It seems that the longest day has leapt upon us all. The high intensity of the past few months has created a vacuum and time seems to be flying. I am not convinced that it is an entirely pleasant experience, but at least the sun has appeared and there is a sense of relief for a while; The politicians have calmed down and swine flu is off the menu til the autumn.
The sun brings a desire for change, to make a clean sweep, to do it all differently, to shrug off cares, to smile and head off to new frontiers. A great outfit always makes the trip forward seem so much more possible and exciting.
To help you make your sweeping changes there is a beautiful new linen sari coat covered in flowers. It comes in many different colours and has such a great feel and look to it that it just longs for adventures. As a coat or as a dress it is perfect. The feeling is 50's irving Penn but luckily the hour glass figure does not seem to be needed for the coat to look divine. If you have a summer wedding, the opera, the races or just the basic need to look fabulous, do come and have a try.
I have also made the Gaucho trousers in a soft linen. So, so pretty with the Japanese top or a Juliette Jacket. A great look if you want to be relaxed and comfortable this summer.
I have just taken delivery of very stylish men's shirts in printed lawn. They have a very Carmargue feeling to them and will enhance the style of all handsome princes for the summer. Again, apologies but they have not yet made their way tot he website. In the shop only for now.
The flared shirt is a triumph, the new Simple dress is the queen of summer elegance, the Opera skirt (yet to be photographed) and the Oriental coat all look and feel wonderful. Versatile and drama filled clothing to set yourself apart this summer. There are also totally out-there SIlk Atam Sukh coats in all the colours of a Holi summer.
I have taken some high speed pictures and added them to the website to give you an idea of the new collection but it is far from perfect, taken on my mobile phone, for which I apologise.
If any of the new clothes appeal, do feel free to call with questions. I have tried to be as clear as I can about sizing etc. All linen can be dyed and the dyeing charge is £10. 020 8675 7069
Quinoa as a new experience
Being vegetarian I have an otherwise relationship with vegetables and attempt to try many and varied different ways to use those that I like. Quinoa is probably really a grain, but as a vegetarian it is a staple part of my diet. It may be something that you have not really included in your sweep around the supermarket or health food store so I would like to introduce you to it's joys. If you have already met, perhaps you have not tried the following ways to eat it.
Quinoa is related to the dock leaf and is grown in South America. it is celebrated for the fact that it is supposed to contain more protein per serving than meat. It tastes slightly nutty and comes in two colours: magnolia and burgundy. (my colour labelling).
It is cooked by using one portion of the grain to two portions of water. Before cooking, rinse thoroughly in running water and whilst cooking, add a clove of garlic, a splosh of oil and a pinch of salt. Personally, I use a rice cooker so I do not have to think about it burning. You want all the water to be cooked away, so it is usually about 20 minutes cooking time.
Once cooked, quinoa makes a delicious meal when mixed with any of the following:
Courgettes chopped and sauteed with garlic and onions, sauteed fennel and parmesan cheese, fresh pesto and parmesan cheese or my current favorite is to let it cool and make a salad with finely chopped cucumber, parsley, black olives, tomatoes, pine nuts, sesame seeds and a clove of crushed garlic. Add lemon juice, season to taste, and olive oil. This is great with grilled halloumi cheese, sweet chilli sauce and hummous.
Today, for my lunch of quinoa salad, I made a fresh coriander chutney by blending together a washed and shaken bunch of coriander, 3 green chillis, a slice of ginger, pinch of salt and two tablespoons of fresh yoghurt. It was delicious.
I have been having great fun making clothes in the UK
ordered. I can make a pattern, buy the fabric and Voila! Beautiful, unique, one-off pieces are manifesting themselves here in Devotion. It is just such fun. One maker is in Balham, another in Dulwich and the third, in Elephant & Castle. It is all local, hand made, and perfectly formed. I have just designed and made the most beautiful silk dresses in Empire silk which makes the most divine sound as you move. There are only three of them, but I can make more and am longing for someone to order one in a luminous pink! I have also made the Atam Sukh in bright green Dupion SIlk. Absolutely perfect. It was originally commissioned by a New York Jazz singer and was so wonderful, I had to make another. At the moment, these are all only available through the shop, but they should be on the site by Thursday.
The shop is filled with wonderful clothes for summer including a fresh delivery of Brigitte SIngh both in the store and on the website. There are new books, CDs, DVDs and some very pretty jewellery to flatter for the sunshine. The shop is looking radiant and fabulous and we are featured in the most recent issue of Selvedge.
If there is something you like, would like to see more of, think would work with the Devotion Style, do please let me know. I can be much more flexible now. 020 8675 7069
A present listI have been asked if I would consider letting clients use my shop and site as a wedding or present list. I think it is a great idea. I am more than happy to work with you to come up with a list of gifts that you would like to be given for such an event as would necessitate wonderful pieces of clothing, unique, one-off jewellery, beautiful shawls and so on. We have a small range of hand embroidered cushions, wooden hand carved tiffens, damascened knives and much, much more.
All you would need to do is to come in, or browse the site, make a list of all that you desire and I will make sure that all invitees see your list and then everything can be delivered straight to you.
For more information and to create you personal list, contact me via email or call 020 8675 7069
The DVDs are doing really well at the moment. There are great yoga workouts; some entirely based around the abdomen others great for stress relief. The Elevation, a Guide to Meditation is excellent if you want good yoga and some wonderful techniques for reducing tension and stress in the mind and the body.
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