The Shabby and The Chic

Zoe Saldana... I had to.

2012-02-07T14:24:00.000-08:00

I don't usually do the whole look how amazing this A-lister looks (after hours spent preening in hair and make-up) type post but... How beautiful does Zoe Saldana look in these pictures?
I can't quite put my finger on the draw. No actually I can. I It's the carefree attitude being exuded - the same sort of ease I've tried many a time to convey whenever a camera has been aimed in my general direction but always end up looking 3 shades left of awkward and with middle finger standing at full salute. Oh and the make-up... good pics

Super Fantastic Picture Time

2012-02-05T14:35:00.000-08:00

A walk through the ever changing face of Brick Lane always leaves me with such mixed feelings.

Time is spent mapping the new pieces of art that pop up in the most obscure and open locations whilst simultaneously scowling at the army handing out free samples of Coke Zero that peppered my path.

Been there lately?

Modern Day Artisans - Duffy

2012-02-03T05:10:00.000-08:00

HBTV: Modern Day Artisans - Duffy from HBTV on Vimeo.

Have you seen this guys work - and if not then why not?

One day I'll be the woman who only wears pieces bespokely crafted by Duffy

Dancing Plague of 1518

2012-02-03T02:24:00.000-08:00

This is what happened when artist Niege Borges started an art project inspired by a 'dancing plague' that swept through a small French town in 1518.

I need these to be lining my hallway immediately

Food for thought

2012-01-31T14:02:00.000-08:00

I'm still getting there but I'm a lot closer than I've ever been.

Make-up perfection at Dior Couture

2012-01-31T06:34:00.000-08:00

images

Pretty pretty make-up at the Dior Couture show this week. Simple but packs one hell of a punch from AM to PM.

You like?

It's all becoming clear

2012-01-26T06:36:00.000-08:00

For the last month or so I've been trialling the new Clarifying Activator from Perricone's SUPER.

Set to hit UK shores next month the Activators are available in four varieties formulated to clarify, moisturise, firm and brighten the skin and also super-charge the effectiveness of further treatments.

Now, admittedly I'm not cursed with frequent breakouts of spots or blemishes and was slightly apprehensive about whether I needed a product that professes to "clarify" the skin. However a bit of further reading revealed not only does the Green Apple found in the Activator help clear up marked skin, but also aids in creating a clear and shine-free face.

Now I think I've ranted on here enough times about how greasy my skin gets during the course of the day so I figured I may as well give it a go for that purpose.

5 weeks in, I'm hooked. My initial apprehension towards the lime green liquid was alleviated with the first sweep of my soaked cotton pad; I guess I'd describe it as spritizing my face with cool water in appearance and feeling. Used both day and night the daily oil spells have dried up leaving my complexion oil-free but with a subtle dewiness that I've always favoured on others - this is also partly to do with my other love affair with this Clarins Treatment Oil.

Definitely one to keep on your watch list and I'm think I'm going to be sticking to by apple a day regime.

Colour Me Beautiful

2012-01-22T04:42:00.000-08:00

Exceptional cravings for colour of the garsih and gaudy variety. The hues that make you wince on first glance and leave you hypnotised thereafter.

Food for thought

2012-01-17T15:13:00.000-08:00

I'm so tired of hearing people moan and complain about the most trivial of shit.

I mean seriously, take a look at the bigger picture and appreciate and embrace what you do have and if you can't then you don't deserve it.

And on that note I leave you with...

Burning bright

2012-01-15T13:57:00.000-08:00

And so my love affair with all things fragrant continues as I embark on a quest to fill the home with the most scentual aromas possible.

Begone you cheapo Ikea frangrancers and tacky sniffing Morrisons impulse buys and hello to a little more refinement.

It truly is the smallest things in life that bring me the most amount of pleasure; getting home stripping myself of the day's armour and lighting a few candles....

Food for thought

2012-01-15T07:10:00.000-08:00

www.wheredidugetthat.com

What the mobile saw

2012-01-15T03:33:00.000-08:00

My latest beauty discovery. It be diviiiiiiine.

Material hunting for this chair I'm reupholstering. Unfortunately I left empty handed as none of the seemed to be quite what I was looking for.

Attempted to make Rosie's Slutty Brownies. And would've succeeded if the darling boyfriend hadn't forgot to buy the Cookie Dough Mix - if you want something done do it yourself right?

Anyway seriously check out Rosie's recipe and her BLOG. It's sweeeeet.

And moi. Not what my mobile saw of course.

Gotye

2012-01-14T10:36:00.000-08:00

You know when you become fixated by a song. It's on constant loop around your home in your headphones and those around you are pulling their hair out in frustration and giving you some serious evil eye. Yea well, thanks Gotye

Solange

2012-01-14T08:17:00.000-08:00

Name
Solange Knowles.

Personal Style
Evolving, Bold, Unrefined, Expressive.

Place you call home
Brooklyn.

Must have wardrobe items
Vibrant colours and print fabrics. High waisted silhouettes, statement shoes, easy dresses and Doc Martens for rainy days.

Favourite designers
Marni, DVF, Acne, Opening Ceremony, J.Crew, Boxing Kitten.

One item every girl should have ?
“I believe every girl should own a pair of chic and comfortable flats.”

What is your definition of style ?
“The canvas of our individuality. An outlet for expression.”

Favourite places to shop?
“I do most of my shopping online with Net A Porter, Shopbop, Theoutnet. When I need the in store experience, Opening Ceremony in New York is always fun.”

Fashion Icons?
“Diana Ross, Erykah Badu, the Fela Kuti Queens, my uber glam mother, Chaka Khan, Bjork and the girls on the street in my hood.”

Most valuable possessions
“My sanity.”

Where do you find inspiration?
“Travelling, diving into other cultures face first. The colours everywhere, the colour palette of shotgun houses in New Orleans, spices in Marrakesh, nail polishes on shelf at my favourite nail shop in Brooklyn. I just left Rwanda and have never seen colours used in such natural and spectacular way in my life. I see colour before I see any other element in design.”

Song of the moment?
CJ HILTON Cold Summer.

Beauty Routine
“I am very low maintenance. I think I am lucky when I get to wash my face at night. I occasionally get facials by a miracle worker in Los Angeles named Mirta. However, apparently getting facials is not the way to erase months of carelessness and angry pores. Sleep is vital, happiness is key so I feel the most beautiful with those two elements combined.”

Make up Routine
YSL concealer, Rimmel mascara, Rimmel pencil eyeliner, bright lips… Keep it moving

IT Bag?
“I have never really been a bag girl.(Shoes is a whole other monster) but I am currently carrying a Mulberry bag that I love!”

Fondest childhood memory
“Too many good ones to share!”

Relationship status
“Happily Committed. It is not complicated, thank God!”

Personal motto
“I tend to adopt Tamar Braxton’s Motto over my OWN.COM.”

What does success means to you?
“Defining success on my own terms. First, being a loving and committed mother. I have failed in all things if I have not achieved that. Being an artist that creates to express the needs of my own, and in the process hopefully inspiring others. Having the financial stability to support the lifestyle that makes me feel fulfilled. I know that happiness is a temporary state of mind, success means for me constantly growing, evolving to find that place.”

How do you feel about being recognise for your great sense of style?
“I feel completely flattered and also very humbled.”

Your wish list for the season?
“I am still on last season wish list! I still need to dive into some of the insane sales of things I drooled over but could not fix myself to buy new things when I have a new house to furnish. There is a pink and orange wool jacket from Bottega Veneta that I am lusting over. A yellow Proenza Skirt I have been trying to get my hands on forever. I am definitely into waiting until I can truly afford the statement pieces I love, that I will wear forever! I still have couture dresses that came out 4 years ago, that have not worn yet. I am definitely not in a rush to wear things because they are the new new. I guess when I will decide to wear those pieces people will be calling them vintage (Laughs).”

What is your opinion about the black representation in the fashion industry?
“I think it is evolving, and that is a beautiful thing! Now when I flip trough magazines I can see just as many beautiful black models in major campaigns as any other race. Unique, striking,beautiful women. I felt so extremely blessed to be Rimmel’s first black spokesperson, and to be embraced fully for being exactly who I am. And standing next to Kate Moss, with my Afro bigger than days light. I don’t by any means consider myself the most qualified for model material. I think that people tend to respond to what is real. Black women carry that flame with so much ease and confidence. It is being captured and celebrated on all fronts in fashion now. I have friends who are doing greats things, that movement is very real and well deserved!”

5 things you can´t live without?
Water, food, plants, sun and sex.

Projects?
“My blood, sweat, tears and long awaited album, which is being mixed as we speak.”

She constanly continues to intrigue me

Good Looks

2012-01-14T07:44:00.000-08:00

Always appreciate the slightly mascluine.

Connected

2012-01-08T14:05:00.000-08:00

It's all connected right?

I think I can feel it.

Sometimes I think I can see it.

Sometimes I think I'm slowly losing my mind.

As I get older and the question of mortality comes in to play I need to believe in something...

Food for thought

2012-01-07T11:41:00.001-08:00

Lianne La Havas

2012-01-07T11:13:00.000-08:00

Lianne La Havas from Black Cab Sessions on Vimeo.

This song and much of Lianne's music has become an unintentional soundtrack to a Saturday spent idly floating around, talking myself in to and then out again conjuring some domestic magic for the flat.

So daintily smooth and chilled.

http://www.liannelahavas.com/

Dream Create - Photorealism

2012-01-02T14:10:00.000-08:00

I've developed a slight obsession for photorealism - art which is sketched/painted in such infinite detail that it resembles photography.

Lacking the ability to produce anything linear all can really do is discover with increasing amazement...

Juan Francisco Casas - created with biro!

Chuck Close

Pedro Campos

Such beautiful talents

Good Looks

2012-01-02T07:07:00.000-08:00

I hope you've all had a great New Year's Eve and are looking forward to the year ahead; lord knows I certainly am.

The shades
Shells in hair and keeping it stacked
Necklace from here

Oh and you can see more of my Good Look collations on my Pinterest Board

Not really big on resolutions as I believe they're more likely to set you up for failure. That said I am in to Embracing the new each year and one of "The News" I aim to roll with is the art of effective accessorising as demonstrated above.

And don't forget the below for this year:

Food for thought

2011-12-30T10:42:00.000-08:00

Honestly Speaking: Lets make-up?

2011-12-30T10:31:00.000-08:00

I’ve never been into thatoverly done look and without a doubt my favourite face is a clean face. Notsuffocated or laden down with the obvious attempts of beautification…

It really bugs me that wehave generation of young women who have been given a misplaced understanding ofwhat it is to be attractive. And this seems to consist of fake everything;lashes, skin colour, hair, nails. Actually read this list of Kate Shapland’s big 2011 beauty no-nos and you’ll get what I mean. Or if not that then thenotion of subtlety appears to be completely lost on them, as well as the ideathat make-up is supposed to enhance what you naturally have as opposed tocompletely mask it.

I think Iris Apfel is completely right when she says “Most of the young people today look dreadful. And celebrities look evenworse.”

One of my favourite people in the industry at the moment is MUA, Kay Montano, whose approach leans towards the very natural and "less is more" appreciation of beauty that can only come from a mindset that is confident and strong with their sense of self... something that has seemingly been stolen from the women of today.

Food for thought

2011-12-19T09:00:00.001-08:00

You may not be her first, her last, or her only.

She loved before she may love again.

But if she loves you now, what else matters?

She's not perfect - you aren't either, and the two of you may never be perfect together. But if she can make you laugh, cause you to think twice, and admit to being human and making mistakes, hold on to her and give her the most you can. She may not be thinking about you every second of the day, but she will give you a part of her that she knows you can break – her heart. So don't hurt her, don't change her, don't analyze and don't expect more than she can give.

Smile when she makes you happy, let her know when she makes you mad, and miss her when she's not there.

- Bob Marley

Funnies

2011-12-18T07:43:00.000-08:00

This weekend I discovered the hilarity that is Louis CK. Now I usually cannot stand stand-up comedy, never have been able to but this guy is pee inducing haha.

Food for thought

2011-12-18T06:54:00.000-08:00

THEN BE YOUR BLOODY OWN

If you were to disappear would anyone miss you?

2011-12-18T04:12:00.001-08:00

Dreams of a Life Trailer from Dogwoof Documentary on Vimeo.

Need to see this.

Loved it. Worked it.

2011-12-13T07:27:00.001-08:00

Today is most certainly a video appreciation day.
Last week I worked on this pretty sweet shoot for LA beauty brand Violent Lips.
We had a bunch of lovely ladies come down to model the latest collection for its launch into Boots this month including:

Gina

Mariella

Lily

Sarah

Kate

Homie Lover Friend

2011-12-13T05:45:00.000-08:00

Homie Lover Friend from Larry B on Vimeo.

Seriously sitting here twiddling my thumbs trying to decide whether I should get the T...

Gotta love a Homie Lover Friend type

What's In My Handbag

2011-12-01T05:19:00.001-08:00

I'm always on the look-out for new and interesting concepts poping-up within the bauty world and was intrigued to recently discover What's In My Handbag.
Being such a voyeur I knew I'd be book marking this site as one to keep an eye on.
The concecpt is seemingly quite simple; a sneak peek into the handbags of a few beauty aficionados but having attended a chat with the team behind WIMH last week I can honsetly say watch this space!
I love the idea of women sharing real and honest product recommendations which they've grown to love and rely on, as well as a few new finds; kind of like a sisterhood of truth within beauty, which I feel is so very needed.
In addition to the main site WIMH also run a pretty hot little blog which is worth a gander.

Food for thought

2011-11-29T14:16:00.001-08:00

My Beautiful Life; Skincare

2011-11-29T13:48:00.001-08:00

I've always loved this time of year. You know, the crispness that envelopes the air, the browning of leaves and the necessity to loose yourself in layer over layer.

The only thing I can nark about is the effect it has on my skin. Usually non-problematic it tends to become dry and irritable one minute and then the next thing you know I'm literally wiping oil from my brow; completely schizophrenic.

Over the years I've become pretty strict in creating a skincare regime that preps and caters for this. Mostly moisture, moisture, moisture, without overloading my skin.

I tend to switch products up every year for this but wanted to share a few bits that have become recent saviours and may help you suss out your own seasonal skincare woes to.

Like most, I tend to rely on a thicker moisturiser at night as I guess I'm less concerned about feeling too caked in. Malin+Goetz have recently launched their Replenishing Face Cream which been quite a dream. It' has the type of consistency that feels really thick and luxurious without feeling too heavy or tacky. I love the sensation of really working a product in and tend to get carried away with the amount I use, but this constantly sinks in beautifully. Little note also great as a post-shave treatment for legs.

Now during day I need lightness. If If I've got too much product on my face I feel dirty and almost suffocated, so step in Super Hyper Hydrator. It contains Coconut Water which is really hydrating and immediately quenches without much effort. Just a small finger scoop covers my entire face and the cooling sensation really wakes me up.

I've also been carrying around a bottle of the Douvall's Argan Oil. It's funny because no matter how many times I moisturise they're always those areas that look like I've rubbed myself against a chalkboard - heels, knees, knuckles and elbows mostly. Having first come across Argan Oil during a trip to Morocco last year I cannot recommend this stuff enough. You can use it on literally anything, hair, skin, cuticles and even as a dressing for salad if you wish.

By Zara

2011-11-19T14:43:00.001-08:00

I love the way different brands are using new forms of creative efforts to inspire an audience.

Food for thought

2011-11-17T12:02:00.001-08:00

Good Love Looks Good

2011-11-17T02:32:00.001-08:00

Allowing good love into your life can be one of the hardest things you can do.

I don't necessarilymean romantic love, but the connective sort of love you can only get when youwarm yourself to a living soul; be it your own or another.

It has taken me awhile to understand this; mainly because I spent so long in complete battlewith the notion of love, fearing it would leave me vulnerable and open... likethese are bad things. And unable to grasp what ti is to accept the personyou've been with from the moment of first breath till the final moments indeath.

Completely embrace theradiance and wellness you ooze when you feel love.

Honestly speaking; Unbreakable

2011-11-14T11:53:00.001-08:00

This makes me want to cry,

This woman has started a project where she photographs victims of sexual assault holding up a quote from their attacker.

I sincerely believe that the more these things are spoken about and less they are trivialised by mainstream media that these life destroying incidents will occur less and less

"To portray survivors' strength after sexual abuse, to shed light on the issue, and to remind those whose innocence was stolen that they are never alone"

http://projectunbreakable.tumblr.com/

New African Fashion?

2011-11-12T15:00:00.000-08:00

Earlier this week I met up with Ondo Lady and headed over to The Gallery Soho for the launch of coffee table tome, New African Fashion.

Created by ARISE Editor Helen Jennings, the book analyses the rise and popularity of African fashion to the mainstream. Briefly gazing back to the histories of fashions from the continent, it also gives light to an array of African designers, models and photographers.

Admittedly, I don't tend to have a conscious distinction between global "ethnic" fashions or trends etc. It's not something that is hugely on my radar in terms of my own sartorial choices. Growing up raised in a Nigerian household I remember a myriad of bold colours and prints that my aunts and uncles used to adorn themselves with and the number of times I was coerced into donning a Gele or Buba for special occasions; only to left feeling immensely uncomfortable and out of sorts - to my young mind these pieces were alien and represented the otherness that I had not wanted to explore.

With that said, those feelings are long gone due to a sense of comfort in the many layers that are my identity and I do not hesitate in attiring myself with traditional when the occasion befits but with the publication of books such as New African Fashion and the burgeoning solidarity that I see with women embracing their cultural heritage whilst living in a somewhat foreign land, I often wonder is this just a flash in the pan movement. Reinforced by the zeitgeists that areas such as fashion champion? Or perhaps that sense of ownership has been all along but mediums such as the internet have allowed many to say it loud and show it proud...

Don't get me wrong, I'm in no way being negative or patronising but I am curious as to why is it over the last few years that particularly African fashion and image is having this moment.

Anyway, below are a few shots I managed to grab on the night which was mostly spent eyeing the guests playing the "I'll take one of those" game; where you choose a single item from someone that you'd like to nab for yourself...

Great turn out

She looked so impeccably chic that I spent most of the eve eye-balling her.

Beautiful necklace

The book

Beneath the skin

2011-11-12T10:53:00.001-08:00

Oh hell this is possibly the most amazing tattoo I've ever seen.

Good Looks - Mixing with the boys

2011-11-12T09:54:00.001-08:00

Food for thought

2011-11-12T02:22:00.001-08:00

Super Fantastic Picture Time:1

2011-11-09T12:15:00.000-08:00

DermaBlend - Go Beyond The Cover

2011-10-24T02:55:00.000-07:00

You may recall Zombie Boy or Rick Genest, from the Lady Gaga video for Born This Way a while back...

This is such a truly amazing ad campaign from DermaBlend; simple (I'm guessing not in the execution - imagine how many hours he had in make-up), yet so effective. I'm always on the yearn to work on creative ideas like this.

Closet Interview - Fatima Robinson - Style LikeU

2011-10-23T07:50:00.000-07:00

StyleLikeU Closet Interview With Fatima Robinson from StyleLikeU on Vimeo.

I think I've just fallen in love for the 100th time but each time is soo sweet.

Food for Thought

2011-10-20T07:39:00.001-07:00

“I have no country to fight for; my country is the earth, and I am a citizen of the world.”

A Moment With - Florence White, Make-up Artist

2011-10-19T06:10:00.000-07:00

I'm so fortunate, that in my job I get to meet some pretty amazing people who manage to inpsire me in a host of different ways.
I first met Florrie, about a year ago now. I'd invited her in to our offices to discuss brands and was instantly in to her laidback persona ,clean/natural approach and not forgetting her immense knowlege about all things beauty
I think in today's realm we're so over-run by what we call "experts", in practically everything and sometimes all I want to do is garner a few tibbits from those I'm most infleunced by...

How didyou start out as a make-up artist and why?
"I was lucky enough to get some workexperience backstage on a make up team at some LFW shows and see whether I wasreally committed to change careers and then I signed up for a 3 month make upcourse at the Glauca Rossi Make up School. I then became a first assistant to atop make up artist for a couple of years. I think it is the best way to learnand make contacts within the industry"

Describeyour own personal routine when it comes to getting ready of a morn?
"Everymorning without fail I dry body brush before getting in the shower. I use aClarisonic machine on my face in the shower. I alternate products as I am luckyenough to be sent many different ones to try out. I am a true product aficionado.I then use eye cream, serum, moisturiser, lip plumper and then moisturise mybody top to toe (I have been doing that since I was 14). The whole processtakes me approx. 20 minutes with a further 5 minutes on make up. I shouldprobably spend more time on my hair but feel that a great cut needs very littleattention (Thank you George Northwood!). I never have breakfast at home but dotake a Pukka tea with me in my flask!"

What isyour personal approach to all-encompassing beauty?

"Acceptance of yourself andmaking the best version of yourself. Easier said than done. Time is tight andtemptation is high!"

Anyparticular favourite brands/products that never fail you?

"N.V. Perricone Lip Plumper,Blistex, Vaseline Intensive Care Body lotion, Bakel Jaluronic Hyaluronic Serum, DecleorLife Radiance, Mavala Nail polishes, Bumble and Bumble Brilliantine"

What doyou do to relax?
"Large glass of red, a facial, cinema trip, cooking and baking,dancing with friends, trying out a new restaurant - not all at the same timebut ideally I would like to fit all of that into a free weekend."

In termsof make-up what’s your favourite look to create and why?
"I love feminine sexywomen. I like to bring out the best features of the model or actress and thenadd a modern twist whether it is the latest lip colour out from a favouritebrand or an eyeliner in a new texture. I adore Marilyn Monroe and BridgetBardot in their hay days"

Any insider tips you’d liketo share?
"Take time over your skincare and base and then you can really playaround with colour and have fun with the rest of your make up."

@florriewhite

http://dandvmanagement.com/london/#p=artist/Florrie_White/Fashion

Marian Newman/Minx/Alexander McQueen

2011-10-18T03:23:00.000-07:00

Unique nail designs trump stand-out accessories for me everytime

Cool Sounds; Maverick Sabre

2011-10-17T15:02:00.000-07:00

Chapter 2 of Cool Sounds and this time I wan't to highlight the pretty incredible Maverick Sabre.

I must admit, that generally, when it comes to music I'm more of a lyricist; finding the merging of words more impactful than the overall sound itself. But as I've had my headphones glued to my ears these last few weeks, whislt pounding London streets, I've had his tracks on constant loop; completely intoxicated by the sound of this London born, Irish raised virtuoso.

You've probably heard "Let Me Go' but also find sweet music to the ears with "Look What I've Done" and "I Can Never Be"....

Step Up

2011-10-17T13:43:00.001-07:00

Such a bloody great idea to inspire the minds and feet of the dreary. Tired of seeing fully capable lazy arse jambos on the escalators every morn

Moving stuff

2011-10-16T08:58:00.001-07:00

Being Human

2011-10-16T05:46:00.000-07:00

I've been geting a tad jaded by street style blogs lately. You lnow, the a-typical formula or photographing everything from the weird and exhitionnists to those draped in unattainable luxury.

So I've founded myself with a dwindling supply of street snapper inspiration. Until I passed through Natural Belle last week and was introduced to Au coin de ma rue.

What started off as a regular streetstyle blog has veered into really sweet intimate forray past the aesthetics to give you an idea and a sense of who the subject, something I felt was lacking in this area. Enjoy!

http://aucoindemarue.wordpress.com/

The Kooples

2011-10-11T14:11:00.001-07:00

Tres mignonne

Food for Thought

2011-10-09T02:18:00.000-07:00

My silence has been partly due to that fact I'm holidaying in France and partly to do with not having a damned thing to so say... That said I'm bursting with my usual ineloquent diatribe, so posting will resume to its usual sporadicity next week.

Cool Sounds: IGGY AZALEA

2011-09-24T03:53:00.000-07:00

One of those days where you wake early in a hungover haze with a stomach that feels like mush...

One of those days where you stroke your newly discovered form as you realise that the clothes you snugly wore a few months back now hang loosely over your breasts, hips, bottom...

One of those days where you discover new music and spend hours trawling the net looking for more of there work...

food for thought

2011-09-20T13:05:00.000-07:00

No matter how many times you hear this, why is it that you always try? Maybe it's the compassion within yourself or the need to feel validation and adoration? The desire to make another happy is never a negative unless you find that you end up losing a part (the joy, hope, love, etc) of yourself in the process.

Goodbye my beautiful London Fashion Week

2011-09-20T11:46:00.000-07:00

In contrast to last season I'm finding myself saying goodbye to LFW with a pang of sadness. Not quite sure what has changed things this time round but had an absolute blast with the shows I had the privilege to work on with team Mavala creating some superb nail looks.

Just a selection of pics I managed to snap along the way:

Food for Thought

2011-09-13T14:58:00.001-07:00

“ Live, travel, adventure, bless, and don’t be sorry. ”

Good Looks

2011-09-06T13:21:00.000-07:00

1 - Everything, just everything about this works right?

2 - Rainbow jumper and Canary Yellow skirt combo; only in my dreams.

3 - Gotta love a good street style pic - Source - heyfranhey.tumblr.com/

4 - Wanted a Black Flag T for so long. Have kept this image on my desktop as a reminder but refuse to pay £25 for one and ebay is proving useless

5 - Her name is Alice and she is in chains

6 - Self explanatory really - Source - lefashionimage.blogspot.com/

Jokes

2011-09-03T10:22:00.001-07:00

I was laughing tears - this ish is too good not to share

food for thought

2011-09-03T04:14:00.000-07:00

In a land of limitless opportunity,

You will find me, boundless.

Moving freely from moment to moment.

Bare & hopeful.

Gracious for the challenges, the victories and the blessings.

I fall down and rise up, again & again.

As character is built and dreams are chased, I follow my passion.

I create my story,

I walk the path of my destiny.

It has only just begun..

via Sierra Luella

KANYE

2011-09-03T04:10:00.001-07:00

I don't care what anybody says, I love this guy

share a shower?

2011-08-25T02:02:00.000-07:00

What do Jenny Faulkner, Anthea Turner and Oliver Heath have in common?
Well they all shower... of course not together,that would be a little grimy but in support of uber chic eco cleaners method, who are launchimg their Share a Shower initiative.
Picture me, waking up in the morning, mulling about for a few bits before I start my 30min cardio session (yes you read that right, I'm now one of those amazing individuals who works out in the morn). Work up a bit of a sweat and jump in to the shower (no need to picture this bit in graphic detail) where I waste on average about 63 litres of water, which is a ridiculous amount when you see it in these figures. Not to mention the amount of toxins found in most bathing products that we slather down our plug holes and unleash on to the environment.. But if I was to drag a snoozing Adam in with me, we as a household would be halfing our daily consumption of water.
If every household in the UK shared a shower at least once that's a saving of over 1.5 billion litres.
As someone who is always finding ideas towards cleaner living I absolutely lvoe this initiative; simple, worthwhile and a bit of fun for you and your other half.... or if they're not game maybe head down to the Harlequins training ground and give them a knock as I'm they'd be keen to get clean with more method supporters.

Learn more about Share a Shower - http://shareashower.co.uk/
Learn more about method - http://www.methodproducts.co.uk/
ts

food for thought

2011-08-19T06:33:00.000-07:00

good looks

2011-08-18T12:23:00.000-07:00

the last two beautiful ladies are natural belle and yagezie; curators of two of my daily must reads - go click through. they're simply divine

review-vivacite de bach

2011-08-17T14:00:00.000-07:00

one of major bonuses of my job is the amazing array of beauty items that cross my path.

admittedly i'm not intrinsically a huge beauty buff; before working in PR i had no to very little interest in beauty... you know the kinda girl who'd pick up whatever product was on discount in the supermarket and only paid attention to the brands with the domineering social presence (big budget avertising, large branded retail spaces etc). but i guess that's all changed now, i've managed to find my niche and appreciation in a particular area of beauty; the relatively pure and independent products mostly.
a few months back i was introduced to the VIVACITE(S) de BACH edp and second to my BYREDO GYPSY WATER it has become my lastest fragrance obsession; imagine a scent that fills you with warmth and soulfulness if you can. centred on essences of the bach fower with added notes of gorse, mustard and white chestnut to name a few, it feels like the essence of bohemia bottled. not too overpowering but strong enough to linger and linger whilst making it's presence known at the most unexpected of moments.
I'm in no way a "nose" of any sort but i know a good fragrance when i sniff one and this is exceptionally beautiful.
ts

from the words of the youth

2011-08-17T13:15:00.001-07:00

he.is.13... and has more insight than most

move, eat, learn

2011-08-10T14:21:00.000-07:00

just came across these videos whilst catching up on www.addicted2etsy.com

now this makes you want to live every experience life can offer and then some.

MOVE from Rick Mereki on Vimeo.

EAT from Rick Mereki on Vimeo.

LEARN from Rick Mereki on Vimeo.

food for thought; for the days when your soul has been dimmed that little bit

2011-08-10T14:05:00.000-07:00

today is erykah badu appreciation day...

2011-08-06T09:43:00.000-07:00

how can you not appreciate erykah badu? the woman is a goddess; strength of conviction, colour of soul and beauty that transcends the obvious. and i beg, anyone who disagrees please do not darken my web space ever again

just kidding.... sort of

only the boring get bored

2011-08-06T08:31:00.000-07:00

it's saturday afternoon. you're in doors and have two choices; choose between monging out whilst watching mindless television or force yourself to do something, because after all, creativity washes from the soul the dust of everyday life.

i'd had these sitting around the front room for ages. not entirely sure what i wanted to do with them...

picked this up on one of my little jaunts around earlier today. this is the shit - high gloss chrome finish and dries in seconds, leaving me with...

throw in a couple of oils and

not entirely sure what i'm going to use them for (back to where i started i guess) but reckon they'd probably make awesome planters or candle holders....

oh and in other news; took my braids out. was not happy with the growth so put them back in again

food for thought

2011-08-02T23:24:00.000-07:00

To love. To be loved. To never forget your own insignificance. To never get used to the unspeakable violence and the vulgar disparity of life around you. To seek joy in the saddest places. To pursue beauty to its lair. To never simplify what is complicated or complicate what is simple. To respect strength, never power. Above all, to watch. To try and understand. To never look away. And never, never, to forget.

discovered at my daily source of motivation for green and clean - http://heyfranhey.tumblr.com/

ts

food for thought

2011-07-31T15:25:00.001-07:00

“ Happy. Just in my swim shorts, barefooted, wild-haired, in the red fire dark, singing, swigging wine, spitting, jumping, running—that’s the way to live. ”

good looks

2011-07-26T11:58:00.000-07:00

bringers of joy

2011-07-21T13:25:00.000-07:00

If children live with hostility,

they learn to fight.

If children live with ridicule,

they learn to be shy.

If children live with tolerance,

they learn to be patient.

If children live with encouragement,

they learn confidence.

If children live with praise,

they learn to appreciate.

If children live with fairness,

they learn justice.

If children live with security,

they learn faith.

If children live with approval,

they learn to like themselves.

If children live with acceptance, and friendship,

they learn to find love in the world.

food for thought

2011-07-21T13:04:00.000-07:00

a friend sent me this link to ted talk thandie newton did a while back on the idea of realising one's self - http://www.ted.com/talks/thandie_newton_embracing_otherness_embracing_myself.html

i watched it this morning and it kinda guided my day. just thought i'd pay it forward.

all falls down

2011-07-19T13:40:00.000-07:00

those songs that instantly bring a smile to your face and transport you back to days when everything seemed a bigger issue than it really was. to realise this is the magic and gratitude of age

food for thought

2011-07-18T13:14:00.000-07:00

“If you love two people at the same time, choose the second one. Because if you truly loved the first one, you wouldn’t love another. There are four questions of value in life… What is sacred? Of what is the spirit made? What is worth living for, and what is worth dying for? The answer to each is the same. Only love.”

good looks

2011-07-17T11:30:00.000-07:00

"she comes out at night, swaying to comesi and with hounds alseep at feet she took the castle"

2011-07-17T10:04:00.000-07:00

today is lisa bonet appreciation day just because...

food for thought

2011-07-15T19:22:00.000-07:00

image from tasya van ree - http://tasyavanree.com/tasyablog

super days

2011-07-15T17:36:00.000-07:00

the last few days have been rather glorious for various reasons albeit rather exhausting. but sitting here at 1am on saturday morning and just allowing myself to exhale and reflect on the joy filled last few days i could not be more grateful. For amazing work colleagues (past and present), the opportunities to devour sumptuous meals (very rare) and those little moments in life that have you grinning inanely to yourself for hours on end. my mood will probably change tomorrow or next week when allow myself to be swallowed up by the perceived doom and gloom that life can offer but for now i want to remember and anchor these good bits...

and to top off a super week we had a SUPER launch for the new range by dr nicholas perricone.

centered on the idea that you need to feed your skin, SUPER by nutritionalist and dermatologist dr perricone takes a far more gentle and natural approach to skincare. aimed at far younger consumer than the core perricone range this new addition harnesses the antioxidants found in superfoods such as chilli, ginger, chia, coconut, watercress, acai, red algae, turmeric, apples and melon and applies them to topical skincare solutions that protect the skin whilst also preventing early signs of ageing.

What this man does not know about skincare is not worth knowing. having gained notoriety for being one of the first to recognise the benefits of superfoods in terms of health and skincare, perricone is also revered to his 3 tier approach to healthy ageing; diet, supplements and what you apply to the skin. an approach that i'm personally going to try and adhere a lot more to after listening to his talk today and as an aid to achieving my dream of a six pack by christmas but more on that later...

the SUPER range does not reach uk stores till its launch into Boots in September but this is definitely one to keep an eye on.

www.getsuper.com/

ink the boy

2011-07-10T14:41:00.000-07:00

lawdy, lawdy, lawdy. you gotta love good ink on a man.

in other news i decided to take my braids out on the fly. seriously regretting it now though. ish

in additional news i finally finished the painting that never was; when i mean finish i actually mean i better leave it as is because if i add anymore paint to that canvas it will fall to pieces.

hope you've all had a lovely sunday.

good looks

2011-07-06T15:45:00.000-07:00

food for thought

2011-07-06T13:52:00.000-07:00

some people are like clouds. when they disappear, it's a brighter day.

ts via @@idillionaire - she's hella funny

"with each step of grace their lust would be transformed to love"

2011-07-03T12:31:00.000-07:00

today is monica bellucci appreciation day just because...

a moment with; tc

2011-07-03T07:13:00.000-07:00

I've had this as a to-do on my desktop for yonks. tc kindly agreed to take part in this little q&a type slot I want to introduce to the blog. semi inspired by the one of my favourite beauty blogs Into The Gloss, i figured I'd start with tc as it's a great way for you to get to the know the somewhat anonymous "editors" of ts&tc.

So here's TC:

You've got pretty pristine skin so how would you describe your approach to skincare?

I am pretty strict with my beauty regime and always stick to my daily and weekly routine. I truly believe you should always cleanse and wear and SPF, which I feel is the key to staying youthful. I cleanse and wear and SPF every day and always exfoliate twice a week (including my body). I am very brand loyal, if I use something that works for my skin then I don’t usually swap to another brand. I prefer to use cosmeceutical skincare such as Perricone MD and Priori. I sway towards science rather than natural products.

What skincare products could you not live without?

Perricone MD Gentle Cleanser and Vitage Skin Protector SPF 30

Anything beauty wise that you're lusting over at the moment?

I've heard that Perricone, MD is launching a new range in the UK soon, so very much looking forward to trying it.

What products are currently in your make-up bag?

My bag is always overflowing so I should really invest in a bigger make-up bag. But my stapes are: Lancome Definicils Mascara, BareMInerals Bisque, Benefit boi-ing, Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler, Shu Uemura Blusher in P Wine and Shu Uemura Drawing Pencil in Olive.

What’s the beauty product you always find yourself going back to?

Vitage Skin Protector SPF 30. It sinks really well into my skin and does not leave any white marks. The tube packaging is also rather handy for traveling. It is also really reasonably priced, approx. £13-15 which is amazing considering how long it lasts.

Describe your hair care and styling regime

I swear by Philip Kingsley’s Body Building Shampoo and Conditioner which I use everyday. I am a big believer of washing my hair everyday as working in London it picks up all the dirty air. I treat my hair to Philip Kingsley’s Elasticizer treatment once a week to keep dry ends at bay. Generally I tend to stay clear of styling products as my hair does not take well to serums , etc. My hair is quite fine and can look greasy if I add too much styling product.

What is beauty to you?

Beauty is how you feel, if you feel beautiful inside this will reflect what’s on the outside.

Ok, beauty covered, how would you describe your personal style?

My style is very classic. I wear many classic staple items, but I like add something different to mix it up. I am probably not the most adventurous person when it comes to fashion, however I know what suits me.

What draws you to an item of clothing?

The colour and cut. I know what suits my shape and what colours look best. Everyone who knows me knows that my wardrobe is probably 75% blue in colour. I am not scared by the cost of an item of clothing, I buy what I can afford and if I can’t my credit card takes a beating!

Any particular favourite items (that you’re currently wearing)?

I love my DVF Sophia Loren dress, I have had it for a couple of years now and it has seen my through a number of weddings and events, it is timeless! At this present time I am wearing a stripy top from Anthropologie which has lace detail around the sleeves. I love the fit of the top (not too tight to show any wobbles) and love the lace that gives it something a little extra.

Which designers do you most covet

Diane Von Furstenburg, the shape of her clothes really suit my figure and I love the way she plays with colour and patterns in her pieces.

Would never be seen dead in what?

Pleated calf length skirts – I would look like my nan!

ts

Oscars Interiors launches in London's bustling East End

2011-06-19T08:53:00.000-07:00

I was lucky to be invited to the launch of Oscars Interiors last week. This new interiors boutique is situated on Cheshire St (Off Brick Lane) in a Georgian terrace which made the perfect setting for the store's arrangement of beautiful ancient antiques.

Run by duo Richard Morris and James Gostelow, the trendy pair source antiques from across the UK and Europe and restore the items with quality craftemanship to create stunning treasures for your home. The boutique is laid out so that each treasure is displayed in a setting to help you invisage what each item would look like in your own home. I was particulary fond of the concrete bears that sat on the oversized wooden table in the middle of the shop. I would have immediately thought to put the bears in a garden setting however they worked rather well as decoration on the table - not something I would have pictured.

Other finds I was drawn to included an antique chair that I am quite partial to buying for my flat and old measuring tapes that I could picture on a bookcase in a library next to a row of old historic books. My boyfriend who is fan of old fashined maps was instantly enquiring about a huge map on the wall sourced from one of the owner's Grammer Schools. Not sure I will be allowing a map that size to go on the walls of our compact living room!

Also in the store were pieces of jewellery from designer Nick Contu that was displayed in an old bird cage. All the jewellery is made from material from Italy so is of very good quality and with prices ranging from £20-£200 is very affordable. Get down to the store quickly to get your hands on Nick's work as I am sure his name will be big very soon.

For those that like a bit of the new their is the option to buy glassware from Sia Homeware and candles from New York apothecary range Malin + Goetz, and if you still can't find what you are looking for Oscars Interiors will source your required items and restore them to your desired needs - very handy indeed!

To find out more about Oscars Interiors visit their website http://www.oscarsinteriors.com/ which you can also shop on or go on to Facebook to join their group.

Head down to Oscars Interiors today to pick up a treasure for your home.

Happy shopping

TC xx

food for thought

2011-06-18T15:25:00.000-07:00

nothing pisses me off more than when the blame is put on the victim and not the perpetrator:

"well she was dressed provocatively/she shouldn't have drank so much/why was she there and all the other bullshit excuses people use to defend the CRIMINAL"

destination beauty

2011-06-18T12:55:00.000-07:00

i love to discover beauty in the least travelled or visited places - you know, not boots, or space nk etc. places that are not necessarily the obvious choices when you're running low on moisturiser or when you fancy trying out a new cleanser but when you do discover them it's a genuinely pleasurable experience.
with the new liberty beauty hall being unveiled this week it got me to thinking about beauty destinations that are an absolute joy to visit. if not necessarily to purchase but peruse, in the utmost comfort and splendor
i have few places in mind, most notably content beauty/wellbeing, this adorable little natural and organic beauty boutique in marylebone.

I mean, it stocks a host of QUALITY green beauty brands including the likes of jurlique, nude, my much loved absolution, weleda, dr hauschka, and i think it's one of the only (non web) retailers in the UK to stock the amazing rms beauty. That quality of product stock is followed through in the attention paid to decor of the store - what comes to mind when i say antique, dark wood, delicate, keepsakes, earthy, snug, vintage, botany? well put whatever your mind has conjured up into a beautiful retail space and you'd start to get a feel for what the cbw is like; all this (wo)manned by the lovely store manager Imelda who's on hand to answer questions, give product recommendation and talk you through the carefully selected ranges on offer.

(ever so slightly annoyed as I went down to shop to take some pictures but unfortunately my camera is be uncooperative and won't allow me to upload them so I've had to rely on google for the images

anyway if you're ever in the marylebone area, or in central london, I'd say go check it out. It;s bound to be an experience you'll fully enjoy and you'll probably come away with a few more bits to add to the bathroom cabinet.

content beauty/wellbeing

14 Bulstrode St,
Marylebone
London
W1U 2JG
http://www.beingcontent.com/

magnifique

2011-06-12T11:00:00.000-07:00

i hope you're all having as chill a sunday as i am; and when i say chill i mean lazy. as all sundays should be. intentions to make this a truly productive day have been discarded in favour of coffee shop conversations, belly filling, nursing a queasy stomach and f1 watching; not my choice of idle viewing.

ps. that's not me but i'd like to source everything she is wearing

food for thought

2011-06-02T15:52:00.000-07:00

guess who

swirls and lines

2011-06-02T12:43:00.000-07:00

Mesmerised; I want to paint something like this:

After I finish this:

To look at a canvas and just see colour that transfixes, seduces and plays with your imagination.

Review-Malin+Goetz Eucalyptus Deodorant

2011-06-02T11:09:00.000-07:00

It's dawned on my that I've not done a proper beauty related post for a while.

I guess it's because I've become a lot less faddy with my approach to cosmetics; opting to stick to regimes and products that adhere to my overall ethos as apposed to having a bathroom shelf bogged down with anything and everything.

Anyways, my foray back into the world of beauty is not going to be glamorous one. In fact it's probably going to bore most to tears but when I find something that knocks me for six I have to rave about it...

So we headed off to Barcelona last week (more about that later), boarded a plain with a simple carry-on consisting of a week's worth of clothes (two bottoms, four tops, a pair of sandals etc), reading material (The New Journalism and Vogue), a cleanser, SPF, a couple of make-up bits AND my newly discovered Malin+Goetz Eucalyptus Deo. When I say "newly discovered", that's not entirely true as I've known about it for months (being the PR for the brand) and had always heard great things but never got round to trying it myself. Mainly because the idea of a roll-on has never really appealed; I'm more of a spray it on till it burns kind of person (just kidding). Also the M+G deodorant is formulated for the most sensitive of skin (as is the entire M+G range) which in some ways translates to me as weak in strength.

But how wrong could I be, through the sweltering Barcelona heat, as we traipsed the side streets of the city and was crushed amongst joyous revelers at the Primavera mainstage this little gem stayed true.

Not a single sweat stain tainted my clothing and the slightly medicinal with a hint of zest scent worked wonders to mask any odour that dared escape from me.

At £16 it's not cheap but with that, I'd look at it as an investment purchase. The 73g clear stick is bound to last considerably longer considering how many cans of spray-on I get through and seeing as I did not have to top-up once applied, I figure I'll be using less product that I normally would.

Available from Space NK

Kim Kardashian is coming to town

2011-05-28T07:56:00.000-07:00

Latest news is that reality TV star and entrepreneur Kim Kardashian will be making a trip over to the UK.

Excited? We certainly are.

Kim will be making a personal appearance at Debenhams on Oxford St on the 8th June for the debut launch of her fragrance, aptly named Kim Kardashian. For the chance to meet Kim make sure you head down to Debenhams for when they open at 10.00am. The first 150 customers who purchase the fragrance and present their receipt will get a pass to see Kim between 12.30-2pm when she graces the store. You may even get to see Kim's 20.5 carat engagement ring.

Kim Kardashian Fragrance is exclusive to Debenhams until July when it rolls out across retailers nationwide.

We predict a sell-out!

Love TC x

food for thought

2011-05-23T12:56:00.000-07:00

Things to be done; 2011- Dan Colen

2011-05-22T07:57:00.000-07:00

Lately

2011-05-22T06:29:00.000-07:00

Crouch End Spriggan - has to be seen to be believed

(zoom in for the small print)

Walk to Camden via Regents Canal

(new purchases for Barcelona - treats from Adam)

Before

After - think I prefer the before

Monday Morning Craving

2011-05-16T02:04:00.000-07:00

opinion

2011-05-15T15:54:00.000-07:00

Society has a problem with female nudity when it is not … ”—Badu pauses to get her words together; she wants this point to be very clear—“… when it is not packaged for the consumption of male entertainment. Then it becomes confusing.

- Erykah Badu

We had a few friends over last night and stayed up talking in to the early hours - you know, putting the world to rights, debating on areas of politics and laying your vunerablity on the table with talk of family issues. In my opinion these are the best times you can have with friends...

Anyway, one of the topics that came up was the way women are perceived by men AND women because of their choice of attire.

I for example am of the belief that if you do choose to venture out looking a certain way you should expect a certain amount of attention and hassle. I am in now way saying this is right or fair but it's a reality of the world we live-in. And until that changes (although I'm constantly questioning whether men have the ability to not see women as sexual objects and women's natural jealousy or defense towards someone of the same gender can be tapered) unfortunately it's something you must prepare yourself for...

I'm interested to know what you think.
ts

Object of desire

2011-05-15T12:49:00.000-07:00

Shikes, serious love for this Ralph Lauren hobo bag but at almost two grand even if I had the money there's no way I could justify the purchase to myself.

So where does that leave me? Traipsing around the highstreet for something similar of course.... pointers in the right direction appreciated

Available here

Food for thought

2011-05-14T02:21:00.001-07:00

2011-05-14T01:40:00.000-07:00

15 Acronyms you hear everyday, but you never really stopped to find their meaning.

1. ZIP code: Zone Improvement Plan code
2. M&M’s (chocolate): Mars & Murrie’s
3. Re: (in an email): Regarding (not reply!)
4. T9 (on cellphones): Texting on 9 keys
5. HTTP: Hypertext Transfer Protocol
6. Laser: Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation
7. JPEG: Joint Photographic Experts Group
8. IMAX (movies): Image Maximum
9. Radar: Radio Detection and Ranging
10. Lego: Leg Godt (“play well” in Danish)
11. Ok: Oll Korrect (“All Correct”)
12. Wi-fi: Wireless Fidelity
13. CAPTCHA (this): Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart
14. RSVP: Répondez S‘il Vous Plaît (“Reply Please”)
15. Yahoo! (the website): Yet Another Hierarchial Official Oracle

via http://comingonstrong.tumblr.com/
ts