Christmas gift guide: every shade of RED

It is official - I am getting in a mood for Christmas. I think my inner Russian would never allow me to embrace the holiday spirit too soon – first of all, for years, since the revolution, New Year’s was the only official holiday to celebrate and when Christmas was, lets say, re-introduced, it would fall on 7 January according to the Orthodox Church Calendar. History aside, I don’t like wishing my life away too soon either. I like preparing for the holidays a few days before they happen – think of the menu, decorate the house, buy gifts, you know, the usual extravaganza.

But since the world and world wide web seem to be practically celebrating already and we only got just over three weeks before the big day, I decided to go for it and give you a few Christmas Gift Guides a la Fashioned by Love.

There are a few things I always think of when it comes to presents. I do not believe in practical gifts – anyone (and men are guilty of it) who thinks that a pan or an iron or anything remotely related to housekeeping make a wonderful Christmas present, would fail in my eyes miserably. Christmas and practicality are two different planets, no, Universes. They would never be a part of one another. Ever.

On the other hand, I believe in everything  beautiful, indulgent and luxurious. It doesn’t have to be expensive, but needs to be very special and pretty because when the present is opened it’s got to be about love, beauty and joy.

My Gift Guides will be grouped by colours – I really like the vibrancy of the same shade and it’s been a real pleasure playing with the ideas below.

I picked some expensive gifts, like the Chloe bag and Jimmy Choo shoes I recently found at Cruise Fashion, a great on-line destination that stocks quite a few fabulous brands, added some gorgeous candles that I would love to receive as a gift myself, sparkling jewellery, delicious Christmas treats and a few very special high street finds that won’t break the bank including a beautiful dress, a cashmere sweater, bags and more. Hope you will find something special.

Where to buy: 1. Red frame Andy round sunglasses by Selima Optique (£91 Was £260), 2. Red feather collar by Miu Miu (£242 Was £440), 3. Gold plated crystal earrings by Kevia (£88 Was £195), 4. Paraty medium red leather bag by Chloe (£1145), 5. Dawn lava red dress by Reiss (£94 Was £189), 6. Red suede shoulder bag by Mango (£59.99), 7. Red cashmere gloves by Gladys & Pixie (£48), 8. Nazareth cinnamon, orange and clove scented candle by Cire Trudon (£60), 9. Japanese camellia body oil by Elemis (£29.50), 10. Naked glamour set by Calvin Klein (£35 + £29), 11. Red satin twist lock clutch by Moschino (£166), 12. Christmas blend spiced tea at Harrods (£8.95), 13. Cashmere sweater by Uniqlo (£59.90 Was £79.90), 14. Lena M pony skin red tote bag by Alan Hayden London (£190), 15. Large bead bracelet by Marni (£105.47), 16. Crown red glitter peep toe shoes by Jimmy Choo (£455), 17. iPhone case by DvF (£28), 18. Rouge pur couture matt lipstick by YSL (£23.50), 19. Little red riding hood hand-made doll by Laura Long (£25), 20. Italian blood orange soapette by MOR (£9.50), 21. Berry crocodile embossed bag by Wallis (£21 Was £30), 22. Empress cuff in red lizard by Aspinal of London (£79), 23. Crystal zone watch by FolliFollie (£165),  24. iPhone case by Alexander McQueen (£135), 25. Oriental disk bracelet by Accessorize (£4), 26. Strawberry truffles by Charbonnel et Walker (£11.93), 27. Red patent and ruby crystals key ring by Aspinal of London (£35), 28. Jasmin rouge perfume by Tom Ford (£135-195), 29. Allure by Diana Vreeland at Amazon (£16), 30. Ana scarf by Reiss (£45), 31. Red leather gloves by Agnelle (£77.63), 32. Brick suede mercury sandals by Aperlai (£490), 33. Lucky butterfly in ruby red crystal by Baccarat (£66.29), 34. Tubereuse candle by Diptyque (£55), 35. Ballerina bow shoes by Oasis (£15), 36. Le pomme rouge candle by DL & Co (£78).

Candy change purse by Anya Hindmarch (£100), available on-line via official website, here and here.

Photo source: Glamour US 2005