Green with envy

If you fancy a change from the monochrome look then why not try going green. Whether it’s emerald, turquoise, mint or jade this colour is definitely hot right now. I love the bright jewel colours as my colouring is classed as winter – dark hair, pale skin with pink undertones and green/blue eyes.

And if you don’t fancy rocking a full green goddess outfit, then why not try going for accessories instead. Such as a green bag or belt to complement a black or navy blue combo.

However you decide to embrace the green, do it with style! And if you feel like being a bit more daring, why not team your green get-up with a funky animal print bag. Here are a few of my favourites now where’s my purse I’ve got some shopping to do 🙂

Hybrid Dress by ASOS @ £51.00

Leather Satchel by Cambridge Satchel Company @ ASOS £110.00

Wrap Shift Dress by Marks & Spencer @ £39.50

Motel Gabby Sequin Dress by ASOS @ £58.00

Oasis Bird Shirt by ASOS @ £38.00

Oasis Marble Print Dress by ASOS @ £50.00

Oasis Skater Dress by ASOS @ £50.00

Leather Animal Print Bag by Marks & Spencer @ £69.00

Step into spring

Now that we’ve waved goodbye to Christmas and New Year, it’s time to start looking forward to the turn of weather and arrival of spring. Yes I know I’m a little early, but I couldn’t help myself. Any excuse for an opportunity to shop for next season’s wardrobe and I’m there in a flash.

After taking a sneak peak at the proposed trends for SS13, I was pleased to see that pencil skirts are regarded as a staple piece of clothing. With Glamour magazine quoting “the pencil skirt is fashion gold”. I love this type of skirt as it’s great for women with curves who are proud to show them off. Any ladies out there with a large derriere can I get a “Amen”?!

It can be dressed up for a sexy vamp night out, or dressed down for a day at the office. They’re so versatile and scream “sexy sophistication” in my opinion you can’t go wrong. I tend to wear the length that falls just below my knees as I find it elongates my legs. Accessorize with a large waist belt to really make the most of your curves.

Wear it bold with colour blocking ala Burberry Prorsum

Or keep it sleek and simple with a black leather and blouse from Asos

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another hot trend is stripes. This look will work well with either delicate pastels or bold jewel colours and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re going on a date, to work or a nice holiday in the sun. And it lends itself to any item of clothing, although beware as there are a few rules for wearing stripes depending on your body shape. For advice on what shape you are and which clothes to go for or avoid, take a look at this feature from Channel 4.

John Lewis

Marks & Spencer Spring 2013 Preview

Lipsy Peplum Dress @ Next

Marks & Spencer Spring 2013 Preview

John Lewis

STRIPE CROPPED PONTE JACKET by Warehouse

VIP CORK STRIPE BALLERINAS by Topshop

For a full A-Z of the spring/summer 2013 trends, check out this article from Vogue.

What’s your favourite trend?

A perfect pear…

I visited the in-laws at the weekend and had such a lovely time chatting, eating and drinking. It was a weekend of overindulgence, but hey it’s close to Christmas so I’m allowed aren’t I?!

Anyway, I had the pleasure of trying a deliciously simple treat, which you may have already tried but I wanted to share the recipe with you so you could enjoy this taste sensation.

The dish is poached pears with vanilla, sugar and ginger and I’ve posted the recipe below. It’s ideal for all seasons as in autumn / winter it can be served warm or in the summer you can chill in the fridge overnight. And if you’re feeling extra cheeky you can serve with a small dash of single cream….yummy!

I’m not a huge lover of pears, but this dish is delicious and the flavours are very delicate and subtle, especially the ginger.

Enjoy! xx

Serves 4:

4 large firm pears

1 lemon

3 tablespoons sugar

600 ml (1 pint) water

1 vanilla pod, split in half

6 slices fresh root ginger.

Squeeze juice from lemon.

Combine lemon juice with the water, sugar, sliced ginger & vanilla pod (I seperate the seeds with the back of a teaspoon then add seeds & pod seperately, get more flavour out of it that way).

Bring to boil & stir til sugar is dissolved (might need to whisk a bit with fork / hand whisk to seperate the vanilla seeds if they clump )

Take saucepan off heat,

Peel and halve the pears (remove stalks & pips) and add pears to the syrup in the saucepan.

Cover saucepan and simmer gently for about 15-20 mins, dep. on firmness of pears.

Remove pears and vanilla pod with slotted spoon.

Boil the remaining syrup over a high heat for about 15 mins to reduce it.

Remove the ginger slices.

Pour the syrup over the pears.

Love her style….VB

I don’t know about you but I absolutely love Victoria Beckham’s style. She mixes fabulous tailoring with little touches that create a very elegant and stylish look. I wish I could afford some of her items, but unfortunately I’m not rich 😦

I particularly like her slim fitted dresses and skirts as being an hour glass shape with a small waist and larger derrière, I often struggle to find nicely fitted pencil skirts.

Here’s a preview from her SS/13 collection….

[click on the picture to view her full collection]