Peony ♥ Lim: July 2012

23 July 2012

Da Nang Part II.

Photos by Me

I'm about to head off on holiday so it made me think of my previous one.

This is the second set of photos from my trip to Vietnam.

I loved the old fashioned feel of Da Nang and Hoi An, so gentle and slow paced (unless you where on one of the many scooters!).

I really hope my trip to Italy will result in so many pictures. I cant wait to share them with you.

20 July 2012

White Jeans for an English Summer

Photos by Pete Navey

Shoes Christian Louboutin, Jeans MiH, Shirt and Feather Gilet Zara, Hat ASOS and Bag Louis Vuitton.

In the summer in London when the weather is letting me down I have to think of new and clever ways to feel summerly without being cold. One of the tricks I use (to fool myself into thinking its summer) is to wear lots of pale clothing. Although an all white outfit can seem a bit much, adding a few little touches of pale pinks or tans can help to bring you out of the cheesy-romcom-gospel-choir look and into the city slicker summer one.

I love this bag, although it is really too small to get anything in, it belonged to my mother before me and is so worn and loved it feels special every time I wear it (even if I only get keys and a credit card inside!).

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend of glorious weather - but if not this is a great way to trick yourself into thinking you did!

18 July 2012

Mini Scotch Eggs

Photos by Me

Making mini scotch eggs is both fun and rewarding.

The results are always yummy no matter how they come out looking.

The most important thing to remember when you make these is that you need to make sure there is as little air as possible between the egg and meat. If there are pockets of air these will expand as they are heated, breaking the casing open.

I really recommend the japanese pre-made breacrumbs for these, but you can make your own with stale bread and a food processor. Remember you want to be able to tell its bread, don't over blend and make yummy smelling sand.

Mini Scotch Eggs

6 Quails Eggs

454g packet of Sausage Meat (empty the meat from the cases if you cant find the meat alone)

1 Cup Breadcrumbs

1/3 Cup of Plain Flour

1 Egg (beaten)

Pepper and Celery Salt

Boil the eggs but lowering into simmering water for 5 mins.
Remove, allow to cool (I hurry them up by putting them in ice water), then peel.
Mix the sausage meat with the salt and pepper. It is nice to add your own choice of herbs and spices at this stage. This will obviously depend on the kind of sausage meat you bought. I recommend trying finely chopped sage and a sprinkle of cumin.
To wrap the eggs in meat, I find it is best to make a flat circle of meat in your hands, then place the egg in the middle and wrap the meat around (all in the palm of your hand, keep them wet with water to stop the meat from sticking too much). Press the meat firmly to ensure there are no air pockets or wholes in the meat wrapping.
Roll the meat covered egg in the seasoned plain flour and dust off.
Then dip them in the beaten egg, allowing the excess to drip off.
Finally roll them in the breadcrumbs till they are completely coated.
Fry these little gems at 190 in a deep fat fryer (or in a pan with enough oil to cover the eggs completely). Once the eggs have turned a dark golden brown they will be done. This should take about 10mins. Remove them and lay them out too cool and drain on paper towel.
Finally sprinkle with chopped parsley or celery salt, or both!

16 July 2012

Anytime Pjs

Photos by Pete Navey

Shoes Isabel Marant, Blue Pyjama Set from Ho Chi Minh, Denim Jacket vintage Levis, Bag Louis Vuitton, Fur Detail from Seoul, and Scarf from DKNY (via T.K.Maxx).

If you follow me on Twitter you will know that Pete was horrified by this outfit. I believe his first statement was... "Are you really going outside dressed like that?"

Others that followed included "You look like a nurse, not in a good way?", he then proceeded to download a photo reference for me.

Now I'm a big believer in wearing things to make yourself happy.

This outfit even with all its ManRepelling characteristics makes me happy.

I love the combination of blues. I just love blue and these are almost buttery.

Plus although I'm not a big trend person, I think the PJ trend was genius... anything allowing you to wear pjs and look in style is ok with me.

Hope your with me fellow happy dressers and ManRepellers!

p.s. One of pete comments was also that I looked like a tea set, so the picture below is me doing my best teapot impression. Hope you enjoy it! Just a little something to brighten up your Monday.

13 July 2012

Finding Flowers

Photos by Pete Navey

Boots ASOS, Dress Anna Molinari, Belt Vintage, Clutch from Venice, Sunglasses Linda Farrow (gifted), Cardigan Zara.

I love the look of a beautiful tea dress with knee high socks or boots and a cardigan, its so silky and lux and yet down to earth. I remember a shoot for French Vogue sometime ago that had this kind of styling and it just works so well on girls who's legs go on forever. Since mine don't I think it works better to have an ankle boot. I have had this dress for years and years, I bought it on a trip to Japan when I was still at school (so I means years!).

Happy Weekending!

11 July 2012

Relaxed Sparkle

Photos by Pete Navey

Boots Zara, Skirt By Malene Birger, Jumper H&M, Sunglasses Super from Shopbop, Bag Yves Saint Laurent, Cuff Moxham.

I love the look of sequins and embellishments dressed down for the day. I think it can look so relaxed and yet exciting and cool.

This skirt is a super mini so I like it with flats and a big top for the day. Otherwise it can look a bit full on. Aviators and a big bag are also a great way to dress things down. Some how they just make things look more casual.