Guest Edits - Highlights from 2011

Our weekly guest edited newsletters point our readers in the direction of new sites, some well off the beaten track. With nearly two years under the belt, we have been lucky enough to have some great names sharing their favourite sites and we have a good line up in place for 2012.

In 2011, we have played host to Emma Forbes, Kate Humble, Amanda Wakely, Delia Smith, author Cynan Jones, Frankie Dettori, Eric Lanlard, Kimberly Wyatt, Kelly Hoppen, Martine McCutcheon, amongst others, rounding off 2011 with Michelin starred chef, Tom Aikens.

So which are the sites that have peaked the interests of our readers? We've taken a look and found that these six sites have done just that:-

Letters of Note - Chosen by Henry Lane Fox. 'I'm a prodigious reader online and could easily list fifty great blogs based on the quality of their content but this one stands out above the rest. Each day they publish the transcript of one amazing letter from history. Some short, some long but all irresistible. On the most varied topics you can imagine. Pure epistolary excellence!'

Tubecrush - Chosen by Ben Pentreath. 'I wrote about Tubecrush on my blog a while ago - I'm not sure I ever created so much controversy. The site defies description but if you want to waste an hour or two ogling the handsomest men travelling on the London underground - this would be a good destination. I love it above all for the brilliantly witty writing.'

Mr Porter - Chosen by a number of our more sartorial guest editors who applauded Net-A-Porter's brother site for 'its ability to combine a magazine/editorial feel to an online shop,' (Simon Berry), 'really good old-fashioned window shopping' (Eric Lanlard) whilst Tom Aikens rated the 'tips on grooming, where to go where to stay, plus of course how to dress.'

Desert Island Discs - Chosen by Simon Berry. 'I know that I'm years behind the rest of the population, but the BBC's new special website which allows me to catch up with the actual broadcasts of the last 20 years has turned me into a complete fanatic. Soon I'll be ready for the phone call from Kirsty, although I'll have to reduce my list of 800 tracks to a measly 8, I suppose …'

Kids in Museums - Chosen by Philip Mould. 'Museums that are not friendly to children are a pain. I know from my own experience. This is a fantastic charity with a simple online guide  for making the museum friendly for families without turning it into a crèche.'

Boticca - Chosen by Anna Bance and Xavier de Lecaros-Aquise. A treasure trove of handpicked worldwide fashion accessories from super start-up labels and emerging designers. Really addictive to browse and a great site which we will be using to source unique Christmas presents!

30 December 2011