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Whoever you are looking to gift this Christmas, I have found the best selection of perfect presents available from fabulous independent British brands in my ultimate Christmas List, also-known-as my Christmas wishlist! 

I have also included my favourite items available from my go-to luxury e-tailer's, The Gift Library, Selfridges and Liberty. Peruse my selection above and shop the page instantly from the links below. Don't forget with Black Friday sales, you might also have a nice surprise at checkout...Happy Christmas Shopping!

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Living in the Cotswolds myself, I rarely stay at hotels at home so I have sought advice from friends who have. One of their favourite places to stay is Barnsley House, a Grade 2 listed house, built in 1697, near Cirencester. 

Last year I attended a dinner party at Barnsley House where we all sat sipping G&T's on the hotel's fabulous terrace overlooking the gardens.

The contemporary décor blends with the traditional features of stone fireplaces, wooden beams and floors to preserve the character of the building. 

I am told that the rooms are spacious and comfortable and the Spa is second to none. One day I might make my way to spend a few nights at the hotel for 'research' purposes naturally!

To ensure a chic arrival at your weekend retreat, be sure to pack everything in one of Tusting's leather holdalls.

On Monday this week I presented classic pieces for a country wardrobe. Today I feature my favourite items fit for a weekend country wardrobe. Dressing for a weekend away is similar wherever you are. The idea that in the country everyone is kitted out, head to toe in tweed is a myth. Whilst we adopt certain areas of tweed into our style, for example a tailored jacket or a bouclé coat, a true country girl wouldn't go overboard. 

Keep in mind you are dressing practically for a weekend where you will be walking, shopping, lunching and relaxing. Ensure your wardrobe contains the basics. I have chosen, jeans by MiH, a crepe top by Whistles and Calder London's tailored jacket.

Always remember to pack something for the evening. Sparkle never goes out of style so I have opted for this silver sequinned sleeveless top by Rabens Saloner at Foundation, teamed with this ribbon mesh skirt from Somerset by Alice Temperley at John Lewis.

For afternoon relaxation choose light layers. I love this painterly top by Havren teamed with Judy Wu's Cropped Trousers and this sumptuous knit by Peregrine.

Keep boots flat, Hunter's wet-look boots are a glamorous alternative and I love these Chelsea Boots by Office for shopping days.

Keep the jewellery minimal but statement. I wear my Jessica de Lotz wax seal necklace everyday, it is light to wear and just the right size to be noticed.
Jana Reinhardt's sleepy fox earrings, nod to the countryside and with their whimsical charm they are irresistible.  I adore all of Shaun Leane's jewellery but especially this cherry blossom ring. It's thoroughly delicate and feminine and in-keeping with the nature theme.

If you are heading to the Cotswolds or countryside this Summer tweet me a photo of your #countrystyle look and I shall add it onto Pinterest to inspire others.

It has been a very busy week from perfecting the outfits for my Royal Ascot styling clients, styling fashion shoots and navigating the returns from these shoots. 'Returns' is the process named to returning samples which I receive direct from the brand/designer. Once the shoot is finished everything is steam cleaned and packed into tissue to return for other magazines and editors to use. Sometimes there can be one worldwide sample so the competition for particular popular garments can be fierce. For high street bands there are normally two samples but all samples are carefully used, documented and returned immaculately. 
After completing all the returns I finished work early to bring you my #shwishlist.

I have found the lovely site rachelwears.com, established by Rachel Roberts, when Rachel emailed me last month. Her brand houses fabulous trans-seasonal  clothes, suitable for all occasions, in classic shapes with feminine details, all purposefully designed to flatter a woman's body.  What's more, everything is made in the UK helping to sustain British manufacturing. 

This summer invest in this halter neck maxi dress, featured in slate blue and also available in black. This modal jersey dress is the most versatile summer garment. Wear over a bikini or one piece for beach or pool comfort, or for cool summer nights team a loose knit over the top. You can also shorten the hem and accessorise with a stole for a casual dinner outfit. One dress with multiple style options.

This week I have discovered three great jewellery brands which I know you will love as much as me.  One in particular is located at the top.The Nadira 18ct gold plated chalcedony bangle by Caroline Creba is a beautiful aqua gemstone bracelet, totally romantic and one of those pieces which will work with everything. Be warned though, when you visit Caroline's website it's impossible not to fall in love with everything as it was a hard task finding only one piece to bring you!

The Launer London Handbag is a constant for Her Majesty the Queen and has accompanied her since the 1960s. While she is not alone in her patronage for Launer, Maggie Smith, Judi Dench and the Duchess of Cornwall have all admired the British brand, they are affectionately known as The Queen's handbags.


However on a recent garden party at a friends house, I was happy to witness three different Launer Handbags worn on the arms of 20 something girls. They are indeed exquisitely crafted bags which come with an impressive price tag and this is why they are attractive to the younger generation.  Launer is becoming an understated show of status, wealth and luxury for the discerning woman. My favourite is the Traviata Handbag, a kelly-style bag, in calf leather finished with the signature Launer rope logo hardware. 

To allow you a closer view of these covetable pieces, I have pinned everything I have featured to my #shwishlist pinterest board. If you would like to recommend a brand or item, email: moi@sarahhayleyfreelance.com or tweet me with the hashtag #shwishlist.

Danielle Crook, Vodafone UK’s Director of Brand Marketing said: “It’s been amazing to see what can be achieved when two brands come together to work towards a common goal. Our partnership with Richard Nicoll has been truly collaborative and we’re really pleased with the product that we’ve developed – something that exploits both of our areas of expertise. We’ve all had times when a dead battery is the one thing we could really do without. I can’t wait to show it to all my girlfriends!”