Original And The Best

She's one of the original's. Like Cindy, Christy, Naomi and Linda, she's also one of the best. And here's the proof. With a career spanning over 21 years, Claudia epitomizes the healthy, beautiful woman that's often forgotten when it comes to casting models today. Not gaunt, androgynous or stick thin, Claudia is elegant and can transform from strong and confident to innocent and doe eyed, much like Australia's own Gemma Ward could portray. The mark of a great model. Never to be forgotten.

Couture

Karl Lagerfeld outdoes himself yet again. The Chanel collection was spectacular. it was much simpler and less oriental than the previous few season, however he clearly understands the Chanel woman and all her associated needs. That's the thing about Chanel. It's more often than not a need rather than a want. There are complete devotees to the tailoring techniques so famously established by the namesake of this brand. Well done Mr Lagerfeld for taking the formula and creating something new every season.
Ricardo Tisci has on the other hand continued along the same path he first projected last couture season. Deconstructing the bones of x-rays, his Gothic like gowns eerily convince the audience that they the internal structure of the human body in the most intricate and feminine of ways. Photographed from the front and then from the back, it's like you're seeing straight through. Creative, non?

Christian Dior Couture

My mum knows me too well. For Christmas, I was spoiled with a copy of Charlotte Smith's 'Dreaming Of Dior' and ever since I read it cover to cover, that's pretty much all I've been able to do. It's a nice escape from work you see.
Now here's the proof in the pudding. John Galliano excels again with the utmost precision. Visioning his woman and setting the scene, his creations physically come to life.
Deep in history and portraying the ultimate fashion fantasy, Galliano has taken Christian Dior Couture to new heights, setting the standard each season.
There's no denying the beauty in his creations and the shape that they ultimately give to women.
I'm refreshing my memory with Naomi Wolf's 'The Beauty Myth' at the moment and there is such a valid argument behind the capitol made by cosmetic companies, the images they portray to women and the social expectations that develop through these unattainable ideals. At Dior, it's clearly all woman but due to the astronomical cost of couture, only bought by few. Creating an elite caste, it's still fresh in the French fashion society. Some things never change.

Gucci

Gucci, Gucci, Gucci. Say no more.

Couture Snapped

The models, the Parisian setting, the wintry gray. Quintessential Parisian Couture shows are not only about what's happening behind closed doors. The streets provide a multitude of inspiring looks as well, and here are some very special moments caught by Tommy Ton.
I can't get enough of the breezy atmosphere surrounding this look. She's wearing her chapeau noir and looking lovely.
Equally mesmerizing is this one monotone ensemble. There's a simplicity that speaks volumes for her confidence.
With eyebrows many would shy away from, this is the look of the season. Strong brows and a relaxed but strong stance keep this look appropriate for the occasion.
I adore her hair, I adore her jacket. In full stride and clearly straight from a show, this model is all business and moving quickly.
Reminding me of the old Special K ads, these legs are pure femininity at their best. Harking to the 90's, the stiletto and stocking is well and truly back.

Australia Day 2011

I woke today to the most beautiful sunrise. Had I known it was going to reach such dizzying heights of extreme heat, I may have been less enthusiastic about such a magnificent sight.
But to me this sunrise brought about all that Australia Day means. I'm living in the country now, and I couldn't appreciate it more for its stunning backdrop off my back veranda, where the trees are plenty and the jasmine shading the deck.
I can't explain the fact that I made a Mexican specialty on the most Australian of days. Nigella's recipe for churros was calling my name, what can I say? But there's so much more to the relaxing day that comes with. Staying cool at the top of the list today. Nudging 43C in Pokolbin, it was one for the record books.
Happy Australia Day to all and I hope you spent it with a BBQ in sight.

J.Mendel Pre-Fall 2011

There is a sensibility at J.Mendel so true to its core that it's rare to see in successful brands today. Sometimes, the big fashion houses tend to overhaul their aesthetic to give us something memorable, but I have to debate that it's the quiet changes best giving us true strokes of beauty.
With ballerinas at the front of the mind last season, J.Mendel gives us a literal impression of pieces a little more raw for Pre-Fall 2011. Length is spot on for the season, just grazing the ankle perfectly.

Chloe vs Celine

I am all but in awe of the brilliance behind building the fashion brand Chloe, and taking family time off only to return and cast her same magic spell at Celine. Phoebe Philo's influence is still in the handwriting at Chloe with this leather skirt. I have to say, I think it will be the shape and texture of the season, much as it was quietly introduced in Spring Summer.
At Celine, there's such a minimal stroke of genius giving women of this new decade a confidence and subtle style that's classic, proving fashion doesn't always have to be safe, it can be sleek and dangerous at times too without risking an uncomfortable fashion moment.

Pre-Fall 2011

Maybe this is what the fun and colourful Jil Sander woman wears to her law firm daily grind. Maybe she's secretly left behind the simplicity so exquisitely expressed through a plain white tee and hidden it under all this heavy mustard and burgundy tailoring. Maybe there's just no excuse to so unflatteringly chop off the legs. These looks aren't exactly flattering. I couldn't rave enough about the Spring collection by the same designer, but Raf Simons has stepped aside from fashion and given us clothing. Purely functional. Not exactly inspiring. Certainly not fun. Apologies for the harsh critique, but sometimes it's necessary.

Rouge Awakening

For something a little lighter, it's been noted that the last couple of days on the red carpets have provided us with the most challenging of lipstick shades.
Take the stunning hue sported by Jennifer Garner. I have to admit, it's the type of deep rouge that would look more vibrant on a blonde, but I love her inhibitions and wouldn't give her anything but praise for steering clear of black.
Ginnifer Goodwin breaks all the rules and strides ahead in this wonderful citrus pink to take feminine texture into the new decade ahead.
At the other end of the spectrum, plum takes on a whole new dimension on our very fave Blake Lively. It's deep and rich, sumptuous in texture and a thrill to challenge basic black.
Camilla Belle is stripping back every ounce of strength and softly sweeping the floor in her blush ensemble.
Rachel McAdams hits the right note with this beautiful rouge of the most famous shade.
Pucker up ladies.

Make or Break

The positives far outweigh the negatives when it comes to life in the country. Although I've been driving without air-conditioning for the last month (in the delightful inland heat) and noticing that it takes a greater amount of precious time to get new parts in, it's all banished by wonderful people and a great lifestyle.
It's this lifestyle that I'll never take for granted, for I've seen what's become of Queensland. The impossible task of cleaning up the mess is one that everyone is chipping into where they can. There's the strongest sense of Australian fighting spirit and we've rallied like we're so proud to from histories past. Maitland, where I work everyday is prone to floods, the biggest in 1955. 'Courage and Fear' is where the headline voiced the thoughts of a town under water, and it's what I encourage all those up north, and even those in Victoria who are suffering much the same conditions, to heed in times in need.
It's proven that it's still the simplest pleasures in life that make us happy, it's proven that our family and friends come first. Life is fragile, everything else can be replaced. Together as one.

Chocolate Mousse

With only 6 tarts filled and many more mouths to feed, I decided to make lactose friendly chocolate Mousse. It's not the first time we've made it, so it's a tried and tested favourite.
1) Break up 125g dark chocolate (make sure there are no milk solids in the ingredients) and melt in a heat proof bowl over a simmering saucepan of water. Stir it occasionally so it doesn't thicken on the bottom of the bowl.
2) Separate 4 eggs. Beat the egg whites slowly adding 4 teaspoons of caster sugar until it forms white peaks.
3) Once the chocolate has melted, mix the yolks in quickly. Whisk two thirds of the egg whites in. Once combined, gently fold in the rest of the egg whites.
4) Pour into 6 ramekins and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
Delicious, dairy free chocolate mousse. I might be having seconds.

Lemon and Passionfruit Curd

Double hooray. We have all these passionfruits and many a reason to find to use them. After making a couple of batches of passionfruit friands last week, I decided I could make lemon and passionfruit curd for this evenings barbecue. I started out just making the lemon curd, lactose friendly of course.
1) I grated the rind of 1 lemon and juiced 2 lemons, combining them in a small bowl first.
2) Then in a separate heat proof bowl, I whisked 4 eggs and 1 cup of caster sugar. Slowly pour in the lemon juice and rind, whisking the whole time, and place over simmering saucepan of water. Don't let the bottom of the bowl touch the water, and don't let it boil.
3) Then with a wooden spoon, constantly stir the mixture over the simmering heat until it becomes thick and custard like in consistency.
4) Remove from heat and whisk in 125g butter (or nuttelex for a dairy free option). Et voila. Lemon curd.
I then needed to fill two more cases with more curd so I decided to use those passionfruits.
1) Follow step 2 as above, and replace lemon with the filling of 2 passionfruits.
Repeat steps 3 and 4, and it's as simple as that.

Sweet Shortcrust Pastry

Hooray. Happy days in the kitchen. I've made good use of my very special Christmas presents and made little tarts. But before I could do anything, I needed to make some sweet shortcrust pastry. So I took my new Delicious More Please recipe book and followed their instructions with a few alterations in place.
1) Combine 1 2/3 cups plain flour with 2 tablespoons icing sugar and a pinch of salt. I didn't have any vanilla pods in the pantry so I didn't use anything else as a substitute and they've turned out fine.
2) Stagger crumbling in chopped 180g chilled butter and crumble with your hands. It should resemble bread crumbs when you're finished.
3) Add an egg yolk and you're good to go. You'll need to wrap it as a ball in glad wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes here. I forgot to add the tablespoon of chilled water and again, didn't affect the mixture at all.
4) Now for the fun part. Take the chilled mixture and unwrap the cling film. Lay the cling film flat and take another layer of cling film, placing it on top of the mixture.
5) Using a rolling pin, roll out into a large circle between the two layers of cling film.
6) Cut into circles to fit your greased tins. Whether you have one large tin or small tins like mine, take the top layer off and turn out onto the top of your tins whilst peeling back the bottom layer of cling film. It should be very easy!
7) I was able to use my new ceramic baking marbles as well here, and place tins into an oven on 165C for about 30 minutes until slightly golden on the edges.
The mixture made 7 cases, however I accidentally broke one. So six it is. Bon Apetit.