Layer upon layer

What do you wear when you leave the house and its 5degrees outside?  While the weather might appear just refreshing and cool to some of my northern hemisphere readers... for me, it's tipping on freezing!

Remember when Garance mused on the effects of taking your blanket everywhere and wearing it as a cape (nice idea!)... but a little impractical behind the wheel of a car right?

Layers and layers, that's the only thing you can do.   So today I left the house with warm socks inside my suede booties, my black jeans tucked into my boots, a few layers of short sleeve tshirt, long sleeve top and long knit jumper, a collared cable knit wrap held together like a jacket with a thin belt and for the first time this year gloves!  And keeping all these textured layers tonal (grey, charcoal, black) makes all those different angles and silhouettes come together nicely.

But what about when you want to amp it up a little and play on colours, themes, textures?  Just like in this editorial for the May issue of Vogue Germany, keep the colours rich and vibrant, add majestic jewels and a bold lip and channel a little Kahlo/Boho/Folksy/Artsy/Gypsy swagger to your day.

(Okay, so maybe not ALL at once for a school drop off, right?)

How's the weather holding up in your part of the world?

Love this A.F. Vandervost shawl ... and those rings are amazing!

Loving this bib necklace and those bangles

Photos Giampaolo Sgura
More Images via Fashion Gone Rogue

Home Style, Warmth & Authenticity, Denmark

I was just admiring these photos of Danish photographer Franne Voight's home online, and after linking back to his website (here), it makes sense that such a delicate and precise (but not precious)  looking home should be in keeping with his aesthetic.

Yes, the walls are white, yes, the rooms are sparsely filled, but warmth and authenticity resides in the floorboards, the artwork and the furniture.  Just like Franne's editorial and portrait photography there is an ease and comfort in the lines and a sharp punch of colour and movement that jumps out at you.

There is a certain simplicity devoid of flourish and busy-ness that appeals to me... After all, simplicity is key isn't it?

Photos MagsMogensen

More images via Bo Bedre.dk

Getting back

I'm back... kinda like Christy Turlington.  Well, Christy is back to modelling and I'm just back from a little interstate getaway - but the sentiment is the same I guess.

And just like Christy glows in the image above taken by Dan Jackson for Harpers Bazaar US, softly tanned skin, cheeky knowing grin, hair mussed up just so and wearing something new from the latest Calvin Klein range - I like to think I mirror that image... well the mussed up hair and cheeky grin is all I can match today paired back with layers to keep out the cool and rain!   

It's all about the eyes... and those curves!

The look is refreshed, recharged, natural and city cool... and that's what I'd like to carry with me back from my trip.  (Read an interview with Christy here).

I've been in Sydney for the last week, basking in warm sunshine, enjoying delicious food and exploring the city.  And with t-shirt and jeans weather, I've even managed to get a bit of a sun-kissed glow to my complexion (speaking of which, it was the first time ever that I didn't over pack for a trip away!  That's amazing for me!).

From the typical ferry ride to Manly beach, to a day long trip to Taronga Zoo and a cable car ride to the top of the hill with amazing views back towards the city (man, that place is steep!), enjoying some delicious breakfasts in the mornings at local cafes, and shopping in the city, it was just great to get away from the stormy skies of Melbourne for a few days.

You just can't go past a ferry ride in Sydney... it's like going to Paris and not seeing the Eiffel tower - it's gotta be done no matter how many times you visit.

Sometimes it's fun to play tourist don't you think?

Yep, I'm feeling refreshed and recharged again.

The postcard photo... yes the sky was that blue over the Sydney Opera House

Obligatory Ferry ride

The view from Taronga Zoo looking back to the city

Sky Safari at Taronga Zoo - so much fun

Brekky... demolished corn fritters at Bills in Surry Hills (mmmmm)

Note to self... take better photos next time!

Home Style... Cool Elegance in Milan

A cool designer filled apartment in Milan today.  

Castiglioni, Flos, Dixon, Saarinen, Eames, van der Rohe  - iconic pieces placed throughout the home working together in synergy against a backdrop of neutral greys, stone and wood to give this home a really cool, sophisticated and elegant vibe. 

I love the black glossy kitchen cabinets and the set up in the corner under that angled ceiling - perfect for me, I'm not that tall!   And the rawness of that timber shelf below - adding a warmth and tactile element in this small apartment.  There's even a secluded balcony to enjoy your aperitivo in the evenings.

Nice.

 

Photography Giorgio Possenti

More images via Casa Vogue

Anyone for Dessert?

What a way to start lunch... a glass of Prosecco, a feast laden table of Herb Roasted Lamb and Vegetables, Baked Salmon, salad, silky smooth mash and plenty of laughter & converzatione!

My dessert had something to live up to... well I think it rose to the occasion!

Lemon Tart and a Choc Mocha Parfait topped with raspberries ... (the Chocolate Yoghurt puddings were still in the oven so there is no photographic evidence of those!).

Mmmmm... think not of calories, kilojoules or your new firm fitting dress... this is meant for indulgence and feeding the soul!  Makes me feel good just by looking at the picture!

nom nom nom

Are you interested in the recipe?... read on and then indulge at your own peril...

Lemon Tart (Tarte au Citron)

This is the real deal; an authentic French recipe that even impressed by cousin when she tasted it last year on her visit from France.

Shortcrust pastry -

250g flour

175g butter, cut in small knobs

20g unrefined caster sugar

1 egg

2 tsp water

Rub the flour and butter together until it resembles breadcrumbs.  Mix in the sugar.  Add the egg and water and with a knife, mix it in a cutting motion until dough comes together in a ball (you might need more water).

Put the dough on a floured surface and lightly knead for a minute until it comes to a smooth dough.  (Gently does it, you don't want to overwork it).  Wrap it in plastic wrap and put in the fridge to rest for 40minutes.

Lightly butter a 25cm push up bottom flan tin.  Roll out the pastry on a floured surface and line the tin. Trim the edges and place in fridge for further 20 minutes to rest.

Filling

2 eggs

100g unrefined sugar (caster)

150ml double cream

zest and juice of 2 lemons (to taste)

50g butter 

Heat the oven to 180c.

Put the eggs, sugar, double cream in a bowl.  Add juice and zest 1 lemon and whisk mixture.  Be sure to taste as you might add more zest according to your taste (I add juice 2 lemons but only zest of 1 lemon- depends on the lemon I guess!)  Melt butter and add to mixture.  Pour this into chilled pastry case.

Place in oven for 15mins and then reduce heat to 160c for a further 20 minutes or until filling as set.  (I like a little just golden touch on the top).   Leave to cool for 1 hour before serving with thick cream or icecream.... mmmmmm!

(From 'The French Kitchen' by Joanne Harris & Fran Warde)

Choc Mocha Parfait

This delicious silky smooth dessert is a great alternative to ice cream and so easy to make.

2 teaspoons instant coffee

1/3 cup (80ml) hot water

1/2 cup (50g) cocoa, sifted

400g can condensed milk

2 cups (500ml) milk

200g dark chocolate, chopped

1/2 cup (125ml) thickened cream

Dissolve the coffee and hot water in a small bowl.

Combine cocoa and condensed milk in a medium, heavy based saucepan on a medium heat, stirring as you add in milk and coffee mixture, bring to the boil (when it boils it will rise quickly so keep an eye on it).  Reduce heat and cook, stirring, over low heat for about 15 minutes or until mixture thickens.  Remove pan from heat.

Add the chocolate, stir until melted.  Stir in the cream, then cool mixture to room temperature.

Pour mixture into a baking paper lined loaf pan.  Cover and put in the freeze until  firm.  (I leave it for at least 24 hours).

Cut into slices.  Allow parfait to soften to room temp for about 15 minutes before serving with fresh raspberries or more cream... mmmmm.

(Recipe from a magazine tear out...)

I couldn't fit in any dinner after that delicious feast... though I managed to finished off my day with a cup of green tea and just a teeny tiny bit of parfait ... again!

Anyone for seconds??

(Next time I'll have to make more of those Chocolate Yoghurt Puddings and take a photo!):)

Versatile Natural Wool

This week, I'd like to celebrate wool - smooth felt, soft cashmere, fine merino, knubbly boucle, thick worsted, strong tweed and everything in between.   Let's celebrate 'Wool Week'; part of a global 'Campaign for Wool' initiated by HRH Prince Charles and launched in Australia in 2011 at Admiralty House, Sydney, which aims to educate the world about the natural benefits of wool.  More about the campaign here.  The roving campaign circles the globe and focuses on each countries' industry (artisans, farmers, designers, students) and it is our turn this week to celebrate with exhibitions (Wool Modern in Sydney), events and retail displays in major department stores.

Used by designers, tailors, seamstresses and upholsterers alike, Wool boasts a myriad of benefits including durability, easy care, uv protection, natural, renewable, fire retardant, breathable and biodegradable.  As a furnishing fabric, it's durability and fire retardant threshold make it a popular choice for natural furniture coverings (cushions, pillows, throws, blankets, sofas).   As a fashion fabric of choice, along with its natural structure allowing breathability, it's the durability and multi-climactic nature of the fibres that are sought after with it's diversity as the finished textile which covers many styles such as merino, mohair, cashmere, worsted woollens, felt, tweeds, boucle, suiting and cool wool.

From humble beginnings gaining popularity with Roman Emperors for its softness, to it's use on the battlefields during the Napoleonic Wars for its durability and warmth, (I was awestruck when I saw an authentic Napoleonic wool uniform 'still standing' 200 years later, during an exhibit at the Gallery last year) and onto it's establishment within Savile Row tailors and it's 'peacocking' on fashion catwalks nowadays - it's the versatility and adaptability which renders wool timeless.

I love how Vivienne Westwood describes her love of, and relationship with, wool from an early age here.

Balenciaga Coat / Photo Irving Penn  1950

Wool has certainly seen a shift in image from a heavy, sombre textile to something refined, sexy and elegant which is used by reknown fashion houses world-wide.  And we also see a major push for the use of Australian Merino Wool, with the naming of Narcisco Rodriguez as Ambassador for Merino wool in the No Finer Feeling global campaign - Narcisco calls it 'a noble and versatile fibre'.

Narcisco Rodriguez - Fall 2013

I loved this short video featuring Aussie designer Josh Goot in his studio as he and his team put together creations for a 'modern, urban woman', and talk about his inspiration and merino wool's drape and suppleness, strength and softness; Australian wool will always be sought after for this versatility and ease.

Josh Goot tailored jacket

And here, Collette Dinnigan, the only Australian Designer invited to show at Paris Fashion Week by the Chambre Syndicale, discusses her love affair with Australian Merino wool.  Partnering with The Woolmark Company, Collette showed her A/W 2013 collection in Paris earlier this year, showcasing the textile in stunning feminine cocktail dresses and stoles - marrying sensuality and practicality for your wardrobe.

Collette Dinnigan

And what better way to highlight the use of wool, than the recent International Woolmark Prize which was won by Belgian designer Christian Wijnant (following in the footsteps of previous winners Yves St Laurent and Karl Lagerfeld no less) and judged by notable designers Donatella Versace, Victoria Beckham, Diane Von Furstenberg and Carla & Franca Sozzani.  

Christian Wijnants

For me, there are several woollen items in my wardrobe and throughout the home - a felt cape, a couple of pairs of fine wool pants, a boucle coat, numerous shawls and wraps, wool tights, an alpaca throw, a wool upholstered pouf,  and several wool blankets... look around, and I'm sure you will find you have already joined in the celebration of this illustrious, adaptable textile in your place as well.  

I'm off to try and find something else to add to the wardrobe for this winter - a beautiful woollen jumper.  I just saw this soft example of warm winter woollen as showcased in this video by Country Road... enjoy.  (In fact, I found more than one jumper I'd like!)

Some more wool looks on the Fall 2013/14 catwalk-

Calvin Klein Collection/ Celine/ Stella McCartney/ Dries Van Noten/ Alexander Wang

And an oldie, but a goodie... a classic draped Prince of Wales Check at Versace-

Erin O'Connor for Versace Spring/Summer 1998 campaign

More details,

Campaign for Wool

International Woolmark Prize

Australian Merino Wool