Interior inspirations
89
Orange Boudoir
90
91
70’s Boudoir
92
93
Oriental Boudoir
94
95
Lace Boudoir
96
97
Ribbon Recognition Bangs and a Bun Muireann Carey-Campbell is the brain behind the fabulous blog www.bangsandabun.com. Her blog is hugely successful, hilarious and motivational. She is on a mission to get bloggers noticed and appreciated outside the blogosphere and regularly posts advice to other bloggers. She has also founded Team Bangs on The Run, who recently ran the Paris Half Marathon for Refuge.
98
99
100
Kayleigh Allen At just 21 years old, Kayleigh has achieved so many of her life goals already. After studying fashion photography at college, and having been a visual merchandiser and advisor in the fashion world, she has now taken her skills back to her home. With her own studio, Kayleigh now has her own website ‘Retro peapod’ which holds all the goodies a girl would ever want. With vintage finds and homemade treasures, Retro peapod which describes itself as Trashy treasures & Kitsch creations’ and Kayleigh have a bright future ahead of them. www.retropeapod.co.uk
What made you set up your website?
You’ve recently been ill which resulted in hair loss, how did this effect you and what helped you through this time?
What else do you do in your spare time?
Where does your interest in craft come from? Is there any advice for anyone facing the same thing?
102
When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?
What is your favourite film of all time?
Who inspires you?
What is the best advice you have ever been given?
Are you any good at cooking?
Top 3 books of all time?
What is your signature dish?
Where is your favourite restaurant?
What is your 5 year plan?
How would you describe your personal style?
What is your Holy Grail beauty product?
Inspirational quote?
103
G N I W E I V E THE R TION U L O V RE
104
A vast majority of the population now use the internet to research and review. Kimberley Ho-A-Shoo looks at the big fascination of ‘having your own say’ and whether we should all just keep schtum. It seems we have all become critics. If we dislike Rihanna’s new song, we Facebook about it. If someone on the tube is wearing something disgusting, we tweet. If a Youtube video has amazed us, we post a video right back. Since when did the public listen to one another? I can now no longer book a holiday without referring to Tripadvisor for the lowdown of the hotel. If the first comment on the page is “running with cockroaches”, I believe it and cross it off my list. Never before has the public become so powerful in swaying people’s opinions. And we can’t get enough of telling everybody exactly what we think. The growth of review websites has responded to the public wanting freedom of speech but are they having a positive effect? Should we even trust reviews? CEO of review website reviewcentre. com, Glen Collins, explains the process of reviewing online; “Sharing experiences and giving tips about what to buy, where to buy it from and how much you should pay for it, have always been things that people have informally shared within their immediate group of friends.” He goes on to say, “It’s critical to ensure that people are buying the best for their purposes and at the right price. With our business we can amplify this message by introducing you to millions of other consumers who are sharing their views.”
So what are people reviewing online? It seems pretty much everything! Websites allow you to review hotels, games, films and even clothes. That’s the brilliance of reviewing, is that given the chance, we can review anything and everything from the customer service at your local coffee shop to the fitting of the jumpsuit you brought online. Avid reviewer and shopaholic Kirsty Wickham , 21, explains the rush of reviewing; “When I read or write reviews it’s great to know there’s a community out there sharing information for free, purely for the help of others. The reviews I find most helpful are make-up reviews, I never know who to trust in the industry as there’s so many ‘best’ mascaras out there, so to know what a real woman finds extends her lashes the longest is so much more helpful.” It seems that something has got the publics back up, and we no longer rely on businesses word, we rely on wordof-mouth by friends and Bob down the road. But where has this faith gone? Why are we being so careful now? It is only recently that the public seemed to have latched onto reviewing online, Glen Collins explains the rise of the reviewer and why now we seem to want the truth on our products; “It’s only been in the last 3-5 years that sites like ours have really developed enough to give users a good experience. In times of economic recession, I think people are much more intelligent about how they buy things, so they don’t want to waste their money on poor products or services, as such they carefully reviewing things before they buy – very prudent!” With all this talk going on ‘behind businesses back’; are the reviews helping or hindering companys? Recently, famous
105
Dragon’s Den star and entrepreneur, Duncan Bannatyne has stated he is going to start a campaign against reviewing website Tripadvisor for declining his request to delete a comment by one reviewer who compare his hotel to that of the one in hit TV show, Fawlty Towers. Tripadvisor, which is one of the world’s biggest travel sites, boasts over 45 million reviews from its consumers. It is not surprising then, that Bannatyne is worried about the effect the reviews will have on his hotels potential customers - he is even said to be suing the company. And he is not the first, according to sources, hundreds of businesses last year were said to want legal action against some comments which were seen as defamatory. Tripadvisor, who have been very silent when it comes to Bannatyne, wished not to respond about their website in reference to this article. So, with the trouble is seems to be causing for some, why are people participating in reviewing anyway? Consumer research shows that reviewing and researching products is one of the top five online activities today, and it only shows potential to expand. “I think they possibly like knowing what they are getting for their money,” says psychiatrist Jane McCarthy, “I think people like to share experiences; If they’ve had a good experience they like to share it, if they’ve had a bad one they like to warn people, presumably because they would’ve liked to be warned themselves.” This thought that the reviews are fuelled by emotion rather than a business perspective is possibly another reason why businesses should fear the honest reviewer. As people writing online, we have a freedom to write and say anything, and once these words are out there – they’re out there and there’s no taking them
106
back. The thought process that goes into a review can be as high as dissertation writing or as low as a quick text. Some reviews can be length and detailed, whilst some decide not to beat around the bush. It is these reasons that become quite scary then thinking about the confidence we have on the fellow reviewer. It seems people prefer to read these reviews instead of trust products descriptions by the business as Kirsty Wickham goes on to say; “I definitely trust online reviews over professional reviews and anything said by the brand. Reviews are there to tell the truth.” Jane McCarthy agrees - “We like to read reviews by the ‘average Joe’ because we feel they speak on the same level as us and won’t bend any facts in order to ‘sell’ the product.” With social networking sites such as Facebook, the world has launched itself into a community that speaks to one another like never before. Being online allows people to quickly write or find a review and for millions of others to read it at any time. But what are the other pros of reviewing online and researching other reviews? As mentioned, it’s good to know what we are getting for our money, why spend double the price on that pair of hair curlers when it’s only got two stars out of five on one website, when another at half the price has five? Secondly, some can be dreadfully amusing. You’d be surprised the amount of hours I have spent hunched over my laptop, giggling at someone’s rant on the latest blockbuster flop. It seems a lot of the online web has quite a sense of humour. Reviews also help when you are rubbish at making decisions; “I am so indecisive,” laughs Kirsty, “reading reviews online allows me to gather enough information to actually make a decision on
what I want to buy. With this being right at my fingertips, it saves me so much time!” efer prwe Many of us do stand in the pharmacy le it, p o s e ew and s pan hour, forem half revidither ts dathering It se d these t produc a around, accumulating ten different types s to re d of tru the y a of lipstick not knowing which khamone to get. In inste iptions b rsty Wic tely i r the end we put them all leaving the ni c K s fi e down, as de r wanting to ess say; “I dstate store veand o usinin na tdistressed s o b w o eyes rout evie bawl wondering and “why can’t I goesour line eviews and. nperfect o t r find that lipstick?!” s l br tru ssiona y the l rofe g said b re to tel p Jane yMcCarthy isth also e a fan of reviewing; “I hin t e n r a s a to this one hotel and they remember wgoing evie h.” saidRit ewas uat good hotel on the review but r t h that tyou need a good pair of walking boots because it’s on a steep hill, which the website doesn’t mention, so it was good because when we got there it didn’t come as a surprise. But I don’t think it’s bad for businesses, it just highlights what they’ve forgotten to mention.” Glen Collins agrees with this; “Some businesses actually use sites like ours to identify issues in their product or service – a kind of free market research tool. It’s very difficult for a medium to large sized business to really know what people think of them, so our site helps identify this and hopefully acts as a catalyst to improve businesses over time.” However, it seems sometimes our thoughts are not being taken seriously as Glen goes on to say, “Unfortunately not as many businesses as we would like actually listen to consumers, but our aim is to encourage businesses to do just this.”
Consu m review er research sh in is one g and resea ows that rching of the produc t today, op five ts and it online anyone from through great only sto expstudents and. hows p activities otentia grandparents. We get millions of people l to every month, mostly from the UK, but also from the US and in total from over 200 countries.” This means that, amazingly, instead of getting advice from just our friends, just by accessing online reviews, we can gather billions of opinions within a matter of moments. But with all the pros, there surely must by some negative of reviewing online for the public? One problem that can occur is that ‘fake reviews’ can often occur, reviews which are made-up by someone who hasn’t in fact experienced what they are reviewing and some businesses are suspected of writing their own online reviews in order to keep the rating up. This means that the trust the public put into ‘their’ websites where they are allowed to have their say and read what they believe are genuine opinions can by broken. Is there also such a thing as too much reviewing, and reviewing becoming addictive almost? Could we in turn lose the spontaneity in our life? The top reviewer on Amazon.co.uk has written 3,174 reviews to date, all of which are a substantial length, since their first review in 2002. US based online shopping website, Amazon, went live in 1995, and allows users to review the products sold which includes a huge variety of brands and objects.
the l y s b fee w e l ie ev se w leve ts r ad cau me y fac ” e o r ’ be e sa an uct. t e d ike Jo n th ben prod l e o e t “W erag eak on’ ’ the ‘av y sp nd w ‘sell Martin Turner, 45 and a CEO of communication for NHS, is ranked at 10 in o this,ethatueveryone s a r tcan The other fact Amazon’s reviewer ranks, with 467 reviews e participate in online reviewing, which gives s on the site alone since he joined in 2002. d a r readers a diverse response, “It’s very o With reviews from DVDs, to camera lenses mainstream,” agrees in Glen, “We get to instant snow in a can – it’s fair to say Martin likes to contribute his experiences; “I had read a book and wanted to tell the world about it,” explains
107
what I want to buy. With this being right at my fingertips, it saves me so much time!” Many of us do it, we stand in the pharmacy for half an hour, dither and dathering around, accumulating ten different types of lipstick not knowing which one to get. In the end we put them all down, leaving the store in a distressed state and wanting to bawl our eyes out wondering “why can’t I find that perfect lipstick?!” Jane McCarthy is also a fan of reviewing; “I remember going to this one hotel and they said it was a good hotel on the review but that you need a good pair of walking boots because it’s on a steep hill, which the website doesn’t mention, so it was good because when we got there it didn’t come as a surprise. But I don’t think it’s bad for businesses, it just highlights what they’ve forgotten to mention.” Glen Collins agrees with this; “Some businesses actually use sites like ours to identify issues in their product or service – a kind of free market research
, pros some e h t l y al ust b nline with But surely m iewing o v e ther ive of re t ? a neg e public h t for
e things “You only se er’s eye with a review not seeing and you are ey are.” things as th
108
tool. It’s very difficult for a medium to large sized business to really know what people think of them, so our site helps identify this and hopefully acts as a catalyst to improve businesses over time.” However, it seems sometimes our thoughts are not being taken seriously as Glen goes on to say, “Unfortunately not as many businesses as we would like actually listen to consumers, but our aim is to encourage businesses to do just this.” The other fact is, that everyone can participate in online reviewing, which gives readers a diverse response, “It’s very mainstream,” agrees Glen, “We get anyone from students through to great grandparents. We get millions of people every month, mostly from the UK, but also from the US and in total from over 200 countries.” This means that, amazingly, instead of getting advice from just our friends, just by accessing online reviews, we can gather billions of opinions within a matter of moments. But with all the pros, there surely must by some negative of reviewing online for the public? One problem that can occur is that ‘fake reviews’ can often occur, reviews which are made-up by someone who hasn’t in fact experienced what they
So, as a chang result of rev ing ou t cons iewing alrea may re uming dy viewin hab g be rev iewing expand? Wil its, how l e soon b w a ecome ch other? W e next il the pr ofessio critics and w l we all ipe ou nals? t
are reviewing and some businesses are suspected of writing their own online reviews in order to keep the rating up. This means that the trust the public put into ‘their’ websites where they are allowed to have their say and read what they believe are genuine opinions can be broken. Is there also such a thing as too much reviewing, and reviewing becoming addictive almost? Could we in turn lose the spontaneity in our life? The top reviewer on Amazon.co.uk has written 3,174 reviews to date, all of which are a substantial length, since their first review in 2002. US based online shopping website, Amazon, went live in 1995, and allows users to review the products sold which includes a huge variety of brands and objects. Martin Turner, 45 and a CEO of communication for NHS, is ranked at 10 in Amazon’s reviewer ranks, with 467 reviews on the site alone since he joined in 2002. With reviews from DVDs, to camera lenses to instant snow in a can – it’s fair to say Martin likes to contribute his experiences; “I had read a book and wanted to tell the world about it,” explains Martin “when I occasionally used to read reviews in magazines, they were always only marginally helpful: it was hard to guess whether they felt that a product was ‘good for the amateur market. Magazine reviewers were often trying to push a particular agenda. The wide variety of Amazon reviewers makes it fairly easy to get the consensus.” He adds; “I always check the reviews before buying anything.”
does seem that as a result of reviewing, the whole process of consuming has completely changed shape. Glen Collins explains more; “I think more and more consumers are changing their buying habits from the ‘old world’ of “See an ad. Find a retailer. Buy the product” to “See an ad. Check the product is right for them via reviews. Find a retailer with the help of reviews. Buy the product”. This I think is a very good thing as more and more people are having a positive buying experience as opposed to negative.” So, as a result of reviewing already changing out consuming habits, how may reviewing expand? Will we next be reviewing each other? Will we all soon become critics and wipe out the professionals? Whatever happens, it’s true to say that it can only be a positive that we are all being heard and can have an affect with just one click. Whether we are reviewing our favourite DVD or Zac Efron’s new haircut, it’s definitely better out than in – strictly speaking. And lastly, it’s important to remember that we all have our own opinions and the only way to really know how a product works or whether that colour red will suit you – try it yourself! Happy reviewing Ribboners…
Jane McCarthy worries about the psychological effect of reviewing and trusting reviews too much online; “You only see things with a reviewer’s eye and you are not seeing things as they are.” It
109
Ribbon’s Top reviewing websites: Makeupalley For all those pondering liquid or gel liner? Rimmel or Mac? Imdb Movies galore, no more standing in Blockbusters for half an hour. Amazon Try before you buy. Review centre Everything you could possibly think of under the scrutiny of the public. American Apparel Read reviews before you buy that lycra jumpsuit, it could save you a VPL.
Funny reviews AMAZON: SOMEONE DOESN’T LIKE ESSEX.... The only way is essex on dvd: This struggles to gain a one star review. It is utter and complete drivel. And why the need for it to be on dvd? Who on the
110
Gods green Earth would ever be bothered with watching it twice. I’m sorry that anyone actually thinks the county I come from is like this utter claptrap. Mr. A. I. Callowhill I HOPE THIS PERSON IS BEING SARCASTIC.... 5.0 out of 5 stars Our very own Romeo & Juliet, 17 July 2009 Agnes Schmitt (Tewkesbury) - See all my reviews This review is from: A Whole New World (Audio CD) Katie price and peter andre I first came across this CD last year when I found it impaled upon a pigeon in my back garden. Having no electrical equipment capable of playing it in my simple home it remained unheard until April when I happened upon squirrels in my garden playing with the very laptop from which I now write this review. After a complicated trade involving a variety of nuts I finally sat down to listen to this album and, words fail me... This CD is the truest and most sincere expression of eternal and everlasting
love I have ever heard. The shimmering beauty of this marvellously talented duo is matched only by the wonderfully high notes both hit throughout this album. Speaking as somebody who has not left their home for 32 years I have to say that if this couple are the personification of how the world is now I weep for the years I have wasted indoors when nirvana was just beyond the front gate and past the bus shelter. This CD has now replaced my tape recording of Aled Jones as my most played piece of music ever and I am now eager to learn more about this magnificent duo, who are both so clearly destined to be together forever. Katie & Peter you have given me new life and the desire to buy a TV, read a newspaper and take a walk in the sun for the first time since my bitter marital breakdown all those years ago. God bless you both...
You will need: Scissors / Sewing Machine ad Needle and thre plenty) Fabric (1 FQ is Paper Pencil for Twine or ribbon finishing uffing Toy/Cushion st
Decorative Hanging Heart Tutorial by Kayleigh Allen
STEP 1 Use the paper and pencil to draw a basic heart shape - this will act as your template. Any size is fine, but I find around 4� tall works nicely.
STEP 2 Cut out the template and pin to your fabric.
112
STEP 3 Cut out two hearts from your fabric and place together, right sides facing inwards.
TIP: Inste ad of add ing a hanging loop, why not s pray with your favourite scent an d pop in your und ies draw er!
STEP 4 Sew both pieces together, with 0.5cm seam allowance. Leave a 1” gap at the side for turning.
STEP 5 Turn the heart ‘inside out’. You can see your heart now taking shape.
STEP 6 Stuff the heart using the gap left for turning. Stitch up the gap by hand or carefully with your sewing machine.
STEP 7 Cut a length of twine or ribbon approx 8”. Make into loop (add a bow if you fancy!) tie, and stitch by hand to your heart.
VOILA! Perfect for brightening up doors and cupboards for a country cottage feel!
113
Studio Tropicana Photography: Panos Damaskinidis Make-up: Masky John Model: Imogen Sinfield Fashion Assistant: Shareka Thompson
The decades that style will always remember. Spring/Summer 2011 and the seventies are the decade of choice. It is not one of the decades that are usually synonymous with style, it has to be said. What with the lycra jumpsuits worn at the local disco and the green bell-bottoms. But, with a touch of magic from Marc Jacobs and Pucci we are all craving that Studio 54 glamour. Every season, there is a new point in fashion history for us to fall in love. We seem to be fascinated with the past and the clothing that has come before us. There also appears to be a generational snobbery, many of our parents and grandparents simply don’t understand the allure of denim flares and midi tea dresses. They were there the first time around and I understand why they probably don’t want to go back. When nineties minimalism comes around, it doesn’t excite me as much as a fringed dress from the twenties. So let’s take a trip down fashion memory lane at some of the decades we can’t get enough of, and the style icons that made them so memorable.
122
Style Inspiration: Claudette Colbert Louise Brooks Josephine Baker
20s When Boardwalk Empire came onto our screens we were engulfed in a world of prohibition, gangsters and a sexual revolution. Al Capone and his antics were not the focus of our attention; it was the glamorous flappers, who captivated us. Women who had modern attitudes, morals and beliefs for the time who wanted to embrace a new femininity by being tomboys, wearing make-up, smoking and being promiscuous. The ideal shape during this time was a masculine one. A boyish figure, whereby the body was eliminated of any curves. The waist, hips or bust where nowhere to be seen, as they were cleverly concealed with bodices and lightly boned “roll-on� corsets. Women also cut their hair into a shorter style, which was characterised by soft waves and curls and became a symbol of their resistance to femininity. They dressed in loose chemise dresses that became shorter and shorter as the decade went on, and by 1927 reached just above the knee. The twenties gave rise to an abundance of
female designers, who understood what women wanted at the time and the need for liberation from the restricted dress of the past. Gabrielle Chanel revolutionised women’s dress and focused on practical, simple and stylish clothing with a distinct boyishness. Androgyny was the primary focus behind the designs at the time. Women were becoming liberated in many areas of their lives; sexually, financially and physically. The efforts of the suffragettes before the First World War had a wide impact on women wanting to be further liberated from the confines of their usual life. Women wanted to have the same rights as men and be seen as equals, by dressing like them they were challenging the ideal perceptions of beauty as well as sending out a strong message. Silhouette: The look of the twenties is more boyish than strongly masculine. Slender pieces in soft and loose fabrics were mainly worn and some were embellished with sequins and heavy fringing for extra glamour. Short dresses were very fashionable towards the end of the decade and as curves were hidden, the legs became the new focus. Cloche hats were regularly worn, as they meant that the wearer had the newly fashionable short hair.
123
50s If you pop into a vintage shop, the silhouettes from this decade will be in abundance. Who doesn’t want to recreate the looks from this time? In Autumn/Winter 2010, the trend reached fever pitch with many of the collections focusing on the fifties hourglass silhouette. Prada and Louis Vuitton captivated us all with their flared midi skirts, bodices and ladylike handbags. Fashion had taken a back seat after the onset of the Second World War in 1939. The Paris fashion industry had to fight to survive and many of the Parisian fashion houses closed. After years of making do and clothes rationing during the war, the industry needed change and optimism. This came in the form of Christian Dior and also signified one of the defining moments in fashion. In 1947, he introduced the New Look. His main aim was to bring back ladylike, elegant and feminine fashion to women after the war years. The New Look focused on the female shape, with long and full skirts, defined waists and emphasised busts. The ideal silhouette was that of the hourglass, and a celebration of women’s curves. Of course,
124
Style Inspiration: Wenda Parkinson Diana Dors Jayne Mansfield after the hardships during the war, the collection sparked much debate and difference in opinions. Some heavily praised his work, whilst others complained at the abundance of fabric being used and that it was returning to an outdated version of femininity and once again restricting women back into corsets. The collection did celebrate women’s curves but they had to rely on artificial means to recreate the look, with waspies, boned corsets and underwired brassieres. There was a definite emphasis on the bust and sexuality during this decade, especially with the pointed bra and the new screen sirens who proudly showed off their curves. The women became a sex object again and after the war the traditional family set up returned. Even after their work in the war, women were told that they should go back to their homes and stay in their ‘housewife’ role and embrace their femininity and gender roles. Silhouette: The look of the fifties was very feminine and focused on elegance. Curves were emphasised with the help of underwear and high heels. Skirts were full and long and the waist was nipped in with boxed jackets and bodices. The objective was to strive for glamour. Long gloves and handheld handbags completed the look.
Style Inspiration: Grace Jones Joan Collins Cyndi Lauper
80s The eighties were a riot of fashion experimentation and a collision of styles and influences. This was a time when there was a determined focus on the body. Instead of using artificial aids to shape the body, women were using sport, aerobics and diets to achieve their ideal shape. There were many looks during this decade, but you can’t think of this time without seeing an image of the shoulder pad. Power dressing was one of the key trends, and women opted for a more masculine way of dressing. Oversized jackets with shoulder pads were very popular. As we’ve seen with Mad Men and Boardwalk Empire, television does have a strong impact on fashion. Dynasty dictated the mood in fashion, and women wanted to replicate the overt glamour and power dressing seen on their screens. The shoulder pad and piles of costume jewellery reigned supreme and highlighted the mood of conspicuous consumption during the eighties. Underwear
also changed and instead of altering the body, it was designed to show off the body especially in the form of revealing bodystockings. This also coincided with the arrival of body-conscious pieces that were provocative and sexy from Jean-Paul Gaultier with his tube dresses and leggings. Madonna heralded in the underwear as outerwear trend with her visible bras, which was one of the biggest trends of Spring/ Summer 2010. The focus on the body also brought in the popularity of sports and leisure wear; tracksuits were no longer reserved for exercise. Legwarmers, trainers, and leggings seen in dance studios and exercise classes made their way into peoples everyday wardrobes. Fashion in the eighties was all about individuality and people finding themselves. They realised that fashion was something to have fun with and a great way to express themselves. The eighties had something for everyone from the outrageous to the glamorous, we still love it. Silhouette: Shoulder pads, underwear as outerwear, sportswear, oversized suits, bodyhugging pieces, new romanticism, hip-hop, slogan tees, fingerless gloves, gold… The list is quite possibly endless. Giselle La Pompe-Moore
125
Re
t R
w
an
au st r e vi e
Java & Jazz Celebrity fans include: Ronnie Wood and Ben Elton In the hip and quaint village of Forest Row, surrounded by an adorable community and countryside air, is Java & Jazz. Self acclaimed “exciting, atmospheric Pizzeria and Cafe”, Java & Jazz is not only a huge hit with the locals but critics and celebrities alike, with regulars such as Ronnie Wood and Ben Elton. Having visited previously before, I had only experienced Java & Jazz once before one cosy winter’s evening, so
126
returning on a hot April day was very exciting and I had high expectations. As this is a restaurant review, I found it only necessary to order 3 courses (the things we have to do,eh!). And, having walked from my home which was 3 miles away, I thought it only fair. My boyfriend, Chris, and I sat outside; plenty of cute benches are supplied with quaint flowers potted in the middle of each table, as if dining in a cabbage patch. I felt quite bohemian as I sat on the bench, which was somehow comfortable. To start, we both shared Doughballs with garlic butter. Having only previously had these at Pizza Express, I
thought I knew what to expect, however the ones presented were quite something. Soft and hot, these Doughballs reminded me of my mother’s home-baked bread. They were larger in size and the garlic butter was a far smoother consistency than the ones at other Italian restaurants. The garlic wasn’t as potent as I imagined and a more subtle taste than overpowering, which in my opinion was a good factor (although some may disagree). Call me insane, but even with all of this hot weather, I passed on the thickshakes and fruit smoothies on offer and asked for a latte. Having
worked in a cafe, I am always interested in other businesses coffee and with Java and Jazz I was not disappointed. The latte came out with the floral appearance of a flat white, which was very much appreciated as I know only too well how much concentration and skill goes into that carefully poured pattern. The taste – warm and frothy to start with then hot and smooth. Perfect. The service was quick and very welcoming. You’ll find with one visit, that the pace of Forest Row is infectious. Chilled out, it seeps through your body, and I would have been quite happy sitting in the sunshine with my food all day. For the main, I opted for the Tuna and cucumber sandwich on farmhouse white (not wanting to ruin my appetite for pudding) and Chris went for the ten inch Margherita (which I insisted I needed to try as it was me who was commenting on it). Being an expert on Tuna sandwiches (my mercury levels must be sky rocket high), I was apprehensive when my plate was given to me. I was pleasantly surprised to see the side
salad which was served with balsamic vinegar – a dressing which is rightly paired with tuna. However, not supplied with crisps, the meal lacked that crunch which you need with a sandwich like tuna to avoid your palette being overwhelmed with soggy and soft textures. The bread was sub-standard as it wasn’t as fresh as the Doughballs were, however overall I was still satisfied with my choice, despite the amazing look and taste of my boyfriend’s pizza! The Margherita pizza made with Pomodoro sauce and Mozzarella was delicious. Not only exciting to the eye (you could almost see the melting cheese still bubbling from their stone-baked oven), it was a wonder to the taste buds. Almost like a luxury cheese-on-toast, the pizza didn’t taste like normal pizzas served in restaurants. The taste was crisp, fresh and rich – probably a result of the “freshly made” Pomodoro sauce, giving you the feeling you were in some hip pizzeria in the middle of Venice. The base was quite thin, but it was crisp round the edges and slightly soft in the middle which made it dip as you picked it up, making you
have to dive your mouth onto the end of it before it fell – the only way to eat a pizza. Next time I am definitely opting for the bigger 14 inch, who says you can ever have too much of a good thing?! For the dessert we decided to peel ourselves away from the sun for a moment in order to visit the charming ‘ice cream parlour’ which was situated in a different section away from the restaurant. With a colourful array of choices on display of ice cream and sorbets – or Gelati and Sorbetti as they put it on the menu – I chose mint chocolate ice cream. Perfect for the long walk home and it tasted delicious, the chunks of chocolate in the mint ice cream weren’t too large unlike some I’ve had before. Java & Jazz is just like any cool cafe you want where you live. Relaxing in the sunshine, cosy in the winter it is effortless in its ability to please. With a bill of 3 courses for two coming at just under £30 you really can’t go wrong! Just like Ronnie, I too will be rocking up to Java & Jazz very soon... Kimberley Ho-A-Shoo
127
Beauty trends this season...
129
Dramatic Inspiration: Giles & Damir Doma It’s time to throw out the rulebook and see make up in all its theatrical beauty. This is the trend where we can delve into those dusty make up bags and use up the products that have never been seen beyond the safety of the bathroom. This is an experiment in colour and texture, which of course means hours of amusement in front of the mirror. There isn’t a definitive way to create this trend; it is all about personality, being bold and daring to be different. Glitter on the eye is an exciting way to incorporate texture into a look and teamed with a bold lip, it pretty much screams ‘disco fever.’ Lashings of vampy black eyeliner with glossy red lips can be brought into daywear… yes, really. Eyeshadow in popping tones such as tangerine can be given the finishing touch with a matching lip colour. Even if you decide that you are not brave enough to leave the house with any of the looks you create, you are still guaranteed to have a new Facebook profile picture. Giselle La Pompe-Moore
130
131
Buns Inspiration: Backstage at Swan Lake Ease, style and versatility make up the checklist for the perfect summer hairstyle. So it is without further ado, that we announce the ultimate in hot hair… The Bun. Beach waves and flowing locks may add a dose of glamour on a sweltering day, but there is nothing better than tying it up as a reliever from the humid heat. Buns can spin-off a multitude of looks; for a regal up-do think Grace Kelly for a polished and pretty look. High buns will have us all prancing back to those early ballet lessons and other tutu related memories. The messy bun is the ultimate in disheveled chic, as we all want to look fabulous, but give off that “I-justhaphazardly-threw-myhead-back-and-createdthis” feel. Let’s leave the curling tongs behind this summer, and make a bottle of serum and some kirby grips our new hair BFF’s. Giselle La Pompe-Moore
132
133
Bronze Inspiration: Victoria’s Secret Make your skin glow with this latest beauty trend. A warm Bronze rather than burnt Orange will make you skin dazzle in the sunlight. Keep cheekbones healthy and highlighted in a subtle bronze hue, no matter what colour you are. This trend can work on all skin tones when done right. The bronze look will work on all natural, bright, glitter and smokey make-up but works best with nude and glossy lips. Your skin is the crucial point for this trend. Keep it hydrated with a good base, toner and moisturiser, pamper it! Make it really work for you by pairing your radiant skin with dark, outlined eyes with plenty of eyeliner and fluttering eyelashes. Treat yourself and invest in a decent blusher brush to sweep across the apple of your cheeks in order to make your cheekbones really flourish. Healthy and flattering, what more could we ask for? Kimberley Ho-A-Shoo
134
135
Brights Inspiration: Jelly Beans and Carnivals Summer is the season to face the heat in all your Technicolor glory. Bring your make-up to life with explosive colours that dare to standout amongst the crowd. Swallow those thoughts telling you to blend in. And instead, blend purples with greens for a ‘Peacock’ inspired eye. Blend red lipstick with a yellow eyeshadow. It may not match like everything else in your wardrobe, but it looks divine. Stay clear of bright cheeks and focus on making your main features pop. Paint your nails an opposing colour to your outfit. Be the envy of all your friends. Being bold and bright will have them all coming to you for their make-up before a day out. Aim to have all the colours of the rainbow and to use them all by the end of the season. And remember, the brighter the better. Kimberley Ho-A-Shoo
136
137
Good enough to eat‌ From the warming scent of chocolate chip cookies baking in the oven to the comforting aroma that fills the room when you are scraping the seeds from a vanilla pod. Scents such as these instantly recall fond memories and overwhelming nostalgic happiness. So, it is no wonder that edible scents are emulated in the form of perfumes, candles and room fragrances. Smelling like our favourite sweet treats seems to be rather appealing. There are many brands that have jumped on the bandwagon with range upon range of foodie scents. You can pretty much smell like anything in your kitchen if you do a quick Google search. If you find yourself in America, then it is vital that you make acquaintance with Demeter Fragrance Library. They are a brand that has turned
138
all of our favourite scents from the utterly delicious to the frankly odd into fragrances. With their help you can smell like Birthday Cake, Dulce De Leche or a Frozen Margarita. For the more dramatic you could opt to smell like Basil on Monday, Fiery Curry on Tuesday, Green Tomato on Wednesday, Mushroom on Thursday and save the Croquembouche for Friday. Fragrances such as those literally will have you smelling good to eat, in the case of the Fiery Curry… not so much. However, if we move away from the gimmicks and to perfume, some of the most recognised and loved perfumes have those familiar sweet scents, which are known as Gourmand notes. OsMOZ, the website dedicated to perfume and fragrance define this as “Gourmand notes started cropping up amongst oriental scents in the 90s. Innovative and trend-setting, they upset the era’s fragrance codes by introducing mouth-watering flavor tones that were both figurative and regressive, like vanilla, praline and chocolate. Today’s subtler, more “grown-up” gourmand notes are often woven into Chypre or Floral scents.”Not only are these scents great on our skin but they seem to be favoured in the home as well. We’ve all sniffed at candles and remarked on how much they smell like cinnamon spice or hot fudge. Burning a candle that smells like
you’ve just done a spot of baking will have guests seeking out a plate of cookies. Vanilla candles and air fresheners are probably the most popular aromas that you can find. There is something very appealing, maybe again due to the connotations of baking but they are always a fragrance fave. If you browse through the available fragrances by Air Wick, you will find that they read like a grocery shopping list: Midnight Blackberry and Vanilla Silk, Sicilian Lemon and Berries and Spice. Food really does appeal to all the senses, especially through smell. Replicating those delicious smells into fragrances brings back fond memories. There is also endless fun to be had by having a sniff and trying to recall what a particular note is. What is also fascinating is that the perfume that we think smells of honey waffles is usually just be a blend of different raw materials designed to recapture that very smell. From the playfulness of the artificial flavours to the complexity of perfume, gourmand fragrances are perfect for the foodie. If you’re feeling to skip dessert, just make sure to spritz with your sweetest scent so even though you’re not having the cake, you may as well as smell like it. Giselle La-Pompe-Moore
139
The Hotlist
Lolita Lempicka by Lolita Lempicka Eau De Parfum 50ml − £46.00 House of Fraser
Un Bois Vanille by Serge Lutens Eau De Parfum 50ml − £66.00 Space NK Apothecary
Ralph Hot by Ralph Lauren Eau De Toilette 50ml − £25.76 www.amazon.co.uk
140
L’Occitane Spicy Cinnamon Home Perfume £18.00 L’Occitane
Yankee Candle Christmas Cookie Room Spray £5.99 www.yankee.co.uk Jelly Belly Toasted Marshmallow Jar Candle £10.00 House of Fraser
Ribbon Presents Handmade gifts are one of the most meaningful, intimate and thoughtful things that you can give. You can make them truly personal and it is just lovely to know that it is a one off and you have taken the time to make it. Plus, even for the most die-hard shop-a-holic it can be a tiresome chore, searching for the perfect gift. These handmade gift ideas are perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to a thank you or just to cheer someone up. Wrap them up in the beautifully illustrated wrapping paper that came with this issue, for a really unique gift. (GL)
Wrapping Paper. Jacqueline Colley designed the wrapping paper for this issue. She was inspired by the gift ideas for the gourmet gal, so use this specially designed paper for a truly personal finishing touch for your gift.
142
Gourmet Gal This is the lovely lady who you will always find baking, talking about food, uploading pictures onto her food blog, and sharing restaurant reviews. She is always looking out for new recipes and would happily spend the day luxuriating in a bakery instead of the shoe department. (Recipes below, can be found in the recipes pull-out).
1 Honeycomb This sweet treat is delightful and incredibly easy to make. Break into shards and dip into melted chocolate and leave to cool. Package these goodies in a clear cellophane bag and wrap with ribbon, in the lucky recipients favourite colour, of course.
2Macarons These French classics make the ideal gift. You will be immensely proud that you have made them and with our simple recipe they will look like they are fresh from a Parisian Patisserie. Arrange in a cake box and wrap with the wrapping paper for a gift that will never be forgotten.
3 Brownies Who doesn’t like brownies? For a helping of chocolate heaven, prepare some chocolate brownies and place in a small cake tin. Finish with a note placed on top and a bar of the recipient’s favourite chocolate.
4Cookie Jar Mix A cute gift that is not only delicious but also practical. First, you will need a clear jar which you will layer the ingredients for the cookie mix. Cut some fabric for the lid and tie with a piece of string or ribbon. Add a little handwritten note with the method for the recipe, and what additional ingredients they need to add. If you want to go all out, you can even print a label for the front. (GL)
143
Social Queen This busy bee is attached to her Blackberry and you have to ‘book’ weeks in advance before you see her. A lover of people and events, she revels in a lively atmosphere where she can mingle. Fun and confident, she is a great friend to everyone and there’s never a dull moment when she’s around.
1 Address Book
3 Calender
Make your friend a homemade address book that she can keep all her contacts in, just in case her Blackberry malfunctions. Get a notebook with recycled, posh paper and stick in pictures of you and all your friends. Functional! She’ll love it!
2 Bath Salts
4Card
With all that socialising she does, she needs time to relax. Make her some bath salts by mixing together a teaspoon of baking powder, sea salt, a few drops of essential oil and any food colour of your choice. Encase in a pretty bottle or pot and wrap.
144
She’s always here there and everywhere. Go online and create a personalised calendar for her so she knows exactly what she’s doing. As she’s so organised anyway she will really appreciate it. Make sure to pencil in important dates for her too, like all your friends birthdays to save her the job!
As she’s so popular, she just loves to hear what others think about her. Make her a card and get everyone to put positive messages in there about her great attributes. They’ll give her the confidence she needs to be the social queen. (KH)
Beauty Goddess Everyone begs her to apply their eyelashes on a night out and constantly message her to ask just how did she blend that smoky eye? Her make up bag has evolved into a trunk over the years and she always manages to appear at the latest product launches.
1 Exfoliating
3 Face Mask
Lip Scrub For an enviable lip, that forms the perfect base for lipstick, make up a batch of this lip scrub for a friend. Mix caster sugar with olive oil and a drop of jojoba oil and place in an empty lip balm tub. You can cover the lid with pretty paper and wrap in paper with some other homemade beauty products.
2 Facial Toner Homemade toners are cool, calming and give skin a healthy and natural glow. A Green Tea toner gives a refreshing start to the day. Steep two teaspoons of powdered green tea in boiling water for 10 minutes. Leave to cool and pour into an empty spray bottle. Wrap in a small box with some cotton wool balls.
4Lip Balm
A weekend treat to reinvigorate the skin, this gift is the best way to say thank you. This Oatmeal and Yoghurt face mask is suitable for all skin types and is best used on the day it is prepared, so give this gift to your friend, when they are free to relax. Combine a tablespoon of organic yoghurt with a tablespoon of finely ground porridge oats and add a few drops of warm honey. Fill a plastic tub with the face mask and write a card with the ingredients and instructions to leave for 10 minutes. Add a muslin cloth and scented candle for the ultimate relaxing treat.
This is such an impressive gift and takes hardly anytime to make. For a Vanilla and Honey recipe, you will need 1 tablespoon of beeswax, 1 teaspoon of honey, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 2 tablespoons of petroleum jelly and a few drops of vitamin E oil. Heat the petroleum jelly with the beeswax until it becomes a transparent liquid. Leave to cool for about 5 minutes and then add the honey, vanilla and vitamin E and mix well. It will start to thicken, and then pour into the container. (GL)
145
Fashion Fanatic Where did you get that from? What are you wearing today? The most likely questions this friend will be asking are always to do with style. She always manages to look great and seems to know every trend you should be wearing. Bubbly and always expressive, she is a true friend who likes to share tips so all her friends can look great too.
1 Sewing kit
3 Inspiration book
Buy a cheap hamper and gather ribbons, cotton, buttons and all kinds of other aesthetics which she can use to customise her clothes to make her look ever more fabulous.
She loves gathering images of everything that inspires her, get her a book that she can stick all those into. Start it for her by sticking in images which you know she’ll love.
2 Homemade gifts 4Mirror, Mirror certificate
on the wall
Can’t decide what to get her because her taste is so specific? Make a homemade gifts certificate promising to take her on a shopping spree where she can choose what she likes, which is any fashion lovers dream! Print and create it on shiny paper with plenty of coloured pens and pop it into a fancy envelope.
She’s always trying to decide what to wear, and always looking in the mirror to choose. Pick up a mirror from a vintage store, furniture stall or on ebay to decorate with jewels brought from a craft store. She can hang it up in her room and think of you everytime she looks in it! A bit difficult to wrap, and fragile! Tie a bow around it to look pretty!
146
Stitch-a-Sole Stitching & Styling: Giselle La Pompe-Moore Kimberley Ho-A-Shoo
Do you know the gender of your food? News flash:
Women Eat Steak, Men Eat Chocolate! Kimberley Ho-A-Shoo looks at how even our food gives out stereotypes of who we are.
154
Have you ever been in the situation where you are on a date, and it’s going well, that is until ‘he’ orders the girliest dinner you have ever heard of?! It shouldn’t ring alarm bells, but when he orders ‘Prawn salad on a puffy loaf of corn bread’, something in you worries if he’ll be able to help you when your cooker packs in or your television stops working. They say “you are what you eat”, and it has become apparent through advertising, cookery shows and many other aspects of food that what we eat can portray ‘feminine’ or ‘masculine’ traits within us. Take the easiest example of this – Chocolate. Brands such as Flake, Galaxy, Malteasers, Minstrels – they are all aimed at women. We all must remember the Aero bubbles advert starring Jason Lewis from Sex and the City. Walking around a hot apartment in nothing but a towel talking about the temperature at which chocolate melts - although a man, he is appealing to women. “And that ladies, makes the pleasure more intense” he says as he places the chocolate in his mouth – you can just hear the disgust as men throw their Aero bubbles in the bin. But where do these ideologies of ‘manly’ and ‘feminine’ food come from? Food psychologist Deborah Tagliareni believes it sprouts from many eras; “The idea of splitting up foods based on feminine and manly views may relate back to traditional hunter/gatherer gender roles. If the men are going out hunting, then meat may be more associated with them. Or even not so far back with farmers and a “traditional” steak and potatoes dinner.” Indeed, when thinking about certain foods, certain connotations can arise. Meaty and messy foods such as Chicken on the bone often
remind us of cavemen – therefore, in modern society we see it as a ‘manly’ food. When thinking of beer, this reminds us of gassy boyfriends and ‘beer bellies’ – hardly making beer an appealing choice of drink when on a girls night out. Deborah also goes on to explain some examples of gender specific foods; “Meat is hearty as compared to a salad, and that may be perceived as more masculine. It is also possible that salads, vegetables and other “lighter” fare is considered to be diet food and/or feminine, and is thus more heavily advertised towards women. Advertisers can then go the other way with advertising meat and target men who want to be perceived as “real men” who eat meat.” When it comes to the purchasing of foods, it is interesting to think that certain genders have their own ‘food’ shops they stereotypically visit. The boys visit the kebab shop after a night out, the girls visit the coffee shop the morning after. Just like clothes stores, it can be noticeable to those who work in the business who buys what. In Brighton, there is a fantastical chocolate shop called Choccywoccydoodah that specialises in everything to do with chocolate. Christine Taylor, who came up with the brand, believes that when it comes to chocolate, the advertisers have it right “In our shop both men and women come in, but it is mostly women who make the purchase decision. Advertisers who aim their chocolate products at women have it right and also when they persuade men to buy chocolate for women too.” Choccywoccydoodah, whos sculptures appeared in the Tim Burton film ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’, don’t mind
155
who they aim towards and hope that in the future chocolate will be advertised as “a good thing, not a health food nor a forbidden treat.” So is what we think about food all down to advertising? We see the product on the television, we watch the story unfold in the two minute advert and that immediately influences us. From screen to eyes to mind, the viewer reads the advert as if it was speaking to them. If advertisers ‘speak’ to certain audiences, it is easier to sell their product. For example, chocolate companies will screen an advert based on women shopping and eating chocolate because they believe that this is the image chocolate portrays, and as a result, the advert will only have an affect on women and want them to buy. Advertiser Mike Nicholas (from advertising agency Nicholas and Knight) explains the point of advertising; “The basis of advertising and all marketing is to understand what motivates people and why they buy what they buy and then to create a campaign that delivers against that. It’s much more complicated than gender. People’s buying habits and preferences will be determined by age, wealth, lifestyle choices, whether they have children and so on.” It is true that advertising has a big effect on what we do and how we do it – it’s the advertiser’s job to sell the product. They
156
use many factors to do this – glamour, role models, humour and celebrities mainly influence us as a public and using the Aero bubbles advert as an example, Jason Lewis could have been selling a pigs trotter and some women would have still purchased one! Regularly, a celebrity is used in an advertising campaign to boost the products profile, but this can have a profound effect on who consumes what. Recently, even bizarre foods such as coconut water have risen to fame. Gwyneth Paltrow is the result of many women now wanting to drink coconut water in order to stay thin, as she revealed it to be one of her slimming secrets. Deborah Tagliareni, believes that although biologically food isn’t for specific gender, advertising certainly makes it seem that way. Having worked in advertising before, Deborah knows how the industry “thinks”; “The purpose of advertising it to make you want to aspire to be the person in the ad, or to feel a certain way about yourself.” Deborah thinks this purpose isn’t always a healthy message, “Advertising makes you feel inadequate in some aspect of your life so that you buy the product to make you feel better. Advertising definitely impacts how we think about who we are and what we want to eat.” Famous adverts and slogans where food focuses on gender have been popular throughout advertising history - The ‘flake’ girl, The Pot Noodle man, Yorkie’s ‘no girls allowed’, Special K women, Lambrini girls...the list goes on. These fictional characters which get used again and again create a brand and an image for the food company in order to ensure their regular customers keep on purchasing. The Pot Noodle men in the advert are hardworking and masculine – just like
Famous adverts and slogans where food focuses on gender have been popular throughout advertising history - The ‘flake’ girl, The Pot Noodle man, Yorkie’s ‘no girls allowed’, Special K women, Lambrini girls...the list goes on.
157
that of their stereotypical consumers. The Lambrini girls are fun, always dancing and smiling – strangely uncanningly similar to the girls in your local who are sipping on their Lambrini’s whilst requesting song after song. But Mike Nicholas disagrees that the focus is ever as simplistic as gender; “It’s much more complicated than gender. People’s buying habits and preferences will be determined by age, wealth, lifestyle choices, whether they have children and so on. I’ve been working on this for over 20 years and I’m struggling to think of a time when I have worked on something where gender was the basis of the brief.” Forgetting advertising, it is dangerous and unwise to avoid foods because of how they are portrayed. Food, although perceived for either female or male, are made for anyone who wants it! The image those foods portray are recognisable to many as Deborah acknowledges ““You may want to make dietary changes after seeing how much weight women have lost from eating yogurt. Or you may want to keep your image as a “real man” by eating a bacon double cheeseburger.” But, just because you never see any of your friends diving in for that chicken drumstick because it’s “too messy”, be the first and tuck in. Deborah stresses how important a healthy diet is no matter what; “It is healthy to eat a variety of foods and if men think that they shouldn’t eat a salad, fruit or yogurt then they are missing out on the health benefits of these foods (fibre, antioxidants. calcium). The same is true for women - if they think they shouldn’t eat red meat because it’s “manly” then they are also missing out on a good source of protein.” Missing out on foods because we think
158
they will affect our image is a worrying thought. Foods and drinks are not an accessory or a fashion statement; they are a necessity and a part of a diet to keep your body healthy and active. We should only be thinking about what goes into our mouths based on nutritional value, not fashionable value. She goes on to explain what a healthy diet should consist of; “A healthy diet should include a variety of foods. A diet that is too restrictive can cause deficiencies in certain vitamins or minerals. Anyone can have a healthy, balanced diet without animal protein if the diet is properly balanced by other protein foods and vitamins minerals such as B12, zinc and iron that are commonly found in meat and poultry. The danger is more from anyone who does not eat fruits or vegetables raw or cooked, as they are missing out on fibre, antioxidants and phytochemicals that help keep the body in good shape.” So, when you are next on that date, and he orders the salad, don’t worry, his choice on food may not reflect his DIY skills (although we aren’t promising anything!) And for a change, why don’t you order that steak with fat fries and a beer?! If he gives you an odd look, tell him to have a break, have a...oh you know the rest!
Re
t R
w
an
au st r e vi e
Busaba Eathai Walking around Westfield Shopping Centre surely ticks the recommended daily exercise box, which in our books means that we deserve a delicious lunch. The Mall has a seemingly endless list of restaurants, but we’re not food-hall kinda gals… we all know trays and heels do not bode well. Busaba Eathai, which is just outside the centre looked moody and inviting, and appeared to be a welcome change from the bright lights and bustle of the mall. The scents of fragrant lime leaves, warming ginger and zesty
160
lemongrass instantly welcomed us and had us more than ready for our Thai lunch. Giselle: Can’t believe that we just got offered a bag to pop our umbrellas in. I am impressed; this beats the old umbrella stand hands down. Kimberley: Yes, but I can’t seem to juggle my blackberry and put away my umbrella at the same time. What about these tables though, they look amazing! I love the fact that the restaurants all open plan. Giselle: Communal dining appears to be the way forward. I still can’t get used to these stools, they are not that comfortable. Our waitress seems nice
though, very prompt and attentive. Kimberley: Which is fab because I am dying for a drink after walking around Westfield, for what seemed like an eternity. Homemade Lemonade? Just what I need… Gi: This lemonade is good; sharp but sweet... nothing better than homemade lemonade, you can really taste the difference from the plethora of synthetic ones out there. So what are you thinking of ordering? Kim: I’m not too sure, Thai is one of my favourite cuisine’s. I like this menu though, it isn’t too extensive, so that you have to spend half your visit reading it, but it has a lot
of choice none-the-less. I think I may go for the Pad Thai Jay. Minus the egg as I am allergic, I hope they won’t mind! Gi: I adore Thai. Pad Thai Jay sounds good, I think I may get the Chargrilled Sea Bream. We should get some sides to share? How about the coconut rice and Thai roti. There’s a really good atmosphere in here, quite busy but dynamic... doesn’t feel like lunch at all. At least you asked the waitress about the egg situation in the Pad Thai and she said you can take it out. To be honest, communal dining isn’t really a big deal, because you never talk to your dining-tablebuddies anyway, you just acknowledge that they are there but don’t bother each other. No pass-the-saltconversations here. Kim: The food comes so quickly! And they remembered the no-egg request. AND they brought cutlery! They really do try to please everyone. The food looks so delicious, it’s impossible to come here without trying a bit from everyone’s plate! Gi: The portion sizes are really good too. Well mine is, your Pad Thai is huge. The seabream is
perfectly cooked, and the charred taste from the grill is excellent. The chili and lime dressing adds some zing and heat to it and the fennel works well with the fish. Kim: My Pad Thai Jay is incredible! Beansprouts, shrimp, prawns, tofu, this dish really has it all. This dish is vegetarian but its packed with flavour so I’m not missing the meat. My favourite dish we had has to be the coconut rice though, I shall be adding some coconut to my rice from now on, it’s divine! They decided to keep the tails on the prawns, which is not very kind to my fingers but hey, I won’t let that come between me and a prawn! Yum. Gi: Yes the rice is to die for especially in the way it’s presented too, with the authentic wooden container. The roti is phenomenal, I think I’m in love; I need to find the recipe immediately. It has a perfect texture and even though it’s fried it isn’t oily. The tofu in your Pad Thai isn’t bland at all and has absorbed all the flavours from the dish, as tofu can really be hit and miss. Kim: I’ve still got half of my plate left but I am so full! The meal is such good
value for money! I feel satisfied without that oily after taste I expected in a fried dish. There seems to be no dessert menu available, disappointing but to be honest I doubt I could squeeze anything else in at the moment. Gi: Yes this was a very filling lunch and the service was really good even though it is very busy in here. I agree it is very good value for money. Yes, I am sad too that there isn’t a dessert menu. Dessert is the best part of the meal for me. But, I guess we can always go and find some ice-cream somewhere… Overall, Busabi was a great experience of Thai food. Although a chain, the food is fresh and original and pleasing to both the eyes and salivating mouths that waited. With pricing the same as any other Westfield restaurant, value for money was applauded as well as its riveting and welcoming atmosphere. Definitely a must-visit if you are looking for a place worthwhile in-between shops! Giselle La PompeMoore and Kimberley Ho-A-Shoo
161
The Diary Accesorise Panama hat, grandmother’s turquoise and silver bracelet, bracelet made of vintage Liberty fabric with 70s Rolling Stones charms from the vintage fair at Off Broadway in Hackney, Urban Outfitters blue gladiator sandals.
What I wore…
Katy Salter: Food Editor Saturday Picnic in London Fields (cheese salad on sourdough from the brilliant E5 Bakehouse) then a walk along the canal. Floppy 70s hat from French Connection (bought in the Look magazine fashion sale – I work for the same magazine company), Tiffany necklace, Gap short-sleeved white cotton shirt knotted at the waist, Topshop highwaited black flowery shorts, Topshop tan loafers (I’ve been living in these since I bought them.), Mulberry tote bag.
Sunday Easter picnic with friends in Brockwell Park. Greeny-blue Anthropologie racer back midi dress,
162
Monday Brunch at Caravan in Clerkenwell, a long walk exploring all the Dickensian back streets of Clerkenwell then a BBQ at a friend’s house. Topshop denim shirt knotted over a Topshop teadress, with topshop loafers (head to toe Toppers that day!)
Tuesday Lunch at Spuntino in Soho with a fellow food writer and then writing from home. Sunny girl black skater dress with red roses bought in Melbourne, black Falke tights, vintage biker boots. Topshop green leather bomber jacket customised with an ASOS faux fur tippet. Black leather bag from Apple Tree.
Wednesday Dinner with my boyfriend at a new restaurant – The Capability at Syon Park. Urban Outfitters peasantdress, black Falke tights, black suede KG Chelsea boots, a Toppers black leather clutch, houndstoothZara trench with a tan leather belt bought in the States looped through it over the top.
Thursday Spent most of the day baking cakes and biscuits with my best friend to get ready for our Royal Wedding tea party Whistles navy and white tunic, Gold heartshaped watch pendant that belonged to my grandmother, Falke tights, vintage biker boots. A red spotty apron by Clodagh Love Aprons.
Friday Royal Wedding tea party in the morning, then work. Whistles navy and white spotty dress, double-knot belt from the Look sale, Falke tights, topshop loafers, Calvin Klein tortoiseshell glasses.
What I ate… Kayleigh Allen
orridge MONDAY: Winter berry p t: Breakfas icken noodle soupstuffed Lunch: chPesto & chorizo arlic jacket THURSDAY: Breakfast: Dinner: ast with mini g s Lunch: w Honey & almon chicken bre roasted courgette sandwich afer thin beef & d porridge potatoes, on the cob salad rn co D inner: Cre and amy toma to pasta bake TUESDAY: Breakfast: Toasted fruit loaf Lunch: Vegetable sushi & SUNDAY: edamame beans Breakfast: toasted fruit loaf Dinner: Fajitas and salad Lunch: homemade pizza slices FRIDAY: Dinner: chicken lasagne Breakfast: Lunch: le 2 slices of toas Dinner: mon dressed pas t cabbage aChilli chicken, beata noodles nd carrot stir fry nsprout, with rice SAT Break URDAY: l bage almo fast: ho n Y: htwatchers A L n unch: d porridg ney and D r uo q NES : Weig soup ( D E c ’ hick tomat e W kfast ble y-up Dinneen sandw o and b Brea h: vegetat free fr n, whole asil with r: Stea iches Lunc er:’guil orn baco d beans, bits med t o u e n m t q n k m a a i sa ushro toes, D ages, s, ba mi(th oms gnocch lmon saus tomatoe and sala a n d salad i, garlic plum ed egg free!) h c t l a po so gui not
163