Forget stale Doritos, flat Fanta or a squashed Mars bar after swimming. This is the 21st century and vending machines have gone upmarket. Chanel has set up its new machine, which dispenses mascaras instead of the usual disappointing swag, in Selfridges.

Why would the BBC be willing to appear to support such a barbaric process?

People, Places, Notes, Observations

The biggest curveball in the Pol Roger 60th anniversary blind wine tasting between Oxford and Cambridge last month was the extraordinary 2009 Kongsgaard Syrah, Hudson Vineyard, California. An inky syrah of peppery violety intensity, it was the only New World syrah to sit alongside the other 11 classic wines. Tasted blind, it was a particularly tough nut to crack because there's now so much superb syrah produced in so many countries.

A barrister is suing Harvey Nichols for up to £1m after claiming security staff assaulted and imprisoned her when she attempted to take a “tiny” dog into its flagship London store.

Forget bandage dresses and bling, off-duty LA style has finally been rehabilitated

Main image: hand tray by Fornasetti, £175, Liberty; macarons, from a selection, Laduree

Main image: The Print Collection eau de parfum perfumes by Stella McCartney, 30ml, £34.20 each, John Lewis; frames, from £5, John Lewis

King’s College London today unveiled Europe’s biggest ever law scholarship programme, offering up to 80 awards worth over £2m. The scheme will include up to five £90,000 scholarships over three years for Law PHD students, a record individual amount ever offered for legal research.

Styling: Gemma Hayward

Harvey Nichols comes to Liverpool – but can it make its mark in Britain’s best-groomed city?

1. Blue/black berry enzyme mask

Harvey Nichols attracted several complaints when they ran an advert in June featuring a picture of a woman and a man with a wet groin, and the accompanying text “The Harvey Nichols sale. Try to contain your excitement.”