It’s Christmas, and time to kick back with all those left-over choccies whilst indulging in a little light reading. And what better than delving into the past of the well-loved welly?

Extreme cuisine, tawdry travel and depraved books are just some of the louche and titillating topics covered in this glinting collection of essays.

Just what we like to see. A guide to London’s finest independent stores, don't leave home without it. Purses at the ready…

A quirky digest of the institution that is Mrs Beeton, picking out not only her best recipes but her insights into Victorian life and women.

Super cool bass player Beatrice Hatherley joined electronic rock band Zoot Woman two years ago. marmaLADYa.com catches up with the stylish gal.

Lily Allen’s third single, Littlest Things, has an unapologetic simplicity that shows just how well she can do naked emotion, says Elspeth Waters.

Coax out your inner goddess and get your hands on all those tantalising fashion and lifestyle secrets just waiting to be told.

From the author of The Bride Stripped Bare, a gorgeously produced book to curl up with and relax into the luscious world of femininity.