Magic of Winter issue by Cellardoor Magazine

Cellardoor Winter 2010

o e magic

Th of Winter issue

Cellardoor Winter 2010 Editors â&#x2122;Ľ

Jade Cooper - Collins Amy Power

Contributors â&#x2122;Ľ Caitlin Bellah Harriet Bennett Hanna Beth Emma Block Kayleigh Bluck Anouska Proette Brandon Katie Byrne Zara Carpenter Lucy Carrellison Michelle Chai Emma Frew Benjamin Kwan Cait Harrington

Lauren Hepburn Heidi Irk Susan Keys Ella Masters Sophie McAndrew Georgina Robinson Milly Sampson Rosie Savage Gus Scott Jade Stavri Olivia Weeks Sade Williams Emete Yarici

Welcome to the f ifth issue of Cellardoor.... We know that winter can be a tough month - it’s cold, wet and rainy, you’re broke from spending over Christmas and the Spring/Summer collections are popping up in shops all over the high street, just mocking you with their f limsy fabrics and short sleeves. But don’t despair! We’ve got a packed issue for you that is just dying to be read. We speak to BBC 3’s Cherry Healey, co-author of Nick and Norah’s Inf inite Playlist Rachel Cohn and model/ actress Anna Brewster as well as taking a look at the importance of a great winter coat and some yummy recipes to keep you warm. As if that wasn’t already enough we’ve got our usual mix of fashion, art and literature as well as some beautiful pictures for you to gorge yourselves on. What are you waiting for? Enjoy! Amy and Jade xoxo

We Love... So, winterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s here again. With a cold, windy and snowy few months ahead of us, we make the best of the season...

Snow

d Mulled Wine d

Hot Chocolate

Building Snowmen

d Rosy Cheeks d

New Boots

Mittens

Cosy Knits

Ice Skating

Warm Fires

d Mince Pies d Frosty Mornings

Winter 4

Ways to Embrace the Winter Season By Katie Byrne

. .

Go ice-skating. You can either skate or you can’t, and winter just isn’t winter without the opportunity to publicly humiliate yourself by skidding over and landing on your derriere (or, alternatively, execute the perfect figure of eight).

Decorate your home. As soon as December comes, put up the tree, make some paper chains and scatter fairy lights everywhere. If your five-footer isn’t quite enough then visit the Christmas tree in London’s Trafalgar Square – it stands at over 20 metres high and looks absolutely stunning lit-up at night. Turn the Christmas music up. FACT: Everyone loves Christmas music. If you’re feeling brave, go carolling! For those who would

See a festive show. If you can’t quite manage to see The Nutcracker at The English National Ballet, then Odeon cinemas all around the country are showing screenings of the classic Christmas ballet – it really is magical. If ballet isn’t your thing then visit your local theatre to see a pantomime – for Christmas truly isn’t Christmas without children shrieking, ‘he’s behind you!’ Visit the Geffrye Museum. Situated in Shoreditch, the interiordesign museum annually dresses 12 of its rooms in period Christmas styles, giving a fantastic insight into the yuletide traditions, customs and decorations of our ancestors.

Watch your town/village/roof’s Christmas lights being turned on. There’s nothing quite so magical as shouting ‘3, 2, 1!’ to order.

Visit a Christmas fair. In locations as far and varied as Paris, London and Glasgow – and everywhere in between – Christmas fairs are a fabulous opportunity to see hundreds of gift ideas, sample festive foods and learn how to wrap your presents perfectly.

Buy a gorgeous coat. Don’t skim on cost - think of this as an investment. Whether it be fur-trimmed, waist-defining or leopardprint, the perfect coat is out there somewhere, just waiting to be discovered!

rather be Rocking around the Christmas Tree from the comfort of their own home, make a festive-themed play list. Where else could you find Bing Crosby singing Silent Night alongside Rage against the Machine’s Killing in the Name?

Dark at 5pm, temperatures in the sub-zero region… it can be difficult to love winter. But here are ten magical things to help you through the chilly months.

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Make a Christmas pudding, or cake. Follow a traditional recipe (don’t forget the sixpence!) and serve on Christmas day. It takes at least 2 ½ hours to make properly, so save yourself the hassle on Christmas day and make it in advance.

A COAT OF ARMS Words: Emete Yarici Illustrations: Susan Keys The September issue of Vogue did its usual round up of the season’s finest outerwear this year. Very pleasantly however, it was accompanied by an article that has stayed with me since (a whole 3 months in fact!). Jo Ellison, so delicately and poetically wrote about her discovery of her mother’s camel coat. Not so coincidently, the phenomenon of this tan-ish, yellow-ish sort-of colour was slowly bubbling to the surface and I was reluctantly letting go of the summer. Mentions of coats and being covered in grey, camel and navy was thoroughly depressing. Yet Jo made it seem so romantic. Her childhood memories of rummaging through her mother’s wardrobe on a rainy day, the nostalgic references to Faye Dunaway on Steve McQueen’s arm and Ali McGraw in Love Story. It was all very glamorous and glittery. I guess the article sparked a thought in me, “Why do we put so much importance on buying and choosing coat?” I know that the fashionobsessed people amongst us would say, “But Darrrr-ling, it’s fashion”, and that would be that. Yet, regardless of my love for clothes and the crazy topsy-turvy world that is fashion design, I have still always had a strong sense of practicality and realism in myself. I guess it stems from my dad. I can never get that carried away with how beautiful a pair of shoes are or how amazing a bag is - at the end of the day they are ultimately just shoes and a bag. I may have just committed fashion suicide, this might just be the last feature I ever write, but without a shadow of a doubt. It’s true. I was going to write this article on the importance of choosing your coat and top tips on how to do it. Instead it’s evolved into what wearing your coat means to you. I guess winter is the only time that you are obliged to sum up your

image in one piece. It’s what everyone on the street will see you in, and unlike summer it’s the only garment that will show. I find myself saying... “This year I am going to do minimal chic” or “Glamour and decadence are what I am looking for in my winter coat”. Amy Bannerman is one of the fashion-pack at Elle magazine, she describes what went through her mind when choosing a ‘look’ for her coat this season. “I look at what I want the feel of my look to be for the season and then buy one based on that. This winter I was inspired by the whole slick boy Céline feel - so I chose a strong-shouldered mannish crombie and I love how it makes me feel polished.” After looking at several fashion shoots and coat features, I finally come to the conclusion that a coat is to fashion what a mask is to the theatre. Sometimes however the mask we choose isn’t always right, speaking to Joanne Watkinson, women’s wear buyer for My-Wardrobe.com, her most distinct memory of choosing a coat was when she was 13. “I remember being 13 and begging my mum for a multicoloured, stripy Benetton coat with toggle buttons and a hood. It was my prize-possession, regardless of the fact I looked like an oversized iced lolly.” I think my oversized iced lolly moment was a purple bomber jacket that had multi-coloured flowers all over it, I also thought it a good idea to team it with a pink snoopy beret, and as random as that sounds, this was a part of the Snoopy merchandise in the late 1980’s! I guess like anything else in life, sometimes you just get it really wrong. So when you go to buy your coat, just think about what you would like to be this winter, be it a frozen snack or Bridget Bardot. Just have fun!

CELLARDOOR

does D.I.Y By Sophie McAndrew

1. Take your old maxi skirt and turn it inside out. Then place this onto a mannequin (or if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t own one, get a friend with shoulders of a similar width to yours to help you).

2. Shuff le the skirt around slightly to get it in a comfortable position, so that the hip part of the skirt is slightly snug on the shoulders. Now pin the two sides of the skirt together to follow the line of the shoulder (see picture!). Cut off the excess waistband if there is a large amount of fabric at the top.

3. Take the skirt off the mannequin, and lay it down f lat. Put some pins in horizontally following the pins that you used to create the shoulder shape. Stitch this line on the sewing machine using a straight stitch and matching thread, making sure you take the vertical pins out as you go!

4. Trim the excess fabric, and if you want to, secure the raw edges by using a zig-zag stitch to overlock the cut edge, then sew and trim both shoulders.

5. Put the skirt back on the mannequin, but this time turned in the right way. The shoulders should be fitting nicely. Take a large square of scrap fabric and insert it into the collar line. Pin this in place around from the front to centre back.

6. Using the scissors, cut the scrap fabric into a collar shape (we prefer a rounded peter pan collar), and remove/unpin to get your collar pattern piece.

7. Draw around this piece on your length of faux fur, leaving a 1 cm seam allowance. Make sure you mirror the pattern to

make a complete collar piece. Cut this out. Take the plain fabric, and cut out a piece the same size

as the one you have just cut out in fur. Now using smaller scissors, cut 1 cm off around the curved edge, but not on the straight edge. This will allow the fur to be slightly bigger and curl over the edge, making the underneath fabric not visible.

9. Pin the two pieces together (right side to right side) and stitch them together using the sewing machine. Make sure that you only stitch the curved edge, and leave the straight edge open to enable it to be turned in the right way before sewing onto the skirt.

10. Turn the collar in the right way and push out all the edges to make a nice collar shape. Find the centre of the collar (do this by folding it in half and putting a pin in where the fold is) and match it up to the centre back of the neck/collar line on the skirt. Pin the open edge along the collar line, sandwiching the skirt material between the 2 layers of fur and plain fabric.

11. Take your needle and thread, and go along the edge of the collar, tucking under the raw edge and hand-stitch along the edge. Do this on both the plain fabric side and the faux-fur side.

12. Once this is done, the pins can be removed, and the collar should sit nicely when placed back on the mannequin. It is no longer a skirt, but now starting to look like a cape!

13. Unpick any buttons that are sewn down the front of the skirt, and replace with some nice pretty ones. Gold or brass ones look particularly nice, but also a random mix of mismatched buttons could also look lovely!

14. To create arm holes, mark a 20cm long vertical line each side at the front approximately where your elbow would be when wearing the cape.. Cut down this line using sharp scissors, and either fold the raw edge back and hand stitch, or encase the raw edge in bias binding (purchased from any haberdashery shop) of a relevant colour and machine stitch on.

If you feel that fur around the collar is not enough, you could try adding a 10cm band around the bottom of the cape as a fur trim! Like making things too? Check out my blog sophiemakesthings.blogspot.com

‘Many years ago on a dark and foggy day, legend tells of an

’ invasion of our island… By Lauren Hepburn

oo 12

Young designer Charlotte Taylor’s press pack introduction at the Vauxhall Fashion Scout exhibition and catwalk in September was just as quirky and imaginative as her collection. As I leafed through her Spring/Summer ’11 designs, the clashing colours and fabrics and the playful prints that characterise Charlotte Taylor Limited were enchanting. Dark green velvets were offset by pale denim and fluorescent panels on cream chambray were a structured contrast to the billowing silks of her ‘Robotwear’ – inspired by the robot-shaped pencil sharpener bought for a past boyfriend on Valentine’s Day. Charlotte’s Autumn/Winter collection is also characterised by a playful motif; waddling penguins refer to a fond memory of how she and her brother would giggle as children at the birds’ comical appearance. This connection to the past, her family and personal quirks are recurring themes in Charlotte’s work. Not only did a comical penguin spark a light in Charlotte’s creative mind, but her tweeds and cropped trousers encapsulate the ‘English eccentricity’ she adored in childhood classics, such as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Mary Poppins – a nostalgia that has been recurrent in the brogue-clad, elbow-patched and cable-knitted trends of this season. The ‘grannies’ Charlotte painted throughout her A-Levels also make an impact on her designs; she’s fascinated by the imperfections that give life – and her designs – a certain va va voom. 2011’s Spring/Summer looks are highly covetable with their sweeping panels, ocean-greens and blues, and rusty copper detailing – a dedication and farewell to the spinnakers, ships and sea surrounding her home on the Isle of Wight before she moves to London next season. But she’s not just the imagination behind Charlotte Taylor Limited, she’s the brain, and Charlotte takes her business very seriously. A year’s work at Luella Bartley developed the graphics, branding and public relations skills that she utilises in her own company. Her work ethic is simple: ‘I keep a very small team around me. If there are too many people and employees it’s difficult to focus or to spot something in the collection that doesn’t work.’ And she’s ruthless when it comes to editing, ‘I can work on a piece for days and if it still doesn’t feel right, just throw it away.’ Charlotte knows what she wants and her intimate work environment reflects it. The personality in each piece

belongs to Charlotte, and in order to understand her work, those working with it need to understand her. However, she hasn’t always been so certain. Charlotte studied design at Central St. Martins but she says it wasn’t until her placement year with designer Marcus Constable that she learnt how to put herself into her designs. Until then she felt she was ‘trying to be couture and wacky – trying to be something [she’s] not’. Her final year was spent challenging her tutors and going in her own direction – and it’s paying off. Since then, Charlotte has achieved an enviable degree, her own label and a winning slot in one of the most prestigious competitions in the London fashion scene. Does she feel an immense sense of pride having been chosen out of hundreds of hopeful designers as ‘One to Watch’ this season? ‘I feel like a fraud! I’m just a normal person but I have models nervously queuing up to audition for my show.’ And the branding of Charlotte Taylor Limited reflects her air of humility. The ready-to-wear cropped jackets, printed tops and tailored dresses are wearable and accessible, whilst remaining oh-so-chic. ‘I want colleagues and shoppers alike to be part of the brand. That’s why I keep a blog!’ Charlotte hopes that this blog will be another marketing success. The site is regularly updated with images of her designs, photos of celebrities wearing them and random thoughts of her own – addressed to her followers like an old friend. It enables shoppers to see the progress of the brand, the success of its collection and the quirky, creative and genuine girl responsible for making it all happen. Of course, we couldn’t forget to ask... ‘My favourite thing about Winter? Oooh, hot fires, cold London nights and festive brass bands.’

Photography Anouska Proetta Brandon Model Susan Loughanne

Girls Will Be Girls After falling in love with Cherry Healey during her recent BBC 3 series, we couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t resist catching up with her...

Have you always wanted to be in TV? No! I studied Theatre and Education (kind of drama therapy/ drama teaching) at Uni and then went into events. It wasn’t until I met someone at a party who worked in production that the light bulb went on. I then got work experience at the BBC and never looked back. I spent 5 years working towards being a director until someone put me forward for a presenting gig - actually the work I do now is really similar to what I was doing before. Whilst preparing for a programme I was finding people, talking to them about their lives and investigating an issue - that’s basically what I do now, except it’s filmed. What was the idea behind the documentaries and how did you come about actually filming them? Female immersive journalism was a fairly new genre at the time and it seemed a really interesting angle when approaching a topic. I was incredibly excited by the idea of finding out what’s really going on with women today by actually getting as close to the subject as humanly possible. Yes, even if that means being sick in public! You cover quite serious subjects, but in such a fun way. Did you consciously decide to make them funny and more relatable? Yes and no. We knew that within each topic there would be extreme situations, which can often become absurd and funny. I was really lucky with the directors I worked with they absolutely determine the atmosphere of the film - I get all the attention, but really, the clever bits are totally down to them. They were both extremely compassionate and caring about the women we met, but had a brilliant sense of humour. How was it having such pivotal moments such as getting married, having a baby and - not forgetting - throwing up filmed for national TV? Did your family mind? My family were amazingly open-minded about the whole thing. It is definitely quite odd to open up your life like that. It’s not something I did without discussing it first, especially with my immediate family. I do wear my heart on my sleeve and they’ve always known that, so really these films were an extension of that. However, I totally accept that for some people, it was a very strange decision.

You always seem very open-minded when meeting people, but did you ever meet anyone and just think “you’re crazy”? We know we certainly did! Yes - initially there were some women that really shocked me. But I found that, almost without exception, once you hear someone’s story and the motives behind the decisions they’ve made and the views they hold, you understand how they have reached that point. Once you understand context and see the person behind the ‘crazy’ situation, it’s hard to be a harsh judge. Have you kept in contact with anyone you’ve met on the shows? Yes, I’m still in contact with most of the women from the pregnancy programme and a few from the other shows. Pregnancy and motherhood are such highly emotional moments of your life, once you’ve shared that with someone, it kind of bonds you - regardless of how much peripheral stuff you’ve got in common. Because you made the series so relatable to all women, do you get people come up to you on the street as if they know you? ! I actually didn’t think I would like it - I really like just pottering about on my own - I thought I might feel self-conscious. But actually, it’s really lovely when people come up and say they’ve enjoyed the show. You met every age group and covered every angle - what did you want viewers to take away with them? I think for each programme it was different. But really, there are so many stories within each of the films that hopefully there was a useful message or snippet of information for a lot of different people. I’ve had letters and emails from so many women (and men!) who’ve been moved by a woman’s story - it’s either helped them make a decision or made them feel comforted that they’re not going through something alone. I suppose that’s the oldest reason human beings have shared stories - so we can better relate to each other. How would you describe your own personal style? II basically devour fashion magazines and then try to recreate my favourite looks without having to

take out a loan! I wouldn’t say I am very original - I just wear what is comfortable - I hate having to think about an outfit once I’ve left the house. I adore the clothes from Chloe and Mulberry - they are so elegant and easy to wear - just bung on, scrape your hair back and off you pop (one day I might even own some!). What’s been your greatest achievement? It’s SO cheesy and I can barely bring myself to say this, but probably my daughter! It’s not even like I ‘achieved’ it in its classic sense. I actually did diddly-squat - Mother Nature kind of just went for it. But, on the other hand - the early mornings, playing hide the bunny for the 100th time, juggling work/friends/relationship with a smile and not going crazy - at the end of a long day, there is definitely a huge feeling of achievement. Where would you want to see yourself in 10 years? That’s really hard to answer! Hmmm. Hopefully still meeting amazing women, still working in television, still hearing and telling their stories, maybe a bit of Chloe in my cupboard, maybe a better haircut, maybe I’ll have learnt how to put on foundation (does anyone really know?!), maybe I’ll even own a hairbrush. Have you got anything lined up for next year? Yes, there are a few more films in the pipeline and I’m so excited about the topics we’ve covering. I’d LOVE to write about them but I honestly have no idea if I’m allowed! Will keep you posted and let you know asap. Is there anyone that you aspire to be like? Well, there are loads of people - but to name one, I adore Sarah Beeny. To me, she is the epitome of a truly cool presenter. She is a successful entrepreneur; she’s so relaxed and natural on screen and is totally genuine with the people she mentors on her shows. She is also really chilled with her appearance - and as a result she is totally cool and sexy. She’s clever, sassy, hot and is a mother of FOUR. I don’t know how she does it. And finally, as this is the winter issue, what is your favourite thing about winter? Oh it’s just too hard to choose - Pies? Open fires? Thick tights? Boots? Maybe the winner would have to be Halloween. There’s indulgent food, an excuse to have a party, dressing up, getting together, being silly. It’s like Christmas but without the pressure of presents!

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o 24

NEARLY FAMOUS o Words by Emma Frew Photographs by Lucy Carrellison

Some people have just got IT. What is it, who knows, but it’s special and rare, it’s having talent, it’s being effortless it’s being confident but not arrogant, it’s being I am who I am and I don’t give a (insert chosen expletive) what you think/ But most importantly It’s being indefinable . Mr Cowell may call it the X Factor but I call it the WowHow-Cool-Is-That-Girl?-I-KindaWant-To-Be-Her-Best-Friend Factor. Whatever you want to call it Anna Brewster has it. Smart, honest with beauty and skills not to mention a kick-ass wardrobe to boot, get your best friend applications at the ready...

Did you always want to be a model and an actress and how did you get started with both careers? To be honest when this all started I was quite young and had not really decided what I wanted to do. I’ve always been quite realistic so although like most young girls I’d dream of doing this as a job, I’d never have expected it to happen. I was studying for my GCSE’s in Birmingham when our drama teacher approached me and my friends about going to the open audition for Anita and Me. I very nearly didn’t go but something got me there and thank God it did! I ended up getting the role of Anita in the film and started filming that summer. Afterwards, I went back to school for my final year, dyed my hair back to brown and got on with life. I had an agent in London and I decided to move down and study fashion at London College of fashion, which would make it easier for auditions. I started working on Mrs Henderson Presents followed by The Tudors and Nearly Famous, which I managed to do as well as finishing my degree. Around this time I was also approached by Union Models to do some modelling which seemed to fit in with everything else so I thought I’d try that for a bit too. I just want to go with the flow and take the opportunities as they arise. I’ve been so lucky, but have also worked very hard, so I just hope they keep arising. Have you found it difficult trying to juggle both acting and modelling and would you like to concentrate on one more than the other? The only difficulty I felt for a long time was that it was not acceptable to be a model/actress. I felt like there was a stigma attached to it and I didn’t understand why, I think a lot of that was in my head though. I’ve worked really hard with Union Models and we both understand that acting comes first, but being obsessed with fashion I really enjoy modelling and travelling and meeting new people and keeping in touch with the whole fashion industry. I don’t know, the way I see it is a lot of actresses work in bars and restaurants when they aren’t working... I just model instead. What was working on Mrs Henderson Presents like, working with people like Dame Judi Dench and Bob Hoskins? It was the most amazing experience. When I got the role it was literally just a result of going to a meeting and having a casual chat with Stephen Frears, the director. He explained what the film was about, and I remember when I came out of the audition I was walking down Portobello market trying to explain to my parents that I’d been offered this film but I’d have to be naked but it’s an amazing cast and director and it would all be so tasteful and beautiful, so in some

ways I was already experiencing what the character ‘Doris’ would have gone through. I was only 18 and still growing and getting used to my body but I knew I had to do this. I’m so glad I did, as it was such a family on set. Every day in the same theatre built in the studio, with the same girls, having a giggle and pinching myself as I was doing this for a job! The first scene we filmed was when all the girls and guys get naked for the first time. It was planned that way and it worked, it was such a fun day and from that day on we really had the respect of everyone, which was crucial in making us feel comfortable. Judi managed to escape this, but she is one of the most enigmatic people I have met, she just has something about her that is so magical, and Bob is one of the funniest. Their chemistry in the film is really amazing. You’ve also been photographed nude for the cover of Dazed and Confused. Was this a decision you had to think about carefully? Mrs Henderson was a strange one because I was so young, but that was the character and it really worked. She was supposed to be young, and a bit out of her depth. I shot the Dazed cover while I was filming Nearly Famous. It was a Sunday and I had about 4 hours before I had to go and do a split day filming. My friend Matt Irwin shot it and I honestly had NO idea what he had planned. When he told me I was a bit shocked but I trust him so much and Nicola Formichetti was styling (who now styles Lady Gaga), so I knew I was with a good team. It was such a blur I just remember turning up at work after being covered in fake tan and trying to explain whilst trying to get it off before continuity saw! How do you feel about the media’s fascination with women’s weight and how they always try to blame skinny models for being bad role models? It’s the media criticising the media. On one page of a magazine it will be an article about these so-called ‘bad image’ models and the next page will be showing the same models being employed by the magazine. It really frustrates me. I tend to work with friends who I know I’m going to have a good, fun day with so

I’m kind of lucky in a way. I’ve got quite a specific ‘look’ and it’s worked for a certain market, which my agency knows and targets me at. I’ve always just shut off if someone has said something about my weight or height, I just can’t be bothered. I know I’ve not got jobs because the jeans didn’t fit or my legs aren’t long enough but I can’t get angry about it, it’s as much about a client not reading your stats on your card as you doing wrong. You just can’t take it personally. I love food, although I do obviously watch what I eat like any other girl, but my only exercise is walking and I can’t do an amble walk, I’m a power walker. I drive my agency mad because I dye my hair and get tattoos, but I’m not that typical “model look” and I’m never going to be, so if I’m going to be different I may as well do it properly. In the E4 TV series Nearly Famous you played such an interesting character. Did you enjoy making that? It was my first experience of working in BritishTV, which is really quite a different discipline to film and American TV. Everything moves a lot faster and is a lot more pressured, but as with everything, it’s just work experience and learning on the job trying to make something worthwhile that you are proud of. It was such a great cast and crew and we had loads of fun making the show. I don’t think it was received as well as we’d hoped but if you look at shows like My So Called Life and Freaks & Geeks... maybe it will make a cult comeback in 10 years. Your co-stars were Talulah Riley and Aaron Johnson who have, like you, gone on to

do really great things. Do you all still stay in contact? Talulah has moved to LA so i never get to see her, but sometimes I bump in to Tamsin Egerton who is Talulah’s best friend and keep updated on how she’s getting on, she seems really happy. I used to live near Aaron so I used to bump into him quite a lot, but I’ve just moved so not seen him in a while. Plus, he’s a dad now... so happy for him! What have you got lined up next?I’ve spent a lot of this year in New York and have a manager out there so I may head back over there for a bit, see what happens. I’ve been working a bit on a series called Luther which should be out next year. I just got back from Paris where we launched the new Hermès campaign, J’aime Mon Carré, which Matt Irwin shot. As I said I just go with the flow, so it kind of depends on what the universe has lined up for me! Have you got any advice for our readers who would love to be doing the job you’re doing now? It’s such a hard question, I’ve been so lucky, but I guess just take opportunities when they arise as you only live once.

And some quick fire questions... Favourite Song It changes every week, but at the moment I’m having a bit of a trip down memory lane listening to the Duke Spirit - Darling You’re Mean. Favourite Album Either Cat Power - Jukebox or Ryan Adams - Gold. Current Boy/Girl crush Alex James of BLUR. Favourite Movie I love Edie Sedgwick so probably Factory Girl. Favourite TV Mad Men, I’m obsessed. Favourite Book The Alex James autobiography... For obvious reasons. And finally if you could have anyone play you in the film of your life who would it be and why? I’m obsessed with Chloe Sevigny so I’d love her to play me.

LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW by Harriet Bennett

To the majority of us Britons winter is by far the least loved season. It is often associated with cold, ugliness, darkness, grey days, rain, mud and even death. Most people think of it as an annoyance and spend the season wishing for warmer days. Yes, many of us would prefer to be done with winter forever. I, on the other hand, am one of those nutcases who misses it as soon as it’s over and anticipates the arrival of the next winter as soon as the first flowers of spring show their colours. In the midst of the summer heat, when the rest of the country’s enjoying getting food poisoning from the undercooked sausages they’re about to eat off the BBQ, sat sweltering at their desks, or rubbing aftersun into their blistered and burnt skin, I sit longing for the cold touch of winter. The cold mornings and dark nights, frozen windscreens and icy roads, knitted jumpers and Christmas-flavoured everythings. From as early as June I’ve been wishing away the summer, exaggerating every slightly cool breeze and tweeting and following the hash tag #winteriscoming desperately trying to assure myself it’s just around the corner. And the main reason I love winter so much…? It produces the only thing I’ll ever truly crave, all year round, something that can get me more psyched than any drug ever could… snow.

Yes, the simple pleasure of snow really does produce that effect in me. The way it coats the land in a glittering, fluffy white blanket, everything becomes softer, quieter. The world seems untouched, brand new. The sound of traffic and city noise is silenced. Everything is quiet. There’s nothing quite like the sound of fresh snow crunching underneath your boot, or the fresh, crisp, cold air rushing through your lungs as you stand staring in awe at the white nothingness stretching out in front of you. And have you ever actually seen a real snowflake? They really are amazing, more devastatingly fragile and beautiful than anything man could ever create. The thing about snow is that it has that ability to make you want to play like a kid again, a sense of nostalgia comes rushing through and you get the urge to actually roll around in it and make snow angels, or run around breathlessly raging war on your friends with balls of snow as ammo. Or watching your fingers turn blue as you spend hours perfecting two mounds of snow you proudly call a snowman. Snow days should always be cherished, we rarely get to see the beauty of snow on our fair little island and there aren’t many times we get to fool around like kids without being mocked and judged, we all need to feel like a kid once in while, it’s what keeps us human.

Photography: Gus Scott

Mirror, Mirror on the wall By Olivia Weeks

‘Until you are known in my profession as a monster, you are not a star.’ Bette Davis. Women, especially those in Hollywood, are often placed into different generalisations; sex kittens, sirens, natural beauties, the girl next door, the list goes on. However, we tend to overlook one so aptly-named, ice queens. The first thought conjured up by this lovely description is often negative, cold, heartless, even evil. If asked to think of celebrity ice queens most think of women such as American Vogue Editor Anna Wintour or actress Angelina Jolie. They all have one thing in common – work, and their career is of upmost importance to them. It seems unfortunate that women who work hard are seen as ice queens. Is it impossible to be seen as warm but also be respected as a woman with a successful career? So this winter I take a look back to two of Cellardoor’s (and Hollywood’s) favourite ice queens, Bette Davis and Katharine Hepburn, to see what constitutes being branded icy! Known as ‘The Queen of Hollywood’, actress Bette Davis was famous for being unafraid to play unsympathetic characters, her very public confrontations and for her intense acting style. Loved for her dramatic eyes, author Ed Sikov described her beauty in her biography as ‘unexpected and even dreadful’. She is often seen as an ice queen but also as one of the world’s best actresses. It is said she fearlessly let her rage run free on set, at home and in public, and was a very independent and strong woman who stuck to what she believed in. Though her attitude gained her some bad opinions, she didn’t care: ‘I do not regret one professional enemy I have made.’ She didn’t imitate any other actresses of her time and remained honest to herself and her opinions. She took on many roles that portrayed different strains of the female, tackling the ostensibly less attractive parts; from a drunken actress in ‘Dangerous’ to the epitome of a powerful woman; Queen Elizabeth I, a sinister scheming wife on trial for murder in ‘The Letter’ and a bratty socialite in ‘Dark Victory’. Her role as a villainous evil sister in ‘What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?’ even gained her a place in the American Film Institute’s 100 years of the Greatest Heroes and Villains. Her long-term rivalry with fellow actress Joan Crawford

was no secret and Davis made no effort to hide her true feelings about Crawford; ‘I wouldn’t piss on her if she was on fire’. Even after Crawford’s death, Davis remained true to her honest opinion, stating: ‘You should never say bad things about the dead, only say good… Joan Crawford is dead. Good.’ Justifying her relationship with her work Davis said: ‘It is only work that truly satisfies, it isn’t that many people don’t add a great deal to your life, but as a permanent thing, that’s the least disappointing relationship you can have.’ This may seem cold, however shows perhaps why she dedicated herself so fully to her work, especially seeing as she had 3 failed marriages and was estranged to her only biological daughter. In television interviews her brutal honesty made her appear brash and intimidating, unafraid to give her true feelings about a person or situation, which often made people feel uncomfortable. She was formidable and did not let Hollywood push her around, so when she felt Warner Brothers were not giving her good enough parts, she ignored her contract and headed to England on strike. Going to court with one of the world’s biggest film companies didn’t sway her decision to go after what she wanted, however she eventually returned to work and went on to have make hugely successful films. Davis took many steps towards representing women as equal in Hollywood. She was elected as the first female president of the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and was also the first woman to be given the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Film Institute. Her tombstone may read ‘She did it the hard way’, but the hard way paid off. She received 10 Oscar nominations for ‘Best Actress’, winning twice, and is one of only two people ever to be nominated five years in a row. Like Davis, Katharine Hepburn was famous for her unusual voice, her strong dedication to work and, most importantly, her modern and unique attitude. She too was branded an ice queen, perhaps for her direct approach to life. She described herself as ‘living like a man’, which she believed women could only do by choosing not to have children. Her film forte was independent, strong-minded women, and she herself was most definitely one.

Illustration by Ella Masters

Hepburn epitomised power dressing, often choosing slacks over skirts and dresses, and channelling a rather masculine approach to her behaviour; in television interviews she would put her feet up on the table. She was ostensibly brash and fearless, and thus intimidating and often blunt. Her grandfather, uncle and older brother all committed suicide, however, ‘my parents never believed in moaning about anything,’ she said. It would seem growing up with this attitude affected her outlook on many areas of life. She did not wallow in self-pity and embraced loss as an inevitable part of life: ‘Not everyone is lucky enough to understand how delicious it is to suffer.’ Inspired by her mother, who was a suffragette, Hepburn went around with ‘Votes for Women’ balloons as a child, she said, ‘I learnt early what it is to be snubbed for a good cause’. She believed that men and women ‘should perhaps live next door and visit every now and then’ as they ‘don’t really suit each other’. Hepburn did however marry businessman Ludlow Ogden Smith and had 2 other big loves, director and aviator Howard Hughes (she described both Highes and Ogden Smith as ‘dedicated loners’) and the love of her life fellow Hollywood actor Spencer Tracy. Hepburn and Tracy never married but lived together for 27 years. Her relationship with Tracy was made famous in Hollywood after their natural chemistry was seen on screen in the first of nine movies they made together. Describing her first meeting with him, she paints herself as a nervous and excitable young woman who remembers worrying ‘I hope he likes me’. It shows a softer, more feminine side to the usually calm and rational woman. Her early work highlighted her desire to work with feminist issues. ‘Sylvia Scarlett’ challenged perceptions of both masculine and feminine generalizations. However ‘Bringing Up Baby’ was a film, which showed a strong female assert her self -worth over dominant men. However it was her pairing in many films with Tracy that showed a shift in male and female relationships. ‘Adam’s Rib’ shows Tracy’s admiration for Hepburn’s intelligence, and this and many other films showed a relationship of equals during a time

when women were seen to have a place. She received her first Oscar for a film playing the part of a woman who sacrifices romance for work. It is easy to see how she may have been attracted to this part. She didn’t like giving interviews, although when she did, she comfortably showed her dislike for someone if asked. She didn’t change her personality to fit into Hollywood, she made Hollywood fit for her. Hepburn was unafraid to take credit for her efforts, her assertiveness being seen by some as arrogance. When a crowd chased her for an autograph saying ‘we made you’, she put them in their place and said, ‘like hell you did’. Luckily for Hepburn her ego paid off, she won four Academy Awards and received 12 nominations, Lifetime Achievement Award from the Screen Actors Guild and Woman of the Year. Both Davis and Hepburn had such different qualities and were both seen as ice queens. However they both represented a challenge in conceptions of women of their time. While aspects of their lives showed them to be intimidating, demanding and brash, on closer inspection you can see that they were dedicated to their work, and didn’t let themselves get messed around. They didn’t change to fit a pre-conceived idea of how or who they should be… and these are all things that are positive, they have helped to widen oppor tunities for women both in the workplace and socially. I think it’s time we were more championing of ice queens, Davis and Hepburn’s attitude to work was inspiring. Both women take the top two spots on the American Film Institute’s list of greatest actresses of all time, and both have been seen as cold, if that’s the case then I think an ice queen is becoming a lot more appealing than a sex siren! ‘The weak are the most treacherous of us all. They come to the strong and drain them. They are bottomless. They are insatiable. They are always parched and always bitter. They are everyone’s concern and like vampires they suck our life’s blood.’ Bette Davis

Spring issue March 2011

Through the ages by Katie Byrne

“Let us love winter, for it is the spring of genius” said the Italian Renaissance author and playwright Pietro Aretino. Whether or not he was speaking about winter fashions specifically (which presumably, at that time, consisted of an extra thick ruff and a fur-lined hood) or the season in general is unknown. But regardless, he does have a point. Winter fashions have always had a certain glamour to them. The magic of the season – all twinkling lights, crispy fallen leaves and cosy hot chocolates – is that it inspires us all, and in doing so has, naturally, a radical effect on the way we dress. When winter falls, we dress to please it – we wrap ourselves in our warmest items of clothing, and drape layers of scarves, hats and ear-muffs on top just for good measure. However, rather than just being an exercise in wearing as many clothes at one time as possible, there is a certain fashionable edge, which has been evident in our fashion sense since the 1950s. The ‘50s themselves saw the influence of Parisian fashion infiltrate the wardrobes of British women, with Audrey Hepburn as the gamine heroine of the day. Balenciaga, Givenchy et al. all created designs that nipped in waists, defined outlines and presented an overall more feminine shape. Come the winter, the glamorous ladies of the 1950s would wear long furcoats, leather gloves and lashings of red lipstick. For a more casual look, Fair Isle knitwear was preferable, or handknitted cardigans. Women tended to not wear trousers, and so skirts and thick tights kept legs warm. The ‘60s began to see a more playful side to fashion; there was more room for experiment and designers made clothes that were fun as well as suitable for winter. An iconic Vogue cover from the period featured a fresh-faced Twiggy wearing a silver-studded culotte suit

by Emmanuelle Khanh, whilst Pierre Cardin worked on new cape designs and Mary Quant’s miniskirts were teamed with patterned tights. With the 1970s came the meteoric rise of the Afghan coat. Beautifully warm and cosy, the coat, with its furry lining and suede-like exterior, became an icon of the decade. The coat matched perfectly with flared jeans, which were also a huge trend of the era. All you needed was a pair of mittens and platform shoes – to keep you high off the frost and ice, duh – and you were set for a snowy seventies adventure. Shoulder pads. Need I say more? Lovechild of the 1940s, shoulder pads were resurrected in the 1980s and could be seen everywhere throughout the decade, including warm jumpers. A curious combination of Princess Di and Dynasty had a huge influence over ‘80s fashion, and feminine shapes clashed with masculine styles as Armani, Chanel and Christian Lacroix bandied round suits, puffball skirts and a variety of other trends. The waist-defining trench coat also became fashionable, and was available in a huge variety of colours. The slouchy parka coat – total opposite to the highly-structured shoulder pads - became a symbol of ‘90s ‘Brit rock’ and whilst not exactly glamorous, teamed with a scarf and gloves it was suitable winter-wear. The ‘90s also saw the rise of the supermodel, and as ‘cocaine chic’ became the phrase du jour, designers such as Dries van Noten experimented with materials, styles and shape in order to create totally original fashion. And now? The ‘noughties’ have seen returns to the winter fashions of yonder. The trench coat is still a firm favourite, and is perfect teamed with a chunky knit for added warmth. Roughly every other pair of feet is wearing super-comfy UGG boots, and the High Street offers hundreds of alternatives to designer winter essentials (such as this year’s big trend, the camel coat). The gilet, once the choice of farmers and shooting parties, is now acceptable – nay, glamorous – winter wear, and the festive season just wouldn’t be the same without a good old, 1950’s-style Fair Isle jumper worn with leggings or jeans. So whether you’re rocking an Afghan or a parka, UGGS or wedges, the winter trends of the last five decades all prove the same thing – fashion is very much available at all times of the year.

The WRiter

Emma Frew catches up with author Rachel Cohn...

You live in New York but grew up in Maryland. Do you think your family and childhood had any influence on your decision to become an author? Absolutely! My mother was an English literature professor and my father was a book collector and bookseller. Plus in my extended family there are many teachers and librarians. From the time I could read and write, I was indoctrinated on the importance of reading and literature. You studied political science at Barnard College in Manhattan. You said you thought you wanted to be a journalist. What made you change your mind? To be honest, I think it was my basic tendency to introversion. I loved the idea of journalism, but the thought of having to solicit and interview strange people intimidated me; the more I got into journalism, the more I realised I liked relating stories that played out in my head rather than in scary real life. What was it like the moment you heard your first book was going to be published? I wrote three unpublished books before my fourth, Gingerbread, was accepted for publication. So I think I was just very exhausted at the finish line, since I’d almost given up by that point! At the same time, it was incredibly thrilling. I had a day job at a law firm at that point with a really wonderful boss, and I ran in to tell her, and I think she told more people at work about my book than I ever was able to. It was a very, very modest book deal but I was elated – definitely one of the most sweetly memorable days of my life. Creative industries are notoriously hard to break into. Do you see the industry you’re in as tough? Yes, it’s very tough. You have to develop a really thick skin, because the criticism

that comes back can feel very, very personal, especially via the Internet. Google alone can kill any motivation to ever write again – it can be very soul-sucking and demoralizing reading blogs and reader reviews. It’s amazing how many people will tag your Twitter, etc. to link unkind reviews of your work. It’s also a struggle to get attention/publicity for a book. Writing a book in and of itself is such a tremendous undertaking, both time-wise, and emotionally. So I always say, you have to really want to do it, because the road is tough, and there’s no guarantee of success. That being said, it’s also the most gratifying feeling in the world, bringing characters and worlds to life, and to the printed page. It must be hard to keep writing as a passion you love rather than look at it as just a job. How do you sustain that? Love your characters. It’s as simple as that. You write mainly Young Adult fiction. Do you ever draw on your own experiences as a young adult to help shape your stories or do the people you meet and stories you hear inspire you more? I was in all honesty a pretty boring teenager. When I write, I don’t channel my own experiences so much as feelings that I remember. More importantly, I feel like I write to the 16 year old I once was – if I can entertain her, I feel like the book is going okay. As well as your own novels you have collaborated with another author David Levithan. How has your relationship changed since your books have become so popular? Publishing a book is a wonderful feeling just on your own, so to be able to share the experience with a friend – and extend that through to a movie – has been supremely special. We had no idea going in how it would all work out – if we could even connect on the page – but the experience has been great.

Illustration by Kayleigh Bluck

What was the whole experience of having Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist being made into a film like for you? The movie was a great experience for us. We had no control over how it turned out, but we were lucky to hand it off to a director, screenwriter and producers we really liked, admired and trusted. I think the hardest thing about a screen adaptation is capturing the tone of the book, and although some of the plot elements in the movie are different, it really beautifully captures the heart of our book, and we couldn’t have asked for more. We love the movie (we’re even in it, for a millisecond, sitting behind Michael Cera and Kat Dennings in the Veselka scene).

which songs to use? We are both big music junkies although interestingly, our tastes are not that similar. He’s more indie rock and I’m more funk/soul. Songs we use in the books are usually chosen by how well they fit into the storyline at that moment. In Nick & Norah, the music references were probably what we worked hardest on – we wanted to make sure any music we mentioned stood the test of time, either because it was that good, or that bad.

Your new book, Very Lefreak, talks about one girl’s addiction to technology that spirals out of control. How has modern technology affected you as a writer does it make it easier? Technology makes things easier and harder. Easier because there’s a word processing program that’s certainly nicer to use than a typewriter, and easier because you can just email your document to your editor, etc. Harder in that Twitter, Facebook, etc. are huge time suckage. And the Internet is the great bastion of writerly procrastination. Seriously, the only way I get any writing done is to use an ancient laptop I store at my writing space that’s so old it has no Internet access available on it.

The ‘it’s still socially acceptable to wear pigtails’ years... I used to love the song “Funkytown”. I realise I’m dating myself a bit with that one, but when I was a little kid I seriously used to go to sleep with a little AM/FM transistor radio next to my ear, hoping that song would get played before I fell asleep.

What books have you been reading lately and are there any you can recommend to Cellardoor readers? I am always late to the party so I am finally reading The Hunger Games series which is dynamite. Sometimes I feel very cynical about publishing and these books inspire and delight me to no end because they really, truly live up to the hype (in my opinion). I’m also crazy for Jaclyn Moriarty’s new book The Ghosts of Ashbury High (which I think is called Dreaming of Amelia in the UK). What is the best piece of advice that you have ever been given that you could pass on to the Cellardoor readers? Spiritual retribution is imminent. Be nice. Also, eat lots of protein. Music plays such a strong role in Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist. How did you choose

So, bearing in mind your love for music and your ability to compile a pretty rad playlist, Can you share with us the mix tape of your life so far...

The ‘oh my god life is, like, so totally unfair’ years.... As a teen I was deeply into Prince. 1999 was one of the first albums I ever bought for myself. “Delirious” and “DMSR” were my favourite songs on that one. The ‘school’s out forever’ years... I had a bit of a stoner phase in my youth so I’ll go with “Duppy Conqueror” by The Wailers. The ‘college’ years... My favourite singer then and now: Aretha Franklin. My favourite Sister Ree song: “Baby Baby Baby.” That’s my choice, Baby. And finally, right now... Because I’m writing my new book, “Is Anything Wrong” by the late, great Lhasa de Sela.

River Beauty

Model Georgina Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Sullivan Hair and MakeUp Sian Revill Photography and Retouching Georgina Robinson All clothing from Forgotten Vintage

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JACKET £400, Cecilia Hammarburg NECKLACE £14.95, Elsie Belle JUMPER £35, Asos TROUSERS £30, Asos BOOTS £150, Ted Baker

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Cellardoor catches up with Breanna Lee, the woman with pride. We didn't have much money and that truly behind the label. Interview by Milly Sampson. inspires creativity. I grew up drawing everything, and would often draw women on a "runway" with different Tell us a bit more about yourself... I'm from a small town fashions. My mother taught my sister Brittney and I to sew in Southern California, and currently residing in the LA area. and she made all of our costumes for Halloween and our I'm a designer through and through, and left my "big kid job" dance recitals. Brittney and I made all of our dolls clothes last year to start my own line, BreannaLee, in the middle of a when we were bored with the old ones, although all I cared recession like a crazed maniac. Until just recently I did every about was styling them and cutting their hair! Both of my aspect of the business on my own, but now my sister has joined parents and grandparents are entrepreneurs, so naturally forces with me. I'm also the Production Manager for Spanish Moss Vintage’s American Gold line, and contribute to their online I wanted the same. It led me to fashion design school and magazine. As well as all this, I'm currently working on two new I worked my ass off while working 3 serving jobs! clothing lines. I'm a busy girl and I want to keep it that way. When, why and how did you first get into fashion?

My beautiful mother inspired my fashion sense at an extremely young age. She had more accessories than anyone I had ever known and was always very trendy in that sense; fearless. She used to let me wear her clothes to school.They’d be super baggy, but I would wear them

What drove you to choose designing over other fashion paths? I chose design because it’s the most creative, but

it also takes a person of leadership and a great deal of multi-tasking. I'm sure most girls don't understand all that when they first decide to become a designer. It’s some of the hardest work I've ever had to endure in my life. The "designer" has to understand all aspects of the industry

â&#x20AC;&#x153;All items seen are from the Spanish Moss Vintage collection designed by Susanna Fordâ&#x20AC;?

and each job, at least this is what I believe in order to be an efficient well oiled machine. How long have you been designing? I've been designing

for 6 years and I started BreannaLee in 2009. BreannaLee is still so new and just a little baby of a brand right now. I've really been focusing on ways to grow it in a way that’s right for the brand, and myself. Where do you get your inspiration from? My line is 100%

ME, all things I want and can't find. First and foremost I’m inspired by vintage clothes. The construction on older things is much more careful and clean, not so fast fashion. Colour is really important in my designs as well. Each season embodies things that I've loved since I was young and have great fascinations with. Spring 2010 was a ‘90s, whimsical, Alice in Wonderland mess. I've been obsessed with Lewis Carroll for a long time so it only seemed natural to use the Alice in Wonderland story as my inspiration! Can you tell us a bit more about the A/W range, what inspired you? If I could describe the new collection in a

sentence it would be ‘If David Bowie and Stevie Knicks had a cosmic love child’. Now, that is a lot to imagine, but when you all see it you'll understand. My inspiration includes Stevie Knicks "witchy-ness", David Bowie and Ziggy Stardust (cause they are two different people with equally as cool intentions), nebulas and all those cool gothic girls that hung out on the steps to the gym in high school.

Can you describe your signature look for BreannaLee?

I often try to put my style in a bottle, but it’s like dropping Mentos in a bottle of soda (YouTube it)...not a good idea. I love to play dress-up and over accessorize to the max. I’m currently piling on black eyeliner like Catwoman and super high black heels are always my first choice. Oh yeah, and wearing so many rings that I look like a 70's pimp. In turn, all of this flows into my own line naturally. Each season tells a story of me and my loves, and that includes colour, travels, family, music, and friends. Fall will look nothing like Spring 2010 and Spring 2011 will look nothing like Fall... but they will all look like BreannaLee. What's a typical day for you, or not so typical? Oh man,

typical days are something that I dream about! I never know what's going to happen when I wake up, it could be an email, a phone call, a meeting, or an order that could flip my whole day of plans upside down. I run around a lot and have to multi-task constantly. My family think I'm insane, I drive from contractor to contractor getting things done, float around fabric warehouses once a week at least, and I try to go out out with my friends as much as I can to stay young at heart forever. Its the business you take the bad with the good, the bitter with the sweet, and don't spit in the sky! Breanna Lee is an enthusiastic and inspiring designer as well as being production manager at Spanish Moss Vintage, and we’re very excited about her own collection. See more of the collection at revolveclothing.com.

Feeling

y t f thri By Michelle Chai

Vintage fashion has become a trend within itself; an affordable yet just-as-chic look can be created by bringing in elements from your favourite eras, as opposed to just another outfit from the High Street, and at a fraction of the price. For the vintage starter, thrifting can seem a scary task! The question on everyone’s lips seems to be: “Won’t I look a bit ridiculous in someone’s castaways, or a Granny’s cardigan?” As with any fashion trend, the answer is no! Vintage is best worn with your usual wardrobe favourites and oozing with eclectic confidence. While celebrities such as Alexa Chung and Fearne Cotton are snapped daily in their latest vintage blouse or skirt, for a vintage novice, the vintage hype can be eased into just by purchasing accessories to ‘jazz up’ something relatively typical. You can quickly style up an outfit by tying a vintage scarf around your head for a retro, 50’s look. This look can be so versatile and is a great nod to the ladylike trend that is everywhere this season. For an alternative way to style a scarf, drape over the shoulders and fasten with a brooch. For something a bit more wearable and practical, a second hand handbag adds the look of the season to any outfit; the more worn in, the better! With the party season just around the corner, adding a spangly brooch to your LBD is the perfect way to steal attention away from everyone and is another great way to subtly buy into one of the season’s biggest trends. Belle Vintage puts a unique spin on the heightening trend of vintage fashion and thrift shopping, in the form of an online store offering personally and uniquely sourced pieces. Created by Ella Corner, a 19-year-old law student and fashion blogger, Belle Vintage shares retro, kitsch and vintage accessories which are perfect to accessorise any ‘ordinary’ outfit. And the best part? The whole range is amazingly available to purchase online, putting a modern spin on the typical thrifting

experience, ranging from retro sunglasses, handbags and beautiful brooches, at very reasonable prices. Ella started the business as a way to share her love for affordable fashion, and to pay homage to the very essence of her entire wardrobe. We spoke to Ella and managed to get her to share a few of her top tips. You’ve been running a fashion and DIY crafts blog for a few months now. When did you start thrifting and what originally got you into the ‘second hand scene’? I have dabbled in and out of charity shops for a few years now. I used to pop into them whilst I was at school before it was cool to do so. However, it’s only really taken off in the last year or so, and is gradually taking over my life day by day. I wear a lot more thrifted items now than I did even when I started my blog. I have always loved vintage and wearing something a bit different but I think being shoved head-first into University life really made me realise the value of money. Basically, I was skint! Fashion is quite throwaway, so to stay on top of it, I get my clothes and accessories far cheaper. Have you always had a good eye for bargains and renewed trends? Oh definitely! Ever since I first started getting pocket-money I would take note of which newsagents stocked the sweets I wanted the cheapest. I hate paying out for something I know I can get cheaper somewhere else. I don’t stick closely to trends but just take inspiration from them. My most worn outfits definitely feature the nautical trend (which never seems to die) and chunky knit jumpers. As a law student, what inspired you to start your own vintage store? Most people are pretty surprised that my

blog is fashion and vintage-based when they realise I am a law student. Although I do enjoy my degree, I find it so uncreative and stifling at times. Blogging and running my online shop is a release for me. Sometimes I need an escape and jumping on a computer and doing something for myself really relaxes me. Since you began thrifting, what has been your personal best find? This question is so hard; I think that’s why I have a weekly post dedicated to bargains. However, my top 3 would be a pair of black jazz shoes that fit me perfectly and cost just 50p a beautiful chair again just 50p, and a chunky knit jumper that will keep me warm all winter (and is identical to one in Topshop) for £2.50. As you can see my thrifting really isn’t limited in one particular area, I love all bargains! Any secret tips of finding the hidden gems at a thrift store/charity shop? The two that have worked the best for me are rummaging and being polite. Firstly, you never know what you are going to find in a 50p box or rummaging through a rail; there is usually a huge variety and I have found my best bargains this way. Also, it is so important to be nice. If you befriend the nice old ladies in charity shops, they often give you a bit of discount or can point out things that you might like. Also ask people if they have something you are looking for or if they have any more of something you are looking for. People are usually more than happy to help. If you don’t ask – you don’t get! You have recently begun to run stalls at local arts and craft fairs. What is the best part of holding stalls at

this type of event? Does it give you new ideas for future ventures for Belle Vintage? I think the best thing about the fairs I have been attending is the people. You get some stylish people at these events and am thinking about taking some street style snaps and featuring them on the blog. The fair really attracts such an eccentric mix of people, and it really fascinates me. Generally, everyone is so friendly and really appreciates my stock and the effort that has gone into sourcing it; I am more than willing to let it go to a happy home! What do you think will happen to the current vintage hype/trend in the future? I firmly believe that vintage is here to stay. People are beginning to appreciate timeless pieces and the good quality of vintage items. Of course vintage will never replace the convenience of the high-street but I believe there is a little bit of vintage available for everyone. Vintage is now being accessible to everyone because prices are reasonable. In fact I sell scarves for £3 or £4 and people have commented that they have seen similar mass produced items on the highstreet for 3 or 4 times as much. The fact that vintage is now affordable will help it to grow and be loved by many more. And finally, where would you like to Belle Vintage go in the future? I would like BelleVintage to grow and stay relevant. I want to bring vintage and the second-hand to the masses! Ella’s full range of personally sourced and handmade accessories is available for purchase at bellevintage.co.uk. Catch BelleVintage at arts and crafts fairs in Canterbury and Hertfordshire on most weekends, see website for dates and more details.

thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what pretty girls are made of... 86

We’re suckers for pretty pastels and cute illustrations, so you can’t blame us for falling head over heels with Amy Borrell’s work. We managed to catch up with the lovely lady herself. When did you realise you wanted to be an Illustrator? I have always loved illustration but it wasn’t until my final year of an Honours degree in Design that I realised just how much I loved it. When I finished uni I decided to work as a freelancer so that I had the opportunity to work on both design and illustration jobs and I’ve been lucky to have so many wonderful projects and lovely clients! Where do you get your inspiration? I spend a lot of time people-watching through cafe windows while I scribble in my sketchbook. My library is also a favourite haunt, there is an endless stream of inspiration to be found between the pages of dusty old library books! Tell us about your work process, what mediums do you use? I use watercolour for most of my illustrations, I love that it sometimes has a mind of its own and you can end up with drips and details you weren’t expecting. When I was younger I would illustrate super precisely with pencil and at times it was exhausting, I find there is something very liberating about working with watercolours, they allow you to be spontaneous and add so much character to an illustration.

How would you describe your personal style? Tell us something interesting about yourself Soft, sweet, naive, silly, whimsical and feminine. that not many people know... I was Dorothy’s understudy in my grade two play of The Wizard of Do you have a particular favourite piece of Oz. work? The Frankie Diary for 2011 was a really wonderful project to work on, it’s funny to think that What can we expect to see from you in it will be looked at every day for a whole year by all the future? Lots of the same, and hopefully a kinds of people! children’s book too! What do you enjoy doing when you’re not And lastly as this is the Winter issue, what’s drawing? When I’m not drawing I’m usually in the your favourite thing about this season? I’m kitchen inventing recipes! actually in the southern hemisphere so I’m enjoying summer at the moment, but I do miss all my cosy Who would you love to work with? Goodness, winter blankets. I have a dream list about a mile long! But I do love silly and down-to-earth clients best. See more of Amy’s work at cakewithgiants.com

D R A C T S PO M O FR M A D R E T S AM by Heidi Irk

N J

Sunny days on the beach and long lingering afternoons in the park seem far away with frosty temperatures announcing the arrival of winter. With our swimsuits and spring dresses packed away and the hordes of summer tourists a distant memory, this is the perfect time to wrap up in your warmest woolly coat and spend a winter afternoon in Amsterdam. Amsterdam is perfect to explore on foot as many attractions are within walking distance. Especially as the canals and connecting bridges are pretty as a postcard. Just watch out for the countless bicycles! Located in the city centre just a few minutes from Dam Square is the area ‘Negen Straatjes’ (Nine Streets). This collection of tiny streets is dotted with pretty boutiques, art galleries and cafes that serve up organic lunches. Nine Streets is also the home of Laura Dols, one of the city’s original vintage shops. Laura Dols is a treasure trove for girls who love to dress up, with its frothy petticoats from the 1950s, layers of tulle and vintage cocktail dresses imported from Hollywood. They also have a sweet collection of

antique lace pillowcases, bed sheets and hand embroidered tablecloths. Close to Laura Dols is I Love Vintage, the go to place for Dutch girls looking for poetic feminine dresses in soft cotton, silk and chiffon. The store has a large collection of vintage shoes and handbags and the accessories are oh so pretty, including miniature hand drawn illustrations attached to gold necklaces. You’ll definitely be in good company at I Love Vintage: Natalie Portman was recently spotted leaving the shop with a few vintage necklaces! If all this shopping is making you hungry, it’s time to hop on a tram for tea and cake at De Taart van mijn Tante (My Aunty’s Cake). This konditorei has a colourful, kitschy

interior and serves delicious cakes with colourful frosting and big dollops of cream. As the afternoon draws to a close, make time for a quick stop at the Spui, where you’ll find bookshops with lots of hard to find fashion and art publications, such as Lula and Russh. It’s a great place to browse through quirky publications and find something to read for the trip home. Finally, a little secret tip: Out of all the flea markets in Amsterdam, the best by far for clothing is the Noordermarkt (North Market). It’s only on Mondays but definitely worth a visit. If you have a good rummage about you’re sure to find a bargain – on my last visit I picked up a Sixties afternoon tea dress for just five euros.

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, Cellardoor s Recipe Book By Cait Harrington

Cottage Pie In my not-so-humble opinion, there is nothing more comfor ting than a home baked pie on a chilly winter’s evening. At first glance it looks like a lot of effor t but once everything has been chopped up and put in the oven it takes pretty good care of itself. Leaving plenty of time to enjoy a large glass, or the whole bottle of wine.

ingredients 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 red onions, diced 1 stick celery, diced 1 carrot, diced 1 handful of button mushrooms 700g diced stewing beef, diced and seasoned 4-6 cloves of garlic 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 2 tablespoons mushroom ketchup

Serves 4

1 tablespoon thyme 1 tablespoon oregano 2 bay leaves 3/4 liter hot beef stock 125ml passata Salt & Pepper 4-6 large potatoes 1 tablespoon olive oil 25 g butter 25g mild cheddar, grated Salt & Pepper

method

Preheat oven to 190°c/375°c/Gas 5 In a large oven-proof pan with a lid, heat the olive oil and a couple of cloves of garlic, crushed with the side of a knife. Brown off the beef with the garlic and set aside. In the same pan, saute the celery, carrots and onion. Once they are soft, add the onion and remaining garlic, cook for a few minuets. Add the beef back into the pan and stir through the balsamic vinegar, mushroom ketchup, thyme, oregano and seasoning. Finally add the beef stock, passata and bay leaves. Bring to the boil and then place the pot in the oven, with the lid on. Cook for and hour and a half, stirring occasionally, until the beef breaks

apart easily when pressed with a fork. Peel potatoes and par boil potatoes until easily peirced with a knife. Cool long enough to handle them then grate into a bowl with the cheese. Toss in olive oil and seasoning and leave aside. Once the filling is cooked, reduce the oven to 160°c. Spoon the filling into a pie dish and cover with the potato mixture. Cook for 30-40 minutes until the potato is fully cooked and crispy on top.

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TURKISH DELIGHT CUPCAKES Turkish Delight is the ultimate winter treat, a delicately rose-scented reminder of summer days all wrapped up in a chocolate parcel. These are preferably procured directly from the White Witch herself but in a pinch any old brand will do. I’ve often wondered how the flavours would taste in cupcake so I gave it a go and the answer is - truly delicious. So good in fact, that the White Witch may have to reconsider her choice of edible bride.

ingredients 70g butter 175g sugar 1 large egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 150g plain flour 30g cocoa 125ml buttermilk 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda 1 1/2 teaspoons vinegar

12 thumbnail size pieces of rose turkish delight 100g butter 450g icing sugar 1-2 table spoons milk rose syrup 1/2-1 teaspoons pink food colouring candied rose petals to decorate.

method

12 hole cupcake tray, lined with cases. Preheat oven to 170°c/ 325°c/Gas 3 Using an electric whisk, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy then beat in the egg. Mix flour, cocoa and bicarbonate of soda in a separate bowl then set aside. Mix vanilla and a little of the buttermilk into the egg mixture. Once this is fully incorporated, add a little of the dry mixture and a little buttermilk, mix and repeat until the batter is fully mixed and all one colour then thoroughly mix in the vinegar. Spoon one teaspoon of the batter into each cupcake case and drop a piece of turkish delight on top. Divide the remaining batter between the cases and bake for 20-25 minutes. Once cooked set aside until completely cool. Using an electric whisk, beat the butter with half of the icing sugar until it looks sandy then add the remaining icing sugar and mix until combined. Add half of the milk and half a teaspoon of food colouring. Be careful only to add a little food colouring at a time for a pale pink colour. Add the rose syrup to taste and more milk if the icing is still quite stiff. Spoon into a piping bag fitted with a large star nozzle and pipe in an upward spiral motion, starting in the centre of the cupcake. Top with candied rose petals for added flavour.

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Cherry Mocha When the wind is howling and snow is falling, curl up with a good book and my Cherry Mocha. I find that this is a dish best served on Grannyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s old crockery whilst the roaming the fictional Heights with Cathy and Heathcliff.

ingredients

175ml milk 2 shots espresso 2 teaspoons cocoa 2 teaspoons cherry syrup Serves one

method

Pour a little milk into the bottom of your favorite cup and mix in the cocoa and cherry syrup. Heat the rest of the milk in a pan, whisking all the time to create foam. Once the milk is hot, pour the espresso into the cup and top with the hot milk, holding the foam back with a spoon until the cup is full. Spoon on the foam and voila.

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Short Story

A Whiter Shade of Pale by Rosie Savage

Crunchy snow underfoot, I make my way gingerly down the hill. It’s so steep; my arms keep flailing out to the sides, trying to aid my lack of balance. I slip. I’m definitely not dressed for this sort of thing: midnight blue party dress, shoe boots and nothing else. Planning isn’t my thing though. I never really think of the bigger picture – I take risks, don’t realise consequences. I’m probably more than a little self-centred. It’s not working out for me right now though because I’m bloody freezing. I just had to get away. My mum and dad are throwing this big hey-look-how-much-money-we-have-we’re-servingBellini’s kind of party. They’ve invited everyone, including their grassroots daughter. My whole family is there. As well as friends of the family, work friends of my parents, neighbours, neighbours’ friends... it really is quite ridiculous. I mean, they have the space for it I guess. I grew up in a fairytale mansion with fairytale interiors and fairytale things. It’s a shame the family weren’t so fairytale. There are only so many times I can witness a look of disappointment on my parents’ faces without wanting to bail. Run, I told myself. So here I am – freezing my butt off and attempting not to a break a leg. The back garden of my parents’ house is huge and I’m slowly making my way out of it. The steep hill at the bottom of the garden just leads to more fields, more hills, more gorgeousness. I was never allowed down here as a child but I’m older now. I can go down here if I want to. I notice how beautiful everything looks here in winter. The bright sun just makes everything sparkle: the bare trees glisten with untold secrets, low brick walls are covered in thick ice and houses in the distance stand out against the brightest white imaginable. I just want to sit down, surrounded by snow and watch this forever. But I can’t. The cold would slowly kill me, and my parents would send out a search party (I hope!) only to find a stupid girl, who couldn’t even remember to pick up her coat in zero-degree weather. I make my way over to the nearest brick wall that divides up the land. I scrape the ice off with my hands – really helping the frozen fingers thing – and carefully sit down. The most beautiful tree stands tall next to me. I always remember wishing to climb it as a little girl but no, that was something else forbidden to me. All of a sudden, I’m showered in frothy snow. I look up to find that gorgeous tree shaking violently. It’s safe to say that I’ve never seen anything like it before. I jump up and back away a

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little, afraid that something is going to happen. As I retreat, I fall spectacularly onto my behind and pain shoots through me. Tears immediately spring to my eyes and I can’t help but... “Are you OK?” says a young, male voice. I spin around on the floor to locate the source. Nothing. No one. Nothing but snow. Am I going crazy? “Erm, I’m OK. Just sore,” I say, trying to hear that voice again. “Thank goodness,” says a bright blonde-haired man, jumping out of the quivering tree. “I thought I’d killed you there for a minute.” He smiles. He really is quite something. Shockingly-blue eyes, warm skin and that hair just dissolves into the white sky. I realise I’m staring and look down to the floor, where I’m still collapsed in a less-than-glamorous position. I, very gracefully, get onto all fours and make my way back up to standing. He grabs my hands to steady me because I can’t seem to do so without wobbling. I’m up. “Why were you in a tree?” I ask, not being able to come up with anything wittier. “I used to love climbing this tree. Besides, who says a fully grown man can’t climb a tree if he wants to?” “Can you show me?” I ask, suddenly feeling free and alive, and not wanting to know how this man knows my parents or knows this tree. Why shouldn’t I climb the tree? “Er... you’re not really dressed properly,” he says, reading my mind. “Those shoes might prove to be a problem.” I kick off my expensive Louboutins and leave them saturating in the snow. My mother would flip if she knew, which makes this all the more enjoyable. The mystery man shrugs his shoulders and leads me over to the tree. He gives me a boost and I frantically search for something to grab hold off. “Try that lower branch to your left,” he offers. I close my hands around his suggested branch and hoist myself onto it. Legs swinging either side, I smile down at him, proud of my efforts. He jumps, catlike, onto a branch on the other side and mirrors my pose. Now what? I don’t feel like climbing any higher. It really wouldn’t be a sensible thing for a clumsy person to do. I’m quite happy to just sit and look at the view. I steal a glance over at my newlyfound stranger and find him looking at me. I quickly look away; how Hollywood. If we were in a movie situation though, I would be adorably funny, so full of cleverness and oozing charm. I would be

wowing him with my words, smiling that Hollywood smile, fluttering my eyelashes – I’ve never really been the fluttering kind of girl – and conversation would flow easily. Well, that certainly isn’t happening. Somehow, it’s not bothering me. I don’t care if I never see this beautiful man again. I don’t know him, he doesn’t know me – it wouldn’t be some great loss. People are so scared these days that they think they have to jump on anyone they see, hoping for them to be the love of their life, the man or woman with whom they will grow old with.

What happened to enjoying life? Enjoying the random excitements thrown at you? Because this is pretty exciting, albeit slightly freezing. I realise I’ve been non-stop shivering and blow warm breath into my numb hands. “Here,” he says, throwing over his duffel coat. I wrap the large coat around me, glorifying in its smell and heat. I glance over, once again, at my accomplice and we both smile together. This is just the perfect way to spend Christmas Eve.

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Short Story

Finding The Warmth

by Kat Nicholls

Her: Slight of figure with long hair, cascading in waves. Loves: Acoustic singer/song writers, old movies like ‘Annie Hall’, shopping in charity shops and hot chocolate. Hates: Feeling cold, rudeness and neon clothing. Art student by day, documentary photographer by night. Him: Tall, bearded with messy hair. Loves: Dressing like a man from the 20’s, old movies like ‘One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest’ and folk music. Hates: Shaving his beard for job interviews, being talked down to and heavy metal music. Literature student by day, acoustic singer/song writer by night. The two first met when she was trawling the campus for a new subject to photograph. She liked to find unusual looking people with stories behind their eyes, and as if invited formally by her subconscious, there he was, reading on a bench. “Aren’t you freezing?” she asked, her own lips trembling. “Yup. My house mates are having a party and I have to read this by tomorrow,” he said with a solemn look. “Oh. That sucks. Still, beautiful night isn’t it?” “Yeah, I prefer to be outside anyway to tell you the truth, especially after it’s snowed,” he smiled. The two continued with the small talk for another ten minutes or so before she reached for her camera. He professed his shyness and became awkward in his mannerisms. She liked this and began to snap away without his permission. He liked her guts and began to pose, before the two of them collapsed laughing. “You’ve got amazing eyes. I bet there are some impressive stories locked behind them.” “You have no idea,” he replied. With that ominous order of words, she turned her back and walked home. When she got inside the snow that had just started falling again began to melt on her cheeks. She ran herself a hot bath and made herself a hot chocolate. Whilst defrosting in the bath she found her thoughts returning again and again to him. He was fascinating, not only in his look but the way he spoke and the way he moved. There was something special about this man, he is going to have a serious impact on my life, she thought.

In that moment she felt her innards warming up as if her body knew something exciting was going to happen. She had this same feeling when she developed her pictures the next day. The way he cocked his head and placed his hands, it was spell binding. Over the next couple of weeks she saw him around campus, but never spoke. They were always busy, on the move, with friends or day-dreaming about each other. Instead they gave each other knowing looks and sly smiles. It was as if they were both in on a joke that no one else knew. They shared a secret without fully knowing what it was. She started to secretly taking his pictures. She would hide behind trees after his lectures, ready to steal more magic moments to pour over in the darkroom. No matter how cold it was outside her insides remained on fire. She had never felt so warm, not even with her last boyfriend. She feared this warmth would be lost if they spoke again. There was some sort of magic in them not talking that consumed her every waking moment, she thought speaking may break the spell, shatter the illusion. One day she waited for him as usual behind the tree outside his lecture hall and saw him with his arm around another girl. Suddenly the dream was lost. As quickly as it had arrived, it deported, left to fill another vessel. She struggled to catch her breath as the air turned deathly cold, how could this happen? He looked at her and smiled his usual knowing smile, but she ran. She ran as far as her skinny legs could carry her. She would never speak to him again, never take another picture, never lust over his shy eyes. She went to bed with three hot water bottles and six layers of clothing, but still she couldn’t get warm. “Hey, have you talked to that girl that keeps taking your picture yet?” “No, I’m going to see if I can find her tomorrow. She’s amazing. I don’t know what it is about her, I just can’t get her out of my head, this not talking thing is getting silly. I’ll talk to her tomorrow.” And with that he gave his sister a hug and said thank you for visiting. He never did speak to the mysterious photographer again, it seemed she had lost interest. She was never around any more and slowly but surely he began to feel the cold again.

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The house that zara built Hat-designer Zara Carpenter is an avid admirer of all things beautiful, and as a girl after our own hearts we asked her to let us into her flat for a snoop.

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Where do you get your interior inspiration from? My interior inspiration

is a mish mash of new and old and is also influenced by my Swedish boyfriend and my cat. My mother and father loved to go to auctions and flee markets when I was small and I have the same love for antiques and oddities as they do. I have the most gorgeous arts & crafts tiled table which is next to my bed, my mum gave it to me when she moved to a smaller house, I think I have loved it for as long as I can remember. I am lucky to have a great deal of wonderful artwork in my house from friends who are artists and artists I have worked for. Some of my favourite pieces include a photograph by Bjorn Veno, a painting of my father and brother by Darell Meredith and a drawing of an angel with a beehive by James Hill. Do you think it reflects your personality?

Without a doubt,my home is my safe place, my womb, my sanctuary... I fill it with all things I love and all things me.

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If you could live anywhere, where it would be? I love Italy, when I was there

I felt very much at home, I like how the lifestyle feels more relaxed, slower and sociable. Some of your hats have a theatrical feel, do you like to add this to your home too? Yes I think so, my home is

where I can express myself the most, my studio is at home and is very me; filled with flowers, feathers, curios, paintings and photos. My studio is a feast to the eye, I surround myself with things that inspire me Have you got a secret hiding place in your home? No, not really... anyway, if I

did I wouldn't tell you now would I or it wouldn't be a secret anymore! What's your favourite item/room?

My favorite rooms are my studio and

my bedroom. My studio inspires and excites me, my bedroom relaxes and calms me. My favourite possession is the painting of my father and brother, my father died when I was 15 and this painting captures him and how I feel about him perfectly. And lastly as this is our winter issue, what's your favourite thing about this season? Stew and

dumplings, I just love it when it’s cold outside and I'm snuggled up in the warm with a big bowl of stew and the cat at my feet fast asleep.

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home is where the heart is...

Once again we take a peek around some suitably stylish homes. Jess, 22 still lives at home with her parents but def initely makes the most of her small space. She loves nothing more than second-hand shopping, so her room is pretty cluttered with her accumulated possessions, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Most noteably books and bottles of perfume,â&#x20AC;? she says. Keep f licking to be inspired and become just as jealous of her thrifting as we are.

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c lub

Book

by Amy Power and Jade Cooper-Collins

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At Cellardoor, we love a good read. Especially in the cold months when you don’t want to head outside, it’s just so much nicer to cosy up in front of the f ire (or radiator...) with a good book. We like to mix it up a bit with some great new books that everyone’s currently talking about as well as some literary classics that they’ve never stopped talking about. So we thought ‘why not start our very own book club?’, which is exactly what we did. We picked two of our favourite newbies and 2 of our favourite oldies and we’re going to tell you why we love them.

From Notting Hill With Love... Actually Little Women First up on our new read radar is From Notting Hill With Love... Actually by Ali McNamara. A girl after our own hearts, Scarlett finds it hard letting go of the romance in her favourite films and finds every day life with fiancé David a little bit lacking, so when she gets the opportunity to house sit in Notting Hill, the namesake of her favourite film, she jumps at the chance. Scarlett soon bumps into irritating but gorgeous neighbour Sean and soon realises she doesn’t necessarily want her life to play out like a complicated movie. I’m sure you can see where this is going... This is a great read for those of you who wish life were a bit more like a book/movie/love song - and we’ll admit, we can certainly be a little guilty of that. It’s light, fun,chick-lit and you know what you’re signing up for, great for a lazy Sunday morning in bed.

Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women is one of the most cherished books in American literature. It tells the tale of four sisters; Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy and their “Marmee” who are facing life with very little money and a father who is away at war, but life becomes a lot more interesting when a new boy, Laurie, moves in next door. Originally one volume, the book has since been split into two - Little Women, which focuses on the girls’ transition into, you guessed it, little women and Good Wives, where they are growing up and learning about life and of course, love. This book has everything you could want in a feel-good book, family, friendship, love and laughter with, as those of you who have seen the episode of Friends where Joey reads it will know, a little bit of heartbreak.And as with most great books, it’s been made into a pretty good movie starring Susan Sarandon, Winona Ryder and Christian Bale. Our advice though - read the books first as it will ruin the ending.

Wuthering Heights

The Tote Bag

The Brontës were a pretty talented bunch - Charlotte wrote Jane Eyre and the lesser-known Anne had a few novels under her belt, but it was Emily who brought us Heathcliff and Cathy from her hugely successful book, Wuthering Heights. The book has inspired movie adaptations, songs and even a storyline in the Twilight series’ Eclipse. Wuthering Heights is the epitome of a tragic love story - there’s class divisions, love triangles, death and revenge all on the backdrop of the wet and windy moors. And let’s face it, Heathcliff is enough of a reason to read it in himself, he’s the original literary bad boy, brooding, passionate and more than a tad mentally unstable, but you can’t help but feel for him. Wuthering Heights has stood the test of time for almost two centuries and recently topped a poll of Britain’s favourite love stories, pipping Pride and Prejudice, Romeo & Juliet and sister Charlotte’s Jane Eyre to the top spot. If you haven’t already, go and read it. Now.

Jitesh Patel takes a celebratory look at the humble tote bag. This book showcases the rise of the tote bag’s popularity from the arm candy of the eco-shopper to the ultimate fashion statement. It features the work of a wide range of illustrators and designers from around the world who have all put their stamp onto canvas, we just love all the bold graphics. It all started (as it so often does) when Patel started his own blog, showing off his huge collection of tote bags. It tells you everything you would ever need to know about the trusty tote. The book even comes wrapped in a canvas tote designed by illustrator Gemma Correll. Well a girl can never have too many bags can she...

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It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife n In every power, of which taste is the foundation, excellence is pretty fairly divided between the sexes n One does not love a place the less for havin uffered in it, unless it has been all suffering, nothing but suffering n Seven years would be insufficient to make some people acquainted with each other, and seven days are more than enough for others n It darted through her with the speed of an arrow that Mr. The Ramblings of a Jane Austen Addict... Knightley must marry no one but herself! n We have all a better guide in ourselves, if we would attend to it, than any other person can be n A lady’s imagination is very rapid; it jumps from admiration So those of you who read my blog will already know, but... I finially moved to London! to love, from love to matrimony, Yes, yes, after a year of moaning about living in a tiny village in rural Essex (the nice part, in a moment n I must speak to you by such means as yes, there is a nice part, I promise...) I’ve finally done it. are within my reach. You pierce my soul. I am The perks of living here is that there’s so much to do, I can go out after work to catch half agony, half hope. Tell me not up with all of my friends and explore on the weekends. Unfortunately, the downsides are that I am too late, that such that there’s so much to do, I can go out after work to catch up with all of my friends and precious feelings are gone forever n But explore on the weekends... and unfortunately I don’t have an endless supply of money. But I when a young lady is to be a heroine, the perverseness of shouldn’t moan. I’m living in London and very happy about it. forty surrounding families cannot ~ prevent her. I seem to have earned myself a reputation as a bookworm. Now, bearing in mind that this Something must and will happen column to throw a hero has a strong Jane Austen theme, I suppose I shouldn’t be too surprised, but I guess I in her way n I’d never cannot make really thought about it too much. Every now and then people tell me that they If I loved you less, speeches, Emma... I might be able to “saw something and thought of me” and just had to get it, which is always very sweet. This talk about it more n I cannot think used to be anything from a handkerchief to a chocolate bar, nowadays it’s a book. In recent well of a man who sports with any months I have had about 7 books bought for me - varying from classic British novels, books woman’s feelings; and there may often be a great to make me laugh and a little book of vintage tips. deal more suffered I have decided that I shall make the most of my new found reading status amongst my than a stander-by can judge of n It friends and family, and embrace it wholeheartedly - especially if I keep getting books bought has been coming on so gradually, that I hardly know when for me! it began. But I believe I must date ~ it from my first On the topic of books as gifts, a good friend bought the ideal book for me. Lauren seeing his beautiful grounds at Pemberley n When the romantic Henderson’s “Jane Austen’s Guide To Dating”. I squealed with excitement as soon as I refinements of a young mind are opened it, at which point my friend laughed and said, “Now, I don’t know if I should be obliged to give way, how frequently are encouraging this behaviour.” It seems that everyone from my mother to my best friend they succeeded by such opinions as are thinks I’m so deluded that I think some Darcy-esque God is going to come knocking on my but too common and too dangerous! door, swearing undying love and we’ll live happily ever after, which is why I never meet like n A man does not recover from nice, ordinary men. This is obviously not the reason I am still single (and the men who DO such a devotion of the heart to come knocking on my door are neither nice nor ordinary), but there’s no use arguing with such a woman! He ought not; he does not n It’s such a happiness Anyway, back on to the book, it’s basicallythem... when good people a dating book which gives you great examples they always do n get together - and of how Jane Austen’s characters met their men and fell in love and also gives modern day always be forgiven, Selfishness must you know, because examples of the same situation working. I think it may just become my new bible. there is no hope of a cure n The mere habit of learning to love is the thing; Yesterday I went for breakfast at Harrod’s and~ it was so lovely and quaint and exactly what and a teachableness of disposition in a I needed to relax me after the stresses of the past week (don’t ask!). Sat in the terrace bar, young lady is a great blessing n They we were facing the Georgian restaurant, which for obvious reasons is my favourite period of gave themselves up wholly to time. After I had suitably stuffed my face, I went for a spot of shopping in Knightsbridge and their sorrow, seeking increase of wretchedness Kensington High Street. If only I could do that every day... in every reflection that could afford it, ~ and resolved against Please check out my twitter - twitter.com/austenaddict ever admitting and blog - ramblingsjaneausten. future n It will consolation in not do. My feelings will not blogspot.com for a bit of sporadic posting from yours truly. be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you n It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife n In every power, of which taste is the foundation, excellence is pretty fairly divided between the sexes n One does not love a place the less for having in it, unless it has been all suffering, nothing but suffering n Seven years would be 122 suffered insufficient to make some people acquainted with each other, and seven days are more than enough for others n It darted through her with the speed of an arrow that Mr. Knightley must marry no one

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until next

Photography: Sade Williams

t time...

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