Beautiful food styling from Helene Dujardin

Thanks to the wonder that is Twitter, I stumbled across Ms Dujardin's gorgeous portfolio of food photos. It took me a while to realise that I'd actually come across her photos before - on her beautiful blog Tartelette, from which I've drooled over and gotten inspired many a time. I love the light, airy, clean feeling in her photos, and how the food looks so vibrant, delicious and alive. I'm also very envious of the wonderful collection of tableware.

White hot dresses of summer

Forget the little black dress. This summer, all I can think about are white dresses. It doesn't matter that I've already got a few hanging in my cupboard. You can never have too many dresses, right?


Clockwise from left: Banana Republic, Antik Batik, Miss Sixty, LaROK, ASOS, Reiss


Clockwise from left: Gap, Yumi, ASOS, T-Bags, Anthropologie, COS

I am also building an obsession for maxi dresses. But that's a post for another time.

iPhone cases

The new iPhone 4. I wants it! Picture from Apple.

Well, I've decided. My next phone is going to be an iPhone. I've already registered my interest, and can't wait to get my hands on it. The next thing to do is of course to find a cute protective case. Uncommon has a collection of great artwork which you can customise to fit your case. I'm really impressed that they've already got cases for iPhone 4 that should be available for order soon. These are some I like:




Horse and boat, Bird, Starfish, The flock, Strawberry, Chirping birds

If you're feeling a little more flush with cash, Grove has a series of bamboo cases which they can laser-cut your preferred design on in 3 different colours of wood.



Top image: Customised case, Bottom: Tree, Birdland, Deer

New favourite place: Koya

A table of goodness

I have a new favourite place to eat at whenever I'm in the Soho/Chinatown area. Koya opened a couple of months ago and was given a glowing review in the Metro. I went there with a friend the first opportunity we could, braving the long queue snaking out of the door. I'm now hooked. It's pure heaven when you find a place that doesn't overcook noodles or take shortcuts when making broth. I've been back 3 times so far, and my goal is to eat my way through the menu. Pictures are from 2 visits...I wish I could have eaten all this food in one sitting.


Udon with walnut miso - whoever thought to combine walnut and miso is pure genius.


Cold udon with spring onion and tofu - perfect for a hot day


Onsen tamago - perfectly cooked egg in a delicate broth


Renkon salad - lotus root is one of my favourite ingredients in cooking now. The lotus root chips were so light


Tempura - beautifully light batter, just the way tempura should be


Kakuni - Pork belly braised in apple cider

The prices aren't exactly cheap, considering food like this is fairly normal in Japan, but when you live in London and are starved of well made Asian food, this is just utter bliss. Now if only I can find a place that does the perfect ramen.