22/02/2012

Fashion: Zara S/S 12

As the Autumn/ Winter 12 collections hit the runways this month, the high-street's S/S collections begin to hit the rails. 
After having some time to kill last weekend while waiting for a friend, I headed to Zara on Oxford Circus.
I don't generally shop in Zara as there isn't one near me but that's probably a good thing as I could of spent a small fortune.




Whether your after a 20's style dress, a floral print shirt or pastel accessory, Zara and TRF S/S 12 collection encapsulates the most coveted looks from the runway at a fraction of the price.






I think it's probably best for my bank balance to not shop at Zara at the moment but come pay day I may have no control over my actions :)

20/02/2012

Pancake Day recipes

Tomorrow is Pancake Day!

Traditionally, it was the last chance for people to feast on all the fatty ingredients restricted to them during Lent. And, whether or not you're give anything up during Lent (i'm going to try and give up chocolate, try, being the optimal word) let’s not take that day away from the pancakes. They are delicious and should be celebrated.


Whether you prefer a traditional sweet crepe with lemon and sugar, savoury or even an American style pancake, tomorrow is the day to go to town on your favourite style pancake. And if you want to try something new this yea why not try one of my favourites.




This recipe is truly amazing. Simple, french style crepe with salt-butter caramel. MMmmm. No explanation needed.


For an American style pancake why not incorporate a favourite cake of mine and make Red Velvet Pancakes via IamBaker

And for those of you who haven't got a sweet tooth, why not try a Mushroom crepe cake.


What every style you choose, have pancake-alicious day. 








19/02/2012

The Bafta's 2012

Last week was the start of the awards season in the UK starting with the Bafta awards. Now i'll admit I rarely tune in to watch and find out who wins but I do love a good dress and you can't beat the Bafta's or Oscars for stand out evening gowns.
My Favourite dress has to Miss Piggys, who wore a 50s-inspired, custom made Louis Vuitton gown. 




Now I never thought I'd say i'd be jealous of a pig but you can't knock Miss Piggy. With The Muppets film released recently, she has been the star of choice for leading magazine publications.
With one of the songs from the movie nominated for an Oscar, I wonder whether she'll make an appearance at the awards next Sunday, in another custom made gown? 
Until then i'll leave you with a glimpse of some of the other well-dressed ladies at the Bafta's.



Tilda Swinton - Celine
Penelope Cruz - Giorgio Armani Prive
Shailene Woodley - Dolce & Gabbana
Michelle Williams - H&M
Ferne Cotton - Moschino
Noemie Harris - Pucci 

09/02/2012

I saw this picture recently and really wanted to try a reverse cuticle manicure.


As it snowed this weekend, meaning I didn't go out Saturday night I decided to give it a try. I chose to use two shades I got recently from the Daphne Guinness range for Mac. Hyperion- which is like a frosty blue/grey shade and Blueblood- a deep plum/purple.


I first tried using cuticle strips to help create a smooth line around the cuticle but they didn't curve enough and kept ruining the nail polish base.

(excuse my horrendous chapped cuticles)

In the end I went free hand style and though not perfect I quite like the effect and the colours together.  With a bit more practice I think I could make it look a bit neater and would look great with any nail colour combo.

06/02/2012

Food: Macaroons

While in Paris, I felt like I was constantly drooling over the amazing pastries and cakes (the french certainly know how to bake). The one thing I didn't get to try were macaroons. They were everywhere and yet we never got a chance to stop and buy some. The most famous stop for amazing macaroons are ones from LadurĂ©e. Though they are crazy expensive for such little things, the packaging and detail are enough to make you want to buy them alone.



If you don't know what a macaroon is, it's basically a light, baked meringue-style biscuit with a thin flavoured filling.
I found this recipe online and was surprised to find that you don't actually need that many ingredients.
The next occasion that arises for some baked goods I am going to definitely try making macaroons. They are so elegant and cute, perfect for a homemade present.


05/02/2012

S/S 12 Sherbet favourites

After the brief flirtation with snow we had today, it feels like were digressing back to winter rather than Spring/Summer. But a bit of snow doesn't stop the high-street from stocking Summer staples so following on from my Spring obsession with Pastel shades,  I've rounded up my sherbet favourites from the high-street. 








  1. peach dress £65, Jones&Jones
  2. Lilac denim shorts £14.99, New Look
  3. Drape front longsleeve top £36, Topshop
  4. Light yellow lace belted skater dress £35, River Island
  5. BITTEN Suede Platform Heeled Sandals with T-Bar £75, ASOS
  6. PISA Platform Chunky Suede Sling Back Shoes £75, ASOS
  7. Pastel Metal Keeper Super Skinny Belt £6, ASOS
  8. Lemon snake twist lock bag £25, Topshop






03/02/2012

Friday Photo: Paris

Before I went away I was really looking forward to going to Paris as I thought it would be a great photo oppertunity. However the weather was shockingly cold (so much so I could not feel my hands or feet the whole trip) and really gloomy.
So I literally took next to nothing photo wise. But I really enjoyed visiting the Louvre (though I would definitely recommend visiting the museum over two days as there is so much to see it was overwhelming). 
I would love to go back in the Summer when the whether is better and take loads of pics of the parisian restaurants and art deco architecture, speak french (after learning the language first) and pretend i'm back in the 1920's :). Au Revoir.