If You Make One Thing This Week...A Dreamy Dessert...

Rose, strawberry and pistachio...Give me this combination of flavours any day! This meringue roulade is divine...A delicate meringue filled with a rose flavoured mascarpone creme and luscious strawberries, its pleasing to the eye and the palate. Just thinking about it makes me drool...This dessert is sure to make everyone ooh and aah! I really love this and I'm sure you will too! Go on...give it a try. Happy Baking!

Ingredients

Meringue 

4 egg whites

250 g caster sugar 

1 tsp vanilla extract 

1 tsp white vinegar

1 tsp cornflour

Mascarpone Creme

100 g mascarpone

1 tbsp icing sugar

1  tbsp rose water

400 ml whipping cream

Filling and Topping

200g strawberries, hulled and cut in half

1 tbsp sliced pistachios

Some crystallised rose petals

Icing sugar, for dusting over

Method

1. Preheat an oven to 160C/140C fan/Gas Mark 3.

2. Line a 33cm x 24cm swiss roll tin with greaseproof paper, allowing it to overlap above the sides of the tin.

3. Whisk the egg whites with an electric mixer until they begin to firm up. Add the caster sugar a  spoonful at a time, whilst whisking. Continue whisking until you achieve a firm, glossy meringue. Gently fold in the vanilla, vinegar and  cornflour. Spread the meringue into the prepared tin and level with a palette knife. Bake for 30 minutes (be careful not to overbake, it should still be soft). Allow the meringue to cool in the tin.

4. invert the cooled meringue onto a fresh piece of baking paper and carefully peel off the lining paper.

5. For the mascarpone filling, place the mascarpone cheese in a mixing bowl with the rose water and icing sugar and whisk to combine. Add the whipping cream. 

6. Whisk until the cream just holds its shape. Spread most of the cream over the meringue, reserving a few tablespoons. Scatter over most of the strawberries.Using the paper to assist you, roll up the meringue along its long edge. Transfer the log onto a serving plate. Top the meringue with the remaining cream. Chill for at least 30 minutes.

7. To serve, dust with icing sugar, scatter with the remaining strawberries, the pistachios and the rose petals. 

NB: The recipe is adapted from Plenty More by Yotam Ottolenghi (have I mentioned how fab this book is?). The original recipe uses raspberries instead of strawberries, which are just as delicious. I've also replaced the dried rose petals from the original recipe to crystallised petals which are really simple to make. I'll try to post a 'how to' soon, but it is basically rose petals brushed with a little bit of egg white and dipped in superfine/caster sugar.

  

Haute! How Beautiful...

Gorgeous dresses, like pieces of art. Beautiful hair and striking makeup, like something out of a fairytale, so ethereal...What else can I be talking about, other than Haute Couture? The magnificent attention to detail. The amount of work that each garment entails. The amazing tailoring. I cannot help, but be totally mesmerised. From the striking silhouettes at Versace to the pure opulence at Fendi...take a look...

WARNING: This post is long, but I couldn't imagine leaving anyone out! 

Versace

Floor sweeping gowns, asymmetrical necklines and draping...Lots of draping. Blush, lavender, red and black dominated the runway. 

Zuhair Murad

Delicate dresses crafted in velvet, tulle and chiffon. Embellished with jewels and embroidered to perfection...Elegant, yet modern...

Viktor&Rolf

Rags to riches...Swathes of tulle and jackets woven from leftover (yes, you read right! they used bits of fabric leftover from their previous collections!) pieces of fabric. A little bit of their past shows were on display in each outfit. 

Fendi

Legends and Fairytales...That is what Karl Lagerfeld called this show. Flowers cut from mink, adorned lace dresses, hand-cut leather lace and delicate tuille. As dusk fell, the Trevi fountain came to life and the models slinked across a see-through runway...Magical, no?

Valentino

This show was Elizabethan in theme. Ruffled necklines, long capes and a touch of sparkle. Almost poetic... 

Jean Paul Gaultier 

A collection crafted in shades of the forest...Moss green, brown and touches of orange. How gorgeous is the 'faux bois' fabric?

Elie Saab

Elie Saab, the King of Embellishment...Like all of his other collections, this show featured beautiful beadwork and embroidery. He also debuted some dresses for little girls, each one just as elaborate as the women's collection. Oh, to be little again...

Alexandre Vauthier

Camo and crystals...Now this is 'Military Chic'...

J.Mendel

Gilles Mendel's first couture collection...The collection featured fur that was misted with gold, mink embroidery and beautiful beadwork. A striking collection, indeed.

Giles Deacon

Voluminous gowns in a selection of different fabrics. Each dress made a huge statement...

Armani Prive

Exquisite tailoring-as always! I love the black velvet harem pants featured. The subtle colour palette was beautiful and chic, as well.

Alexis Mabille

I've always adored his tailoring, and this collection was no exception. The designer featured a selection of streamlined evening wear as well as ballgowns. 

Guo Pei

Metallic textiles, fringing and gold. The attention to detail was phenomenal.

Chanel

Karl Lagerfeld transported his whole atelier to the Grand Palais, where his staff continued to cut, sew and embroider. The models displayed stunning outfits ranging from classic Chanel tweed suits to some more frilly garments...

Giambattista Valli

Pretty floral prints and elaborate trains. The collection also included beautiful coats and capes. I particularly like this cerise coat...

Christian Dior

The designers chose a monochrome palette. There was very little frills and fuss and this resulted in a very wearable collection...

And finally, my favourite, 

Alberta Feretti Limited Edition

Always stunning...Although not strictly couture, this collection was amazing! Think, beaded fringing, crystals, metal embroidery and 3D fabric reliefs...

The Gilded Lifestyle Loves...

What I'm coveting this week...

Daily Beauty Routine...

I hate waking up in the mornings. Like most people, I hit the snooze button countless times. This leaves me with very little time to get ready for my day. So, obviously I need a beauty regime that is fuss free. here is a quick post on my everyday routine and the products that I have been using...

Step 1: Cleanse. I have been using Cetaphil for years as it was recommended to me by my dermatologist. . It is gentle but effectively removes product and makeup buildup. Cetaphil is suitable for almost all skin types.

Step 2: Tone. I've recently started using the Vichy Thermal Spa Water as a toner. This product is awesome! It is  infused with several different minerals and antioxidants. It also helps to protect skin from environmental damage. I also keep a little bottle in my handbag, to keep my skin looking fresh throughout the day.

Step 3: Moisturise: I've been using the Vichy Normaderm 24 Hour Hydrating Treatment during the day the Normaderm Night Detox at night. Both of these are hydrating without making my skin feel heavy. I've been using these products for a few months and so far, I've been happy with them.

Step 4: Protect! Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream Sun Defense for Face is my go-to product to protect from the harsh sun. It has an SPF of 50 and I adore the 8 Hour Cream scent!

Step 5: Before I apply my makeup, I use a BB cream. Currently, I have  been using the Garnier one. There have been mixed reviews about the Garnier BB creams, but I've been using this one for a while now and love it!

Step 6: Finally, a flick of mascara and a slick of lipstick and I'm ready to go!

From left to right: Vichy Normaderm Beautifying Anti-Blemish Care (vichy.co.za), Vichy Normaderm Night Detox (vichy.co.za), Vichy Thermal Spa Water (vichy.co.za) (Please click the links for more info on these products) To find your nearest stockist, click here.

From left to right: Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Lotion (dischem.co.za), Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Total Sun Protection (redsquare.co.za), Garnier Skin Naturals BB Cream (clicks.co.za), Sephora Outrageous Curl Mascara (sephora.com), Elizabeth Arden Lipstick (redsquare.co.za).

Chic Essentials...Winter Must-Haves...

Hi dear friends, Brrr, its cold outside!
Just because our winter is bone-chilling, it doesn't mean that you can't be stylish! Winter clothing can be fun too! I've put together a list of my winter must-haves (and my wish list!) to see you through those chilly days...

1. Gloves-I love gloves...well, actually, I'm kind of obsessed with them! I have a great selection, ranging from finger gloves to elbow length, in wool, felt and supple lambskin. I love buying them in different colours as they can really make an outfit pop! Oh, and they look so elegant and feminine too! I purchase a pair or two every winter, that way I have built up a great collection. These are a few of the pairs that I'm coveting right now... 

2. Knitwear-From cardies to sweaters...Invest in a few high quality knits and they'll see you through for years! Purchase a classic cardi and sweater in black or another neutral colour, preferably in wool or cashmere, and you're set for many a (stylish and cozy) winter. Add pops of colour with more trendy, less expensive pieces.

3. Shawls, scarves and stoles-in different styles and colours. these are all an easy and inexpensive way to update your wardrobe. I love a (faux) fur stole for evening wear. Throw one over your shoulders, and you're good to go! I always carry a lightweight cashmere shawl in my bag, that way, I'm never left out in the cold, so to speak!

4. Boots-Invest in a good quality, walking boot in whatever heel height that you are comfy with, and at least one pair of showstoppers and let your shoes do the talking...Whilst I love my suede, velvet and silk boots, I prefer leather for everyday wear as they are easier to keep clean. 

5. Coats-A well-tailored coat is a classic that you'll wear forever! A few years ago, I bought a full length black wool coat as well as a camel trench coat and I have never looked back. Again, invest in timeless,classic pieces as they are not a cheap buy. 

6. Blazers, leather jackets, capes e.t.c...As these are less expensive than coats, you can go all out with some of the latest trendy pieces. Although I do love a few classics such as a well cut denim jacket, a butter soft leather biker, and a simple classic blazer....the options are endless...

Finally, only invest in pieces that you love...winter clothing takes up some serious space in your closet, so be wise about what you buy!

Keep warm and enjoy the rest of the season!