Prints Charming

I've been quite ill recently and haven't been able to muster up the energy to write about anything.  So, it was going to take something pretty AH-MAY-ZING to get me out of my fug.  This is where Mary Katrantzou comes in.  I've been aware of her incredible print work for a while, but sadly haven't had the funds to invest.  Until now.

She has teamed up with high street fashion giant Topshop to bring us a fabulous collaboration full of charming intricate prints inspired by Qing Long Dynasty china (natch).

Being annoyingly ill when it launched  I missed out on my favourite piece (massive sigh), the whimsical structured mini dress below.  I have no idea how I would be able to sit down without squishing it, but also couldn't care less as it is just so god damn gorgeous.

If you, like me, NEED, WANT & MUST HAVE this collection waste no time and visit the website immediately:

http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CatalogNavigationSearchResultCmd?catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&langId=-1&viewAllFlag=false&categoryId=424007&interstitial=true&intcmpid=W_HERO_HP_UK_WK25_MARY_K_SEE_THE_COLLECTION

My Modelling Debut....

A few weeks ago the Online Editor where I work needed a favour.  A favour involving my picture being taken and those pictures being used on the company website (Dune).  I agreed, with a touch of trepidation I might add.  The feature is now up and I'm quite impressed with her handi-work.  She's been kind and worked her magic on the images making me look half decent....

    

You can see the full feature at http://www.dune.co.uk/top-of-the-shops-artltots/

Stack 'Em Up

Do you ever feel that sometimes you just aren’t that cool?  That you’re not as ‘down with the kids’ as you’d like to be?  Or maybe you’ve not quite got your finger on the creative pulse?

I do….and sometimes, just sometimes, I’d love to be the one coming up with exciting new ideas.  Perhaps I just need some more inspiration in my life?

Which is where Stack comes into play.

The basic premise is that you sign up and each month a ‘stack’ of independent magazines will be delivered to your door ‘offering an intelligent, alternative view of films, music, art’.  Their words, not mine, but I think they ring true nonetheless.

I'm not saying it will make you instantly hip, or cool, or whatever new word there is to describe such a person.  It might, however, make you blend in around Shoreditch way (if that’s your thing), or perhaps encourage people from afar to view you with more than just a little reverence.  Or, you might just see some pretty pictures which make you smile.  Ain’t nothing wrong with that.

http://www.stackmagazines.com/about/

Snow Time for Fun

The Boy and I went to leave the house last night to make our way to trendy Angel for a friend's birthday.  The usual routine of getting ready commenced and I'd picked out my outfit for that evening's festivities.  As I walked out of my front door I was confronted with a blanket of snow....not ideal for a thin jacket and high heels.  A plan was formed, whereby the jacket was replaced with a parka and the heels with my trusty Uggs.  The Boy thankfully agreed to carry my heels so I could change upon arrival at the bar.  Phew.

The next day the Boy and I decided that, what with all the snow, we'd have what we like to call a 'snuggalous day'.  PJs on, a cup of tea in hand and I tried to bake some cookies.  Not good.  They're so bad I can't even post a picture....they're more like flat cakes.  And I set the greaseproof paper on fire in the oven.  Give me savoury cooking any day.  After cookie-gate the Boy and I couldn't resist the temptation to get outside and play in the snow.  I'm pretty chuffed with the results!

How is everyone else enjoying their snow day?

Head Over Heels....

....for my latest purchase.

I first laid eyes on these beauts in Look magazine, who were waxing lyrical about some new high street fashion labels.  I never, repeat NEVER, buy something because I have seen it in a magazine.  I might think about doing so, but I just never get round to it.  I suppose I never wanted anything enough.

But these shoes, well.....they are something else entirely.  I simply had to have them.

They're from a little label called Daisy Street Shoes (yup, I'd never heard of them either) and when I was having problems ordering from the website a lovely man on the end of the phone was extremely helpful.

And did I mention the price?  No?  Oh sorry.  They were £38.  And when I say £38 I mean only 38 English pounds.  I promise I'm not lying.  I couldn't believe it myself.  Plus they were delivered quickly, arrived in perfect condition and are perfect, just perfect.  And no-one will mess with me because of the HUGE spikes on the heel!  Apologies for the gushing, I just love them so.

As I publish this I haven't actually worn them outside yet, but tonight might be their moment of glory....now to find something suitable to wear with them.  All suggestions welcome.

http://www.daisystreetshoes.co.uk/

Meatball Mania

I've been a bit slow on the uptake when it comes to the meatball phenomenon which has slowly been creeping it's way into the social sphere, but last night the Boy and I took the plunge and went to the appropriately 'does what it says on the tin' named restaurant Meatballs.

Located in the uber-fashionable Clerkenwell, it's well placed near a number of decent pubs and bars on the Farringdon Road.  After finishing up a glass of vino in The Eagle (apparently one of London's first ever gastro pub no less) we sauntered over the road to see what all the fuss is with this Meatballs shizzle.

We were seated at a wooden table with church style pews and offered complimentary bruschetta and tapenade (won't say no) whilst we ordered our drinks (Peroni for him and a Margarita pour moi - with a cocktail umbrella and everything!).  The menu isn't extensive, which is probably a good thing as otherwise we'd never have been able to choose.  The premise of the restaurant is to choose a selection of meatballs (surprise, surprise) and then choose what you want underneath.  We each  decided upon the chorizo and chicken 'Guest Balls' with aioli on a bed of spaghetti and tomato sauce (there's nothing like food envy to ruin a meal after all), with two extra meatballs on the side:  beef & ricotta and Greek lamb.  As well as some fries for quality control.   

And you know what?  The hype is completely founded.  These meatballs were goooood, really good and worth every ounce of fuss they have generated.  And not hugely expensive either.  For £38 we ate well, were full but not to bursting.  The interior is unfussy and perfect for ensuring the yummy balls of meat were the star of the show and the Boy and I left happy, well fed and looking forward to a future meatball feast.

My verdict?  Go.  Go now.

http://www.meatballs.co.uk/