THIS morning, I was in my ‘Sainsbury’s Local’ (the new mini version of the supermarket chain which seems to be appearing on every London street corner imaginable, alongside Tesco Metros and M&S food stores, all offering sandwiches and ‘meals for one’). The cashier asked whether I wanted any cash back, the answer to which was no.
While we were waiting for the transaction to go through on my credit card, she confessed that – like me — she wasn’t a big fan of ‘cash-back’, as she is the type of shopper who simply ends up spending what is in her wallet.
“Enjoy shopping, do you?” I asked, making conversation. She then went on to tell me that she had been shopping for Christmas presents at the weekend. I’ve heard of being organised, but this takes the biscuit! I enjoy the last minute buzz of Christmas shopping, but working in the fashion industry, I still have to face Christmas in July.
As a journalist and stylist, I am generally invited to view the latest collections six months in advance, something which I still find hard to get my head around, as I can’t help feeling a bit ridiculous working with fur coats in August or bikinis in December!
Last week, for instance, I had five meetings to go to. All from different designers and beauty companies promoting their gift packs for Christmas and party wear.
I arrived at the first one, which was ‘Crabtree and Evelyn’, and was held in a beautiful room in Portman Square. The lights were low and it was full of ‘Christmas’ scented candles and fairy lights. Having looked at everything and taken some notes, I said my goodbyes and stepped outside into the light. I felt a bit like a vampire, or as if I had just magically time-travelled back into summer. Then I went along to Halpern PR on the Kings Road, where a choir singing ‘jingle bells’ greeted me. Nice thought, but I didn’t know how much more I could take of this! Finally, I went to view Warehouse’s Christmas collection and was very inspired by their stunning Indian fabrics, textures and colours (vibrant fuchsia pinks and emerald blues with gold trimmings and detailing).
Luckily, I was meeting my friend Andrew later that afternoon at the Fortnum and Mason’s tearoom as it was his birthday.
Picture this: I arrive late and frazzled, but I had booked a table in advance so all was OK. Andrew is already there reading the latest copy of NME. I rush in and sit down, kiss him on the cheek and hand him his birthday present (some perfume and aftershave from Space NK).
He loves it, smiles and says “cool, thanks!” A lady is playing the grand piano: Tea for Two (perfect!) We order some Indian tea and some cucumber sandwiches and scones (with cream and jam). I start to unwind and relax into the tranquillity of the beautiful, classic room. I tell Andrew about my Christmas déjà vu experiences, which he finds very amusing. The rest of the afternoon seems to float by and soon it’s time to leave.
I jump on a bus and Andrew takes a black cab home. A few minutes later, a text message comes though from Andrew: ‘I smell sexy’. I laugh as I imagine him spraying on his new perfume in the cab, and manage to get funny looks on the bus. I look away and wonder if it would be a good idea to start thinking of Christmas presents now, but then I would miss out on all the last minute decisions and hints from gift recipients… I couldn’t do that! Besides, pink mini i-pods aren’t available in the UK yet!
