Saturday 30 June 2012

Elephant Review - Brixton Market





I’m officially obsessed with Brixton Village and I am desperately trying to eat my way around the Granville Arcade. So far I’ve managed Mama Lan’s, Kaosarn and more recently Elephant (Unit 55).











Brixton Village is one of the most exciting foodie things going on in London at the moment. I love the makeshift feel to it, and the way that it is rejuvenating a once tired and dowdy arcade without losing its essence. However, its biggest selling points are the quality and variety of food on offer (from Japanese to Colombian), the affordability (especially when you factor the much-loved BYO status of most restaurants here) and the warm atmosphere.


















It is open late on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and is filled with young professionals and locals alike enjoying delicious food whilst sat together on improvised benches, and drinking wine from plastic cups. There is also live music being played outside French & Grace on the late openings making for a great night out or at least the perfect start to one.









If you’re looking to visit then Elephant is a great restaurant to sample. It’s a tiny Pakistani street-food café serving fresh, vibrant, turmeric-coloured chicken curries for a bargain £6 a plate, served with rich dahl, buttered breads and a dollop of raita. The lamb samosas are worth a visit in their own right!













The concise
home-style menu doesn’t disappoint and offers samosas, curries and thalis
served on a segmented stainless steel plate, in the traditional fashion. All of
the produce comes from the market itself making it a fantastic venture of
sustainability as well as culinary genius. A must-visit. 

Elephant Review - Brixton Market

I’m officially obsessed with Brixton Village and I am desperately trying to eat my way around the Granville Arcade. So far I’ve managed Mama Lan’s, Kaosarn and more recently Elephant (Unit 55).

Brixton Village is one of the most exciting foodie things going on in London at the moment. I love the makeshift feel to it, and the way that it is rejuvenating a once tired and dowdy arcade without losing its essence. However, its biggest selling points are the quality and variety of food on offer (from Japanese to Colombian), the affordability (especially when you factor the much-loved BYO status of most restaurants here) and the warm atmosphere.


It is open late on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and is filled with young professionals and locals alike enjoying delicious food whilst sat together on improvised benches, and drinking wine from plastic cups. There is also live music being played outside French & Grace on the late openings making for a great night out or at least the perfect start to one.

If you’re looking to visit then Elephant is a great restaurant to sample. It’s a tiny Pakistani street-food café serving fresh, vibrant, turmeric-coloured chicken curries for a bargain £6 a plate, served with rich dahl, buttered breads and a dollop of raita. The lamb samosas are worth a visit in their own right!


The concise home-style menu doesn’t disappoint and offers samosas, curries and thalis served on a segmented stainless steel plate, in the traditional fashion. All of the produce comes from the market itself making it a fantastic venture of sustainability as well as culinary genius. A must-visit. 

Thursday 28 June 2012

Sam Edelman Sandals







I have finally taken the plunge and bought these Sam Edelman Trina Sandals that I have been eyeing up for weeks. I can't tell you how many times that I have visited various websites to deliberate my purchase and they're even better in the flesh. I first caught sight of these on the My Wardrobe 'new arrivals' newsletter several months ago and took note of them due to their minimal design, neutral colour (they really do go with everything) and the gold block heel. Now I'm just hoping that today's sunshine will stay so that I can get some use of them this summer!

Sam Edelman Sandals


I have finally taken the plunge and bought these Sam Edelman Trina Sandals that I have been eyeing up for weeks. I can't tell you how many times that I have visited various websites to deliberate my purchase and they're even better in the flesh. I first caught sight of these on the My Wardrobe 'new arrivals' newsletter several months ago and took note of them due to their minimal design, neutral colour (they really do go with everything) and the gold block heel. Now I'm just hoping that today's sunshine will stay so that I can get some use of them this summer!

Monday 25 June 2012

Whistles A/W 2012







I know that it's only June, so I shouldn't even be contemplating autumn/winter clothing yet. However, with the weather as it is, perhaps autumn/winter clothing will appear in no time. 


So, it was well-timed that just I was beginning to wonder how I would piece together another outfit for the driving rain, this Whistles A/W look book appeared in my inbox.










Since Jane Shepherdson joined the brand in 2008 things have been looking up, particularly in the past two years. The high-street shop is now a go-to destination for timeless and minimal designs which make for easy-to-wear outfits. I just wish I could shop there more often, particularly if this A/W collection has anything to do with it! 








Whistles A/W 2012


I know that it's only June, so I shouldn't even be contemplating autumn/winter clothing yet. However, with the weather as it is, perhaps autumn/winter clothing will appear in no time. 
So, it was well-timed that just I was beginning to wonder how I would piece together another outfit for the driving rain, this Whistles A/W look book appeared in my inbox.


Since Jane Shepherdson joined the brand in 2008 things have been looking up, particularly in the past two years. The high-street shop is now a go-to destination for timeless and minimal designs which make for easy-to-wear outfits. I just wish I could shop there more often, particularly if this A/W collection has anything to do with it! 


Sunday 24 June 2012

Mulberry A/W 12 - A Forest Fairytale



Mulberry have launched their latest Autumn Winter 2012 campaign story entitled 'A Forest Fairytale', featuring model-of-the-moment Lindsay Wixen. The campaign was inspired by 'mysterious expeditions, explorers and dark fairytales' and the result is captivating. The collection, styling and photography are all fantastic. Under the watchful eye of Creative Director Emma Hill, Mulberry continue to go from strength to strength. 






Mulberry A/W 12 - A Forest Fairytale



Mulberry have launched their latest Autumn Winter 2012 campaign story entitled 'A Forest Fairytale', featuring model-of-the-moment Lindsay Wixen. The campaign was inspired by 'mysterious expeditions, explorers and dark fairytales' and the result is captivating. The collection, styling and photography are all fantastic. Under the watchful eye of Creative Director Emma Hill, Mulberry continue to go from strength to strength. 






Tuesday 19 June 2012

Dr Jart, BB Cream







As Korea is the homeland of the BB Cream, I was very excited to hear about the launch of the Dr Jart BB Creams to the UK earlier this month. Dr Jart is a great place to start for BB Creams, especially the Water Fuse BB Cream which is a light cream that once rubbed in to the skin releases droplets of water. It’s perfect for the summer, particularly for those, like me, who like a light coverage.











I’ve been using
the product for two weeks now and I can already see a noticeable difference. I
find that it works best when used alongside a good quality moisturiser cream as
it easier to blend. The Water Fuse BB Cream leaves a lovely dewy finish, giving
a noticeable healthy glow. I love that all of the Dr Jart’s BB Creams have a
high SPF built-in, skin regeneration properties, and also contains soothing
ingredients which have healing benefits for skin.





This product has
definitely proved itself and will stay in my make-up bag permanently. The
lightweight pigment, smooth coverage and dewy finish make this product a
must-have for my skin. 




Dr Jart, BB Cream



As Korea is the homeland of the BB Cream, I was very excited to hear about the launch of the Dr Jart BB Creams to the UK earlier this month. Dr Jart is a great place to start for BB Creams, especially the Water Fuse BB Cream which is a light cream that once rubbed in to the skin releases droplets of water. It’s perfect for the summer, particularly for those, like me, who like a light coverage.


I’ve been using the product for two weeks now and I can already see a noticeable difference. I find that it works best when used alongside a good quality moisturiser cream as it easier to blend. The Water Fuse BB Cream leaves a lovely dewy finish, giving a noticeable healthy glow. I love that all of the Dr Jart’s BB Creams have a high SPF built-in, skin regeneration properties, and also contains soothing ingredients which have healing benefits for skin.

This product has definitely proved itself and will stay in my make-up bag permanently. The lightweight pigment, smooth coverage and dewy finish make this product a must-have for my skin. 


Friday 15 June 2012

The Great Gatsby Trailer




The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald is one of my favourite books and I tend to read it at least once a year. I have a real obsession with the roaring twenties and this book epitomises everything about the era, from the decadence to the xx.





I am super excited for the Baz Luhrman adaption of the book at the end of this year and am eager to see how it will compare to the 1974 version with my beloved Robert Redford. I have literally just viewed the trailer and it looks amazing, so much better than I anticipated. The music, the costumes and the drama are all there. I can't wait to see it in full!

The Great Gatsby Trailer



The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald is one of my favourite books and I tend to read it at least once a year. I have a real obsession with the roaring twenties and this book epitomises everything about the era, from the decadence to the xx.

I am super excited for the Baz Luhrman adaption of the book at the end of this year and am eager to see how it will compare to the 1974 version with my beloved Robert Redford. I have literally just viewed the trailer and it looks amazing, so much better than I anticipated. The music, the costumes and the drama are all there. I can't wait to see it in full!

Wednesday 13 June 2012

Top 5 Things I Wish I Had Kept Up With













  1. Yoga - I promised myself that I would kick off the summer (albeit a very wet and windy one) by waking up 10 minutes earlier each morning to do yoga. So far, so bad...

  2. The Killing Series 2 - I started with good intentions but got distracted by The Bridge, Homeland and now Sebastian Bergman. 

  3. Euro 2012 Scores - Even though I've got a whooping £1 riding on Sweden (result of a sweepstake, although I would patriotically forsake my £1 for my country on Friday night) to win the European Championships, I'm failing to keep up with the nightly matches.

  4. Orange Prize for Fiction - I pride myself on being a culture vulture and have let myself down here. Who was nominated? Who won? Who knows?

  5. The Leveson Inquiry - I know, I know, I'm the shame of the blogosphere. Does reading 140 character updates every couple of days/weeks count?



    Top 5 Things I Wish I Had Kept Up With




    1. Yoga - I promised myself that I would kick off the summer (albeit a very wet and windy one) by waking up 10 minutes earlier each morning to do yoga. So far, so bad...
    2. The Killing Series 2 - I started with good intentions but got distracted by The Bridge, Homeland and now Sebastian Bergman. 
    3. Euro 2012 Scores - Even though I've got a whooping £1 riding on Sweden (result of a sweepstake, although I would patriotically forsake my £1 for my country on Friday night) to win the European Championships, I'm failing to keep up with the nightly matches.
    4. Orange Prize for Fiction - I pride myself on being a culture vulture and have let myself down here. Who was nominated? Who won? Who knows?
    5. The Leveson Inquiry - I know, I know, I'm the shame of the blogosphere. Does reading 140 character updates every couple of days/weeks count?

      Tuesday 12 June 2012

      Jubilee Decorations







      Presenting you with my favourite Jubilee display (and believe me I've seen more than enough over the past few weeks)! This comes courtesy of the architects office in my parents Oxfordshire town and illustrates Queenie and the Jubilee spirit beautifully.

      Jubilee Decorations


      Presenting you with my favourite Jubilee display (and believe me I've seen more than enough over the past few weeks)! This comes courtesy of the architects office in my parents Oxfordshire town and illustrates Queenie and the Jubilee spirit beautifully.

      Friday 8 June 2012

      Louis Vuitton Window Display







      Every time I visit Milan I like to visit Louis Vuitton in Vittorio Emanuele II to see their latest window display. This window is in prime shopping location and will be one of the most viewed in Milan. 





      Louise Vuitton manage to keep each display minimalist yet eye-catching, and have achieved another beautiful stylistic result this season. I love the way that the classic white shirts are hung in a 'V' shape above a monogram suitcase that is synonymous with the brand's design. Bellissimo!





      Take a look at the window display from Louis Vuitton A/W 2011.

      Louis Vuitton Window Display


      Every time I visit Milan I like to visit Louis Vuitton in Vittorio Emanuele II to see their latest window display. This window is in prime shopping location and will be one of the most viewed in Milan. 

      Louise Vuitton manage to keep each display minimalist yet eye-catching, and have achieved another beautiful stylistic result this season. I love the way that the classic white shirts are hung in a 'V' shape above a monogram suitcase that is synonymous with the brand's design. Bellissimo!

      Take a look at the window display from Louis Vuitton A/W 2011.

      Tuesday 5 June 2012

      Milan - Villa Necchi Campiglio


      I am just getting ready to leave for the airport to catch my flight to Milan. (Passport, check. Over-sized sunglasses check. Vertiginous heel, check. It is Milano after all…). I’m going to spend a few days in the industrial capital of Italy to visit family and have a few days to relax, shop and eat. In typical Italian form, my grandfather planned the menu for today’s meals weeks ago. He is probably prepping everything in his kitchen as I write this. Bring on the antipasti!










      One thing that I’m really looking forward to (other than pizza, pasta and pasticcini, of course) is visiting Villa Necchi Campiglio. This is the house that features in the film ‘I Am Love’ (Io Sono L’Amore) with Tilda Swinton.










      Immortalised by Luca Guadagnino’s film, the historical Villa Necchi Campiglio is hidden away in a discreet neighbourhood – coincidentally just around the corner from where my mother went to school.










      It’s beautiful house built from 1932-1935 by architect Piero Portaluppi, and is the star of the film. The villa is largely in tact, with rich walnut parquet, high ceilings, Art Deco details and stylised gardens.










      If you haven’t watched ‘I Am Love’ yet, I’d highly recommend it! The film tells the story of the wealthy Recchi family whose lives are undergoing huge changes. The story documents the changes in each family member’s lives and finally ends with a crescendo after Swinton’s love affair with her son’s friend is discovered.

      Milan - Villa Necchi Campiglio

      I am just getting ready to leave for the airport to catch my flight to Milan. (Passport, check. Over-sized sunglasses check. Vertiginous heel, check. It is Milano after all…). I’m going to spend a few days in the industrial capital of Italy to visit family and have a few days to relax, shop and eat. In typical Italian form, my grandfather planned the menu for today’s meals weeks ago. He is probably prepping everything in his kitchen as I write this. Bring on the antipasti!


      One thing that I’m really looking forward to (other than pizza, pasta and pasticcini, of course) is visiting Villa Necchi Campiglio. This is the house that features in the film ‘I Am Love’ (Io Sono L’Amore) with Tilda Swinton.


      Immortalised by Luca Guadagnino’s film, the historical Villa Necchi Campiglio is hidden away in a discreet neighbourhood – coincidentally just around the corner from where my mother went to school.


      It’s beautiful house built from 1932-1935 by architect Piero Portaluppi, and is the star of the film. The villa is largely in tact, with rich walnut parquet, high ceilings, Art Deco details and stylised gardens.


      If you haven’t watched ‘I Am Love’ yet, I’d highly recommend it! The film tells the story of the wealthy Recchi family whose lives are undergoing huge changes. The story documents the changes in each family member’s lives and finally ends with a crescendo after Swinton’s love affair with her son’s friend is discovered.

      Monday 4 June 2012

      Queen's Diamond Jubilee, Stoke Newington





      The rain didn't stop the residents of Stoke Newington from enjoying the Queen's Diamond Jubilee yesterday afternoon. Crowds took to a Union Jack clad Church Street to enjoy live music, cake stalls and impromptu bars. I spent an hour or so enjoying the festivities before being drawn to the shelter of Homa for lunch. Mmmm.














      Queen's Diamond Jubilee, Stoke Newington


      The rain didn't stop the residents of Stoke Newington from enjoying the Queen's Diamond Jubilee yesterday afternoon. Crowds took to a Union Jack clad Church Street to enjoy live music, cake stalls and impromptu bars. I spent an hour or so enjoying the festivities before being drawn to the shelter of Homa for lunch. Mmmm.






      Sunday 3 June 2012

      L.S. Lowry, Portrait of Ann



      'Portrait of Ann', 1957. 


      This portrait by L.S. Lowry is one of my current favourites.
      Throughout Lowry's career he produced stylised portraits of an eternally young girl called 'Ann' (there is still much debate as to who exactly Ann was). The portrait is a departure from the traditional 'Lowry' style and is completely timeless. I love the simplicity of the portrait, it's so striking! 





      L.S. Lowry, Portrait of Ann


      'Portrait of Ann', 1957. 


      This portrait by L.S. Lowry is one of my current favourites.
      Throughout Lowry's career he produced stylised portraits of an eternally young girl called 'Ann' (there is still much debate as to who exactly Ann was). The portrait is a departure from the traditional 'Lowry' style and is completely timeless. I love the simplicity of the portrait, it's so striking!