Prada Cinderella.

(sources-photographs- me, Vogue April 2010, Style April 11th scanned, style.com)

Prada was certainly having a cinderella moment when it sent glistening crystal concoctions down it's S/S 2010 catwalks. The perspex shoes appeared an elaborate re-incarnation of the original 'glass slipper', while the crystal droplet dress hung from the model like an extravagant chandelier. 


When Kate Moss appeared on the cover of Vogue April 2010 she looked incredibly innocent, and delicate in the creation. Marloes Horst was also photographed for style magazine weekend 11th April in the dress where again it looks so exquisitely fresh. 


I love the way the crystal catches the light, and beams the colours of it's surroundings. Today's early morning sun was just what was needed to capture the antique crystal necklace I have inherited.                          katie.x


I am almost at 100 followers!! - millions of thanks- can i make it?!

tie dye butterfly.

(Scarf-Sfera, blouse-vintage, shorts-Zara, Shoes-Topshop, bag-Zara, ring-h&m gift)


Another gorgeous day, still a little chilly hence the black tights, but dare i say it is feeling a little more like Spring? 
I often feel a little unsure with new purchases- as the beauty vs wearability balance is often all wrong. Seeing the pics with these shoes and spending a day wearing them has reassured  me- I have them standing in the window as they are too gorgeous to hide away in a wardrobe for now! Do you do this with new items?


I picked up the scarf in Sfera Barcelona, and it is fast becoming a favourite... Im sure you will be seeing it many times! The colours of the tie-dye are heavenly, and work so well teamed with denim. 
The beautiful blouse I have had a long time, discovered in a vintage store in Leeds for just £15.00, and of course the heart shaped glasses are good fun.


I must add a HUGE thankyou for all the comments lately- so kind of you all.xx

delicious treats

I'm not about to blow you away with an out of this world recipe... but i am going to share with you the most simple, and deliciously light recipe of vanilla buns with lemon icing. They are quick to bake, and so much fun to decorate! I didn't get time to bake over Easter but saved these eggs specially!

I am also a secret fan of mixing the prettiest shades of icing... ( the fun part as I am unable to eat starch- no worries it's been years, and can eat almond substitutes = macaroons & meringues.

THE RECIPE

Makes 18! ( to make fewer adjust quantities)

110g sifted self raising flour

1 heaped teaspoon baking powder

110g soft margarine

110g caster sugar

2 large eggs

3-4 drops good vanilla essence

To finish- lots of icing (made entirely with squeezed lemon juice) food colouring, crispy shelled eggs or dolly mixtures.

1.Take a large mixing bowl, sift baking powder and flour from a height to give a good airing ( helps make buns extra light!)

2. Simply add ALL other ingredients and whisk ( electric works best) for approx 6 minutes- until pale and airy. 

3. spoon into bun cases- i made exactly 18 from this recipe standard size.

4. Bake for approx 9-10 mins at 160 degrees C in a PRE-HEATED FAN assisted oven.

( Gas mark 3, or 170 degrees c in a non fan oven)

5. Test buns with sharp knife- should be clean- no mixture then leave to cool.

6. The fun part- mix icing sugar entirely with freshly squeezed lemon juice, add 1 drop of red/pink dye decorate, keep adding 1 drop of red or blue to get a large variety of pinky blue subtle shades!!- add sweets- enjoy.

Springtime exploring in Chanel.

      

...Well not entirely but the look was certainly inspired by Chanel S/S 2010 collection.

What a difference the sunshine makes, it was such a welcome addition to the Easter happenings, involving lots of friends, food and laughter. For the first time this year I even went bare legged- a very brave choice but the jacket and skirt is boucle so fairly warm. I have been undecided about these boots since purchasing from Zara in 2008 and consequently remain almost unworn- any thoughts welcome...

The hat is certainly a favourite, succeeding in adding a degree of mystery or 1970's to any outfit. This seems to be the era I am coveting right now!

I spent the last part of Easter in the Lake District with my boy at his family's second home, enjoying much relaxing country walking and visit to a fabulous restaurant.

Hope you all had lots of fun and Easter treats!

(Hat- H&M, Jacket- Marks and Spencers Skirt- (matches EXACTLY but from River island- BONUS) Shoes- ZARA, Pearls- family treasure, ribbon- Chanel (saved from an earring box) real crocodile satchel Bag- family treasure, photos- me)

made for walking...

Barcelona round two, and still the most comfortable footwear found for covering the city in every direction. The diego bag is most definately suited to its longer strap for these occasions!
So fortunate to experience 4 days of the clearest blue skies and bearable temperatures. Palm sunday in Barcelona was the perfect day to visit the Sagrada Familia once more, and stare in sheer amazement at its ongoing construction. Lost amongst the hundreds of palm leaf wielding locals visiting the cathedral for a palm sunday outdoor service.

Later on in the day i could not believe it when i looked up to find an art nouveau lady peering down on me with an eerily similar hairstyle!

How incredible are these candy strewn creations?! 

OUTFIT- green suede boxy jacket- H&M, long black dress ASOS, rings H&M, bag- Alexander Wang Diego, boots- old all saints.