Fragile Authority

Be my inspiration...

Spent the whole day on the sewing machine today, with Lana Del Rey booming through the speakers. Love her album so much!

One for the money, and two for the show
I love you honey, I'm ready, I'm ready to go
How did you get that way? I don't know
You're screwed up and brilliant,
Look like a million dollar man,
So why is my heart broke?

(Million Dollar Man.)

Get me out of my work clothes and into the sun...

Lately i've been going crazy just wearing the same work clothes... so when i go out for an occasional drink it's time to have fun. I seemed to be heading back to the 70s with this outfit, palazzo trousers and denim waist coat; whilst having print fun with the green flowered trousers and my tapestry bag! 

Be my inspiration...

a little bit of pattern clash, Dolce and Gabbana and of course Ossie Clark

Hey there! It's been a while!

So i've been awful with blog posts! Just so crazily busy. Working full-time makes the evenings for comfort, dare I say it! Nevertheless, i've managed to do lots of reading; the most recent LOVE magazine is packed with articles and campaigns to awe over. I've fallen madly in love with Dolce and Gabbana's A/W 2012 collection, i just wish i'd designed it. Oh the tapestries and gold. Beautiful. 
I also seem to have gone baking mad. Literally mad. Alongside my almost daily bread making, i seem to have been baking cakes, quiches and souffles! And i'm proud to say they rose! 
Putting this to use I have begun a recipe book, this way whenever I bake I can pretend there is more purpose than just eating!;)
My two most recent buys... this carpet/tapestry bag given to me and my tartan socks. So keen to start buying the autumn fashions! 
I hope to be busy posting very soon, so for now... see ya later! 

Paris When it Sizzles

PARIS, there is so much to love about this city. For me, it was always where I wanted to go. Whether it be because of my obsession with Audrey Hepburn's movies set in Paris, Amelie , the fact that it is the haute couture of haute couture, the fact that the language is captivating, or the simplicity of sitting in a parisian cafe drinking coffee with a croissant. Nevertheless, this desperate need to visit paris led me and my sister here for her 21st. 

I want to fly away

I love playing around with fabric on a mannequin. This cape is a result of pinning and draping the fabric. I had styled the outfit without the cape originally, having only finished making it this afternoon. However, once I tried it on, it seemed to fit perfectly. It would be cool paired with some leather trousers or a bralet too.. to show off the shoulders. This outfit seems to have a 'quirky school teacher' edge to it, along with a bit of japanese fashion inspiration. 

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 Pictures are from various Yohji Yamamoto collections.

Lace and Pearls

I love the knee high trend that accelerated a few years ago, especially knee high stockings with the lace garters. I have impressioned this trend using two pieces of lace above the knee. With the craze for pearls in Balmain's a/w 2012 collection, I wanted to add some to this outfit to contradict the harsh tone created by the docos. 

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The return of the pre-raphaelitle

I have lately gained a little obsession with plaits/braids in my hair. Whether it be a simple random plait or a serious up-do. The hair in "Snow White and the Huntsman" drove this little obsession wild. It is incredible! 

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Elegant clumsiness

With the weather taking a bad turn, it is time to get out the good ol' jeans. I am a bit of a levis addict! Paired with some DM's, levis 501 jeans and a crop top (made by myself) are perfect for a festival. Having just been to Cornbury festival, the trend of flower garlands was everywhere. They are great to tone down a heavy autumnal outfit, making it more summery. 

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Lily's Lemon Cake

I have a passion for baking... a passion that encourages me to find a reason for cakes... no matter what it is. If it's not a special occasion... i'll make it one. Whether it's a cloudy day demanding for a fresh loaf of bread or a sunny day requesting a cream tea; you'll find me baking. Similarly, it is the perfect therapy; having fun with your sisters (if you can persuade them to join in... in my case hardly ever) and then afterwards, indulging yourself into the mouthwatering cake, with a perfectly brewed cup of tea. Yet this cake had an occasion, my sister lily's 16th birthday.  It is the perfect lemon drizzle; just the right amount of lemon. Normally baked in a loaf tin. This is taken directly from the hummingbird bakery; I highly recommend you get a copy!

loaf

320g caster sugar

3 eggs

zest of 2 lemons

350g plain flour

1 and 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

250 ml milk

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

200g butter (melted)

syrup

freshly squeezed juice and zest of 1 lemon

50g caster sugar

Method

• Preheat oven to (170c) (gas3) (325F)
• Whisk put sugar, eggs and lemon zest.
• In a separate bowl sift the flour and baking powder.
• Combine the milk and vanilla extract in a separate bowl.
• add 1/3 of flour mix to sugar mix and beat. 
• add 1/3 of milk mix to sugar mix and beat
• Repeat twice.
• turn whisk up until full combined and light. 
• Add in the melted butter and whisk until fully combined.
• pour into a loaf tin and bake for 1 hr 15 ( mine is done in a normal cake tin and took less time... depending on your oven)

Whilst cooking... put the lemon juice and zest for syrup in a saucepan and add 100ml water... boil until it is thin syrup. 

Drizzle over the hot cake. Leave to cool on a rack.

ENJOY! 

I AM! 

Will you still love me tomorrow

Be my inspiration...

Tonight you're mine completely

You give your love so sweetly

Tonight the light of love is in your eyes

Will you love me tomorrow?

Is this a lasting treasure

Or just a moment's pleasure?

Can I believe the magic of your sighs?

Will you still love me tomorrow?

Tonight with words unspoken

And you say that I'm the only one, 

But will my heart be broken

When the night meets the morning star?

I'd like to know that your love

Is love I can be sure of

So tell me now, cause I won't ask again

Will you still love me tomorrow?

Will you still love me tomorrow?

10 things i hate about you...

 Be my inspiration...

 

Just a little adjustment

With an extra long summer ahead, I was given a bunch of very extremely-dated prom dresses, to dismantle and play around with. Unfortunately, I was too eager to cut the puffy-sleeved lilac dress so the before image isn't very clear...

Before adjustments 

Before adjustments

Gimme a smile

 

 These are a few photos for a portfolio shoot I styled and photographed for a friend. I loved styling someone other than myself, as well as the challenge of menswear.

Sporty Chic