MAN REPELLER MEETS RACHEL ZOE.

Rarely do I ever do posts about my own personal style, but I figure, hey why not! 

Here's the first of more to come... I'll get better at this and ditch the iPhone for future references. 

I promise...

Jacket: Vintage | Shorts: H&M | Belt: Calvin Klein

 Watch + Bag: Michael Kors | Shoes: Rupert Sanderson

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Channeling a little bit of Rachel Zoe's flair for balero jackets and bling, mixed with inspiration from the Man Repeller's Leandra Medine's effortlessly juxtaposed ensembles, I pulled together a few of my favourites and came out with a new fav on the outfit line up!

I figured, hey, why not!? These boyfriend cut offs are about 2 sizes too big (the belt worked out perfectly), meanwhile this thrift store find is a bit of a try hard with most of my pieces in my closet. I'm not really sure how I even came about thinking this look would work together, but once I put it on, magic happened! 

Xx,

FASHION {FOOD} & FITNESS.

No, no no, this isn't a blog post about eating disorders, models that are too thin or the outside world's perception on the fashion industry and food. Rather, it's my own little connection between the three. There is no denying it, fashion, food and fitness all intertwine in one way or another. Working in the industry puts you up front and center with all three of these factors that co-exist, in what can easily become a pressurised environment... 

However, luckily for me, that isn't the case. 

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I've always been that girl who says, yeah I need to shed "a few" to get to my goal physique and BMI, but more often than not didn't stay committed for more than a few weeks at a time, up until recently. A shift of events has finally pushed me in the right direction! My fashion career has oddly never been enough to push me that extra step, until now. 

Following a three week stint of being sick - I started talking to my mom questioning what could be the issue. Finally we thought of her having Celiac Disease which in layman's terms is a severe allergy and intolerance to Gluten, so we thought I should cut out Gluten and see what happens. Soon enough I was feeling 100% better and not only that, BYE BYE bread, and all things that were keeping some of the "few extra pounds" on. And {VIOLA!} there began my new view on eating and working out! 

I will admit, it hasn't exactly been fun. The fitness part is still a work in progress, and meanwhile I've been corrected for thinking a routine becomes a habit after 14 days - truth is it takes 21 to 28 - I've been making the time for the gym and giving it my all while I'm there. It's turned into a tool for me to get out anger, stress, extra energy and after I've worked out, as most people say, I've found that I have even more energy. Eating out with friends on the other hand is a different story as far as benefits go. Whilst everyone is enjoying the freshly baked bread basket, desserts and even alcoholic drinks that I can't have, I go slightly mad with jealousy. The only part I can turn to for a sigh of relief is the amount of calories I'm skipping out on, and the fact that they're gaining weight that I'm avoiding! (haaaha)

So here we are, Paleo otherwise known as the cave-man diet - for the most part - (notice cheese in my salad.. whoops!) has been a good fall back. The "diet" is packed with protein and loads of fresh fruits and veggies, I feel great!  The infamous quote by Kate Moss is finally kicking in, I get it 105%. Fashion is finally a driving force thinking of what trends I'm set out to try for the season ahead and how much better they will all look on a trim & fit bod! Thanks Kate... 

Here's to being happy, healthy and feeling good inside and out! 

xx,

IMAGES: MY TUMBLR + PINTEREST

// CATCH ME IF YOU CAN //

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At times I have a tendency to be out-of-sight, out-of-mind. Meanwhile that's happening.. hop on over to my Tumblr for some constant feeds of inspiring pictures and sayings to keep your creative appetite full.

When I'm not there, you can find me on Pinterest where I am constantly replenishing my 30 pin boards full of healthy {and sometimes not so healthy} recipes, style inspirations, interior design ideas, travel destinations and quirky fun bits that are too cool/cute not to pin!

I'm a sporadic Tweeter so, at times you can find me there - but usually I'm posted up on Instagram snapping pictures of my ongoing obsession with coffee and all things fashion and travel - it's hard not to post pictures as if I'm constantly on vacation because, well, living in Dubai pretty much is like being on holiday every day of the week. I know, tough life.

So there you have it, I promise to swing by every so often, but I have a tendency to let my mind and self wander - it's the only way to learn new things!

#livelife
xx,

Natalie Massenet | THE WOMAN WHO CHANGED THE WAY WE SHOP

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Setting the standard for online shopping, Natalie Massenet is a bit more than an inspirational figure. Her pioneering spirit has pushed the fashion industry to an entirely new level. After launching Net-A-Porter in 2000, having perfected the art of grabbing the attention of the online audience worldwide, she introduced a men's concept [Mr. Porter] in January of 2011. Both equally successful, she has created two platforms for shopping online, at any time, anywhere in the world. With fresh concepts, style-inspiring online magazines for both brands and plans for moving to print with Net-A-Porter's magazine THE EDIT [headed up by former Harper's Bazaar Editor-In-Chief, Lucy Yeomans], this fierce fashion icon is on fire and it won't stop there. During her talk at the Vogue Festival in April, the newly named British Fashion Council (BFC) Chairman, listed her life lessons that I found rather inspiring and thought they would be a good mid-week share...

LIFE LESSONS FROM NATALIE MASSENET:

- If you want success, be unique

- The harder you work, the luckier you get

- There is no recipe for success - it is as unique as you are

- Sometimes it's easier to get something big if you divide it into small amounts - I started by calling 30 people and asking them for £10,000 each

- Why be like everybody else? Try to be like yourself

- You only get one chance to make a first impression

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- Follow your instincts: I was told by a very respected American buyer that my first idea - to launch a range of luxury scented candles - would never work because nobody would ever spend more than a dollar on a candle. My other idea was a coffee bar chain. Evenutally I realised I had to go with my instincts

- Don't be afraid of what's on the other side of the mountain

- As long as you put  your consumer first there is no tension

- Everything has to start somewhere and usually it's small

- People think success looks like a direct line but actually it's a very wiggly line

- Sometimes the plan you have for yourself doesn't always turn out to be the plan

- There is no "i" in team

- Never be afraid of what is on the other side of the mountain

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- When you visualise something with self-belief the universe conspires to help you - you still have to work hard but it can happen

- Plan the best you can and then jump in and go for it. Adapt as you go. That's how progress happens

- Why walk when you can run

- Don't sleep on the job

- Make yourself indispensable

- Be nice to everyone because you will come across them again

- The only limits are the ones we put on ourselves

- Once you start a business you have to grow it and grow with it - starting a business is not just for Christmas

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See, what did I tell you? Inspiring, right?

Did I mention... Using Instagram as her platform for telling her story of success at Vogue's Festival, she once again pushed the limits of forward thinking and presentation as she veered off from the typical and instead added an interesting twist to keep the on-lookers interested. #brilliant

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For anyone working online, it is absolutely no secret that their inspiration and source for that needed "kick in the butt" to get into gear is Net-A-Porter.com - long before my career launched you could find me perusing N.A.P's pages for my fashion fix, their newsletters left me starry eyed and their magazine, well, I don't think it needs much explaining... it speaks for itself! Starting out as bloggers, Criseida and I always clicked over to Net-A-Porter for clean design inspiration, where I think I can speak for the both of us in saying that we fell hard for their fonts, styled looks and clear images. 

Turning 26 in less than a month, its sad to say that 25 has come to an end - I feel as though I'm "offcially" growing up. Which is in turn forcing me to really think about my future and how I see it all panning out... hard work pays off, and Natalie Massenet is there to prove it as my daily reminder. Something I will remember from her talk is "The only limits are the ones we put on ourselves" - I'm ready and willing to push the limits, Natalie, thanks. 
...Let's go 26! I've got this.

#hardworkpaysoff

[LOVE] YOUR LOOK.

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Pops of colour, smoking slippers, distressed denim, red lipstick, layered statement necklaces, suiting, tulle skirts and effortless dressing - As the weather changes here in Dubai, my constant search for inspiration to change up my daily style accelerates. Now, if I could just start wearing my high heels again (currently on hold thanks to a broken foot incident back in November) my wardrobe plans for the season would be much easier! 

#NYFW - COLOUR ME HAPPY

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A punch of colour never hurt anybody...

#pickmeup #streetstyle #NYFW

{Thanks Phil Oh.}

MONDAY MOTIVATION

"It's not easy, but if you want it, you must work for it.
Stay positive and take everything as a lesson for the future."
- Marissa Webb

...my daily mantra.

 Always Inspired,

WELCOME [FEBRUARY]

 
 

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What better way to welcome February - the month every girl imagines she'll receive a surprise delivery of fresh flowers at work, chocolates, jewels, a bottle of champagne and sweet nothings scribbled onto a Hallmark card... 

....Wait - that's a bit over the top, no? 

Admittedly, I'd fall for it. And I have. 

Cheers to February! The month of fashion, my favourite of all - the month that starts the introduction to the new collections coming for the AW12 season ahead! #swoon 

Pastels are precious... but layering, is lovely, I'm a sucker for Fall collections.

Bring on the newness - lets see that street style, and Fall fashion, already! I'm patiently waiting.....

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[VOGUE AUSTRALIA]

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Model: Naomi Watts

Photographer: Will Davidson
Styled by: Stevie Dance

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::SEEING SPOTS::

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 Only over the past few months did I finally start to build up a true infatuation with leopard spots. I've always admired from afar but never really indulged completely in the classic print as a staple in my wardrobe. Sure, it goes with everything, compliments practically any colour and also adds a bit of glam to anything, be it home decor or an outfit. Yet, I just never quite found a piece I really felt the need to purchase. Until recently...Starting with a pair of Sam Edelman flats at Lord & Taylor back in December [in New York] which is where my little love story with leopard began.

Comfort? check.

Print perfection? check.

Added twist? check.

Reasonable price point? check and check!

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Now, suddenly I've found myself on a Pinning binge, saving image after image that gives full props to wearing leopard + decorating with leopard... All of which lead me to purchase #2. 

A Ted Baker, London pony hair tote. 

Next up? A leopard decorative pillow for my current project: Mission Apartment Makeover 101.

Stay tuned for pictures to follow my mission... 

MAKING MY MOVE//

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After packing up my bags and moving to another country (the United Arab Emirates) in December of 2011, I decided it was finally time to throw caution to the wind and go after my dreams full throttle.