Ten of the best blazers for men
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Ten of the best blazers for men

The blazer is one of the few essential items, which all men should have in their wardrobe. Whether you prefer double breasted, a classic navy or the seersucker, there’s something for everybody. It can effortlessly elevate a casual look, add variety to the office attire or complete your yacht ensemble with flare. There’s never a more appropriate time for blazers than the summer as the social season is in full swing. It isn’t always a requirement but that shouldn’t stop you. So whether you’re heading to Wimbledon, Henley Regatta or any other event, we’ve got the perfect blazer for you. Cuypers-e fitted blazer from Tommy Hilfiger Priced at £325. Available…

Ten of the best maxi dresses
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Ten of the best maxi dresses

Let’s talk maxi dresses; specifically, maxi dresses for dressing up. We’ll be up front – we love maxi dresses for dressing up. We’ve seen casual versions up and down the high street for the last few years but we think their place at cocktail parties, posh dinners and nights out on the town have been seriously down-played. Why? Well we love that it’s effortlessly elegant and demure, without needing to look like a ballgown. It can be tight or lose fitting and there’s a whole lot of fabric for patterns to play with. What’s more, you’ll never fall foul of the “knee-length” rules or have to worry about being under…

The Kings Arms, Christchurch
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Travel pick: 15 mile menu at The Kings Arms, Christchurch

Who? The Kings Arms, Christchurch What? Bib Gourmand awarded restaurant at The Kings Arms Hotel has gone hyper-local with its new 15 Mile Menu. As the name suggests, everything from the fish to the vegetable to the meat is sourced from within 15 miles of the boutique hotel. It’s classic British fare, daily changing according to what’s in season and what’s available. The best bit? Aside from the delicious food, two wholesome courses are a mere £15. What’s not to love? When? Monday to Fridays for lunch and early dinner Where? The Kings Arms, 18 Castle Street, Christchurch, Dorset BH23 1DT How? For more information, see www.thekings-christchurch.co.uk

Merging cocktails and art at Canvas Bar

Merging cocktails and art at Canvas Bar

Who? Canvas Bar What? Canvas Bar has a sort of late night vibe. Perhaps it’s the dim lighting and pumping music, which surprisingly allows conversations. Perhaps it’s the DJ booth, seemingly ready to go. Or perhaps it’s because it doesn’t really start getting busy until 10pm. Either way, it’s probably not where you’d expect to find a gallery. But there is one. The walls in Canvas are decorated by a rotating gallery from local artists, which, if you like, you could buy. Most people go for the cocktails though, which are divided into seven different categories. Upcycled is a good category to try but it could be fun, as the…

Design pick: Lismore Connoisseur range from Waterford Crystal
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Design pick: Lismore Connoisseur range from Waterford Crystal

Who? Waterford Crystal What? Waterford Crystal has recently launched the new Lismore Connoisseur range, designed with the modern whisky drinker in mind. There are four different shapes available, each fine-tuned to the way that one might drink whisky. For example, the Flared Sipping Tumbler has a rounded bowl to warm and swirl the whiskey, a pinched middle to concentrate the bouquet, and a flared opening that releases the aromas. Priced at £120 for a set of four mixed tumblers. When? Available to pre-order now Where? Available online from Waterford Crystal How? Buy now from Waterford Crystal

Ten of the best white dresses
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Ten of the best white dresses

As the summer solstice draws to an end, we say goodbye to spring and welcome summer. We’ve had the pinks and the pastels for the spring season but now it’s time to set those tans off with a splash of white. Of course white works for clothes and accessories but we’re going for a classic – the demure white dress. Except it’s less about frou-frou wedding dresses and more about fabulous outfits for the cocktail hour. Here, we’ve picked ten of our favourite party-ready white dresses Metallic lace silk dress from Aidan Mattox Priced at £330. Available from John Lewis Hettie Jacquard dress from Phase Eight Priced at £99. Available…