MAY COLOR PALETTE

Images (Clockwise from top left):

{ Fashionising – Style Me Pretty – Black Eiffel – We Heart It }

APRIL COLOR PALETTE

Images (Clockwise from left to right):

{ Tumblr – Design Crush – Fashion Gone Rogue – Desire to Inspire }

*Apologies for forgetting to post this last month! Today, you’re getting two Color Palettes – April and May. I only just remembered when I was editing the May Color Palette. Better late than never, right?

THE PERFECT CHEESE PLATE

Joanna from A Cup of Jo posted this very interesting and informative guide to “The Perfect Cheese Plate”. I thought I’d share with you some of her tips (and mine as well!).

I’ve labeled this Recipes, though it’s not a recipe per se. But it’s very easy to prepare, so elegant to display, and can be served at any gathering.

Joanna’s tips:

• Buy one ounce per person per cheese; and stick to five to six cheeses total.
• Choose a variety of cheeses: different textures, countries, and all three milk types (goat, sheep, cow).
• Serve all the cheeses on one big board. You want your guests to start with the mildest and work up to the strongest, so place the cheeses in "clock order" – 12 o'clock being the mildest and 11 o'clock being the strongest.
• Take the cheese out of the fridge at least an hour before serving. Cheese should be eaten at room temperature, when it's at its full flavor and texture.
• Put out a few different knives. Goat and blue cheeses crumble if you use a regular knife, so cheese wires are the best thing to use. Softer cheeses work best with a butter knife. Harder cheeses, like parmesan, are good with a triangle-shaped knife. Cut circular cheeses in wedges, like a pizza.
• If you have leftovers, don't store the cheese in Saran Wrap, which will make the cheese sweat and leave a plastic-y taste. Cheese is living and needs to breathe, so wrap it in parchment or wax paper, and keep it in the most humid part of the fridge (usually the vegetable drawer).

My tips:

• The harder and drier a cheese, the longer it’s life, generally. So cheeses like cheddar and parmesan are easy to buy beforehand and stored.
• Soft moist cheeses like mozzarella and goat cheese should be bought fresh because they have a short shelf life.
• Serve the cheeses along with crusty breads like baguette, for example, and crackers.
• I like having cheese with different types of jam and honey. Fig jam and marmalade are more sophisticated versions.
• For a savory variation, put small dipping bowls of good quality olive oil, or flavored olive oils (like garlic and chili). You can also put some small bowls of olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and olive tapenades.

Read the full post on A Cup of Jo and Part 2. she also suggests names of cheese to serve.

LOVE THIS LOOK: GOLD ACCESSORIES

This look is unbelievably easy and casual, yet it looks dressed up at the same time. Who doesn’t have a pair of jeans and a worn out white tee? Throw on a plain cream or beige blazer and pile on the gold accessories and you’ve got a winning look.

WONDERFUL WEEKEND

I’m on the hunt for the perfect chocolate milkshake ever since I found out they’re no longer selling milkshakes at local McDonald’s outlets (in Kuwait) anymore! They say there’s no demand for them! Can you imagine?! Do people just NOT know how good they are? I mean, It’s not like I have one everyday, but once in a while, I crave a good chocolate milkshake. And when I do, McDonald’s is the only place I go to for that.

Therefore, the search is on for an alternative. Until then, here are some links..

Conan O’Brien’s guide to creativity..

Globally inspired picnics.

Annoying restaurant trends!

The “Best Muffin” recipe?

The Burning House Project: If your house was on fire, what’s the first thing you’d take?

8 words that should never appear on your Twitter bio!

8 things you can do to make waiters hate you!

Happiness…

A coconut flavored Twix! Drool….

What a great concept!

Have a prooooooductive weekend!

Image: Design*Sponge

ARKCANARY SPEAKERS

These are some seriously cool looking speakers! The Arkcanary II iPhone acoustic speakers comes in 7 different colors and cost only $13.

I haven’t tested them myself – I don’t even have an iPhone – but these speakers make me want to buy one!

DESIGN MUST SEDUCE

Image: Fabien Barral

QUEEN B

Leighton Meester looks as gorgeous as a gem in the April issue of L’Officiel China. Decked in some of the most beautiful jewel tones dresses, the actress is the epitome of chic, styled by Peju Famojurethe and photographed by Alexey Yurenev.

Isn’t she stunning??

To see more, go to Fashion Gone Rogue.

LOVE THIS LOOK: BLUE

Here’s how you can make different shades of blue look good together. Stick with neutral or earth toned colored accessories. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to have long thin legs like hers.

Image: The Sartorialist

EVERYTHING WILL BE OKAY

Image: vi.sualize.us

HOW WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR GRAPHIC DESIGN?

Image: Graphic Design Blog

WONDERFUL WEEKEND

So how was your week, folks? Mine was somewhat more low key than the previous ones. I watched quite a few movies at home this week, like The Royal Tenenbaums (I know, I know, I should have seen it a long time ago). That being said, I can’t wait to go to the cinema to see the latest releases too.

By the way, can you believe it’s almost the end of May?? Gosh how time flies! Enjoy the links in the meantime…

100 Most Creative People in Business 2011.

How romantic! This guy built an App to propose to his girlfriend.

5 of the best digitally visualized movies.

Reimagining the letters of the alphabet.

Top 7 bronzers for the summer.

Slow down!

The most anticipated movies of 2011..

A bold and beautiful fashion editorial!

This is a painting!!!

OMG! A Lobster BLT!

Elevation Burger just opened in Kuwait. Can’t wait to try it!

Have a yuuuummy weekend!

Image: My Modern Metropolis

MOA BASKETS

When you think of baskets, you probably won’t imagine these. These MOA baskets are simply not your typical woven baskets. To begin with they’re made of thread, and the combination of colors and weave design are superb.

Visit the site to see the interesting ways in which they create these cool baskets!

via Design Crush

LOVE THIS LOOK: BLAZER AND SHORTS

THIS is how you make a blazer look casual. J. Crew styling at it’s best. Instead of adding a crisp shirt, layer it with a ruffled silk blouse, an unbuttoned cardigan, shorts and a non-matching belt. Too cute!

SOMETIMES I PRETEND TO BE NORMAL

Image: Vi.sualize.us via Allegra Villella

DIY: FIRE EXTINGUISHER VASE

Not that I have an empty fire extinguisher lying around, but if I did, I would make this Fire Extinguisher Vase immediately! All you need is some paint, primer and an empty fire extinguisher (obviously) – and masking tape if you’re going to make stripes.

You can create any pattern, it doesn’t have to be stripes. I think simple solid colors – like gold, silver or black, are also pretty. Even pastels… The choices are endless!

THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL

Bold colors, bold accessories, bold style and even bold eyebrows!! This looks like it was photographed in the 80’s or early 90’s. I LOVE IT!!

For the May issue of Harper’s Bazaar Spain photographer Nico captured gorgeous “It” model Bambi Northwood-Blyth in a lovely seventies-inspired photoshoot. Styled by Juan Cebrian, I think it would be so fitting for an episode of Dynasty - very Joan Collins (but in a good way)! It also reminds me of Cindy Crawford during the 90’s Gianni Versace period.

To see the full editorial click here.

PICTOGRAM MOVIE POSTERS

Viktor Hertz’s Pictogram Movie Posters combines graphic design and film in a really creative way. He uses simple pictograms, but designs them with a twist, to depict some of the most popular movies of all time, like Jaws, Psycho, Inception and so many more.

Don’t ask me why I chose to put up mostly Horror/Thriller movies, but I guess they’re the most interesting ones to interpret!

via My Modern Metropolis

WONDERFUL WEEKEND

I think I’ve mentioned the ugly “S” word (hint: it rhymes with dress) on this blog too many times the past couple of months, so I won’t do it again. But boy am I glad this week is over and I can kick my feet up and relax. I attended a 4 hour workshop everyday after work, so I can’t remember being out in daylight. Then I was photographed for a magazine! It was nerve wracking but I can’t wait to see how the pictures turned out!

During those busy times, I still managed to find some cool links for you guys to check out…

Read my posts about the Branding Workshop here and here.

The Value of a Dollar

Artist Corinne Martin’s Arab Pop Art pieces are delightful!

Beautiful fashion shoot with shades of blue.

If you’re going to Paris, read this!

Go see Thor. It’s AMAZING!

My colleague and I directed and styled Goji Boutique’s Summer 11 Lookbook!

When illustrators take notes (hint: It’s artistic)..

Lego posters of summer blockbusters.

Oh my goodness, Beef Tenderloin Sandwich!!

And dessert, a fresh Mango and Blueberry Fruit Salad.

Have a gloooooorious weekend!

Image: Fashion Gone Rogue

SILVER CORNER

The occasions for gift giving are endless (birthdays, marriage, baby showers, etc). Lately, I’ve been into giving home accessories because I realized they’re useful and everyone can use them. I’ve got a number of favorite stores I frequently go to, but I don’t want to be repetitive.

So I was happy when a friend emailed me about her store Silver Corner in Kuwait. They’ve got a wide range of home decor items, dining sets, accessories and more from renowned brands like Rosenthal, Saint Louis and Hermes.

To stay informed and for instant updates, please “Like” Silver Corner’s Facebook Page.

Silver Corner is located at Al-Hamra Building, Hamad Al-Mubarak St, Salmiya. Tel: (+965) 25736209

NALLY AND MILLIE

I was introduced recently to a brand called Nally and Millie. The California-based clothing line make some super stylish flowy tops, tunics and dresses – all made in the USA. They’ve got a lovely selection of colors and I love how they name them! For the Spring 11 collection, the shades include mulberry, shell, wasabi, apricot, custard, and tangerine!

Of course, now I’m a proud owner of a very cute Nally and Millie top (exactly like the last one above, but in light pink). Perfect over a pair of jeans or short skirt.

The site isn’t a great indication of what the brand offers. It doesn’t have photos of their collection, which is unfortunate because they’ve got some amazing items! Hopefully they’ll redesign that.

Did I mention that their prices range from $44 - $129? Yup!

H&M COSMETICS

H&M is debuting their first ever makeup collection in stores on May 19th in Kuwait. The collection will offer a wide range of cosmetic products including eye shadow, eyeliners, powder, foundation, nail polish and lip gloss.

I don’t know if the makeup is any good, but I like the packaging. Simple and modern.

Thoughts?

TREND: WOVEN ACCESSORIES

 

Chain woven and leather woven accessories are all the rage right now. They’re being offered by the biggest design houses. Even better? Sure to be available at small boutiques, high street stores and your little sister’s jewelry box.

Necklaces from top: Chanel, Aurelie Bidermann (2nd and 3rd), Dior, Fallon, 3.1 Philip Lim, Proenza Schouler

Images: Style.com and Net-a-Porter