Shopping: it’s Christmas jumper time!

Every year I absolutely have to buy a new Christmas jumper. In the same way that I absolutely have to buy a brand new pair of cosy pyjamas to wear when I open my presents on Christmas morning. Just like when I was a kid. Except now I tend to have a Champagne breakfast with smoked salmon and scrambled eggs, rather than an entire tin of chocolate-dipped shortbread biscuits.

In order to get maximum wear out of it – and why wouldn’t you want to? – the prime time to purchase that essential piece of novelty winter fashion is right now. I’ve been doing my research (this is a highly considered purchase, after all) and have narrowed it down to a nice, neat top five. Here they are. Now I just need to decide which one gets the coveted title of Christmas Jumper 2013.

New Look: Pale Blue Polka Dot Pudding Christmas Jumper (£27.99)

New Look: Pale Blue Polka Dot Pudding Christmas Jumper (£27.99)

This jumper has it all: novelty Christmas image, sparkly diamanté bits and a 3-dimensional element. Bonus points for that. Plus, it’s under £30. Bargain.

Topshop: Knitted Sequin Present Jumper (£50)

Topshop: Knitted Sequin Present Jumper (£50)

If you can’t wear sequins at Christmas, when can you eh? I’m more than a little bit in love with this sparkly present jumper from Topshop. It’s also made with angora for an ever-so-luxurious feel on Christmas Day. That’ll do nicely with my Champagne, thank you.

ASOS: Vintage Look Christmas Jumper (£38)

ASOS: Vintage Look Christmas Jumper (£38)

Presents, snowflake, Christmas tree AND baubles, this jumper from ASOS gets maximum points for Christmas imagery. Plus, it’s really cute.

Miss Selfridge: Red Reindeer Christmas Jumper (£39)

Miss Selfridge: Red Reindeer Christmas Jumper (£39)

Cutesy prancing reindeer and hearts, this jumper  from Miss Selfridge is FULL ON CHRISTMAS. I love it. Plus, the length is perfect for wearing with a pair of leggings for the ultimate comfy Christmas Day outfit.

H&M: Knitted Snowflake Jumper (£14.99)

H&M: Knitted Snowflake Jumper (£14.99)

By far the best bargain,  this simple knitted Christmas jumper from H&M is rather more subtle than the others in this list. Great for adding a Christmas touch without going too OTT, you could start wearing this one right now. Actually, scratch that. I’d wear them ALL right now.

MERRY CHRISTMAS! *Fa la la la la, la la la la…*

Run lust: Sweaty Betty

I’m just about to embark upon training for my first EVER marathon (slightly terrified, if I’m honest) and have been thinking about what keeps me motivated to run when it’s cold and miserable outside. With the weather feeling truly cold for the first time since the great snowfall of March (which is supposed to be spring, right?) I’m feeling an overwhelming desire to snuggle up in my onesie with a hot chocolate instead of hitting the pavement for a few miles.

Call me silly, but I’ve realised I’m far more inclined to run when I feel good in my running gear. Having recently acknowledged that I am a serious runner now (I mean, I’m doing a MARATHON for goodness’ sake) I’ve gravitated from Karrimor at Sports Direct to Nike (still from Sports Direct, but rather  more expensive).

I made the mistake a little while ago though of wandering into Sweaty Betty and immediately fell in love with absolutely everything. Anyway. Not having the £300+ that it would take to turn myself into a head-to-toe brand ambassador, I decided to go imaginary shopping instead. Here’s my top five Sweaty Betty lust list. Oh, and my birthday’s coming up soon by the way.

1. Competitor run hoody (stardust grey marl) £70

Sweaty Betty Competitor Run Hoody (£70)

The feel of this sweat-wicking fabric is absolutely lush – it’s so unbelievably soft. The slouchy front pocket would keep my hands warm while waiting to set off on a run and the funnel-shaped neck would keep that wind chill out nicely. Plus, a hood is always good for warming up at the start of winter runs. The other thing I love in a run hoody are long arms with thumb-holes. I have no idea why thumb holes are so cool, they just are.

2. Bodymap thermal run tights (asteroid purple) £90

Sweaty Betty Bodymap Thermal Run Tights (£90)

When the weather gets to down minus temperatures, thermal tights are essential for getting your legs warmed up quickly. Mesh panels in the back of the knees provide ventilation for when you’re warmed up and the reflective criss-cross design makes for safe after-dark running. The colour’s great too. WANT.

3. Breeze merino long sleeve run top (hyperbola purple) £70

Sweaty Betty Breeze Merino Long Sleeve Run Top (£70)

I love the gorgeous bluey-purple colour of this long-sleeve run top and the fit is incredibly flattering. The fabric is naturally anti-bacterial (I’m not sure why that’s important, but hey) as well as being breathable and sweat-wicking.

4. Fleece earwarmer (stardust grey marl) £15

Sweaty Betty Fleece Earwarmer (£15)

I’m a big fan of an earwarmer when I’m running because I get far too hot in hats, but running with cold ears can be a pretty miserable experience. As is running with cold fingertips, so I should probably add these run gloves to my list as a cheeky number six too.

5. Protector run jacket (hyperbola purple) £70

Sweaty Betty Protector Run Jacket (£70)

And finally, a winter-running essential is a decent shower-proof jacket. I have a Ronhill one at the moment which cost me around £50 last year and the wear I’ve had out of it has been fantastic. Ultra-lightweight, these sort of jackets won’t keep you dry when it absolutely pours it down, but will give you some extremely welcome protection when it’s cold and wet.

Though these are my top five, I actually do want EVERYTHING. View Sweaty Betty’s full running range here

Images from http://www.sweatybetty.com