FAIRLADY favourites

‘I love a little mindless literature once in a while so was only too pleased when I picked up a copy of Helen Fielding's (the author of one of my other favourite books, Bridget Jones) Cause Celeb at a charity book sale. It follows the life of Rosie Richardson who moves to a remote fictional African country after she splits from her egotistical boyfriend. I really appreciate the humour and style of this book which allows me to escape from my own hectic life.’ – Catherine Zachariou, junior beauty editor

‘William Boyd. Well, his writing, that is. I’ve just finished reading his latest book, Waiting for Sunrise. He is really one of the most brilliant storytellers around. I discovered him pretty late in the day – when I read his previous novel, Ordinary Thunderstorms, and I meant to get started on his back list. This read has just jogged my memory and strengthened my resolve.’ – Anna Rich, senior editor

‘I’m just loving Justified, on the Sony channel (Channel 110) on Tuesdays. It’s cowboy(ish), so for me, soooo irresistible. And as the Wild West (well, eastern Kentucky) goes, there’s a fine line between cops and robbers, a subtle but strong anarchic undertone. And Timothy Olyphant is gorgeous as Marshall Raylan Givens. But has anyone else noticed the proliferation of retro US series with anarchic undertones (think True Blood et al) on our screens?’ – Sameena Amien, chief sub-editor

‘I'm absolutely loving the M-Net series Homeland on Thursdays at 8:30pm – a gripping story that keeps getting more and more interesting.’ – Candice Lee Kannemeyer, beauty editor

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‘At the moment my husband and I are loving old-school British crime dramas – and by ‘old school’ I mean 1998, which is actually far more dated that you’d think (brick cell phones, anyone). We’re hooked on Trial and Retribution, the gritty series based on the books of Lynda la Plante – the gritty, make-up free detectives are the perfect foil to the glitz and glamour of CSI Miami. Look around at your local DVD store (DVD Nouveau in Cape Town is fantastic) for this series and plenty of others from the BBC.'– Elizabeth Atmore, health editor

‘Right now, a hot bath a tall glass of wine, a good book and my bed (all in that order) are my favourite things for winter.’ – Kim Petersen, production manager

We couldn’t agree more and generally can’t resist a glass of Boekenhoutskloof Chocolate Block or Diemersfontein Pinotage.

‘I am loving something so lame and old-school that I don’t want to share, but for me there is nothing better in winter than a bowl of steaming home-made soup with some crusty bread on the side. I could eat it every day – but the key to the deliciousness is to make it yourself. Like I said – lame and old-school.’ – Julia Boltt, consumer project manager

‘I love these bold bright trousers by Country Road (R599) – which I plan to wear in summer with a crisp white shirt.’ – Candice

‘I’m currently having a love affair with local label, Selfi. I fell in love this past summer after buying a dress from the brand and now I find myself lusting after her cropped jacket and this trench – both are great for winter and I am sure I’d wear them well into spring. Celeste Arendse, the designer behind the brand, is fantastic with fit and construction, she brings something very unique to the local fashion scene.’ – Jen Searle, digital editor