The End ofBritish Summertime issue

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CellardoorSummer 2011

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Contributors

Lucy AdcockJenna AlcalaCecilia AustinLaura BoothHolly Chaves

Yvonne DicksonHarriet EdgarJackie Evans

Jessica FursethTif Fussell

Amber GraysonCait HarringtonBenjamin KwanJemma Lamble

Amy PeckAlice PotterOlivia PurvisTif RussellHolly Trill

Vicky Vaughn

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Jade Cooper - Collins Amy Power

Editors

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Ed’sletter

Jade & Amy xxx

Welcome to the Summer issue of Cellardoor... or the End of Summer issue as it has now become.Sadly, summer seems to have disappeared before our very eyes and despite a very promising and swelteringly hot June; July and August were rather disappointing. Thus, we bring you the “end of summer”, a gentle reminder of all the best things about the season that we love and can look forward to next year! It’s also the last time we’ll be doing a summer issue. cellardoor is going all bi-annual on you, so you’ll now have an autumn/winter and spring/summer issue every year, which will be bigger and better than ever!But now back on to this issue... It’s jam-packed again, with music from James Vincent McMorrow, a festival guide for those of you heading out next year, we take a look at summer love and essential holiday wardrobes to suit your destination.There’s also a look at fashion brand Casper&Pearl and our love affair with the British seaside.So go ahead and read on!

Jade Cooper - Collins Amy Power

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contents06. Summer Lovin’

08. Pin Up Perfect

12. Next Big Thing

14. Wish You Were Here

18. I Fell in Love With The Seaside

20. Make Do, Mend and Be Merry

24. Summer in the City

27. Festival Guide

30. What We’re Listening To...

32. Summer Afternoons

38. Colour Me Beautiful

44. Game, Set and Match

50. The Secret Garden

60. One Woman and Her Pug

66. Summer Menu

70. Home Sweet Home

82. The Storm

84. Daisy

89. Ramblings of a Jane Austen Addict

summer 2011

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Everyone loves falling in love; the nervous butterflies, sleepless nights and permanent smile on your face… and for some reason summer feels like the perfect season to fall in love (or at least lust). The steamy weather, smell of sun tan lotion and ice cream eating all help awaken our senses and contribute to a curious feeling of possibility. Not to mention the lazy afternoons sipping pints of ice-cold lager shandy in pub gardens with friends. But what is it about a summer romance that is so alluring?Firstly, the prospect of a glimmer of sunshine through the dreary rain is enough to lighten anyone’s mood and make you feel like switching off endless repeats of Friends to actually, you know, venture outside. The long, light evenings make you long to make plans and revive your social life. And this renewed enjoyment of life makes you more open to meeting new people, which is always good for your love life. There’s also the undeniable fact that men look cuter in the summer; the denim shor ts, colourful t-shir ts and let’s face it, all guys look more mysterious in sunglasses. All that, plus a hint of a tan, imbues the male of the species with an added attractiveness. And this isn’t just confined to the boys either, most of us girls make a bit more effor t in the summer - more body scrubs, waxes and painted toenails now we don’t have 100 denier black tights to hide behind.

The feeling of freedom that comes with summer has something to do with the memories of school holidays, long endless days to hang out with friends, free from the tyranny of exams, teachers and timetables. And whilst work may not give us those blissful six weeks off, office life often seems a little easier in the summer. And what better way to celebrate the carefree easiness than with a bit of fun with a boy?Summer is conducive to the long dates that seem to go on forever, afternoons lying in the park with a picnic, turning into evening drinks. The hot, slightly sweaty skin of their hands as you stroll down the street, lips that taste like lollies and sunburnt noses all make summer loving a bit more intense than it is in any other season. You can stay outside for hours without the worry of chillblains or having to wrap up warm and this adds a cer tain thrill to a date.These feelings of hedonism, freedom and optimism all make a summer romance seem alive with possibility and excitement. Life has a sepia toned, speeded up, cinematic quality that is irresistible. And summer romances are a wonderful experience that we should all enjoy at one time. But a word of caution: not all summer flings are meant to last. Some are just like the summer; fleeting, intense and dream-like, but not designed to last once the leaves star t to fall.

summerl o v in ’ i thappened s o fa s t Words Amy Peck

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summerl o v in ’ i thappened s o fa s t

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Pin uppe r fe c t

Here at Vivien of Holloway we are well and truly into picnic season, and this means a big hamper full of our favourite treats, a romantic setting, some wonderful company and a beautiful Vivien of Holloway dress!There are a few dresses that we want to show you that are picnic perfect. And to really coincide with Mad Men’s huge influence on fashion at the moment, all Vivien’s clothing are authentic reproductions of 1940s and 50s fashions. Our beautiful blue number, the ‘Rose Garden Blue Sarong Dress’, channels Betty Draper’s holiday style! All Vivien of Holloway dresses are boned and shaped to give you a perfect pin-up silhouette. The sarong style has 1940s touches such as it’s wrap around style skirt and it’s sophisticated mid-calf length. It’s a shape fit for the screen sirens of the golden age of Hollywood, and it’s available now at Vivien of Holloway in a variety of summery fabrics, such as this one.

If a more 50s shape is your thing, have a look at Vivien of Holloway’s best-selling Halterneck Circle Dress, available in a vast array of beautiful fabrics from shiny satins, to English florals and jaunty polka dots! It’s been a best seller ever since the brand was established, over 10 years ago, thanks to it’s flattering shape. If you love the full skirted frothiness that our picnicking girls are sporting, then pop a petticoat or 2 under your dress to give you that classic 1950s silhouetteAnd if you’re not a dress girl, don’t fret, because Vivien of Holloway also stock fabulous separates such as high waisted capri pants, ‘40s-style swing trousers and figure-hugging pencil skirts, ready to be paired with our ‘50s blouses or halterneck tops.When you’re buying online, make sure you’ve got a tape measure handy to ensure you get the correct ‘vintage size’! Happy Summer girls!

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Pin uppe r fe c t

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Photographer Tony Rusecki Hairdresser Verity@TheVanityBox.co.uk Illustrations Nina Hutton

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A little while ago, a gorgeous little fashion label was brough to our attention... meet casper&pearl!Started by nineteen year-old Stacey Hendrickson just a few months ago, the label has already started making a name for itself.Stacey originally started out by making simple alterations on vintage pieces and creating her own accessories, which she then sold at the biggest fashion market in South Australia - Gilles Street Markets.After being a huge success there, Stacey than began creating her own designs and selling them via Facebook.Eazh piece is handmade by Stacey herself, from vintage or vintage-inspired fabrics, and as she only makes a limited number of each, they’re truly special.Stacey decribes the label for adventurous free-spirits who love to climb trees, go running through fields and fall in love.“I am inspired by the innocence of children and the spring time,” Stacey tell us. The unusual name of the label, ‘casper&pearl’ came from her own childhood, her best friend’s name was Pearl and her nickname was Casper.She’s come a long way in a short time, having appeared on international fashion blogs, such as Inspirafashion and Teen Vogue - and now Cellardoor of course! We can’t wait to see what great things she does next.

The Nex t B i g Th ing . . .Words by Amy Power

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The Nex t B i g Th ing . . .

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Knowing what to pack for your holiday is always so tricky. You want to look amazing every day, but you only have a limited amount of space. Follor our packing advice to make sure you have the right items...

Words Jemma LambleIllustrations Amber Grayson

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Enhance your tan with a light coloured bikini, like this flattering bandeau

style. Top, £15.00

Bottoms, £10.00 both

Always have a selection of casual tops with you when in a hot location, they are the easiest to accessorize,

making the simplest item look chic. My personal favourite is the vest, as it can be worn with near

enough everything - shorts, skirts or even over a bikini top to cover up a little - you literally cannot go wrong. Crop vests are taking the sartorial world by storm, making

Stilettos, even on a clubbing holiday, are a no go, but that doesn’t

necessarily mean you have to lose that little bit of extra height. Wedges

are the perfect option and this espadrille style is on our wishlist.

£35.00, Dorothy Perkins

Denim shorts are so versatile and perfect to throw on after a hard day’s sunbathing. Show

off your legs in hot pants or go for the slightly baggier, longer

boyfriend style. £15 , H&M

With Ibiza being the clubbing hotspot, you’ll need a dress that will take you from day to night - and this bodycon number works perfectly. We’ll see you at the bar.

£29.00, Topshop

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In hot weather a bikini is essential. A halter neck style is flattering and

the strap can be undone which will prevent those horrid tan lines, and a tan is almost certain on this

beautiful island.So whether you decide to take a dip in the warm waters or relax

on the soft yellow beaches by the coves, you need one.

£89.99, Seafolly at Surfdome.com

Flip flops can only mean one thing - summer has arrived, and you certainly can’t go wrong with your trusty plain

pair. We like a simple black style like the ones, along with a flash of bright colour.

£8.00 - Accessorize

Denim shorts are one of our summer staples, but don’t

be afraid to experiment with bold colours. Pair this yellow pair with a sunkissed tan, and

you’re all set. £26.00, Topshop

The humble beach bag is probably the most underrated item on the list. This one is the perfect size to fit all our beach essentials -

including a towel, sun cream and water - and it’s super stylish so can carry shopping too. Not to

mention the fact it’s waterproof - especially for when you are near

the sea. £2.99 - H&M

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Who said hats were just for bad hair days? This wide brim straw

hat will add an extra level of style to your summer outfit, but will also protect your face from the harsh

rays of the summer sun. £20.00, ASOS

A sun dress is versatile for both day and night. Choose a lightweight fabric, which is perfect for catching

the breeze. Accessorize with statement jewellery and when the temperatures drop, just pair with a cardigan or blazer for romantic

evening dining. This 1970’s vintage number is trimmed with pretty lace, and a romantic floral print, definitely

one to enhance this beautiful city. £39.00, lovemissdaisy.com

With a low enough heel and made with real leather, these sandals are a perfect choice for shopping and sightseeing - just the right balance of comfort and

style. Not to mention a chance to show off your freshly pedicured nails. £129.00 - Swedish Hasbeens at

Urban Outfitters

Probably one of the most obvious summer staples, sunglasses are not just

for those days where you’ve had too many cocktails the night before, they

are important for protecting eyes from the sun. We’ve chosen these ones, as

the large frames fit in with the seventies trend this season.

£6.99, H&M

Whether you’re having a romantic picnic by Florence’s famous Vecchio Bridge or a stroll across the Boboli gardens, the basket bag is essential for carrying all your daily necessities. We love the lace trim and pom pom details of this one.

£30.00, Accessorize

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I fell in love with

the seasideWords By Lucy Adcock

Photography Rhiannon Adam

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If baggage restrictions, endless queuing, expensive flights and hidden charges is everything you love about a summer holiday, then a vacation overseas may be just the ticket. However, the rise in the amount of people choosing a ‘staycation’ and soaking up what the beautiful British Isles has to offer means holidays at home has never been more fashionable. Not only is there a world of undiscovered loveliness in Britain, but it could just make your bank balance a little happier too. Take as much clutter and as many pairs of unnecessary shoes as you like, load up the car, pack a picnic basket and get ready to discover some real gems right on your doorstep. The obvious choice, and perhaps the most popular destination, for ‘staycationers’ would have to be the south coast. Devon, Cornwall and Newquay are attracting increasing numbers of tourists every year and it’s no surprise as to why. Secluded beaches, clear blue sea and breathtaking views are descriptions we would normally associate with all things foreign, yet it’s all here in Britain. One such place embodying all these things is Kingsbridge in South Devon. Centred around the Kingsbridge estuary is the town of Salcombe, a small but beautifully formed place filled with quaint tea and sweet shops, delicious pub food and more Cornish pasties than you can shake a stick at... oh, and we must not forget it is the bir th place of Jack Wills, naturally. The town in essence offers holidayers who are looking for a cute break away everything they could possibly hope for. The beaches are immaculately clean and

friendly. As a child I would visit Salcombe and even when it was wet and windy, my family and I would still brave the beach, hauling up our windbreak against gale force winds while dog walkers looked at us with what we chose to believe was admiration. But we did it because we loved it... the place, the people and the atmosphere. Terribly British of course, but would we have it any other way? You could always take a surfing lesson if you’re feeling adventurous or watch the talented kite surfers who seem to flock to Bigbury-on-sea. Those not willing to brave the beach in the inevitably rainy British summer, can marvel at the oh-so-sophisticated British cuisine. And we have to admit it, who doesn’t love a 99 every now and then?! Even if’s not, in fact, 99p anymore and the cone tastes distinctly like cardboard, we love it because it’s OUR cardboard flavoured ice cream and we are determined to be proud of it! There is plenty to do away from the beach and further north as well. Riding holidays in Wales, whisky tasting on Islay in Scotland or try to catch a glimpse of the dolphins in Moray Fir th. Whatever you decide, fun is sure to be had. Not only is holidaying in Britain a fantastic idea for you and your bank balance, it also aids your local community and business; and most importantly, it will leave you with many happy memories and a craving to discover more. So wherever you are, in whatever pocket of the country, get down to the fish and chip shop, fend off the pigeons and admit it...you’re having a great time.

I fell in love with

the seaside

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It started with a surge in knitting and an overdose of cupcakes, but as crocheting and macaroons take the centre stage, the crafts revival looks here to stay. Blame it on our love of all things retro or the age of austerity, even potato stamping seems to be coming back as we’re embracing all things handmade. We’re making memory quilts, cross-stitched brooches and metres of bunting as homemade lemonade is served in jam jars and we swap recipes for red velvet cake. At the Create Place in London’s Bethnal Green, visitors are welcome to come and work on their crafts over a cup of tea in friendly surroundings. But the most popular events at the little house on the Old Ford Road are definitely the workshops, says business development officer Jill Robertson. The Create Place puts on regular themed evenings where people can come and learn new skills, such as

knitting, book-binding, jewellery making and basic sewing.“Beginner-level sewing is definitely our most popular workshop,” says Jill, who has invited me over for a crafting evening to celebrate the opening of a new sewing room. As we’re talking, curious faces pop in through the door, wondering what’s going on: “Are you having a crafting evening here? Oooh, can we join?”As part of charity St Margaret’s House, the Create Place is a self-sustaining, not-for-profit project run mostly by volunteers. Fees from the workshops are used to teach crafts in the local community. “We want to start a programme where we encourage unemployed women to start on a path of creative discovery,” says Jill. “So by giving them skills such as sewing or garment-cutting, as well as basic business skills, we are hoping we may encourage them to get work as seamstresses, or even start their own businesses.”

Words Jessica FursethIllustrations Holly Trill

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The Create Place recently completed a six-week course with young mums from a local Sure Star t centre, where they taught fundamental sewing skills. “Some of the women made embellished baby-gros, while others made cushions or tote bags. Our main goal is to inspire,” says Jill. While we’ve been talking, visitors have filled up the cosy little crafting room. With tea and biscuits to hand, tonight’s projects are chosen: making a card, a funny embroidery patch, some knitting or a patchwork brooch. There to help us is crafts exper t Sarah Butler, aka Violet Iris - many of the workshop volunteers are local ar tists whose goods adorn the workroom shelves. I opt for some cross-stitching, inspired by the Violet Iris collection of neatly embroidered swearwords. In a moment of boldness I decide to deviate from the suggested patterns, hoping my long-neglected cross-stitching skills will come back to me once I get star ted. While I was taught cross-stitch in school in the

late 1980s, it seems the skill had been deemed outdated by the time my table companions studied home economics. I’m about to confess to also remembering the arrival of the video player, but decide my old lady credentials are strong enough already. As I get tucked into my project, memories of my school projects come flooding back. Cross-stitching was one of the few crafts I enjoyed in school – we were supposed to knit as well, but apparently I threw such a strop about it, the teacher eventually gave in and let me stick to needlework. My mother, who made most of her own clothes back then, was horrified. I’ve since stepped up to the legacy of my crafty foremothers by learning how to knit, but the story has become a family legend and no amount of woolly socks can redeem me.The Create Place also educates in the ar t of fashion “upcycling”, or the reworking of tired old garments to become shiny and new again. The newest work room will come equipped with sewing

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machines, where guests can come for inspiration and help to alter clothes. The Create Place, with the suppor t of the charity’s adjacent café and shop, has come a long way since its launch less than a year ago, but Jill assures me the plan is to keep growing. This includes expanding into the fine ar ts, star ting with a watercolour workshop, as well strengthening ties with local organisations and arranging pop-up shops; “We want to be a hub for the community, and to get everyone involved.”The workshop is drawing to a close, and the chatter quietens as we all hunch down to try and finish our pieces. I just about manage to finish the last letter, surprised that it took a full two hours to embroider the words “little monster”. I guess I’m out of practice, but my freehanded letters look nice and even so, I’m happy. Later I show it to my boyfriend, who bursts out laughing at seeing his latest jokey pet name for me in carefully stitched lettering. It’s going on the wall now, I tell him, I spent ages on that! Maybe that’s where the crafting bug comes from – we make something with our hands, and afterwards we feel ever so pleased with ourselves. I know I do.

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GETIT LOUD IN THE LIBRARY SUMMER

IN THE CITY

Words By Lucy AdcockIllustration by Rory Jay Willis

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SUMMER IN THE CITY

From pop-up boutiques and fine dining in London, afternoon tea and tourist traps in York to a laugh a minute at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the UK’s cities offer a stack of sizzling summer activities to help you while away the the longer summer days we had our fingers crossed for, but just because they never arrived, who says you have to give up summer fun?Starting in the capital, temporary venues popped up all over the city. You could find everything from quirky restaurants to quaint little boutiques. For an elegant lunch or drinks with friends, you can still head to the ultra-fabulous Soho Sky Terrace, located above the hustle and bustle of London town. Whether you want to sip cocktails or nibble on the BBQ snacks, this secluded retreat is an ideal mid-shopping trip break to recharge... trust us, your feet will thank you.If you are feeling brave and ready to embrace the great outdoors then why not swim alfresco? It’s not as crazy as it sounds as London has a few places to do just that and it’s far more popular

than you might think. Take a dip in Hampstead Heath ponds for an exhilarating swim, or go to the Lido swimming pool in Hyde Park’s Serpentine where you can enjoy 110 yards of open water swimming, sunbathe on the loungers in comfort and there’s even a children’s pool too.But if that idea is enough to make you want to run away and hide then we hope you checked out the Notting Hill Carnival, the ultimate summer event in London. Over one million revellers join edtogether to chant with steel drums down the streets wearing fantastically vibrant costumes.Carrying on the festival theme and heading fur ther North was the Edinburgh Fringe Festival - the best summer event for lovers of music, theatre and comedy and it never fails to disappoint. Edinburgh’s Royal Mile is the epicentre for festival goers; watch the street entertainers and marvel at the array of fancy-dress costumes.Meeting in the middle in Manchester, there is no shortage of entertainment either. Screenfields, Manchester’s much loved outdoor cinema was back for the summer offering film screenings every Thursday.Whatever your taste or idea of a perfect summer’s day, never underestimate our UK cities’ potential to offer you a bit of everything to suit your needs.

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for your daily cellardoor fixvisit our blogblog.cellardoormagazine.co.uk

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Words Vicky VaughnIllustrations Alice Potter

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Admittedly, festivals aren’t for everyone. They’re either scorching or mud-caked, always crowded, when watching (or at least trying to watch) the band you’ve been waiting a lifetime to see, you’ll undoubtedly end up behind someone who’s ten foot tall, next to someone who can’t control their dance moves (hair flicking and stamping on everyone’s feet is, of course, mandatory) or in front of someone who uses you as an arm-rest/elbow cushion/beer holder/toilet. In addition to this, you’re trying to avoid the flying missiles of empty cups, bottles and the occasional disoriented person; yes, I’ve been there and I know that somehow it’s all worth it. The Great British festival (aka The Annual Downpour) will always be an escape from the mundane hum-drum of everyday life for one intoxicatingly blissful weekend. Festivals (whether monumental or back-garden sized) have become an ingrained part of British culture. Over the past twenty-five years, the average festival has been transformed into a typical middle-class holiday in that it’s overly expensive, relatively safe, organised, and far from unruly. Nowadays it’s less about peace, free love, LSD and Hendrix, and it’s become much more of a stylish ‘getaway’, in which the masses pack up their finest festival attire and trusty tents, ditch the city and head straight out into the countryside for days filled with tunes and nights under the stars. Whether you’re counting down the days to your first festival, or remembering the festivals of yesteryear, the essentials to surviving any music weekender are exactly the same.

Remember, when it comes to the infamous British weather, ‘summertime’ doesn’t guarantee sunshine – it’s usually anything but - so wellies are a godsend, even if their very presence on your feet will guarantee that you’ll need a bottle of suncream. Dressing for a festival has been proven to be a fine art. The cold reality is that whatever clothes you cram into your already full backpack will end up mud-stained and covered in what can only be described as primordial sludge. Wellies (of course), trusty Converse, a Barbour jacket and anything in denim will be fail-safe. Hats are ideal for masking beer-soaked, intermittently showered tresses and sunglasses will mean that if you’re blessed with clear skies, you’ll actually be able to see your favourite band on stage. Personally, I’d think twice about packing sandals and tea dresses, – they’re no comfort if (read: when) you’re threatened with showers, a storming crowd of 50,000 people or when the sun begins to set – and playsuits and jumpsuits are a huge no-no (one word - portaloos). The day before leaving you may feel the overwhelming urge to pack everything ‘just in case’. Don’t. Take as little as possible (apart from stocking up on lifesavers such as bin bags, toilet roll and anti-bacterial wet wipes) and leave all valuables behind. It goes without saying that things will go missing from theft, your own carelessness or even of their own accord, so take nothing that you really couldn’t afford to lose (in other words, expect to lose everything and you’ll be just peachy). However, if you do have to take valuables, they should be well hidden, kept separately and - although I’m usually

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one for obsessive tidiness - leaving your tent in a disordered chaos will hinder thieves. When it comes to the big day, ensure you arrive early to scope out superior camping sites (shaded areas if preferred, near specific landmarks and with the best proximity to bathrooms and stages) and claim a little more land than late arrivers who will be forced to squeeze in wherever there’s room left (most likely 6ft from the toilets). Once you’ve settled into your home away from home, get to know your neighbours: share a beer (it’s worth taking a good supply of your own), offer your biscuits around (yes, it is possible to live an entire weekend of Party Rings and Jammie Dodgers - it beats paying £24.70 for a burger) and have a good laugh and, chances are, if things take a turn for the worse as they sometimes do, they’ll look out for you and be there to offer a much-needed hand in times of need.While some may think festivals are nothing more than expensive beer, bad drugs, the occasional vomiting adolescent and overflowing portaloos (granted, these are far from scarce), it’s so much more than that. They’re much-needed moments of release; experiencing new music, re-discovering the music you thought you’d forgotten, meeting new people and re-acquainting yourself with established kindred spirits. And I don’t think us Brits could do it better. After all, it suits the British spirit; braving the elements (we’ve gotten pretty good at it by now), celebrating nothing more than exceptional live music, while in a state of rose-tinted inebriation. Rain or shine, the festival sentiment ‘love conquers all’ will live on. We’ll see you in the fields next year.

EXTRA SURVIVAL TIPS

s Check all camping equipment before you leave: is there a hole in your tent/sleeping bag, do you have enough tent pegs, have you got the groundsheet/correct number of poles?

s Take extra pairs of socks/underwear to change into if necessary.

s Try not to plan too much. Take time to wander around and stumble across bands you’ve never heard of – go with the festival flow.

s Drink plenty of water to stay well hydrated.

s Be considerate of others around you, respect the environment and respect yourself: clear up after yourself, remember people need to sleep even if you don’t, offer a hand if someone’s in distress, always tell people where you’re going if you don’t stick together.

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Our favourite track:

WOLVES

What we’re listening to...

Despite only making his UK television debut on Later... with Jools Holland just over a month ago, we’ve fallen massively in love with Mr McMorrow.The soft, folky gorgeousness of his music mixed together with urgent lyrics and a silky voice has won him many fans already. And it seems that everyone is starting to agree with us because as well as touring America supporting Civil Wars, James has also managed to fit in three sold-out London shows and a spot at Glastonbury. McMorrow cites Donny Hathaway’s ‘I Love You More Than You Will Ever Know’ as the song that convinced him to start singing and, boy, are we grateful that he did.Taking further inspiration from sources as varied as Tracy Chapman, Bon Iver, The National and erm... Timbaland, the Dublin born singer-songwriter took

himself off to a remote cottage by the Irish Sea to self-record his debut album ‘Early in the Morning’ in 5 months. Spanning a range of emotions with tracks such as the heart-wrenching ‘If I Had a Boat’ to the sure-fire summer hit ‘Sparrow & The Wolf’, the album was released in Ireland early last year and worldwide in 2011. If you’re impressed by the idea of him singing, song-writing AND self-recording, you’ll be interested to know that the super-talented James also played all of the instruments used on the album.With a busy festival tour schedule and his second single - the catchy and feel-good ‘Sparrow & The Wolf’ - being released on 17th July, you’ll be sure to see and hear much more of James Vincent McMorrow in the near future. But don’t blame us if you fall in love too. And don’t say we didn’t warn you.

James Vincent McMorrowWords By Yvonne Dickson

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Big Deal Words By Olivia Purvis

Sending us straight back to school with their organic raw songs, and singing of ‘Homework’ and ‘Lunch Money’, it’s no wonder a certain sense of childhood and teen nostalgia is brought about when listening to Big Deal. Made up of the soft, mellow vocals of a British born girl, an American boy and two guitars, loved-up duo Alice Costelloe and Kacey Underwood prove there’s certainly something special about their sound. Their songs seem to ignite a sense of chemistry and with the faultless melodies and soft words, you can’t help but get the feeling you could perhaps be interrupting an intimate bedroom rehearsal session. Something about their clashing boy-girl

harmonies is reminiscent to those of Slow Club. However, with tracks such as their debut single ‘Talk’ and it’s B-side ‘Locked Up’, Big Deal prove their songs are far more than whimsical acoustics with the somewhat rebellious lyrics ‘it’s okay I’m just a kid, it’s okay I’ll get over it’, next to the fuzzy angst-fuelled guitar. Despite only having 5 songs on their MySpace, Big Deal have played numerous London shows and are top contenders in many of the musical hot lists for 2011, and having had summer gigs and festival slots at Reading & Leeds, End of The Road Festival, Underground Festival and The Edge Festival in Edinburgh, it’s got to be said, that Big Deal really are (you guessed it) a big deal.

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summer afternoons

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summer afternoons

Photography Jenna AlcalaHair/Make-up and Styling Michelle Tan

Model Jennifer Humphrey @ FORD modelsRetouching Adapt digital

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colour me beautiful

Stylist and art direction Holly ChavesPhotography Claire PepperHair David WadlowMake up Camilla HewittModel Fifi Newbery @ Models 1

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COAT RokitSHORTS We Are Handsome

RING Lucy HutchingsGLASSES General Eyewear

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SWIMSUIT TavikTROUSERS Stolen Girlfriends ClubSHOES Jimmy Choo

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SUNGLASSES We are Handsome

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SWIMSUIT We Are HandsomeSHORTS Stolen Girlfriends ClubRING Nazia Mughal @ Wolf and BadgerNECKLACE Erickson BeamonSUNGLASSES General Eyewear

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DRESS LNABELT Stylists Own

SHOES Jimmy ChooNECKLACE Erickson Beamon

RING Lucy Hutching

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GAME

SET

AND

MATCHPhotography Benjamin Kwan Photography Assistant Samm

Styling Alleeneda ThammavongHair/Makeup Livia Metcalf

Model Chloe @ Charles Stuart International Models

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GAME

SET

AND

MATCH

JUMPER Dace JEANS Vero Moda

SHOES MaraisUSA @ The HachNECKLACE and BRACELETS

both from LushuzRING Model’s Own TENNIS RACKET

Stylist’s own

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HAT DeluxDRESS Vera ModaBELT and BRACELET Lushuz

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SHIRT Tower TROUSERS The Hach SHOES Nelle Spazio @ The Hach RING Model’s Own TENNIS RACKET Stylist’s Own

FLORAL GARLAND Aivil TOP Joe Fresh SHORTS Vero Moda SHOES MaraisUSA @ The Hach RING Model’s Own BRACELETS Lushuz

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JUMPER Dace JEANS Vero Moda

SHOES MaraisUSA @ The HachNECKLACE and BRACELETS

both from LushuzRING Model’s Own

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Photography Cecilia AustinHair, MakeUp and Styling Michelle Tan

Model Morgan Olson

eTHega n

es c retrd

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TOP Free PeopleTROUSERS Nasty Gal

SHOES BebeNECKLACE H&M

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VEST and LACE TOP both Free PeopleSHORTS H&MSHOES Stylist’s own

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TOP Nasty Gal LACE SHORTS Forever21 SHORTS (just seen) American Apparel

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TUBE TOP UBLACE CAPE Winter Kate

JEANS Silence and NoiseBELT Vintage

SHOES INC

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DRESS 6 Shore Road SUNGLASSES H&M

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TOP H&M TURBAN UB

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DRESS H&M SKIRT Reformed by the reformation

BELT Stylist’s own

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ONEWOMAN AND HER PUG

We love the quirky scribblings of Gemma Correll so just had to ask her a few of our burning questions ...

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When did you realise you wanted to be an Illustrator? As soon as I realised that it was an actual job, which you could get paid for. I was probably about six.

Where do you get your inspiration from? From anywhere and everywhere. Overheard conversations, spying on the dogs in the dog grooming parlour next to my house, magazines, books, music, films, food... I spend a lot of time drawing in my sketchbook, so most of my ideas start there.

How would you describe your personal style? I like things with character and history. In terms of decoration and home, I love anything vintage (from the ‘50s or ‘60s), a little bit faded and battered and anything plastic and kitsch-y. Fashion-wise, I keep it pretty simple.

What’s an average day like for you? I spend my morning doing admin-type stuff, like answering emails, and drinking coffee. In the afternoon, I start ‘proper’ work (ie. drawing) with breaks for food, green tea or coffee and cake

and walking Mr Pickles. If it’s a good day, or if I have a deadline, I’ll work until midnight (or later). I don’t have a set routine as such, but I do try to schedule in some breaks and time to just doodle idly in my sketchbook.

Do you have a particular favourite piece of work? I’m not really a fan of my own work, but if I had to pick one thing, it would be the ‘Unusual Child’ series. The character is based on myself as a child (and myself as an adult, too, really).

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not drawing? Reading books and magazines, drinking coffee, hanging out with my pug, Mr Pickles, and shopping at the Asian supermarket for new foods to try. Oh, and watching trashy American television shows.

Is there anyone you would you love to work with? There are lots of people I’d love to collaborate with, not just in the illustration world... Maybe Flight of the Conchords - they’d be fun to work with, I reckon. Or Michel Gondry.

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Tell us something interesting about yourself that not many people know. I am extremely scared of The Cat in the Hat.

What would be your dream project? I’d really like to illustrate a children’s book.

What can we expect to see from you in the future? More comics and narrative work. Maybe even a graphic novel if I can find the time. I’m currently working on a journal/book based on my “What I Wore Today” project, as well as some jewellery designs and ceramics for an upcoming exhibition at Tatty Devine in London.

Do you have any advice for our readers? If you want to work in illustration, be prepared to work hard. Find inspiration wherever you can - don’t restrict yourself to looking at blogs and other people’s work online. Look at books and magazines, go outside, visit exhibitions. It’s not the easiest job in the world, but at times, it feels like the best one.

And lastly, as this is the End of summer issue, what’s your favourite thing about the season? I love everything about summer. My favourite thing is just being able to sit outside, in the sun, with an ice cream and a magazine (and of course, Mr Pickles keeping me company)... my idea of heaven.

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Cellardoor’s

Summer

MenuBy Cait Harrington

Summer is over, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up all of your favourite summer food just yet. Check out these

delicious recipes to make you feel like it’s the beginning of June all over again...

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Iced Tea l 2L boiling water

l 4 tea bags

l 75 caster sugar

Bring water to boil in a large

pot and steep teabags until the

water turns dark brown.

Dissolve sugar in the hot water

and leave to cool, once cool

refrigerate.

Serve with ice and lemon.

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Blueberry Bakewells

l 100g unsalted butter, cubed and chilled

l 200g plain flour

l 75g sugarl 1/4 tsp f ine sea salt

l 2-3 tbsp ice cold, full-fat milk

l 1 teaspoon almond essence (optional)

l A little butter for greasing

Fillingl 125g sugarl 125g ground almonds

l 125g unsalted butter, room temperature

l 2 eggsl 3/4 tbsp blueberry jam

l 1 cup of blueberries

l 1/4 vanilla pod or teaspoon vanilla extract

l 25g sliced almonds (optional)

l 6x 10cm tarlet tins

Mix together the flour, sugar and salt. Then

using your fingers and thumbs, mix the

cubed butter into the dry ingredients until

it resembles bread crumbs. Add the almond

essence to the milk and mix a tablespoon

at a time until the mixture comes together

when squeezed but is still crumbly.

The trick for a light crumbly pastry is to

work it as little as possible. Don’t worry if

it looks as if it will fall apart–just wrap it

tightly in cling wrap and leave to chill in the

refrigerator for an hour, or until f irm.

While the dough is chilling, melt a little

butter to grease the tins and set the oven

to pre-heat. Now roll out the pastry between

a sheet of plastic cling wrap and a sheet of

wax paper (this gives you one f lexible side

and one stiff). Line each tin and prick the

bases with a fork.Spread an even layer of jam into each

pastry case. You can also sprinkle some

berries over the jam for an even moister

fruity filling.Mix together the ground almonds and

sugar, then cream in the butter until fluffy.

Mix the vanilla seeds or extract into the

eggs and fold a little at a time into the

mixture. Pour equal amounts the frangipane into

the pastry cases and sprinkle with sliced

almonds or a few blueberries.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, checking

periodically for the last 5 minutes, as these

brown quickly.

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Salsa & Tortilla Chipsl 4 skinned, de-seeded tomatoesl 1 red onion

l 1 red chilli, de-seededl Juice of 1/2 lime + zestl 1 tablespoon white wine vinegarl 4 cloves of garlic, f inely gratedl 1 large handful of basill Pinch of salt Start by scoring the tomatoes and blanching them in hot water until the skins start to become soft. Move straight to freezing cold water to stop them cooking any further, skin and

de-seed them. Chop finely and add to a large mixing bowl.Dice the onion as small as you can and add this to the tomatoes. There should be about a 50/50 mix of both ingredients. Mix in the garlic, lime, zest and half the white wine vinegar. Add half of the chilli, this can be adjusted later, you can always add more but you can’t take it away.Add the finely chopped basil, the rest of the white wine vinegar and lime juice and leave to infuse for 20 minutes.After it has infused for a while, check the seasoning, adding salt, chilli and lime as needed.Serve with your favourite chips.

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Homesweet homeMy name is Tif Fussell and I am a Brit living abroad in a Mossy Shed just outside of Seattle, USA. I share my world with my four teenage children, my man and various other creatures. I am happiest spending quality time with Miss Ethel, my trusty sewing machine or browsing the shelves at my local thrift store.I am a crafter who incorporates my love of vintage and retro linens into my wares and our home. Most things inside the Shed have either been made by me or come from a secondhand source, however just like most homes around the globe; we do have a few things from IKEA. Many of our things I have ‘tampered’ with in some way - I have a need to cover things in fabric, wallpaper or paint. I run a crafty enterprise called ‘dottie angel’, named after my alter ego and after several days spent beavering with Miss Ethel I can be found putting my wares in my little shop window on Etsy. http://www.etsy.com/shop/dottieangelMany of our pieces of furniture come from family, were found at the thrift store or local vintage malls and markets in Seattle. For me, mid-century furniture works perfectly with the vintage linens

and all their floral goodness. Our home is filled with crocheted blankets and handmade cushions, stools covered in linens and patched-together window coverings. My style is ‘handcrafted, vintage and eclectic’ and putting those three words together gives you ‘granny chic’ which describes my style perfectly.If you are wishing to bring an eclectic vibe to your home, then my advice is to consider buying second-hand or hand-crafted; go to your local thrift store and take your rose tinted specs with you. You can find all sorts of treasure with just a bit of imagination, whether it’s some fabric or some paint.To give your place a handcrafted vibe, there are many online sites with fab crafty goodness to be bought. Better still, learn to crochet or sew and you will be delighted when others come to your home and admire your creations. I think some of my proudest moments have resulted from making something with my hands.And lastly, do not clutter you home, allow your finds a chance to breath, vignettes are a lovely way to display secondhand finds and against a backdrop of white they can really find their moment to shine.

Words by Tif Fussell

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Cheeky ittle olive climbing on the sofa.

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l e f t : A corner o f the studio and IKEA sofa bed with gorgeous f l ora l cover and o ld barkc loth

curta ins . be low : The mante lp i ece in the studio with a l i t t l e v i gnette o f thr i f t store f inds ,

inc lud ing the k i tschy p last i c mirror .

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This is a love ly cupboard I found at an estate sa le ,

I pa inted her g lossy white ,

wal lpapered her inners with a patchwork of v intage papers and then added v i ntage deca ls for a l i tt le b i t of ‘granny ch ic ’

deta i l

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above : The d in ing tab l e at one end of the l ounge with IKEA lamp and the art work byT i f . r i ght : The ir k i tchen nook with var ious secondhand cha irs covered with retro fabr ics and a tab l e from eBay

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l e f t : T i f ’ s ‘ e v er growing ’ co l l e c t ion of forsaken sou ls . be low : A midcentury

g lass fronted cab inet does a love l y job o f hous ing a l l her thr i f ty f inds

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above : The bedroom decorated with a dott i e ange l gar land , secondhand lamp and p i l l ow covers . and qu i l t found on c l earance from Urban Outf i t t ers . l e f t : Granny ’s dress ing tab l e

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Decorating in the vintage, feminine style can be an exciting hobby and an effortless way to make your house feel like a home.Taking inspiration from age-old cottages, farmhouses and secret attic spaces, shabby chic is fast becoming the most enjoyable way to decorate your home. “It’s a more feminine and dainty approach to vintage-style. Pieces used are traditional in their appearance but have an antique feel and celebrate the ‘not perfect’ look,” describes Liz O’Kane, who runs her own online shabby chic boutique, Through the Cottage Door, with her sister, Bronwen Lenik.“The best way to get that shabby chic look is to find furniture pieces in light and pastel colours. If buying new, look for the purposefully distressed look or if you have old furniture, buy some paint in historic shades and sand the edges after it has dried to achieve that worn effect,” says Liz.“Cream, white, pink, duck egg blue and sage green shades mixed with a scattering of florals (on bedspreads, wall papers, lamp shades and china) work really well to help create the look.”Shopping for the individual pieces for your home can be an easy task when you know the places to source. “I would recommend charity shops, flea markets and antique fairs to find a piece that no-one else has or to get some inspiration, car boot sales are a great place to find old furniture that can be ‘done up’ in shabby chic style,” Liz explains. She and her sister were brought

up in a small market town with surrounding countryside, spending their childhood outdoors and learning about nature that inspires their passion for their business today. “We used to bring home shells and interesting pieces of driftwood and loved the rustic style of bringing the outdoors inside. Our mother added vintage-style and floral pieces to these.“We hand pick items for the online store that I run with my sister that, we feel, really complement a shabby chic or country-style home and have a range of elegant and vintage-style pieces. We are always on the lookout for new pieces and trends and spend most of our lives incorporating our job into our free time. We visit fairs, charity shops and antique shops for inspiration and are constantly sending each other pictures of exciting new pieces when we are apart. It is a hobby alongside a job and I am always excited by the job.”The best tips to follow when sourcing your furniture and trinkets is to “spend time scouring and give yourself a good amount of time to browse for vintage china and fabrics. Untreated wood pieces are a blank canvas to add the shabby chic style,” Liz continues. “Try and find cheap wood pieces but invest in quality paint. Try finding real features for rooms such as a huge French-style clock or a vintage-floral deckchair and then decorate around them. Take inspiration for the features already a part of your home and work with them.”

How To.. CREATE THE PERFECT SHABBY CHIC LOOK

Words by Harriet Edgar

PiP Studio Cushion, £20, John Lewis

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Cream, white , p ink , duck egg b lue and sage

green shades mixed with a scatter ing of f lora ls work

rea l l y wel l to he lp create the look .

CREATE THE PERFECT SHABBY CHIC LOOK

Country Cabinet, £129.99, Through the Cottage Door

Wire Heart Hooks, £5.95, Sass & Belle

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“I swear I’ve just been roasted alive on the tube!” She blusters into the pub, all sweat and bad mood and thirst. Her friend Gemma smirks at her as she throws herself down at the table, fanning herself with both hands. “I thought you Australians were supposed to be good with the heat?” Gemma says, knowing that she’s poking the bear, but unable to resist the comedy potential of a rant.“There’s heat, and then there’s that,” she responds. “It’s just inhumane. There have to be laws against heat like that.”“There are. They’re only for livestock.”She stares at Gemma’s deadpan face and feels the will to live seeping out of her ears. Nobody warned her that London summers could be like this. She’d been expecting rain, and half-hearted sunshine, and maybe the odd day where it decided to reach something vaguely approaching warm. Instead she’d been treated to muggy, claustrophobic heat of a type she’d never known back home. Gemma only ever had one solution for her, and she could see a jug of it headed their way right now; Pimm’s. It served a purpose – if your purpose was to get as drunk as possible – but she doesn’t understand quite why it had become such a British institution.Gemma hands her a freshly-poured glass. “It’ll be alright soon,” she says. “There’ll be a whacking great storm and then the air will clear and it’ll be far more pleasant. Just give it a day or two. And stop scowling. I’m right. Just you wait.”Walking home across Clapham Common that night, she finds herself thinking about what Gemma had said. It doesn’t seem like things would ever be that pleasant any time soon; they were just hot, and sticky, and messed up. She arrived here two weeks ago expecting amazing things, but so far she just had jetlag and a permanent sense of confusion. She was used to the straight, ordered streets back home, not the haphazard mess of London. It seems to her like God had just thrown houses and roads down in random order, and the Brits had left them where they lay. Not that she believes in God, anyway.She stops walking and sits herself down in the grass, wondering

what the hell she’s actually doing. On the phone that morning her mother had asked her the same question, but in a more annoying way. Running away won’t help you, she’d said. You’re still the same person on the other side of the world. The only difference is – you’re on the other side of the world. Irritatingly, she knew her mother was right. But she could never admit that, so she’d picked a fight and hung up on her instead. It seemed simpler than admitting that she might have made a mistake, that this great adventure might not turn out to be so great after all.She looks at her phone and tries to work out the time differ-ence. Maybe she should just ring home, ask to come back, admit it was all just a stupid idea. Then she sees the message from Gemma – short, and simple, and disgustingly cliché. Cheer up chicken. It’ll all look better after the storm. She sighs, and pulls herself up off the ground to continue her trudge home. She tries not to notice how there are no stars in the night sky, how the smog has blocked them out. “Better after the storm, hey?” she mutters. “It’d bloody well better be”.In the morning, she opens her curtains to see soaking-wet pavements and a bright blue sky. She gawps at the street for a moment, before realising that the promised has happened; the storm has cleared it all. She turns back from her window just in time to catch her housemate coming in the door.“Morning grumpy,” he greets her. “It’s nice out there, and your mood is pissing me off, so I’m taking you out and we’re not coming back until you at least crack a smile. Get dressed. We’ve got some sightseeing to do.” He turns with a flourish, and leaves her alone.“Sightseeing?” she calls after him.“Yeah,” he yells down the hall. “Big Ben, Buck House, Trafalgar Square, that sort of thing. If you’re really lucky I might even take you to the Tower. Although, if you don’t perk up I might also leave you there.”For the first time in weeks, she finds herself smiling. It’s a strange sensation, one that makes her cheeks hurt after all this time. She looks out the window again, and then back to her still-packed backpack. She steps over to it, and starts unpacking.

Short Story

The Storm

by Jackie Evans

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I hadn’t slept in days. My eyes ached and my head wasn’t in the best state either. That might have something to do with the empty bottle of wine on my windowsill. My phone beeped: ‘Text message from Luke: I hope one day you’ll let me explain.’A few days ago I might have cried but I was past that point. Arsehole. I don’t like being an adult. When you’re an adult you’re expected to understand everything, expected to want to. When you find out the love of your life has a new girlfriend via accidental text, it isn’t good. That’s all I needed to know.I watched the sun rise high above the houses. I was missing another beautiful summer afternoon. Moping into the kitchen I was greeted by a white ball of fluff wagging its tail expectantly. Since when did we have a dog? I walked over to the kettle and noticed a note: “This is your aunt’s new dog, her name is Daisy. Despite what you may think she’s a Bichon Frese in dire need of a haircut, not a tiny sheep dog. Maybe show her the outside world? You could do with getting reacquainted with it. Love you, Dad.”Daisy sat at my feet expectantly. “This would never have happened at university, I discovered the odd traffic cone in the kitchen but never a dog,” I mumbled. I clipped on the lead and headed out of the back gate, which led straight onto the canal bank, losing Daisy amongst a pile of weeds before she re-emerged pulling me along.The ducks quacked, Daisy bounded over fishing poles and people I’d never met called hello. You don’t get that in the city. Soon exhaustion took over, so I hopped onto the black and white arm of a lock, closed my eyes and leant back letting my legs swing. Daisy padded around terrorising a group of butterflies on a nearby patch of flowers.I could hear the sound of someone’s feet as they ran up the canal side towards our spot. Apparently so could Daisy because she suddenly darted underneath, wrenching my arm directly under the lock sending me barrelling onto the ground. I spluttered dirt from my mouth and got up step-by-step, brushing grit from my legs and despairing over the grass stains that would forever scar my favourite denim shorts. I’d dropped Daisy’s lead and turned to find she was digging her claws into the runner’s legs.I’ve always been partial to blondes, but apparently things had changed. When he turned to follow Daisy I saw his back was artistically tattooed. I froze still when I met his eyes. They were rich chocolate, peeking at me from under strategically messy

hair. Daisy was practically humping his leg.“Excuse me?” He gestured to Daisy. “Is she yours?”“Definitely not.”Laughing, he continued, “Are you sure?”“Yes. I’ll be giving her back as soon as possible.” I felt something trickle down my leg and looked to see a graze on my left knee, which had clearly begun to bleed. I pawed at it with my forefinger.“Are you alright?” The beautiful brunette man stopped playing with Daisy and came to my aid, casting me in shadow.“I’ll be fine.”He stifled a laugh. “That was some fall.” “Yes it was very funny, yor you. That bloody dog...” I muttered to myself. Glancing up I realised he was staring at me expectantly. “I’m Poppy,” I reached out my hand.“I’m…” he was cut off with a splash.I looked up to find Daisy taking a swim in the canal. She must have needed a cold shower. “Unbelievable. I’m sorry, I should probably deal with this,” I gestured.“Of course, nice to meet you Poppy.” He smiled and jogged off whilst I scampered to the side of the canal.“Get out of there!” I spat the words at the dog as quietly as possible. This was construed as encouragement because she decided to have a swim around. “You know, he’d have been the perfect way to get over Luke.”She was too small to get out so just paddled and whimpered a bit until I gave in and reached in to get her. As I looped the lead into my hand once more she looked at me and shook as hard as possible, spraying water all over me. Daisy was officially not white any more; my aunt was going to kill me.I tried to ignore the dog-induced stress and enjoy the weather, soaking in the sounds from the nearby pub. Glancing at the people with their ice-cold ciders, I froze. Sat there on a bench holding hands with a beautiful brunette of his own was Luke. He leant forward and swiped her hair behind her ear before placing a kiss on the end of her nose. He looked happy. I wanted that. Unable to watch any more I rounded the corner and there, perched on the wall, was the runner. “Hey, I’m Jamie,” he smiled. “I was thinking maybe you’d like to walk together. I even made you a present to say sorry for laughing.”Inside his outstretched hand I saw a perfect daisy chain. For

Short Story

Daisyby Laura Booth

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Ramblings of a Jane Austen addict

Autumn/Winter

issue out October

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Trying to live your life how a Jane Austen heroine would becomes increasingly difficult when modern life is so far removed from anything in

her books.How are you supposed to find Mr. Right when you have a job and limited

funds? Granted, a lot of Jane’s girls were also penniless, but they were lucky enough to have rich family friends or relatives who could whisk them away to Bath and the Peak District. And even so, modern men just aren’t what they

used to be.Getting wolf-whistled at as you walk past a building site and having someone pinch your bum as you try to order a drink at a bar is not how one likes to be

treated. Even the nice guys still get it so wrong, with their dodgy chat up lines and bizarre dating “rules”. It’s quite literally a minefield out there and you risk

getting blown up with every step you take.As you can probably guess, my love life seems to be heading in the

direction of Elizabeth Elliot, rather than that of Anne Elliot. Being single in the summer is fine, the sun’s shinging so you’re out all the time. You barely have time to think let alone get lonely, but now signs of winter

are appearing and it’s nice to have a good reason to stay in every night, avoiding the cold. Here’s hoping there’s someone waiting just aorund the

corner...

Anyway, enough of that - I have to say that unfortunately my working down the list of 100 must-reads doesn’t seem to be going so well, surprise surprise! But again, it’s been summer... I’ve been very busy! I have read One Day, which I absolutely loved and would recommend to everyone. I am yet to see the film, which I can’t wait to see, but I’ve been told not to have the highest expectations - “Anne Hathaway as Emma Morley?

Surely not!”

Something else that has kept me busy this summer is... my best friend’s wedding! That’s right, it seems that I am now at the age where my friends

all start getting married. I could sit around and be bitter about this, but instead I’m very happy for them! The day was amazing, she looked gorgeous and everyone could see how in love they were (OK, maybe just

a tad bitter). But best of all, as chief bridesmaid, not only did I get a guaranteed dance

with the best man, but I didn’t buy myself a single drink all day.I have two weddings already sorted for next year, however I’m not

bridesmaid at either. I think this could be a fortunate thing for my self-esteem however, as single bridesmaids only get more tragic as they get

older.

Jane Eyre is back on the big screen very soon and I know that I shall be very eager to see the latest adaptation of Charlotte Bronte’s famous

novel. Of course, they’ve picked a beauty (Mia Wasikowska - Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland) to play plain Jane - but what can you

Ramblings of a Jane Austen addict

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until next time... Photography: Eder Daimler Deó

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until next time...