A Little Undone

I'll admit it, I bought into the feeding frenzy that was the Royal Wedding. I gathered with my girls bright and early to scoff some of mum's lemon curd and ooh and ahh over the proceedings. I'm not sure if being so far from home invoked this sudden onset of British pride, or perhaps the royally themed photo shoots I was producing at work this past couple of weeks made an impact. Either way I was humming along with the national anthem. Now the pomp and circumstance is over and all that's left is a rather disheveled me, having forgone my usual outfit selection and makeup routine in favor of quiche and cups of tea this morning. So as an antidote to all that formality I'll send you into the weekend with some images that are a little more down to earth.

All images via Fashion Gone Rogue

That 70's Vibe

This outfit is a bit of an ode to the 70's. I definitely tend to teeter on the edge of costume-y when I embrace a decade, so let's just take a minute to approve of my decision not to feather my hair this morning. I have to thank my pal Dana for this dress... she moved house and sold half of her covetable wardrobe over breakfast cocktails and chips and dip. This dress, along with a fringy number that's just dying to make it's debut, came home with me.

• Dress : Vintage
• Clogs : Mme Michelle

Flares

These bells just seem to go with everything right now.

• Flares & Top : H&M
• Necklace, Bag & Belt : Vintage
• Wedges : Zara

Bangers & Mash

Every so often I get a hankering for some food from the homeland. My shepherd's pie and roast dinner's are perfect for a chilly Sunday afternoon but we only get about 3 of those a year, so I'm dedicated to creating lighter versions of the food I grew up with. Submitting to my craving for bangers and mash this week (it was 90 degrees every day) forced me to substitute smashed new potatoes with sauteed leeks for the regular stogy mash, and a red wine reduction for the usually rich gravy. A side of roasted purple and yellow carrots and some perfectly porky sausages from Schreiner's kept it spring-a-licious.

Black Maxi Skirt

I seem to be unable to shake the post weekend haze (which is fair considering the caliber of said weekend), so I'm not going to attempt to dazzle you with witticisms and flashy outfits. Instead a rather simple maxi skirt and perfectly droopy t-shirt.

• Skirt : H&M
• Tshirt : Theory
• Belt : Cost Plus
• Rings & Cuff : Vintage

Lindsey Thornburg

Love everything about this line. Watch the video here. Buy here.

Lace Shorts

In an attempt to avoid being trampled by hipsters, and my general displeasure with seeing man cleavage in neon deep-V's, I've decided to give Coachella a miss this year. I used to adore laying under the palm trees watching a band while the sun went down over the mountains. But now the scene is more a battle of the hipster headbands, squeezing into tents that resemble sweat lodges and a skilled game of celebrity spotting (this is a pretty funny fashion round-up). But that doesn't stop me having my own little festival here in town. Half the bands are stopping here on their way to or from Coachella and the weather is perfect. So tonight is Local Natives and Arcade Fire, tomorrow is Cage the Elephant and Black Keys.... and the list goes on. And I can wear heels to my festival.

• Shirt : French Connection
• Shorts & Hat : H&M
• Boots : Topshop
• Cuff : Vintage
• Necklace : Forever21

Roasted Chicken and Farmers Market Veggies

I love working with fresh local produce, keeping it simple and letting the natural flavor shine through. This is a dead easy weeknight meal but good enough to share with friends.

Roasted chicken pieces in olive oil, lemon juice, tarragon, s+p.

Roasted veggies (new potatoes, carrots, red onion, kale and tomatoes) with garlic, olive oil, oregano sprigs, s+p.

Topped with watercress and olive salad (dressed in a little lemon juice and olive oil) and a herb crème fraiche (basil, tarragon, parsley, chives, lemon zest, s+p).

White Maxi Dress

This vintage little number has served me well all winter under a slouchy sweater (see here). It would have served me well all summer too if I hadn't just rolled my chair over it and torn a big bloody hole in it. That's what I get for wearing it to do mundane things, like sitting at a computer. A dress like this should only be worn for prancing about in fields with fairies and unicorns. I suppose I'll have to put my sewing skills to the test this weekend so I can remove the tape that's currently hiding the misery.

• Dress & Necklace : Vintage
• Belt : H&M

Sunday Supper

I had a couple of friends over for dinner and drinks on the patio last night. I love Sunday's spent in the kitchen, music on, windows open.
I rustled up a messy shrimp dish (there's nothing better than getting stuck into a big bowl of prawns covered in a garlic-y tomato sauce then licking your fingers clean), a big green goddess salad and panna cotta for desert. I decided to go with a more mellifluous appetizer, in the form of a light and floral cocktail (the best way to start a meal in my opinion).

My twist on a gin fizz: 1 1/2 oz. gin, 1 1/2 oz. St. Germain, 3/4 oz. lemon juice, 3/4 oz. egg white, 1/2 oz. club soda. Shake over ice and serve with a sprinkle of cinnamon and lemon zest.

Prawns in yellow tomato confit, garlic and chile recipe here.

Creme fraiche panna cotta with rhubarb compote here and here.