Liberty London Collection

What could be better than striding through Soho with a Carnaby saddle bag swinging from your shoulder? If you haven't seen the new Liberty London Collection yet, you soon will. These brightly patterned bags and purses are sure to prove a hit this season.

Featuring a new version of the iconic Art Nouveau Ianthe print, pimped-up with acid-bright, clashing colours that harp back to the 1960s, I love the Carnaby Saddle Bag (£395), Maddox Crossbody Bag (£210) and Ianthe Zip Purse (£195) all pictured left. It's further evidence that Liberty can stay true to their heritage whilst striving to modernise and remain a destination store in the highly competitive luxury fashion marketplace.

Liberty Print Presents

I really enjoyed watching the Channel 4 documentary on Liberty of London in the run-up to Christmas. There really is nowhere quite like Liberty. With the eclectic mix of Art Nouveau prints, exotic interiors and cutting-edge new design talent, all housed within the confines of the famous mock-Tudor building off Regent Street, Liberty really is a destination shop. Where else could you find a giant grizzly bear toy alongside this season's must-have Christmas decorations?

I love the heritage behind Liberty and their print archive looks like heaven to any fan of vintage textiles. Recently, I was particularly lucky to spot a vintage Liberty scarf in a charity shop. Its bold design suggests it's from the swinging '60s - and unfortunately it's age shows in that there were two small tears along one edge. For just £5 it was still a great buy and my lovely Mum skillfully sewed it up for me and wrapped it up with my Christmas presents. To complete my Liberty print haul, my sister made me one of her signature zip brooches and covered a diary in one of my favourite bird prints.

Dear Santa...

With just 2 days to go the countdown to Christmas is well and truly on! Today's the day those hapless boys who haven't a clue what to buy all rush out to the shops. For me the prep is over with all gifts bought and wrapped, and whilst I sit snuggled up in a blanket watching Love Actually for the umpteenth time Santa should be busy loading up his sleigh - not wandering aimlessly around department stores. At least that's one man we can rely on to provide the perfect presents!

Now I've been a very good girl all year, but something tells me I'm not going to find Prince Harry holding a cute puppy under the tree this year - but that said anything is possible at Christmas!

Honestly I'll be happy with some Jimmy Choo perfume and a Liberty scarf. Merry Christmas and I hope you get everything on your Christmas wish list. xxx

The Wonderful World of Manolo

Today the Wonderful World of Manolo Blahnik launches at Liberty. The fabulous store within a store has been created for a three month residency - so be sure to get there quick! The store will be home to Manolo's from the A/W '10 collection along with a collection designed exclusively for Liberty. Blahnik was given unbridled access to the Liberty archives for the project - selecting vintage Liberty Prints to use for the range. Here's just a peek at what's on offer ...

SABRATHA, £475 ............... GENE, £500

NEPALA, £500 .................... RAMPA, £585

Look out for special events in store!