Fashion: Temperley meets Lewis

Flicking through Elle this week I came across a rather beautiful new collaboration between fashion designer Alice Temperley and retail behemoth John Lewis. Its always nice to see designers like Temperley (owner of Temperley London) doing collaborations for high street shops at more affordable prices. Having said that the new collection dubbed 'Somerset' is still not the lowest prices on the average high street however, given quality and credentials this one is possibly worth the spend. 

The most attractive element of Temperley's design is its versatility. Her designs her floaty, flirty and pretty but are quite capable of being transferred to the city slick's wardrobe. As a customer in my early twenties I am in that half-way house between building my first work wardrobe and the old safe classics I have been wearing since I was either. Many of the Somerset pieces are an investment will last right through from twenties to thirties gliding effortlessly from post-adolescent to young professional. 

The campaign:

Contrast Trim Silk Dress, £160

Pretty Accessories: Click Below :)

Building your teleporter/time machine/library

I've always like the idea of an actual teleporter/transporter like the kind you get in Star Trek where Captain Kirk commands Montgomery Scott in his most famous phrase to 'beam me up Scotty'. That my friends was probably the most nerdy thing I have ever said on the internet but these things should not surprise you, not really. An obsession for books, law and paper can only point to a slightly 'nerdy' side in any one. 

Because I am useless at physics, because I will never make it into star fleet and because I do not currently have the freedom to jet-set I have been building the next best thing; a personal library. And given that I have already ranted and raved about the importance and my love of books here and here the time can only be right to inspire your library building senses too. 

Here follows my list of advice and considerations for building your personalised library of dreams:

Menswear Advertising s/s 2013

Flicking through my favorite Men's magazine, GQ, this morning and I was drawn to a few designers' advertisements. Male models are often a little too polished and slim for me buuutt why don't more men dress like these guys?

Not that I'm saying its easy for men to look good but I am a strong believer that well fitted suit mixed with a pop of colour or some traditional accessories and any man can be well on his way to getting some serious attention. Even casual wear can be done simply if you know where to look.

Thomas Pink: My Winner

Might just have been the fox but I do love the pastels, checks and blazer

They both just look so hot, thus I could not refrain from adding this.

Hackett: The British Classic

A more casual Hackett. Though I'm undecided on the beige jacket.

Deep navy Blue, grey and white, lovely. 

Penfield: Casual and Bright

Deck chairs, sea and sand couldn't make for a better advertisement.

Yellow coat. 

Louis Vuitton:

Simple effective advertising.

xoxo

Inspiration from Yotam Ottolenghi

I find that when life throws you a curved ball its sometimes nice to take the opportunity to grasp an entirely new activity. This year I have learnt to knit though - as I only tend to knit when I'm watching films/tv and I barely do that - my first 'project' is taking forever. I am now keen to being something new again.

Now as I am sure you are entirely aware (as I am often raving about it) I currently work in a bookshop. One of the wonderful things about this is as well as fuelling my almost unhealthy love for fiction (with the occasional dip into psychology and philosophy non-fiction titles) a bookshop is the most suitable setting for discovering a new 'hobby'. Over Christmas we had a huge amount of customers buying cookery books. Nigel Slater's Kitchen Diaries II was a winner, as well as the more commercialised Jamie Oliver's 15 Minute Meals and we also sell a range of books on Indian and Italian food. There is a growing trend, however, among those who love to cook to reach out of the realms of timeless classics and explore new food cultures. 'Scandilious' by Signe Johansen has delighted cooks influenced by the current Scandinavian fascination, Phaidon's new book on Lebanese food has also generated a lot of interest, and finally the Ottolenghi series of cookery books which delve into middle eastern and more specifically Israeli food has also got a lot of attention.

And here we have my soon to be new hobby! Once I have secured ingredients and a copy of their latest book mind you... I am going to learn to cook with pulces, butternut quash, aubergines, harissa and avocados. I will experiment with new flavours and textures.. my poor flatmate has not a clue what is coming her way. For those of you who are curious, you may already know of Ottolenghi through their restaurants and delis in London or their programme on Channel 4. They have subsequently produced three cookery books; 'Ottolengi', 'Plenty' and 'Jerusalem' and frequently posts recipes on their blog or through the Guardian.

Warm Roast Chicken and Bread Salad with Pink Grapefruit and Sumac

Baked Meatballs with Burnt Aubergine plus Lentil, Bulgur and Aubergine Pilaf

Forget this 'new year, new you' business.. we're in March now anyway. Whether you're currently in your happy place or feeling a little disheartened I urge you to take up something entirely random and new. Its refreshing, exciting and there are no excuses for 'moping'. I shall report back on my successes/failures and we shall celebrate or chuckle together.

With love,

xoxo