Tobacco firms may pay through the nose for harm from smoking December 3, 2014 THE TOBACCO industry may be forced to pay millions of pounds more in tax if the government backs a new levy on manufacturers and importers. Chancellor George Osborne yesterday said the government will consult on how tobacco firms could repay the “costs on society” that smoking brings. “Smoking imposes costs on society, and the government [...]
Christmas at Tiffany’s December 3, 2014 The famous jeweller’s new design director Francesca Amfitheatrof unveils her bold debut collection New Tiffany design director Francesca Amfitheatrof took inspiration from the brand’s spiritual home: NYC. The “Tiffany T” range uses graphic swoops and bold symmetry to create understated but beautiful pieces. “I wanted to create a symbol for modern life and its relentless [...]
The return of an icon: Parker unveils new Duofold pens to celebrate its 125th anniversary December 3, 2014 Parker has delved into its history to celebrate its 125th anniversary – and the classic Duofold is better than ever. Who among us hasn’t received the gift of a Parker pen? From our earliest academic achievements to milestone birthdays and, of course, Christmas, many of us have grown up with this iconic brand. Today, [...]
Rock the cashmere: Nothing says luxury quite like this incredibly soft wool December 3, 2014 A lot of people see cashmere as being a little self-indulgent, an unnecessary extra expense when just plain wool is perfectly serviceable. But trust me: once you try it, you won’t go back. The finest cashmere knitwear comes from Scotland and the best Scottish cashmere is from a town called Hawick – pronounced Hoyk – [...]
What colour was George Osborne’s tie? Ladbrokes pays out on green, grey and black odds December 3, 2014 George Osborne confounded consensus in his Autumn Statement today, choosing to wear a magical colour-changing tie. The odds were naturally on Tory blue neckwear in the lead-up to the general election, but Osborne this year took inspiration from a magical Mr Benn (the cartoon character, not Tony), digging deep in the back of the wardrobe [...]
2014 Christmas gift ideas: Luxury treats from Smythson totes to Tiffany bracelets December 2, 2014 Be the star of the show on Christmas day with these festive treats. Davidoff Cool Water £40 (125ml) Harrods.com Burberry blanket Stay cosy this winter with this wool and cashmere blanket £995 mrporter.com Ernest Jones exclusive jewellery Le Vian chocolate & vanilla diamond ring, £8,499; Le [...]
Festive drinks December 2, 2014 Drinkable delights for a very merry Christmas Courvoisier XO If it’s good enough for Napoleon, it’s good enough for your loved ones. Award-winning Courvoisier XO is rich, full-bodied and smooth. £70.95 thewhiskyexchange.com D1 Daringly Dry Gin There’s no G&T like a Daringly Dry G&T. Complete with funky bottle. £39.95 harveynichols.com Balblair 69 This exceptional single [...]
2014 Christmas gift ideas: Must-have gadgets from Bose speakers to Dyson fans and the iPhone 6 Plus December 2, 2014 Our pick of the must-have gadgets this festive season. Bose SoundTouch 20 Excellent sound quality and an easy-to-navigate app makes this wireless speaker system – now with Spotify connectivity – one of the best on the market. £349.95 currys.co.uk iPhone 6 Plus Love your iPhone but wish it were a few sizes bigger? [...]
Premier League: Allardyce revels in comeback as Hammers soar December 2, 2014 WEST BROMWICH ALBION 1 WEST HAM UNITED 2 WEST Ham manager Sam Allardyce hailed his team’s fightback after they kept up their pursuit of the Champions League places with a dogged victory at West Brom. Defender Craig Dawson looked to have set up only the Baggies’ second home win of the season when he ended [...]
YouTube ranking: John Lewis, Sainsbury’s, Burberry and Marks and Spencer have the best Christmas ads of 2014 December 2, 2014 It’s only the second day of December, but we've already been treated to a sneak peak of the joy ahead for the Christmas season via the medium of advertising. This year, retailers battled it out with penguins, soldiers and celebs in a bid to get the public into the festive spirit and spend their pennies- although [...]