Fantasy Shopping: Raffia, Canvas & Straw Accessories

Summer happens to be the only time of the year when we get our chance to truly reunite with nature. If you're curious how to make this possible in terms of fashion, take a look at the natural accessories I've managed to find in various online shops. The best thing about them? Despite being made of straw and other eco-friendly materials, they haven't really got much in common with that dowdy countryside style...

1. Double Roped Detail Belt - ASOS

2. Carla Straw Fedora - Steven Alan

3. Green Knot Raffia Platform Shoes - Dorothy Perkins

4. Day Tribal Necklace - Day Birger Et Mikkelsen

5. Raffia Ballerina - Zara TRF

6. Woven Straw Bangle - New Look

7. Stripy Canvas Clutch - ASOS

8. Office Basket - Zara

9. The Peep-Toe Platform Espadrille - Madewell

10. Trellis-Weave Trillby - Madewell

11. Yellow Faustine Straw Clutch - Anya Hindmarch

12. Raffia Bangles - Primark

13. Leather-Trimmed Raffia Satchel - Miu Miu

14. Whisper Pink Peeptoe Espadrilles - TOPSHOP

15. Leather-trimmed Raffia Wallet - Marc by Marc Jacobs

16. Hard Straw Box Bag - Warehouse
17. Anchor Print Pumps - George by ASDA

18. Two-tone City Bag - Zara

Charlotte Sometimes

In my kitchen, each season is strongly attached to different recipes and flavours, depending on the array of ingredients available at a particular time of the year. There is a Carrot Cake in late November, when regional fruits are already long gone, and a traditional Greek Moussaka, made with a bumper crop of my homegrown aubergines and tomatoes...Yes, I really can go on for hours! But when it comes to early summer, the choice couldn't be more obvious than this elegant Strawberry Charlotte. With its light as a feather interior full of freshly puréed strawberries, it seems like the only right accompaniment to those sweet and dreamy days...

Strawberry Charlotte Recipe:

- 2 cups of very strong mint tea

- Ladyfingers biscuits

- 500 grams strawberries (plus a few more for decoration)

- juice of one lemon

- 150 grams powdered sugar

- 7 grams gelatin

- 2 cups heavy whipping cream

- 50 grams powdered sugar

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Line bottom and sides of 9" (21cm) springform pan with ladyfingers dipped in a warm mint tea. Chill in the refrigerator for about two hours.

In a food processor, puree strawberries with 150 grams of powdered sugar and lemon juice.Warm it up slightly and add gelatin dissolved in a small amount of hot water. Stir well to combine. Let cool, then chill in the refrigerator until it begins to set.

In a large mixing bowl whip cream with the remaining amount of sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks begin to form. Gently fold in cooled strawberry puree, so that there are still visible streaks of it in the cream. Spoon into ladyfinger-lined pan and smooth with spatula. Top with some fresh strawberries and mint leaves. You can also brush top of the cake with some strawberry gelatin.... just to make things prettier!

*Charlotte Sometimes is one of my favourite songs by The Cure! The absolute must-hear!

Born to be wild

How did I come from strictly-no-animal-print phase to having my closet completely taken over by wild cats? No idea! What matters is that the newly acquired attitude makes me purr with satisfaction!

Animal Print Skirt - Dorothy Perkins/ Linen Shirt - Vintage/ Clutch Bag - Zara/ Shades - Mango

12 months of blogging!

With a couple of birthday anniversaries and a Mother's Day on the calendar, May has always been one of the most celebratory months for me and my family. But this year it happens to mark yet another special occasion which I've been particularly looking forward to. Drumroll, please...! Ladies & Gentlemen, this blog has just turned one year old!

Now, instead of an Oscar-worthy speech, let me just say a simple THANKS to all of you who stop by here daily. Your sweet comments really make each of my days so much brighter!

Edit: Unfortunately, all of the comments you left here yesterday seeem to be gone due to the maintenance problems we've experienced this afternoon... Grrrrr!

My Perfect Denim Shirt - F&F Teens (yes, I'm deadly serious!)/ Top & Skinnies - H&M/ Leather Bag - Marta Ponti

Fantasy Shopping: Florals

Is there anything more natural than having a huge craving for floral items around this time of the year? After all, every little plant I see is in full bloom these days, so my attention gets automatically drawn to flowers, even if they are just printed on a cute dress....

1. Red Roque Button Front Kimono Sleeve Top - Winter Kate

2. Pansy Print Satchel bag - Paul Smith

3. Lemon Tulip Skirt - Wallis

4. Black Based Skinny Floral Belt - ASOS

5. Multi Geranium Prom Dress - Wallis

6. Red Rose Print Top - Miss Selfridge

7. Bright Floral Tier Front Tee - TOPSHOP

8. Floral Aviator Sunglasses - ASOS

9. Siberian Rose Scarf - Madewell

10. Pink Ditsy Print Pocket Skirt - River Island