
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.
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
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