Top English Classics for Her

A sturdy Harris tweed can last a lifetime - and be passed on to another generation for re-tailoring into fashion of the day. This fabric is an investment and, in a festive holiday red, it's perfect for snowy winter weekends around the fire. The styling is classic tweed blazer - 3-buttons with flapped patch pockets, it is seamed for shaping and the back has a half belt in the same fabric. Buttons and cuff buttons are leather.

Barbour is synonymous with English country style. This classic waxed cotton jacket, styled for a woman, has a wool-mix lining to shed rain and chase off chills. There's a heavy duty front zipper with a storm flap, and a removable, visored hood. Plus there are lots of pockets (including a zippered inside pocket) so there's no need to be burdened with a handbag on a country walk. And this year, Barbour has introduced a lightweight, waxed silk jacket - adding a touch of luxury to their venerable classic.

These are the original "Wellies", invented by Hunter in the 1800s. The make is still considered, by some, to be the best that money can buy. They are hand assembled from 28 pieces, then heat processed into a comfy, fabric-lined, completely waterproof boot. Shapelier than galoshes, they're really a terrific all purpose boot for country life in the mucky seasons.

You can't get more classic than the dashing Burberry Belted Trench Coat. Double breasted it has all the classic Burberry details including button-down flap over the left shoulder, slash pockets, leather buckles on the belt and cuff straps. It's 100 % cotton and, of course, it is lined in Burberry's signature Nova tartan. Pricey, perhaps, but you pay for quality and this one will run and run.

Penhaligon's is such an established part of the London scene, it's surprising to find out that William Penhaligon, a Cornishman from Penzance, was something of an iconoclast and wildly creative rebel. Barber and perfumer to Queen Victoria's court, he set up his shop in Piccadilly 150 years ago. His first scent, Hammam Bouquet, was inspired by the steam and sulphur of the decadent Turkish baths next to his shop.

Penhaligon's remains a true perfumerie, creating and blending original scents sold in its signature crystal bottles. This one, Violetta, is a mysterious blend of citrus, geranium, violets, sandalwood, cedarwood and musk. Dark, green and surprisingly sharp - a lovely scent for a brainy, sexy woman.

Floris has made perfume in London for more than 275 years. Older than competitor Penhaligon's, but, like them, holding two Royal Warrants, they were founded by a gentleman from Menorca who created scents to remind him of his Mediterranean home. Trained as a perfumer in the South of France, Juan Famanias Floris was soon blending the perfumes that were all the rage of London's 18th century high society.

Today, the business is owned by the eight generation of the same family. Its archives include correspondence with such customers as Florence Nightingale, Mary Shelly and Beau Brummel.

Despite all this history, China Rose - a complex bouquet of exotic roses - is a rich and sensual fragrance for a confident modern woman.

This is a splendid gift for any woman who loves indulgent baths and pretty things for bathroom shelves. One of Floris's lesser known scents, owning a bottle is a bit like having your own private bath scent. Just a few drops will fill the bathroom with this heady and very glamorous scent - guaranteed to bring out the secret movie star in any woman on your gift list.

Jo Malone's shop, on Sloane Street in Chelsea, is a magnet for women who want original scents made from natural plants, herbs and spices as well as richly indulgent, all natural facial treatments. The Green Tea and Honey Eye Cream is typical of Jo Malone's knack for combining unusual ingredients in usually effective products. Green tea is rich in anti-oxidants and vitamin C, a luxurious treatment for delicate skin around the eyes. Honey is known for its moisturizing abilities. This cream claims to help reduce dark circles and under-eye puffiness. And, of course, it smells and feels lovely.