Twinning

As seen in my previous post this early this month was Mother's Day and I thought it would be nice to do a little shoot with my favorite girl. I wanted to try and match our styles although chiara is a fashionista in her own right, infact this is the one time she has let me dress he. She usually outs her outfits out on the floor the night before bag and shoes included and let's it be known that's exactly what she will be wearing tomorrow, so I'm quite lucky she obliged. Nothing deep here except that we enjoyed the day, other outfits to Coke so keep a look out. I love our navy coats absolute essential that have kept us stylish and warm this winter!

(photos by Rebecca Botin) 

I'm wearing: Coat | Calvin Klein jumper | Jeans | Trainers

Chiara wears: coat | jeans | jumper | trainers

Read More

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY

My sister wished me happy Mother's Day, today, and asked how my kids were, plural, I still to this day pinch myself at the fact that I am a mother of two children, although motherhood is basically a tiring job, they are moments in the day where u pause and are grateful for the blessing that you have. 

If I could teach my children anything it would be to love themselves, wholly and completely; Because once they do no one can ever chip at their confidence, nor will they ever allow anyone to treat them poorly. Because loving themselves, means walking away from situations they feel uncomfortable, walking away from people that compromise their character, or ambitions, and hopefully that will lead to happiness, as they have found in themselves.

Chiara really enjoyed this shoot and I thought it was only right, I did a blog post with her in honor of Mother's Day. Not only was she trying to teach me how to pose, and "this is how the models do it" she enjoyed chasing the pigeons and then vogueing lol, she is such a little light and I can't wait to see what she blossoms into. (My son wasn't feeling up to it - lol).

Happy Mother's Day, for you, your mothers and the women in your life who play those roles,  or those who once were. 

P.s no children were harmed in the making of this post. 

Xoxo 

(Photos by REbecca Botin) 

Read More

SLITS AND STRAPS

   

I  absolutely love a tassel and this heel featured in my previous post has become my go to for nights out. I love that you can create a different look dependant on how you tie the tassels. 

I love a midi skirt, and although black midi doesn't scream out different the daring slit at the front of this skirt gave this quite grown up outfit a little edge. I teamed it with a burgundy tunic, and a camel coat. 

The raybans were a Christmas treat to myself, I usually hate wearing sunglasses because I don't like feeling too over the top, but these looked so classic I couldn't resist and as London, being the temperamental prima Donna she is, the sun comes out at any moment, so I have been taking full advantage. 

I finished the look with this Chloe Faye dupe bag I purchased from very. Such a striking colour against the camel, and with the burgundy and navy it gives a slight nautical feel. 

I am currently watching all the crazy fashion weeks and cannot wait to share more posts for what will be hot this spring and summer. What trends are you following? Make sure you subscribe by email to not miss out on any updates. 

What I'm Wearing

Black skirt | Red Tunic | Coat | Bag | Heels 

Read More

MILFIN MONDAY | Jourdann Dunn

Super model, fashionista, philanthropist and one not to bite her tongue, Miss Dunn is a force to be reckoned with. The beautiful mum of Riley has been strutting the catwalk since 2007 and with New York fashion week in full gear, we are sure to see a lot more of her face. 

With many notable campaigns underneath her belt, including maybelline, Burberry, Liu.jo, and H&M to name a few, she is the fashion worlds chameleon that transforms herself time and time again. Not to mention the sprinkle of Vogue covers and I-D covers she has racked up, being the first black model to appear solo on a vogue cover, Jourdann  is pushing the envelope and trailblazing for diversity in the fashion industry. A noted face of British fashion she was given the honor of also walking amongst Naomi and Kate at the London Olympics opening in 2012.

Having won model of the year award previously in 2008 and just recently in 2015 at the British Fashion Awards, proves that Jourdann is going nowhere for quite a while, and that she is still highly coveted by all the big fashion brands, she has what most models desire, longevity. 

The one unknown thing about her,  is her philanthropist work, her ambassador work  for sickle cell disease association for which she runs an annual event to raise money. Her affiliation with the charity has a personal touch as her son suffers with sickle cell. Talking of this she has mentioned the helplessness she feels when he is in pain during a crisis. It's a testament to her character as she appears bubbly and outgoing, with a cracking sense of humour. 

In between her catwalk shows and motherhood she also finds time to run a  blog series called "Well Dunn", showcasing her cooking skills with model friends galore. She became my mum crush, when she epically shut down lily Allen for calling her child ugly, and she did unapologetically, and called out VS for not casting her in their catwalk last year, when it was rumored she was dropped by Victoria's Secret to be replaced by Kendall Jenner, which most were sure was due to nothing but nepotism. 

Her off duty look is fearless bold and practical, and her latest campaign with marks and spencer lil Lon Dunn clothing line for young children in which it features her son illustrated that she is not slowing down any time soon. A true example of - who said you cannot have it all? Bold, feisty and unapologetic, I don't think we are quite done with Miss Dunn. 

Read More

BIKER JACKETS AND PERSPEX HEELS

I have seen these heels everywhere, and I couldn't wait for my delivery to arrive. I was a little skeptical at first because the Perspex, the patent, basically the understated yet over the top heels,  you know, were giving me Julia Roberts in pretty woman standing on the street vibes.The trick was to play down the cheekiness of the shoe, with some monochrome and a touch of khaki. 

One thing, although cute and striking, these shoes literally stick to your skin so it's very difficult wearing them with jeans as the zip will not do up easily over jeans, so next time I will try them with tights and a skirt. 

The weather has been very temperamental, as always in England so it was nice to be able to put on a light jacket. I opted for this lovely faux suede biker jacket from missguided. I love the feel of this t-shirt very slinky but sustainable and at £7 I think I will stock up on a few more, because babies and white don't mix. 

Again a very minimalistic outfit, edged out with a touch of khaki and quirky heels. My palette and aesthetic is going through a transition as I am nearing the end of my 20's. I read a buzzfeed article which was a dagger to my heart, that basically told me it's no longer cool to shop where I shop for my age, bye bye forever 21 and urban outfitters lol time to hang up the ditzy prints and have a clean look. I will share an upcoming post on clearing out and updating my wardrobe soon. Hope you enjoyed this piece. What are the lovers getting up to over Valentine's weekend? 

What I'm wearing

Jacket 

Heels : sold out at missguided but similar here 

Black Jeans

Read More

Style | wardrobe staples

                     

          

The perfect casual chic outfit, is a mix of casual pieces with one or two dressed up items. 

Your wardrobe needs these classic staples, ripped jeans, white tshirt and a blazer. Once combined they make for a very classic look. 

I went for grey Leigh jeans from Topshop to steer away from the typical dark wash jeans and I love the fit of these jeans, especially as they also come in a petite size. The tan shoes were a birthday gift and with my skin tone are basically a nude they married well with my rust colored blazer, this colour is so trendy at the moment and I think I'm buying every item in this shade. What staples does your wardrobe need? 

Jeans | Blazer | Shoes 

Read More

TRIBAL SPIRIT: HOMAGE OR CULTURAL APPROPRIATION

The latest campaign for Spanish brand MANGO has tongues wagging. Fashions it girl Kendall Jenner has been cast as the poster girl, not a bad choice considering her millions of followers, her symmetrical and classical features and her vague personality let's face it the girl can be a chameleon because we literally know nothing about her personality. Yet it's not the fact that she's modeling for mango that has rubbed people the wrong way people, it's because the brands latest campaign "tribal spirit" features Americas top model.

Tribal spirit as expected centers around ethnic influences: fringing, tribal prints, safari styled jackets. African, perhaps even Native American attributes, so of course it's not wrong to feel that this would be better suited to a model of colour who best represents the origin and the inspiration for the campaign. What about Lineisy Montero, who modeled the most runaways in 2015, Jourdann Dunn? I would have said Joan Smalls too..but she does not consider herself black(side-eye). The list goes on.

Following a whitewash from this years Oscar's, where no people of colour have been nominated for any accolades, this may feel like another artistic slap in the face. 

People may wonder why it even matters. Fashion is fashion right, they are just clothes, It matters because the media influences the world, fashion influences people's perception of beauty, what's accepted? What looks good, more importantly WHO looks good. Also in the issue of appropriation the look is not aspirational unless the west put their stamp and approve on it and market it as their own, without giving credit to the rightful owner. 

Surely this would have been a great opportunity for MANGO to show case it's diversity to its many consumers around the globe, to push the envelope just a little more so that all its consumers feel included and represented.

Hopefully the backlash and reception this campaign has received will make other big brands think carefully about future campaigns and igniting and continuing to show diversity in the fashion industry. 

Read More

STICK TO YOUR RESOLUTION | Fitness pieces you need under £25

Bottoms, clockwise from left: 

Misguided Monochrome Leggings  | H&M Sports Grey Tights | Marks and Spencer Leggings 

Marks and spencer Abstract Leggings | Missguided Red Mesh Leggings | Nike Pro shorts 

Tops, clockwise from left: 

Misguided Khaki Top  | Misguided Mesh Vest | H&M Crop Top 

Resolutions have been made, dryathlons have been started, the leftovers have been eaten, and we are all looking to polish up our bodies. 

After over indulging during Christmas, (basically the holidays are a hall pass to put absolutely anything and everything in your mouth, after all you can not let all that good go to waste) , like Cinderella soon as the clock strikes midnight we want to be brand new and magically healthy.  Sadly it doesn't occur overnight but as the stats show more people sign up to the gym in January than any other month. 

I too have jumped on the bandwagon and have taken up a few healthy challenges.  I thought u would blog on the quite affordable gym wear now hitting the high street with most pieces at great value of under £20. With misguided, Asos and now H&M carrying fashionable fitness wear there's no excuse to not get fit and look cute whilst doing it. 

Fitness girls I'm loving on Instagram: @brittnebabefitness

@Emilyskyfit

Foodie blogs I'm living on instagram: @deliciouslyElla 

Read More

HAPPY NEW YEAR | YEAR OF ME

I usually have New Years resolutions I write them down in my notepad and at some point during the year I look to see how many I have actually, achieved...last year went terribly, so let's just not talk about it. On the other hand  it's prompted me to not really make any this year. Intrinsically I know the type of life I want to lead. 2015 has taught me many things but the one lesson that repeatedly stood out was to not think people have the same heart as I do, I think on a grand and small scale, my giving heart was taken advantage of and I've learnt to not be so trusting of people's intentions. 

I love life I'm an open book and I don't want others actions to ever alter my personality, but I have learnt to guard my heart and nurture it a little more, I have also learnt to achieve my goals quietly as others only want to know what they are to see you fail. Lol this all sounds so negative but I promise it's a positive in the fact that I've learnt more about others and how I can change my life so my happiness doesn't depend on anyone but myself. 

My resolution this year is to be selfish, to put myself first, to put my heart and trust my feelings and my gut first, to not feel bad about saying no, to know that saying yes to others leaves me at a loss. This is the year of me and this is the year I will not feel guilty about that. this suit outfit I think fits well with how i will power through 2016!

I hope everybody has had a great new year, and enjoys the weekend before returning to school and work. Do you make resolutions? 

Trousers | Blazer |  Shoes

Read More

Bell Sleeves and Booties

Guiltily loving the weather and how warm it is even though it is currently December. I mean the fact that light biker jackets and no tights were needed for this outfit says a lot about global warming, but I'm not one to complain. I secretly love that the sun is still shining when it's nearly Christmas. Look at the sleeves on this dress, they certainly add a 70's edge. If you haven't noticed I'm all about simple outfits that look well thought out. 

Shift dresses are a godsend as they skim over those body parts you do not want to be hugged, and I love an over the knee boot. Black is my choice and these ones are so comfortable, I mentioned them in a previous post. I'm not one for faux fur as I think it looks too extravagent on me  but I love the faux fur accessories, this monochrome scarfs so warm and pulls the outfit together. Although the dress is printed I think the tones are quite muted and make for a great monochrome look. Definitely a fall/winter outfit I'll be wearing again and again.

Boots | Dress | Jacket | Scarf

Read More