ALEXA CHUNG FOR AG DENIM

I have always admired Alexa Chung for her intelligence, humour and confidence. For a girl who wears many hats- model, DJ, TV presenter, author, and fashion designer, this British babe always manages to remain true to herself. This fact is evident in her new retro inspired Spring 2015 collection designed for L.A. based AG Denim. 

"I just wanted to make clothes that I would be really happy wearing. As well as making my dream skinny jeans, I wanted to make vintage-inspired jeans that felt comfortable like modern-day jeans do, taking old-school silhouettes but making sure that the modern technology that we have today would make them wearable." And big denim no-nos? "Awkward camel toes, holes in the bum or unflattering back pockets and things like that."

Alexa rocks style inspired by sixties icons such as Brigitte Bardot, Francoise Hardy, and admits to seeking the advice of the internet by Googling "Jane Birkin". Despite the french influence, she has proudly represented British style while living abroad.

"Having lived in New York for half of my twenties the only thing that I think it has served to do is make me fonder, or at least more romantic, about British dressing. I made a conscious effort when I got here not to dress like a downtown New Yorker and I made sure I had a lot cable-knit jumpers and schoolgirl skirts in my wardrobe."

For me there is a lot to love about this photo shoot- from the foliage, to the oversaturated colours, the vintage car and bike, and of course the bonafide "it girl" herself- Alexa. 

Found on- whowhatwear.com

A GUIDE TO DISPLAYING WALL ART

This post may make a few of my friends chuckle considering the largely barren walls of my apartment. Although I have taken a minimalist approach to displaying art (simply due to the fact that I don't own any, yet), I have spent enough time analyzing wall art arrangements to understand the different directions one can take. 

Hanging art is often overwhelming due to the copious amount of rules surrounding the "art of hanging art" and the commitment level involved. But for a moment, let's throw out all the rules and understand the only thing one needs is inspiration. The following guide is broken down in a way meant to inspire and allow us to take a less serious and more fun approach, so that we all can all enjoy a little (or a lot of) of art on the daily.  

 

THE GALLERY WALL- 

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FULL GALLERY WALL- stagger art across the entire span of a wall from top to bottom and wall to wall. 

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SMALL GALLERY WALL- a gallery wall also works well with small wall or space between two doors or windows. 

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LEVEL GALLERY- stagger art work at eye height, each level with the other. 

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GRID GALLERY- for a more structured look, hang art work in rows and columns. This approach works well with photography.  

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WRAP GALLERY- stagger art work across the wall and around fixed objects like a door frame, T.V., or a large piece of furniture. 

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CORNER GALLERY- bring life to a lonely corner by hanging art work on either side of the walls that meet the corner in a cluster formation. 

STAIRWAY GALLERY- make use of the stairway by hanging art on the walls that follow the staircase. 

THE LEANING GALLERY- 

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FULL WALL LEANING SHELF GALLERY- install shelves along an entire wall from high to low and play around with the placement of art and other objects. The best part about this approach is having the liberty to change it up from time to time. 

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SINGLE SHELF LEANING GALLERY- a single shelf with a small gallery works well over a bed or alongside a dining room table. 

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FLOOR LEANING GALLERY- for an effortless display, lean art along a wall using the floor like a shelf. 

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LEANING GALLERY ON FURNITURE- make use of surface space and display art on top of your furniture. 

THE FRAMELESS ART- 

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FRAMELESS ART-  frameless art gives off a simple and casual look, allowing you the opportunity to change up the artwork from time to time. Get creative with hanging these pieces using clips, pins or a good tape. 

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FRAMELESS ART CLUSTER - a cluster of pictures, sketchings, clipping or postcards instantly beome art by displaying them together on a wall. The cluster formation lends itself nicely to this type of artwork and works especially well above a kitchen table or a desk. 

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SINGLE FRAMELESS PIECE- a single frameless art piece, big or small, can make for an alluring display. 

ART IN NUMBERS- 

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SINGLE LARGE ART- go for the minimalist approach and only hang a few charming pieces here and there. One large piece of art has a bold impact on any space. 

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SINGLE SMALL ART- don't overthink where or how the art should be hung. Let a small piece of art sit alone and speak for itself. 

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ODD NUMBERS- as a rule of thumb, things in odd numbers are always more interesting. Three pictures could be hung asymmetrically or symmetrically (as shown above). 

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EVEN NUMBERS- hang an even amount of art close together to create the illusion of one display, oppose to multiple individual pieces. You can hang these symmetrically or offset for more interest (as shown above). 

WALNUT VEGAN PARMESAN KALE CHIPS

Kale chips can add flavour, crunch and texture to a simple dish in need of a little something extra. I think they work especially well added to a pasta dish like the Zucchini & Soba Noodle Spinach Basil Pesto. Lately I have been experimenting with different dressings and playing around with spices, herbs, and other flavourings. One of the more versatile and popular recipes of the bunch is the Walnut Vegan Parmesan Kale Chips. This vegan treat gets its cheesy parmesan flavouring from one key ingredient- nutritional yeast. Nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast that is jam-packed full of vitamin B's, protein, low in fat and sodium, free of dairy and sugar and most importantly, naturally tastes cheesy!  If you don't already have this bulk good in your kitchen, pick some up and start tossing it on everything.  

WALNUT VEGAN PARMESAN KALE CHIPS: 

INGREDIENTS: 

• 1/2 cup bunch of kale 
• 1/4 cup walnuts 
• 1 tbsp nutritional yeast 
• 1 tbsp olive oil 
• a couple pinches sea salt 

INSTRUCTIONS: 

1. Using a mortar and pestle, crush the walnuts until they are mostly in fine little pieces. Don't worry about a few larger pieces throughout, as this will actually add fantastic texture to this delicious topper. 

2. De-stem kale, wash and dry. Once the kale is completely dry, toss in olive oil and lightly massage the oil throughout.  

3. In a large bowl, mix walnuts, nutritional yeast, and a few pinches of salt with the kale. 

4. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. While oven is heating, line baking sheet with parchment paper and evenly disperse kale onto baking sheet in a single layer. Ensure to get all the nutritional yeast, sea salt and walnut mixture from the bottom of the bowl after you have dumped the kale out- this is the best part. Put kale in the oven for 10-15 minutes, watching carefully and rotating the pan once. Once crisp, set aside to cool.  

Kale chips store extremely well in a Tupperware so consider making a double batch and have some ready and available to top other dishes throughout with the week.  

Enjoy! 

KATE MOSS UNRETOUCHED FOR VOGUE ITALIA

Kate Moss is as gorgeous and fierce as always in these unretouched photos for Vogue Italia. The iconic supermodel worked with photographer Peter Lindbergh to create a stunning set of black and white photos that give a behind-the-scenes feel and a raw grainy look reminiscent of a shoot they did together in the early 90's. 

What I love about these photos (and every other photo of Kate Moss) is that when you look at them, you think, "Yup, that's Kate Moss just being Kate Moss." And now, at 41, with minimal makeup and an unretouched and unphotoshopped approach, we can really say, "Yup, that's Kate Moss,"  

It's about time this trend has taken off and started a movement. At the end of the day, don't we all just want to see the real thing?

Found on- trendland

SMALL APARTMENT WITH CLEVER USE OF SPACE

I love this small apartment for its clever use of space and simple and pared down approach to decor and living. The white painted floors brighten and open the space up, while the broken in leather chair, antique kitchen table and light fixtures add subtle character. 

Found on- stadstem.se

7 MORNING RITUALS TO ADOPT FOR A BETTER DAY

I will admit that in the past I have been guilty of mornings that lack structure. Not one thing was ever the same as the morning before, and overall they lacked flow and routine. However, recently I have come to appreciate what a good morning ritual celebrates- a clean slate. Each day we get the chance to start over and have an impact on the outcome of the new day. From the minute we get out of bed our actions begin to impact the events to come. So with a few right moves in the morning, each and every day, we have the opportunity to set ourselves up for success and let the day unfold with ease and balance.

1. MAKE THE BEDROOM A NO PHONE ZONE: 

Let yourself have a peaceful rest without interruptions and temptations by placing your phone in another room before sleep. Get an old-school clock or use another device (with less temptations) to set an alarm on. Those initial moments upon waking are possibly the most clear headed you'll be all day- don't spoil this moment with the clutter of emails and social media. After your alarm goes off, give yourself five minutes to lay in bed with your own thoughts. Check in with yourself asking: how did I sleep? how am I feeling? and set an intention for the day. And if that intention doesn't get you out of bed, having your phone in another room should. 

2. WAKE UP EARLIER: 

We aren't talking about hours here. Simply fifteen minutes earlier each day will allow for a more mindful morning with less stress. How you start your day can truly set the stage for the events to come. By allowing yourself the time to sip your tea and collect your thoughts, you will be better mentally prepared to handle whatever happens to come your way that day.
 
3. DRINK A LARGE GLASS OF WATER FIRST THING: 

This is the one I struggle with the most. I live for a hot beverage in the morning, so drinking a glass of water is more often than not interrupted once the kettle boils. Although hot lemon water and herbal teas are hydrating, use the first few vertical minutes of the day to immediately flush your body and awaken the senses with a tall cool glass of water. We lose control over the day the minute we step out of the house and sometimes this means we get behind on our water intake. Set yourself up for success by knocking one of those eight glasses a day off the list first thing in the morning.  

4. LEMON FIRST. COFFEE LATER: 

Stimulate the digestive system and prepare the body for the food to come with a warm lemon water. This is not to replace your love affair with coffee (although with time maybe it will). You can still enjoy that cup of joe, later. Let your insides be gently awakened with a cup of warm lemon water to aid digestion and kick start your metabolism. If you are anything like me, and lemon water becomes a bit of a bore, try my Ginger Lemon & Turmeric Tea- this immune boosting concoction will wake up and warm your entire body inside and out. While using fresh ingredients is always best, you can also grab yourself a good quality tea that includes lemon and/or ginger for similar results when pressed for time.

5. EAT BREAKFAST: 

This won't be the first time you've heard "breakfast is the most important meal of the day". While true, many still choose to opt out of this simple and easy meal. Not only does eating breakfast give you the energy you need to start your busy day, it jumpstarts your metabolism, and helps curb cravings throughout the entire day. So blend a smoothie, have an egg on toast, eat some yogurt with fruit and nuts or at the very least, a power bar and a piece of fruit (caution: take note of the sugar content in your powerbar and purchase wisely). 

6. BREATHE & STRETCH: 

Start the day energizing your body with a few deep breaths and light stretches. Whether it be on your yoga mat, or just in front of your bathroom mirror, take five minutes to stretch out those tight spots and release some of the previous day's tension before starting a new day. Don't make this feel like a work out, just take a few deep breaths in and out, listen to your body and work on the areas that are calling for some attention. It might seem like a bit of an effort at first, but before you know it you'll look forward to this part of your day.  

7. MAKE YOUR OWN RITUAL: 

Allocate at least ten minutes of each morning for something of personal enjoyment. Just the thought of this ritual should motivate you to get up and out of bed. Be religious about this time each and every morning. Take the time to write in a journal, sit down and read your favourite newspaper or blog, tend to your plants, sing and dance, or sit down and play with your kids. Whatever it is, make it your time and own it.

STORIES COLLECTIVE

Stories Collective is an innovative online platform which features fashion editorials that are as much about art and graphic design as they are about fashion. Weekly updates come in the form of themed issues created by photographers, stylist, art directors, film makers, designers and models.

"Inspiration for our bi-monthly issues come from subjects that permeate our daily lives, logical and precise study of form, a critique, a tribute, or simply a succession of beautiful imagery. Simple or complex, mundane or extraordinary, analytic or artistic - all human expressions are explored. We commission creatives all around the world to build visual narratives that fill our issues."

This web magazine has quickly become my new addiction. Each issue weaves stories that have a different aesthetic creating an overall experience akin to visiting exhibits at an art gallery.

Visit- storiescollective.com 

NOTED: MARBLE

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poketo.com

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boglovin.com

mydubio.com 

etsy.com

ny.curbed.com

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stories.com

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silver-blonde.tumblr.com

SPINACH & QUINOA GRAPEFRUIT POMEGRANATE SALAD

I adore the warm cooked dishes prepared for Christmas - it really wouldn't be Christmas without them! However, the rich traditional holiday foods can leave one feeling a little, shall we say, heavy?? So when it comes time to getting back to reality and into a routine again, I always crave an abundance of fruits and vegetables (particularly greens) and find myself making fresher foods rich in vitamins and antioxidants. 

The first meal I made for myself after the holidays was this Spinach & Quinoa Grapefruit Pomegranate Salad. Pomegranates are still in season and I have been looking to incorporate them into other meals besides breakfast. So with a few whole grains, nuts, superfoods and some fruits and vegetables I managed to satisfy everything my body was craving and kickstart a healthy new year.

SPINACH & QUINOA GRAPEFRUIT POMEGRANATE SALAD: a meal or a beautiful side to breakfast, lunch and/or dinner. 

INGREDIENTS: (yields 2 servings) 

• 3 cups spinach 
• 1/2 cup quinoa 
• 1 cup grapefruit 
• 1/2 cup pomegranate 
• 1/2 cup cauliflower 
• 4 tbsp hemp seed 
• 4 tbsp raw walnut 

DIJON VINAIGRETTE DRESSING INGREDIENTS: (yields 1/2 cup. more than needed for recipe) 

• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper 

INSTRUCTIONS: 

1. Rinse quinoa, add 1 cup water to a pot along with rinsed quinoa. Bring quinoa and water to a boil, once it has reached a boil, dcrease temperature to a simmer, cover and cook for 15 min. Remove from heat, fluff and cover again.  
2. While quinoa is cooking whisk oil, vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper together in a bowl and set aside. 
3. Wash spinach and cauliflower, grate cauliflower and set aside.  
4. Cut pomegranate in half and remove the seeds from 1/2 of the fruit. Cut grapefruit into cubes and remove the peel. 
5. In a large bowl or plate directly to plates dividing ingredients, layer spinach, quinoa, grapefruit, pomegranate, cauliflower, hemps seeds walnuts and dress lightly with dressing.  

Enjoy! 

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE TO: MAGAZINES

A few of these magazines were already featured in our Holiday Gift Guide for: The Modern Woman, The Modern Man, and The Host. However, I believe a magazine subscription is one of the best possible gifts one can give and therefore the magazine deserves its own entire Holiday Gift Guide. 

I love the entire experience of having a magazine delivered to me in the mail- from anticipating its arrival and finding it in my mailbox, to slowing life down and enjoying a hot cup of tea while reading the magazine from front to back, and then back to front. Quality magazines live on to make excellent coffee table art for your guests to enjoy, as well. 

Magazines give us the opportunity to put our feet up and indulge in time for ourselves- time to forget about our busy schedules, and time away from our screens. What gift could be better to give than that? 

1. DARLING: 

A magazine from Los Angelos, US, set on redefining femininity, challenging unrealistic ideals women are held to, and providing deeper wisdom and advice to women who long for more in life. A moditvational read for the modern woman. 

Categories: Fashion & Lifestyle

Subscription: Quarterly 

2. GATHER:

A recipe-driven, publication from the UK, dedicated to evoking the spirit of gathering- cooking, eating, laughing, and the rituals that come from being together. Oh, and the photography- delicious!  

Categories: Food & Wine / Culinary Arts 

Subscription: Bi-annual 

3. CEREAL:

A magazine based out of Bristol, UK, about travel and lifestyle, includes thoughtful articles and a minimalist aesthetic appeal. The editors of Cereal believe, "the enjoyment of food and travel are two significant elements of a good life". Written in literary style, with chapters focusing on expositions of food, travel destinations, as well as profiles on products, people and places. An inspirational publication that might just have you booking your next flight across the globe. 

Categories: Food & Wine / Travel 

Subscription: Quarterly 

4. KINFOLK: 

From Portland, Oregon, US, this magazine is likely the most well known and popular of the bunch. Kinfolk offers dreamy, simple, rustic imagery that romances the idea of "slow living". They say, "Every element of Kinfolk- the features, photography, and general aesthetics- are consistent with the way we feel entertaining should be: simple, uncomplicated, and less contrived. Kinfolk is the marriage of our appreciation for art and design and our love for spending time with family and friends." The New York Times calls it "Prairie Porn". 

Categories: Lifestyle & Culture / Popular Culture 

Subscription: Quarterly 

5. THE GENTLEWOMAN:

A magazine from the Netherlands, featuring inspirational women including cover models as diverse as Beyonce, Angela Lansbury, Adele and Inez van Lamsweerde. This magazine combines ambitious journalism with a sartorial perspective on personal style. Offering a fresh perspective and a clever approach to fashion, while exploring the way women actually look, think and dress. 

Categories: Fashion / Couture & Designer 

Subscription: Bi-annual 

6. INVENTORY:

A Canadian, magazine focused on featuring inspiring and talented people in the world of design, craftsmanship and culture, with emphasizes on accomplished journalism and beautiful imagery. A well rounded publication for the design loving and cultured man.  

Categories: Fashion / Urban Fashion 

Subscription: Bi-annual 

7. ACNE PAPER: 

A timeless and distinguished, theme based magazine from Sweden's creative collective and fashion label- Acne. Acne Paper has created its voice, with its ambition to to unite creative minds.  "Because of its seriousness in content and originality of style the magazine is being recognized all over the world as an intelligent and glamorous publication unlike any other."

Categories: Fashion / Urban Fashion 

Subscription: Bi-annual 

8. SO IT GOES:

A  magazine with original voices in the form of chapters: The Actors, The Directors, The Artists, The Collection, The Musicians, The Places and The Writers. This magazine lets you see familiar faces like you've never seen them before. 

Categories: Arts & Current Affairs 

Subscription: Bi-annual 

9. HABITUS: 

An Australian magazine for readers who are passionate about design. A cross-cultural publication that covers the South-East Asian and Australasian region of architecture and design and globally focuses on design products for the home.  

Categories: Architecture & Design / Home & Interior Design 

Subscription: Quarterly