Time Keeping

A press release hit my inbox this week for Cassio Sheen's new collaboration with The Saturday's. That's not really my style but I decided to embrace a challenge and styled some looks using the new collection instead.

Jumper: Étoile Isabel Marant, Watch: Casio Sheen, Shoes: Jimmy Choo, Jeans: Current/Elliot, Earrings: Carolina Bucci

Earrings: Melissa Joy Manning, Watch: Cassio Sheen, Shoes: Jimmy Choo, Jumpsuit: Markus Lupfer, Clutch: Anya Hindmarch

Tshirt: Rag and Bone, Watch: Cassio Sheen, Shoes: Bionda Castana, Trousers: Joseph

Style Intro

I know I've been absent for a little while now but I'm happy to say that it's because I've been busy writing freelance pieces.

I write five days a week over at Style Intro on fashion news, trends and styling so hop on over and have a read.

Some recent articles:

It's Electric
Bare Face
Short Story
Andrew Gn's Fall/Winter 13/14 Handbag Collection
Pointed Passion
Neon for S/S 2013

Valentine's Chocolate Lollipops

My boyfriend and I have been together a long time so things like Valentine's day don't really have the same charm as they did when we first got together.

We don't bother with cards any more (we figure we'd only be re-hashing the same sentiments every year) and we're not into extravagant gifts - Christmas and birthdays is enough. This year we thought we'd get a little more personal and make each other presents, with a budget of £5 which forces you to get creative.

I decided to make chocolate heart-shape lollies so ordered the white sticks and cellophane wrappers from Ebay for about £1.50 each.

The recipe is pretty self explanatory, I bought milk and white chocolate bars from the supermarket, melted it and experimented with shapes and patterns. Then wrapped them in cellophane pockets and tied with a ribbon. Everyone loves chocolate and they can be made for pretty much any occasion. I love the idea of wrapping them in pink or blue ribbon and giving them to a new Mum or taking them to a baby shower.

I dipped the end of the sticks into melted chocolate and placed them on the greaseproof paper so they'd stick and not move around.

I did about three layers of the chocolate and built it up so it had a chance to dry in the shape after each layer, rather than it spreading and distorting.

I had planned on making little white chocolate hearts on the centre of the lollies but then realised that splattering was much more fun.

I wrapped two lollies in each wrapper, back to back and tied them with lilac ribbon because that's what I had lying around but you can pick any colour you like for each occasion.

All lined up in a pink gift bag.

Love

I have another article published in To&From's Love issue out today! Check me out on pages 9 and 14-16!

Chocolate Bread and Butter Pudding

It's been a while since I last blogged but it's a new year so it's time to try out some new recipes, fashion and interiors.

This recipe was a way for me to use up some left over Christmas goodies, namely Terry's Chocolate Orange and a Panettone.

I used this recipe from Nigella's website and I'm pretty happy with it. Apart from the extorionate amount of fat and calories (which, let's face it, is unavoidable in a bread and butter pudding) it was easy to do and was delicious.

Custard

Chocolate custard

Sliced Panettone and a Chocolate Orange

Shopping Guide to Florence

My shopping guide to Florence has just been published in To&From magazine, click here to read it!

Pantone New Colours

I get regular emails from Pantone and always get excited when they announce new colours (I mean, will they ever run out?!). So inspired by their new 175 colour additions, I thought I'd seek out the best pieces - designer and high street - in the latest colours.

1. 3.1 Phillip Lim £335
2. CLU £245
3. Paul & Joe £375
4. Christian Louboutin £645
5. River Island £45
6. DKNY £440
7. Current/Elliot £250
8. Paul Smith £69
9. Accessorize £6

Find out more about the colours and the research behind the project here.