be thrilled to know that someone in need has benefitted. 

SHOP OXFAM UNWRAPPED

5. WWF Species Adoption

The World Wildlife Fund runs a fantastic scheme whereby you can adopt an endangered species on behalf of a friend (or for yourself of course!). The cost of the adoption pack goes towards protecting your chosen species from extinction. There are loads of species to choose from, so you can choose your friend's favourite animal, and your friend will receive an adoption pack that includes a cuddly toy (I have the polar bear and I love him!), an adoption card, a photo, all in a cute gift bag that can be used as a tote. This is the perfect gift for the animal lovers in your life.

SHOP WWF SPECIES ADOPTION

6. Stone + Cloth

By buying one of Stone + Cloth's seriously cool bags, you will help to fund a scholarship for a child to get an education. So many kids aren't able to attend school, so this a great way to help to change that, while giving a friend a really useful, durable gift.

SHOP STONE + CLOTH

7. 100 Good Deeds

Buy your friend a 100 Good Deeds bracelet, and you'll not only be buying a bracelet made by vulnerable women in countries such as Uganda and Rwanda, allowing these women to earn a living, but the proceeds will help to support more women and girls with more training. The bracelets are gorgeous and perfect for stacking, and there are loads of colours to choose from.

SHOP 100 GOOD DEEDS

So, there's my list of favourites, but of course there are loads more to choose from. Feel free to message me here if you need help for a particular friend. Will you be buying a gift that gives back this year?

Bemsy x

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National Cat Day

The cat lovers amongst you will know that it was National Cat Day on Wednesday. As I love cats, I thought it was the perfect excuse to do a cat-themed shopping post. Even if you aren't as obsessed with cats as I am, these items are so cute, and some of them might even be the perfect gift for a cat-loving friend. Why not tick one person off your Christmas shopping list?

Cat Decor by emmatje 

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Cat Accessories by emmatje

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Cat Clothing by emmatje

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And as it was Halloween yesterday (hope you all had a scary night!), here's a photo of my devilish kitty cat.

Much love, Bemsy x