If there is anything I love after ‘Colour’ and ‘Personal Shopping’ that is ‘WM” (Wardrobe Management). Do you know that you only use 20% of your wardrobe? So what are you doing with the rest of the 80%?
Does your wardrobe represent your life style? A meaningful wardrobe will make life simple, save you time and give you peace of mind. So when you are get dressed for work or an evening dinner, I want you to spend the minimum of time getting ready. The idea is to dress you in the appropriate clothes / outfit in the quickest and most efficient way.
Equally important, make room for your accessories, footwear, gloves, scarves and jewellery. Keep clothes fresh and happy by ensuring that you don’t store your shoes in the same section where you hang your clothes.
Why you need WM?
Your signature and your lifestyle, make your wardrobe work for you!
Soul Food
Food glorious food! Home made, take-away, desserts, sushi, whatever cuisine you fancy. Food is life and we celebrate food with friends and family, business deals or blind dates; either way eating delicious food is the most popular and enjoyable social activity.
I come from a very cosmopolitan family background where food is the heart of all activities, we have Italian, Indian, Punjabi, Iranian and British backgrounds and with a huge family there is always a birthday or barbeque, anniversary, Eid or X-mas dinner around the corner; where we all enjoy our conversations around the conference table for hours.
Are you the Naked Chef or a Delia Smith? Whatever your preference, raw foods, organic or juicing, extend your palette and allow your taste buds to explore the culinary delightful dishes from around the world. I love Sunday brunches with friends and my annual family summer re-unions. Your not just filling your stomach, your feeding your soul.
To conclude, I leave you with this theory I have recently tried and tested -‘ A way through a man’s heart is through his stomach’. Ladies, I simply wanted to share this little conversation to confirm this theory. I was sitting with friends and one of them returned after visiting his new girlfriend. The conversation between both men goes something like this: -
Conversation
J - What did you do? (excited voice)
B - Nothing, stayed home (tone is low)
J - What did you eat? (excited and hopeful)
B - She doesn’t cook! (disappointment declared)
J - Oh right, (thinking she’s no good for him)
J - So have you eaten? (concerned tone)
B – Yeah, she made pizza and chips (tone is low)
J - What were the chips like? (the chips test - and curios voice)
B – Chips were soggy (turns his face and shakes him head)
J – Ohhhh (shakes his head in disappointment too)
B - Yeah oh (disappointment)
J – Dead end – (she is never going to make it to wife status)
The moral of this story? Cooking is a great skill for life and both men and women should enjoy these pleasures as it can do wonders for your personal life! My advice, try making something you like to eat yourself. I have a sweet tooth and so I started off by making desserts and then ventured to the main courses. I am currently addicted to banoffee pie (combination of banana and toffee). I want for you to also enjoy this sweet dish so I’d like to share this recipe with you.
Happy Eating!
MOBO's
The 14th MOBO (Music Of Black Origin) Awards took place at the SECC, Glasgow on September 30th 2009. This year I was invited by MOBO to attend the red carpet, interview the nominee’s and guests.
Launched in 1996, by founder and CEO Kanya King, the MOBO Awards were the first Awards show in Europe to celebrate urban music. The Awards continue to attract the largest prime time multi-cultural audience and boast broadcast access to over 250 million people.
Over the past few years, A-list artists performances have included: Lauryn Hill, Janet Jackson, Dionne Warwick, Justin Timberlake, Tina Turner, Jay- Z, LL Cool J, Amy Winehouse, Dizzee Rascal, Estelle, Marley Brothers, Usher, John Legend and the list goes on. As well as showcasing top international artists the MOBO has promoted and supported home grown UK talent also. Artists such as: Craig David, Ms Dynamite, Estelle, Kano, N-Dubz and Chipmunk.
2009 MOBO was hosted by BBC Radio DJ and presenter Reggie Yates and American artist Keri Hilson. The evening featured performances from JLS, Tinchy Stryder, N-Dubz, Chipmunk and Keri Hilson. This year the MOBO’s had a special tribute to the late Micheal Jackson celebrating his music and contribution to the music industry; hosted by La Toya Jackson and a heart-warming performance by brother Jermaine Jackson.
To end the night a performance from War Child's, 'Young Soul Rebels'. This charity aims to help youth people especially children affected by war.
Congratulations to all the Award winners and see you all next year.
LFW (London Fashion Week) - (AW) Autumn / Winter Fashion 2009.
“Art produces ugly things which frequently become beautiful with time. Fashion, on the other hand, produces beautiful things which always become ugly with time.” - Jean Cocteau
London Fashion Week is upon us 18-22 September 2009, the time we all go catwalk crazy whilst anxiously waiting for designers to reveal their new collections.
However let me give you an update on what fashion trends we have for Autumn/Winter 2009. Mix and match these 80’s revival looks and adopt a trend that will suits you. You don’t have to be covered in head to toe, use elements of the fashion trends and buy one or two of these pieces. Apply a touch of fashion to be stylish and create an instant updated look to your wardrobe that suits your personality.
Five fabulous looks for this season: -
1. The 80’s Revival
The 80’s fashion reminds me of the popular television series Dynasty and Dallas. Glamour, shoulder pads and colour were famous fashion statements. The 80’s revival is just as glamorous however my suggestion is to keep your accessories minimum.
Ladies: Shoulder pads are great or just add some colourful 80’s inspired make-up looks to compliment the rest of your outfit.
Gents: Many men aren’t entertained by shoulder pads however it creates instant masculinity in your shape giving you broad shoulders and enhancing your ‘T’ profile. Guys my suggestion is to keep it simple. This 80’s trend is difficult to carry so don’t feel you need to follow all trends.
2. Tartans and Tweeds
Tweed, check and print designs, mainly with angular designs look great especially on men; or ladies trousers make a powerful impact. Vivienne Westwood and John Galliano prominently use tartans and using distinctive ‘Harris’ tweeds in their maverick.
Ladies: Tweed dress, shirts, and shoes, choose feminine fabric colours such as red and pinks in the designs to create a softer look.
Gents: Great for jackets, trousers and shoes. David Mayer Naman has a fabulous footwear, pair of check print trainers, making your outfit instantly fashionable.
3. Sequence Sensation
Sequences are popular this year. You can turn sequences into a fashionably funky look. Jackets, dresses and especially leggings look sexy.
Ladies: If you think this is a bold look add sequence in just your accessories, i.e. bag, shoes or earrings.
Gents: Sequences work great in design details i.e. trainers; jackets and men’s ties create a super look for formal wear. Remember less is more!
4. Animal Attraction
Indeed my favourite of all trends is the animal prints. Amongst all the animal prints I love wearing the leopard prints. I feel somewhat fierce and tribal when adopting this look. Print colour and scale should be in accordance to your body and scale to suit you.
Ladies: Create impact through a dress, bag or shoes. Currently we are seeing a lot of animal print jewellery.
Gents: Be inspired by these animal prints by using them in your belts, hats or footwear or laces.
5. Military Action
Military jackets are powerful statements with strong designs. These jackets are usually made from thick and stiff materials; with particular attention the detailing i.e. buckles and buttons. A strong masculine look but better worn by women when adding soft colourful accessories. I.e. scarf and gloves.
Ladies: Loving the Union Jack design in accessories, belts and bags are very popular. I adore the cute clutch from Accessorize.
Gents: Great jackets, masculine and beautiful detailing. If you can carry this look, D&G have a particularly stunning jacket, which is very flamboyant and sexy.
All the best for those designers showcasing at fashion week!!
Prep Scrub
Exfoliate & Exfoliate my lovelies! Dermalogica’s - Prep Scrub is one of my favourite products. I have been using this product for sometime and its one of my key facial cleansers.
The concept of stimulating the skin by exfoliating it is not a new. It is one of the oldest skin treatments developed and over the centuries. Today, developments continue to be made with the formulation of vitamins alongside hydroxy acids. Exfoliation is the key to effective renewal of the skin’s protective outer layer; improving barrier function, leaving healthy and glowing skin. The buffing action of an exfoliant polishes the skin’s surface for a soft, smooth finish. Removal of excess flakes and dryness means face and body products also penetrate and work more effectively.
For those in their late teens and early twenties, it only takes 20 days for a skin cell to make its way from the basal layer out to the skin’s surface and away, resulting in a bright, fresh complexion all year round. As time goes by, this process begins to slow dramatically. By the time you reach your forties, the process takes approximately 40 days, resulting in dulling surface debris, which clouds our complexions.
Skin Prep Scrub (£21.60) – ideal for skin with excess oil production, this skin-polishing scrub exfoliant with natural corn cob meal, leaves the skin with a smooth, healthy complexion. Plant extracts soothe skin and help combat over-stimulation. Use three times a week.
Dermalogica products use highly active ingredients, are not animal tested - and they work, you will love it so resist the temptation to over-exfoliate!
Please book a consultation for your individual skin type and other products.
