Objets de Désir

Ottoline Marchbanks, CRMP

Style arbiter and flâneuse

Ottoline writes about style, shopping and the pleasures of acquiring things.Her interests range from grand arcades and independent shops to markets, window displays and the changing character of the retail experience.She believes what a town chooses to sell, display and covet reveals rather more about it than most people realise.

A little something for the HelpThis year marks two rather special milestones for my little Concepcion: her sixty-fifth birthday and forty years of devoted service in my household in Saint-Aygulf. Such loyalty is increasingly rare, and I have always believed that faithful service deserves the occasional gesture of appreciation.Naturally, Concepcion accompanies me on my visits to Wigan. She is wonderfully adaptable and actually prefers to sleep outdoors, even during the less agreeable Lancashire weather.Imagine my delight, when I chanced upon a man who is a specialist in Wigan Market offering vacuum cleaner servicing and repairs. I immediately arranged for my own machine to receive a thorough inspection and complete service, ensuring that Concepcion could return to France with equipment performing at its absolute best.I know she will appreciate the thought. It is important, I think, that those who give so much should occasionally receive something in return.

La Dolce VitaMy friend Geneviève, who lives just outside Cannes, has suffered from diabetes for several years. I have always believed that good health begins with a positive mental attitude, and that dwelling upon one's ailments can only encourage them. Geneviève, unfortunately, has yet to embrace this philosophy, despite my considerable encouragement.Picture my face, therefore, upon discovering a wonderful selection of traditional toffees during my latest visit to Wigan. Their creator, Monsieur Ron, possesses a first name which surely suggests he was destined for the confectionery business. I found his creations quite irresistible and immediately purchased a generous assortment for Geneviève.I shall, of course, tell her that they are entirely sugar-free. There is little point in allowing unnecessary anxieties to spoil such a lovely gift, and I am convinced that once she has enjoyed them without apprehension, she will begin to understand the remarkable influence of the mind upon the body.Sometimes the greatest kindness is helping a friend overcome a limitation she has imposed upon herself.

The benefits of readingMy friend Isabelle has been rather nervous about bears ever since an unfortunate mauling by a grizzly while preparing a Croque Madame during a holiday in Canada.Despite extensive surgery and several months in hospital, for some reason she has never quite managed to put the incident behind her. Although several years have passed, she remains reluctant to visit wooded areas and has developed what I understand to be an irrational phobia of these magnificent creatures.I recently read a fascinating article in Point de Vue about a psychological technique known as exposure therapy, whereby sufferers are encouraged to confront their fears rather than indulge them. I immediately thought of Isabelle, who has always been inclined to dwell on things for far too long.While browsing in the window of a beautiful gift shop, I spotted a magnifique collection of traditional teddy bears on my way to get a sausage roll. I selected a particularly handsome specimen that I shall present to Isabelle as the first stage of her recovery.I find it enormously rewarding to be able to share my knowledge of advancements in modern psychological thinking.

A change for the betterThere are certain subjects which even the closest of friends find difficult to discuss. Money, personal hygiene and, of course, an unfortunate hairstyle. My friend Marguerite has worn her hair in precisely the same fashion since 1987, when she attended a Tina Turner concert in Nice. I have always admired her loyalty, if not the result.At a luncheon last Easter, I gently suggested, as we were all friends there, that the passing of almost four decades might warrant a small adjustment. Marguerite assured me that she was perfectly happy with her appearance, which I thought rather touching.Fortunately for her, Wigan yet again has provided the solution. During a typically balmy afternoon en route for a McFlurry, I stumbled upon a glamorous beauty shop with a selection of wigs. Of course, I immediately recognised an opportunity to spare Marguerite the unimaginable embarrassment of visiting a hairdresser and explaining what had gone wrong.I chose a splendid blonde creation with an abundance of curls, quite unlike anything she has ever worn. It will be a wonderful surprise and I guarantee Marguerite, who has always insisted that blonde hair does not suit her, will be lost for words.There are few pleasures greater than helping someone see themselves in an entirely new light.

The best things come in small packagesMy dear friend Didier is a passionate devotee of the cinema, with an encyclopaedic knowledge of the works of Truffaut, Fellini and Godard. At just 157 centimetres tall, he has always been rather conscious of his height, which I suspect explains why, at forty-three, he remains unmarried. He is a charming little man, and it pains me to see such a romantic soul without someone to share his life.I have frequently advised Didier that the secret to finding a suitable woman is to make one's interests immediately apparent. Unfortunately, his preference for vertical stripes and overly serious conversation does little to advertise his love of the silver screen.While exploring Wigan's astonishing selection of children's clothing, I came across the most adorable pair of dungarees decorated with characters from the superhero films. I knew at once that I had found the answer. What better way to attract a fellow cinema enthusiast than to wear one's passion quite literally upon one's chest?Better still, I discovered that children's clothing is exempt from VAT, an unexpected economy which made the purchase all the more satisfying. Didier's modest stature has, for once, proved a considerable advantage.I shall encourage him to wear them on his next visit to the cinema. I have every confidence that all the ladies will find him quite irresistible.

• ACCUEIL

• LA BOUTIQUE

• Instagram

• Email