Off the radar- Retrograde is over

Mercury Retrograde is finally over and let me tell you,

this time it was a killer ...

Retrograde comes and go. Is it a myth or is it an excuse? With cynical tweets in full swing and all anyone talks about for an entire month (this time around), what does it really mean? Whether it is psychological or the planets really do have an impact on how we are feeling (which I believe they do) there was no escaping this one. What a roller coaster of emotions and feeling it brought along with it. 

November is always a weird one for me, it never sits quite right. This month I decided to go off the radar. My schedule was filled, work life was crazy and strangest thing about it? There was not a single part of me that felt the desire to share it. 

I went Christmas shopping in London, another trip to Edinburgh, I spent a minute taking time out, I went out with my nearest and dearest, I fell ill, I worked like crazy and quite simply I had the best time. 

  

I dined in my favourite restaurants, cafes and bars, spent Saturday in Selfridges and my Sunday in Harrods. I visited my sister and stayed solo, waking up at 5am and going to bed by 9. I took some time out for myself and I also spent it with my closest. After working like crazy all year round it was needed more than ever. 

The thing is social media and its influence makes you feel a certain way and keeping your head above  water when you are juggling so many things at once proves a challenge to anyone. It's hard to keep on top of your motivation, energy and engagement. 

   

The things that keep you going are the things that can make you not break you. I find myself fully invested in Christmas this year ... a completely new thing for me. I look back at my past month and despite a few hiccups know I have placed myself in the best position and situations and feel proud of my work even though I felt tested. 

Just remember darlings, you should never feel guilty about taking time for you regardless of where that is, who that is with or when that is. I have found myself in some tough situations this past year and its true what they say what makes you bad makes you better. 

This way you are ready for anything. 

  

You made it this far, who is ready to have a little fun? 

  

The things that get you going

  In need of a little motivation, engagement, feel good vibe?

 

It's that time of year again ... the time where it is simply a drag. In the height of all work and no play it is incredibly hard to keep yourself motivated and your sassy usual yourself, so what's the fix? and how do we stop ourselves from falling out with our routine and immersing in exhaustion? 

Start up by utilising your time wisely, don't over sleep or waste a second. Whether you are surrounding yourselves by your favourites or maxing out every single inch of your existence by being constantly on the go, there is no denying that surrounding yourselves with your favourites provide you with the normality and break that you need.

For me an outfit makes or breaks a mood. Some people like video games, some like sport but fashion is my area of interest. Forget preconceptions such as 'overdressing', if it makes you feel good, whatever the activity, or 'item' maybe- the rest is irrelevant. 

Embrace the silence. Take a walk, take a drive, take a breath. Five minutes out may be all you need. Taking a long period of time out (this can even be a day) can demotivate you, especially when you are always on the go. Judge what you need and what makes you content. 

Don't forget the get little things even when you have a crazy schedule. A killer blow dry and fresh manicure gives me the kick I need when i'm in the midst of everything. You may not have a great deal of time, but if this is the little bit of love you give yourself throughout the week so do it.

     Remember you are your most important influence and you have the biggest control over your emotions and mindset so hype yourself up. I am currently listening to Kanye's new album as I drive to work then give myself a spare fifteen minutes to browse new Christmas shopping releases. Actions as simple as this get me prepared for the day and remind me that no matter how I am feeling this segment of me time can remain uninterrupted. 

My favourite advice of all time is to pre plan. The times you have something to look forward to, no matter how great or small, give you something to strive for regardless of how your day, week or month is going. Having nothing to strive for will destroy your engagement with anything. Set yourself goals, targets and deadlines- just make them the ones that appeal to you, not the ones that are expected of you. 

As always, remember you are killing it. If you are trying, no one can ever argue otherwise.

Flavour of the month

Autumn is in full swing, the nights are about to get darker

 and things are getting a little bewitched. 

Trends
AW19 is here and we are waiting for the high street to play catch up. Expect power shoulders, colour block and the return of the cape (a 2015 trend I just couldn't get away from). From the Bottega bag and slides covering head to toe of any FROWer to the blend of Victoria B shades hot in the eyes of any make up lovers palette, AW19 reminds of what fall really is about. A season of classics in a new dimension.

Christmas releases
Will we be airbrushing with Charlotte Tilbury? Slick with an anticipated uncovered Huda? Or drenched in the dreamiest scent? I always begin my Christmas shopping in September but this year I am underwhelmed. Some of the hottest festive launches are around the corner this October, don't miss out.

Technology
Ok, so it's a new year and new Apple season. Everyone has so much to say when it comes to a new Apple release but for me this year a state of the art camera and a midnight green just about cuts it. I am a sucker for new shades and intricate detail. The pro provides just that.

Affairs in order
Will they? Won't they? Three years after a Brexit vote and we are still in a struggle to define the history of this country, October 31st is the next milestone in our development. What will happen? Our guess is as good as anyones.
     Unless you have slept through the past few months Greta Thunberg would have entered your thought process. At 16 this environmental activist has once again highlighted the prominence that climate change has in our world today. Politics may not be your thing, but the globe you live on certainly is. Don't play blind to the monumental change that you could be a part of.

For your viewing
This time every year Gossip Girl returns for me. The seasons are in sync and with great outfits, scandals and S&B in their prime, what more could you ask for?
    In complete contrast the other view playing on my mind is Star Wars. The finale of the latest trilogy enters the big screen this December and tickets are due a release. Lets call this a family tradition

Travel
The Greek islands forever appear on our Instagram feeds over the course of the Summer months. An array of gorgeous white buildings and the deepest of blue seas. In our amazement no one expected to find them at the top of our wander list this Autumn. The weather delights, the crowds have fleed and island hopping continuously appeals to the many. Have you considered switching your usual city break for Mykonos and Santorni in the Autumn air?

The next three months see trends arise as the day progress. 

Watch this space my darlings, the flavour of month is about to get that little more juicy.

 

Twenty six at 26

Five years ago I wrote a post called '21 things I have learnt since turning 21'

Well a lot can happen in five years my darlings. Here are my twenty six at 26.

 

1. Chill the f out (also one of my resolutions)

2. So you are in your mid 20's? You still have time

3. Your work/life balance will make or break you

4. Your closest circle will shrink 

5. Negative energy? Walk away 

6. Stand your ground

7. Sign off

8. Placing pressure on yourself will never get you any further

9. Those who matter will stay

10. Be unapologetic, your opinion counts 

11. People need you, but you also need them 

12. As Blair Waldorf once said be part of the none judging breakfast club 

13. Never measure yourself against other people

14. Social media is an amazing platform for discussion but you also need to detox 

15. Failure? Don't worry, there is always a next time- and you will kill it.

16. It's ok to be married or have kids, but it is also ok to not be

17. Your gut feeling will not let you down 

18. Take a risk, we don't do boring

19. Your contribution to change in the world is monumental

20. Do the things that make you feel fulfilled 

21. Being grateful is a testament to who you are

22. Drama? Stay away

23. Make time for the things you love 

24. Never underestimate your capability 

25. You have an impact on others, you can influence in the greatest way

26. Consider the things and the actions that make you believe make you happy and strive for them

Here is to the next five. 

All my love,

Tashaa xo

SS20 Fashion week | The low down

Spring/Summer 20 fashion week is here and it is the one that we have all been awaiting. Whether it is a Victoria Beckham Sunday, a classic Chanel Tuesday or a Bottega Veneta season that we cannot all get enough. The hottest parties are in full glow and the best of this years street style is arising. I have a feeling it is about to be one of my favourite ready to wear runway seasons yet. 

NEW YORK

Friday 6th September

Jeremy Scott

Saturday 7th September

Self Portrait 

Kate Spade

Rebecca Minkoff

Helmut Lang

Longchamo

Christian Siriano

Brandon Maxwell

Sunday 8th September 

Tory Burch

Prabal Gurung

Tommy Hilfiger

Monday 9th September

The Row

Carolina Herrera

Zimmerman

Alice and Olivia

3.1 Phillip Lim

Anna Sui

Tom Ford

Tuesday 10th September

Vera Wang

Noon by Noor

Pamella Roland

Coach

Naeem Khan

Oscar de la Renta

Proenza Schouler

Savage x Fenty

Wednesday 11th September

Michael Kors

Dennis Basso

Badgley Mischka

Marc Jacobs

LONDON

Friday 13th September

Bora Aksu

Pam Hogg

Temperley 

Saturday 14th September 

Alexa Chung

Fyodor Golan

Sunday 15th September

House of Holland

David Koma

Preen by Thornton Bregazzi

Anya Hindmarch

Roland Mouret

Osman

Margaret Howell

Aspinal of London

Victoria Beckham

Emilia Wickstead

Monday 16th September

Roksanda

Erdem

Paul Costelloe

J W Anderson

Christopher Kane

Burberry

Richard Quinn

Julien Macdonald

MILAN

Wednesday 18th September

Peter Pilotto

Prada

Alberta Ferretti

No 21

Jil Sander

Thursday 19th September

Max Mara

Emporio Armani

Fendi

Bottega Veneta

Moschino

Friday 20th September

Tods

Blumarine

Sportmax

Etro

Marni

Versace

Saturday 21st September

Salvatore Ferragamo

MSGM

Ermano Scervino

Philosophy

Giorgia Armani

Missoni

Sunday 22nd September 

Boss 

Gucci

PARIS

Tuesday 24th September

Dior

Saint Laurent

Wednesday 25th September

Lanvin

Mulger

Maison Margiela

Dries Van Noten

Rochas

Thursday 26th September

Chloe 

Paco Rabanne

Ann Demeulemeester

Rick Owens

Off White

Isabel Marant

Friday 27th September

Loewe

Balmain

Issey Miyake

Nina Ricci

Celine

Saturday 28th September

Haider Ackermann

Altuzarra

Vivienne Westwood

Elie Saab

Comme des garçons

Hermes

Sunday 29th September

Balenciaga

Thom Browne

Valentino 

Givenchy

Monday 30th September

Stella McCartney

Giambattista Valli

Alexander McQueen 

Tuesday 1st October

Chanel

Miu Miu

Lacoste

Louis Vuitton

A New Era

SHE's BACK.

Hi there my darlings and welcome to a new era.
Are you ready for the ride?

September 1st will forever be my favourite day of the year.

It signifies new beginnings and an evolved you, regardless of your situation.

It's your chance to reevaluate, get back in your grind after a hot Summer and turn back into the power player we all know you are.

The truth is I fell out of love with blogging,

Social media turned toxic, 

and I just could not force myself to write about something I was no longer passionate about.

So, what changed? 

Me.

I take time out.

I find headspace.

I have a purpose.

I focus on the energy that makes me happy.

Ooohlalaa its fashion does not dwell on the past.

Lets get over it and talk about our future. 

This online space was created to make you feel good.

To talk about the things we love.

The things that get us going, 

and of course with a touch of sass along the way.

The day that stops, the day I stop.

So where am I? 

 I am starting a new job, 

I can't wait for fashion month,

I turn TWENTY SIX in a matter of days

and I am still working on chilling the f out. 

It's September 1st baby and

the best is yet come. 

You didn't go through that for nothing

Hi darlings,
It has been a while so I just thought it was time to check in.
I have spent my last few months working and playing. My goal this year was to chill the f**k out and we just about reached it. Things are a little heavy at the minute with a heavy workload and a hectic lifestyle but I am doing ok and I hope you are to.

The key to pulling myself together these last few months has been keeping myself busy. When I don't spend my days working I keep them as full as possible from morning to evening. Whilst this all sounds great over the past few weeks it has impacted my health slightly forcing me to take a day or two of cancelled plans and relax.

I am so lucky to be surrounded by the greatest support system when the going gets tough. Those closest to me have helped me through some of the hardest times and reminded me exactly what I am capable of.

My last post was about my goals for this coming year and now is the first time I have really looked back and found the time to check in ... not to mention the first opportunity I have given myself some 'me' time to write. I am unconsciously slowly working my way through my list (although I am still working on the nap less and eating healthier part).

Here is your reminder that it is crucial that you check in with your own mental health and ask yourself, 'am I doing ok?'. When the answer isn't as it should be that's when its time to take action. Everyone knows I am incredibly private person (also one of my goals), but I am gradually finding it easier and easier to talk about how I am doing.

Sometimes life gets you down, but you come back stronger than ever. People might talk about this but very few believe it. Find the things that make you happy and eliminate the energy that does not.

Here is a reminder that you've got this. Its you who creates the person you want to be.

Remember, you glow different when you are doing better.

 

Chill the f**k out- 2019 goals

Happy New Year my darlings! 

Can you believe it's 2019? Does this make us millennials old?

It maybe a new year but we are less of the 'new me' and more of the 'new and improved'. 2018 was one of the best years of my life and has left me well and truly satisfied but it's that time to pick your life apart and just remind yourself exactly what it is you need to do to get your where you want to be.

2019 goals

1. Chill the f**k out.

2. Free yourself of negative space.

3. Have your say, just a little louder.

4. The unimaginable, the thing you want the most.

5. Escape. Create a new happy place.

6. Share. Your privacy can be overwhelming.

7. Log out, those emails can wait.

8. Ask for help.

9. Health first, don't leave it to late.

10. Choose personal life over pressure.

11. Go to bed on time ...

12. Read.

13. ... Nap less 

14. Headspace, free your mind baby its a little heavy.

15. Give it up, no strings.

16. Eat healthier, just like every other person in the world.

17. Don't walk away, call it.

18. Stay reckless, forget less is more.

19. Let your favourites know you are obsessed with them.

Which are your favourites? How will you ensure 2019 is your year? 

As I always I can't tell you how lucky I feel to have your endless support over the past 6 years, especially when I have needed it most. I remain forever grateful.

Love