A la Mode

RISING TO THE OCCASION

noreply@blogger.com (A La Mode) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:19:00 +0000

So pizza dough doesn't really rise, but you can thank my boyfriend for that title. Last Thursday evening I returned to Assaggetti, but this time I was on the other side of the wall - in the kitchen! Michael, Alexxsia and I were the only fashion bloggers there for the prosecco tasting and pizza making event. We stood out like sore thumbs in our Wang and Acne, quoting this more and more as the night progressed. It was pretty exciting getting our hands dirty in the kitchen, we were taught everything from how the dough is made to appropriate oven temperatures (400 degrees!), we even had our own chef outfits. One key fact that stayed with me, is that you know the dough is right when it feels like a 20 year olds breasts.. you can't make this stuff up. Queue blank expressions from the gays in the room. My favourite pizza was Lexxi's sizzling chorizo and chilli, so good! I think smaller pizza's may be the best way to go, we got to try out so many different flavour combinations. Thank you so much Assaggetti and Alix, from MeMo Interactive, for the invitation! - Also to Michael for letting me steal a couple of pics.

AGAINST STONE

noreply@blogger.com (A La Mode) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:11:00 +0000

Wearing: Shirt By Malene Birger, Topshop leather trousers, Dominic Jones rings, Camilla Skovgaard shoes

Kind of recycling the outfit I wore out the other night for dinner; I'm really loving olive and black, and the military tones of this shirt Zalando kindly sent me, by Scandinavian designer Malene Birger. I seem to be living in dark colours, which totally reflects the grey moody London right now. Wishing for spring to be back again; why is it so uninspiring to get dressed right now?

On the other hand, I apologise for the lack of blog posts; this time next week I'll be shooting my AW12 short fashion film, to be shown at my presentation in only few weeks. There is so much to do but I'm excited for you all to see the end result. Thank you for all your comments too, they've been keeping me going the last few days!

PASTEL PINK

noreply@blogger.com (A La Mode) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 09:02:00 +0000

Even though this doesn't totally relate to what I've been living in the past few weeks, I found myself delving into my iPhoto past and finding these from my last MyDaily ed. I really love the thick wool and shape of this Acne jacket, which begs the question why i didn't buy it for £50 at the last stock sale, when it was still being sold online at the time for a few hundred. No wonder Acne stocksales end up queuing around the block (If you wanna get serious be there an hour previous). I didn't mean for that to rhyme.

Recently I've been thinking about how lucky Londoners must be, with dozens of questions coming my way about how I actually afford a designer wardrobe, when I don't buy anything, ever, full price. The answer is of course; the sample sales happening twice a year ranging from Christopher Kane to Antipodium; the famous London department stores, Selfridges, Harrods, Liberty and Harvey Nichols plummeting their end of line sales to 80% off in the final week; and finally my biggest weakness, eBay. Obviously eBay is for everyone, but the rest has me feeling like Londoners are pretty lucky. Obviously New York probably has it even better, and I know Antwerp stocksales are pretty unmissable, but what's it like in your city, where do you find your bargains?

A SEED CAN'T HELP BUT RISE UP

noreply@blogger.com (A La Mode) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 10:37:00 +0000

The work of Egle Cekanaviciute, found whilst stumbling through another new discovery drkmttr blog - a must go to for interior inspiration, Egle's 6 piece collection focuses on the idea that the human species are powerless against nature. Basic minimal silhouettes have been created out of materials such as potato sacks or tailoring canvas, and distorted to make room for the growing plants that have seeded in amongst the fabric. The whole idea is beautiful and poignant, I've been thinking a lot about nature recently and this marries my two loves of nature and fashion beautifully.

PARED DOWN

noreply@blogger.com (A La Mode) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:39:00 +0000

Wearing: Aquascutum shirt, Issey Miyake skirt/trousers (scousers?), Alexander Wang shoes, Persol opticals, Dominic Jones rings, Helmut Lang half cuff bracelet

Keeping it simple for a Friday afternoon with a classic monochrome combo (Check me out blogging on the actual day of wear!). It was kind of a bad idea wearing white shoes though due to the rain; cue horror face at every muddle puddle or building site I came across, which was quite a few. Loving this classic white silk shirt by Aquascutum, with silver studs at the collar and cuffs, it's the details that make all the difference.

STREET WEAR

noreply@blogger.com (A La Mode) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:15:00 +0000

How incredible are these boots from Givenchy pre fall? Gimme gimme gimme! The black pony/calf hair pair are my favourite. The whole collection offered an alternative to the S/S 12 collection. Those low sharky lapels; long dangling necklaces - this time a deer horn, not so keen, but there are some shark teeth in choker form which I love; the boxy envelope clutches; and the dangling bow drape blouses. Givenchy are at the top for me right now.

NEW ARRIVAL

noreply@blogger.com (A La Mode) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 12:09:00 +0000

Alexander Wang Jade clutch/ Dream come true

I bought this before the new year and it's still sat patiently in my wardrobe waiting for a special occasion to shine. Maybe I just need to fit it more into my everyday life. I'm getting used to not carrying a large handbag since demanding all the coats I buy have various large inside pockets. Since cutting down, I should be able to fit my life in here with relative ease. Now to take it on the cake run to Tescos...

ANOTHER BRICK WALL

noreply@blogger.com (A La Mode) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 11:08:00 +0000

Wearing: Dior sunglasses, Limi Feu boiled wool coat, Ann Demeulemeester shirt, Charlie May leather belt, complex geometries skirt, Ann Demeulemeester pony hair riding boots

The other day I was complaining on twitter that I didn't have any belts to go with this outfit, then when leaving the house I spotted this half corset from my graduate collection. It actually works much better as a belt I have found (see original ways of wearing here). Wearing your own designs gives you a feel of what works and what doesn't, and I want my pieces to be functional and not just for show; which is quite a learning curve! I know most of you will be asking about the shoes, recently rediscovered lurking in the back of my wardrobe, I bought them off eBay a couple of years ago; they are perfect for keeping me warm whilst running around London hoarding fabric rolls back and forth, and are beautiful alternatives to heels. Ann D I love you.

In other news, thank you Company mag for shortlisting me in your blogger awards. It would be amazing if you guys voted for me, but there's something in it for you too; everyone who votes goes in for a chance of winning £250 of New look Vouchers! A pretty sweet deal I think you'll agree.

VOTE VOTE VOTE!

JUST ANOTHER WAY TO DRESS IN FUR

noreply@blogger.com (A La Mode) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 07:37:00 +0000

On our last Friday night in Brussels the shops stayed open for the Modo Parcours, each shop had its own entertainment and drinks led out onto the street. It was sort of like Fashions Night Out but much cooler and less structured. Michael and I headed to Icon, where we'd been earlier that day to see the Piece of Chic exhibition, featuring giant animal heads reconstructed out of vintage furs, on top of printed silk shift dresses. That night the animals came alive in the form of electro pop Belgian sensation Hong Kong Dong; the most exciting live performance I've seen in a long time.

See more of me dancing like a mannequin and the night rounded up here...

SKELETON

noreply@blogger.com (A La Mode) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 10:20:00 +0000

It's been 3 years and still since 2009 I haven't been able to get this corset off my mind. When will one appear on eBay that doesn't cost the price of one leg?

NAVY AND RUST

noreply@blogger.com (A La Mode) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 09:28:00 +0000

Wearing: Ann-Sofie Back coat, Acne peggy shirt, Alexander Wang crossover bra, Vivienne Westwood trousers, Balenciaga shoes, Moxham taba bracelet, Persol opticals

Aside from the heels, this makes seriously comfy loungewear. I've been living in this outfit in the studio since being back in London and slipping on a pair of heels to dash out for meetings. I feel much more energised since the Christmas break, my new years resolution, to get up at 7am every morning, has meant i'm up before the workmen demolishing away and I'm no longer a cranky morning person. I am excited about it getting lighter again though. I hope you're all enjoying the new year!

MINIMALISTE

noreply@blogger.com (A La Mode) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 09:03:00 +0000

Introduced to the Tumblr MINIMALISTE, by Ivania, it's been a great source of inspiration for my AW12. Looking at vast landscapes of sea and ice, with clear open skies and oceans has given me a great deal to think about. Going down to Devon for the holidays I felt like I had to visit this place, one of my favourites, with vast cliffs that you can climb and explore all day, with waves crashing all around you. So far removed from life, it makes me feel alive.

OH COMELY FEATURE

noreply@blogger.com (A La Mode) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 19:20:00 +0000

Excited to be featured on the beautiful Oh Comely magazines website.

I discovered the print version over Christmas in a WHSmith, in my little hometown in Devon! It really is a little slice of beauty.

Read the rest of the interview here

PERFORATED

noreply@blogger.com (A La Mode) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 08:14:00 +0000

New iPhone case that my brother gave me for Christmas, simply love it.

(For those asking, you can buy it here in black, white or lilac)

DEVON PHOTO DIARY

noreply@blogger.com (A La Mode) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 11:35:00 +0000

Quite the contrast between the warm indoor settings and the cold stark landscapes, but that's what I love about Devon. Exploring outside all day, and back indoors for tea and cake in the afternoon, warming our toes by the fire. It's pretty idilic, and I feel lucky to be able to have the best of both worlds. Everyone needs a break from London sometimes.

THE BEST THING ABOUT TIRAMISU IS

noreply@blogger.com (A La Mode) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 19:53:00 +0000

So, I didn't document this recipe as well as last time, but it's super easy to do so you've got to try it! We made it as a replacement for the Christmas pudding; everybody appreciated the downsizing of stodgy pudd, and said it was the best Tiramisu they'd ever had. Score!

Ingredients you'll need:

4 tubs of 250g mascarpone cheese

40g Caster Sugar

3 eggs (separated)

250ml Kahlua (coffee liqueur)

425ml very strong cold black coffee

1 packet of sponge biscuits (boudoir biscuits)

Cocoa powder for sprinkling

Beat the mascarpone, sugar and egg yolks until evenly blended and creamy. Whisk the egg whites until standing in stiff peaks and then fold into mascarpone mixture until even and looking good. Spoon a quarter of the mixture into the bass of a glass serving bowl. Now the fun part! Mix the liqueur and coffee together in a shallow dish and begin dipping in the sponge fingers, until soaked. Layer the finger until covering the mascarpone mix in the bowl. Continue repeating these two steps until your out of mixture then sprinkle with cocoa powder to finish. Leave in the fridge for 24 hours and serve chilled.

Then, the best part of all. Serve the remaining coffee/liqueur mix into glasses (will probably need sieving) and consume immediately! It's literally the same mixture as an expresso martini and tastes incredible.

and that's what the best thing about making a tiramisu is.

STORY

noreply@blogger.com (A La Mode) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 09:08:00 +0000

STORY by Leanne Trigg and Nadia Sarwar.

You can see more of the editorial on their websites too!

Updated the press section of my website this morning. Check it out, it's looking pretty slick. I'm now full speed into fashion week in the studio, making my AW12. Only 6 weeks to go!

SEAFARER

noreply@blogger.com (A La Mode) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 21:48:00 +0000

Wearing: Limi Feu jacket, Haider Ackerman draped waistcoat, Jaeger polo neck, Complex Geometries skirt, petrol Dr Martens, D&G gloves

One of my favourite places in Devon, especially when it's at it's most moodiest. We were walking along the rocks beside the sea, with nobody around us except the odd fisherman and surfers running past to catch a wave. Insanity!

I took about 300 photos so I'll be doing another post soon with more landscape. I'm also trying out a new look on the blog for the new year. Nothing too dramatic, just bigger pictures. I hope you like it and I hope you all had an amazing New Years!

A YEAR IN PICTURES

noreply@blogger.com (A La Mode) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 20:37:00 +0000

New years eve is nearly upon us, and I've been thinking about what a pretty incredible year 2011 has been. I've traveled around Europe; to Portugal, Paris and Belgium; met so many incredibly talented people, started my own fashion label; and this is just the beginning. Looking back through a year in posts, I've picked out a few of my favourite pictures. Thank you to all of you who shared these blog moments with me. I've got a feeling 2012 is going to be pretty awesome too.

CLUB CUCKOO

noreply@blogger.com (A La Mode) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 20:50:00 +0000

Dinner at the Cuckoo Club, in Mayfair, with some of my favourite people. Cocktails are always my favourite and these didn't disappoint! My favourite was the duck breast, watercress and pomegranate seed salad as well as a beautiful dover sole. We got to pick and choose from so many different dishes, it was quite a treat!

Thanks Alix from Me:Mo Interactive for inviting us.

RED LACE

noreply@blogger.com (A La Mode) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 10:09:00 +0000

Wearing: Craig Lawrence knitted top, Charlie May shirt, Ann Demeulemeester trousers, Erdem shoes

Heres a few snapshots of my Christmas day outfit, I hope you all had an amazing last couple of days! I've certainly eaten more than my weight in food, and I've been so happy to be down in the countryside with my family. Wearing some new additions to my wardrobe; the beautiful Erdem boots from my favourite season, scored at the Nicholas Kirkwood sample sale (a Christmas present to myself) and a beautiful knitted tee from Craig Lawrence.

DECK THE HALLS WITH BOUGHS OF HOLLY

noreply@blogger.com (A La Mode) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 20:30:00 +0000

Fa la lalalaa la la la laa!

It's an adored May tradition to collect holly and ivy for Christmassy house decoration. There are always plenty of picture frames to decorate and my Dads always particularly keen on turning the kitchen into forest, by wrapping ivy around any exposed beams. I'm pretty pleased with the result!

I hope you're all having a good Christmas eve, surrounded by the ones you love.

TRUFFLE VS TRUFFLE

noreply@blogger.com (A La Mode) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 14:25:00 +0000

I don't usually post recipes but I thought seeing as it's Christmas, I'll share some quick and easy recipes that can be prepared and made in time for Christmas day. I think the nut truffles were a lot easier to make, but the rich chocolate rum was more fun and messy!

Chocolate Nut Truffles

Ingredients:

100g plain chocolate

25g finely chopped mixed nuts

50g icing sugar

1-2 drops vanilla extract

1 tbsp single cream

chocolate vermicelli

Finely grate the chocolate into a bowl, then add nuts and sugar. Add vanilla and cream to bind the ingredients together. Form into small bowls and roll in chocolate vermicelli. Keep cool until serving.

Rich Chocolate Rum Truffles

Ingredients:

225g plain chocolate

2 egg yolks

25g butter

2 tbsp rum

1 tbsp single cream

drinking chocolate powder

Melt the chocolate into a bowl then add the egg yolks, butter, rum and cream. Stir the mixture until thick enough to handle. Cool slightly, then roll into balls ready to be dipped in chocolate powder.

Et voila!

STINGRAY

noreply@blogger.com (A La Mode) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 20:52:00 +0000

Alexander Wang Jade clutch

The perfect clutch, waiting for me back at home!

WINTER EVENING

noreply@blogger.com (A La Mode) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 08:50:00 +0000

Wearing: J.W. Anderson jumper, Complex Geometries skirt, Acne boots, Dagmar cuff

On the shortest day of the year, the sun went down quicker than I could photograph my outfit. Wearing my new J.W. knit and Acne boots - both major sample sale scores this past month. Heading back to Devon today, so I'm sure there'll be more homely countryside Christmassy posts coming this way..

Thanks Shini for the outfit shots!