The Baker Brother’s BBQ: Review.

 

Summer has arrived, and that can only mean that one thing and one thing only… it is BBQ time! There is no better smell than when you are walking home on a warm evening after work and you get a waft of the smoky, grilled flavoured chicken grilling on a barbeque somewhere. This was exactly what I was greeted by at Weber Grills ‘Come on Over’ Campaign at Dalston rooftop bar.

When I attended the Baker Brother’s/ Weber Ambassadors Tom and Henry Herbert’s barbeque on a wet and windy evening, a time when you would most likely stray away from barbequing, I was introduced to an entirely new of barbequing. Refusing to let the British weather ruin our BBQ, The Weber Grills turned up the flames, staying true to the Herbert brother’s moto that ‘You can BBQ in any weather’, and so they did.

On arriving at the ‘Come On Over’ Campaign, situated in the hub of the up and coming Dalston, we were warmly welcomed by ponchos, canopies and heaters to bring that warmth that you would commonly associate with BBQ weather. Relaxing on the rooftop with live bands playing, sipping on a warming ginger beer infused cocktail, the pork roasting, conversations swirling around and quaintly decorated wooden benches with wild flowers, which made to feel like you were barbequing in the garden, truly brought the summer fun ethos to a rainy day and easily transported me to a mid-july evening.

The Baker Brothers practice lid down cooking to keep you from slaving over the stove all day. From German pizza made from whole meal and spelt flour that created a nutty taste topped with black forest ham and potatoes, succulent pork belly   spread on a beetroot coleslaw, tender lamb and a slab of birthday banana loaf with rum soaked raisins all cooked in a Weber grill, The Baker brothers have brought a fresh new way to barbeque; it’s amazing what can be created on a barbecue.

BBQ’s are an extremely social event; the brothers believe that barbequing is not wholly about the food but about the social aspect, from ‘roasting the shrimp on the barbie’ down under with your surfer pals, to a minute disposable barbeque with your pals in one of London’s many greeneries, to a family gathering with the barbeque going, you cannot deny that barbeques allows everyone to gorge on tasty treats, but primarily be merry together. You can prepare 24 hours before to enjoy a boozy BBQ with pals, but best of all, as confessed by the brothers, there is no cleaning – you just leave it and scrub off the remnants next time, so you won’t be missing out on any juicy gossip.

So, to celebrate the last day of National BBQ Week, take a leaf out of the Baker brothers’ cookbook and ask your friends and family to ‘Come on Over’ or head down to one of the following BBQ events…

1. Jimmy’s Pop Up: Secret Garden BBQ Club, Clapham
2. Hotbox, Spitalfields
3. Barbecoa, St. Pauls

M x

FASHION WEEKEND FRENZY

London Fashion Weekend is the busiest day of the year (and I don’d just mean with swarms of fashionista, I’m talking busy outfits- with everyone cramming on all of their designer labels and all of their favourite garments)! 

Thankfully the weather stayed bright for this event at Somerset House and it was great to see so many people collected in one area all for the same reason- a love for fashion!

I was amazed at the creativity among the crowds and intuitive ensembles ranging from 50’s chic outfits, to classic orderly nauticals, even crazy Cyndi Lauper-esque outfits, and I even spotted a very inventive fashionista top to tail in a suit swamped with buttons and accessories to match.

 

MILITARY MERGE: It was great to see a return to the military inspired outfits, whether it was a slight camouflaged shirt breaking up an outfit and adding a peep of pattern to an outfit, or whether it inspired a more androgynous look, with high waisted tailored trousers, a crisp white shirt (an eternal must-have wardrobe staple) , and more obviously military green coat.  Military look does not mean one must cover up their bodily shapes, dress in a green army suit and disguise yourself as a man, you can accessorize to regain that feminine touch- embrace bold statement jewellery and even a great pair of metallic heeled boots (pictured).

 

 

 

NAVIGATE YOUR WAY INTO NAUTICAL…BUT DO NOT GO OVERBOARD!

Admittedly it is still cold outside and I do still wear multiple layers, however at London Fashion Weekend it was inspiring to see numerous women embracing the more feminine side and wearing skirts! It is difficult to gauge when it is the right time to be wearing skirts, well apparently it is NOW!  This particular ensemble interested me as I was and always will be a great fan of classical sand coloured Timberlands, they are a great transitional boot that can take you from snowy winter days, to spring and even summer when paired with shorts and a light cami top for the casual look. 

 

 

However. my absolute favourite outfit of the day was this chic duo, who are definitely RESURRECTING RETRO with their 50’s inspired look.  This outfit screams out “G-G-G-G- GREASE LIGHTNING” but in a fashionable way, and indefinitely resonates with the 50’s era as the midi skirts replicate the “Poodle skirts” of the era (and I couldn’t help but urge for them to break into the jive!) I am inspired by the mix between the old iconic and classic 50’s style with the modern twist of pop of colour, the accessories- statement jewellery, the leather jacket (again another wardrobe staple) and a fur gilet, these outfits ooze style and sophistication!
This simple yet sophisticated look is extremely effective and does indeed agree with the statement that “less is more”. The way these ladies have matched their lipstick with their shoes and nude pastel with the detailing on their heel is REAL FASHION. 

What warmed me is when I asked theses two whether I could take a photograph of their outfits for my fashion blog they look bewildered and were stunned that I asked them, they were also genuinely happy too, which proves that they did not dress this way to turn heads and make a bold statement like some intentionally did at London Fashion Weekend.  This reaction also proves that this is real fashion and how these women instinctively dress.

M x

 

Editor at Grazia Magazine’s Trend talks at Carnaby Street Shopping Party (14.11.2013)

Last Thursday Carnaby Street saw its annual shopping party buzzing with shopaholic’s eager for that 20% discount in all stores from Muji to Benefit, American apparel to Hugo Boss.  With free cocktails, live music and happy bargain hunters sailing through crowds collecting in the quaint Kingly court, tourists standing awe-struck gazing at the festive robin Christmas lights, it is no doubt that this day was a success and indeed got me into the festive spirit.

The Carnaby shopping party also saw the Editor of Grazia magazine, Angela Buttolph, host a trend talk about the top current trends of this season.

Angela’s top trend tips are:

1). The 90’s Fixation.
It is a recent era and very familiar for all, which is practical as we can recycle old items worn back then.  Somehow I do not think I’ll be fitting back into my baby grow any time soon.

Angela states that this trend is all about the iconic light-hearted television show Friends– ” it is very Rachel and Monica” as Angela states.  Of course who wouldn’t want to emulate Jennifer Aniston’s style?

The 90’s fixation features the ‘Babydoll’ look, DM’s for that rocky vibe and even play with little dress meet chunky cumbersome boots to achieve the “Pretty Rock” Cyndi Lauper look.

2). Tartan.
Tartan also links in with the 90’s look as we see a return to the school kilt looking fashion statement as seen in Clueless. Even pairing an oversized lumber jack shirt with a pair of Topshop high wasted baggy boyfriend jeans, even have the shirt tied around your waist as an accessory to create the laidback nonchalant air to your outfit.

3). Velvet.
It is inevitable to find in the shops lately something textured and velvet has always been a statement piece. Velvet can make an outfit suitable for the sultry sophisticated evening look, as well as cosy statement piece to wear in the daytime to add a little pizazz to one’s outfit.

4). Big skirts/Pleated Skirts.
Angela made it crystal clear that these skirts are timeless and a statement piece for this season as well as spring/summer 2014, therefore it is fundamental to have a big skirt in your wardrobe and always be on trend.

5). Metallic and Holographic Prints.In the upcoming weeks to Christmas and New Years Eve it is inevitable that the glitz and sparkles will entice the Magpie within us.  Whether it is a simple shiny print or an embellished item- metallic and shiny prints are essential.

6). Sports Luxe.Sports Luxe is a tricky trend to pull off, you want to achieve a casual yet stylish look.  This does not mean to dig out your “chavvy” nike tracksuit but to emulate Givenchy’s sophisticated sleek sweatpant and sweatshirt items. Angela was personally sporting the sports luxe trend, her streamline physique allowed her to successfully achieve this elegant yet casual look.  Angela paired a silk sweatpant with an embellished sequin sleeved jumper and a wonderful pair of open toe heeled sandals, therefore getting the perfect mix between comfortable yet casual and sleek and sophistication.

So , that is your shopping list, if you don’t have these items in your wardrobe you NEED to head straight to the shops in the morning.

M x