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‘Vegan Fashion’ Category

  1. Sublime Online has launched!

    May 18, 2012 by peasoupeats

     

    mango salsa recipe – post: ‘choose organic. change the world’

    I feel a little bit like a duck on water at the moment – calm on the surface whilst furiously paddling away underneath. Don’t get me wrong, it is great (GREAT!) to be busy, although I can’t help but feel peasoupeats is suffering as a result. This new work juggling act (assistant one day, blogger the next, intern another) is all very new to me (i was an actor for pete’s sake) and I’m still finding my feet – and ways to keep some equilibrium. It’s not easy but it’s also kinda exhilarating because I reeeaaaalllly don’t do well not doing anything. I think the phrase I’m looking for here is ‘stir crazy’ – too much downtime sends me a little bonkers, as my poor Hubby and Family can testify.

    Now though, I can finally reveal what I’ve been working on and whilst there are still some teething problems, I hope you agree (when you click on the link – CLICK ON THE LINK!) that it’s looking pretty impressive (toot toot!). A little something for everyone….. at least that is the aim.

    I talked a bit about Sublime here but to break it down for you again, it’s a sustainable lifestyle magazine, available bi-monthly either via subscription or in selected shops. It’s international, so even if you live outside the UK you should still be able to get your hands on it.

    I’m involved with the online side of things and have been working on posts and also finding appropriate contributors – in fact, if you are interested in contributing a little sumpin’ sumpin’ we’re on the lookout for like minded individuals who have a vested interest in all things sustainable. Shoot me an email (address in the about section) and we can talk it through.

    chinti and parker heart striped tee – post: ‘the real price of cotton’

    Unsurprisingly my interests lie between food and fashion although I am branching out and writing posts on other topics too. So far, I’m feeling challenged (always a good thing in my book), terrified (you put me in charge? say wha?!) and also somewhat fulfilled (my blog got me this gig – true story).

    Please, please, please give me any feedback on what you think of the site (it’s the latest section only) – I really value your opinion, I have the best followers ever, so intelligent, savvy and stylish, I totally trust your opinion. We’re trying to appeal to a wide spectrum of people, which is tricky but maybe there’s something you’d like to see covered. If so, let me know and I shall endeavour to make it happen.

    By the way, there is a totally awesome craft post coming your way very soon (via Sublime), which was kindly contributed by the super talented Cariad (she makes stuff, owns a shop in Wales, and is generally all kinds of awesome). Check out her website for an array of pretty gifts, stationary and more…ooh, and like her facebook page too!

    Watch THIS space!

    poola kataryna necklace – post: ‘ethical fashion with a POP!’

     

    Category personal, Vegan, Vegan Fashion, Vegetable side dish | Tags: | 4 Comments

  2. Spitalfields Summer Dresses!

    May 14, 2012 by peasoupeats

    You’d think I’d be a Spitalfields regular by now seeing as I’ve been in London on and off for a decade and currently live about a 30minute journey away – for those outside of the Capital, this is considered relatively ‘near’. Truth be told though, I’ve only been to the place a handful of times and have never actually bought anything there. Shock, horror!

    However, on my way to work the other day I was running early and decided to pay this famous Market a visit, not planning on spending a penny and ending up with two very sweet vintage dresses that are perfect for the summer.

    In fact, I’ve been on the lookout for dresses like these for quite a long time but haven’t had much luck. I’ve tried etsy, ebay, searched many, many vintage stores/charity shops both here and in Cornwall all to no avail – it would seem vintage summer dresses of this sort are in shortage. So, as soon as I seen this adorable red one and its blue counterpart (I’m sure I’ll take a photo of myself in that one too at some point) I couldn’t resist and promptly made a double purchase.

    I won’t deny going in for a bit of hard haggling, which meant I almost got two for the price of one but times are hard and money (my money) is tight. You gotta do whatcha gotta do, right? I’ll definitely be back to the guys stall (he was super nice too, facebook page here) at some point in the future anyway so he’s made a customer for life – he had way too many cute clothes for me not to return.

    What I love most about these dresses are the sleeves. Whatever happened to sleeves? I think sleeves are the biggest downfall in current fashion. They’re just not given enough consideration, wouldn’t you agree? Nowadays, dresses, for the most part, aren’t made for real women with shape – I don’t have stick thin arms nor do I have tiny hips. Vintage dresses seem to accommodate my figure so much better than ‘modern’ dresses – unless you’re prepared to spend a small fortune at Anthropologie or some such place and whilst I’d love to have the funds to dress myself from these mid market establishments, that is currently not a reality.

    Besides, what is more fun than finding a pre-loved garment and giving it a whole new lease of life. For me, that really is something money cannot buy.

    Category PeaSoupWears, personal, Vegan Fashion | Tags: ,,,,,, | 2 Comments

  3. What to wear when you don’t know what to wear

    May 6, 2012 by peasoupeats

    We’ve all been there. Blankly looking at a full to bursting wardrobe with not a single clue what to to wear. Talk about first world problems.

    Like most girls, the way I dress is totally dependent on my mood and my mood of late has been all over the place – hence my lack of inspiration in the outfit department. It hasn’t been helped by the unpredictable weather here in London at the moment, which is also seriously messing with my ability to dress myself.

    Do I dress for rain? What if the sun decides to grace us with its presence? What if, what if, what if….

    This brings me to another issue. Living in London means walking and I do A LOT of walking, therefore heels are out the window for the most part.

    skirt-new look  jacket-h&m bag-primark  scarf-borrowed from my Mum  shoes-toms  tights-tabio  hair scarf-vintage  glasses-specsavers  red lippy-bodyshop

    Back to the problem at hand.

    What exactly do you wear when you don’t know what to wear?

    Well, day one of the Bank Holiday Weekend, I went for sheer comfort in a maxi skirt and bundled myself up in a thick scarf, as we were going to watch a firework display and I didn’t want to feel the inevitable chill. I wasn’t in the mood (there’s that word again!) for bright colours so I kept to a more muted palette.

    pleated skirt-charity shop  navy blouse-charity shop  stripey tank-primark  tights-tabio  pumps-coolway

    And today I was not only uninspired but unfortunately feeling a bit worse for wear (I should NOT have ordered that second margarita….) and in definite need of cheering up, which came in the form of a stripey tank and lemon pumps – I just discovered the coolway shoe brand and am now completely obsessed. They have about a dozen pairs I need immediately in my life (somebody slap me please), especially their amazing selection of low heeled clogs and summer sandals.

    Sitting here now I can sense tomorrow will be yet another ‘i don’t know what to wear’ day. Feeling a bit blah, a bit hmmph, a bit whatever – know what I mean?

    If clothes are supposed to reflect your personality then what the heck does mine say? Split personality?

    The one thing I know for sure is that a slick of red lippy makes a girl feel good (even when her mood is more ‘ugh’ than ‘ey’) and when you’ve got a day at a cobble stoned market planned, always wear flats. That’s the best piece of advice you’ll get from me today. Over and out.

     

     

    Category outfits, PeaSoupWears, personal, Vegan Fashion | Tags: | 2 Comments

  4. The sun had his hat on. Briefly.

    May 1, 2012 by peasoupeats

    If you don’t dwell in the UK, you probably won’t know the weather of late here has sucked. Big time. I think it’s pretty much rained like a mofo the entire month of April until yesterday when we had a brief hiatus before the skies opened yet again and we endured a crazy thunder storm to boot.

    Again, if you’re not living in this small(ish), usually grey (but not always!) Island you may or may not be aware that we are currently in the midst of a drought. During such times you are not permitted to use your hose pipe nor are you allowed to shower for more than 5 minutes at a time (I made that last bit up), so you would think a bit of the wet stuff might be welcome. And I guess it is. The farmers are jumping for joy no doubt whilst the rest of the country have taken to hiding in their living rooms waiting (praying) for spring to return.

    Truth be told, I don’t mind it so much. I am the proud owner of a pair of wellies (rain boots to my American chums) and a red raincoat (which, according to my friend resembles licorice) so I’m prepared for any weather eventually.

    Puddles?

    No problem.

    Hail?

    Got ma hood, suckers!

    Wind?

    Plastic is my friend.

    See? It’s not so bad when you’ve got the gear. So, next time I hear anyone moan about the rain – unless you’ve got the necessary (essential and ‘don’t you know where we live’?) equipment – I don’t want to know.

    Have a think before you buy that new pretty chiffon top or you decide you definitely need a new pair of strappy sandals but still (how long have you lived here?) haven’t made the above purchases (I repeat – wellies and raincoat, wellies and raincoat). Should you fail to do so and end up sodden for the umpteenth time this year please don’t be upset when I give you zero sympathy. Mkay? Mkay.

    Heads up on the wellie front – Seasalt do the best rain boots on the market, made from natural rubber with mega cute designs and so comfortable. Not a sweaty foot in sight.

    Category outfits, PeaSoupWears, personal, Vegan Fashion | Tags: | 7 Comments

  5. Sublime

    April 29, 2012 by peasoupeats

    I thought you might like to know of a little development in my work life. I’ve just embarked on a new, very exciting, internship at a wonderful magazine called Sublime. A cut above the rest, it describes itself at a publication for ‘creative thinkers and inquiring minds’ – like, hello! How perfectly suited am I to this place?

    Take a gander over to their website to get an overview for yourself what they’re all about….talk about inspiring, they cover every possible angle when it comes to obtaining that not so illusive sustainable lifestyle. Unlike many magazines, which are gender specific, it appeals to men and women alike with some seriously interesting features as well as superb fashion spreads.

    In my first week there, I was given this gorgeous signature tote bag made from vintage fabric. So sweet and the perfect size to roll up in my purse – I always carry a bag like this with me to avoid ever having to use plastic and this one is just about as cute as it gets.

     

    Category personal, Vegan Fashion | Tags: | 3 Comments

  6. Hello Sailor!

    April 27, 2012 by peasoupeats

    Birthdays usually equal gifts and whilst I don’t expect them, I’m always thrilled to receive something especially when it’s as cute as this sailor top. Given to me by my Sister, it’s from the H! by Henry Holland range at Debenhams – I have a silly amount of stuff from this range already, I really adore all the designs. Knowing me only too well, she chose perfectly seeing as I’m all about the nautical.

    Probably not helped by living, albeit briefly, in arguably the ultimate coastal town – I’m talking about Penzance, of course -my nautical inspired dress sense has only become more out of control. Even when we visited recently I managed to pick up an awesome anchor clad vintage bag and the most adorable red sailing boat pin brooch from a fabulous vintage store in Marazion called Fine & Dandy.

    I’m not just crazy about nautical clothing though. I am generally a sea crazed nut. This even extends to me happily watching giant wave videos on youtube for hours – mostly ones being surfed, I’m entranced by that too. So, you see, I really do like to be beside the seaside. I’m an ocean gal through and through.

    For now though, until we make our way back down to the waves, sand and dreamy views, I’ll make do with traipsing round London looking like I’m a Sailor girl on shore leave. Maybe I’ll pick up a few hookers while I’m here……

    p.s. please don’t judge me on that last ‘joke’, I’m easily amused today:/

    p.p.s. these photos only highlight my critical need for a haircut.

    Category outfits, personal, Vegan Fashion | Tags: | 5 Comments

  7. Uke Time

    April 13, 2012 by peasoupeats

    Something you may or may not know about me is that I come from a musical family.

    My Dad is a fantastic bass player and has spent most of his life in bands, even touring all over the world in his younger years. His talents also extend to acoustic guitar and keyboard although there’s nothing I like better than to hear him rocking out on the bass – the man has serious rhythm, s’all I’m sayin’!

    Likewise, my Mother was a long standing member of a very well renowned Irish choir called The Colmcille Ladies. They’ve performed for the President of the United States, don’t you know! So you could say music is in our blood and in our bones.

    Growing up my Sister and I attended music lessons several times a week – I play violin, piano and I sing whilst my Sister is a truly awesome recorder player (superb tone) as well as being pretty damn good on the old pi.a.no. Of course, her main gift in life is her kinda amazing voice. We’re not the only ones who think so because the record label peeps snapped her up sharpish when she graduated from music college and she’s just completed her first album(it’s called Songbook and you can pre-order it here). It’s all very exciting.

    I myself went on to study music at Goldsmiths College and ended up staying for five years (God, I loved that place) racking up several qualifications (bmus, mmus, pgce) resulting in me taking up a teaching post at an all girls secondary school. Whilst I knew in my heart it wasn’t the career for me I nether the less enjoyed some of my time as a music and drama teacher – let’s just say working with the kids was the easy part….ahem.

    Anywho, in recent years, after music literally consuming my life – I’ve performed since I was very small – I somehow misplaced my passion. I acted, I wrote, I blogged but there was something missing. Something that had given me immense pleasure for the majority of my increasingly not so short time here on planet earth. Making music.

    I was drawn to the ukulele because of it’s size (always a sucker for a portable instrument) and it’s childlike charm. Of course, being a string player meant I was able to pick it up fairly quickly and easily although I’m nowhere near as good as I would like to be but practice was not something I was willing to put in and I’ll tell you why….ukulele time was not going to turn into a strive for perfection and being a hopeless perfectionist this was and still is actually quite difficult for me.

    Nope, the uke is for me and me alone. I strum, I hum, I sing, I play. For me. This is not performance driven. This is pleasure driven. I never thought such a dinky little instrument could give me back my music mojo but it has and for that alone it deserves a mention.

    Currently playing: Up On The Roof

    Currently wearing: 

    turquoise skirt: charity shop 

    horse print tee: H! by Henry Holland

    metallic cardi: zara  

    tights: tabio  

    faux suede wedges: next

     

     

    Category outfits, personal, Vegan, Vegan Fashion | Tags: | 5 Comments

  8. Russian Dolls

    April 11, 2012 by peasoupeats

     

    Do you have something in your wardrobe that you absolutely love but don’t wear enough of?

    For me that item is a certain russian doll printed cotton blouse my Husband bought me a couple of Christmasses ago from a great Cornish store called Seasalt. The brand is actually Nice Things and by the looks of it, their current season is another winner – literally love everything but especially want the map printed one piece for my summer holidays.

    Believe me when I tell you that I have never once been disappointed with a present that boy has given me – he either just plain gets me or is just a bloody good gift giver, choser, whatever OR both. It’s probably a bit of both.

    I was so thrilled with this cuter than cute blouse I was convinced it would become a regular feature in many of my ensembles but for some strange unknown reason (and the reason really is unknown) it hasn’t happened.

    Up until the Easter weekend just past it had barely been on my back and I knew that oversight had to be rectified immediately. So, Easter Sunday, fed and bathed, I reached for my forlorn and forgotten little russian doll blouse at the back of my wardrobe and I just knew its time had come.

    After wearing it two days straight it was evident this awesome item had finally come into its own and now I’m excited about incorporating it into my working wardrobe. It’ll be great teamed up with some high-waisted trousers, a pretty skirt or worn simply like in the photo.

    I love it when a plan comes together….or something like that.

     

    Category outfits, personal, Vegan Fashion | Tags: | 2 Comments

  9. My Etsy Shop!

    April 4, 2012 by peasoupeats

    I’ve currently got a chocolate banana loaf in the oven (recipe tomorrow), so whilst I have a minute or two (or forty) let me tell you more about my etsy shop. Don’t worry, I’m not going to give you the hard sell on anything – I am a terrible saleswoman even though I did receive 99% on my mystery guest shopper test when I worked at Harrods and even then I got awarded most marks for being ‘not too pushy’. So, yes.

    Anyway, I’m really excited about my shop for several reasons.

    1. I have a lot of clothes that I’ve collected and kept throughout the years in the hope that one day I could impart them onto someone else who will love them just as much I do.

    2. I’m not selling anything I haven’t worn with pride in the past, which is why everything for sale has the PeaSoup mark of approval – I’m sure that means a lot to you;) But really, this is not a clear out. I would quite happily hold on to each and every item and am sure I would wear all of it again at some point but my Husband has made me see reason (I HAVE TOO MUCH STUFF), which is how and why I have decided upon an etsy shop.

    3. Ebay has never held much appeal for me as a seller. The times I’ve listed stuff on the site it has invariably fallen on my Husband to do the dirty work. Etsy, however, is a completely different story. It feels like a community and is a joy to use – in fact, it has made me think I might one day like to open up a bricks and mortar shop full of clothing and collectibles of my choosing. Oh, the joy of being surrounded by pretty things and transferring that passion to each person who walks through the door. Sounds fun, doesn’t it? Of course, coming from a family with a history in retail (my Mum ran a successful gift store for many years and a boutique before that) I realise it’s not all fun and games so I have my reservations too.

    Am I rambling?

    Should I stop now?

    Okay, one last thing. The banana bread is now out of the oven and looks, well, erm, pretty darn amazing. Hurry up and cool so I can have a slice. With peanut butter. Essential. Nom.

    Oh and don’t forget – to view all the items in full (I was teasing you with some of these shots – maybe I’m not such a bad saleswoman…..) hop over to my PeaSoupSells shop at Etsy.

     

    Category etsy shop, outfits, personal, Vegan Fashion | Tags: | No Comments

  10. all dressed up and nowhere to go

    March 30, 2012 by peasoupeats

    It would seem my food blog is slowly morphing into a lifestyle blog. I hope this doesn’t bother too many of you. I can imagine any male readers I have will be less than impressed with yet another outfit post and for this I can only apologise. Sorry? Recipe tomorrow to make up for it?

    I can’t deny I’m enjoying my blogging life more now than I ever have because I don’t feel so restricted. Don’t get me wrong, food is my passion but I have so many other loves in my life it seems a shame not to share.

    One other significant obsession of mine is vintage clothing. I’ve always shopped this way, much to my Mothers horror-I’m not so sure she appreciated me spending my pocket money on second hand goodies from Oxfam but it’s just a lifestyle I was always drawn to. Lord knows where this thrifting bug came from but it has stayed with me right through adulthood and is slowly determining my professional life. What weird karmic action is going down there?

    This little number (a wicked pink and orange 1960s psychedelic mini dress) was not actually my own find but rather my Sisters – it would seem this thrifting bug is contagious! She was parting ways with it a few years back and luckily I found it before it made its journey to the charity shop – close call! I’ve even been photographed for a magazine wearing it when I took part in a ‘come dine with me’ style feature a while back.

    I donned it again for a very special birthday party we were supposed to attend on Sunday. A certain legend, namely the incomparable Des O’Connor, was turning 80. The man is eighty!

    After making an effort (which is more than can be said for some of the attendees, ahem) we were hugely disppointed to not actually get in-too many ‘priorities’ apparently. Ugh. And so we found ourselves all dressed up with nowhere to go.

    Off we trundled then to the O2 arena to catch a film only to have the worst cinematic experience EVER! Not only was the film not up to much (The Devil Inside-we were late for everything else) but the audience were so phenomenally bad mannered they ruined the entire film from beginning to end. Based on this one truly awful experience I will never return to this cinema again. The place itself was also so totally mind blowingly soulless, we couldn’t even bring ourselves to stay for a drink. You failed to impress O2 arena and with us it’s one strike and you’re out. Harsh but necessary – there’s just too many cool places to hang out in London, we can’t be wasting time on below par establishments.

    Ah well, at least I got to wear a pretty dress.

    dress – vintage  tights – topshop  shoes – peacocks  coral lippy – barry m

    Oh yes! Another piece of exciting news (for me anyway) is that I’ve signed up to etsy and opened my own little vintage store – cool, eh? Do stop by for a browse! It may be a little barren at the moment but I have items lined up to photograph and upload etc. so the shop will be an ever evolving thing. Do let me know if you like the look of any of the items, I’d love any feedback x

    My etsy shop

    Category outfits, personal, vegan cosmetics, Vegan Fashion | Tags: | 8 Comments

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