I heart autumn collections

This month Vogue and Harpers Bazaar are showcasing the Autumn collections, all shown at the various spring fashion weeks. Now gloriously collated in styles and trends. And I am sooooooo looking forward to them dribbling down to the high street.

Some of the editors credit our 'era of austerity' as influencing the paired down looks created by the fashion houses. Minimalism, strong tailoring, pretty feminine fabrics and long lines. I love it ! The A/W 2010/2011 collections are so wearable, flattering but still modern.


A few of my favs -


Restraint - Stella McCartney and Pheobe Philo do this so well.


I love this look 'grunge glamour' - elegant but relaxed and loose. Effortless and oh so chic No cocktail dresses this year for Christmas parties !

For a masterclass,see Dries van noten.



I love this trouser shape and length. Very 70's and sharp but so flattering.



And bags - no slouchy leather. Really smart. This is an autumn styling I can get on board with !





And finally, after trying to find the perfect work portfolio / clutch, just like Miranda used to work, the designers get them out....



What do you think ?

Perfect company for lazing in the summer heat

Why can't I be you

It's difficult to call yourself a fan of Gaga, especially when she chops and changes so ruddy often, it's hard to keep up. I think I was a little too in love with the 'Telephone' package , so colourful and fun - whereas this new offering is just a little too much for me.



Is it just me or is this just some kind of video montage, an ode to Madonna through the ages?

So far I have noted Like a Prayer, Material Girl, Vogue, Express Yourself, Open up your heart, 4 Minutes and a smidge of Frozen. And that's all before even mentioning how Gaga's 'Alejandro' sounds like a cheap and nasty rip off of 'La Isla Bonita' (I mean who uses foreign accents in pop music anymore, I thought that ended with Geri's 'Mi Chico Latino'?) the beginning is a complete take off of Evita, and the gun bra...hello did some one say John Paul Gaultier?

Ok so yes I have followed Madonna through the ages, I may not like her as a person but god she's had some hits, and Gaga is a star in her own right but what are you doing woman? No, step away from the Madonna Greatest Hits Collection VHS that you have obviously been playing and just get on with being your own version of great.

Now for some Madonna, need you ask why?



xxxx

I'll get over you, I know I will (maybe)

Well I went into Benefit in Convent Garden today to pick up for usual quarterly supply of foundation/concealer that I have been an avid fan of for the past 3 years (I can't believe I have been faithful for that many years) and to my horror they no longer sell it!
I knew this day would come, I was dumb struck, so much so I allowed the grumpy shop assistant to attempt to cover up my right ballooning shiner of a spot with 'industrial strength concealer' and then continue to talk for ten minutes solid about said unwanted face furniture - way to make me feel good about myself woman.
She told me to stop eating cheese as well as chocolate, told me my use of waterproof mascara was likely to make my lashes fall out and rounded off her pitch by telling me if I spent 60 quid I could get some free straighteners which tend to overheat and burn you......Yet I still walked out with a bagful of new products, guilty and confused.
I did make her laugh by telling her I was off to buy myself a lump of cheese, this felt like quite the reward.
I just want to know what to do, with so many products to choose from and so much variation in price, how on earth do I decide what to pick? I can't afford to do trials and am loathe to sit at more make-up counters whilst the assistant discusses the shine content of my skin.
I found out today my friend uses 3 layers of 3 different foundations to create her dewy glow - WHO HAS THE TIME FOR THAT?
That's it, I give up - I vow to go naked skinned, think of the cash I'll save!

Foundation - I'll get over you, I know I will.



xxx

Bootiful colours

Design sponge is a fabulous daily blog and website with guest bloggers, sneek peaks into peoples houses, recipes, DIY and crafty projects, all sorts. It always has something interesting to look at. However, the new guest blogger in my mind has truly surpassed herself. Lauren Willhite from Color (US) Collective loves colours so much, that she collects images and splits up the colours and records the palettes. This is truly scrapbook heaven for me. Her actual blog is even better.





also, the sneek peak on Design Sponge from Karen Barlow today is so lovely.....

Ageless Style

Vogues new issue is brilliant ! I have devoured it already. It's their annual 'ageless' issue and the whole thing is great with a special feature on the supermodel. This picture started the phenomenon;



and this video made the same girls into supermodels.



(there is a better clearer version of this on utube but no code to get it !!)

I love Naomi at the beginning of this video. oh it makes me want to do big hair and make up (I've got the big curves - ahem

And now for something a little different...

I really want to see this!

When I saw it advertised at the beginning of 'Planet Terror', I along with many others thought it was an elaborate fake of a trailer but no no no, Machete is due out this summer - fantastic!

xxxx

It's show time !

The biggest show (ok flower show) on earth has come to town and I've surprised myself how exciting it is. I was getting a bit blase about it this year, that was until I stepped on site to set up our humble trade stand at the Chelsea Flower Show.

It's a real priviledge to waltz in freely whilst the show is being set up. Its organised chaos and I was thrilled to be amongst it. There is a real buzz - sunny weather helps, plants everywhere and the fresh smell of compost ! This is what Chelsea looks like just 2 days before it opens !






As per, there are lots of purple iries (sure winner to flower at this time of year) and green foilage but I am giving you the offical sistermash Chelsea Preview - multi stemmed trees, purple foilage and a touch of the exotic can be seem right across the gardens. I always find it fascinating how designers are all influenced to come up with the similar themes year on year. It is the same in other creative disciplines - in the fashion industry you will oft see the same ideas and themes down the catwalk. How does this happen ? Sorry, I digress, finally, there was more lush abundance of frothy flowers like champagne bubbles across the gardens. I wonder whether this is a back lash against our asutere times. Previous years, gardens have felt more disciplined and restrinaed than what I saw this year. I am still thinking about this, will develop my ideas as the week progresses and will let you know.....

Its going to be a long week !

Flapper phase

So I'm going to a 1920s themed cocktail party on Saturday so I have the usual dressing up conundrum of trying to find somewhere decent to wear that won't cost me the earth. My normal answer is to make something but I'm yet to find some decent, reasonable sewing shops here - I know its London so there must be, I just need to dedicate a day to doing a bit of a hunt down!

But anyway, as usual I digress, whilst hunting for inspiration for my costume I came across some gorgeous 1920s inspired photographs, the Jazz age just screams style doesn't it!

And a little something related that always brings a smile to my face! They're just having so much fun! Beautiful! Enjoy xxx

Nibble nation

Apart from eating food, there is nothing I like more than reading about food. Nige as you know is my big love nosh hero. He actually like eating. Yes ! And when he writes you can taste what he is describing. dribble.

So, how pleased was I to find this blog - Recipe Rifle Esther is (newly) married to a food critic, and there are lovely insights into this world. The last few posts are about the wedding etc still good, but scroll back down a bit - she tries cooking all sorts of stuff (so you don't have to make the same mistakes !!) and writes in a very funny sharp witted way.

I really like this blog.

Tik tok

Words escape me

So the other day there was a girl in the office wearing the most amazing silk cropped trousers. I complimented her as you do and waited for that vital exchange, the insider's tip-off; where she nabbed the fabulous garb, frozen for fear she will utter that familiar and disappointing word - "Vintage". But all I got was a thank you.
I heard a colleague do exactly the same, and again just the thank you.
Am I stupid to assume we deserved answers, isn't it just the art of this kind of conversation; you give to receive and all that. Yes the compliment was deserved they were gorgeous trousers. But ladies can't be greedy, even if it was a charity shop bargain aren't we are all happy to revel in one woman's success and applaud the bargain, secretly noting the outlet for future hunting?
Perhaps the girl in question just wanted to keep the shopper's paradise to herself, I like to think she was perhaps embarrassed by their 'humble' beginnings, or was she simply being naive? Why wouldn't she tell me? Perhaps I should have just asked...lesson in subtlety learnt! So instead I intended to take it upon myself to scour the net to find a similar pair so I could dribble over the screen and hope you understand my pain - but there really should be a website for this kind of thing as my hunt has been most unproductive! This pair is the only thing that comes close...
Except they're Dries Van Norton, £355.00 and far, far too 'busy' to be the pair in question...god her tight lipped reaction has given me rage! I need a release...this will do.


xxxx

Calling up the promise land

The BBC have certainly got some tricks up their sleeves as we leap into May, certainly for nostalgic cravers like moi! Their original mammoth drama project designed to span decades past was scrapped in favour of raking up the 80s - excellent!

So what's on the menu? Well there's something for everyone - A Boy George biopic featuring Gavin & Stacey's Matthew Horne as Culture Club's drummer and George's secret love interest; Jon Moss. A Welsh drama focused on life under Thatcher set with a backdrop of the Royal Wedding of Charles & Diana. And (yes there is more) an adaptation of Martin Amis' dark comedy Money with Shaun of the Dead's Nick Frost in the driving seat and Jerry Hall riding shotgun. Needless to say I'm excited, it's good to be reminded that we actually pay our licence fee for a reason; to get some decent gritty viewing rather than re-runs of Come Dine with me (my Sunday early evening guilty pleasure...I can literally waste hours).

So, rather neatly tying in...this week (and the week before and the...) I have been mostly listening to the Human League. My current fave was released in 1990, but still - the intro, all the hair... still reeks of the 80s. Enjoy xxx (even the boy knows all the words now, goddammit its catchy!)

Monday morning wiggle

I have been busy. Yes siree. The important stuff has been overlooked (like blogging) and I have had to work. humph. The next 6 weeks are looking even more busy with Chelsea and big projects to see through and the boy is revising. So I thought we needed a bit of motivation this morning by the way of one my my fav choones.
Enjoy.

(Check out Stevies fingers dancing across the keyboard - amazing !)



oh and last night we watched 'Kick Ass' I was jubious I admit but it was brilliant !! Really good film, maybe one the best I have seen for a while !

Pull up to the bumper baby

There was an excellent Grace Jones interview in the Guardian magazine on Saturday. I have such mixed feelings towards the woman, she is undoubtedly an icon on so many levels but I can't help feeling somewhat put off by her. The aggression and outright sexuality can be a little hard to swallow, so it was refreshing to read an interview where she came across as just a bit of an opinionated party girl. I guess you need to have balls to succeed in the music industry, to be renowned and talked about for so many decades, you need to have a strong sense of character and Grace Jones is more than just memorable. She reads like a bit of a whirlwind but now I feel better acquainted with her and equipped to really appreciate her style.
I also loved how the journalist tried to hint at a touch of animosity between Jones and Lady Gaga. Really, she just doesn't care and has always been famed for telling it how it is but I bet Gaga will be more than a little down heartened to read what Jones has got to say about her...

But now, moving away from the pop playground politics to a little musical starlet; Ellie Goulding. I thought she was pretty pants when I saw her banging a drum (like she really meant it) on the Brit Awards Nomination party but I have since developed quite a liking for her (lordy I am fickle). There is something resolutely chipmunk (as in the cartoon) about her voice and the album keeps reminding me of Fivestar's Silk & Steel, although I'm not entirely sure why. Dominic Burn off of the Chris Moyles show coyly described her as having an amazing voice, and I'd have to agree. I also like the way she says 'love' in this song.



xxxx

And you still don't think it is worth watching Glee ?

Isn't spring supposed to make you feel energised ?

I may have been trying to do too much, following my excitement of the days lengthening and warmer weather. The garden is not making the progress I wanted, I am getting little help from the boys - they mostly are doing this -

However, the house is looking nice, and we are getting some lovely light in, in the morning which is so nice after the dark winter.

All my new plants are bursting with growth and they are still sitting in pots !! My roses are bundled up together - I must get out there ! But when ?

So much to do ! So little time !

That's crazy

Sister, so here's a picture of me making a cake, in my housewife florals but minus the heels! I don't know if it's something to do with the time of year or if it's my age but I am currently very distracted by those tasks I used to joke about and brush off as 'middle aged'. Sunday was gardening with the boy (Spring onions, salad leaves & beans planted) and today was perfecting a peppered Poussin with a creamy mushroom sauce - it was delicious thanks. And then there's obviously politics, The Stylist offered their next 'cut out and keep' installment of party politics today, this time with the Conservatives and I also came across Vote Match a painless quiz that compiles your views on current issues to decide which team you really cheer for - thankfully I unveiled no big surprise, but what will you come up with?
And what other better way to gain maturity and awareness than to beef up my knowledge of language. Yesterday's Dictionary.com word of the day was 'neologism' meaning a new word or expression. So how else am I to educate myself and witness a bit of neoglogism than to head to
Urban Dictionary and get on top of all the lingo spouted by those pretty young thangs. Fave new words & phrases include Stealth-call, Bootyism, Stall waiting and that's crazy...I guess you will just have to look them up to find out why!
xxxxxxx

Friday i'm in love

A Friday Treat for you - the extended SATC 2 Trailer! Aidan is back? WTF! Oh Lordy I love Aidan, hunky as hell, EYE CANDY ALERT - what about Big, how is it all going to unfold, I just don't know, so many questions, I don't think I need to tell you that I'm excited! (Hence all the block capitals)....
So anyway, calmed myself down a little now, and from one hunk to another - Dhruv! Yes I sat down last night to 2 hours of glorious Food Heaven, and happily saw Drhuv sail to victory. And handily The Evening Standard satisfied my need for more by tying up the tale with a neat little bow in this article in yesterday's paper - I actually gasped out loud when I saw him on the cover, so proud!
Last night I not only entertained the idea of sampling new culinary delights, but inspired by Masterchef, me and the boy took the plunge and purchased some scallops! Wowee, I hear you say - well this is a big thing for me since the only fish I ever used to eat came in batter. Now I've notched up prawns and tuna steaks on my list of fishy loves, scallops surely will follow! Poached in a delicious milky Thai green curry (which I basically made...with the help of some paste) the first bite was a little fishy (the off-putter for me, silly as it may be) but there after there was just this lovely soft melt-in-the-mouth consistency that slipped down very well indeed. I'm all hyped to try more...perhaps this tomato & Chorizo accompaniment will be next on the list. The beautiful thing about them is they're so quick to cook.
Perfect and light for the sunshine, talking of sunshine I was walking along the Thames to this earlier. Doesn't sunshine just bring such joy and such over excitement, not quite ready for breaking out the sandals yet, but fingers crossed!



xxxxx

Good puppies

Sister, I thought I would start to introduce you to my working world. After talking to you at the weekend, I realised the other day that you have no idea where I work or what I see everyday, so I am starting with these chaps........



awwwwwwhhhhhhh these are the doggies we work with every day. They are the pets of the lady that knows everything here (also known as 118-kate to the lads) - wizzie (aka wops / old tart / scrag bag / princess) is on the left and the boss lady, think about 8/9ish and Dash is on the right, only just turned 2 and still very much an overexcited puppy. He is also know as dish dash and stupid dog.

They are lovely and often come through to my desk for a treat / cuddle / sniff around - dash especially loves cuddling. They really make it here, when its stressful you can find them to do a trick for a treat or wrestle the rope knot thing with them, or go for a quick walk around the fields for fresh air. Which is what I am going to do now !

BTW they have got their paws on my knee as they do that for a treat !! awwwwwww

xxxxx

Drool dhruv

no, not him, well I suppose he isn't unattractive, but so pleased Dhruv won !! He was certainly the best.



I know you loved Alex (and how I dislike him - I don't know what it is about his smuggy effusive smerky privileged clean posh personality I don't warm to) but he just wasn't that good on the day - I do agree that he did do some good stuff and is more left wing and interesting.

How do these people get to be so good ? All three guys were bright and exceptional talented people in their own rights, but they can cook brilliantly too ! I have always wondered what they can taste that I can't. I'd love to try those dishes they all made last night and see for myself what truly amazing food is like.

I suppose with all that free time now, I can get out into the garden and finish that digging and start the brick circle and planting !

hmmmmmmmmmmm I do like my grub. xxxxxxxxxx

Talk to me

So last night was blackout night for me & the boy – just settling down to watch some Masterchef and suddenly, plans change! No disaster just get the candles from under the sink and stick Smooth FM on via the mobile – I’m strangely used to the dark since the new light sensor in the office photocopier room ignores me daily, despite repeatedly stamping my feet like some teenage astronaut.

So we avoided the art of conversation by turning instead to competition, an UNO grudge-match – after I’d secured my win and the electricity had returned I couldn’t help but wonder if this was a missed opportunity, the opportunity to just talk.

Don’t get me wrong, me and the boy are always talking, and often have the best most intense & impassioned conversations when we’re tipsy, really get our views off our chest. Last night, when I said “So what do we do now?” the boy replied “talk?” which we did for twenty minutes or so until card games grabbed our attention. I guess it’s that feeling of anticipation, a lack of concentration caused by the wait for power to return. But perhaps we should have taken this opportunity to just converse, the election date was announced yesterday, what a corker of a topic to throw out there. And Stylist magazine, in the run-up have started a weekly cut out and keep page (pg 33) documenting and explaining the key policies each party are promoting, and what the competition thinks. Most helpful for someone like me, who needs to see things in clear black and white and simple digestible language.

They've started with Labour, I could have shown this to the boy and thrown it open for discussion. But well, I’ve talked about politics with everyone and anyone lately, it’s apparently my new favourite conversation. Perhaps I’ve worn myself out on the subject and need to just sit back and switch on to what the media is spewing at me.

Anywho I digress, the point of this is that me & the boy have decided to make ‘blackout night’ a monthly affair (start off small), we won’t necessarily stick strictly to the candlelight, it gave us headaches but we will switch off our appliances and switch over to one another for conversation.

I think we’ll learn something from this new venture, if only how to better our previous UNO scores...

xxxx

Promise this will be the last obsessive post on quilts.......

Sister,

Found this great website / shop / blog Spool which has so many inspring projects and images of stuff others have done. I particularly like this
It is so simple and fun - and really like the wavy quilting they have machined across the whole piece. hmmmm ideas

Pity they are in philadelphia.

I also like how they put up swatches of colours for inspiration and lots of patterns to use. oooohhhh doesn't it make you want to start a project ?
xxxx

Blazin' Squad

Sister, hello! A long long time ago (probably in February?) you asked me to look into some blazers for you, and well I neglected my duties. Unfulfilled by Internet hunting, The Guardian's Fashion Statement came up trumps the other week with this excellent selection (let's just pretend that I did all the work...). I particularly like the pink Boden number.
And a soundtrack to wear it to you say? Well listening to Supergrass always puts a skip in my step, and check out the patchwork quilt, living the dream, but just how long will it take?

xxx

Quilty pleasures

Sister (good title eh ? shame its not mine - knicked it from libertys latest installation...)
FINALLY I think I have seen what I would like to do as a quilt / wall hanging -


I have so many little scraps of fabric - many that are sentimental but random colours. I don't think I have the treasure chest of fabrics that would work together in a colourful traditional styled quilt but I think this one would be lovely and not look too crazy.
Found via Guardian and their article on the V&A quilting exhibition. This quilt is the work of a prisoner "Instead of smashing up your cell you can channel your aggression in a positive way. I usually spend about two to three hours an evening doing tapestry work. It helps you realise there are alternatives to committing crime”, says one of the inmates at HMP Albany

Makes you think - sewing is so medative and relaxing - you have to be calm and slow.

xxxxxx

mmmmmmm food mmmmm

Sister,
I am really looking forward this weekend - 4 days off, seeing le famille, relaxing, chillaxing, maybe a bit of gardening (bit too wet and soggy so not sure it will happen - not because I am a woossy, its that the ground will be compacted and I'll only have to dig it over again. sorry, I digress. again) and COOKING !! OOhh I am looking forward to having the time to cook some nice stuff. So, ideas sister ? What do you fancy ? I will have a look at some recipes tonight and see what I have got in the archive (teehee) but I found these - what do you think ?

Roast Leg of Lamb stuffed with spinach and gremolata



Braised peas with leeks, little gem lettuces and mint




Cauliflower gratin



Hmmmm and for pudding ? Rhubarb and ginger crumble with vanilla custard and I think we'll need a massive cake for tea won't we ?




I also fancy something Italian for Saturday - and trying some new stuff. Any other ideas ? Not wedded to any of this but nice to keep to season eh ?

xxxxxxxxx

Does what it says on the tin

This is creepy

I totally agree with your new year proposition sister, let's rally for the year to start now! I feel so revitalised and ready to go, January just leaves me feeling bloated, poor and a little depressed. But now I feel ready to take on the world!
A suitably cheesy number that certainly makes me jiggle my booty and feel like I can do anything...

xxxxx

Happy New Year !

Sister, with the clocks going forward yesterday and the days lengthening, the start of "British Summer Time" heralds the new year to me, far more than cold dark yucky January 1st does. How can you make resolutions when you are depressed and tired ? No, January and February are hard enough as it is, without having to give up choc and excercise. Wrap up, watch movies, eat and sleep until the end of March I say. So, Happy New Year sister. Ah its worth waiting for after all. I have been out gardening/ clearing (more of that later), the buds swelling ready to pop with verdant leaves and pinky blossoms and writing lists of all the things I want to do this year. I feel energised and ready to go. I just can't wait for those lovely warm summer days. I was trying to find a song that was as optomistic, hopeful and excited as I feel, but nothing quite gets it, so I leave you with this - its an oldie that me and Macdaddy used to listen to loads driving around when we were carefree. It so reminds me of the summer.



Looking forward to lots of spring and summer adventures with you sister xxxxxxxxxxx

The bitch is back

Sister, Nash is back and I'm not sure I'm that excited - it's not got the pop punch of 'Made of Bricks' it's just a little short of something. Also looking at her, well I was reminded a lot of Pamola Faith and that's no good thing, she's kind of snuck in and stolen the lime light in Nash's absence, yes Pamola is more styled and her music doesn't really match up to the outfits but I'm still left wondering is there room left for both of them?
I loved Nash, yes even after she told me (not personally), and the Norwich audience at her gig to shut up because she couldn't hear herself singing (don't make your music so ruddy catchy then!) but has she been away too long?
Yes this is the voice of fickle youth talking but well if you're gonna stay away that long, at least come back with another Foundations or Pumpkin Soup or Mariella, what is this Do ruddy dah aye? Lazy work Nash, and is it just me or does the video just look a bit 'done' - get over it love, you used to be my beacon; moody, stylish, eloquent (a beloved fan of annunciation), opinionated and ruddy fabulous...
This song is probably a grower, I will be raving about it in a couple of weeks

xxxxx

Ceci n'est pas un livre

Sister,

I have been coverting one of these for years

from twentytwentyone (I love this shop, I could fill my house with this stuff. I digressed)

So imagine my glee when I discovered this DIY ?

I acutally think this is so much nicer and original.


Hmmm might not be digging after all this weekend.

Hope you have a good one sister. Really looking forward to seeing you next week.

I am going to leave you with some Friday cheese - you used to love these boys. And now I do too.

Probably not in the way they want me to.

You will be singing wo ooo wooo oooo hoooo all weekend now.

("Where I found love with uranus" dirty boys.)

Ruddy love you sister xxxxxxxxxxxx

We got Specs appeal

Also found this lovely ode to specs on Jezebel - I love this website, last week they were having a debate on which cake rules over all competition. It's an American site so some of the references are lost on me (i.e they have a cake called 'a grasshopper') but still...

I hate it when people buy fake NHS style specs in an attempt to channel 'geek chic', as you can agree sister with your chum wanting to buy a pair. They certainly do look good on some people, but bless, not everyone! I remember when Mel B in the Spice Girls heyday was hailed as a trendsetter and icon for parading her poor eyesight and wearing her frames. But well, for people like us who simply can't ruddy see without them, it's a bit of a poke in the eye - yes we want to make this essential face furniture accessorise with our look but who can afford multiple frames and really at the end of the day I'd pick sight over blindness any day - its not really an option. This page celebrates ladies who wear their prescription with pride, whatever the weather!
xxx

Maniac

Hey sister, so one of the perks of you not owning a TV is not having to waste precious moments watching the advert breaks, I am from the 'flick channels' school of thought, except this generally backfires as more often than not the decent channels go to break at the same time... Anywho, the ads are worth staying put for when they come like this...short but sweet, gotta love the butt spanking Spinning around Kylie style move! Oh and the shoes - good detail, do you think they are inspired by Bratz dolls?




xxx

oooooo

Sister,

This is so you - trashy audrey chic. £15 tescos with 20% on website !


Lots of love xxxxxxxxxxx

Our Trace'

Sister,

Been ridiculously busy at work. The only exciting thing that has happened is all my veg seeds have turned up today.



I am bereft of interesting things to blog about so I will ask you to look at this instead. It's Mark Lawson interviewing Tracey Emin. I am not sure when it was originally broadcast, it might not be new. I do love Tracey - I think she is fascinating and so honest, but so important - its an hour well spent ! Actually, all of the Mark's interviews are worth a watch.

Hope you had a fab day with the boy on Friday.

Lots of love xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Mad world

Now I know everyone’s been talking about this but well it’s never too late to catch on, no I’m not talking about Glee! I managed to catch an episode of Mad Men last night, it was on pretty late but I’ve certainly been bitten! And sister it’s got a taste of Sex & the City with John Slattery starring, the politician that wanted to take a tinkle on Carrie (unfortunately I can’t get that out of my head watching him.)
Aside from the ladies’ wardrobe; bold prints and rich deep shades a plenty, there is predominantly something deliciously curt in the dialogue. Watching, I wasn’t sure if I was meant to look for meaning in the short crisp delivery, or accept it as a reflection of the times. But it certainly makes today’s TV look like we’re all cursed with verbal diarrhoea.

xxxx

Doity rats

Scratchy noises in roof was keeping us awake, so operation 'sleep through the night' was sprung into action.
Whilst decanting nuggets of tasty rat poison in little feeding bowls the boy asked what we should do with the tub (budget bumper bucket bought as we are country folk). I said perhaps leave up in the loft if / when we need to put more out.
"but what if the rats eat the whole lot ?" I questioned, the boy answered "well more fool them".
Classic stuff.

glorious butter

Sister,

Thank you for a fabulous saturday night with you and the boy. Yummy food you made. Following on from our 'topical debate' on lard - see this article (don't let the fact it is in the Daily Mail put you off)from lushious Clarissa Dickson Wright on the joys of butter. Her godfather made her promise on her 18th birthday that she would never eat margerine. "you have no idea what goes into it" he said. Please read it sister and show it to boy for comical disgust ! Butter good, marg bad. mmmmmmm just slathered a load on a hot cross bun. yum.

Hope your event went well and you home soon.

Love you sister xxxxxxxxxx

Telephone

Sister, have you seen the new Gaga & Beyonce vid? One word - Immense! It's an epic 9 and a half mins, but definately worth a look-in.

The positives - It's dripping with a sickly sweet (literally) dark wit
There's revealing saucy threads a plenty (the boy commented "what's this sexy vid your watching" it's nice that Gaga is now seen as sexy as opposed to strange)
Beyonce looks like Naomi Campbell - totally dig the yellow eye liner & Betty Page bangs

The negatives
Awkward Thelma & Louise screen grabs
Virgin Mobile endorsement
Having to think about Gaga's fanny (at the beginning)
Gaga snogging a he/she, I think it was a woman, but still stop it, we know you're 'sexual'

I absolutely love it when acts make a real effort for their videos, and I think this has been what's turned it around for me with regards to Gaga. Her earlier work was arrogant and plain annoying. But now, I guess with money & success has come the opportunity to really express herself and pull out all the stops - I'm converted! And who'd have thought Gaga n Beyonce could be such an excellent mix, I love evil Beyonce! Totally covert the electric blue jewel embellished circus coat - my heart goes out to you!
Finally I know Gaga has lost weight what with all the touring and jiggling about, but there's just something about her, I can't put my finger on it - she just looks more stunning these days...Go go gaga!

Enjoy!



xxxxxx

oh sweet sweet liberty

Sister,

Yes, love the 'Deacon look' (ref moss on Rimmel Ad!) - I am totally with you - very wearable but a new silhouette for the season. hmmm

Do you get the Liberty updates ? WELL ! Apparently Liberty's are doing a 'Quilty Pleasures' installation to coincide with the V&A Quilting exhibition. Gush. I am soooo looking forward to seeing that with you sister, and we should try and do it in the next month or so and pop into Liberty's to see this too. oh sis, I could post soooooo many pictures from these but have a look at the liberty blog for lovely things and


The Liberty Print archive. What I would do to grab a load of this !!


Isn't this fabulous stationary chic ?
And the new collection this season has so many swoonsome fabrics. I know I should be making blinds but I would love some cushions and aprons and little bags made from all sorts of new prints. These are my favorites tho'

And finally, on one of my fav blogs 'the beat that skipped my heart'
has posted a lovely find harmonie interiure that has the loveliest wall stickers and a new pretentious one for my wall........



Love you sister xxxxxxxxxx

Electricity - its pretty wearable

So sister, have you been following Paris Fashion Week? I'm quite partial to Mr Giles Deacon's show;



there's a bit of that ol' Maggie Thatcher Chic, my bedrock. Gorgeous flashes of coral under quite simple shapes with a bit of a utility feel but the collections a real mix of influences - 60s styled bouffants, Jessica Stam apparently wearing electricity as a dress, there even appears to be some channelling of Lady Ga Ga with kinetics inspired head-gear all besides over sized furry pompom bags with massive eyes. Its interesting!
And the models, well it was such a who's who and yes my current model crush old big lips Wixson was there! Although unfortunately her 'walk' did make me giggle, she's a bit too robot for my liking (stick to the photos love) flailing arms a plenty - you can really tell who the professionals are, you just have to watch them walk. It's like Beyonce in Sweet Dreams all over again, I'm watching with my jaw open, those swinging hips, really makes you appreciate the female form!
NEWSFLASH Flight of the Conchords are coming to Wembley in May - tickets are on sale Friday, I have reignited my obsession...



xxxxx

Pigeons know how to party

I snapped this happy little pigeon earlier today, look he's nibbling birthday cake, it's totally like the best day EVER! And I've got a little of that wind in my sails (and that's not just because I had cabbage for lunch) my

Frank Sinatra inspired tribute to Christopher Bailey's LFW Autumn/Winter collection (yes you might say I'm a little obsessed) won a prize on the London Liberty Girl website! Unfortunately we didn't hit the top spot but a LFW Mulberry cotton Tote bag will be winging its way over! Mega! So thanks for pushing me to enter sis, well worth it!

It's the Affordable Art Fair next week at Battersea Park, I've managed to pick up some half price tickets (by walking into a gallery...) so wondered if you fancied popping along next weekend? xxxxx