EYE CANDY FOR THE EAR

Earrings are a difficult accessory I find hard to come to terms with. This is only because I just cant seem to find anything other than my studs that I would feel comfortable wearing. Then I found these sterling beauties.

I may be slow to the motion as I have just come to explore 'Georg Jensen' and the unfortunate impact its going to have on my bank balance.

A Beautifully, unique Scandinavian jewellery house that offers clean silver forms that seem to hold a timeless value. 

The first piece that I fell in love with still remains my favourite and the most wanted thing to me, the ALLIANCE 'ear cuff'

It is designed from one piece of silver that is magnificently shaped in order to hold itself around your ear, almost floating, en-capturing the beauty of whats beneath.

I first tried these on with my plain pearl studs, that I was already wearing, and just loved how they framed something that had such sentimental value, adding to their beauty. 

They are such a statement themselves though, and I'm sure would be the opener for many conversations when being worn.

If you're thinking they seem a little 'out there' for the more conservative of people, they are available in three sizes; small, medium and large, and I have to say that the small hold their own just the same as the large do. (Although I am a 'large girl' in this sense, that is)  The fact they are such a ingeniously designed ear decoration holds makes them a talking point to any situation.

On researching the theory behind the design a little further, I found that Alan Scharff wanted to remind us that we should always focus on possibilities rather than the limitations. I enjoy this sentiment, and how it has been visually and physically recreated.

Georg Jensen's website says they are "a living example of the power of imagination". To me this is true, I cannot stop imagining all the outfits and circumstances I'ld want to wear these... Wish list is plus one.

images georgejenson.com

THE LAST ACCESSORY

Gucci is offering so much to me right now, its hard not to be filled with want. I often picture myself strolling with a Greenwich leather and python shoulder bag, wearing a flowing dotty chiffon blouse in my skinny’s, topped off with their wide-brim rabbit fedora and some killer boots. And now, at the end of this picturesque fashion stroll I’m stepping into my new Fiat500 by Gucci.

Italian life and style has always captured my heart and so this fusion of two great design icons has melted it further. 

Gucci’s creative director, Frida Giannini  is responsible for the custom additions to the Fiat 500 design,

celebrating the fashion houses 90^th anniversary, and doing it in a perfect style.

I was lucky enough to see the car first hand at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this summer so was able to observe and absorb first hand the result of the collaboration.

So, what does it look like? 

Available in two colours, black or white, each has its bumper trim, shoulder line and wing mirror caps highlighted with a chrome touch. The wheels have not been forgotten in their 16-inch alloy glory finished with Gucci logos, with the Gucci name celebrated on the boot lid and inside the car itself. 

The notorious red and green stripe wraps itself around the cars exterior, and it continues to absorb itself further into the design by appearing on the seatbelt, seats and floor mats.

     

I have no doubt that this Italian masterpiece will be popular with the stylish of both sexes, however as a girl on the constant search for the perfect accessory, it has ended my search, for now.

It is the last accessory for any occasion, to anybody’s outfit.

DANCING AROUND THE MULBERRY TREE

No one does 'English heritage' better than Mulberry. Known since 1971 for their quintessentially English style, Mulberry have come a long way from their poacher bags and fishing accessories, hooking themselves into a lifestyle brand that is appealing to both sexes and all generations. 

My love affair with Mulberry has been a tempestuous one. Only for the issue that I find myself falling for a bag only to find myself cheating on the previous love with a second, third, fourth and fifth moments later. 

Mulberry's Autumn/Winter 2011 has left me with a horrible dilemma, 'which one?'

I'm going to share with you a shortlist of my favourites in the hope that this cleansing process will help me come to some kind of decision.

The Lily in the 'Feathered Friends' print is just lovely. Lovely may be a word some may find hard to sit with this on the shoulder accessory or feel its not enough of a word, but for me its perfect. The Lily is just lovely; so classic, simple and timeless and so with the added aesthetic of feathers... perfectly lovely.

The Tillie is a statement bag that I would love to have hit my arm with its full force, and in 'Foxglove Pink Nappa Leather' its sure to leave an imprint on me. A satchel that whispers some military inspiration is sure to never go out of style but the colour keeps it young and current. Oversized, over-coloured and just over-fabulous. Fabulous is the word for this bag.

Finally the last is by no means the least, but in fact the bag I just don't want to live without. The 'Peace and Love Bayswater' has been carefully sprinkled with their new season motifs that seem to sit snugly on the Midnight calf hair. The iconic Bayswater seems to enjoy the seasonal update, leaving its classic leathers in the shadows. The design is just magical. 

So it seems I have to choose between something lovely, fabulous or magical. In an ideal world I would aspire to be all three of these adjectives. For now I will have to dance with the Mulberry tree a little longer, it seems to be throwing me some hard decisions to make.

images from mulberry.com

TAKING A BREATH

It would be wrong of me to start blogging again without taking some kind of stock and recognition of the horrific last week that has passed.

Anders Behring Breivik was responsible for the ‘twin terror’ attacks on Norway, murdering seventy-six people in the most heartless of ways. Humanitarian remorse is replaced in him by pride and a sense of duty, in that he reportedly feels justified in his motives and methods. To me, and I hope to most, there is no justification or reason to slaughter innocent people in such a way and it comes as no surprise that comparisons are being made to Hitler. I find this somewhat a limited comparison, and I’m sure that Breivik would see it as a flattery. However, my feeling about the Norway tragedy is a just jaw-dropping wonder as to why? I cannot begin to think of the last thoughts, the family’s thoughts and his thoughts during that hour and now in the days after. Unfortunately there is no justice fitting for a man of this nature, nothing can repair what he’s done or replace what he has taken from so many.

Then there is the tragic death of Amy Whinehouse. The troubled, young star had a talent that will live beyond her mere twenty-seven years walking with us. Although her cause of death is still inconclusive and will be so for a few more weeks, it doesn’t stop speculation and accumulation of scattered facts and fictions that are piecing together the last few moments of her life, not unlike the incessant media scrutiny she faced in her daily life.  It’s so sad that intrigue is found in others miseries, and that the obvious troubled life she lived was entertainment. Perhaps it was the extremity of her addiction and how it could be played out in front of the world that was so addictive to us. An unknown lifestyle to the nine ‘til five worker, or is it just a sadistic revel in others’ misery that makes our own not-so-perfect existences feel that bit better. Unfortunately in the celebrity obsessed, media fuelled world that we live in, I feel strongly in saying that if someone becomes famous for being something, they may unknowingly play to that character. Perhaps we are too quick to pigeon-hole people, I know I am guilty of this trait, not giving in to people’s reformed characters leaves little options and scene changes in their lives. Her father Mitch said she was the happiest she had ever been, it’s a shame we never got to see that side of her again before her tragic death.

Whatever way the curtain ended up falling on Amy, I just hope she is remembered for her emotive talent and not just as a media sensation.

COLLAR ME PERFECT

Its the little things that finish off an outfit, and collars are sure to be the full stop to any ensemble. Wether its transforming an old dress or jazzing up a simple blouse and jeans, it wall add the top collar style we all love.

Im sure some styles will help keep little necks warm too...

I'm planning on collecting quite a few. 

Topshop, MiuMiu and Asos

WITH THE RIGHT SHOES...

Converse shoes have become a staple part of my university wardrobe. As my new and final year is coming closer and with it the anxiety and pressure building inside, Im looking for something to give myself a boost. Enter Wonder Women.

With these quirky wonders on my feet hopefully superhuman powers can help push me to the top.

Oh, wait, superhero powers aren't included?? I'll just have to settle with looking damn good then.

POSITIVE THINKING

Everybody needs some positive thinking to get through stressful times, the positive thought being the treat at the end of it all. Here are some of my 'positives' and reassurances that good things come to those who don't sleep.

All to be worn with serious eye bags and whilst sleeping off the remainders of stress. Roll on deadline day (I didn't really say that...)

Topshop Boutique, Mulberry, Kurt Geiger, MiuMiu

MUSEUM OF LONDON

One thing that keeps a museum visit interesting, as well as its bountiful exhibitions, is the overall design and layout of the space. 

The Museum of London is a place where you can literally look all over history; whether its projected up the walls or settled beneath your feet. I left feeling quite exhausted.

These images are of installations set into the floor. The second artwork was made by members of the Community Link course at Barnet College. It represents positive and negative aspects of the empire,such as exploration and slavery. Traded goods such as tea, coffee, silk and sugar were used to create the artwork. The third image is an installation of archaeological objects created by a group from WorkDirectionsUk, which supports long-term unemployed people.

 

This installation is a series of projected images which are constantly changing and evolving displaying the history of London. Its a fantastic visual and a great way to display images which would could usually be shown in their raw form. 

I really enjoyed my journey through the Museum of London. All the elements of it were presented in fresh and interactive ways that made your eyes feel like they had too much too look it, which for me is always a positive. Its great to leave a museum feeling like you've learned all over again instead of it being a confirmation of what you assumed already. 

photos taken by me

LA GRILLADE. LEEDS

This restaurant is an absolute favorite of mine. When dining out, especially in today's world of 'branded' and 'famed' establishments, one can be hard pushed to find somewhere where every element of the meal lives up to the  imprint made by the last morsel or sip... enter La Grillade.

Being a self-confessed food lover (the hours I spend in the gym to counteract my ever-bulging eyes and well fed thighs are justification to this statement) I cant help but over-indulge in the comforting french food this place has to offer...

 

Mussels to start (with endless amounts of bread to soak up every last drop)

 

Fillet steak (rare, of course) with traditional french fries and green salad

  

The best cheese board in the world (and if you're nice to the waiter you can sample every single one before you commit to choices)

I can never leave without having the creme brulee, and a mouthful of everyone elses sweet-tooth choice too, does it really need to be said?

Just go and EAT! I hear Alan Bennett makes a regular impression on the seat of his chair here too.

BLACK. WHITE.

No matter what season we're in, or about to submerge our bodies into, there is one thing I cannot prize off myself; monochrome. Here are some of my recent favorites that have startled my eye...

Whether its a simple floral print, geometric stripes, block coloring or jewelry I really think the right pieces can be a timeless stable to any wardrobe. Nothing in life can be black or white, except maybe your trousers...

images from various sources

HARVEY NICHOLS, EDINBURGH

By using everyday mundane items and turning them in to something extraordinary, one can see their true beauty and design worth. The central everyday object, such as the tree and the car, are made up of smaller related items like the pencils and the horses which when are put all together make a fantastic visual impact. 

The big idea behind these intricate works is that the 'vamping' up of these smaller items into the larger central iconic piece symbolizes the 'understated classics' in fashion. Staples that are otherwise ignored until you make them into something spectacular, but none-the-less shouldn't be forgotten, as without them the whole thing wouldn't be anything...

photos by me.

HOT YUMMY GOAT'S CHEESE SALAD

This salad is my favourite thing my other half makes for me and I beg to have it for breakfast lunch and dinner, then supper. But to ensure my behind does not super-size, its a once a week treat.

Ingredients

8oz cherry vine toms

4 garlic gloves (I use 6/7.. I have a fear of vampires)

Olive oil

7oz soft rind goats cheese (we use the mini Capricorn's and have one each)

2oz wild rocket

Balsamic vinegar

Salt and pepper

Method

1. Put the toms and garlic in the over (180'C) drizzled with olive oil for about 20 minutes

2. Remove the top and bottom rinds off the goats cheese and slice in half horizontally and place on a heat proof dish

3. Place under the grill for 3-4 minutes, until turning brown

4.Arrange rocket on the plates with the toms and garlic placed around , keeping the juices in the tray, and then place the yummy hot cheese on top.

5. Add the Balsamic vinegar to the juices from the toms and mix to make a dressing, then drizzle here there and everywhere on the salad... SCRUMMYYY

YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT.

Just like when it comes to ordering off a menu, I cannot decide which one of these visual treats I am going to spoil myself with.

"The inspriation was very easy-I love junk food!

I was thinking of what I would like to wear to the gym,

and I thought junkfood on t shirts and sweatshirts would be perfect!

Perhaps not very motivational, but definitley very amusing!"

Personally, I won't be sporting one of these to the gym, I think it would most probably be a health and safety issue when it comes to running on the treadmill in front of the mirror!

When it comes to choice though, I think the hot dog has my heart...

source topshop.com

PUCKER UP

Stamp your other halves cheeks with a neon kiss. Another one of my favourite trends for S/S '11, although time must be taken to find the perfect shade for you, once found and matched with sleek hair and minimal make-up (think more classy colour-pop than confused colored Keisha) a match made in neon heaven.

 

LEOPARD...AND THE LIKE

There is something inside of me, very deep but very strong, that is weak for leopard print. Thankfully it is still going to be very big this Spring/Summer (can I just take this chance to urge that to hurry up please) meaning there are lots of variations to choose from. Whether its in Topshop Boutique's influenced silk shorts or Stella McCartney's beautifully executed dress or even Diane Von Furstenberg's fuchsia print swimsuit, with simple accessories anyone can carry off this classic print.

  

        

Personally I'm purchasing Zara's fiercely fabulous ankle boots. I like my leopards lively!

photos from various sources