Image source: Pinterest
A little bit of inspiration of what is to come soon for my hmong inspired designs.
musings of a fashionista, blogger, pr student and foodie.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
watch this space; hmong inspired designs
Image source: Pinterest
A little bit of inspiration of what is to come soon for my hmong inspired designs.
Friday, August 24, 2012
round 2; top 5 ways to dine + things to do in spain
A few things that I definitely miss about our recent trip to Spain in July 2012. And a few things that I definitely forgot to let you all know about. Round 2; top 5 ways to dine + things to do in Spain!
1. Le Mariage, Bayonne
This day would probably have to be the highlight of our trip (for me anyway!). Just a little shot of myself getting ready before my best friends big day.
2. Patatas bravas - Taberna la Piedra, Zaragoza
Although there was not much to see in Zaragoza, this quaint bar and grill, Taberna la Piedra, was hands down, one of the best grills that I have ever eaten at! For one that is not very big on meat, I quite enjoyed the meat that was on offer, which was served on a hot plate with chunky bits of sea salt (I am an avid lover of salt) and smothered in olive oil, yellow and rich in flavour. Not only was the meat ridiculously good, but their patatas braves was to die for. It was served with a gorgonzola wasabi aioli, argh - delicious. And, as you would expect the potatoes were cooked to perfection with a hectic crust on the outside and with crushed sea salt that stuck to the potatoes like glue...Mouth watering!
3. Crêperie Harmonika, Bayonne
Having frequented Bayonne last year for my friends engagement, this year, my boyfriend and I swore that we would make it to this little restaurant at least once on our visit to Bayonne (in actual fact we made it their twice!). Denika, my bestie that got married, mentioned to us last year "you have to make it to this place for breakfast, hands down best crepe ever!". Well indeed, she was right. Undeniably the best crepe I have ever eaten in my life as well as indescribable - if that is even a word. Words cannot describe the love we have for this place. A must visit if you are heading to the Basque region.
4. Petit Bayonne
For the second time on our visit to Bayonne we missed out on the Fete de Bayonne; which is a fete quite similar to the festival they have in Pamplona. Maybe next year?
5. Suckling Pig, Madrid
I am not 100% sure where this was exactly but it was near Puerto del Sol in Madrid. We happened to stumble across this restaurant on a night of hunting the streets for some authentic spanish food. And oh boy did we find a goodie! Suckling pig is a unique dish that is popular in some of the Spanish regions and to have found a little gem in Madrid was a surprise. I am sure there was not too much meat on the bones but my oh my was it tasty. Melt in your mouth crackling with just enough salt to get you going back for more is just how you want the pork to be. Ridiculously good.
1. Le Mariage, Bayonne
This day would probably have to be the highlight of our trip (for me anyway!). Just a little shot of myself getting ready before my best friends big day.
2. Patatas bravas - Taberna la Piedra, Zaragoza
Although there was not much to see in Zaragoza, this quaint bar and grill, Taberna la Piedra, was hands down, one of the best grills that I have ever eaten at! For one that is not very big on meat, I quite enjoyed the meat that was on offer, which was served on a hot plate with chunky bits of sea salt (I am an avid lover of salt) and smothered in olive oil, yellow and rich in flavour. Not only was the meat ridiculously good, but their patatas braves was to die for. It was served with a gorgonzola wasabi aioli, argh - delicious. And, as you would expect the potatoes were cooked to perfection with a hectic crust on the outside and with crushed sea salt that stuck to the potatoes like glue...Mouth watering!
3. Crêperie Harmonika, Bayonne
Having frequented Bayonne last year for my friends engagement, this year, my boyfriend and I swore that we would make it to this little restaurant at least once on our visit to Bayonne (in actual fact we made it their twice!). Denika, my bestie that got married, mentioned to us last year "you have to make it to this place for breakfast, hands down best crepe ever!". Well indeed, she was right. Undeniably the best crepe I have ever eaten in my life as well as indescribable - if that is even a word. Words cannot describe the love we have for this place. A must visit if you are heading to the Basque region.
4. Petit Bayonne
For the second time on our visit to Bayonne we missed out on the Fete de Bayonne; which is a fete quite similar to the festival they have in Pamplona. Maybe next year?
5. Suckling Pig, Madrid
I am not 100% sure where this was exactly but it was near Puerto del Sol in Madrid. We happened to stumble across this restaurant on a night of hunting the streets for some authentic spanish food. And oh boy did we find a goodie! Suckling pig is a unique dish that is popular in some of the Spanish regions and to have found a little gem in Madrid was a surprise. I am sure there was not too much meat on the bones but my oh my was it tasty. Melt in your mouth crackling with just enough salt to get you going back for more is just how you want the pork to be. Ridiculously good.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
the most influential people in fashion under 45; vogue 120th anniversary
When you think of fashion for a century are there any inspiring/ influential trends or people that come to mind? Models perhaps, or even designers? Or maybe a particular piece of clothing that changed the way we look at fashion? It is really amazing to see the amount of faces or objects that have made what we call fashion today. It has been 120 years that Vogue has been hunting down styles in order to showcase to us, their avid readers, everything that fashion has to offer. From Claudia Schiffer to fashion duo Rodarte to Lady Gaga. In some way or another all three of these people, from model to designer to celebrity, have inspired us in some way when we think of fashion.
If there is one statement that should be taken from any of the amazing shots taken by Photographer Norman Jean Roy is that all these fashion icons, model, celebrity and designer, are the fresh faces that embody the image of the cool, young, "it" crowd that fans of fashion yearn to be part of and will seek to look up to for another 120 years.
Image source: my modern met
For a more behind the scenes look of the Vogue 120th Anniversary click on the link below.
If there is one statement that should be taken from any of the amazing shots taken by Photographer Norman Jean Roy is that all these fashion icons, model, celebrity and designer, are the fresh faces that embody the image of the cool, young, "it" crowd that fans of fashion yearn to be part of and will seek to look up to for another 120 years.
Image source: my modern met
For a more behind the scenes look of the Vogue 120th Anniversary click on the link below.
Friday, August 17, 2012
trendsetter saturday; the floral headband
It seems like all the other spring summer trends are having their moments; cobalt, floral pants, printed pants, tropicana vibe; but one trend that I feel is being underrated, is the floral headband. A particular style that I love are the ones that are sported by none other than Lana Del Rey. It compliments any girly outfit very well (and even grungy would you believe), and also softens the look. Here’s some of my favourite styling of headbands from bloggers and celebrities.
who what wear; lana del rey
celebrity; nancy sinatra
caterinafrancesca; soot.
k is for kani; connie cao
inside in, inside out; tasfia and fabilha
Flower headbands are such nice additions for any style maven and will enhance your summer outfit whereas big floral crowns can make a bold statement and they are both perfect for summer!
who what wear; lana del rey
celebrity; nancy sinatra
caterinafrancesca; soot.
k is for kani; connie cao
inside in, inside out; tasfia and fabilha
Flower headbands are such nice additions for any style maven and will enhance your summer outfit whereas big floral crowns can make a bold statement and they are both perfect for summer!
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
cobalt; spring summer 2012/13
Image source: from left to right, top to bottom; 1. LAYLA A. 2. MC KENNETH L. 3. MC KENNETH L. 4. DEREK N. - all lookbook.nu
Why cobalt is going to be spring summer 2012/13 favourite primary colour...
Although this colour has been a staple peice for Autumn Winter 2012, I think that cobalt will be making a huge comeback for Spring Summer 2012/13. August 15 2012, Spring Summer 2012/13 for David Jones, showcased some amazing colours, prints and fabrics, all that were mind blowingly stunning; from bright devil red's to vivid green to paint sbloched fabrics to my favourite of all cobalt. Although all eyes were very much on Miranda Kerr's jaw dropping figure, I think one key look to come out of this show was cobalt; the perfect primary colour.
“What I love is the use of colour this season,” said Kerr at the pre-show rehearsal. Bright colours went on to dominate most of the show including Jessica Gomes in neon by Camilla & Marc, Julia Nobis in scarlet lace by Scanlan & Theodore, Bambi Northwood-Blyth in florals by Josh Goot, and Rose Smith in Bianca Spender’s flowing teal satin.
Image source: vogue.com.au
This had to be one of my favourites to come out of the show; a long cobalt flowing frock by Roopa Pemmaraju.
Whether sported as socks, a gorgeous boyfriend blazer, a tailored dress or a flowing frock, you can literally dash a bit of cobalt into your style whichever way you like. Cobalt is also a great combination with prints; geometric/floral.
Sunday, August 12, 2012
men's shoe report 2012/13
Image source: aucoindemarue.wordpress.com I feel like I neglect the boys a little bit with my posts always seeming to be in regards to women's fashion. Well here you have it, my 2012/13 men's shoe report. Whether you are feeling like you are wanting to sport a bit of colour as well as sophisticated vintage style, the brogue is a staple piece for any male that is an avid fashion lover. Sometimes I wish I did act like a boy... Sigh
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
top 5 ways to dine in spain
There are many different ways that you can dine when you are travelling; on a budget, on the go or wining and dining. That said, you don't have to eat at the nicest looking places to really get a grasp of what a country has to offer (if you’re walking down La Rambla in Barcelona and happen to pass the incongruously named Café Vienna, it’s a good bet your impulse will be to keep walking. Don’t!).
Having travelled around Europe for 7 months last year in 2011, our favourite friend was of course the smart phone as well as trip advisor, serious eats and NY Times. Although some of these sites may not always have the best restaurants that everyone is going to love and enjoy, from a personal experience though, these sites definitely set the bar for wining and dining in Spain!
From Madrid to Bayonne to Barcelona, I give to you my top 5 ways to dine in each of these amazing cities!
1. Madrid; Chocolateria San Gines
If you are after traditional churros to make your mouth water Chocolateria San Gines, if you are in Madrid, is where you need to head to to get your sweet tooth fix! Crunchy on the outside and light and fluffy (not soft dough) in the centre, with a light dark chocolate hot chocolate to accompany, is how churros should be served. And, this little cafe, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of inner city Madrid, serves the best churros in town!
2. Madrid; Paella
Another little prime find in the heart of a city but in the back streets; a street where only the locals go and are seen, a street that if not found on trip advisor, we would never have found. The thing that I love about this place is that you know when a restaurant is going to be good when all you can hear and see are local Spaniards - no tourists (just us!) and no maitre d'hotel to convince you to eat at their restaurant. Another thing that I loved about this prime find was that there was not an extensive menu (not like the menu's you find in Rome with a menu consisting of 50 pizza's, 50 pastas and 50 desserts) meaning almost everything is made fresh and what is available is available and what is not will be made again the next day. Quite the same with the paella, there was not an extensive selection of paella's... there was only 1. Much to my boyfriends demise, it was seafood only; served on my plate not in one of those cliche dishes, but just simply on a flat dinner plate - the taste was delectable and deliciously creamy with a crust that was to die for!
3. Madrid; Metro Bistro
If there is one thing that the Spanish know how to do well is meat; from beef to pork (jamon). Our meal at Metro Bistro was our last night that we spent in Madrid and it was a night well spent! The dish that really had us talking was the tomato soup with olive oil ice-cream... Ridiculously good.
4. Basque region, Bayonne; La Maison Cazenave
If you ever plan to visit the little town Bayonne, in the Basque region, known for their infamous chocolate, Chocolat Cazenave is one little gem that is to not be missed. Chocolat Cazenave in Bayonne, is an invitation to an imaginary journey in the footsteps of Caribbean and African tropical origins, places where the best cocoa beans originate. I took my mum and dad to this place and they were in awe of it; the surroundings, the stained glass windowed roof and of course a large selection of home made chocolates just waiting for you to delve into. The most popular dish is their notre chocolate mousseux, which is served looking like a soufflé with a side of cream and extra hot chocolate on the side. On this particular day we decided to get their homemade brioche as well and dip it into the hot chocolate (sicilian italians do something similar with brioche where they dip it into granita - which is an extremely soft and light sorbet!). Magnifique!
5. Barcelona; Gilda by Belgious
There is much to be said about this restaurant. We stumbled across this place on our second last day in Barcelona. If it wasn't for another restaurant being closed then we would have never experienced the amazing dishes that this place plates up. The food was the best we had had all week, with the prawns and curry ice cream being one meal in particular that I will never forget (featured in image above). The patatas bravas (crispy fried potatoes with aioli and dried tomato chutney) was to die for and the Flemish stew was gorgeous. Having dined very late that night, we did however, get the chance to chat to the owner. With a mixture of Spanish and Belgium cuisines, this guy has truly found a niche that will be hard to be replicated elsewhere. Nb. Make sure if you plan to visit this restaurant that you make sure that you get in early; staple dishes that seem to run out quick fast are the jamon, mussels and the chocolate mousse (however, I did get to taste the chocolate mousse on the next night that we ate there... yes, we ate there twice!)
Although I have mentioned 5, I do also want to make mention this little bar that is located in St. Josep Mercado, La Rambla; Bar Pinotxo. Recommended by serious eats, this is one tapas bar not to be missed. Cooking up local dishes but also live seafood in front of your very eyes is a MUST to do in Barcelona.
I know these tasty little morsels are not seafood, but pimentos is a staple starter for any tapas you are ordering in Spain. A must have and try, delicious!
There you have it, a few ways on how to spend your days or nights eating the very best Spanish cuisine!
Having travelled around Europe for 7 months last year in 2011, our favourite friend was of course the smart phone as well as trip advisor, serious eats and NY Times. Although some of these sites may not always have the best restaurants that everyone is going to love and enjoy, from a personal experience though, these sites definitely set the bar for wining and dining in Spain!
From Madrid to Bayonne to Barcelona, I give to you my top 5 ways to dine in each of these amazing cities!
1. Madrid; Chocolateria San Gines
If you are after traditional churros to make your mouth water Chocolateria San Gines, if you are in Madrid, is where you need to head to to get your sweet tooth fix! Crunchy on the outside and light and fluffy (not soft dough) in the centre, with a light dark chocolate hot chocolate to accompany, is how churros should be served. And, this little cafe, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of inner city Madrid, serves the best churros in town!
2. Madrid; Paella
Another little prime find in the heart of a city but in the back streets; a street where only the locals go and are seen, a street that if not found on trip advisor, we would never have found. The thing that I love about this place is that you know when a restaurant is going to be good when all you can hear and see are local Spaniards - no tourists (just us!) and no maitre d'hotel to convince you to eat at their restaurant. Another thing that I loved about this prime find was that there was not an extensive menu (not like the menu's you find in Rome with a menu consisting of 50 pizza's, 50 pastas and 50 desserts) meaning almost everything is made fresh and what is available is available and what is not will be made again the next day. Quite the same with the paella, there was not an extensive selection of paella's... there was only 1. Much to my boyfriends demise, it was seafood only; served on my plate not in one of those cliche dishes, but just simply on a flat dinner plate - the taste was delectable and deliciously creamy with a crust that was to die for!
3. Madrid; Metro Bistro
If there is one thing that the Spanish know how to do well is meat; from beef to pork (jamon). Our meal at Metro Bistro was our last night that we spent in Madrid and it was a night well spent! The dish that really had us talking was the tomato soup with olive oil ice-cream... Ridiculously good.
4. Basque region, Bayonne; La Maison Cazenave
If you ever plan to visit the little town Bayonne, in the Basque region, known for their infamous chocolate, Chocolat Cazenave is one little gem that is to not be missed. Chocolat Cazenave in Bayonne, is an invitation to an imaginary journey in the footsteps of Caribbean and African tropical origins, places where the best cocoa beans originate. I took my mum and dad to this place and they were in awe of it; the surroundings, the stained glass windowed roof and of course a large selection of home made chocolates just waiting for you to delve into. The most popular dish is their notre chocolate mousseux, which is served looking like a soufflé with a side of cream and extra hot chocolate on the side. On this particular day we decided to get their homemade brioche as well and dip it into the hot chocolate (sicilian italians do something similar with brioche where they dip it into granita - which is an extremely soft and light sorbet!). Magnifique!
5. Barcelona; Gilda by Belgious
There is much to be said about this restaurant. We stumbled across this place on our second last day in Barcelona. If it wasn't for another restaurant being closed then we would have never experienced the amazing dishes that this place plates up. The food was the best we had had all week, with the prawns and curry ice cream being one meal in particular that I will never forget (featured in image above). The patatas bravas (crispy fried potatoes with aioli and dried tomato chutney) was to die for and the Flemish stew was gorgeous. Having dined very late that night, we did however, get the chance to chat to the owner. With a mixture of Spanish and Belgium cuisines, this guy has truly found a niche that will be hard to be replicated elsewhere. Nb. Make sure if you plan to visit this restaurant that you make sure that you get in early; staple dishes that seem to run out quick fast are the jamon, mussels and the chocolate mousse (however, I did get to taste the chocolate mousse on the next night that we ate there... yes, we ate there twice!)
Although I have mentioned 5, I do also want to make mention this little bar that is located in St. Josep Mercado, La Rambla; Bar Pinotxo. Recommended by serious eats, this is one tapas bar not to be missed. Cooking up local dishes but also live seafood in front of your very eyes is a MUST to do in Barcelona.
I know these tasty little morsels are not seafood, but pimentos is a staple starter for any tapas you are ordering in Spain. A must have and try, delicious!
There you have it, a few ways on how to spend your days or nights eating the very best Spanish cuisine!
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