Macarons!

Lying in bed on a lazy Sunday browsing through foody blogs to try and awaken the sweet toothed girl that I know must be in here somewhere (I've always favoured savoury), and I noticed one thing that kept popping up. Now macarons have always seemed to me to be a posh-people food that didn't really enter my radar, but the bright colours and bubbling textures caught my eye on this particular lazy Sunday. Despite never having tasted a macaron (which, whether right or wrong I will always pronounce as macaroons), I immediately knew that these meringue based desserts were the perfect thing to coax me back into sugar land. I could just picture myself curled up on the sofa in my new chunky knit jumper with a big pot of tea (ignoring the fact that I live in 30 degree heat) munching away on dozens of flavours of macarons. With little hesitation I popped down to the nearest place to pick up some macarons...Paul's bakery. Whilst not the most highly recommended place, the real lovers favouring Laduree or Pierre Herme, you can get a box of 12 for around 35DHS (around 5 or 6 quid).

Top to bottom we have: Chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, lemon, coffee and pistachio.

I've never been one for fruit flavoured dessert (aren't we fussy today), but that didn't stop me scoffing them down...For me, the winner was pistachio, closely followed by vanilla, and then chocolate. Being somewhat of a macaron amateur, I'm not sure whether it was to do with the flavourings or just the quality, but I found the fruit flavours a lot chewier. The official losing of the macaron virginity was at a fancy brunch where they had the most beautiful, melt in the mouth textures, which was what I had been hoping for with these. The more classic flavours (not plain, classic) I found, had such a satisfying first bite..hard outer shell that just fell away when you bit into it, filling your mouth with more delicious a flavour than you could think possible, helped by the soft and creamy ganache or creams inside. Whilst the Paul macarons temporarily satiated my hunger, I am now on the hunt for the best I can find. 

Whilst Laduree macarons can set you back a bit, it is truly a case of quality rather than quantity...from the beautiful presentation to the incredible range of flavours, now available in these http://www.laduree.fr/en/maisons/monde countries.

Hot and heavy, pumpkin pie, chocolate cake and Jesus Christ, ain't nothing please me more than you

Bare necessities:


A recent clear out left me faced with the basics of my wardrobe. Like a healthy diet, a decent closet needs its staple pieces. For someone so dedicated to dark and simple items (I love bold colors and outrageous patterns on some, but these just aren't for me sadly), I welcome staple items with open arms, as they consist of classic items that you can mix and match to create completely different looks. However, times are a-changing, and the classic A-line skirts and pressed white shirts are becoming somewhat outdated, so I've put a slightly modernized twist on my staples, without straying too far from the classic ten.

1.) The Skinny Jeans- Now my height makes it pretty much impossible to wear any other trouser than a straight leg without looking like an midget, but luckily the skinny jean came along and instantly elongated my stumpy pipes so much that I can almost pass for 5"4 (from a distance of course). It also makes it very hard to find good jeans that really fit, but after many a year of rolled up legs/tummy sucking in, Topshop (which I'm usually morally opposed to but I have to admit they've helped me out recently) introduced the Jamie jeans, which fit like a glove.
2.) The Everyday Bag- This bag has been a real save for me (thanks again Topshop) as it leaves me hands free (perfect for eating and shopping) and is just big enough to fit my phone, purse and a pot of Carmex in. It goes with pretty much everything, and saves the bulging-pocket look when running smaller errands.
3.) The Black Heels- Patent black heel, need I say more? I dare you to find an outfit that these don't go with. These were around £70 from Dune and look great, I'm not gonna say that they're amazingly comfy, cause let's be honest, when people say that about heels, they're lying, but I can last a good few hours in them without collapsing in agony.

4.) The Little Back Dress- God, excuse my appalling photography skills, this photo really does not do this dress justice. Black lace never really goes out of style, and the low back gives it a sexy edge. This dress by Lulu and Red has solved many an 'OH GOD WHAT DO I WEAR' situation, and has been teamed with Converse, brogues and heels to give completely different looks.

5.) The Silk Blouse- Crisp white shirts are so..old, in more ways than one. Next. Cream, sheer blouses are the way forward.

6.) The I-wish-I-could-use-you-everyday-but-I-don't-want-to-hurt-you, i.e. The Classic Purse- Now whilst the latest season bags can be to die for, there are certain classic bags that will never go out of fashion. This is my beloved quilted Chanel bag, which I have been lusting after for so long, and vowed it would be my first big fashion buy. God just look how pretty it is.

 7.) The Black Blazer- Which I am in desperate need of a new plain one, however this sequined one is a good alternative. Great for a smart/casual look, which I am generally awful at, and adds a bit of sparkle to a plain outfit.

*Apologies for sideways-ness

8.) The High-waisted Skirt- Oh what a favorite of mine. Extremely versatile, simple, classic, cheap. They look good on pretty much anyone, regardless of shape, size, height or age. Fantastic creation.

9.) Plain White V's- Whilst a white t shirt is also good to have, I find a white vest so much nicer. Perfect simplicity, and when worn with the right accessories, can really bring an outfit together.

10.) The Necklace- I found this picture circulating the internet the other day, and have the exact same one. It's on a long thin chain, and really helps add a finishing touch to an outfit. Pearl necklaces are out, long chained pendants are innnnnnnnn.

And finally, on the theme of bare essentials....

Make up- Whilst some lucky girls favor a dab of Vaseline and slick of mascara, my freckly mug needs a regular coat of moisturizer (Nivea Creme is like holy water, instantly smooths and softens), tinted moisturizer (I swear by Benefit's You Rebel), I sweep of YSL bronzer (a good set of brushes are essential, this is a Benefit slanted brush, but I got a great set from The Body Shop), black-brown mascara, some rose petal salve, and Benefit's Realness of Concealness kit, which instantly brightens and revitalizes a tired face.

The Sunglasses- As a sunglass obsessive, I swear by the wayfarer, and have a draw full to the brim with wayfarers of all varieties of color and quality (many a street market fake) however, the black Ray-Ban's always win.

Everything I love gets lost in drawers

The most important thing when moving, is of course, shopping. Out with the old ironic t shirts, leggings, scruffy shoes and over sized jumpers, in with the layering, bold colors (or in my case, attempting and often failing to tear myself away from blacks, grays and navy's), ballet inspired (cough, couch Black Swan inspired) pleats and lines, sheers and chiffons, tailoring (always) and finally, the beloved accessories. Flicking through the glossies, I found myself almost crying with despair, how could I come even close to a Gucci silk jumpsuit or a D & G floral...obviously the closest I can ever get to these are my salty tears tragically intertwining with the ink mocking me in the pages of Vogue. Ok so maybe, just maybe I'm being slightly dramatic... So whilst on a hunt for some seasonal bargains, one shop did catch my eye. The label lover inside me was close to suicide as I walked through the doors of *deep breath* New Look. Once the depression had subsided, I opened my eyes to a surprisingly joyous sight. Yes, it required a bit of hunting, but it was well worth it for what I found!

 Teamed with some high waisted denim short, some high heeled shoe boots (see below) and a chunky ring,  can turn a classic look  sexy and edgy

Ever loyal to midnight blue (looks so great with creams and neutrals) this silk blouse goes with pretty much everything.

Believe it or not, this is an age 12 dress found buried among the children's department. Short and flirty, teamed with some patterned tights (try www.tightstightstights.co.uk they have a great collection) is a great look.

A year ago I'd have felt nauseous just looking at these, but they look so great on, and go with pretty much everything. Excellent way to instantly grunge up an outfit.

So there we have it, my new guilty pleasure. And whilst many would turn up their lightly-dusted-with-Mac-Beauty-Powder noses at this, I for one PROUDLY stroll into the fluorescent light haven that is New Look.