Nothing else quite tastes so good.
What are you having on your pancakes today?
Selasa, 16 Februari 2010
It might not be Smythsons...
So yesterday I had a little splurge in Paperchase. I love that shop! Here are my purchases; a diary (to create a scrapbook journal), heart stickers and two pens (write in said diary!).
Stationary shopping is always so much fun.
And I thought I would also show the sunglasses case that I bought during a little shopping trip on Saturday. A bargainous £5 from Topshop! Vg.
Senin, 15 Februari 2010
La belle Paris
Yesterday - whilst also being Valentine's Day - was three months until I go to Paris!!!!
I am so very excited.
I went to Paris for the first time last summer and loved it. So when the opportunity to go again arose, I jumped at it.
By way of explanation. When I lived in Italy, my roommate - Cecile - was a girl from Strasbourg. We were like sisters by the end of the experience but the distance makes it difficult to see each other very often. I last saw her when I was in Strasbourg for a week during my internship at the European Parliament in Brussels in 2007. We decided that it had been too long so I suggested Paris! We will be joined by another friend - Steph - who was in Italy with us. Steph actually lives in the UK, so I see Steph every few months. In fact, I saw her yesterday - as fate would have it. We celebrated Valentine's Day together with a beautifully romantic walk at dusk over the barrage in Cardiff Bay - arm-in-arm. (Photos to follow!)
I can't wait to see the beautiful city again and this time, to take my beloved camera with me.
In my research for the trip I came across a couple of blogs which I thought I would share with you:
God, I love Paris - is written by an American girl now living in the French capital.
Paris Daily Photo - features a photo a day of the city - surprisingly! But they are always beautiful and inspiring. Love.
Paris Breakfasts - another American in Paris - this one is obsessed with macarons - I love it!!
I have no idea what we will do for our 48 hours in the city. As I have already been once and made the effort to do all of the tourist things, I don't feel the pressure to rush around this time. Cecile has been to Paris often, so it will be nice to go with someone who knows the place a little.
I will try to put together a Guide to Paris on a Shoestring for the blog when I return. Which I will accompany with some photos from the trip!
For now, any tips, hints or recommendations that you have would be greatly appreciated!!
Merci beaucoup!!
I am so very excited.
I went to Paris for the first time last summer and loved it. So when the opportunity to go again arose, I jumped at it.
By way of explanation. When I lived in Italy, my roommate - Cecile - was a girl from Strasbourg. We were like sisters by the end of the experience but the distance makes it difficult to see each other very often. I last saw her when I was in Strasbourg for a week during my internship at the European Parliament in Brussels in 2007. We decided that it had been too long so I suggested Paris! We will be joined by another friend - Steph - who was in Italy with us. Steph actually lives in the UK, so I see Steph every few months. In fact, I saw her yesterday - as fate would have it. We celebrated Valentine's Day together with a beautifully romantic walk at dusk over the barrage in Cardiff Bay - arm-in-arm. (Photos to follow!)
I can't wait to see the beautiful city again and this time, to take my beloved camera with me.
In my research for the trip I came across a couple of blogs which I thought I would share with you:
God, I love Paris - is written by an American girl now living in the French capital.
Paris Daily Photo - features a photo a day of the city - surprisingly! But they are always beautiful and inspiring. Love.
Paris Breakfasts - another American in Paris - this one is obsessed with macarons - I love it!!
I have no idea what we will do for our 48 hours in the city. As I have already been once and made the effort to do all of the tourist things, I don't feel the pressure to rush around this time. Cecile has been to Paris often, so it will be nice to go with someone who knows the place a little.
I will try to put together a Guide to Paris on a Shoestring for the blog when I return. Which I will accompany with some photos from the trip!
For now, any tips, hints or recommendations that you have would be greatly appreciated!!
Merci beaucoup!!
Minggu, 14 Februari 2010
Happy Valentine's Day!
Valentine's Day is celebrated simply in our house. With a card and a kiss. (I did also get a lovely bottle of perfume - thank you very much!!)
Speaking of kisses, I just happened upon a lovely series of photographs by Brian Harris, entitled, Kiss. Brian Harris has been a professional photographer for many decades and his portfolio contains a huge variety of subjects, from graves and whisky campaigns to Eastern Europe and embracing couples.
I thought that the photo below was perfect for Valentine's Day:
Speaking of kisses, I just happened upon a lovely series of photographs by Brian Harris, entitled, Kiss. Brian Harris has been a professional photographer for many decades and his portfolio contains a huge variety of subjects, from graves and whisky campaigns to Eastern Europe and embracing couples.
I thought that the photo below was perfect for Valentine's Day:
You can check out more photographs by Brian Harris, including the other photos in this series, here. (A quick thank you to Brian for his permission to post this beautiful photo on my blog)
Happy Valentine's Day blog readers.
Much love, SG
PS Remember to enter my first giveaway for your chance to win one of three pairs of Butterfly Twists!!
Sabtu, 13 Februari 2010
"I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address"
There is something about brand new stationary that is so delightful. This afternoon I took a fantasy shopping trip to Smythson. I dream that one day I might be able to afford some personalised correspondence cards from Smythson. The dream would be Name-Engraved Correspondence Cards with a stiletto motif on a white card with blue ink. How gorgeous is the motif (below)? However, a set of 50 cards would cost me £354.00. Ouch.
But the personalised cards aren't the only thing on my fantasy shopping list today. When money is no object, why stop there, afterall!?
The 'Happiness Is Shopping' pocket notebook is, of course, a must:
And what about the topically named 'Recessionista' pocket notebook?
Maybe the Red Stiletto Shoe Motif ready-to-write Correspondence Cards are more affordable at £30 for 10:
Naturally, if anyone wants to spoil me...!!!
Hope you're all having a fabulous weekend. I've just watched in amazement at Wales have won their Six Nations match against Scotland in the Welsh capital!
More soon. Love, SG
But the personalised cards aren't the only thing on my fantasy shopping list today. When money is no object, why stop there, afterall!?
The 'Happiness Is Shopping' pocket notebook is, of course, a must:
And what about the topically named 'Recessionista' pocket notebook?
Maybe the Red Stiletto Shoe Motif ready-to-write Correspondence Cards are more affordable at £30 for 10:
Naturally, if anyone wants to spoil me...!!!
Hope you're all having a fabulous weekend. I've just watched in amazement at Wales have won their Six Nations match against Scotland in the Welsh capital!
More soon. Love, SG
To Spring: 10 things I like about... Spring!
O thou with dewy locks, who lookest down
Through the clear windows of the morning, turn
Thine angel eyes upon our western isle,
Which in full choir hails thy approach, O Spring!
The hills tell one another, and the listening
Valleys hear; all our longing eyes are turn’d
Up to thy bright pavilions: issue forth
And let thy holy feet visit our clime!
Come o’er the eastern hills, and let our winds
Kiss thy perfumèd garments; let us taste
Thy morn and evening breath; scatter thy pearls
Upon our lovesick land that mourns for thee.
O deck her forth with thy fair fingers; pour
Thy soft kisses on her bosom; and put
Thy golden crown upon her languish’d head,
Whose modest tresses are bound up for thee.
(William Blake, 1783)
I am fed up with the cold weather now. Snow is fun but relentless cold is tiring after a while. I'm bored of tights and boots and knitwear.
I thought I would put together the 10 things I am looking forward to most about Spring in the hope that it might make me feel a bit better.
1. Warmer weather. Obviously.
2. Longer days. Lighter evenings.
3. No need for hats and scarves and gloves (and tights).
4. Pancake Day (next week!!) and Easter eggs!
5. New spring summer collections which make me dream of summer holidays.
6. My birthday is approaching!
7. Blooming flowers and blossoms.
8. The beautiful light. Perfect for amazing photographs.
9. Another Sex and the City film is in the offing!!
10. Summer will soon follow spring.
What are you looking forward to about spring?
Jumat, 12 Februari 2010
Links à la Mode: 11 February 2010
Check out The Fashion Planner's post which tells you How to Make Naughty Granny Panties for Valentine’s Day!
That isn’t to say that I’m against Fashion Week… but more that this week’s Links á la Mode just really isn’t focused on it. With amazing interviews from kaKofoniesOfsi(gh)lens, Fashion in My Eyes, and Eternal Masquerade to great features on vintage clothing from Retro Chick and Unfunded, there’s as much fabulousness on off the catwalk as on.
Maybe it’s bitterness that I’ll be missing out on NYFW for the 3rd season in a row or maybe it’s my gentle heart preventing you all from Fashion Week burnout too soon…which it is, I’ll never tell.
Note from Editor : Please be sure to check out the IFB Conference at NYFW : Evolving Influence
The Anti-Fashion Week
Edited by Dramatis PersonaeThat isn’t to say that I’m against Fashion Week… but more that this week’s Links á la Mode just really isn’t focused on it. With amazing interviews from kaKofoniesOfsi(gh)lens, Fashion in My Eyes, and Eternal Masquerade to great features on vintage clothing from Retro Chick and Unfunded, there’s as much fabulousness on off the catwalk as on.
Maybe it’s bitterness that I’ll be missing out on NYFW for the 3rd season in a row or maybe it’s my gentle heart preventing you all from Fashion Week burnout too soon…which it is, I’ll never tell.
Note from Editor : Please be sure to check out the IFB Conference at NYFW : Evolving Influence
Links à la Mode: February 11th
- 39thandbroadway.com: – How Designers Really View Their Customers
- A Typical Atypical: – I chat about how hard it must be to love fashion and be blind, and I question whether there ought to be a charity dedicated to helping people feel good about how they look even if they can’t see it in the mirror.
- Cafe Fashionista: – Style Secrets: Symbol of Style. A how-to on creating your very own trademark/signature look.
- dramatis personae – How to Pack for Mardi Gras!
- Eternal Masquerade: – Interview with young designer, and Teen Vogue/CFDA/Target scholarship winner, Jennifer Huang.
- Fab Blab: – Even after all these years, we continue to differentiate between dark and fair. How does this affect the fashion industry adversely?
- Fashion Cents: – Seven Style Basics that EVERYONE should know! Make sure you are not committing these style “sins.”
- fashion in my eyes: – Fashion is supposed to be fun! Interview with designer Arina Varga
- Haute World: – A Mad Tea Party? An exclusive look at how 9 luxury designers interpret Alice in Wonderland for French department store Printemps.
- Instant Vintage: – Blood, Sweat & T-Shirts: Learning the true cost of that cheap and chic outfit you just scored.
- kaKofonie Of si(gh)lenS: – Interview with Anna Osterlund of Ravishing Mad
- Model Max: – Are ‘respectable’ fashion writers insecure with ‘upstart amateur’ fashion bloggers?
- Oranges and Apples: – Is fashion oppressive or fun? some belated thoughts on Tanya Gold hating fashion
- Rags to Reverie: – Vivienne Westwood showed that fashion forwardness could be inspired by the past
- Retro Chick: – Top tips to on the spot dating of Vintage Clothes
- THE COVETED: – Devil’s Advocate : blogging and corporate seeding
- The Fashion Planner: – DIY: How to Make Naughty Granny Panties for Valentine’s Day!
- the musings of ondo lady: – Back in 2006 Slave to Fashion, a three part documentary was aired on Channel 4 which took a really good look at the fashion industry.The aim was to make sense of the multi billion industry which everyone from the media to consumers seemed to be obsessed w
- The Recessionista: – an hour ago Rebecca Taylor & Milly: Fashion Week Inspiration
- Unfunded: – Photos and thoughts from the Vintage Fashion Expo in Santa Monica, CA.
Alexander McQueen, RIP
There's not much to say that hasn't already been written. So instead, I thought I would post some photos from McQueen's Spring Summer 2010 collection which was shown at Paris Fashion Week last year.
His collection told the story of women morphing into creatures of the deep as the seas slowly reclaimed planet earth. For me, they are a mystical mix between Alice in Wonderland and Pan's Labyrinth.
Kamis, 11 Februari 2010
Style Icon: Sarah Brown
I admit that I am not Sarah Brown's biggest fan but I do admit that the makeover has been quite remarkable. And good for her.
Sarah shows women across the UK that they can look good if they find the clothes to suit. Indeed she looks absolutely radiant - and stunning - in the Erdem dress she wore to introduce her husband at the Labour Party Conference last autumn (top right).
She also looked positively glamorous when presenting David Tennant his award at the National Television Awards (top left with Mr Tennant!).
If you have missed the previous style icons featured on the blog, check them out here.
Tell me, who is your style icon?
Rabu, 10 Februari 2010
A Tan To Die For
Fashion has a lot to answer for. Once upon a time a tan was deemed common but today it is seen as the height of fashion for many young women. But at what cost?
There has been a tremendous amount of press coverage recently over the dangers of the use of sunbeds and a number of campaigns to encourage young women to think twice before stepping into the booth for a quick fix.
I am as pale as pale can be. And I never really go brown in the summer. And I hate it. Or I did. For years I wished I could tan better in the summer. I won't lie, I thought about using a sunbed on numerous ocassions but never actually had the guts to do so. (My mum would've killed me!) But I know many people who have used sunbeds. And it's an addictive habit. When I have managed to get a tan in the summer it has been a real confidence boost and the minute that it starts to fade I start to crave the colour again.
We are told again and again that "the only safe tan is the one from a bottle". Well, I have used plenty of bottles of fake tan but when you have the option of a quick fix on a bed as opposed to the labourous task of applying fake tan and running the risk of streaks, I know which one I would rather! (I have had many streak experiences!!)
According to a debate in the Welsh Assembly today (yes, I am a geek!!), the fashion industry encourages young women to aspire to a tan. I'm not so sure. I think a celebrity culture has certainly made a tan the norm and indeed the ideal for many young women but the fashion industry themselves do not use tanned models, indeed I would argue that if you look at catwalk models they are often pale skinned beauties.
Even if the fashion industry is not to blame they do perhaps hold the key to changing the trend.
It is great that Nicola - off of Girls Aloud - has joined the campaign to ban the use of sunbeds for under 18s but we need more young women in the public eye to take the lead. It's all very well for one women to stand up and say that a tan is not fashionable but magazines are still filled with photographs of bronzed beauties.
Of course, whilst the white look might not be "fashionable", surely the tangoed look is no more attractive!? I found this photo on the Daily Mail's site - which do you prefer?
Heat magazine has launched its Dazzle Don't Frazzle campaign which is suppoerted by Nicola Roberts. (Join the facebook group here). Check out Polka Dot Stripe Rachel's post on this here.
And what of fake tans? Well I admit that I do sometimes find myself slapping on the orange stuff!! Whilst I can bare with the whiteness of my arms and face, my legs - after a winter of hiding in tights - are such a bright white that you would need sunglasses to look at them!!! So I have been known to use a little fake tan on my legs in the summer months.
So this year, I will do my bit for you ladies and will in the coming months spend some time testing various fake tan brands and will let you know which work and which don't! Look out for these reviews.
There has been a tremendous amount of press coverage recently over the dangers of the use of sunbeds and a number of campaigns to encourage young women to think twice before stepping into the booth for a quick fix.
I am as pale as pale can be. And I never really go brown in the summer. And I hate it. Or I did. For years I wished I could tan better in the summer. I won't lie, I thought about using a sunbed on numerous ocassions but never actually had the guts to do so. (My mum would've killed me!) But I know many people who have used sunbeds. And it's an addictive habit. When I have managed to get a tan in the summer it has been a real confidence boost and the minute that it starts to fade I start to crave the colour again.
We are told again and again that "the only safe tan is the one from a bottle". Well, I have used plenty of bottles of fake tan but when you have the option of a quick fix on a bed as opposed to the labourous task of applying fake tan and running the risk of streaks, I know which one I would rather! (I have had many streak experiences!!)
According to a debate in the Welsh Assembly today (yes, I am a geek!!), the fashion industry encourages young women to aspire to a tan. I'm not so sure. I think a celebrity culture has certainly made a tan the norm and indeed the ideal for many young women but the fashion industry themselves do not use tanned models, indeed I would argue that if you look at catwalk models they are often pale skinned beauties.
Even if the fashion industry is not to blame they do perhaps hold the key to changing the trend.
It is great that Nicola - off of Girls Aloud - has joined the campaign to ban the use of sunbeds for under 18s but we need more young women in the public eye to take the lead. It's all very well for one women to stand up and say that a tan is not fashionable but magazines are still filled with photographs of bronzed beauties.
Of course, whilst the white look might not be "fashionable", surely the tangoed look is no more attractive!? I found this photo on the Daily Mail's site - which do you prefer?
Heat magazine has launched its Dazzle Don't Frazzle campaign which is suppoerted by Nicola Roberts. (Join the facebook group here). Check out Polka Dot Stripe Rachel's post on this here.
And what of fake tans? Well I admit that I do sometimes find myself slapping on the orange stuff!! Whilst I can bare with the whiteness of my arms and face, my legs - after a winter of hiding in tights - are such a bright white that you would need sunglasses to look at them!!! So I have been known to use a little fake tan on my legs in the summer months.
So this year, I will do my bit for you ladies and will in the coming months spend some time testing various fake tan brands and will let you know which work and which don't! Look out for these reviews.
Senin, 08 Februari 2010
Monday Morning Pic-Me-Up: Ottolenghi
So I spent my weekend in London. Staying the night with my best friend. On Saturday we went for a leisurely lunch in Islington and after lunch I was treated to dessert at Ottolenghi (see the selection above!). They do the most amazing cakes and pastries and desserts. I had a white chocolate cheesecake with raspberries (see below, right).
If you're in London, make sure to call in to Ottolenghi, 287 Upper Street, London N1 2TZ, or at any of their three other locations in the capital.
More soon. Love, SG
P.S. For anyone who doesn't have a google account and wishes to enter the giveaway, you can leave an anonymous comment, just make sure to leave an email address!
Kamis, 04 Februari 2010
GIVEAWAY!! The First Giveaway!
I am so excited and pleased to be able to announce my first giveaway!
Today is the best day ever! I passed my driving theory test (for the seond time!) yesterday morning, I finished my dissertation and now this!
I have teamed up with Butterfly Twists to offer three lucky winners a pair of their gorgeous shoes!
Butterfly Twists are "Clever Little Soles"! They are gorgeous pairs of satin pumps that fold neatly into your handbag, ready to come out when you need something more comfortable on your feet.
They come in four colours at present - with three more colours on their way. I have a black pair (when that colour was the only one available) but they now have bright pink, lilac and blue. Mine have been invaluable on nights out - I love them as it means as a girl who normally lives in flatties, I can wear gorgeous heels sometimes and know that when they get too much I have my twists closeby!
To be in with a chance of winning a pair of Butterfly Twists - in the size and colour of your choice (subject to availability) - all you have to do is to;
1. Leave a comment here, telling me about your favourite pair of shoes!
2. To have a second entry, please follow me (if you already do, please say so in your post here).
3. To have a third/second entry, please post about this giveaway on your blog.
The competition closes in two weeks time, on Thursday, 18 February.
The winners will be chosen at random and announced on Thursday, 18 February on this blog.
Good luck!!
Update: This giveaway is now closed. Thank you to everyone who entered.
I've done it!
Well, fashion lovelies, I have finally completed the 20 000 word monstrosity that is my masters dissertation!
I had it printed and bound this morning.
I am now on my way back to work - following I slight diversion via Dorothy Perkins! Where I snagged a couple of congrats to me rings! (I'll post a photo in 2!)
A big thank you to everyone who left me good luck wishes here - so very kind and throughful!
Check back later too for a very exciting announcement! You do not want to miss it!
Love, SG
I had it printed and bound this morning.
I am now on my way back to work - following I slight diversion via Dorothy Perkins! Where I snagged a couple of congrats to me rings! (I'll post a photo in 2!)
A big thank you to everyone who left me good luck wishes here - so very kind and throughful!
Check back later too for a very exciting announcement! You do not want to miss it!
Love, SG
Style Icon: Samantha Cameron
Our fifth style icon in the series is Smythson's Creative Director and the wife of the Tory leader, Samantha Cameron.
Samantha proves you don't have to be a French First Lady to know how to dress well. She regularly graces the pages of Vogue and why not? She rarely puts a foot wrong in the style stakes.
Samantha is not just a politician's wife, as Smythson's Creative Director she regularly demonstrates her fashion credentials. Indeed she looks every inch the style icon in the red Vivienne Westwood dress (top left) at the Glamour Woman of the Year Awards. And yet at her husband's side she is just as fashion savvy - the M&S dress worn to the Party Conference last autumn was carefully considered and yet glamorous nonetheless.
My month of political wives' style icons continues next week with Sarah Brown, be sure not to miss it! If you have missed the previous style icons featured on the blog, check them out here.
Tell me, who is your style icon?
Rabu, 03 Februari 2010
LUST LIST: Paris-inspired tees
Paris-inspired fashion seems to be everywhere at the moment.
This is my Top 10 list of Paris/French tees! I think one or two might have to be purchased before my trip to the French capital later this year!!
How to... dress like a Parisian
I think it is clear from the last three Style Icon posts that I am having a 'French fashion moment'.
The French certainly have that "je ne sais quoi" about them as they saunter - not walk or run or, heaven forbid, rush - down the street.
Here is my guide to dressing like a Parisian.
It isn't necessarily that the French wear up-to-date trends. Instead they wear what is right for them. French women know good clothes and know what looks good on them.
While some women try to squeeze themselves into a size smaller to make themselves feel better, French women know that they will look better in a size that fits them.
A French palette tends to be reasonably neutral - blacks, whites, creams, beiges - with a splash of colour thrown in to brighten the whole outfit.
Each part of an outfit is put together, taking all of the other parts into consideration. A skirt length is complemented by a coat length. A trouser length complemented by a heel height. An outfit is, simply, an outfit and not a few pieces thrown together.
Hair and make up are done to look as if they haven't been. Hair is not poker straight or neatly pinned up. Make up is natural, with the ocassional scarlet lip.
French women are certainly 'well-heeled'. This does not mean that they necessarily wear heels. No, French women are just as comfortable in their Chanel ballet pumps. But they do not wear trainers. Or UGGS. Always shoes.
Of course it also helps if you live in a city famed for its style, elegance and chic and spend your days drinking cafe au lait.
I put together my very own Parisian-inspired lookbook. You can find it here.
The French certainly have that "je ne sais quoi" about them as they saunter - not walk or run or, heaven forbid, rush - down the street.
Here is my guide to dressing like a Parisian.
It isn't necessarily that the French wear up-to-date trends. Instead they wear what is right for them. French women know good clothes and know what looks good on them.
While some women try to squeeze themselves into a size smaller to make themselves feel better, French women know that they will look better in a size that fits them.
A French palette tends to be reasonably neutral - blacks, whites, creams, beiges - with a splash of colour thrown in to brighten the whole outfit.
Each part of an outfit is put together, taking all of the other parts into consideration. A skirt length is complemented by a coat length. A trouser length complemented by a heel height. An outfit is, simply, an outfit and not a few pieces thrown together.
Hair and make up are done to look as if they haven't been. Hair is not poker straight or neatly pinned up. Make up is natural, with the ocassional scarlet lip.
French women are certainly 'well-heeled'. This does not mean that they necessarily wear heels. No, French women are just as comfortable in their Chanel ballet pumps. But they do not wear trainers. Or UGGS. Always shoes.
Of course it also helps if you live in a city famed for its style, elegance and chic and spend your days drinking cafe au lait.
I put together my very own Parisian-inspired lookbook. You can find it here.
Senin, 01 Februari 2010
Fashion's Night Out
This is my work casual chic look for today. I happened upon the Vogue Fashion's Night Out tee on the Oasis website for just £10.
My outfit consists of my recent very bargainous find: Topshop skinny jeans for a tenner! Teamed with my charity shop blazer, Primark over-the-knee boots, pearls and the Oasis tee, obviously!
Let's not do anything from now on unless it's fun
This is my new moto. From Thursday anyway.
I was having a read of Topshop's blog, Inside-Out, and came across a post about the If You Could Collaborate exhibition at the A Foundation Gallery, Rochelle School in London. These words were apparently screen printed on the side of a chair.
I was having a read of Topshop's blog, Inside-Out, and came across a post about the If You Could Collaborate exhibition at the A Foundation Gallery, Rochelle School in London. These words were apparently screen printed on the side of a chair.
I love the idea of doing not doing anything unless it is fun and think that it will make a superb life moto.
Before anyone points out the obvious, I do understand and acknowledge that I might just have to do some not so fun things still, like go to work. But essentially I will be filling my spare time - once my dissertation is handed in - with as many fun things as possible!
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