Love of the week: Macaroons and Martini

Imagine the consternation when a self-confessed useless cook is invited to a cookery masterclass! I needn't have worried though, because Ohlala macarons made every effort for their Martini and Macaroon Masterclass, and company owner Meredith laid on a warm and effervescent welcome.

The well-prepared venue was colour co-ordinated in pink and white. A skilled Italian bartender led me through making my own lychee martini whilst I risked frostbite on the deep-chilled cocktail shaker.

With Meredith's encouragement, I soon picked up the confidence to try my hand at macaroon making, and my passionfruit custard and salty toffee cream topped pink confection was a triumph after all. A great event, lots of fun, and delicious too.

Highly recommended.  

WANTED: The Loud Trouser

The statement trouser is the undisputed hero of Autumn/Winter fashion. With nods to 50s feminine tailoring and 80s power dressing, the bold prints, luxe fabrics and brave shades keep them indisputably cutting edge modern. The louder the better, so get shouting!

By Malene Birger, these paisley pants combine a classic flattering cut with the eye-catching, neon highlighted print. Keep the rest of the outfit simple and pick out the sweet nude pocket detail by pairing with nude or blush tone accessories.

Another striking option is this orange leopard patterned pair from the Dutch-born designer Michael van der Ham. The contrasting grey waistband adds a very up to date graphic touch, play off the tactile brocade fabric by dressing these up with shiny patent heels.

From Erdem, the king of the floral print, these tonal trousers are spot on for this autumn and winter. Satisfy the seasons cobalt-lust by pairing with a blue tone blouse for a head to toe look; meanwhile the slim cut makes the perfect match for ankle boots.

Loud and proud: for statement evening wear, look no further. By Derek Lam, this pair of sequined brocade stunners is just the ticket for getting into the seasons baroque inspired trend. In dark navy and silver, these pants are guaranteed to make you shine!

Aisha
www.trisori.com

Love of the week: Bow ties for women

When we attended the show of Velsvoir during London Fashion week I was amazed. A simple idea that can turn your outfit from dull to edgy.

We could not keep our eyes off the models during the LFW show of this London based duo of designers! It was coolness epitomized at Velsvoir and we cannot wait to have a good occasion to wear one of their beutiful bow ties! You should try them too!

www.trisori.com

WANTED: The Architectural Heel

They’re fun, clever, graphic and in some cases utterly gravity defying; the architectural heels are upon us and personally I can’t get enough of them!
As part of the minimalist, futurist trend that crept into the Autumn/Winter collections, visible in a touch of high shine fabrics here and some stylised structural tailoring there, the architectural heel is at the very top of my wishlist for the best way to channel the trend. Fun, functional and oh so very desirable, these are my top picks.

The expectations were set high for Nicholas Kirkwoods collaboration with Erdem but these boots go above and beyond. With floral printed silk-covered leather and an acetate block heel, these are striking but still wonderfully feminine.

It doesn’t get much more sculptural than these iconic Giuseppe Zanotti wedge heels. In textural berry toned suede, embrace the bold futurist style by pairing with metallic accessories and a minimalist dress.

These peep-toe boots from Pierre Hardy look almost tame in comparison, but the cleverly crafted clash of the navy suede and black patent leather panels combined with the sloping heel keeps them looking both fresh and classic. 

By the fashion giant Balenciaga, these graphic color pop heels combine a chic, sophisticated cut with wonderfully playful architectural panelling. Featuring multi-textured leather and suede, these are grown up statement heels at their finest. Keep the look modern by pairing with simple feminine tailoring, steering clear of anything with shoulder pads at all costs; Footloose this is not!

Aisha
www.trisori.com

Love of the week: The Yellow Trend

The color for this season is..... Yellow. Amber, citron, gold, neon or simply pure sunshine yellow, they all made an appearance on designers' runways. Does this tricky color trend strike fear into your heart? Fear not, follow our guide to the yellow trend and avoid any banana skins.
A yellow coat is an excellent way to embrace the trend and brighten up the wintry weather. Diane von Furstenberg has designed a beautiful bouclé coat with her trademark wrap styling. This chartreuse wool blend overcoat would add a color pop to an all black outfit or if you're feeling bold then why not combine with neon pants and clashing shoes for a color block sensation?

Alternatively Alice + Olivia's saffron cape with over-sized buttons would add some heritage chic to any outfit. The double-breasted cape would look great with slim fitting pants and classic leather accessories.

Tis the season to be merry, so pick your party outfit with care. Prabal Gurung's statement sateen dress will be a real jaw dropper if you are bold enough to wear it. The silk and cotton blend fabric is printed with skulls and roses, with mesh sections to offer a hint of sexy style. You could pretty up the outfit with rose encrusted accessories and girly sandals; or alternatively pick up the gold lame detailing with chunky gold jewelry and dazzling metallic heels.

The key point is to enjoy the trend - yellow is fun and fresh, so even if you only add an amber scarf to your wardrobe, don't miss out on the sunshine fun

What to do: Flat Planet

Soho is teaming with fun places to go for a spot of lunch. This is my latest find - a fun take on pizza using flat breads - Flat Planet. Touted as 'organic English spelt flatbreads underneath a pile of goodness', these 'healthier' pizza style snacks have almost a dozen toppings to choose from including an English style breakfast, meatballs and sauce. There's a few salads too and the option of side flats with herbs or meze with hummous etc. Drinks range from teas, coffees and cold beverages to wines. Plus there's soup and spelt pastries, so a great stopping off point.

39 Gret Marlborough St
http://www.flatplanet.co.uk/

www.trisori.com

WANTED: Statement Collars

This season I can’t get enough of the statement collar; bringing a playful fashion edge to the otherwise straightlaced styles of button up shirts and good-girl shift dresses. In leather, print, fur, embellishment and sparkle; simply take your pick.
Where better to start than with a piece from the man with the most recognizable collars in fashion today. To accessorize any outfit this autumn, simply add this be-jewelled collar from Mr. Lagerfeld’s very own label, KARL.

For a more subtle, graphic look this loose fit, tunic dress from Stella McCartney is spot on. In the vibrant cobalt blue shade of the season, the contrasting neckline is a sweet directional detail.

My personal favourite has to be this silk blouse from Preen. With a simple concealed back fastening, the clean lines accentuate the vibrant collar and cuffs. After all, if you’re going to do a statement collar, you might as well go all out in floral-and-insect print and bright orange!

The saccharine edge is taken off this super sweet powder blue sweater by the contrasting embellished collar. In an on-trend retro style, this piece from Miu Miu is a winner for winter in my eyes.

But since Autumn/Winter comprises the festive season, a round up of the trend would hardly be complete without a party frock to dazzle in. Look no further than this frostily pale, panelled dress from Philosophy Di Alberta Ferretti.

The studded collar makes this classic little white dress into one of the season’s standouts. Pair with complimentary ice-toned accessories and dazzle away!

Aisha
www.trisori.com

Love of the week: Fendi SS13 collection

This Fendi SS13 collection features pyramid studded chunky heels and layers of frontal leather on the front vamp incorporated into a plethora of styles.

This style has the loose and wide ankle strap straddled with side studs, is just perfect with classie jeans and as an everyday shoe and perfect to keep the chill off in over air-conditioned restaurants.
The three-layered look is much more fun; playful, relaxed and colourful and it will go with anything you love.

Be careful; these shoes are hot. These heels are a real statement and the strap zooms down with such steep velocity towards all that gold and black. that you might forget to wear something above those heels!

Finishing off with timeless elegance, this most ladylike combination is perfect for that special date, it will make you feel so special! 

We definitely love Fendi's new collection!

www.trisori.com

What to do: Crazy Bear - Top Thai!

Even out of town you can find swanky places. A lover of Thai food, I recently went to the Thai restaurant at the Crazy Bear in Beaconsfield for a celebration. Expensive but wow is it worth it!

I have never seen a menu so huge. You literally are spoilt for choice. But the army of impeccable waiting staff are there at your very beck and call and can help with recommendations.

The restaurant itself is a converted barn with dark exposed beams and luxurious looking velvet devore wallpaper in both dark green and red. The atmosphere is cosy yet comfortable with quirks like the Thai style candleholders of a woman bending over with a candle perched on her back.

We started with some prawn and chive dumplings and some black cod with black beans whilst we perused the rest of the menu, both perfection. Then we had duck spring rolls (phenomenal) and scallop on glass noodles, which you order in ones (delightful).

For main courses we had chicken and Thai aubergine curry as well as ostrich stir fry with green beans with egg fried rice and pak choi on the side. Lucky we both like spicy food as these were rather hot but totally delicious.  

There’s an extensive wine menu to wash it all down with and cocktails too. Watch out though as the bar gets really busy!

http://crazybeargroup.co.uk/beaconsfield/restaurants-thai.html

www.trisori.com

Retro Revival

After the summer’s heavily fifties inspired fashions, it seems that it is now time to move forward a decade and pay homage to the swinging sixties. Shift dresses, retro prints and just a hint of psychedelia are at the forefront of this autumn trend.
Jonathan Saunders’ jewel tone collection, below, embodies an up to date twist on sixties chic. With retro prints and peter pan collars, these are timeless pieces with a healthy dose of fashion nostalgia. 

Work the look into your winter wardrobe with this bold print shirt from Miu Miu. A psychedelic floral pattern to contend with!

To add a modern edge to the look, wear over your best skinnies and brogues, or to give full power to the period style, pair with a clashing print skirt from Jonathan Saunders.

Top of my personal wishlist is this boxy print top from Missoni. The nostalgic colour scheme will work perfectly with all the prettiest of the seasons’ nude accessories.

But for the most authentic styling, the ideal partner has to be these cropped trousers by Miu Miu. Although the turquoise tailoring will work equally well with a semi-sheer blouse and patent stilettos.

If you aren’t ready to go the whole hog quite yet, then channel the trend with this retro-chic mini satchel from Chloe. A polished take on 60s style patchwork that will carry you through day and evening in true groovy style!

Aisha
www.trisori.com

Layer Away

As fashion looks towards next spring and summer, the rest of us are just starting to bring out our autumn wardrobes and put together our own takes on the season’s biggest trends. This autumn layering is definitely the one to watch. Throughout the AW12 catwalks the tunic plus trousers trend was compellingly pervasive, as seen below at Hussein Chalayan.

Keep the trousers slim fitting and elegantly long for the most modern look, with ankle boots for day and sleek stiletto heels for evening.

If you’re going to embrace the trend you might as well go all out, so why not go bold in this wool-twill, J.Crew shift in bright cherry red. 

The perfect pairing for these khaki and floral camo-print trousers from Thakoon Addition.

Play with length in A.L.C.’s calf skimming shirt dress, in a super sunny shade that will see you all the way through the colder seasons.

One of the great aspects of layering is getting to play with opacity; sheer fabrics are great for working the demure/sexy boundary, layered-style. Try this tunic from Kain, the sheer finish plays up the super loose fit and the embroidery adds depth and detail.

Pair with your favourite slim fit trousers. Personally I have my heart set on this berry-tone stretch leather pair from Helmut Lang. That’s two hot trends in one look!

Aisha
www.trisori.com