Stars and Velvet

Blue velvet blazer c/o ASOS | Blue patent Chelsea boots c/o ASOS | Noose & Monkey star print shirt
Selected Homme slim-fit suit trousers | Ray Ban Clubmaster sunglasses

Christmas and New Year's Eve parties are the biggest nights out on the average Joe's social calendar, so it's no wonder that thousands of us hit the December sales in search of our newest and shiniest gladrags. Personally, I prescribe to the ASOS partygoer philosophy of "any party, any time, anything goes", which is why I'm all for attending or even throwing a shindig at any point in the year, and for no other reason than to dress up - whether in fancy dress or a fancy tux - and pop bottles of prosecco.

However, while the magic of social media may make my life seem fairly glamorous at times, said celebrations are traditionally hosted in a privately rented Zone 2 flat. It's not quite the Made In Chelsea lifestyle (Kennington is one letter and a world apart from Kensington), but a cosy gathering of companions and familiar faces, fuelled by inexpensive wine, a personal collection of craft gins, and generous platters of pulled pork and oozing cheeses, is often more enjoyable than a potentially pricey night out in the heart of the city.

Notwithstanding, my friends and I will still go all out when dressing up for a house party, the girls often raiding one another's wardrobes for that perfect dress or playsuit. I on the other hand prefer a smart jacket and a snazzy shirt to a bodycon or ballgown, which is excuse enough to do some online shopping - even if I cannot physically fit anything else in my own wardrobe.

Last month, ASOS invited me to preview the new AW16 releases, including a plenitude of statement party pieces. Patterned silks and colourful velvets take precendent across both the mens- and womenswear collections, which is how I came to fall in love with my deep blue velvet blazer with contrasting shawl lapels, naturally accompanied by matching blue Chelsea boots in patent leather.

Holidays with MR PORTER

MR PORTER's prelude to Christmas saw a Baker Street event space turned into a festive affair of gifts, grooming and gin cocktails. As the online menswear retailer showcased their favourite gifts and accessories for the holiday season, their guests were treated to a few pre-Christmas goodies of their own, as well as a selection of interactive experiences to perfect the art of gifting.

Among these, grooming brand Pankhurst London provided a pop-up barbershop beside the Sipsmith gin bar, calligraphers Lamplighter London monogrammed Montblanc passport holders to an ever growing queue of wanderlusters, and there was even pick 'n' mix sweets to satisfy one's inner child - without the extortionate cinema prices. And throughout the night, stationers Esme Winter wrapped present after present for guests to take home after their thoroughly festive evening.

Skagen Pop-Up | Wallpaper* Hygge Christmas Market

There's a fair chance you may have heard the word Hygge in conversation this year. Continuing to grow in popularity all around the world, Hygge (pronounced "hoo-guh") is the Danish lifestyle of achieving cosiness and contentment, simply by enjoying the good things in life with the people you love. Unsurprisingly, Christmas is a natural occasion for practicing Hygge, and so to that end, Wallpaper* Magazine, with support from the Royal Danish Embassy, have assembled a pop-up Hygge Christmas Market in the heart of King's Cross, London, to celebrate the craftsmanship and creative talent of Denmark's capital, Copenhagen.

Among the Danish creatives showcasing at the market is accessories label and event sponsor Skagen, whose collection of watches, jewellery and leather goods is a beautiful infusion of contemporary design and Danish influence. New to the autumn/winter season is Skagen's Hybrid Smartwatch, which incorporates interactive technology into a beautifully made wristwatch. Only the three unassuming buttons on the side of the timepiece might give away its secret functions, which include activity and sleep tracking, e-mail notifications, and wireless connectivity with the wearer's smart phone.

The Wallpaper* Hygge Christmas Market is open 12-8pm daily until Sunday 18th December,
and can be found at 1 Wharf Road, King's Cross, next to Central Saint Martins College.