Tribal Shorts

• Tribal Shorts : Lulu's
• Top : H&M
• Wedges : Chloe
• Necklace : Charlotte Russe

Risotto with Clams and Fennel

There are only a few ways to make it through the Arizona summer. One of those involves getting the hell out of Arizona, which I'll be doing in July. Until then, my method of choice is to just stay home and cook something that reminds me of the beach.

Sauté a large shallot, 2 garlic cloves, a small fennel bulb and s+p in butter and olive oil until soft. Add 12 oz of arborio rice and continue to sauté until the edge of the rice is translucent (about 3 minutes). Add a cup of dry white wine and reduce. Gradually add 4 cups of fish stock a little at a time, letting the rice absorb the stock. When the rice is nice and al dente, add fresh clams, peas and zest from a lemon, cover and let steam until the clams are open and cooked. Stir in handfuls of tarragon and fennel fronds, a good squeeze of lemon juice, a tablespoon of creme fraiche and parmesan if desired. Taste for seasoning. Serve drizzled with good olive oil and a chilled glass of wine.

Man Shirt

Sometimes I actually make an effort to look appropriate at work. The hem line decidedly below the knee, the shirt reasonably buttoned.  Although I don't look particularly happy about it.

• Shirt : Stolen from a boy
• Skirt & Clutch : Vintage
• Belt : H&M
• Shoes : Forever21

Shoots and Meals

The two main components of my life, photos shoots and meals. I'm not complaining, quite the opposite in fact. I love mulling over the day's shoot ideas while I'm sipping my morning coffee, and I'm inevitably planning my next meal while I'm styling props or location scouting.

One of the simplest and tastiest breakfasts; broiled tomatoes until they're nice and charred, piled on toast covered with lashings of butter, and topped off with a smidge of HP sauce.

I really can't complain about my job when I'm on locations like this (photo by Michael McNamara)

Sake steamed halibut and summer squash with quinoa and a cucumber and jalapeno salad. Made with veggies from Shauna's garden.

(I steam the fish and squash in a foil packet in the oven with a little sesame oil, a splash of good soy, some sake and ginger. The cucumber and jalapeno is in a rice vinegar and agave dressing with plenty of fresh cilantro).

Wide Leg Trousers

The reaction to these trousers today has been strong and diverse, ranging from "did you steal those from Annie Hall?" to "all the girls here want your pants". I have to give kudos to the female staff at The Arrogant Butcher for that last comment, they clearly know a good pair of pants when they see them.

• Trousers : Rachel Roy
• Tank : Gap
• Cuff : Max & Chloe
• Necklace & Bracelet : Vintage
• Sunglasses : Betsy Johnson

Chicken Tacos

Here's a little something for the weekend.

Cover chicken breast in dry rub of salt, cayenne pepper, cumin seed, coriander seed and a little sugar. Grill until you have a nice char on the outside but it's moist inside, let rest.
In the meantime, heat some vinegar sugar and salt (I add a little thyme and bay leaf) until the sugar has dissolved. Add some sliced red onions, jalapeno and carrots and let sit.
Grill some corn tortillas, top with chicken, pickled salad and drizzle with some lime creme fraiche.

Add to that a little drinky that my sister made and you have a great start to the weekend: muddle lots of mint and cucumber, strain into a shaker, add ice, lime juice and tequila to taste. Shake and serve with cucumber slices and mint to garnish. Feel free to add a splash of french lemonade if you need to make them less 'adult'.

Fringe Vest

I picked up this perfect fringe vest at my pal Misty's beautiful new shop (along with a gorgeous black and gold gown that is waiting patiently for an occasion worthy of it's glamour). Misty has impeccable taste and the store is packed with designer and unusual vintage pieces. On top of that she's decked out the space with whimsical furniture and quirky curiosity pieces, I want to steal it all along with an Oscar de la Renta peasant dress that I'll be saving for forever.

The dinner party went off without a hitch but I didn't manage to get a photo of the trout as promised (the sun had long gone down and there wasn't enough light, hey I'm European, we eat late). But I can tempt you with a little cocktail I made for the night (we drink early), 1 part bourbon (I like Bulleit), 2 parts watermelon juice, a good squeeze of lime and lots of bruised basil to garnish.

Slips and Sleeves

I slung this sheer drape top on over a slip in another attempt at work appropriateness... not really sure what I was hoping to achieve as the whole thing was still pretty see-through. I took solace in the fact that my sleeves caught the wind when I walked and made me feel terribly girly.
It appears to be the weekend again... off to a tranny show tonight then I'm cooking dinner for the girls tomorrow (pics of pancetta wrapped trout to come on Monday).

• Slip : Forever21
• Top : Divas
• Rings : Vintage
• Boots : Topshop

Black Lace Shorts

I feel all kinds of good after the long weekend; dinner and gossip on the patio with the girls, pilates, the best massage of my life for $30, drinks at the Windsor followed by a girly trip to see, well, other girlies who wear less than we do, lying in the sun listening to Gil Scott-Heron (RIP) at the Valley Ho pool party, grilled lamb and braised fennel by the lake, vintage cocktails with my favorite bartenders at Mables, watching the Swansea game with Dad (they won) and a coffee date that turned into dinner that turned into 7 hours later. And on top of all of that I got to have brunch with Hamish Bowles! What a charming fellow. We discussed art, travel, fashion and the health benefits of a good glass of champagne.

• Top & Shorts : Divas
• Shoes & Necklace : Forever21
• Cuff : Vintage