Advanced Style

Sick of being confronted with shades of orange, heavy make-up and hair extensions on 20-somethings? They appear across all fashion media, not least those of the glossy variety. It's not that these women aren't stylish and beautiful, but what about the majority of the population who are not 20-something white females? Do we suddenly become less fashionable and fall into a black hole of style when we hit our forties? Do we forget how to dress? Fear not...Ari Seth Cohen’s blog celebrates the confidence, beauty, and fashion that can only be achieved through the experience of a life lived glamorously.

Cohen's blog and new book, aptly named Advanced Style are a collection of street fashion unlike any seen before; recognising the over 60 who are found perusing the racks of high end stores in some of the most fashionable cities of the world. These timeless images are inspirational and prove that age is nothing but a state of mind. I don't know about you, but I will step out my front door a touch prouder of my early signs of aging (the whole 25 years worth of them)!

Cohen and his Grandmother - his inspiration for the blog.

Check out the pastel nails.

Can you believe she is 82?!

Best Ever Orange and Poppy Seed Muffins

I recently came across the BEST EVER orange and poppy seed muffin recipe, and in keeping with NNG tradition, I must share it! I don't usually like muffins, they tend to be sickly sweet and leave a layer of sugary grit on your teeth. This recipe manages to be fresh and zesty whilst remaining dense.

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 teaspoon orange extract
• 2 2/3 cups plain flour
• 3 tablespoons poppy seeds
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celcius. 
Cream together butter and sugar. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Beat in sour cream, orange juice, zest and extract.
In a separate bowl combine flour, poppy seeds, baking soda and salt. Add dry mixture into wet mixture, and stir until incorporated.
Scoop into muffin tins, lined with paper-liners, until two-thirds full. Bake on the ope shelf for 15-18 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool completely. Spoon over orange syrup while warm.

Orange Syrup

• 2 tablespoons orange juice 
• 1/2 teaspoon of orange extract
• 1/4 cup icing sugar

In a small bowl stir the orange juice into the icing sugar until combined. Spoon over warm muffins.

Makes approximately: 16 muffins

E.N.J.O.Y

Oops

For those of you who read my post about layer cakes last week and are waiting to hear of my dismal attempt, I'm sorry. I did not bake the layer cake.

Instead, I drank a lot of wine and ate a bunch of yummy food.

I offer you this as an apology:

White Magik

One of my favourite labels, Lover have just unvieled their new Bridal Collection 'White Magik'.

For all those brides-to-be who are less inclined to wear something like this...



It's swallowed the groom!

 ...and are looking for something a little less 'formal', this might just be what you have been searching for. If not as your wedding gown, perhaps as a costume change for the reception or as an old fashioned 'leaving outfit'?



Click here for stockists

Layer upon layer upon layer

Last Friday my Bofriend (Boss/Friend) Lesley and I popped into our favourite Bakeshop Sherbet for a morning delight. It's a habit we're trying to break.

On the menu for Lesley was the hard to resist Raspberry and Ricotta Crumble Cake (with cream of course) and for me, the larger than life Red Velvet Layer Cake (which was also accompanied by cream).

Even though it took 5 hours and three separate sittings to finish, that layer cake has been on my mind ever since. Not only was it unbelievably tasty, but it looked nothing short of amazing having been decorated with scattered coffee beans and fresh flowers.

Photo courtesy of the Sherbet facebook page

I have never attempted to bake a layer cake before but considering there's a girls night this weekend, there's no better excuse.

Here's the recipe I will be using. If anyone is game enough to give it a go before I do, I'd love to hear how you go! Otherwise, stay tuned for a few progress shots over the weekend!

Cake

2 1/2 cups plain flour
2 cups sugar
1 Tablespoon cocoa
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups oil
1 cup buttermilk
1 Tablespoon vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla
60 mls red food coloring

• Preheat oven to 180 degrees.
• Grease and flour two 8 inch cake pans.
• Lightly stir eggs in a medium bowl with a wire whisk. Add remaining liquid ingredients and stir together with whisk until blended. Set aside.
• Place all the dry ingredients in your mixing bowl and stir together with another wire whisk.
• Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix on medium-high for about a minute or until completely combined.
• Pour into cake pans and then drop the pans on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles.
• Bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
• After about ten minutes, remove from pans and cool completely on a wire rack. Cover in plastic wrap while the cakes cool.
• Then make the frosting.

Frosting

225 grams cream cheese, room temperature
1 cup butter, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla
6 cups confectioners’ sugar

• Sift sugar and set aside.
• Beat cream cheese and butter on high until creamy. Add vanilla.
• Then, add the sugar in batches. Scrape down the sides in between each addition.
• And frost away.

Good Luck!

The Best Thing Since Sliced Beard

According to the holy grail of peer reviewed, undeniably reliable information; Wikipedia - men with facial hair have been ascribed various attributes such as wisdom, sexual virility, masculinity, and a higher status; although beards may also be perceived to be associated with a lack of general cleanliness and a loss of refinement. I happen to disagree with the latter.

Show me a Nanna who didn't want a bearded man to fetch her kindling in a pair of moleskin slacks, a chesty tee and suspenders - and I'll show you hirsutism (the female beard). Beards were all the rage in the 1920's, which may have had something to do with the lack of 10 pack bics on sale for $2.99, or because they were outrageously masculine. Either way, beards have made a comeback...and I likes me a beard!

Cuppa anyone??

My sweater says 'sensitive', my beard says 'testosterone'

No poor hygiene here..the pits smell just lovely thank you.

I love lamp

Bed time has arrived. You've brushed your teeth, applied your skin care and are ready to snuggle into your neatly made bed. Everything is done and you're feeling satisfied that you'll wake up tomorrow feeling refreshed and ready to start your day.

You don't turn off the light, as your darling partner is still explaining to the puppy why 'Mummy' won't let him sleep inside. You take your uggies off, pull down the corner of the sheets and daintily slip into bed, being careful not to un-tuck the sheets any more than necessary.

Perhaps you reach for your book, perhaps you switch into a seductive yet flattering position, or perhaps you think about the wonderful weekend you've had and drift off into day dream land; either way, you're relaxed.

You're suddenly startled by the sound of what seems to be a stampede of 10 thousand Woolly Mammoths and in a single moment of optimism you think to  yourself "But Woolly Mammoth's are extinct?". Then it dawns upon you... EMBRACE FOR IMPACT!

Before you know it, your once darling partner has used the blanket box at the end of your bed as a launch pad, attempted to flip onto the beautifully made bed, landed on your arm, double bounced himself and landed flat on the floorboards.

You're crippled with pain; he's winded but has somehow managed to make it back onto the bed; the dog's barking from the noise of the impact, but it's okay because you're in bed, you're safe. 

In this moment, there are no need for words, there's no need for movement. You're saved by the hope that your arm will feel better after a good sleep and he's saved by the fact you're in too much pain to yell.

Until you realise the light's still on.

Domayne $159

Corner Store $239

Freedom $99

Etsy $125 USD

Domayne $69.95

Target $29.99

Domayne $399

Tea + Scones + Cucumber Sandwiches

Mothers Day is almost upon us and what better way to spoil your Mumma is there than a High Tea?

Whether you are a DIY kinda gal (we love you!) or you'd prefer to take her out, options are a plenty.

Here are my top 5 high tea venues in Perth:

1. Rochelle Adonis in Northbridge

If you have ever been lucky enough to enter the magic world of Rochelle Adonis, you will know why she is number one on my list. Situated in Northbridge is Rochelle's gorgeous studio, where you'll be seated at a wooden banquet table and handed the most delightfully crafted cakes, nougat, tarts and treats. 

2. Little Stove Cafe in Bicton

One of the only venues in Perth to combine jazz and afternoon tea is The Little Stove. For $45 per person, you will be served a traditional English Afternoon tea while you relax and listen to some classic jazzy beats.

3. Hyatt Regency Perth in Perth City

The Hyatt was the first place I ever went to for High Tea and I feel this is the main reason it's earned a spot in my list. When you're in lovely company and have unlimited bites of deliciousness, why wouldn't you want it on your list?

It's increased in price since my first visit and at $99 per person including drinks) it is at the higher end of the scale, but you won't be disappointed with the atmosphere or the scrumptious food that awaits.

4. The George in Perth City

This year The George will be serving High Tea with a Chocolate Fountain! Need I say more?

5. The Dutchess in Claremont Quarter

Although only very new, Elegant Tea at The Dutchess is in high demand. It is one of the prettiest venues you'll see but what impressed me the most were the Jean Pierre Macaroons that were on the menu. My word.

But if you're a traditional lass and would like to do things yourself, then let the following act as inspiration as you bake your way into Mothers Day. Good Luck!

Images courtesy of Pinterest