10.30.2013

Style File: Harry


I haven't done a style file for ages now. I admire Scott Schuman from The Sartorialist because asking someone to pose for a picture and look natural is a harder than you think. I think that is why most of his subjects are often models or people in fashion who are customary posers. Harry, my brother, is not a customary poser, however he does know that when I say can I take pictures of you to put on my blog he obliges. 

I have done a style file on Harry before. It's funny to look back at my previous style files of Harry as he has grown up and changed quite a bit in the last year- the main difference being his hair. Anyway, here is Harry.

Harry wears:
Skinny Jeans: Topshop
T-Shirt: Friends
Denim Jacket: Urban Outfitters
Beanie: Vintage Shop
Socks: Jack Wills
Shoes: Adidas



Thanks Harry. X

10.23.2013

Shoe Candy

Here is a bit of Shoe Candy for you... aren't they divine? 


I found these in Harrods. My fish memory cannot remember who they are by, so massive apologies for that.  Even though I don't know who they are by, isn't it great to know they exist......? Ummm....

10.20.2013

Recipe: Flax Seed Porridge topped with Blueberries


When I go home home (i.e. my parents house) on the weekends, flax seed/ chia seed porridge is my go-to favourite breakfast. The reason I generally wait to get home and have this beauty is because I now associate it with reading The Sunday Times Style magazine, but also unfortunately it is not something that can be made quickly and easily in the office.

Making this dish is easy and quick when you have prepared your flax the night before. I suggest leaving your flax overnight so it is ready to go in the morning, but if you forget to do this or jut feel like this dish spontaneously, soak your flax seeds for at least 10 mins. Why? Well flax, like chia seeds, when soaked, swells up and creates a gel like consistency. This gel is what gives the porridge a yummy thick texture, helps keep us fuller for longer, and helps move food through our digestive system.

N e e d:
3 tablespoons of ground flax.
2 tablespoons of oatbran
enough water to generously cover this
almond milk (sweetened or unsweetened)
1 egg white

S u g g e s t e d   T o p p i n g s: 
Peanut butter
Seasonal fruit (I used blueberries)
Seeds 
Bee Pollen
Cacao Nibs
Dried Fruit
Coconut Flakes
Honey


D o:
1) Soak your flax and oat bran overnight/ for a period in the morning to create your flax gel.

2) In the morning add your egg white and a splash of almond milk. Whisk until all mixed.

3) Put all ingredients in a non stick saucepan, on a low heat cook the porridge until it is warm all the way through and all the egg white has cooked.

4) Place your porridge in a bowl to serve. Top with your choice of toppings and enjoy. 

H e a l t h   B e n e f i t s   of   F l a x:
Flaxseeds are a a great source of fiber and work as a natural laxative. They are a great way to keep things regular.

Flaxseed oil contains concentrated amounts of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fat. Vegetarians and vegans often use this as a substitute for fish oil.

Ground flaxseed has been shown to work just as well as statins in lowering cholesterol.

Flaxseeds are a good source of magnesium.

Flaxseeds contain high levels of lignans. Lignans may protect against estrogen-dependents cancers such as breast cancer.

An ounce of ground flaxseed per day was shown to regulate estrogen levels in post-menopausal women.

Flaxseeds have been shown to protect post-menopausal women from heart disease.

Flaxseed decreases insulin resistance and may protect against diabetes.

Soaking your nuts, seeds beans and grains prior to consumption will also enhance your nutrient consumption due to the soaking process removing the majority of the phytic acid. This acid can prevent us from absorbing a lot of the nutrients as it is very difficult for our bodies to digest. In particular, if you are a vegan or vegetarian, soaking your nuts, seeds, beans and grains is advised. Read more here. 

Have a good Sunday everyone. X

10.13.2013

Isabel Marant for H and M


For those avid fashion followers, this blog post may be 'soooo two weeks ago' but I have been busy and I still want to celebrate this collaboration. 

So, Isabel Marant: the French queen of Boho-cool; the woman who dresses the Vicky Secret models and made high heeled trainers actually quite cool. Now we all get to have a slice of that parisienne style! Be prepared to see lots of print (printed jeans, jumpers, dresses, etc) bead work, and leather. This collection has embodied all of the key Marant top sellers.


Compared to Maison Martin Margiela's collection with H and M this time last year, I feel like this collection is going to be a lot more successful. Marant is known to design her clothes based on what she wants to wear everyday. It is why her clothes are so covetable: they are a funky twist on easy to wear clothes. 


What I do fear about this collection however is the quality of the fabrics. Until we actually see and touch the fabrics, we are not going to know. As we all know, a really tacky synthetic fibre is not going to hang as nicely as we would like over the ill-fitted PVC 'leather' trousers. Fingers crossed H and M have invested a little more here. 




Here are some of the key pieces I will be lusting after when these hit the shops. 






These look so cosy.
Here are some of the pieces which I think Isabel left to her assistant to design and I think are terrible.
I could be wrong, but I think the neckline isn't going to flatter anyone. 

If I were to dress up as Arial (Disney princess mermaid) for Halloween...

Cool in theory, but on anyone over a six 6 these are going to look awful. 

Let me just grab my gun and cowboy boots. 

Really? The zip just offends me further...

Check out the full collection here via Vogue.com

10.06.2013

Bare Faced Beauty


I don't know if you have noticed but recently there has been a lot of press about wearing no make up. I believe this whole craze was kicked off by Sarah Jessica Parker (claiming she was) wearing no foundation to the Met Gala Ball earlirt this year. Whether the Carrie Bradshaw star started this trend or not, it has taken off. Loreal have launched their own no make up campaign with Cheryl Cole, Gwyneth Paltrow later turned up to an awards ceremony without make up, and Spring Summer catwalk beauty championed face-sin-slap.


Here are some faces of S/S 2014.


I love this trend as it is easy and care free. To look like you are not wearing any make up- sometimes you do need to wear a bit just to make yourself look appropriate. Focus on a tinted moisturiser (I like Laura Mercier), a good subtly blush (I use Liz Earl blossom), and concealer to hid those dark circles you have acquired (I use Boots No.7) and hey presto- this look is all yours.


NB: This look always looks better when you are healthy- the healthier, the less help you need with make up and the better you will look. Do not attempt this look if you have had a heavy night out- one generally looks better with a lick of mascara to bring out your alcohol swollen eyes (from my experience anyway). 

(I think this model may have had a larger than normal dose of photoshop...)