It's not a well guarded secret that I love magazines. I've even been called magazine girl, which let's be honest, is far more complimentary than my self-inflicted moniker of 'the mag hag'. Today we have a quintet of glossy, and matte papery loves. Some new, some rediscovered. All well designed, all brilliant. Myself and the wonderful Liv have also recently done a magazine swap so you'll hear all about that in due course as well. Anyway, if magazines make your heart soar as much as they do mine, keep reading...

Betty: It's probably uncool of me to include this one here, seeing as the print incarnation no longer exists. Charlotte Jacklin, one of the founders and current brainchild+expert enabler, announced she was selling up old stock and I leapt at my chance to grab a couple of these annuals. They're beautiful magazines and while I wish I'd discovered them much, much earlier than I did, I am loving soaking up all their beauteousness. Don't fret though because Charlotte's website, weekly newsletter and other Internet-goodness more than make up for the magazine's absence. In fact, I strongly recommend you head there for a peruse.

Fete/Life: If there was a magazine that was a physical embodiment of the well designed, tranquil, carefully curated sanctuary I hope to have someday, this would be it. In fact, Liv if you're reading I don't know why I didn't send you this because you'd love it. This issue is built around the idea of having the holiday mindset year-round. Fete/Life is a mix of interiors, design, style, wellbeing and a smattering of travel. Its minimalist design and simplicity makes it a treat to flick through. That and you will want to tear out inspiration pages+bookmark all the lustworthy and useful things. It's an Australian publication and you can buy it online. Aucklanders-I've seen it in well stocked bookstores but Mag Nation on Ponsonby Rd is your best bet for acquiring a copy.

No Man's Land: So this magazine doesn't ship to New Zealand, I got around that using YouShop which admittedly was not a cost-effective way but I was determined to get my hands on a copy. As they put it on the site, this magazine is brought to you by the people from The Wing and it's for women "with something to say and nothing to prove". In short, if feminism, gender equality and women doing awesome things are your jam-get this right now. The whole magazine was crammed with brilliant content but the one story that particularly stood out was women taking on emotional labour in the workplace and the impacts it has across the board. That and an article about feminist magazines that have come before No Man's Land. 

Violet: Another magazine that's a bit on the luxe side, especially to ship here to little ol' NZ but honestly, so so worth it. I've written about Violet before and again, my love of Leith Clark's work is well documented. One thing I love about Violet is that it always shines the light on changemakers and emerging talent. It's an exquisite treat of a magazine and you will find yourself reading every last word before stowing it safely away like a glossy treasure. In fact, reading Violet does always take me a while but that's one of the many reasons I love it.

Riposte: Another magazine I've featured before is Riposte, a brilliant magazine for women. I love the balance of content and its always inspiring, informative nature. As well as a cover story with Janet Mock, there are also features on the young fans of Graceland, embracing your inner emo, modern witchcraft and the housing crisis to name but a few. This is one of my designated trainside reads as it's easy to immerse yourself in and disappear for a while.

-What magazines do you love?

This gift guide is for those of you on a budget, those of you who maybe have Secret Santa limits or those who just like to grab affordable gems to gift at Christmas. Side note: friends and family, please do not look at this post because it will act as a giveaway for some of you as to what you are getting. Spoilers out of the way. This one is a mix of cute little knick knacks, some useful bits and some things to unwind with over the holiday period. Enjoy!

*Daily Notes Pad x Kikki K: I've actually grabbed this for someone I know who is a hella busy person. These kind of notepads are useful to have on your desk if you have important things to remember or just need to quickly jot something down. Not to mention it's blush pink, gold and speckled so it's ticking all the aesthetic boxes too. 

*Pocket Pop Vinyl x Funko Pop: This is part of my gift for my #NZSecretSanta over on Twitter. I just think it's so cute and I'm not going to lie, if they had a Joyce Byers one I would've grabbed it for myself too. They're currently on special at EB Games so head there to nab one. I've seen Game of Thrones and Harry Potter themed ones as well so if they take their fancy more, there's always those options. 

Minis* x The Body Shop: These have been mentioned in a previous gift guide but it's worth mentioning them again. Pictured above are the mini shower gels and the Christmas shaped soaps, in the vanilla and frosted plum scents. Again, a great Secret Santa option or a perfect gift for the jet setters in your life. I've gifted the mini shower gels and hand creams before and they have always gone down a treat. There aren't many people who can resist a good mini. 

*Harry Styles Stickers x bestieclub: I have to give props to one of my Twitter+uni pals for bringing these to my attention. They're also part of my #NZSecretSanta's gift and again I think they're just something a bit different and fun. This NZ Etsy store also have a range of other celebs to choose from so I recommend having a nosy at the shop. Also, Harry Styles in flower crowns? YASS PLZ. 

*Dark Chocolate, Meringue & Raspberry Candle x Ecoya: Another gift, this time for a candle loving pal of mine who I sincerely hope is not reading this. How divine is this candle? It smells like a decadent chocolate mousse and yes, it probably isn't the most Christmassy of scents but if they're not a fan of the more pine-y, natural scents, this might be the ticket. Also these are pretty dang reasonably priced and the scent pull+lasting time isn't half bad. 

*Celestial Earrings x Lovisa: I had to include these because I wear mine all the time and always get asked about them. I have a feeling they might be a tad over 20 dollars, not by much mind. Earrings are such a great option too; I rate Lovisa's and Trade Aid's for things under $20 but Etsy is worth a peruse as well. 

Santa Baby Lip Tint* x Lush: This cola scented, redder than red tint is back for another Christmas. Lush also have some other colours available. My friend E has a light, peachy pink one and loves it. I also rate Lush's lip scrub (Sugar Plum Fairy is the BEST) and their potted lip balms. So delish. So good.

*Christmas Decorations: Ok because I fancy myself as Martha Stewart or something, I'm actually decking out most of my presents with some paper decorations from Kikki K that I grabbed in last year's sale. You've probably seen them on my Instagram, white with gold stars. Anyway, I also think Christmas ornaments can be a fun, sentimental gift. They're relatively inexpensive and can be tailored to people's interests, colours and decor preferences. I've grabbed one for my work Secret Santa this year from Smith & Caughey's. Bed, Bath & Table have some great options too.

*Christmas Movies: Tbh I think everyone should watch Love Actually so this is really a selfish recommendation but *insert sass emoji here*. This inclusion is probably a bit of a gamble but I guess it could be something fun if you're a bit stumped for Secret Santa. I also think Elf is great too. Plus the soundtrack is so good.

*Magazines (or five): Pinching this recommendation from Liv but if they're a magazine maven then I don't think you can go wrong with a stack of magazines. Or one. Or however many you feel need purchasing. I recommend the Frankie 'Christmas' issue, not actually Christmas themed but usually crammed with a bunch of awesome extras. Like those Girflriend Summer Specials but way way way better. I also rate Sunday Girl, Oh Comely, Kinfolk, Violet Book, British Vogue. I could be here all day....

-How is your gift shopping going?

*PR Sample

Today's gift guide is one for those of us who run the world, as Beyonce would say. While I'm wary of businesses seemingly cashing in on feminism for commercial gain, I've made a conscious effort to include products for inspiring, boss babes. There's a bit of everything as you'll see and they're all available online. If you're not a mall fan, this guide is for you!

Leslie Knope Pin: Ahh Leslie, Pawnee's answer to Hillary Clinton and Michelle Obama in one package, c/o Amy Poehler. This pin would surely help you nail that business proposal, or inject you with inevitable optimism I am sure. There are also Gilmore Girls options and April Ludgate if she's more your spirit animal. I won't judge you.

Violet Magazine: The brainchild of Leith Clark that is really more a book than magazine, despite its glossy pages. It's something you will want to dip in and out of and peruse over and over again. It's beautifully presented and laden with content by and about inspiring women. 

Hourglass Girl Lip Stylo: Now this is perhaps one product to be a touch skeptical about but I'm including them if only for the fact the names are all brilliant and the shades are stunning. Creamy, pigmented colour that packs a punch and looks extremely luxe. A treat in the best way. 

South and West* x Joan Didion: I personally love Didion's work. There's something brilliant about her writing that is hard to pinpoint unless you've experienced it yourself. So on that note (ha) I recommend her latest book be added to your wishlist or gifted to somebody else. 

Patsy Midline Bra x Lonely: I love Lonely lingerie and their campaigns featuring diverse women. Their pieces are just exquisite, well made and incredibly comfy+luxe to wear. A treat for sure but worth every cent. 

NARS Love Triangle: These mini gift sets from NARS combine their popular blushers with lipsticks. Many are in the Audacious formula but there's also a duo with the Orgasm blush+lipstick. If you wanted to get DIY you could wrap this and then hang it on the tree for somebody to unwrap. 

Safety Pin Pearl Hoop Earrings x Alexa Chung: If they're an Alexa Chung enthusiast or into accessories, Alexa has you covered. I love these earrings but also the severed hand pieces and the rainbow choker gives me 00's nostalgia vibes. Actually Alexa's whole collection is gift-worthy but I'm not biased. *ahem*

What Happened x Hillary Rodham Clinton: One of the best books I've read this year. A candid and refreshingly honest, if not at times frustrating account of *that* stranger than fiction election. Despite Hillary's obvious disappointment it's still a hopeful read. 

*For the interests of clarity, I was sent this book earlier in the year for review.

Hello, happy Wednesday and welcome back to another post about one of my all time favourite things. Magazines. Such great poetry skills, I know, I know. I've actually not really stepped outside my magazine comfort zone much recently; that being British Vogue and, er, British Vogue but I have squeezed in some reading time with this quartet of glossy goodness. Some of these mightn't be available anymore but I will try to provide links to buy them if they are still around...

The Gentlewoman: This gigantic tome is always a treat. It is laden with brilliant, clever stories and editorials throughout. It's a well designed, aesthetically pleasing magazine too which makes it all the more appealing. The Spring/Summer issue featured a cover story with Sofia Coppola, who I love. She was discussing her new film The Beguiled which I seriously need to see asap, among other things. If you want a read for a long plane trip, beachside or perhaps snuggled under some blankets in Wintry NZ, this is for you. 

Glamour Magazine (UK): Glamour magazine hasn't been on my radar for a while but after listening to this podcast episode featuring editor Jo Elvin, I was inspired to pick it back up again. The latest issue featured all their women of the year winners; including Sam and Nic from Pixiwoo, Amy Poehler, Nicole Kidman among others. It also included a column from Dawn O'Porter which I loved because I'm a Dawn fangirl, we all know that. There were some brilliant articles on stress and mindfulness included as well which were particularly timely for me. I'm not sure how often Glamour is released here but I will definitely be keeping an eye out for the next issue.

Violet: The newer brainchild of Leith Clark, the genius who used to edit Lula magazine. Violet, like The Gentlewoman is another hefty tome but it makes it all the more brilliant. There's more content to enjoy for one. Inspired by the recent women's marches, it's focused around getting women inspired and geared up for positive change in society. I haven't had a chance to really savour this properly yet but I will keep you posted on it because I'm sure it's going to be good.

Puss Puss: Last year when I worked in a magazine shop, I remember seeing this and being wildly confused by the title. My gutter mind instantly assumed it was a vulgar reference but in fact, it is actually a magazine combining two of my loves. That being cats and fashion. I'm not sure if the latest issue is still around but it featured Grace Coddington, the queen of cat ladies and of course her cats, Bart and Pumpkin. It's a bit artsier than some of these other reads so if that kind of content is your jam, you might enjoy that side of things as well. It also features some brilliant interviews and imagery too. It's one you will want to hold on to and save for inspiration later on. 

-What magazines have you read and liked recently?

The day I heard Leith Clark was leaving Lula, one of my absolute favourite magazines, was a sad one. Lula was once described by Tavi Gevinson as being crafted by fairies. Now I'm not saying Leith Clark is a fairy although her styling does have a whimsical feel to it. Anyway, all was not lost as she's founded a new magazine, Violet. The new publication is a mix of the best of fashion, culture and lifestyle. 

The second issue's cover star was Alexa Chung who has an in-depth editiorial and interview further into the magazine. There's also contributions from women like Kirsten Dunst, Stephanie LaCava and Keira Knightley. Leith's impeccable styling is present as well. I could go on. There's also a short story in the mix.

Violet to me is Lula's adult sister. She's still a lover of magic and inspirational women, but she's also a bit more intellectual. She wants to know about the world around her as well as have the access to dreamy fashion editorials. It's a hefty tome but this would be such a great magazine to take away to the beach or the cabins this holiday season.

Violet Magazine is stocked internationally but for those of us who can't access it, you can pick up a copy from Newsstand Magazines like I did. Their shipping is super fast too.

*Have you read Violet magazine before? What did you think of it?