The Mix Kitchen

Glorious 39

2011-09-08T21:22:00.002+01:00

Did anybody see the 2009 film 'Glorious 39' when it was shown on TV recently? It was always going to be a winner in my book because it stars the wonderful Bill Nighy and girl crush Romola Garai. The film is set in the wonderfully hot English summer of 1939 before war was declared on Germany.

I wont give a film review here, there are plenty online already (written by actual film critics). But, the costumes my dears, (as you may be able to tell from the trailer) are simply, well, glorious!

Fashions between and between the two World Wars are some of my favourite of all time - particularly where the rich aristocracy were concerned. See Downton Abbey post here.

White Denim - Anvil Everything

2011-09-02T13:27:00.000+01:00

Rocky Road

2011-08-24T12:55:00.000+01:00

(Sorry, it's in old money!)

4oz Caster Sugar

4oz Butter

4oz Drinking Chocolate Powder

1 Egg

1/2 packet of Rich Tea Biscuits

lots of Raisins, Sultanas and Marshmallows

a dash of Vanilla Extract

Crush biscuits and put into a large bowl.
Add sultanas + marshmallows.
In a pan, melt butter carefully over low heat... do not boil.
Add vanilla extract (see picture)
Mix in drinking chocolate + sugar, beat until thick and gooey.
Pour mixture over contents of the bowl and stir until everything is covered (see picture).
Roll out tin foil and spoon mixture into a long sausage-type shape (see picture)
Wrap up completely with the tin foil and place in fridge to cool.
When cooled and hardened... cut desired portion size.

Melancholia - Lars Von Trier

2011-08-19T13:16:00.001+01:00

Is anybody going to see Melancholia starring Kirsten Dunst? The trailer does seem a little bit confusing. The Guardian's review wasn't too favourable of Lars Von Trier's latest picture ( it even quips at the depressive by suggesting he "Cheer Up").

Von Trier is a little different - not a straight forward sort of man - his, erm, awkward Hitler comparisons at Cannes Film Festival a made a few people shuffle uncomfortably in their seats. His style clearly evokes strong reactions from the critics and his fans.

Striped Wedge - Prada

2011-08-16T11:55:00.001+01:00

I have seen these bad boys in several magazines and fashion blogs over the last few weeks. I really like the silver ones with the green and blue wedge, I mean really like... *stares at them.

But let's be honest this collection of shoes does look a little on the ridiculous side - especially with the running shoe soles.

Here is Dazed Digital's take on Prada's S/S11 women's collection.

Smile

2011-08-11T11:13:00.002+01:00

Liquid Clutch - Christopher Kane

2011-08-10T13:30:00.002+01:00

I saw this clutch bag whilst flipping through InStyle Magazine about a month ago when travelling home from Brighton on the train.

It's on sale right now apparently and prices start at £385, mmm.

Partly inspired by his school pencil cases, Christoper Kane has created aqua-gel filled PVC clutch bags which are both fun and nostalgic. I am quite taken with the green and blue one.

Summer Snaps

2011-08-05T14:18:00.000+01:00

Delicious Linguine

2011-08-02T12:29:00.000+01:00

Nigella Lawson's delicious linguine recipe (with garlic, lemon, thyme and chestnut mushrooms) is so easy and quick to make you wouldn't believe it. This is probably why she has it under her 'express recipes' come to think of it.

Lavender

2011-08-01T12:37:00.000+01:00

A couple of snaps from the weekend

2011-07-28T11:35:00.002+01:00

Lula Magazine and Topshop... This vid is still kinda cool!

For Amy Winehouse, From A Fan

2011-07-25T14:25:00.008+01:00

I wasn't sure if I should write a post about Amy Winehouse.

Over the weekend I watched the live news reports, read the Internet articles and kept-up with the emotional twitter posts from her famous friends, such as Kelly Osbourne, Mark Ronson and this... 'for Amy' written by Russell Brand.

I felt as though I had no right, or place, to comment about her death or how it has made me feel. I did not know Amy Winehouse. I am just a fan.

Last year, the final piece of work I completed at University was a dissertation based around the idea of 'fan worship' and 'celebrity culture' within the fashion industry (I really wont bore you with any more details apart from to say that this very average essay allowed me to research some of the ways in which fans can have their own 'relationship' or 'personal connection' with a famous figure).

So, with that in mind, I would like to say this for Amy. The famous Amy who I knew.

It was just the other night, Thursday last week to be exact, I was killing time waiting to go out. I have a huge pair of headphones which I plugged into my tiny green i-pod. 'Back To Black' was the first song selected from shuffle and I went with it because I hadn't listened to any Winehouse tracks for a while.

It doesn't matter how many times you listen to her songs (or how long a break you take in between) they work every single time you hear them. The music, her astonishing voice and the gut-wrenching, sincere, unapologetic lyrics which cut right through to the core. A live version of her singing 'Love Is A Losing Game' will without fail, always bring me to the brink of tears.

Anybody who knows someone with, or has any personal experience of either Addictive Personality Disorder or Manic Depression will know how deeply distressing, frightening and debilitating life can be. Amy Winehouse had both.

Some people get addicted to drugs and alcohol and some people suffer from severe mood disorders, but when these vulnerable personalities are combined with such enormous talent it is virtually impossible to expect 'normality'.

She has been called a genius more than once. That in itself says more than any of us need to know. A creative genius is not like everyone else.

Some people are special.

R.I.P Amy.

2011-07-25T13:26:00.002+01:00

2011-07-22T12:25:00.001+01:00

I just read about this new French film by Katell Quillévéré in Oh Comely
(the film will be subtitled).

Pea & Goat's Cheese Risotto

2011-07-22T10:50:00.002+01:00

I found this risotto recipe on Jamie Oliver Recipes UK, it was necessary to stir like never before, but it was pretty tasty. My advice is; go along with what the recipe says by getting good quality streaky bacon but add a bit more white wine and Parmesan (and then sip/knock back more white wine with your meal).

Helena Bonham Carter

2011-07-20T22:59:00.000+01:00

From the stripey leg warmers to the rags in her hair; Helena Bonham Carter sums up English eccentricity. Her gothic inspired personal style is unique and admirable. Favouring Vivienne Westwood for red carpet events and a combination of dressing-up-box meets Victorian bag-lady for everyday! Her personal life seems equally as quirky as her personal style - living in an adjoining house to her long term partner (and genius) Tim Burton.

The thing I like most about this Girl Crush is that she is such a wonderful, talented and charismatic actress. Her portrayal of Bellatrix Lestrange was (in my opinion), one of the highlights of the entire Harry Potter film series.

Soundwaves Festival Brighton

2011-07-15T14:36:00.001+01:00

Phone In!
Sound Art Installation by Jan Hendrickse.

Yesterday I headed down the coast to Brighton to volunteer as an invigilator for a Soundwaves Festival exhibition hosted by Lighthouse.

Anyone can get involved with this "ever- evolving interactive sound installation" by calling 020 3094 166 and leaving a message. "Record your sonic impressions of a location of your choice using your mobile phone. You can record anywhere however ordinary or extraordinary".

These recordings will be used and installed by the composer Hendrickse to create a unique piece of sound art. The festival ends this Sunday so leave your message at some point over the weekend!

Veggie Pasta Salad

2011-07-14T21:12:00.001+01:00

This easy peasy cheese and spinach dish was made using this recipe from BBC Food as a guide. It is healthy, quick and fills you up - even my cheeseburger-loving boyfriend will testify to this!

Mildred Pierce by Ann Roth

2011-07-13T10:47:00.002+01:00

Mildred Pierce is the recent HBO five-part television adaptation of the book by James M. Cain (also made into a film in 1945 starring Joan Crawford). Kate Winslet and Evan Rachel Wood's costumes have been designed by Ann Roth. In this interview with Haper's Bazzar Roth says that she is not a "fashion person" and that she doesn't dress movie stars, rather "actors playing characters".

Winslet wears a total of 66 outfits during the miniseries which sees a time span of nearly a decade from 1931 to 1940. This 'time span' adds to the creativity of Roth's costumes as she had to take many things into account, such as available materials of the time, the character's budget and changing trends.

This amusing and informative article by Grazia has lots more information about the Mildred Pierce costumes (and offers an apology for initially dismissing the costumes as not being glamorous enough!)

2011-07-08T13:09:00.000+01:00

Yum.

2011-06-29T13:56:00.004+01:00

"Just stay there

Cause I'll be comin' over

And while our blood's still young

It's so young

It runs

And we won't stop 'til it's over

Won't stop to surrender"

Costume Designer - Colleen Atwood

2011-06-28T20:16:00.002+01:00

I know, I know, this movie is a few years old now but let's face it, the costumes are always going to look spectacular. I can't imagine a Tim Burton movie without superb attention having been paid to the aesthetic details. It is truly wonderful how an actor can 'become' (and find) their character once dressed in the right costume. I love the costumes in Sweeney Todd because Gothic Victorian clothes have always made me a little weak at the knees.

2011-06-24T14:02:00.003+01:00

Zooey Deschanel talks fashion baby!

Costume Drama

2011-06-23T12:17:00.003+01:00

Downton Abbey

I have been in love with costume dramas since I was eight years old. They take you into a different world; a real world that everyday people used to actually live in! Yes, I know that this is rather stating the obvious, but for me the past being brought to life in film and theatre has always been much more magical to watch than anything overloaded with expensive special effects.

The turn of the last century is one of my favourite eras for fashion. The desire for change and equality was twitching amongst some young women and fashion designers, but traditions still reigned supreme. The next 70 years would bring social and cultural happenings that would make the elegance of the Edwardian period seem an unbelievably long time ago.

Downton Abbey has probably some of the finest examples of what can only be described as 'Edwardian Costume Porn' meaning, the dresses are so beautiful you could watch a whole episode with the sound down and still enjoy it! Check out this interview with Downton Abbey's costume designer Susannah Buxton about Designing for Downton.

1 Dress 100 Days

2011-06-20T15:06:00.003+01:00

I just found out about this from one of my favourite blogs Elizabeth Fay.

Beautiful 22 year old Miss Elaini of the inspirational blog miss.elaini.ous has pledged to wear the same black dress for 100 days. By creating 100 different looks for her followers, she hopes to raise awareness and money for Indian orphans. Her personal story is inspirational and her look is both chic and stylish.

(Images: miss.elaini.ous)

2011-06-18T22:08:00.003+01:00

Glamour Girl Goes Gorgeous

2011-06-17T12:55:00.004+01:00

In 2004 aged 18, Keeley Hazell graced the space on Page3 many times. She has made frequent appearances in the so called lads-mags including Nuts and FHM. An editor at one of these magazines has said about Keeley (in not so many words) that it is "Very unusual to find a girl who has both a beautiful face and breasts, usually its one or the other" - he should know I suppose!

Anyway her, erm, beautiful breasts have been taking a break from their day job; according to wiki, her last shoot with Page 3 was printed for the 30th September 2009. So what has she been doing? Turns out she quietly moved to the States and has taken up acting classes. More interestingly for us, she has started a personal fashion blog which puts her in a completely different light to the one we are used to.

Keeley's Corner shows us that the now 24 year old is almost unrecognisable, favouring a vintage style and natural beauty which seems far removed from her former get-them-out-for-the-boys days. In one post she talks about how it has taken her four years to grow out her eyebrows after years of makeup artists plucking away at them trying to make her "look like a stripper". With the odd reference to the glamour modelling world, she also puts up pictures she has taken, blogs about her outfits and talks about things she likes... It's all pretty lovely really!

I think maybe Keeley Hazell has gone from being a boy crush to a girl crush...

(All Images Keeley's Corner)

500 Days of Summer Wardrobe Crush

2011-06-16T18:29:00.004+01:00

I have been planning to do a post on Summer Finn's (aka Zooey Deschanel's) wardrobe in the brilliant movie '500 days of Summer' for a while now. Turns out, loooooooads of other bloggers already beat me to it! Its hardly surprising though, the aesthetical wonder of the leading lady's vintage clothes and ultra feminine/retro style is pretty inspiring... On more than one occasion after watching the movie I have sadly looked at my wardrobe thinking "Out, horrible clothes! Out! You will never be as nice as Summer's!"

Take a look at this MTV interview with the movie's costume designer, it's pretty interesting.

2011-04-25T22:37:00.003+01:00

2011-04-22T23:59:00.002+01:00

Girl Crush Moment

2011-04-07T00:02:00.003+01:00

Not everybody could have pulled off this quirky gown but she did it so effortlessly that it almost looked like an understatement.

(Image: The Independent)

Close up...

As an actress Mulligan has been described as a 'natural' although she was in fact refused entry to drama school... there is hope for us all!

(on the set of Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps with ex-boyfriend Shia LaBeouf)

I very nearly gave my hair the chop last year because of my girl crush but I lost my nerve when people about me looked horrified at the idea (obviously not Carey lovers). Let me know who your latest girl crush is...

With A Spring In Your Step

2011-04-03T13:57:00.001+01:00

Hooray! Spring Time is finally here.

2011-02-18T13:02:00.001Z

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T00:40:00.002Z

Whatever the 14th of February means to you this year,

I really do hope you have a positive and lovely day.

In honour of this day which celebrates romantic love in all its forms; unrequited, secret, lustful, transitory, eternal, passionate, young, old, eternal and true love... I have decided to dedicate this post to on-screen and fictional lovers who have captured my romantic imagination over the years.

Elizabeth Bennett & Mr Darcy in Pride & Prejudice - Made an impression on my young mind and set the bar high.

Tom & Summer in 500 Days of Summer - The modern love story, I personally would not have dumped him!

Francine & Thomas in Paris Je t'aime - A short yet powerful cinematic romance... watched it a few times.

Mathilde & Manech in A Very Long Engagement - heartbreaking and beautiful.

Romeo & Juliet -

"Did my heart love til now? forswear it, Sight!

For I ne'er saw true beauty til this night." - Romeo.

The Little Coffee Shop

2011-02-07T20:26:00.002Z

(iced coffee from heaven)

(ham, cheese and pinapple toastie...also from heaven)

White Blanket

2010-12-14T01:52:00.001Z

It may not have completely escaped your notice that the UK has been freezing (quite literally) recently. I have said to a few people that I cannot remember a December so cold - which has been made even worse by being on the back of the horrendous rain which occurred during November... That's right everyone... I am talking to you about the weather!

The weather is most people's favourite way to bond isn't it... even on the same day... come sun or snow we will either be rejoicing or complaining... and comparing the same day to last year!?

These pictures were taken whilst I was visiting a friend in Bristol last week... we were so cold at one point we gave up talking because our faces were numb.

I love how haunting the world can look in the snow

Just Delightful

2010-11-22T19:01:00.002Z

My mother usually excels herself at family dinners especially when there are lots of people to prepare food for. I love her quirky ideas and homemade efforts such as these strawberry mousses served in vintage teacups... I had to stop proceedings during this recent meal and take some quick pictures (on someone else's camera) to share with you.

Happy Halloween

2010-10-31T09:29:00.004Z

Luella Bartley A/W 08

This collection from the late Luella label really sparked my imagination. Witches and ancient folklore have always excited me so, so much - in fact I have a little witch mascot (her name is Whinny) who sits on my desk. When I was a little girl I went through a phase of dressing-up as a witch (pretty much on a daily bases) and even going the shops with my mum looking like that - a slightly embarrassing confession!

Witches are both glamorous and misunderstood in my opinion, as well as being celebrated by the likes of Bartley, witches have been for centuries victims of both sexist and negative press. I just love how alternative and mischievous they are and I truly believe they will always inspire the creative world.

Happy Halloween Witches!

Girl Crush Moment

2010-10-24T13:58:00.003+01:00

Tatler magazine, April 2010

Hello everyone, thought I would share with you my love (should I call it love?) Ok, massive girl crush on Clemence Poesy. The French actress is a darling amongst the fashion elite, praised for her elegance and style. I personally think she just has a certain je ne sais quoi! Back in April (good lord the things that have happened since then) she did a fashion shoot for Tatler and I was so taken with the pictures I ripped them out and put them on my wall.

Who is your girl-crush at the moment?

2010-10-15T12:22:00.002+01:00

"I am another yourself"

2010-10-10T19:43:00.002+01:00

2010-10-06T22:52:00.002+01:00

"Sunrise doesn't last all morning... All things must pass"

2010-10-04T16:01:00.003+01:00

"You can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes you might find... You get what you need"

Giveaway Time!

2010-09-24T08:33:00.000+01:00

Hello lovely readers, The Mix Kitchen is proudly offering you the opportunity to win a voucher to spend in one of CSN's 200 Online Stores. This great company ships to the UK, Canada and the United States; fashionistas you will be able to find beautiful new wardrobes for all your hundreds of dresses, bags, shoes and whatnot!

CSN also does fantastic cookware and cosy items for the home, so whether you fancy something new for the winter, need some extra storage or just want to try your luck at winning - then do enter the competition!

To Enter:

Please leave a comment explaining what your dream Autumn/Winter wardrobe item is this year. Winner will be selected at random.

Good Luck Lovely Ones!

Ellie Rose xxx

Easy Tiger

2010-08-18T22:49:00.000+01:00

Confession time...

I simply can not walk past a cat in the street without putting on a baby voice and trying to pick it up for a cuddle. I have always been a feline fan and this particular moggy was so gorgeous and friendly I just had to take his photo. Thank you Cat for charming me and my little nephew by coming all the way across the fence to say hello! (Please indulge me for this post)

Local Produce Market

2010-08-16T20:30:00.015+01:00

Eating a Snail

2010-08-14T14:20:00.004+01:00

We all know the French eat some strange 'food', right? Such as frog's legs, froie gras, bull testicles, pig trotters and cheese with maggots crawling around inside it. Despite this, it is however a common thought that French food is the best in the world, I am certainly not disagreeing here, many a lovely meal has been had by me in France.

On holiday last week I took leisurely wonder through a lovely local produce market filled with delightful cheeses, conserves, meats and fruits. A man with a similar shirt to me was selling 'escargot' and giving free samples. I smiled politely at him and then walked in the other direction. Non Merci Monsieur, no snails for me! So you can imagine my surprise when he took my polite 'no-thank you' smile as a "oui oui I would adore to sample a snail". He called out "Mademoiselle" and I can't be sure but I am pretty certain he said "Baby" too, I turned and smiled again this time waving my hand in a way that I hoped conveyed that I was a weak english person who, in this instance, would have preferred and Yorkshire pudding. Paul (as I later found out was his name) beckoned me over to his escargot stall in such a way that people started to notice and other stall owners were smiling as if to say "Zat English girl 'ad better rise to ze occasion or we will all laugh at 'er!"

There was only one thing for it... I was going to have to eat a snail... with lots of people watching.

Here is Paul and myself, that little blob on the end of the cocktail stick is a snail. Paul is handing me the shell.

A picture can say a thousand words...

This is the moment I popped it in my mouth, my expression was fear rather than actual disgust.

Okay, it wasn't that bad actually. After you finish the snail you drink what is in the shell ( a bit like you would with an oyster)

It was an extremely garlicky experience but the snail was not slimy or tough like I was expecting. I think Paul was hoping I would buy a batch for dinner, however, I feel my crazy five minutes of snail eating are now throughly put behind me.

A full post of the French market will be up soon.

A Bientot.

A Memorial

2010-08-11T14:36:00.006+01:00

Amongst the Rosemary and Lavender

2010-08-08T16:04:00.002+01:00

2010-07-21T13:29:00.004+01:00

Strawberry Yoghurt Brulee

2010-06-20T22:14:00.021+01:00

This is probably one of the healthiest, freshest desserts in the world. It is a little more exciting than a fruit salad but not quite as damaging as a creme caramel! The recipe is from 101 Low Fat Feasts which is part of the 'Good Food' cook book series from the BBC - I do not know how I have survived the past few years (with all my vital organs working properly) without it.

So here goes...

Start with 500g of strawberries and the juice of 3 oranges (the recipe says 1 orange but 3 is tastier).

Chop the strawberries and distribute into 5 portions then pour over the fresh orange juice.

Spoon over 500g of Natural Yoghurt...

The yoghurt tends to sink but this is not a problem. Cool off in the fridge for 20 mins...

Meanwhile, heat 100g of Caster Sugar with 2 tablespoons of cold water in a pan until sugar dissolves and turns a caramel colour. (the recipe says to 'plunge the pan into a sink full of cold water' once caramel colour has been achieved - in my experience this does not work because the sugar hardens again).

Carefully pour over the very hot mixture (dear god be careful, and don't attempt to take pictures of yourself doing it) on to the chilled desserts and refrigerate for up to an hour.

The Last of Paris

2010-06-07T23:12:00.001+01:00

Here endeth all photos and memories from Paris...

(If you think it looks like the weather was bad, you wouldn't be wrong)

Vive La France!

Window Shopping

2010-06-05T01:52:00.002+01:00

Cafe des 2 Moulins

2010-06-05T01:11:00.002+01:00

Stone and Bricks

2010-05-30T19:45:00.004+01:00