A Cosy Q&A

with Laura Colinas

A cosy Q&A With Laura Colinas

At Hope & Ivy, we’re all obsessed with the gorgeous Laura Colinas and her content – a perfect representation of classic style and the wonderfully warm feeling that comes with slow countryside life. Having connected over the charms of our recent collaboration with The William Morris Society, we sat down with Laura to find out more; her latest favourite recipe, style tips for the autumn season, and of course, what she loves most about the newest Hope & Ivy additions to her wardrobe!

Hope & Ivy: Hi Laura! Tell us a little bit more about yourself and how you got into content creation?

Laura: I’ve always loved photography and I used to carry a camera with me at all times, capturing small moments of my life or photos of my recipes. Later I printed them and added them to a private album. During lockdown, I decided I didn’t want to keep my pictures simply for myself anymore, and I started posting them. I slowly learnt how social media worked and it has now become a part-time job.

Hope & Ivy: Your socials are full of amazing autumnal posts! What do you love most about this time of year? Do you have any foolproof fashion tips for staying stylish throughout the autumn season?

 

Laura: For me, autumn means comfort. I love being outside in comfy clothes, enjoying the countryside sounds and the colours and feeling the joy of sipping warm hot chocolate near a roaring fireplace. A tip I always give my friends is to wear a thin thermal shirt as a base, helping you to avoid wearing too many layers and allowing you to show your outfit off while feeling cosy and warm. They now come in many shapes (V-neck, round neck, short sleeve…) so you can find options to fit every outfit without them being visible. 

Hope & Ivy: One of our favourite reasons to head over to your page is to scout out delicious recipes. What are you most enjoying making this autumn and what advice would you give to someone just starting out in the kitchen? 

 

Laura: I’d tell them to lose the fear. Cooking is often a lot easier and quicker than people think. Even the most intricate recipes are usually not that complicated once you start. And nothing matches the comfort of a wholesome homemade dinner on a cold and rainy autumn night. 

 

Hope & Ivy: Your content provides such a sense of calm for so many. What are your favourite ways to unwind when life feels a little too busy? 

 

Laura: During colder seasons I love doing two things: a warm bubble bath at night and a walk in the woods or any other natural areas. If I can manage to find the time to combine both… that’s perfection! Having a good homemade dessert ready in the kitchen like my goat’s cheese and fig tart makes it all even better. 

Hope & Ivy: You look absolutely stunning in your Hope & Ivy x William Morris Society dresses! Why did you opt for The Marigold and The Jane and how would you choose to style them as part of your transitional wardrobe? 

 

Laura: I have William Morris wallpaper in my bedroom actually! I love the colours and the designs, and these two dresses were irresistible masterpieces. I think they both look amazing with a trench coat, and I am considering wearing them with a chunky knit and a belt as if they were skirts. I think they both look amazing with a good pair of boots and the addition of cosy over-the-knee socks. They are the perfect statement pieces. 

 

Hope & Ivy: Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us! We can’t wait to take a leaf out of your book and enjoy all things cosy this autumn. 

Laura’s Goat’s Cheese & Fig Tart 

Ingredients: 

  • 2 sheets (25 x 25cm) of ready-rolled frozen puff pastry, just thawed  
  • 2 x 150g packs of goat's cheese at room temperature  
  • 4 fresh and ripe figs, ends trimmed, thickly sliced lengthways  
  • 2 tbsp of honey 
  • Some nuts or dried fruits to decorate 

Method: 

  • Step 1 Preheat oven to 200°C. Line a large baking tray with non-stick baking paper. Place a pastry sheet on the prepared tray and top with the remaining pastry sheet. Taking care not to cut all the way through, use a small sharp knife to make a 2cm-thick border around the edge of the pastry.  
  • Step 2 Keeping within the border, spread half the goat's cheese evenly over the pastry base. Arrange the fig slices over the cheese. Crumble the remaining cheese over the figs and drizzle evenly with honey. 
  • Step 3 Bake in a preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed. Remove from the oven and decorate as you wish. Cut into squares and serve immediately.