back to black...

Every year I make the crazy claim that I'm going to wear less black. Who am I kidding? I can't get enough of black as soon as winter sets in, yes yes I wear black in the summer too. Black looks super sleek and I love the different effects you can get by layering different fabrics together. There is such a variety out there that black doesn't have to be dull or boring at all. My motto is if you can wear black tights with it then it's good to go.

Here are a few black essentials that every lady should have in her wardrobe:

A black pair of jeans is a must. Look after them too and wash them with suitable detergent to keep them staying nice and dark.

I love black tights, with heels and a cute black dress, or with converse and some denim shorts you just can't go wrong with black tights. I like mine to be at least 100 Denier. The darker the better and you can even get nice cosy thermal tights to keep you extra warm through the winter months too.

A black jacket is a wardrobe staple. Invest in a classic shape and have it dry cleaned after each winter and stored away properly and it will last you for years.

Some classic black heels work well with any outfit, paired with jeans and a sheer shirt or tights and a dress you really can't go wrong. Again invest in a good pair and remember to have them re-heeled and resoled and they will really go the distance with you.

Black nail polish comes and goes but for the last few years it has been big on the scene. Previously it was seen to be a little grundgy but now it is as chic as ever. Update your black manicure with some mattifying polish for that super sleek look.

Don't worry I'm definitely not forgetting the most important item of your winter wardrobe but I think the LBD needs a whole post of it's own so stay posted. Xxx

seriously studded...

Studs are in, from shoes to shorts to sweaters. They add an edgy feel to simple pieces and can change what maybe a flat look into something sassy and full of life.

Studded shoes are a simple way to spice up an outfit.

Sassy shorts and a cute tee will look great. Add some chunky tights and ankle boots when the winter sets in to keep those pins warm.

A studded clutch will add that hint of rock chick you're looking for.

Contrast soft knits and studs for that bang on trend look.

Leather and studs! Be still my beating heart.

What's amazing about this trend is that it's something you can do yourself really cheaply. If you already have some items that you feel need a bit of a revamp why not stick some studs on them. Studs can be bought from most craft shops and are not expensive at all, or failing that stop by ebay where you can find lots of different studs of all shapes and sizes. The studs are really easy to apply to your clothes and in no time you'll have a brand new fashionable item that no-one else will have.

happy hallowe'en...

I hope everyone has some fun plans to celebrate Hallowe'en. This is me and my friends Jilly and Ken, in London getting ready for a Hallowe'en in 2011.

berry berry burgundy...

Burgundy is big this Autumn. It's everywhere! In the shops and on the catwalks and I love it. I wish it was Autumn here too but I have found a few pieces that I can also work for Spring/Summer while I'm in Australia.

Why not swap up your old faithful black trousers for some brand spanking new burgundy ones.

Accessorise with a handbag and work the look for night or day.

Keep the winter chills away with a cute chunky knit.

Add a sharp blazer to finish off any chic look.

Not brave enough to go all berry like? Just add a slick of burgundy polish to take part in this seasons hottest trend.

trick or treats...

So I know that around this time of year in almost every restaurant, cafe and bakery there will be pumpkin inspired recipes on every menu and blackboard. I like pumpkin, but there's only so much pumpkin soup or pumpkin pie that one can eat, so I went in search of a pumpkin recipe that I hadn't tried or even heard of before and I think I came up with a real gem.

It's fair to say I'm a bit of a chocoholic, so this one satisfies both my chocolate desires while also using the delicious pumpkin that is up for grabs everywhere right now.

Pumpkin and Nutella muffins

Ingredients:

2 cups of all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda
1/2 a teaspoon of salt
1 cup of canned pumpkin
1/2 a cup of granulated sugar
1/2 a cup of brown sugar
1 large egg
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
2 tablespoons of milk
2 teaspoons of vanilla extract (not essence)
nutella, yum, if you're like me you will use a lot.

1. Preheat the oven to 190°/ 350°F/ Gas mark 4.
2. Line a muffin tray with liners or if your using a silicone muffin tray there is no need to use the liners.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, bicarbonate of soda and the salt together
4. In large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin, sugar, and brown sugar. Beat in the egg, vegetable oil, milk and vanilla extract.
5. Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet mixture and whisk until there are no lumps.
6. Fill the muffin trays until they are 3/4 full.
7. Top each muffin with about 1 teaspoon of Nutella and use a toothpick to swirl it into the batter. If the nutella is quite hard pop the jar in the microwave for a few seconds to soften it a little. If like me you love nutella then why not pop some nutella into the middle of each muffin too before filling the muffin tray.
8. Bake muffins for 14-16 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Serve warm but do be careful as the nutella will be hot after cooking so be sure to allow enough cooling time.

These are delicious served with hot chocolate too. Mmm very Autumnal.

Enjoy.

parka power...

It's parka season, Autumn in Europe and Spring in Australia and a parka is the perfect piece to have in your wardrobe to get you through. I have worn mine all winter here as Melbourne is a little milder than London so didn't need to invest in yet another winter coat and I don't plan on retiring it just yet. Paired with jeans and a cosy knit, or over shorts and a t-shirt, with a cute floral dress and some chunky tights, add some ankle boots and you really can't go wrong.

There are so many options out there now this really is the year of the parka. There are lots of different colours available from khaki hues to greys and blacks and browns and even a few brights out there too and if you want it to keep you going through winter you can even invest in something with a bit of thickness and warmth to it, or even better one with a removeable inner coat. mmmm cosy. Parkas come back year after year so don't be afraid to invest in something you really like.