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Black and White London

Articles • London • Outfits

I often shy away from posting black outfits. Partly because they are hard to photograph (black tends to wash everything out) and partly because my feeling is that nearly anyone can wear an all black outfit and make it chic. Black is a go-to, idiot-proof option for everyone, no matter your style or size. Then I remembered the one thing that is an exception to that rule. Ill fitting clothes. So I thought I would shoot this wonderful Alaia dress and talk about the importance of a good fit. Alaia is an expert at showing the best parts of a woman’s body in a tasteful way. I have a three simple rules to make sure I do the same…

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Rule one.

Never buy anything too small. EVER! I know a lot of girls who buy things a size too small in sales and say they will loose weight, A) this nearly never happens, it’s demoralising and it’s a waste of money, and B) you don’t even know the fit will be right if you do loose the weight. Just don’t do it. It’s so much better to buy too big and take it in. I often will do this to sale and vintage pieces. Although I never plan to alter drastically something that was full price, that too is a waste of money.

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Rule Two.

Pick an asset. Never have legs, chest and back out all at once. You have to choose which one you want to work with. Also bear in mind the rest of your look, hair and make up wise. It can be all too much if you have full beauty and then your chest out too.

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Rule Three.

Don’t show your underwear. Although a bra strap (al la Carrie Bradshaw) can be edgy and fun, seeing your entire underwear outline or half your bra cup when you bend over is not. Always lean forward in the mirror when wearing a top or even buying a new bra to check you’re only showing what you want to. Don’t forget most men are taller than women so they have a birds-eye view of your body, and lets be honest they are going to look.

I know I probably seem incredibly conservative in the face of modern ideas of about privacy and nudity, but thats just how I roll. I would love to hear your rules, let me know below.

Shoes Christian Louboutin

Dress Alaia

Bag Chanel

Corsages H&M

ASOS

Photos by Kit Lee

Fashion

Mixing Patterns

London • Outfits

Summer is here, mixed prints are a must. I think mastering mixed prints can be quite tricky. For a start it can go so wrong and you see examples of it everywhere. I don't like to clash, its just not in my nature to find clever ways to manipulate patters like Susie. I prefer a cleaner look on me. So whenever I mix patterns I try and keep a uniting colour or theme. In this case black and white. Although I think the whole point of getting dressed in the morning is to do something thats just you and thats what matters the most. Do tell me about how you mix prints below. I always love to hear from you!

Shoes Christian Louboutin

Skirt Whistles (gifted)

Top Day Birger et Mikkelsen

Leather Biker Vest Hakaan

Cuff Hermes

Necklace AccessorizeBag Emm Kuo

Photos by Kit Lee

Food

Bun Cha

Meat • Savoury

When I visited Hanoi I ate the most delicious Bun Cha on a street stall. The people were so lovely they showed my how to layer the elements in my dish. This recipe was inspired by that meal. Although its not at all proper Bun Cha its yummy and the easy to try at home to get an idea of what the real thing is like.

Mix the Pork with charlottes, sugar, salts, fish sauce, garlic and 5 spice.
Divide the mix into 12 patties and shape into balls. Set aside.
To make the soup base, mix the chicken stock, water, carrot,sushi ginger, fish sauce, brown sugar and fresh ginger. Bring to the boil mixing and reduce to a simmer while you cook the patties.
If you dont have a metal cage like mine you can fry your patties, like little burgers or you can grill them in the cages as I have or outside them. You shoudl rotate them every 5 mins until they are beginning to char. This should take around 20mins or less.
Then combine the various asepects in bowls. I think its nice to lay out all the options on the table and let people do it themselves.