Table of contents for Issue 606 in Grazia

Photo: Arved Colvin-Smith Is it just us, or is everyone embracing the Christmas spirit extra-early this year? First it was the Christmas trees that went up in November (NOVEMBER!), then the Christmas parties that started in earnest on 1 December. In previous years this might have been deemed ‘peak festive’ – in 2016, this supersize Christmas is, surely, just the ticket? Bryony Gordon explains exactly how on page 31. To help you make the most of the festive season, we introduce you to your new best friend – the SPT (super party tux). The fashion team have sorted the best looks for every figure – and every occasion – on page 22. Plus, the ‘It bag’ is back – and this time our favourite cult styles start from £235. Pick…

Photos: Getty, Plain Picture, Eyevine MY NAME IS BRYONY, and I have a confession to make: I have had my Christmas tree up since, well, the end of November. Please don’t laugh. It’s a really lovely Christmas tree – six foot, bushy, lush – and, if I water it every day (yes, trees need watering too, people, and cutting at the base, just like a bunch of flowers), it should go the distance all the way to 5 January, aka the most miserable day of the year, when the streets are littered with forlorn-looking firs waiting to be picked up and taken away by the local council. Look, I like Christmas. I know it’s not cool to admit it, but there it is: as a child I loved the presents,…

Photos: Jason Lloyd-Evans FOR THE LAST FEW SEASONS, our It bags have languished in fashion purgatory… ie, the back of our wardrobes. After years of sell-out Alexas, Marcies and Roccos, we’d reached peak logo, peak signature clasp. But in fashion, nothing lasts forever. So, with one eye on emerging street-style trends, one on the catwalks and, erm, our third eye on what’s selling in stores, we can confirm the tide has turned. The It bag is back – with a vengeance. But before you remortgage your house (only joking, #generationrent), a new breed of mid-luxe bags offers kudos and brilliant quality in the £300-£600 bracket. Not cheap, b ut you really will wear yours for years, and it will make the rest of your wardrob e look instantly luxe (even…

IN A YEAR that began with the death of David Bowie, and went downhill from there, light relief has been in short supply. Step forward Julia Roberts – who was pictured last week greeting Coleen Rooney with the kind of unbridled joy usually reserved for long-lost relatives and unfeasibly small dogs. The pair’s unlikely friendship, thought to have been sparked by Julia’s son’s love of Man U, is the only part of 2016 that we don’t want to consign to an enormous fire pit. In celebration, here are six more unexpected celebrity duos… TOM CRUISE + DAKOTA FANNING Dakota recently revealed that Tom, with whom she co-starred in War Of The Worlds, has sent her a birthday present every year since she was 11. ‘Usually shoes.’ Not. Creepy. At. All.…

Photos: Getty Images, Rex Features I bought that PVC Alexa Chung for M&S mac everybody else had already got. I was determined not to, mind you. Why? Because another coat is the last thing I need. Because PVC is risky (see: the squeak on it, also: the possibility of looking like fancy dress sex gestapo). Mostly because – as I’ve already mentioned – everyone else has already got it. Any fashion blogger worth her filters, half the Grazia office, and (presumably) Alexa Chung. Who wants the fashion thing everyone else has already got? Not me, no siree! I want to do my own fashion thing! How, then, did I wind up getting That Mac anyway? Well: having assumed it’d fully sold out in my size anyway so it didn’t matter,…

Every year, Mission Christmas delivers presents to children who might otherwise not get any. Last year, they raised more than £13 million worth of gifts that were distributed to 300,000 children across the United Kingdom. Carrie* , 29, benefited directly from the scheme last year, when she got a note from her son’s school to say that he had been chosen to receive some gifts. ‘I was a single mum and a student at the time – making ends meet was a struggle, and I didn’t have a plan for how to pay for Christmas presents. But then I received a bag full of toys that I was able to wrap up ‘from Father Christmas’ – it was amazing. It’s really hard to put into words how much it means…

FASHION’S COMEBACK KID ‘What I want most to convey is that this is not Meadham Kirchhoff,’ says Ed Meadham, one half of the former cult brand. ‘It is just some stuff that can be worn on a daily basis in the real world, chucked in the washing machine.’ Ed, who has suddenly re-emerged post Meadham Kirchhoff as a solo artiste, has aimed his new line of sweats and tees squarely at his mates who, he says, have been priced out of haute fashion. ‘Everything is totally unaffordable to them and aimed at some “type” remote from them. There is nothing for girls, for kids and weirdos,’ he says. Hence his line, Blue Roses, speaks to the former Meadham customer – think stripped back Elizabethan ruffs and flounced cuffs on oversized…

KALMAR Moroccan-born, Paris-raised and London-based designer Karen Ruimy’s inspiration spanned from Matisse to Tahiti for her debut resortwear collection. ZANZAN This UK sunglasses label’s handmade Italian shades are firm favourites with the fashion set; Alexa, Kate Bosworth and Man Repeller Leandra Medine are fans. KALITA Launched this year, Kalita’s brand of easy elegance makes it a no-brainer for glam getaways. NANNACAY Produced by a community of women in Brazil, Peru and Columbia, Nannacay has cornered the market on vibrant beach bags. TALLER MARMO Summer layering sorted – courtesy of this Dubai-based brand. Their print-clash pants get our vote. WARD WHILLAS Subscribing to the ‘If you do one thing, do it well’ mantra is this NY label whose high-tech, stylish swimwear is now available in the UK for the first time.…

Photos: Marco Vittur 1. LIP SERVICE From New York to Paris, punchy pouts spanned the colour spectrum this season. In a peachy shade of pink, this Maybelline Color Drama Intense Lip Paint in Never Bare, £4.99, is an understated way to get in on the action. boots.com 2. FLORAL FANCY The perfect antidote to glum skies, Miss Dior Absolutely Blooming, from £4 9.50, is a sweet and flor al blend that’s as ladylike as they come. Can’t afford to fill your house with copious vases of peonies and roses? Spritz this for the next best thing. dior.com 3. LATHER UP Founded in organic sensibilities, small batch brand Mauli has increasingly crept into our bathroom cabinets. For its pure essential oils, omission of parabens and divine scent, our latest scoop is…

GUT FEELING Gut health is high on our Christmas list, so we love water-based supplement Symprove, £21.95 for a week's supply. Containing all four strains of live bacteria that our tummies need, it'll survive stomach acid and arrive in the gut to do its good work. RISE AND SHINE Studies suggest that waking before the sun rises may mess with our hormones. But with winter here, it's hard to avoid. Withings' Aura Connected Alarm Clock, £149.95, gradually increases light to wake you gently and syncs with your Spotify to deliver hours of soothing sounds or wake-up beats. YOGA POWER Thanks to her experience as a Sweaty Betty ambassador and teacher to celebrities including Kate Winslet, Niki Perry’s credentials are at expert level. So we’re super-excited by her brand-new video series…

NO DIVA FEVER The oddest thing about reality vehicle Mariah’s World is watching a programme about Mariah Carey search for its star. The singer is shot in kooky lingerie, slipping on a wedding dress, talking to her hairdresser and vocal coach. None of it sticks. Her manager Stella is brought in to pep up proceedings but still no story emerges. Stella hires a new assistant in one of the stagiest pieces of reality filming I’ve ever seen (and I’ve seen a lot). Mariah’s World should ooze glamour and prestige. It feels really cheap. Begins Sunday, 10pm, E! ITALIAN STYLE The gripping historical epoch isn’t the only thing that makes Medici: Masters Of Florence a compulsory view. The cast includes top-tier talent: Game OfThronesandCinderella veteran Richard Madden and peerless Hollywood pro…

LETTER OF THE WEEK REDEFINING BEAUTIFUL Thank you for introducing model Winnie Harlow to your readers (Wonder Winnie, 5 December) – I feel incredibly inspired by her journey. Like Winnie, I also have vitiligo and being mixed race means my white patches are a stark contrast against my caramel-coloured skin. Only in my early thirties did I start to love my skin because, as Winnie found, it was very difficult growing up in a world where you are judged based on the way you look. I love her energy! Her confident nature and courageous attitude make her such an inspirational icon to people like myself who suffer with the same condition. I love that she hasn’t let her skin define who she is and what she wants to achieve. She…

‘HIDEOUSLY MILKY TEA IS THE ONE THING THAT MAKES MY BLOOD BOIL’ Who is your best friend? Dave Roper, who was my lecturer when I was studying radio. He failed me, but he’s my oldest friend. What’s your biggest regret? Not going to see Prince when he played in London a few years ago. I finished my radio show and had the choice of going to Camden to see Prince or to go home. I went home and thought I could see him another time. What’s your biggest extravagance? Probably my garden, I love it. I’m quite obsessed. I have spent so much money on fairy lights, flowers, a treehouse, hammocks, a table tennis table… It’s kind of a party garden. When was the last time you were embarrassed? DJing…

1. SPACE-AGE STEAL Boots, £165, Carvela Kurt Geiger (kurtgeiger.com). As seen at Balenciaga and Louis Vuitton, metallic boots are IN. Get your futuristic kicks for a fraction of the price, courtesy of Kurt Geiger. 2. ’70s SUITING Blazer, £700, trousers, £380, both Bella Freud (020 7935 0777). Much like everything else Bella Freud puts her hand to, this suit is just plain cool: ’80s power dressing meets ’70s Mick Jagger. 3. THINK PINK Coat, £225, Topshop Boutique (topshop.com). This dusky rose hue i s exactly how we want to sport pink right now – perfect over blue jeans a nd a grey cashmere knit. The hoop belt a nd wrist ties add a modern feel. 4. HIGH-STREET SELL-OUT Jumper, £89.99, Benetton x Stella Jean (ben neton.com). Benetton has teamed up…

Photos: Splash News, Eroteme, INF, Xposure, Planet Photos “Insiders say Madonna is ‘BEYOND HURT’ by her son’s behaviour and is ‘TERRIFIED’ that he is going OFF THE RAILS” THIS MONTH MARKS ONE YEAR since Madonna and ex-husband Guy Ritchie commenced their bitter custody battle over son Rocco. But last week it seemed that the cold war between the singer and her 16-year-old son was far from over, after he commented, ‘So glad I don’t live here any more’ on an Instagram video of his mother and siblings David, 11, and Mercy, 10, doing the mannequin challenge. It came just days after Madonna rushed to her son’s defence, following his arrest for cannabis possession. Rocco, who moved in with his father in London after Guy and Madonna settled a dispute over…

KATIE LEIGH CERAMICS Touch of the Frida Kahlos about this lady. THIS FINERY LONDON FROCK With the PVC mac! Can you imagine? SKINCEUTICALS PHYTO CORRECTIVE MASQUE Latest from a skincare range so good, people ask me if I’ve had work. CLUTCH CRAMPS Party bags hurt my hands! PRETENDING YOU DON’T LOVE THE NEW BUSTED ALBUM Liar. You totally do. HARD SWEARING Be like Glen Matlock (of the Sex Pistols) who last week called Joe Corré (son of Vivenne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren) a ‘nincompoop’.…

IT’S NOT SHAME you feel first. It’s the sense of walking on a tightrope; a balancing act; a silent prayer that the audience won’t notice. Please, you think, please don’t let them see the heels, the smudged make-up, the cat costume under the borrowed jumper. For a moment, you dare to imagine they won’t. Then someone’s eyes slide over your mussed hair. A car horn blares as you cross the street. You duck your head, wondering how visible your flaking eyeliner is in the morning light. You hurry on. Nearly there, almost home, it’s virtually over. Most women in their twenties and thirties will have experienced some kind of ‘walk of shame’. It’s a walk almost exclusively associated with women. The Urban Dictionary defines it as ‘the course walked home…

THE A-LIST GET ON BOARD THE COACH PARTY COACH TRIP WHAT Stuart Vevers hosted the launch of Coach House WHERE Regent Street WHO Kate Moss, Poppy Delevingne, Edie Campbell Move over Nikolai von Bismarck, Kate Moss headed to the opening of Coach’s new flagship store with 16-year-old Louis Baines – the first model she’s signed to her new agency. While Kate helped her good friend and the label’s executive creative director Stuart Vevers celebrate, Daisy Lowe, Nick Grimshaw and Poppy Delevingne posed with giant dinosaurs on the shop floor. GRAZIA ATE Mini bratwurst hotdogs GRAZIA DRANK Manhattans, vodka and grapefruit soda Photos: Dave Benett, Ben Pipe, Getty Images, Richard Young WE’VE DESIGN CLASSICS AND ANIMAL MAGIC ON OUR MIND CURIOUS CREATURES WHAT The Animal Ball WHERE Victoria House, Bloomsbury WHO…

Photos: PA, Fame Flynet, Rex Features, Catwalking.com A sophisticated female graced the A/W ’16 Loewe catwalk. A meeting of beige and black, plus strategically placed gold. Verdict: Jonathan Anderson did good. We’re thrilled Anderson seems to share our penchant for fishnet. Keep things demure with a high neck and long sleeves. The pleated skirt ain’t going nowhere any time soon. To achieve the asymmetric hem, pop on a blindfold and let loose with the kitchen scissors. Make your old office courts cool by teaming them with a pair of ankle socks. Want to do bling the Loewe way? Gather as much gold costume jewellery as you can find, and pile the stuff on. Mismatched lobes optional. A cinched waist is key this season. Work proportions like a pro with a…

“VINTAGE-inspired shapes will lend old Hollywood glamour to your jewellery. Invest in a modern-day HEIRLOOM” REBECCA DAVIES STYLE DIRECTOR & PERSONAL SHOPPER AT STYLE BY REBECCA With more than 13 years’ fashion industry experience, Rebecca’s ideally qualified in her role as a personal shopper. Her expertise lies in helping women reinvent their wardrobes to suit their lifestyles, from new mums looking for an instant style-over to busy 9-to-5ers overhauling their work wardrobes. But while the clothes maketh the woman, it’s the finishing touches that make an outfit – or elevate it to the next level. ‘Casha for Cadenzza’s gold earcuff will make a statement paired with a simple white shirt at the office,’ says Rebecca. ‘Or offset weekend-wear with Caroline Neron’s fluid, modern take on waterfall earrings to get your…

Photos: Marco Vittur. Buly: doverstreetmarket.com. Burberry: uk.burberry.com. Cire Trudon: Selfridges.com. Clarins: clarins.com. Diptyque Paris: diptyqueparis.com. Jo Malone: jomalone.co.uk. L’Artisan Parfumeur: selfridges.com. La Montaña: roullierwhite.com. Molton Brown: moltonbrown.co.uk…

ANNA SILVERMAN Grazia’s junior features writer ★★★★✩ White supremacists, racism, a gripping courtroom drama – I had to remind myself I was reading a novel, not the news. Jodi Picoult creates fascinating, relatable characters in a book that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about white privilege. Given the current political climate in America, it couldn’t be more pertinent. HANNAH FLINT Grazia’s junior news and entertainment editor ★★★★✩ Jodi Picoult isn’t an author I’d usually gravitate to, yet I was intrigued by the buzz around this novel. Told from three points of view, Small Great Things tackles racism in America as the main character Ruth is forbidden from treating a white newborn because of her colour. Coming at a pivotal time in the US, reading this was…

Photo: Anna Huix  AFTER AN INCREDIBLE FIRST DATE with The Sexy Geek, a set-up through a mutual friend, I spend the days waiting for it to be 6pm. I spend the days waiting for it to be 6pm because at 6pm he finishes work and texts me, and we swap messages, back and forth, until we go to bed. We talk about how insanely good our first date was, and about our friends and our families and what success is and happiness feels like, and I’m terrified to tell anyone out loud how exciting I find it all. I’m terrified to admit to anybody that after that first kiss I texted the other three men I was at various dating stages of Bumble chat with and called it off. Took…

Photo: Tina Luther/Mondadori SAGITTARIUS 23 Nov – 21 Dec It seems you’ve frittered away a lot of time talking about your latest plans without doing anything to bring them to fruition. But the Sun’s connection with Saturn will encourage you to adopt a more structured and disciplined approach to some aspects of your set-up. This doesn’t mean that everything has to become deadly dull. But you can no longer pay lip service to areas of your life that crave your attention. CAPRICORN 22 Dec – 20 Jan Someone suggesting that you and another person have been wasteful recently probably doesn’t have much to worry about. Venus in Aquarius will help you bring calm and rationale to a situation which has been in danger of becoming fraught. If you look carefully,…

1. UP KATE BUSH Number one album, causing a controversy all over the socials for saying she rather liked Theresa May. Shake things up for us some more, madam! 2. NEW IN SERGEI POLUNIN Brought to CoL’s attention via a colleague, who passed us his pic, saying: ‘Look! Look at him!’ Us: ‘Hot. What does he do?’ Colleague: ‘Um…’ (NB He’s a ballet dancer.) 3. UP RUFUS SEWELL Last week announced he had no issue whatsoever with the general public’s rampant objectifying of him in Victoria. Which is good, because we did. 4. NEW IN HALIMA ADEN Got through the swimwear section of the Miss Minnesot a USA pageant while dressed in a burkini, having worn a hijab in all other rounds. Progressiveness comes in all forms and arenas, innit.…

Photos: Getty, Goff, Splash, Fame Flynet “KANYE’S BREAKDOWN WAS A WAKE-UP CALL AND KIM’S CONCERNED HE COULD RELAPSE” WITH CHRISTMAS JUST WEEKS AWAY, the Kardashian family’s annual round robin promises make for particularly grim reading this year. Last week, following her armed robbery in October, a dejected Kim was pictured driving herself to UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, where husband Kanye was being treated for a reported ‘psychotic breakdown’. After eight days of intensive treatment, he was finally being allowed home, where he would continue his recovery under the care of his personal physician, Dr Michael Farzam. At the time of his admittance – following an on-stage meltdown in which he ranted about Jay Z, Hillary Clinton and Mark Zuckerberg – Kris Jenner told reporters: ‘He’s exhausted. He’s had…

WE’VE GOT A CONFESSION TO MAKE. While we love the fashions, sometimes we spot designer trends that we’re sure nobody will actually wear. You know, the so-bizarre-you’d-have-to-bebonkers bits, like Christopher Kane’s nan headscarves – fab on the LFW catwalk, less fab on the top deck of the 243 bus – and Rihanna x Manolo Blahnik’s denim boots-slash-chaps, complete with crotch-hole – great if you’re Rihanna, but, well, you’re not Rihanna. Sorry. So imagine our surprise when some of A/W ’16’s weirdest trends found their way into our wardrobes. Who’d really wear Chewbacca loafers?, we scoffed when Gucci first sent shearling shoes down the catwalk. But that was before we put our feet into a pair, and realised they were a furry little miracle: warmer than socks and twice as comfy.…

SAM CAM UNVEILS FASHION LABEL Less than six months ago she was the PM’s wife, living in Downing Street. Now she’s Sam Cam the brand. Samantha Cameron has launched her own fashion label called Cefinn (named after the initials of her four children) which will be sold on her own website, Selfridges and at net-a-porter.com. DORCHESTER TELLS STAFF TO SHAVE LEGS London hotel The Dorchester is in trouble for sending a list of grooming rules to female staff. Women have been told to wear full make-up, avoid oily skin and bad breath, and to shave their legs before coming into work. And what exactly do men need to do? COLOMBIA PLANE CRASH KILLS 71 A plane carrying Brazilian football team Chapecoense crashed in Colombia last week, killing 71 and leaving…

OUR PANEL LAURA GRABINER Grazia’s junior fashion news and features writer does a near perfect Cheryl impression and adheres strictly to the rule: what Dolce says, goes. @laura_grabiner HOLLY SCOTT LIDGETT Grazia’s casting and bookings editor knows a good face when she sees it and is a strong believer that the key to success is a good shoe! @hollyscottlidgett KATIE HOLMES LAURA SAYS: Oh dear. It appears Katie thought she was going to some sort of political luncheon... I know she plays Jackie O and all, but this is method acting taken a step too far. Pretty chignon and great pins, though! ★★✩✩✩ HOLLY SAYS: We know what you are trying to do here Katie... but a miss is as good as a mile. Other than red being a brilliant…

FLYING COLOURS Behold the bold, bright and beautiful. Inject a hit of colour into your every day AFTER DARK Lace never fails to make the wearer look and feel fabulous. Well, they are called delicates for a reason ANIMAL ATTRACTION Make a statement with leopard spots. Because a little bit of oh là là never hurt anyone GYM CLASS They’ve got racer backs and go-faster stripes, but these perfect pairings are strictly athleisure. Easy like Sunday morning… MEET YOUR MATCH When it comes to bra shopping, size matters – and we’ve got the styles to suit A–C 1. Black lace triangle bra, £225, La Perla (laperla.com). 2. T-shirt bra, £29, Nubian Skin (nubianskin.com). 3. Blue sports bra, £33, Nike (veryexclusive.co.uk) B–C 1. Black lace underwired bra, £31.36, Victoria’s Secret (victoriassecret.com).…

1. SPARKLY SENSATION 2. SKIRT THE ISSUE Photos: Jason Lloyd-Evans, Catwalking.ccom 3. SUBTLE SHIMMER For those of you saving all things twinkly for New Year’s Eve, think again. Fashion has spoken: you don’t need a dance floor and disco ball for sequins to be acceptable. At Burberry sequins adorned T-shirt dresses paired with biker boots, while bomber jackets glistened at Margiela. Street-style superstar Giovanna Battaglia (right) has the idea: zone in on one item that screams Studio 54 and dress it down. We bet that knit didn’t predict a sparkly skirt would come its way!…

Photos: Jason Lloyd-Evans, Marco Vittur. & Other Stories: stories.com. Artis: spacenk.com. Kat Von D: d debenhams.com. N Na ars: narscosmetics.co.uk. Sisley: sisley-paris.co.uk Where we spotted it Ba ckstage at Louis Vuitton, where make-up maverick Pat McGrath placed dark, gleaming lips against fresh, bare skin. Why we loved it Gloomy winter months call for cheering make-up statements, and we reckon this is a case in point. Admiring glances cannot but ensue. Ways to work it With the endless flow of ombré lip Insta-tutorials filling our feeds, it’s time to quite literally put your money where your mouth is. Line lips with a slightly darker shade before applying your chosen lippy atop.…

Photos: Marco Vittur. Bobbi Brown: bobbibrown.co.uk. Burberry: net-a-porter.com. Chanel: 020 7493 3836. Dior: dior.com. Givenchy: debenhams.com. MAC: maccosmetics.co.uk. Tom Ford: houseoffraser.co.uk. Unicorn Snot Glitter Gel: libertylondon.com. Urban Decay : urbandecay.co.uk. Vernon François: vernonfrancois.com. Zoeva: zoevacosmetics.com SUPER SPARKLERS F rom Burberry and Holly Fulton, to Ch arlotte Olympia and Jenny Packham, glitter was worn every which way on this season’s runways. Those fully embracing the trend may delight in a sparkling eye or metallic mouth, while the less outgoing may favour a subtle dusting of sparkle across cheekbones. ‘Glitter was once for little girls and pantomimes, but it’s now for grown-up glamour,’ says Terry Barber, director of artistry at MAC. And with so many parties on the horizon, there’s never been a better time to sign up.…

MEET THE CHEF Trine Hahnemann is a foodie star in her native Denmark. In her career she has done the on-tour catering for a host of rock bands including the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Elton John and the Rolling Stones, and now she has her own catering company and cooking school. She has published six cookbooks, most recently Scandinavian Comfort Food (£25, Quadrille). trinehahnemann.com VEGETABLE PIE Get the most out of winter root vegetables with this meal that’s perfect for lingering over, hygge-style Serves 4 Prep time: 30 minutes Cooking time: 50 minutes 1kg potatoes, peeled and cubed 2 bay leaves 1 leek, in slices 3 cloves of garlic, chopped 300g swede, cut into 1 x 1 cm cubes 2 sprigs of fresh tarragon, leaves only 1 small cauliflower, roughly…

Photos: Capital An obese woman disrobes to weigh herself on the bathroom scales before r remembering – aha! – to take her earrings off. Her twin brother, a beefcake actor, throws a wobbler on the set of the bubblegum sitcom he stars in. A blue-chip black businessman hires a private detective to find the real father who abandoned him at birth. And former country starlet Mandy Moore’s character is about to break waters on her triplets, with a wise old humourist and gynaecologist at her side. The connection? They all share the same birthday. This Is Us is a high-impact new drama swimming in an ocean of poised, elegant sentimentality. There are eulogies to the human condition so precision-tooled to tug heartstrings they should come with individual shock warnings. Richard…