Tuesday 24 November 2009
Domestic Sluttery does Bordello boutique
So, last Thursday, on a dark and dismal November evening in London town, some of the Domestic Sluts scampered into the depths of Shoreditch for a decadent night of wine, chocolate and saucy, sequinned underpants at the opulent Bordello boutique.
Organised by Qype, and with wine donated by the magnificently generous Book Club, we had a wonderful time getting tipsy, chomping so much chocolate that we felt a bit sick, trying on vintage feathered hats and tittering over the erotica and the dizzying range of adult toys and accessories.
We met our rather charming competition winners, who won extra brownie points for having travelled all the way from Portsmouth and Brighton to peruse fancy knickers with us. And Domestic Slut Gail even had a corset-fitting with the intimidatingly talent Kunza, of Corsetorium, a rather dashing Vivienne Westwood-trained corsetier with neon pink hair and a black lace veil.
Gail told me about it later: "I was the first person to have a fitting with Kunza, who's created bespoke garments for films such as The Duchess and Miss Pettigrew Lives For A Day. I tried on two, one made from Italian kid leather, and the second was Victorian silk. They were completely unlike any of the off the peg corsets that I've tried before and the different in quality was immediately apparent. They're things of beauty and unsurprisingly have corresponding price tags - about the £600 mark. Like most of the other items Bordello, add them to the lust list..."
We met our rather charming competition winners, who won extra brownie points for having travelled all the way from Portsmouth and Brighton to peruse fancy knickers with us. And Domestic Slut Gail even had a corset-fitting with the intimidatingly talent Kunza, of Corsetorium, a rather dashing Vivienne Westwood-trained corsetier with neon pink hair and a black lace veil.
Gail told me about it later: "I was the first person to have a fitting with Kunza, who's created bespoke garments for films such as The Duchess and Miss Pettigrew Lives For A Day. I tried on two, one made from Italian kid leather, and the second was Victorian silk. They were completely unlike any of the off the peg corsets that I've tried before and the different in quality was immediately apparent. They're things of beauty and unsurprisingly have corresponding price tags - about the £600 mark. Like most of the other items Bordello, add them to the lust list..."
Our competition winner, Becs, bought some of these Sailor Jerry-style Bebaroque pop socks. One of Bordello’s glamorous assistants was modelling some similar stockings, and we were all very smitten with them. And although at the time we teased Becs that pop socks just aren’t stylish on anyone other than kitsch little old ladies, now that I’ve seen them out of the packet, I retract that accusation, and would like to publicly assure Miss Becs that I’m sure she’ll look just as debonair in the ones she purchased. If you want to get in on the inevitable pop socks revival, you can bagsy the same ones for £18.
I became a bit obsessed with this pink glitter corset by Velda Lauder, which made me come all over all Moulin Rouge. But, I must admit that my ardour eased when I spotted the £300 price tag. I’m not sure anyone loves me enough to splash that amount of cash on letting me dress up like a glam-spangled circus girl. I might still put it on my Christmas list, though, just in case I manage to bag a rich secret admirer with theatrical tastes in the next few weeks. No harm in hoping, is there?
(First photo by Miss Rachelle Thompson)
Cocktail Hour: Gin 'n' Tonic
I know at first glance, you might ask why I'm writing a recipe for the perfect gin 'n' tonic, but honestly, it's not as simple as throwing some gin in a glass with some Schweppes. There's an art to it. Just like a vodka and orange isn't a screwdriver. For a start, the perfect G&T had better have cucumber in it. Yep, throw out those limes and opt for cucumber instead. Trust me.
To make the perfect gin 'n' tonic you'll need:
Make it!
Pop the ice cubes in a glass. Add the gin and top up with tonic. Stir well and then run a piece of cucumber around the rim and then pop two slices into your drink. That's it!
No more needs to be done, but it's the care and attention that goes into it that's important. Have you noticed how tonic in pubs is never cold? Or there's no lime? Those little things are important in a cocktail. Especially when it's as yummy as the G 'n' T.
Flickr image from Jlastra's photostream.
To make the perfect gin 'n' tonic you'll need:
- 25ml Hendricks. There's really no need for a double. It's a simple drink, don't ruin it.
- 100ml tonic. Honestly, the type tonic doesn't matter, as long as it's plain and ice cold.
- Ice
- Two slices of cucumber.
Make it!
Pop the ice cubes in a glass. Add the gin and top up with tonic. Stir well and then run a piece of cucumber around the rim and then pop two slices into your drink. That's it!
No more needs to be done, but it's the care and attention that goes into it that's important. Have you noticed how tonic in pubs is never cold? Or there's no lime? Those little things are important in a cocktail. Especially when it's as yummy as the G 'n' T.
Flickr image from Jlastra's photostream.
Dream Dress: Black Tea Dress from Miss Selfridge
I first spotted this black tea dress over on The Fashion Police. Isn't it pretty? Well, actually it's a little more than pretty. But despite the cute collar and Audrey Hepburn-ness, it doesn't have that special something that I look for. You know, that thing that makes you do a double take when someone walks into a room? The thing that makes you excited when you slip it on for the first time. And if I'm buying a little black dress for a party, I definitely need that special something. But then I saw the back.
Suddenly, this simple tea dress has turned into something that little bit more special. I'm going to have to snap this up from Miss Selfridge very soon. Have to have it! It's nearly Christmas than there's lots and lots of parties to dress for. It's only £45. Bargain, no?
Bollocks to baking: Rhodes Bakery
I admit, Rhodes Bakery has been in Greenwich for a few months now. But honestly, it never looked that great walking by. And, if I've been to the market I've stocked up on all of my baked goods from the stalls there (usually on a Sunday around 4.30 when everything is half price). But my folks were down for the weekend so we popped in.
And I'm impressed. Mostly. I'd walk back there for more of their mini pecan tart. Actually I'd walk to the other side of London for one. They're amazing. Just the right sized for one person. Although I wish I'd bought another one. The little Siany-sized portion was £2.85, so it's not cheap but it's certainly more substantial than a cupcake. They're so yummy. Perfect pastry, just enough maple syrup and loaded with yummy pecans. It's small but perfectly formed. I even managed to sneak a brownie sample on my way out too. Yep, full points for those as well.
There's a little cafe bench and they do coffee as well. That said, I'm not sure how comfortable it would be to sit in with the takeaway punters and queue right behind you (and kids running up and down) so I think I'll stick to takeaway. Still, it's nice to have the option.
But there's little things that stop this from being a "must go to Greenwich" bakery. Again, I have issues with the boxes. Is it so hard for a bakery to find sturdy boxes? It wasn't such an issue with my tarts as they were solid, but after a windy walk along the river, my cupcakes would have been icing splodges. The lid wasn't even taped down so something dainty would have no chance of survival.
And then there was the issue that confused me most of all? Instead of buying two pecan tarts, I bought one pecan and one Bakewell. I've got a bit of a thing for traditional desserts at the moment. But as yummy as my Bakewell tart was, it had no jam in! None! Excuse me, Mr Paul Rhodes!? Where was my jam?! What I had was a very tasty almond tart. But a Bakewell it was not.
That said, Rhodes is definitely more of a hit than a miss and I will be back to try the brownies. And perhaps all the pecan pies. They're fantastic. If there are no pecan pies when you go, you can all blame me. I've eaten them all. Yummysome.
Want to check out Rhodes yourself? They've got a stall in Borough Market, or you can pop to their bakery in Greenwich which is on King William Walk right by the indoor market.
Finishing School returns for Christmas
If you've not yet enrolled in Finishing School - the North London craft and social event for accomplished ladies - you might want to put your name down now for their forthcoming Christmas event, which is bound to be a quick sellout.
Described by its founders as 'a bit like a grown-up Brownies' Finishing School is a regular free evening class where women of all ages can bruch up their skills, meet new friends and chat. Each class focuses on a different artistic or crafty activity while wine and conversation flows. I've not attended a class yet, but the Christmas one should be something pretty special: we've been promised 'drinking, music and high-intensity, maximum-glitter Christmas craft circuit training'!
Being a girl in London can be hard work at times, and from what I've heard about Finishing School, its recognition of that fact is where its true strength lies. It can sometimes feel like the internet is the only way to stay in touch or organise fun with friends, so a bit of a nudge in the right direction and the promise of crafty fun and a glass of wine can be just what's needed to get us away from the pressures our busy lives, our homes and our blokes!
Finishing School's Christmas event will take place on Friday 4th December at a brand new venue in Caledonian Road. Entry is free, but donations towards the cost of materials will be appreciated. More informatoin on the event can be found here
Shop in the spotlight: Made & Found
Oooh Made & Found is a little oasis of pretty. But just the right amount of pretty (I can't be having too much of the twee-ness). There's all sorts of lovely homemade and vintage things to peruse. They've got a shop in Yorkshire, but if like me you're too far away, here are some of the bits and bobs you can buy online:
These vintage polka dot saucepans are really pretty. I've been after some new enamel pans for a while, these are just right.
The is such a cute little sewing case. It might not be for the expert crafter, but if you're just starting out it's perfect.
This perpetual calendar is the perfect for a home office.
These vintage polka dot saucepans are really pretty. I've been after some new enamel pans for a while, these are just right.
The is such a cute little sewing case. It might not be for the expert crafter, but if you're just starting out it's perfect.
This perpetual calendar is the perfect for a home office.
Monday 23 November 2009
Movember Mugs!
If our 'taches on sticks weren't cool enough for you, I've found another way for you to get involved with Movember. You've got a few days to go yet, so these moustache mugs from Lifestylebazaar are perfect.
Want to look like Magnum PI? Yep, me too!
Or Charlie Chaplin?
Nope, I wanna be Hercule Poirot! The mugs are £13.95 for two. And much easier than trying to grow on yourself. It's like the laziest fancy dress party ever.
Want to look like Magnum PI? Yep, me too!
Or Charlie Chaplin?
Nope, I wanna be Hercule Poirot! The mugs are £13.95 for two. And much easier than trying to grow on yourself. It's like the laziest fancy dress party ever.
Lovely Leather at Karen Millen
Karen Millen are very hit and miss for me. I don't like much outside of their dresses, but their dresses are too pricey for me to buy. But I've fallen in love with this leather jacket. It's such a great cut and it's a stunning colour. It'll fit right in with all of my cute little vintage dresses and shoe boots. It's in the sale too! Hurrah! Unfortunately, 'in the sale' doesn't mean affordable for me. It's still £199.
Illustrated Guest Post! Christmas Cupcakes by Rachel Lewis
Seriously, how much do I adore Rachel from Rachel Says? Just look at her wonderful christmas cupcake recipe! Not only does this sound like a fabuous cake recipe that we have to try later this evening, but OMG it's in pictures!
Isn't it pretty? (Click on the main image at the top and it'll fill the screen so you can follow the recipe) If we could draw pretty dresses and cupcakes, I swear our entire blog would be in pictures.
Until we learn to draw, we'll get on with making the cakes, and you pop over to Rachel Says to look at the rest of her illustrations.
Shop in the spotlight: Nonesuch Things
It was actually the ever-wonderful Wee Birdy who alerted me to Nonesuch Things. But it's such a wonderful shop I couldn't keep it to myself. Just little bits of pretty, little bits of nothing. Little bits of wonderfulness that you really really want.
This Broderie Anglais cuff is £42. And so so elegant.
And the tape that was featured on Wee Birdy. I've got excited about funky tape recently too. There's a definite trend starting. These are £5.95 each.
These pretend petit fours are so cute. No I know I don't need them. But that doesn't stop me thinking I have to have them in my life right this very second. They're £11.50.
Nonesuch Things might be small, but it's pretty near perfect.
This Broderie Anglais cuff is £42. And so so elegant.
And the tape that was featured on Wee Birdy. I've got excited about funky tape recently too. There's a definite trend starting. These are £5.95 each.
These pretend petit fours are so cute. No I know I don't need them. But that doesn't stop me thinking I have to have them in my life right this very second. They're £11.50.
Nonesuch Things might be small, but it's pretty near perfect.
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