British-born Paula lives in Newcastle upon Tyne in the North East of England where she works in advertising. Her blog, Pink Bow, is a heavenly helping of all things pretty. It was tough trying to decide which of her photographs to include in this post for they are all amazing. Once I'd picked my faves, we had a good old girly chit chat about blogging, baking and picture-taking!
Hi Paula, your blog is beautiful. What inspired you to create this cute corner on the web?
Thank you! After reading other people’s blogs for a couple of years, they motivated to start my own. I had been an avid ‘scrapbooker’ for about 10 years, loving to collect images that inspired me. Initially, starting my own blog was a digital replacement for this and a creative output for my new photography hobby.
You’re clearly smitten with bows. Just how many of these lovelies do you own?
Around a dozen, not including clothing adornments. My favourites have to be three beautiful bows sent to me by a designer called Laurent Desgrange and also the little silver Tiffany bow necklace given to me by my parents this Christmas.
On Flickr, you say that photography is very new to you and yet your pictures are sensational. Would you mind telling us about the camera you use and why you chose it?
Thank you so much! Yes, I have been taking photographs for less than a year and have become quite obsessed with it. Flickr and my blog are great tools to keep me motivated. I’m very much self-taught but would love to attend a class to learn more.
I currently use a Canon EOS 1000d. This is the third Canon camera I have owned and when looking to buy a DSLR chose Canon again as I had always found them easy to use and good quality. I chose the model that suited my budget, maybe one day I will be able to upgrade to a better model.
Who takes the photos of you?
Most photographs are taken myself using a timer and remote. Occasionally I will enlist help from family or friends. I prefer to do it myself though as I feel quite self-conscious having my picture taken!
How would you describe your personal style?
I’m very inspired by French style so I guess it’s quite feminine and classic but I love quirky and funky details too. I generally just buy what catches my eye and then throw it all together!
You’ve dedicated a Flickr set to Chanel. When did your love affair with the French fashion house begin?
I have loved Chanel since I can remember. My dream for so many years was to own the Classic Handbag. When that dream became a reality last year I became even more Chanel-obsessed with cosmetics, books, films etc. So it seemed like a good idea to create a Flickr set which hopefully I will continue to add to.
If I were to visit London in the upcoming Spring, what ten pieces would you recommend I pack in my suitcase?
1. Ballet flats by French Sole – they have a huge amount of variety and you will be doing lots of walking around London
2. Cashmere cardigan or sweater – I currently have a couple from Autograph at M&S which are very affordable – to put on in the unpredictable English weather
3. Dress daytime – a wardrobe staple that can be dressed up or down
4. Dress evening – something a little more glamorous
5. Platform shoes or sandals – at least one pair of heels is necessary & these are the most current trend
6. Flared jeans – as much as I love the narrow proportions of skinny jeans, these are a great comfortable and chic alternative
7. Tee shirts – in a variety of colours and patterns
8. Floaty blouse – a dressy alternative to tee shirts to wear with jeans
9. Trench coat – another classic that can be worn day or night
10. A fabulous handbag – what screams style more than an eye-catching bag?
London Fashion Week has just wrapped. Do you have any favourite looks from the runway?
I loved the colour palette and textures of Charles Anastase, the black and gold glamour of PPQ. Mulberry had a quirky British element that I love and Roksanda Ilincic is an ongoing favourite, so chic.
If you could be dressed by any designer for a special date, who would you choose and what would you wear?
There are so many designers that I love…but my dream would have to be Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel. Although I would not usually opt for one designer look head-to-toe, Chanel would be the exception. I would choose an amazing dress and jacket in one of the current SS10 pastel shades, along with a hair accessory, handbag and shoes. Or I would be happy for Karl himself to dress me in whichever way he thinks best. I’m swooning just thinking about it!
Please can you take us through your perfect day?
Funny you should ask me this question, as I have this planned for a post! I would begin the day with a lovely lie in and breakfast in bed. I would get up to visit my local flea-market where I would find lots of unusual treasures and then go on to meet a friend for brunch at my favourite café that makes the best smoked salmon & eggs, coffee & pastries. I would then return home for a little afternoon nap before getting ready in one of my most glamorous outfits for a night out with my boyfriend for cocktails, a film and more food. It would be a simple and relaxing day.
How are you planning to fill your weekends in the spring?
It seems like this has been the longest winter this year with all of the snow we’ve had. So I am now more than ready for the spring. I plan to explore more of the North East of England with my camera in hand. We have lovely countryside, coasts and gardens that really I am so lucky to have so close by, there is no shortage of beautiful places to visit. Also, last year my friends and I started to go to various gardens and parks with a picnic, so I hope to do more this year, weather permitting.
Where else can we find you on the web?
As well as my blog, I use Flickr and have recently had some outfit shots on Chicismo. I do have Lookbook.nu and Modepass accounts but rarely have the time to use them. I also use Twitter, great for boredom when travelling on the metro.
Paula’s Dressing Table:
Fragrance: Alternating between Philosykos by Diptyque and Cristalle Eau Verte by Chanel
Lipstick: Ladybug by MAC – I’m so into red lips and nails at the moment
Blusher: Pussycat by Me Me Me lip & cheek stain from Superdrug
Eye-liner: Fluidline by MAC and Chanel Auomatic Liquid Eye-liner
Mascara: Great Lash by Maybelline
Paula’s UK Faves:
City: Newcastle upon Tyne (as I live here!)
Park: Alnwick Gardens, Northumberland
High Street Store: Top Shop
Vintage Store: Rokit, London
Interiors Store: Liberty of London
Café: Ladurée in London
Restaurant: The Crab & Lobster, North Yorkshire
Paula's Fave Five Bloggers
Style Bubble ♥ Kingdom of Style ♥ The Cherry Blossom Girl ♥ Niotifillem ♥ Vintage Portalen
Your Valentine’s biscuits looked delicious! Could you please share one of your recipes with us?
I must confess to using The Hummingbird Bakery Cookbook lately for most of my recipe ideas. I visited the bakery in Portobello in London a couple of years ago and my friend then bought me the book. If you have a sweet-tooth it really is the best. (Hear Hear, Paula! I've been there too and it really is sublime) Here is one they are most famous for:
Red Velvet Cupcakes (makes 12)
12 hole cupcake tray, lined with paper cases
Ingredients:
60g unsalted butter, at room temperature
150g caster sugar
1 egg
20g cocoa powder
40ml red food colouring
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
120ml buttermilk
150g plain flour
½ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
1 ½ teaspoons white vinegar
1 quantity Cream Cheese Frosting
Cream Cheese Ingredients:
300g icing sugar, sifted
50g unsalted butter, at room temperature
125g cream cheese, cold
Method for cupcakes:
Preheat the oven to 170℃ (325℉) Gas 3
Put the butter and the sugar in a freestanding electric mixer with a paddle attachment (or use a handheld electric whisk) and beat on medium speed until light and fluffy and well mixed. Turn the mixer up to high speed, slowly add the egg and beat until everything is incorporated.
In a separate bowl, mix together the cocoa powder, red food colouring and vanilla extract to make a very thick, dark paste. Add to the butter mixture and mix thoroughly until evenly combined and coloured (scrape any unmixed ingredients from the side of the bowl with a rubber spatula). Turn the mixer down to a slow speed and slowly pour in half of the buttermilk. Beat until well mixed, then add half the flour and beat until everything is well incorporated. Repeat this process until all the buttermilk and flour have been added. Scrape down the side of the bowl again. Turn the mixer up to high speed and beat until you have a smooth, even mixture. Turn the mixer down to low speed and add the bicarbonate of soda and vinegar. Beat until well mixed, then turn up the speed again and beat for a couple more minutes.
Spoon the mixture into the paper cases until two-thirds full and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the sponge bounces back when touched. A skewer inserted in the centre should come out clean. Leave the cupcakes to cool slightly in the tray before turning out onto a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
Method for Cream Cheese Frosting:
Beat the icing sugar and butter together in a freestanding electric mixer with a paddle attachment (or use a handheld whisk) on medium-slow speed until the mixture comes together and is well mixed. Add the cream cheese in one go and beat until it is completely incorporated. Turn the mixture up to medium-high speed. Continue beating until the frosting is light and fluffy, at least 5 minutes. Do not overbeat, as it can quickly become runny.
When the cupcakes are cold, spoon the Cream Cheese Frosting on top.
Yum! Thank you, Paula, for this delicious dose of inspiration. What do you think guys, isn't she a honey?! I'm a bona fide Pink Bow fangirl for sure:)
If you enjoyed this inty, you might also want to read my interviews with Mademoiselle Robot, Elsa Billgren and Nadia Jonker. Do you have a favourite blogger that you'd like to invite to Glossary? I welcome all suggestions! Please feel free to tell me in a comment below or drop me an email. x
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