Trading a demanding career for the less frenetic life of a writer gave Shulman the space to consider what brings her true joy. Small pleasures and precious rituals became the inspiration for her new book, and here she shares the daily delights she can’t do without…

Alexandra Shulman’s Ode To Joy

# A Note From Alexandra

"I work at home now after editing British Vogue for 25 years, and the things I most enjoy or want to own are things that make my life more pleasant on a daily basis. I’ve just published a new book, *Black Coffee and Red Lipstick – Notes On Living* which is very much about the small things in life. I love food and drink and beautiful objects, so coffee-making apparatus, cookbooks, good olive oil and lovely glasses are must-haves. But getting dressed is also a pleasure – in my opinion you can never have enough clothes or beauty products."

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With Dries Van Noten’s Mirror in Blue, even the simplest of accessories can be elevated to avant-garde individualism.

Blue Mirror

A highly concentrated perfume for the bath with skin softening properties to leave skin smooth and lightly scented. Fragranced with our bestselling Rose Geranium scent and presented in a smart signature glass bottle, add just a few drops to warm running water for a beautifully scented bath. The fragrance is dispersed in the water without leaving a residue.

Rose Geranium bath essence

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A robust check-in suitcase that retains an elegant appearance despite its capacity. Features an aluminium frame with lock closure, 360° spinner wheels and impact-resistant polycarbonate shell.

The Check-in suitcase

The Low Monti returns in glossy black patent leather, bringing a fresh perspective to a classic loafer silhouette. Inspired by traditional Italian loafers, it combines high-shine patent with warm tan moccasin stitching and a distinctive three-ring trim across the front. This style has a lightweight and comfortable underfoot thanks to its EVA sole. It is an easy style to wear with everything from tailoring to denim. Made in Spain using Leather Working Group gold-rated leather.

Low Monti patent loafers

The House of Lyria is known for its specialization in timeless textiles that merge tradition, experimentation, and emotion. Carefully crafted in Italy from soft linen, the Firmamento blanket features charming floral motifs and fringed trims.

Firmamento floral linen blanket

The Ellis Tote is crafted in Italy from soft suede with leather trims and adjustable straps at the sides, allowing you to alter its shape. Designed as a versatile two-way tote, it can be carried over the shoulder using the long leather handles, or by the shorter grab handles, with the long straps folding neatly inside when not in use. The herringbone-lined interior has plenty of room for a laptop, notebook, wallet and other daily essentials, plus a slip pocket for cards and receipts.

Ellis suede tote in Moutarde Brown

Comes with massage tool to perfectly prepare the skin before application of the skincare product.

L'Integral Anti-Age Eye and Lip Contour Cream

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The Meisterstück Gold-Coated Classique Fountain Pen evolves into Montblanc’s design icon. Cap and barrel are crafted in black precious resin inlaid with a white Montblanc emblem. Three gold-coated rings with embossed Montblanc lettering and a gold-coated clip with individual serial number emphasize the timeless design of the Meisterstück Classique Fountain Pen. This gold-coated fountain pen is designed with a piston converter, allowing for optional use of ink cartridges, and a handcrafted Au 585 / 14K gold nib with rhodium-coated inlay. To express your personality, Montblanc offers a gratuitous engraving of names or initials.

Meisterstück gold-coated fountain pen

A new collection of thought-provoking and engaging memoir-based essays from columnist, commentator and Sunday Times-bestselling author, Alexandra Shulman, the longest serving Editor-in-Chief of British Vogue.

Alexandra Shulman

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Songs Of Leonard Cohen the first studio album from Leonard Cohen pressed on single 180 gram black heavyweight vinyl

Songs Of Leonard Cohen

This icon of Italian design first revolutionised the way coffee is prepared at home in 1933. Decades later, Moka Express will still be just as well placed in your kitchen as it is on display in some of the world's most famous art and science museums. Stylish and practical, it makes delicious espresso cups from ground coffee, full or aroma and taste.

Moka Express hob espresso coffee maker

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Inspired by the beauty of a richly imagined landscape, Yves Delorme's Botanic collection brings together majestic birds, abundant foliage and vibrant botanical flowers in a dreamlike decorative garden. Woven into cotton jacquard, the layered composition unfolds in a palette of vivid colours, creating a design that feels both exuberant and elegantly refined.

Botanic guest towel

Beautiful, little, rosette-shaped flowers are held in large, open sprays with each bloom held separately from the rest, creating a delicate, airy effect. They are a lovely pale pink colour and have a wonderfully strong musky fragrance. Although it is only once flowering, its blooms are borne in great abundance, making a magnificent display. An exceptionally tall, vigorous climber; it produces many long, slim, flexible branches which trail gracefully, hanging down elegantly from their support. Paul, 1876.

Paul’s Himalayan Musk rambling rose

After Eight Dark Mint Chocolate Box 300g – Dark Chocolate Mints with Peppermint Fondant Centres After Eight Dark Mint Chocolates are thin dark chocolate squares with smooth peppermint fondant centres. Cool, minty and chocolatey, they are a lovely choice for fans of mint chocolate, dark chocolate and classic after-dinner treats. This 300g box is ideal for gifting, sharing, sweet hampers, celebrations, dinner parties or enjoying as a classic dark mint chocolate treat.

After Eight dark mint chocolate box

IP68 Waterproof Rating, Adventure-Ready: Transition from water ventures to rugged terrains with OpenSwim Pro's IP68 waterproof rating. Integrated technology and a triple-sealed design ensures worry-free water resistance. The microphones’ breathable membrane, along with the innovative layered design safeguard against sweat and splashes. Confidently take on depths of up to 2 metres for 2 hours, thanks to enhanced durability — keeping you prepared for every adventure.

OpenSwim Pro Bluetooth Waterproof Open-Ear Headphones

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Carta d'Armenia, sheets of paper infused with benzoin resin from Styrax trees, continuing a medicinal paper tradition documented from the 17th to the early 20th century. Burns without flame.

Carta d’Armenia aromatic burning papers

Big on slow and sustainable production, Los Vasos de Agua Clara’s set of large Portofino tumblers is beautifully painted by the founders’ own hands, with dual stripes to create exclusive, one-of-a-kind treasures. The set makes an artistic addition to your everyday dinner setting.

Portofino hand-painted glass tumblers (set of 6)

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The yellow legal pad is made of high quality paper material that prevents ink from seeping between the pages, easy to write or draw on, neutral and ballpoint pens writes smoothly and effortlessly on the notepad. The notepad A4 college ruled lined paper pads features a cardboard backing for extra support when you writing or taking note, legal pad A4 notepad perfect for writing on the go.

Yellow legal pads A4 (set of 2)

These adidas parachute pants are an easy go-to for comfort and style. The woven fabric feels soft and smooth, and the loose shape lets you move freely. The classic 3-Stripes down the sides stand out whether you're lounging or on the go. Pair these versatile pants with your favourite top for an effortlessly put-together outfit.

Lifestyle woven parachute tracksuit bottoms

Designed in London by Matthew Hilton, the Cross is a multi-award winner with accolades including the Elle Decoration Award for Best in Furniture in 2006, the Homes & Gardens Classic Design Award in 2007 and the Design Guild Mark in 2008.

Cross extending dining table

The newest pressing of olives, from November 2025. This olive oil is made by Federico Giuntini of the Selvapiana estate north of Florence in the Chianti Rufina zone. It has an unsurpassed spicy finish, along with a vivid green colour. The clean aroma and classic artichoke character will elevate a simple bruschetta to become the most elegant of foods.