The Swelle Life

Beautiful Book: 'Birds of a Feather Shop Together'

2012-05-31T11:47:49+01:00

The books I loved most as a little girl had two elements in common: lovely and colourful pictures, and enchanting stories. The stuff of wonderful daydreams that made childhood magical. As the years have passed, I've found that through their vivid imagery and words, these affections have remained firmly embedded in the mind and in the heart.

So what a treat is to continue the tradition, thanks to Birds of a Feather Shop Together, a gorgeous and witty book of 'Aesop's Fables for the Fashionable Set', adapted by author Sandra Bark who serves up life lessons with delicious fashion savvy. Bil Donovan masterfully brings the fables to life with his vibrant watercolour and ink illustrations, taking the anthology from bookshelf to proud display.

It's such a joy to read; a fashion and beauty indulgence that feels a bit of a guilty pleasure until you reach the end of the tale and see that fashion and morals can indeed coexist! The original stories are found at the back of the book, though once you've read Bark's there's no going back.

This book has become one of my daughter's favourites, and when I have to put it down because it's bedtime, she invariably reaches over and opens it back up to have a longer look at Bil's illustration for that story. I love that this book is one she'll remember for the rest of her life.

Birds of a Feather Shop Together is a hardcover book (the cover has a gorgeous texture with brilliant colour saturation) published by Harper Collins and includes 17 illustrated stories plus their originals. It is available to buy for £12.95.

Huge thanks to Bil Donovan for introducing me to this beautiful book and to Harper Collins for providing the copy. It is much loved.

About the author and illustrator:

Sandra Bark is a New York Times bestselling author who collaborates on books with notable figures. The founder and curator of the street art blog the Scenic Sidewalk, Sandra lives and works in Brooklyn, New York.

Bil Donovan is a fashion illustrator whose work has appeared in various publications and advertising campaigns worldwide. A brand ambassador for Christian Dior Beauty, he teaches fashion illustration at the Fashion Institute of Technology and is the author of Advanced Fashion Drawing: Lifestyle Illustration and illustrator of The Dress Doctor. He lives in New York City.

To read about Bil on The Swelle Life, including our interview, browse the Bil Donovan category here.

Here's a look at some the book's stunning story illustrations, by Bil Donovan:

'Birds of a Feather' - the level of detail is just incredible!

'A Birkin in the Hand'

'Carpe Dior'

'Amanda and the Grape Gaultier'

'Best Dressed'

Images provided courtesy of Bil Donovan

Colour Your Life

2012-05-30T12:08:54+01:00

When it comes to interior design, more and more consultants aim to go completely with the customers’ individual needs and wishes and try to figure out their personal style and way of living. Whether you feel comfortable inside of your own four walls doesn't depend on whether you follow current living trends or not, but rather on your personality, on your preferences and characteristics.

If you are a creative and open-minded person with an affinity to challenges, you will be open to all kinds of interesting suggestions to spice up your living room. You might be someone who prefers being surrounded by clean and fresh shapes and colours, and a contemporary corner sofa in beige with a light metal frame, for example, might then be ideal for you. (The sectional in the header photo is exactly what we were going to get for our condo which we never lived in - it took so long to build that we wound up in the UK before it was completed!) Or rather than bright and light coloured furniture, you prefer darks such as brown and black, and heavy and bulky shapes that look cool and tough, like the Canonbury armchair.

As we all know, colours have a very strong influence on our mood. If you want your house to cheer you up, it's probably best to include some colourful cushions or a nice blanket: green gives you hope and blue provides a calm feeling (which is probably why I surround myself with it!). Another possibility is to integrate one or two comfy bean bags, whether red, yellow or blue. Just trust your intuition. For most of us, fresh colours and stark contrasts in our living room make us feel happy and easy-going. The bean bags you can order online here.

Bean bags are also fantastic for your outside space. These versions are made of a special fabric that is water resistant, so beanbags might be the perfect choice for you if you plan to spend a lot of time in your garden this summer - and I certainly do!

Photo: bestbeanbags.blogspot.co.uk/

About that 'Mermaid in a Wheelchair' Act...

2012-05-29T13:09:57+01:00

Today I was looking for a bio and photos for Diana Dors, Britain's incarnation of 1950s Marilyn Monroe, of sorts. I'd never heard of her until a couple years ago when we bought our house. We'd heard some tales about the elderly previous owner who had indulged in a platonic obsession with the bombshell actress (yes, blonde) after having met her in the 1950s in London, and since then I've been meaning to look into who she was; I was curious about the woman whose things had once filled our house from floor to ceiling. Neighbours told us how the diminutive man had spent years amassing a huge collection of Diana Dors memorabilia, and boxes and newspapers were piled so high that there was not much room to get around. (When he passed away from old age his family did a total renovation on the house inside and out.) He was once interviewed for a TV show about his collection here at the house and the crew had great difficulty getting their equipment in! But it proved to be worth the trouble; he unwittingly gave them a "Geraldo and Al Capone's vault" moment when he pulled out a suitcase of Dors' that he purchased at auction and had never opened. But unlike Geraldo's cringeworthy embarrassment on live TV which revealed an empty vault after a lengthy, suspense-filled lead-in, the suitcase did indeed contain personal effects of Dors, including some of her performance costumes. Oddly, he had apparently just never thought to open it!

(Two of our neighbours also told us a cute story about how the man's friend next door told him he needed to freshen up the door with some paint, so he got out there with a paint can and brush and only painted as far as his barely over 5 foot-tall fame could reach - leaving a door that was two different colours!)

Back to the point: So I was on the Diana Dors official website and while looking at her 1940s photo archive saw the above photo, which appears to be a still from a set. Remember last July, when Bette Midler called out Lady Gaga on Twitter for ripping off her act, tweeting "I've been doing singing mermaid in a wheelchair since 1980..." Well, I don't know if Diana Dors sang in that chair. But it's a wheelchair, and that does indeed look like a mermaid tail. And it predates Midler's act by nearly 40 years, so maybe not so original. Just sayin'. (I hope Bette Midler doesn't come after me with a pop can...)

If you've arrived at this post out of an interest in Diana Dors memorabilia you're out of luck - I have no idea what happened to any of it!

Cupcake Monday! Pretty, Perfect Meringues

2012-05-28T22:42:50+01:00

I have to admit that I don't really go for meringues, as in eating them. Looking, I like. For me, it's all just too sugary, although I do live in the land of meringues, GIANT ones (I'm not talking about the Royal Wedding), so I think it's time I finally went for it. A local cafe has ones the size of my head, so I'll stop in this week and see what it's all about and hopefully not invite diabetes into my life while I'm at it.

These beautiful little meringue sandwiches - essentially macarons then? - are by Tessa of Cakes by Tess. She's filled them with a mango cream, and if this is how they were served around here I'd surely have tried them by now. Their one-bite size and pink ball decorations make them irresistible.

Have you tried making meringues? Obviously, I haven't. But I found what appears to be a comprehensive tutorial on how to make the perfect meringue that includes the benefit of an experienced cook's own mistakes and other expert's tips, which is the ideal way to begin - less mistakes of your own, and less swearing at a bowl of egg whites! Read it here.

Photos: Cakes by Tess

Print-tastic!

2012-05-25T13:18:28+01:00

Prints are back this summer; in fact they've become a catwalk collection staple. Not only are we embracing the classic animal/tribal print but we also love floral print, bold prints and bird prints. With a broad choice in motifs and colours, it's up to you how far you take the trend. Go for this look in various accessories, or as a key piece in a pair of trousers, jeans (I love printed skinny jeans) or a top, or wear the whole look in a dress.

Printed jeans and trousers are hot right now. There is a massive choice available including ranges by Current Elliot, J Brand, Paige and Citizens of Humanity. From Grey Leopard Skinny Jeans to Mini Floral Crop Heaven, Skinny Cherry Print to Multi Arrow or Blue Leaf Meadow, whatever your mood, there are jeans that will match it. If you want to be smarter than denim, try Goldsign Vivien Flare jeans in Regal. These are silk palazzo pants in an eye-catching paisley print and they look stunning teamed with a gold or bold blue silk top. The look is so simple yet elegant.

If you want to go full-on prints in a dress, take a look at Stella McCartney’s bold Hawaiian print denim shift dress. This beautiful dress is a classic fit with a modern print and a Japanese cut. The dress can easily be dressed up or down with the right shoes and accessories so that it will work on holiday, at a party, at work or at a wedding. A key piece that will see you through many a summer event!

Printed tops are a more understated way to display the print trend. Worn well over this season’s other key trend, the pastel and bold coloured jeans, print tops and blouses are a brilliant summer look. Anna Sui has some stunning tunic tops and Tucker offer gorgeous floral and butterfly blouses. L’Agence have some beautiful geo print and scarf print blouses that work perfectly teamed with some smart office trousers, and they are elegant enough to wear after work for a refreshing summer drink!

Summer's Coming; Lighten up!

2012-05-24T14:49:33+01:00

For some reason, I would often see women in the office following men in wearing plain boring suits with dark black, grey and blue colours matched with a white shirt or blouse and some dull brown shoes. Why?! We don’t need to follow the guys in their office fashion; I believe we should start putting a little bit more colour and style in our choice of wardrobe. There are so many different women’s work outfits available out there and there just as many styles to suit all industries.

You can accessorise, glamorise, and also bring a chic look to the office. We know that hemlines are on the rise this season, and having something cut just above the knee, though as much as it is daring, it is still absolutely appropriate if you wear tights underneath. There's no need to stay in the dark ages and it's about time we take our work fashion more seriously.

As we are approaching summer, it's time to think about lightening our wardrobe and taking in some of the fantastic colours available to us this year. It is important to get some light and airy summer dresses as you do not want to be feeling hot and sweaty at work (unpleasant for you as well as your coworkers!). Reports are claiming that it is going to be an absolute scorcher this year (please, please let this be true), so the invitations to barbeques will flood in and there will often be the temptation to go out straight after work. So make sure that your wardrobe is adjustable to both in-work style and off-work style.

Also ‘romance’ is back in fashion this year, so celebrate by treating yourself to one of the many flowing maxi dresses on offer. These full-length designs can make you look effortlessly elegant. Dresses made of light materials and touched with colourful patterns are perfect for the summer.

And if you don’t have time to hit the shops because of a busy work schedule, then have a browse online. There are some fantastic bargains to be had. There is one good thing about a global recession, friends: cheaper clothes!

Choosing the perfect swimsuit

2012-05-22T11:53:59+01:00

Spring time is here – the trees are starting to get greener, the sun is attempting to come out, and the bikini body crash-diets are consuming every woman’s mind across the country. However, with Vogue stating to the world that “healthy is beautiful”, we think this is a sign to sod the diet and embrace what we were given.

We weren’t all blessed with (or have time to perfect) string-bikini bodies, so instead of torturing yourself with yet another fruit-juice detox, shop to suit your body shape – just like you would with all clothing. Come on, dare to bare all, and release your inner beach Goddess!

If you won’t feel confident parading around with your tummy out, opt for an asymmetrical one-piece. The detail around the middle will distract the eye and will give the illusion of a slimmer waistline. However, if you’re proud of your curves and want to show them off to the world in a two-piece, remember to stay away from bikini shorts and high-cut bottoms – they’ll do nothing but weigh you down and make you look out of proportion.

For women with boyish figures, cut-out one pieces were made with you in mind. The curved shapes of the swimsuit will automatically turn your straight up-down figure into the hourglass you can only achieve with accessories. Teeny bikinis will also look great on you girls – look out for the ones with feminine touches.

Those of us who were not blessed with big babalons should keep eyes peeled for padded tops and underwired bra-styles when browsing the swimsuit section of stores. Bright colours and extra fabric will also suit your body shape, as these will emphasise this area of your body. Stay away from pale colours as they have the potential to completely wash you out.

However, the ladies out there who are well developed up top, grab yourself a bikini top in specific sizes to keep you supported (and as insurance you won’t fall out!) Creating definition between your chest and torso will make you look leaner and more defined, so stick to the traditional sweetheart line if you opt for a onesie.

Thighs are every girl’s worst enemy, and for any budding beach-babe out there with a problem with the wobbly bit on the inside of theirs, pick out a tankini in a bright, bold colour to draw attention away from the part of your body you hate the most. Stay away from skirted suits and boy shorts as they’ll only make that part of your body look wider than it is.

Now, you lucky ones who are slim and in proportion – the world of swimwear is your oyster. You can get away with string bikinis, little triangle shapes – you could even get away with a thong bikini if you really wanted to. So go on girls – don’t be shy, remember that confidence is the key to looking good!

Photos: Style.com

Cupcake Monday! The Magnificent Artistry of Cake Opera Co.

2012-05-21T17:54:01+01:00

Cute cakes have their place - it's nice to eat something pretty without feeling as if you're destroying it. But there is another level altogether in the world of cakes, an artistry where the ingredients are regarded as media, the edible kind, and cakes are masterfully transformed into objects of exquisite beauty.

Alexandria Pelligrino is one of these extraordinary talents. As a fine artist she travelled to Florence to continue her art studies, then took up residence in Bologna, the gastronomical centre of Italy, where she became enchanted by food. This led her back to Toronto where she enrolled in the Patisserie program at Le Cordon Bleu. It was here that she met her future partner and pastry chef, Jessica Smith (more on her later!). Alexandria went on to found Cake Opera Co. in 2007 and has since achieved international recognition as one of the industry's leading cake designers. One glance at her stunning cakes - and her! (below) - and you wouldn't question why.

There are dozens of incredible creations on the Cake Opera Co.'s website, so I'm going to focus on my favourite of the cakes for this post. In the header image we see the Masquerade Ball-inspired Morretto Mask, one of the first of her signature 18th Century French figurine cakes. The "doctor death" mask, worn by bourgeoisie to conceal their illicit rendezvous, juxtaposes the fawn in her arms, a symbol of birth and innocence. How often do we get symbolism in our cake?!

This is Cake Opera Co.'s Milk Glass cake which I think is my favourite for its simple yet luxuriously textured detailing, created to resemble 1920s milk glass. The original was created as the piece du résistance for their table display at the 2010 Wedding Co. Show. A milk glass collector herself, Alexandria studied and combined many of her own cherished pieces into the final design. The desired result was to be a sleek yet vintage looking cake, evoking interest with its dynamic architectural form and contrasting this silhouette against more simple, pressed glass-like motifs. It is finished with a spray of confectionary glaze to resemble lustrous glass.

The Château de Versailles' Galerie des Glaces inspired this magnificent Hall of Mirrors cake. Created completely of cast sugar tiles and 24Kt gold molded details, it was constructed as an ode to Louis XIV, Dauphine of France, lover of luxury and excess. I think it's almost as ambitious an undertaking as the Hall of Mirrors itself!

'Pomegranate' is the four-tiered beauty that was borne of a request from event stylist Cynthia Martin to collaborate on a project at The Fermenting Cellar. The Style Me Pretty wedding blog had chosen Cynthia to take a Bohemian Romance-themed inspiration board and turn it into reality.

The cake is adorned with luxurious hand-sewn ribbon medallions and brooch detail, as well as an evocative hand sculpted pomegranate crowning the piece which denotes mystery and opulence. I love it when the cake designer uses textiles as decoration, it's such a lush effect.

The Most Beautiful Garden Bench (and some other nice ones)

2012-05-19T18:07:27+01:00

When I saw the Luzio azure blue bench above on Dalani.co.uk - an interiors site that has become my latest obsession for its tightly curated flash shop - all discounted! - and daydreamy magazine of gorgeous ideas and inspirations, my brain quickly scanned itself for legal ways I could immediately come up with the nearly £900 it cost, on sale. Believe it or not, I came up short. The sale ended, and now I only have this photo to remind me of just how beautiful a garden bench can be. It makes me want to become a carpenter like my grandfather, although I would be hindered by my sensitivity to wood dust. And physical labour.

I do have a bench of my own on its way, a traditional, all wood style thanks to Groupon who gave me some vouchers to spend on items to review. I've ordered some pastel stains from our local hardware store and I'm planning to paint my bench and transform it, maybe with alternating planks in coastal and beaumont blues to create a striped look. I'll share the process and results in a few weeks.

The Luzio is a tough act to follow, but here are a few more that caught my eye for being colourful and pretty:

Ingrid Jansen of Wood & Wool Stool is a fan of Fermob and had one of their peony benches displayed in her house for a few days before moving it outside - I think it looks right at home inside!

I'm not a fan of iron in silver or black, though it can be the right look depending on the garden, and the person. It's just not really me. But with a can of spray paint it can be easily transformed into something light and playful.

PATierney put the question out on her Flickr for colour ideas for this garden bench:

In the end, she went for turquoise and lime - what a transformation! It's been given a completely new look, it's so fresh. This is making me reconsider my decision to go with the all-wood option for my bench, I think I could have done something really cool with the other style which was a back in iron and wood, with ornate iron sides. Oh well, I will just have to make mine so good-looking it won't matter!

I don't feel right calling this vividly painted piece a bench, so let's call it a small, iron loveseat. It's quite exotic with its classical Greek detailing, and although the cushion surely makes it nicer to sit on, it would look much better bare:

A garden dining bench with what looks like a marble-top table set in pinks, to match the flowers - too bad the (I'm assuming) gorgeous umbrella on the left got cut out of the shot!:

From House to Home

The ever-popular distressed/vintage look which has likely been hand-finished in the photo above, and I think is the real deal below judging by the style of the iron work: (I've lost my links and am still trying to credit these photos!)

Gorgeously ornate in ivory, this painted cast iron and wood bench is also the real deal (and sold unfortunately!), from Antiquated.co.uk

Cupcake Monday! The Tynemouth Food Festival

2012-05-14T13:42:12+01:00

Hot Chilli & Fennel popcorrn from Corn Again, and a Lemon Blueberry cupcake from Pet Lamb Patisserie

This past weekend, my favourite coastal village celebrated the first Tynemouth Food Festival, and it was a smashing, drool-worthy, success. The event included cooking demonstrations from some of the region's best chefs, and samplings at local restaurants and shops - I tried and subsequently bought some Black Bomber Cheddar (the best cheddar I've ever had) and the most gorgeous Stilton, plus a bottle of red wine from The Deli Around the Corner, a friendly, fine foods shop we're so lucky to have on our doorstep.

Queen Victoria Park was transformed into a fabulous food market with north east food companies selling everything from Australian 'Safari' takeaway (I ate a springbok burger which was delicious and am feeling a bit guilty now) to savoury pies - my favourites were the Steak and Cheese from the New Zealand Gourmet Pie Company, to posh condiments, chocolate and cakes of all kinds. The queue for Sachins' wildly popular Punjabi dishes was long and well worth the wait for their freshly made naan. The crowds were so ravenous, many stalls sold out hours before the day finished at 4pm! (So pleased for Katie of Pet Lamb Patisserie whose yummy cupcakes were so popular they virtually blew out of there with the wind!)

I'd like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who worked tireless hours, including my friend Katherine, to bring this incredible food, and some education as well, to us gluttonous insatiables.

Speaking of ravenous, I'm now addicted to Corn Again's Hot Chilli & Fennel and Garlic & Herb popcorn who also sell online (I'm in such trouble.) Presented in another new love, my crumpled ceramic Revol espresso cup.