The Style Floozie

09/07/2013

Summer has finally arrived! Hurrah! So what's on our minds? COCKTAILS of course.

Well, to be quite frank, I'd happily consume a cocktail at most times of the year. Bar Christmas where it's Champagne for breakfast, wine for dinner and any of Tia Maria on ice, Baileys on Ice, a wee dram or a little drop of Port to end the day. I do eat as well, by the way.

But back to cocktails. I live not too far from Birmingham's fabulous Mailbox complex, brimming with restaurants and bars, many with a lovely sun terrace at the front overlooking the canal. As it happens, most of these restaurants and bars serve an array of cocktails. Fancy that! So residing nearby it would obviously be rude not to take advantage on occasion.

When I was asked to try out a few cocktails alongside fellow cocktail sipping bloggers and journalists alike (pictured), I chuckled to myself "try cocktails at the Mailbox? I'm practically part of the furniture - I know what's there already", but naturally I went along with it.

Beginning with an Argentinian wine tasting session held in the Project Emerge installation currently on the lower floor of the Mailbox, I was running a little late from work and had to play catch up. How often do you arrive somewhere and someone hands you a glass of bubbly and a wine at the same time and tells you to hurry up and taste them because they're on the third already? This evening was starting well (I am a self confessed wino, for those who don't already know).

I have to 'fess up now, I have no idea what the wines were, but they were all delightful. One was a Malbec - the creme de la creme of reds in my opinion. Not for a hot sunny day though unless you want to end up slumped in a corner with a woozy head.

Following this we headed to Epernay for my favourite type of cocktail - champagne! I tried an orange based cocktail which wasn't actually to my taste as I'm not a big fan of anything orange (aside from the colour), however, that flavour aside, I believe they were all rather delicious. This was quickly chased up by a creamy lemon meringue cocktail. Yummy, but rather rich and I daresay, too many and you probably wouldn't be feeling so clever!

Next we headed to steak restaurant Miller and Carter. I actually had no idea that this had a bar area you could just head up to for drinks, so this was a nice surprise. Ordered to "choose any cocktail on the menu" I naturally went for another champagne cocktail (again, cannot remember what it was, but it was a delight), before we were moved onto Malmaison for a cocktail demonstration and making workshop; a lot of fun. And no, I definitely cannot remember what my cocktail was at this point - we were shown a variety, all of which I've forgotten, but I'm terrible with names anyway (at least that's my excuse).

In honesty, we only sampled a fraction of the cocktail and culinary offerings available at the Mailbox. Any more and I'd have most definitely ended up on the floor. As I was going to see Aswad at the Jam House after this that would not have been a good move! (Aswad were AMAZING by the way).

The Mailbox have incidentally launched a cocktail app for Facebook that should help you find where to go for your favourite type of cocktails, and in this weather, there's most definitely a need for it! They're also currently running a competition whereby if you upload a photo of your favourite cocktail to the page and it receives the highest number of votes, you could win a very nice little prize.

Need anymore excuse to sample a few cocktails? No, didn't think so. Head over here to check out what other people have been drinking, then go check it all out yourself!

Posted by Unknown 0

20/06/2013

I blogged recently (see post Modern Vintage) about the gorgeous new shoe collection launched by designer Rachel Simpson. Well, the initial launch being held in London and me being at work in Birmingham meant I didn't get to go and lay eyes on the gorgeous designs first hand. However, last week, Agnes & Norman officially launched its Birmingham boutique store in the historic Great Western Arcade, opposite Snow Hill Station.

A quaint little boutique, with the vintage inspired design of the interior that mirrors the style of the shoes themselves, it sits perfectly within the Victorian shopping centre, that was originally built in 1876 and is, in my humble opinion, one of the most precious gems to be found in Birmingham City Centre.

I've been a little late on updating you with this as it's now nearly the end of the boutique's opening week, however if you're quick, you can take advantage of an opening 25% discount in-store. So go! Now! Check it out - I promise you'll fall in love in an instant.

To check out the range online, visit http://www.agnesandnorman.co.uk/.

Posted by Unknown 0

30/05/2013

'Plus size'. I hate that term. Why? Because it holds connotations of being overweight, or 'curvy' as some people like to call it. Well, curvy I can cope with - you can be a size 8 and still have curves. If the term 'plus size' actually did refer to overweight/larger than average people, then I perhaps wouldn't have a problem. But when a major retailer decides to ditch their usually super skinny models (which, quite frankly about 2% of the population will ever look like) in favour of an equally beautiful model, yet with a healthier and more realistic body shape, and the media all goes "WOAH! H&M have used a PLUS SIZE model in their latest ad!", it annoys me. Yes, it's great that the media are celebrating this. but it's sad that they, and the modelling agencies, all have to give the girl a 'plus size' label.

The model in question is Jennie Runk from the US - a size 12. Just a size 12. And beautiful.

Now, forgive me if I'm wrong here, but if you wander down the high street and you find a plus-size clothes shop, it's likely to be Evans or something similar - you know, where the clothing starts at a size 16 or thereabouts and goes up into the twenty-somethings. Size 16/18, by the way, doesn't necessarily mean you're an an unhealthy size - we're all built differently. So why are we calling a model who looks perfectly healthy and of actually just below average size 'plus size'?

I'm going to throw something at you here. Instead of calling catwalk models with their generally unattainable lean physiques 'perfect' and size 12 models 'plus size', why don't we change the way we look at it. I'll explain:

[Example] Size 6, 6' model typically labelled as 'perfect' by many a fashion house or magazine (I'm generalising here so don't penalise me please): Unless they're very lucky they probably have to be very strict on their diets and work out constantly to maintain their shape. No drinking, no cupcakes, no chips from time to time, no dairy, no wheat.... you get the picture. Incredibly hard, and I for one would not enjoy myself trying to maintain something that I am not meant to be.

[Example] Size 12, 5'11" model typically labelled as 'plus size' and not used for catwalk or high fashion ad campaigns unless the designer wants to cause a stir (again, generalising): this girl can eat what she wants within reason, can workout when she wants and probably has a great smile on her face. Word on the street too is that most men will probably fancy her because she has hips, breasts, a bum - something they can grab hold of without being pierced by a jutting out hip bone that's been starved of any fat cells for too long.

Which one would you prefer?

What isn't perfect about not having to worry that you've eaten one too many chocolates on the odd occasion, you've skipped exercise for a week (nearly two for me now - oops!) and your stomach's not quite completely fat free and rock solid? You can go out, enjoy yourself, shake your hips like Shakira and your butt like Beyonce and not have to worry about the extra calories in that extra glass of wine. And you know what? NO ONE will care. In fact, they're more likely to flock to you because you're having a good time, you're healthy, you're happy. Why would you give up all of that just to squeeze into a size six pair of jeans that no one's even going to be looking at anyway?

I look at it this way. I (pictured left) have hips, a bum, thighs, breasts (finally! They didn't grow too far until I hit my mid twenties - not in comparison to my sister anyway!) and thankfully a comparatively small waist, which I do feel quite lucky for. I have been there where I constantly work out and am obsessive over what I eat. I'm a little bigger now, but I'm more relaxed about what goes in my mouth and when I can fit in my running and exercise. My life is far more 'perfect' without those extra burdens I put on myself.

At the end of the day, do skinny girls really look that much better in a bikini than someone of a more average size who looks after themselves, takes a healthy, not obsessive approach to their food and focuses on enjoying themselves? Not really, no. And actually, I quite like looking at other girls with curves because when they look good, it makes me feel better that I have them myself and reassured that actually, no, not everyone on the beach is going to be six feet tall and like a gazelle. Lucky for the few who are, but who really needs to be?

So, this 'plus size' term. Let's drop it, hey? I think it needs renaming: perfect size.

Posted by Unknown 6

21/05/2013

Harry Moseley was an amazing little boy. 11 years old, suffering from an inoperable brain tumour which eventually took his life, he achieved much bigger things than most of us maybe ever will in comparison; in his short life he raised over £500,000 for Cancer Research, despite being very ill himself, by selling beaded bracelets "hand made with love for all people with cancer”. These bracelets are now widely recognised and sold as the symbol of support for the Help Harry Help Others charity, which continues to grow and carry on the amazing work that he started thanks to his mum Georgie Moseley.

Georgie Moseley

On Saturday (May 18th) stars from music, sport, film, TV and radio came together at Birmingham City Football ground to further the fundraising activities for Help Harry Help others in a celebrity football match dubbed 'Celeb Footy 4 Harry' (search the twitter hashtag #celebfooty4harry to see comments and updates from the day). What a day it was. Great turn out, great atmosphere and most of all great fun.

Doing the day in style, myself and a few friends were kindly given use of the box belonging to Snatchpac Ltd (thank you very much guys!) which gave us a great view of the action. Now, apparently the score was 12-2. For some reason I missed about nine of these goals (oops) but what I can tell you is that Harvey of So Solid Crew fame had much of a hand (or foot, more to the point) in many of these goals. Hankering after a change of career perhaps? Who knows. Goal scorers on the day also included Derry and Charlie from X Factor pop band The Risk who made up the score in the winning team - Harry's Heroes, and James Phelps and Kevin Cooper who scored the two goals for the losing Moseley Mob.

Other notable celebs there included Brum's own culinary legend Mr Glynn Purnell, Arg, Tom and Mario from The Only Way is Essex, Sam from Made In Chelsea, former footballers Ian Taylor and Michael Johnson, Steps' Lee Latchford-Evans, the rather lovely (and very easy on the eye) Shane Ward along with two of my boxing heroes (yes, I like boxing) Nathan Cleverly and Joe Calzaghe - who after a couple of glasses of wine later on in the evening I failed to recognise as I was talking to him. Shame on me.

After all the fun during the day, the teams came back together in the evening to celebrate with a glass of much deserved fizz or two, and knowing that most of these lovely guys wouldn't know where they were going, it was only right that a few of us played escort as we moved between venues and made them feel at home... who am I kidding. of course I wanted to be surrounded by a host of good looking, successful guys. Who wouldn't?

Anyway, all in all the event was a success. Attendance was a fantastic 7,155 according to Sellebrity Soccer who had a big hand in organising the event, and from where I was standing, not only do I think this event can, and should, happen again, but it can only get bigger.

Photos from the day (and a couple of terrible ones of me, but with a couple of the guys) are below. To find out more about Harry, the Help Harry Help Others charity and how you can get involved, visit HHHO.org.uk.

Before the match began

Me and my lovely girls in front of our hospitality box - thanks Snatchpac!

Our favourite brummie and chef extraordinaire Mr Glynn Purnell with Georgie Moseley

Harry's Heroes - the winning team - celebrate their win!

Tom Kilbey from The Only Way Is Essex

A delightful looking Mario Falcone from ITV's The Only Way Is Essex

And the evening (sorry guys, I get in the way here!)

Me and the legend that is Glynn Purnell

Me and the lovely Shane Ward

Me and MC Harvey - possibly the most confident person I have ever met! (and girls, he likes taking his shirt off... wink)

Posted by Unknown 0

08/05/2013

Here's a question for you girls and boys: would you allow your face to be smothered by a snail's slimy trail if it meant your skin would be left soft and smooth?

No? Me neither.

What if I told you that it was simply some form of slimy snail ingredient that was used in a face mask that you have to wear for approximately 20-25 minutes instead?

It still sounds pretty grim doesn't it? But that's what a friend recently handed and recommended to me. So naturally, as 'grossed out' as I was when I felt the cold slippery sliminess of it, I had to try it.

For 20 minutes my face was took on the appearance of some slimy plastic looking robot from one century or another, with a slight resemblance to someone wearing a protective plastic face mask after possibly suffering burns (but without the burns, thankfully). But still, I persevered, and luckily I was home alone, so I couldn't frighten anyone in the process.

The concept conjured up memories of me and my childhood friends (boys - I was a tomboy running around in colour change T-shirts, jeans and trainers, and I doubt any girly girl would consider this) daring each other to let big juicy snails slime across our hands. Yuck. And I can't remember my hands feeling any softer back then!

However, once the 20 minutes was up, I peeled off the mask, patted in any excess moisture and... voila! My skin actually did feel smooth and moisture-full. In fact, I'm not usually a fan of face masks as they don't always react well with my skin. But this, I must say, felt great. Who'd have thought?

It's called Snail Therapy Hydro-gel mask, by Nature Republic. I'm not sure where my friend got it from, however it is currently available (at a price) on Alibaba, eBay etc - drop it into Google, and see where you can get it from.

Posted by Unknown 1

01/05/2013

Summer is on its way. Honestly, it is. So what better way, for those of us who like wining and dining on occasions, to get ready for summer than to check out those bars and restaurants in our fair city that have an outdoor terrace?

This was my exact thought last week when I was invited to come along to a preview of the new outdoor terrace that Piccolino, Birmingham, was about to launch. But then it rained. Oh, how it rained (OK, not that much, but too much to sit outside you would think), and it was cold.

That didn't stop me though, and off I popped to see what this new terrace had to offer.

Well, for a start, a tranquil setting in Oozels Square, Brindleyplace, with trees lining the pathways. To my delight on spotting the terrace I discovered that it was completely glass fronted, covered over and had very good outdoor heaters pointing down from the walls. Adding to that there was none of this typical metal or hard woven outdoor type seating. Instead low tables were tucked in with highly cushioned, large sofa style seating, which, despite being outdoor, is sheltered enough from the combination of glass side panelling and overhead 'hood' to ensure it remains dry, whatever the weather.

Now, I don't just go to these things to sample the seating. Obviously there were a few complimentary glasses of wine and oh-so-delightful canapes involved, which I was all too happy to submit myself to. And quite frankly I'm glad I did.

I often, whether this is right or not , but I do, judge a restaurant, or catering company by their canapes. I figure if they are prepared to put the effort into these tiny morsels of food that are swallowed in a matter of seconds by most people, then the food they serve in general must be something to look forward to. There are a handful I can think of that come up trumps for me here, and I'm delighted to say that Piccolino is now one of them.

I certainly recommend a visit to anyone contemplating dining or drinking around Brindleyplace in the near future.

Posted by Unknown 0

18/04/2013

Vintage lovers and new-only-fashionistas alike will unite as one with a new shoe collection launched this April.

agnes & norman is a stunning collection of footwear, taking its inspiration from a bygone era. Designed by designer Rachel Simpson and carefully handmade by skilled craftsmen in Spain, the emphasis is on simplicity and quality.

If you like the style, shape and idea of shoes from past decades, but want the endurance of a good quality shoe, or you just simply don't like the feeling of wearing shoes that have been worn by others before you, then agnes & norman might just be the collection you've been looking for.

The spring/summer collection is made up of fifteen styles; perfect for work, play and everything in between, the range is full of spicy, rich tones and earthy neutrals in leather and suede, finished with delicate stitching, metallics, flattering straps and cute bows.

Much more affordable than a designer collection, but with no compromise on quality, the agnes & norman range is available exclusively online and already counts Izzy Judd - wife of McFly's Harry, and star of Mr Selfridge, Lauren Crace amongst its fans.

The best thing about the collection? The range includes footwear for men AND women - so for once you guys can get in on the exciting action!

Visit agnesandnorman.com to see the full collection!

Posted by Unknown 0

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09/07/2013

Fancy a cocktail?

20/06/2013

Agnes & Norman opens its doors in Birmingham's Great Western Arcade

30/05/2013

PLUS size? or perfect size?

21/05/2013

The stars shine for Harry Moseley charity football match

08/05/2013

Snail trail for your face? Yes, it's a thing!

01/05/2013

Piccolino al fresco - come rain or shine

18/04/2013

Modern vintage

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