Q&A: An Indulgent Twist on Food + Fashion with Lookbook Cookbook's Jessica Milan

[All photos provided by Jessica Milan]

Most people would agree that there's nothing better to indulge in than pretty girls, fashion, and dessert - but I've got one up on you. How about pretty girls, fashion, and dessert that is not only gluten-free, but also dairy-free, soy-free, and completely delicious?

In the endless sea of fashion and food blogs out there, it's hard to sift through them all and find those that are truly unique - yet Lookbook Cookbook has managed to stand out from the crowd. Stylish, sexy, and delicious, the name says it all - part look book, part cook book, the brainchild of fashion photographer/treat baker Jessica Milan boasts photographs of beautifully styled ladies, devouring treats made from recipes of all sorts of sweets ranging from Cookie Dough Truffles, Apple Cinnamon Pancakes, Blueberry Lemon Tarts, Apple Pie Smoothies, and the list goes on. There is something to satisfy anyone's sweet tooth, and you won't even believe they're all gluten, dairy, and soy-free - I can vouch, the No Bake Chocolate Cookies I made two days ago took no more than 10 minutes to whip up, and I've been popping the gooey, incredibly chocolate-y cookies like candy.

The Couch Sessions was lucky to catch up with Jessica (who is as sweet as her treats) via email, and she has graciously answered a couple questions for us. Read on, and don't forget to head to Lookbook Cookbook for a hefty dose of fashion and food that you'll want to take regularly.

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The Couch Sessions: Tell us a little about your background - how did you get into fashion and photography?

Jessica Milan: I went to school for Fashion Communications and was modeling at the same time. I didn’t end up finishing school, but the fashion part stuck with me. I modeled and travelled for a few years and eventually got into photography.

There are so many food and fashion blogs out there, and it's so refreshing to see one with such a unique twist. How was Lookbook Cookbook born?

I wanted to start a vegan food blog for a while and because I was shooting so many models at the time I thought it would be really fun to include them in the photos as well.

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I have a gluten intolerance, so it was really exciting for me to find a blog filled with gluten-free recipes. Why focus on gluten-free and vegan? Do you have an allergy or intolerance, or do you follow this diet by choice?

I am a vegetarian and when I’m not travelling somewhere exciting, I tend to eat gluten free and vegan for the most part just because I feel a lot healthier when I do. Lookbook Cookbook is mostly no bake treats, so it uses a lot of raw and natural ingredients so gluten and dairy isn’t really needed as well.

How do you come up with your recipes? Is there a lot of experimentation involved?

There is definitely a lot of trial and error involved as baking can be a very fine science. I actually prefer cooking as I find it much more creative. This is also why I prefer to create no bake treats as you can make your own rules!

Do you have a favorite recipe on the blog? What are some other dishes/treats you just can't live without?

My favourites are definitely any of the pancake recipes! And I’m a big sucker for anything with chocolate and peanut butter.

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What is a typical Lookbook Cookbook photoshoot like?

It involves a lot of prep work before, planning and perfecting desserts, finding the right ingredients, pulling looks for styling, etc. But the day of is always a lot of fun and quick and easy. Everyone is always in a good mood when there’s treats around!

What food, fashion, or other kinds of blogs have you been into lately?

I love 4th and Bleeker, Honestly WTF, Nasty Gal’s blog and The Beauty Department.

For your dream photoshoot, what model or models would you absolutely love to work with? If there are any chefs or culinary personalities you would love to work with as well, who would those people be?

I really like shooting girls with great style and a lot of personality. Many of the girls on LBCB aren’t actually professional models either, many are friends or bloggers I’ve met. I would eventually love to shoot Alba Galocha, Bambi or Chloe Norgaard for it.

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I understand you are based in Ibiza - I've never been there, but I would love to go one day! What are you favorite restaurants in the area?

Yes, I live in Ibiza part of the year and am now in Barcelona for the winter. My favourite restaurant there is La Paloma, it’s overlooking the countryside and the food is made with love. Yemanja is my favourite beach restaurant, and Out of Time People is a great veg café.

Just for fun, since it's always interesting to know - what are you currently listening to?

Nicholas Jaar, Bonobo, and Pantha Du Prince

What's next for Lookbook Cookbook?

A focus on some healthier dessert recipes, as well as branching off into actual food and DIY projects. I am also in talks about making a hard cover cookbook.