Sunshine On A Rainy Day…

By Yours Truly, x

Lately life has felt like a bit of a juggling act. Two jobs,(one of which is full time) trying to run this blog and all the different components that come with it (hello instagram and twitter!) as well as having another website in the pipeline, and a collaboration with my friend Emily, creating a capsule collection!

I sometimes feel I bite off more than I can chew. But before you think I’m complaining – I love all of the things that keep me busy!

Teaching at The Fashion School this year has been one of the most fulfilling and enjoyable learning curves I think I may have ever experienced.

Finding that perhaps I’m more patient than I give myself credit for was a real surprise! And the joy that comes with teaching kids from seven to seventeen is monumental.

Each class brings something different, I love talking to the girls, and hearing about their lives. They talk over their sewing projects, of their worries and hopes, day to day life, and continually sing songs from ‘Frozen’ (I know more about that film and One Direction now than I care to mention!)

I’ve even taught foreign students at a nearby language school – with pupils from Russia, Spain, Italy and even Bangkok!
Fortunately their English was pretty good, though apparently my attempts at Thai were laughable!

I also really enjoy my other job, working at Riddle & Finns. Sure, serving fish might not be particularly glamorous – but they are really accommodating with my teaching hours, the food is incredible and my colleagues are like family.

Whenever I feel a bit at odds with being a 27 year old waitress, I try to remind myself of all the great skills it provides.

I can talk comfortably with strangers at the drop of a hat (table after table – I’ve perfected this skill!) which is a handy socialising tool.
The money is reliable and good, I have time to pursue other interests – and it keeps me really fit, so no need for a gym membership!

I’m learning more and more this year, that it’s not the circumstances you find yourself in – it’s how you choose to view them.
By looking at the positive attributes and focusing more on them, you begin to realise that there is value in even the most arduous tasks.
Plus, it makes you enjoy your free time all the more when you’ve been working flat out!

Which brings me to these photos! Taken on a recent day off, I spent the morning with my dear friend Ruth, mooching around Brighton and enjoying coffee, vintage clothes and cake!

The beautiful blouse I’m wearing was inspired by the wonderful Dulcie of Human Sea. She recently wore hers to Brighton and I completely fell in love with it! Fortunately it was still available in my size in the Asos sale! Thanks for tip off Dulcie!

My sunglasses are new too! After nearly four years of the same shades, I went crazy and bought two new pairs. Madness eh?
These beauts were from Urban Outfitters.

Also worth a mention – I finally succumbed to ‘Mom’ jeans!
I had a pair a couple of years ago (which I stupidly sold on eBay) and I’d forgotten how comfortable they are!
This pair are from Topshop, they’re so easy to wear, and even make me look a bit curvier than I actually am, which is pretty cool!

I rolled up my cuffs (v.flattering for the petite amongst us!) and teamed them with a pair of battered sneakers and some beautiful ‘Golden Rod’ blooms I bought from a local florist.

Attempting to set up a shot…My rucksack is from Baggu and is the handiest thing ever! I’m tempted to get a couple more in different colours…

The beautiful Ruth who kindly took these photos for me – the most glamorous photographer I’ve ever had!

Mugshot! It was such a lovely day…

Thanks for enduring my waffling, and sporadic posting! I’ll try and get back on here sooner next time!

Love Yours Truly, x

Ps. The hair will go back to pink! It faded out to blonde and I quite liked it (and not having to dye my hair every two seconds!)

How To Make : Gorgeous Guacamole!

By Yours Truly, x

One of my favourite ways of relaxing is to hole up in my kitchen and cook. I love creating recipes from scratch, and entertaining friends with dinner is one of my favourite things to do. So with that in mind, I suppose it’s quite odd that my passion for food has never really reached this blog.

Until now! I’ve decided to start working on some recipe posts every now and then, starting with this incredibly easy and great tasting guacamole – perfect to accompany a mexican dinner, or just with a bowl of tortilla chips…

The best thing about this guacamole is that it can whipped up with minimal effort (and ingredients) at the drop of a hat. It’s fool-proof! Most importantly though, you’ll definitely taste the difference from shop-bought dips. It’s chunky, creamy and incredibly more-ish!

First cut your avocado in half, it should feel soft but firm to touch. Glide your knife all the way around then twist the two halves to separate.

Carefully using the point of a sharp knife, stab the stone and twist to remove.

Using a tea spoon, slowly spoon out the insides, creating small chunks as you go.

Before mixing the avocado add a generous pinch of salt and the smoked paprika.
Also squeeze as much as juice from the half lime as humanly possible!
If you like coriander you could add some chopped leaves at this point. Personally I’m not so keen so it’s left out of my recipe!

It should be looking like this…(drool)

Now for a cheeky bit of heat! We favour this Cholula hot sauce in our house, but you can choose any brand you like.

Carefully add two drops! Chilli sauce can be pretty potent stuff, and we’re only adding it for depth of flavour, not to blow peoples heads off!
Besides after a taste test at the end you can always add more…

Finally chop up half of your beef tomato. To keep the guacamole from getting too wet, I try to only use the flesh and discard the pulp.

Throw in your chopped tomato then mix thoroughly, smashing the avocado with your spoon as you go. You’re aiming for a smooth texture with satisfying chunks of both tomato and avocado throughout.

The best bit…Taste testing! This is where you can decide if you need more seasoning or hot sauce (note – it can take several ‘tests’ before you’re absolutely, completely sure!)

Serve in your favourite homeware (these two are from Berts) with tortilla chips for dunking!
I like to sprinkle a little more paprika on top for presentation, but this is optional.

It really is that simple! But totally worth making that little bit more effort…

I have a few more recipes in mind for future posts, some a tad more complex that little beauty!
And luckily for me, Sam is around to photograph them! Thank you Sam! (He was rewarded with guacamole!)

Love Yours Truly, x

Talking ‘Bout My Generation…

By Yours Truly, x

The term ‘Mod’ is something that has been synonymous with Brighton for nearly sixty years now.

From the famous deckchair-hurling fights on the pebbled beach, to the Mod fashion boutiques which to this day still line the North Lanes – there remains a huge vibe of the hubbub of 60’s youth culture throughout the city.

With that in mind…It all started with a pair of black chelsea boots by Deena & Ozzy, marked down in the sale.

I loved everything about them, especially the history that comes with such an iconic classic.

After a few days hesitation I finally gave in and bought them – thankfully having been marked down again in the time it took me to deliberate!

With my boots still sitting pretty in their cardboard box, I found myself trawling the internet for Mod imagery, Beatnik fashions, listening to iconic music from the decade whilst closely inspecting photos of the generation that danced to it the first time round.

This would be a great moment to interject that I have within the last few months discovered the wonders of Pinterest. My account is HERE if you care to see what inspires me of late.

Then one afternoon last week, Joshua and I were having a rummage in the record box at out local Oxfam (a very fruitful day – five amazing vinyls came home with us that afternoon!)

On the way out we both spied this navy pea coat hanging on the wall.

I tried it on first, then Josh – we both loved it and decided that Josh would own, and I could borrow!

Of course, to fit us both means that it’s slightly too big for me – but I love the oversized ‘boyfriend’ look!

Teamed with a pair of Joni skinny jeans from Topshop, a chunky knit roll neck jumper and my Cambridge Satchel Company bag that I recently blogged about, I set off with my friend Sam to take some Mod inspired photos, to do both the boots and pea coat justice!

It’s amazing being photographed by Sam – we’ve known each other for about ten years so there’s no awkwardness, and best of all, he’s an amazing photographer – always teaching himself how to use new equipment, editing techniques…Very inspiring stuff!

Our location was just up the road from our flat, where, were it not for the modern cars littering the pavement edge, you could believe that it was still the 1960’s thanks to the red brick homes, and ceramic road signs.

My beautiful satchel, I look after this thing like it’s a newborn – I love it so much!

Sam working on getting my ‘best angle’…Ha!

A cheeky little portrait shot…

As we walked home, with an impossible number of photos to sort through – we spied this amazing 60’s VW van!

Talk about serendipity!

If you want to have a look at some of the Mod images (both new and old) that have been inspiring me then click on this link HERE.

Love Yours Truly, x

Brick Lane

By Yours Truly, x

Last Thursday I journeyed up to London in the rain and gloom, with the sole purpose of trawling the notorious vintage haunts for something truly special to wear to an event I have coming up.

Believe me, I know better than most that my wardrobe is already filled to bursting (a perpetual ‘clear out’ situation always seems to be in motion!) but sometimes it’s just lovely and frivolous to have something new to wear to an occasion, and to feel all the more amazing for it!

With a bit of change in my pocket, and comfortable shoes on my feet I set off! My main port of call being Brick Lane and the Shoreditch area – where row after row of second hand clothing shops sit neatly next to each other, all a stones through away from the famous Spitalfields Market.

The skirt I’m wearing is a fairly new find courtesy of eBay, I love the slightly abstract palm print, though I did have to make some amendments to the cut with my sewing machine – I don’t think anyone but Jessica Rabbit has hips that curved!

My insect bracelet is an old favourite from my Uni days (it’s battered and falling to bits!) and my nail polish is by ‘& Other Stories’ – I am literally obsessed with their brightly pigmented beauty products lately!

My camel jumper is from Topshop a couple of years ago, worn with a velvet bow tie from H&M.

My coat and vintage vanity case were both eBay finds, and my blinding gold shoes (which remind me of exotic old ladies!) are from Primark (I couldn’t believe it either!)

As you can see I’m still enjoying being reunited with my yellow eye make up! Worn with ‘So Chaud’ lipstick by Mac. I have to admit, I’m really enjoying wearing bright cosmetics again, especially when the weather is so grey!

And so what treasures did I find on my little shopping excursion? In all honesty – not a lot!

Isn’t it always the way when you have a bit of free money to spend?

I tried reliable favourites like ‘Beyond Retro’, and ‘This Shop Rocks’ but alas nothing really jumped out at me!

I guess the real success of vintage shopping is to not be searching for anything in particular.

So with my event looming this week, I still haven’t a clue what to wear, but I’m optimistic!
I know I’ll hash together something out of golden oldies in my wardrobe, and then probably feel ten times more confident and comfortable than had I been wearing something new.

Well that’s what I’m telling myself anyway!
I look forward to sharing the results with you!

Love Yours Truly, x

Tag: LATELY I’VE BEEN LOVING…

Sunshine On A Rainy Day…

How To Make : Gorgeous Guacamole!

Talking ‘Bout My Generation…

Brick Lane