Inside story: handbags that made history
Delve into the background of bags, and you’ll find they were just as coveted in the 1500s as they are now. Emma Cook unpacks the rich inner life of the ultimate accessory
Observer Magazine
Go on, spoil yourself: 20 of the best spa retreats
Lakeside lodge or clifftop hotel? Designer detox or retro bathing hut? Here’s our pick of great spas to boost your wellbeing
Beauty and the bloke: why more men are wearing makeup
Foundation, concealer, a little eyeliner… More and more men now put on makeup on a daily basis. Priya Elan meets the influencers behind the trend – and has a makeover himself
The bright stuff: a guide to interior lighting
Ceiling pendants and floor lamps, dimmable LEDs and coloured bulbs… Nothing changes the mood of a room quicker than a new lighting makeover
Totes amaze: Anya Hindmarch on her ‘plastic bag’ and eco-fashion
The fashion designer’s famous bag inspired the world to say ‘no’ to plastic. Her new one takes direct action
A hotel escape in the middle of the Thames: Monkey Island Estate review
This idyllic island retreat not far from London is rich in history and luxury