My Classic Closet: Broderie

Ah my love for broderie anglaise is both obvious and undeniable.

It's the quintessential summerwear in my eyes. I love how intricate and detailed the fabric can be, breathable, most often cotton. It's the lace for the practical - not so sugary and whimsical.

I've seen so many beautiful pieces that really would break the bank (why is £1.5K+ for a cotton dress necessary?!) but the good news is that there are plenty of options on the high street.

I picked up this classic broderie shirt dress which I adore - the shape and cut is just perfect, it's a must have for any classic closet. The pattern on this broderie blouse is unique, I've not seen anything else like it, and the quality is top notch. I also picked up this scalloped-neckline dress - the midi length and scalloped detailing is gorgeous. For those on a budget, I'd recommend this affordable broderie blouse and this detailed, strappy dress, which comes in a beautiful pale blue as well as black and white.

In case you're looking to add a few more broderie options to your wardrobe, here are some of my picks:

What's your favourite broderie piece?

xx

The Natural Beauty Brands That Really Work.

I'm actually really looking forward to sharing today's post with you.

I've felt a bit down on the luxury, super-high-end sort of beauty that used to excite me (although, La Mer, know that we are still very firm friends ;)

It's a more natural approach to beauty that's floating my boat now - I'm just more conscious of what I put on my face and skin, and I feel like there are so many better and more easily available options now.

Today I'm whittling down some of my favourite natural beauty brands, that whether clean, organic etc, most importantly, work.

My Favourite Shoes For Spring-Summer.

Shoes shoes shoes.

They've always had a little soft spot in my heart because as my weight both plummeted and surged, shoes were about the only thing that didn't change size. And in that way, I didn't feel left out or any worse about myself.

Now that the weather's warming up and heaven forbid we are in May already, all of my Spring and Summer shoes are being dug up ready for wear again. So, here are four of my favourite styles I revisit year after year.

30 Classic Dresses For Your Spring-Summer Wardrobe.

I've become a midi-dress-aholic.

And unashamedly at that, let me add!

There are so many great, beautiful and affordable options out there at the moment, my shopping baskets are positively groaning. All of which weigh heavy on my bank balance but bring heady joy to my heart!

So let me share some of my favourites from the web to inspire your Spring-Summer wardrobes - including the one I have on:

Spring Beauty 2019.

Is is that time of year already?

It's becoming a bit of a tradition to share a really lengthy (and today's really is that..) beauty post with you every Spring, and something that I love doing.

I'm really happy with the beauty products I'm using at the moment. I've found my skin has become less oily so I'm favouring slightly different skincare products. I've also taken more of a keen interest in clean beauty, and natural/organic makeup has really improved over the past couple of years.

So for the hair, skincare and makeup highlights of my Spring beauty arsenal, keep reading!

10 Things That've Made Me Happy Lately #20

one. // spending a couple of hours at a 'Guide Dog event' at F's work. Really just getting to play with the most gorgeous puppies and dogs for an afternoon. And all my favourite breeds. Ergh, I just want to squeeze something thinking about how adorable they are!

two. // finding simple, classic pieces at Uniqlo! I'd forgotten about the brand for several years but my friend recently bought the most perfect skirt there and my love was reignited. So many classic pieces and really affordable too. A few bits below for you!

three. // all the cherry blossom, magnolia and Spring blooms. Sometimes we miss out on beautiful architecture or spectacular natural wonders living out in the suburbs, but there can be the most beautiful blossom tree on even the dullest of streets!

four. // I've had such joy putting together my Spring wardrobe. Ha, 'putting together my Spring wardrobe' aka - just shopping ;) But I've especially enjoyed it nonetheless. Going a bit mad with the blue and white stripes. And very much so with broderie! Picked up a couple of really great value pieces recently so I'll share some favourite finds below (anything you love??):

five. // wild salmon and homemade salsa verde. Favourite combo of the moment for dinner. 

six. // F being so supportive with dad/surgery etc recently.

seven. // The clocks going forward and having an extra hour of light - it really lifts my mood, anyone else? (I'm assuming everyone else ;)

eight. // Notting Hill in the Spring. We spent a lovely sunny day there recently - lots of blossom, picked up a couple of lovely pieces in Portobello Road, had some delicious snacks and sweet treats, spent a while in the gorgeous Sezane store, so lovely.

nine. // featherlight Japanese sponge cake a la Castella. We've just found a new source in the form of a local asian supermarket ;)

ten. // I recently shared some of my favourite feeds on Instagram - Zoe, Sara, Hillary to name but a few.

What's been making you happy lately?

xx

My Favourite Books For Feel-Good-Food Inspiration.

Hello friends!

Someone recently asked me about my recipe book collection, and what sorts of recipes I turn to when I want to make an effort at eating healthily and wholesomely but need inspiration so my meals aren't soul-dampeningly boring...

So today's post is about those such books (I'm a bit of a recipe book fan hoarder lover so I'm just picking 6 today).

And frankly, whether or not you're actively trying to keep an eye on what you eat, the recipes found in these books are straightforward, nourishing, and well, just make you feel good!

Glazed Almond St Clements Torte (Gluten Free).

I've just noticed that my last three recipes have been fruit based. And I'm going to bolster that and add to the collection with a fourth today.

I've always been into citrus desserts but I've a real hankering from them especially at the moment. Lemon curd and raspberry madeleines, tarte au citron, iced blood orange cake, the list seems endless.

Today's recipe is my take on the classic St Clement's cake.

Sweet sunshine of orange meets lemon's tart astringency in a dessert that F is particularly taken with, I hope you are too!

The Two Pieces Of Country-Classic Attire I'm Loving Right Now.

I've a contented grin on my face right now.

Partly due to the glorious sunshine we've been bestowed lately.

And partly due to a couple of newcomers to my wardrobe.

19 Classic Spring Favourites Under £100.

I'm a bit fed up of expensive fashion at the moment.

I've been catching up with some of my favourite blogs, seeing the most beautiful recommendations, clicking the links and being met with a $750 dress or pair of heels etc. And at the moment, it just seems like I'm encountering that all the time!

I'm of course not averse to an investment piece (Celine is one of my most prized items after all!) but coughing up that sort money with any regularity for a single, solitary item of clothing irks me a little. Especially when there are so many beautiful options that just happen to kinder on our wallets, without skimping on style or quality!

So today I'm sharing a handful of my current favourite finds, all under £100. Actually, a lot of the items are far less, so I hope you find something you love!

1. Striped wrap top // 2. Summery lightweight trouser //3. Marina bra // 4. Tan sliders - a steal!!

5. Square neck linen top // 6. Blush/cheek palette // 7. Embellished straw clutch

8. Striped peplum top // 9. Scalloped, cut out swimsuit // 10. Broderie peplum top

11. Ivory woven clutch // 12. Sky blue linen dress // 13. Rose Migonnerie perfume // 14. Knotted heels

15. Beige shirt dress // 16. Broderie shirt // 17. Blue boucle blazer

18. Silk blouse // 19. Blue broderie skirt




There's a bit of a theme...

I can't hit spring and not want to jump into a sea of blue and white and broderie, so plenty of that.

The sort of tan, plaited slider of Saint Laurent yesteryear are around everywhere this year in a most affordable variant (the price of two decent pastries, because that's how I measure value these days). These ones are under £10 as I write this, so perhaps that's even 1.5 pastries?!

What's on your Spring wishlist anyway?

xx