Inspirations behind the SS13 Collection

Inspired by the beauty of nature from the shapes, corals and colours of the sea to tiny wild flower strewn woodland walks, this season we hope we have created a collection that is both beautiful and wearable for girls of all ages. We asked Sophie to tell us a little bit more about the collection and the inspirations behind it…

THE SEA

This summer the beautiful colours and shapes of the sea and all the treasures it holds has inspired a large part of the collection. Beautiful twisting coral, starfish, sea urchins and giant sea shells, foaming waves, soft blues, sea greens and warm coral colours. 

We have 2 prints inspired by the theme; the sea urchin print in either coral or sea green, seen on the Maggie Dress and the Jellyfish dress with jellyfish print (which was taken from a fragment of vintage fabric) in warm tones of mauve and brown.

We were also inspired by all the glorious summer activities of the sea side with a wide collection of beachwear from cute bikini’s to cool cotton cover ups and brightly coloured shorts, tops, and knits. We hope we have designed a complete tool kit for sea bound children whether they be scrambling round rock pools in Scotland, or splashing in the warm waters of the Mediterranean this summer.

WILD FLOWERS AND WOODLAND

The English summer with its ever-changing hedgerow is an important theme in this spring and summer. The thrill as the first fritilla’s appear followed by primrose, tulips, narcissi, wild cherry blossom, bluebells, cow parsley and wild roses entwined on the side of the road. Woodland walks and adventures. tree houses, indoors brought outdoors, building camps in the garden for imaginative play and make believe. 

The Princess and the Pea under the trees…

We have three floral prints this season. The Dahlia print, seen on the Breakfast Dress in soft grey with hints of yellow or muted mauves and blues brings to mind the softer dew soaked misty and romantic spring days when the sun isn’t shining but the bruised clouds bring a softness to the sky. The tulip print, seen on the Maddie Skirt is a bright and modern floral print with a hint of a 50’s feel to it and the summer flower print, seen on the Poppy Dress is an utterly pretty and traditional floral print that looks fresh and innocent.

1950’s

Some of our pieces have been inspired by the 1950’s and vintage finds. Pretty cotton print dresses, which are feminine and nostalgic. 

Slim waists, full skirts…think Mad Men without the fags, alcohol and affairs! 

The ice cream girl, the fab dress and the lampshade dress all have a hint of the 1050’s in their design.

TOMBOYS

Playsuits have been such a great new fashion trend for girls enabling them to run, skip jump and cartwheel. 

For Spring Summer ‘13 we have increased the number of playsuits in the collection as well as the number of shorts and T’s and cute little jumpers in order to appeal to tomboys and sporty girls. 

Outdoor adventures, scrapes, sports and above all good healthy fun are an important aspect of the collection.

TROPICAL

For Spring Summer 2013 tropical is topical. Flamingo jumpers and florescent pink, hot sultry days, Palm Springs and all things kitsch. 

Mustique in the 70’s – think Basil’s Bar, Princess Margaret and Mick Jagger.

PARTYWEAR

This summer we wanted to make sure that we had a fabulous collection of partywear for little girls to twirl and dance.

From the luxurious silk cotton FAB Dress (named after the brightly coloured ice lolly) to the pretty sea foam lace and net dress and the more casual School’s Out, our party dresses are truly fabulous.

We hope to have created a girl's spring/summer clothing collection which is truly unique, beautiful and utterly wearable for gorgeous girls of all ages. The new collection is now available to pre-order on our website. To receive a copy of the brochure in the post, please click here.

Easy-peasy Pancakes

Happy Pancake Day! If, like us, you get home and suddenly realise you’ve forgotten, we’ve got the perfect recipe that will guarantee perfect pancakes everyone will love. Try the recipe below and let us know how you get on.

This recipe makes about 12-14 pancakes, depending on the size of your pan.

Basic Batter Recipe – Ingredients:

100g plain flour, sifted

Pinch of salt

2 eggs

300ml semi-skimmed milk

1tbsp sunflower oil or a knob of butter

Preparation of batter

Put the flour and a pinch of salt into a large mixing bowl. Make a small well in the centre, and crack both the eggs into it.

Begin whisking the centre, using a whisk or a fork, gradually incorporating the flour from around the bowl into your middle mixture of eggs.

Continue to mix, and gradually add small quantities of milk, still whisking, until all your liquid has been added and your batter is smooth. Your ideal consistency should be like thin cream – you can add some more water if it’s too thick.

If you like, pour your batter into a jug for easier pouring into the pan, or use a ladle.

Making the Pancakes

Heat the frying pan, and add the butter or oil. Allow this to melt in the pan – make sure it’s evenly spread so the pan is oiled.

Get the pan really hot and then turn down to medium. Ladle or pour some batter into your hot pan, and then tip and tilt the pan from side to side to make sure the base is coated with batter and you have an even thin covering.

Cook for half a minute or so (try lifting the edge with a palette knife – once the pancake is tinged gold, it’s ready to flip) and then flip your pancake! Either toss your pancake (trying to avoid hitting the ceiling )and catch in your pan, or play it safe and flip with a slice or palette knife.

Cook the other side for another 20 – 30 seconds until golden brown, then slide out onto a hot plate, and repeat with the rest of your batter.

The girls at ilovegorgeous, will be serving their pancakes rolled up, and sprinkled with freshly squeezed lemon juice and caster sugar.  However, you could fold yours to form triangles, or try some of the below toppings. We’d love to know how you serve yours!

Topping Ideas:

Strawberries

Blueberries

Honey

Maple Syrup

Golden Syrup

Chocolate Sauce

Peanut Butter

Bananas