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.

Down to earth

February is alway the strangest month. Congratulations, you made it through the January blues however know that your Summer vacay is still five months away. The key to keeping yourself motivated over these next few months is keeping it real. Throw yourself into what you are passionate about, work hard and surround yourself by encouragement- trust me you will be thanking yourself before you know it. 

Keep it real: Set yourself realistic goals

Keep your head out the clouds and set the bar but make sure you can get there. Deadlines are everything, if you could do it you should do it.

Keep it real: Plan, but don't overplan

You can't do everything but you can do most things. Keep yourself busy, reconnect and throw yourself into all things that matter. A girl on the go is a girl who is motivated and ready to kill it.

Keep it real: Surround yourself by ambition

Focus on yourself. Be a little selfish. Don't let others put you down. Not everyone will strive for what you desire and thats ok, but don't let it demotivate you. It's easy to be blinded but keep your head down and priorities in check, no one strives to be a people pleaser.

Keep it real: Have a little fun

It's not all work and no play. PLAN your Summer, set yourself something to look forward to. Do not turn boring. Take a break, get scandalous, make a mistake and learn a lesson. Buy those shoes you can't afford, leave that party later than you should, say the things you shouldn't, experiment with your style, be outrageous but keep it real.

Stay down to earth darling, because once you've left no one likes a fall. 

How to make a statement

HOW TO MAKE A STATEMENT- THE LOW DOWN
STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD
Add a touch of colour to your wardrobe, be the one in the middle of the dance floor, do what others are afraid to do, just remember to always be true to yourself. Don't focus on what others are thinking and never explain yourself.

LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD
Are you registered to vote? Are your opinions known? Do you use your platforms to their full potential? Never let anyone take this away from you, it is your most powerful tool, use it. Say it, and mean it.

BE BOLD
Being bold does not mean you have to be the centre of attention. Make decisions and stick to your word. Be kind but honest. Be the one who inspires and influences those around you. Being bold is about risk taking, and more often than not it pays off.

MAKE YOUR ACTIONS YOUR OWN 
Take responsibility for your actions. Take pride in your work and don't be afraid to show the world how proud you are. Ambition is motivating, but being grounded keeps you striving. Keep your head out of the clouds.

ADVENTURE
Embark on an adventure, and don't get bored. Bordem leads to laziness and wander leads to exploration.

BE GRATEFUL
In everything you do show you are grateful. There is a reason you got there. Never hold a grudge, what will you gain from it besides negativity? After all Beyonce did say, 'always stay gracious, best revenge is your paper'. If you want something you will work for it no matter what gets in your way, just be grateful to those who are around you on your path to success.

Make a statement. 

  

SHOP MY TEE, HERE.

Eyes on the prize | SHOP THE LOOK

As you may have guessed my darlings I jetted off to Germany, one of my favourite countries in the world. Visiting Düsseldorf has been bittersweet as I spent a significant amount of my childhood growing up in this area.

Königsallee is Düsseldorfs answer to Champs Elysées with Hermès, Versace and Harry Winston all within a steps reach to each other. This is a place where

people are blissfully unaware of their surroundings. One where people come to shop, relax and enjoy

without a second thought. It's famous art district means that as you wander the streets not only do 

you come across it's flawless landscape and impeccable sculptures but also some of the most chic

outfits your eyes will ever lay on, think Commes Des Garçons takes the city. 

Whilst the hustle of Paris is constant this city emerges itself in laid back vibes during the day however, like many other European cities, comes alive at night all the way through to the next day.

After all they do say work hard, play harder my darlings and nothing is stopping you if you have earned it.

This is the place that reminds you exactly just what you are working for.

If you work hard enough you will get it, but you won't stop there.

Keep your eyes on the prize.

SHOP MY LOOK//

Top: River Island SHOP SIMILAR

Skirt: Topshop SHOP

Bag: KoKo Couture SHOP

Shoes: Topshop SHOP

Sunglasses: Fendi SHOP

  

Make a statement

We live in a world where freedom of speech and expression is at the centre of society, despite many trying to repress it. Today’s revolutionaries are more prominent than ever and fighting for what you believe in magnifies and exemplifies with each cause.

Now, it is important to remember that you do not have to be a Political mastermind to engage with change however whatever you stand for, you stand with reason. 

‘Whatever you do will be insignificant but it is important that you do it’, Ghandi.

A fight for what you believe in doesn’t always provide you with the immediate results you desire but it paves the way for them, whether they are visible or not.  

Have you ever had something you feel so passionately about that you will defend it to the ends of the earth? 

Do you have an opinion that you are proud to express to the world?

Is there a thought that you are too scared to share? 

Regardless of your passion your opinion matters and this applies to everything you do in life. 

We always talk about expressing your personality and experimenting whether thats cause, travel, culture, style … it’s an endless list and it's in everything that you do whether you are consciously aware of it or not. 

Being bold doesn’t always mean you have to be the centre of attention, an idea that is misunderstood by many. Instead being bold is down to expression. Expression is down to you.  

You may find people telling you that your opinion does matter. This is not the truth. 

Ask yourself, are the decisions you are making to please others or are they for YOU, because they are what you believe are right? 

It's time to put up that fight.

It's time to stand for what you believe in, regardless of how you do it.

You are part of this world, and you deserve it more than anything.

It's time time to show the world how you do things. 

It's time to make a statement. 

... and i'm going to help you with just that.
Let's get it my darlings. 

 

Spring fling

It's a fresh season my darlings and this year we are leaving our daisy crowns behind and turning our frolics into something a little more extravagant. With Coachella in days, the identity of A on it's way and your wanderlust desires going into overload it's time for our Spring fling to begin.

So get your bikini shopping begun, your fur sliders bought and your destination dreams fulfilled. Spring is when your detox comes and goes, your midweek nights are spent outside sipping cocktails and your wardrobe overflows with footwear other than anything and everything heeled.

We all love an outrageous Summer but Spring is just that little something to keep us going and motivated, after all the strive to slay remains at the forefront of our agenda.

 Everyone says that Autumn is where it begins again but my darlings we are just getting started.

Keep your head up.
We don't believe in falling. 

 

Girl on the go

Life hacks for girls on the go

Always keep a pair of heels in your car or office, you never know when you may need a quick switch.

Dressing up is the new dressing down, never be caught off guard.

Always plan your outfit the night before, it's just another thing you can take out of your morning routine.

Carry your current nail colour with you, chipped nails are not cute. 

Style studio Instagrams are everything, keep up with trends and buy seconds later.

Set your alarm tone as your get up and go song, Crazy in love wakes me up at 4am most mornings.

Set up your online shopping accounts as quick buys, you never know when you are going to need a show stopper last minute.

Don't make lists, just go ahead do it. 

A single cup of coffee a day can set you up, anymore can do the opposite. 

Stay well connected, you never know when that connection will come in useful. 

Don't make appointments if you can't keep them, no one likes flakiness. 

Surround your self by inspiration, a quote a day is a life changer.

Give a girl a break, work hard play hard.  

Those to follow

The world revolves around social media, there is simply no denying it.

However this is not a bad thing. It provides us with instant access to global happenings whether it's the latest news story or the hottest trend. 

Instagram is the world in pictures. It provides us with an insight to those we admire and seek inspiration from. Here I share a few of my favourites. Whilst you should you never take yourself or your social media too seriously be sure that your days scrolling are filled with positivity and all things that provide you with the strive to go out and slay.

Fashion
Hottest trends, runway exclusives and wishlist desires

@chrisellelim

@jaiperdumaveste 

@fashiontomax 

@kateyoung 

Beauty

Outrageous experimenting and industry favourites 

@patmcgrathreal

@jenatkinhair 

@lottietomlinson 

Lifestyle
Motivation, ambition and all time frolicking

@lecotepoms 

@chiaraferragni 

Travel

Wanderlust, island life and destination dreams

@teatoxtogether

@pilotmadeline 

@abikiniaday

@wongguy974

Cause

Power, change and insight

@unitednations

@hillaryclinton 

@emrata

@amfar

Feel good vibes

Sass, food for thought and overstepping boundaries 

@chrissyteigen

@fashionbymayhem 

@steph_shep

Which are your favourite social media accounts?

Click on these handles to get discovering.

 

International Women's Day

I've had my say on girl power but i'm not quite finished.

Happy International Women's Day my darlings!

Never forget your power.

All my love.

  

Ooohlalaa its fashion goes fourth

This past year has been a whirlwind, or what some would call a life lesson. I have successfully managed to embrace opportunity, expand my horizon and quite simply look at the bigger picture. Ambition is everything to me, but how you get there when life throws everything in your way is the real test.

Over the past year Ooohlalaa it's fashion has transgressed into something else. Something that provides you with more than the hottest trends fresh from the runway, but instead a platform with a meaning and a purpose. It is incredibly important to me to say what needs to be said so whether we get sassy in the Summer together, dominate new city street style or scream about a cause or campaign we feel so passionately about, we strive to make it known.

In a world where revolution is simmering at the core of our society, discussing purely trivial topics is not enough. However that doesn't mean we need to take everything too seriously, instead it encourages us to use our voice in all areas that we love. 

Over the next few months expect things to get outrageous, over the top and ultimately show stopping. Sassy city frolicking keeps us playing, experimenting and striving for the bigger picture. Powerful minds pave the way for powerful thoughts. So whether it's the height of your heels, the destination of your dreams or the fight you are about to undertake let it be known, we are here to inspire, influence and succeed. 

Another year passes and your support continuously means the world to me my darlings, now more than ever.

Happy fourth Ooohlalaa it's fashion, let's slay in this new dimension x

    

The thing about girl power

Girl Power.
A term that has been used since the 1990s, most commonly defined within the realms of, 'female empowerment and independence'.

The reason why girl power continues to exist two and a half decades later is because it needs to. It goes without saying that girl power wasn't created in the 1990s but that's when the term entered our unparalleled society.

Now at 23 I first recall girl power associated with the Spice Girls, one of the greatest girl bands of all time. One where being yourself was central to it's values and lay at the core of it's foundations. Sporty, Scary, Baby, Ginger and Posh ... this was less about fulfilling the names they had given themselves and more about how they could coexist amongst each other, freely and enjoyably. After all they lived to, 'Spice up your life'.

Female empowerment is about embracing yourself and your role in society. Not those that are assigned to you but those of your own choice. Being powerful comes from you not how your social status or position in society defines you.

We look back once more to the women's march that had taken place just over two weeks ago around the world. This wasn't just women fighting for women, this was the world fighting for women. Gender inequality exists in society today, and it's something we are so passionately working on. When women aren't given freedom of their own bodies, when they are paid less than men and when they are continuously degraded the fight must go on. We aren't fighting against men, we are fighting with them.

So what about girl power? The thing about girl power is it continues to exist no matter what happens in the world. The Suffragettes fought for women's right to vote yet today women are still faced with endless issues in many other matters. Whilst it's easy to get caught up in the politics of it all, and the majority of the time incredibly important to engage with politics, we must never forget the feeling girl power brings.
Politics can never undermine that.

From Britain's longest reigning monarch of 65 years, Queen Elizabeth to Hillary Clinton who campaigned endlessly in attempt to become the first female US President, we are surrounded by empowered women. Just because you don't reach the end goal as expected doesn't make you any less powerful, it's about the fight to get there.

Girl power exists as long as we embrace it. Emma Watson fought for women's rights as the UN Women's Goodwill ambassador, Carrie Fisher worked in an all male cast on the set of Star Wars and Diane Von Furstenberg, a divorced Princess, became one of the world's most renown fashion designers.

So whether you are your prancing around singing your favourite Beyonce song, your show stopping in your brand new outfit, your actively campaigning for women's right or you quite simply love being a girl remember you are powerful.

The thing about girl power is no one can take it away from us.

'I think the world could do with a few more women at the centre of it' 

Claire Foy, Golden Globes 2017  

Back to the city

  

                             It wasn't all too long ago that I found myself immersed in city blues.

I longed for a break away from the dangerous reality that the city brings to you all year round and lusted after the island.

To say I have thoroughly enjoyed my fling with Summer this year is an understatement. I visited the other side of the globe, surrounded myself with cultures unlike my own, wanderlusted after dream destinations and met some incredible people ...

but now i'm back.

Remember the thing about September? Well it's time to grind, seek your inspiration and slay. 

When the going gets tough, suck it up.

When life gets you down, shimmy your way back up.

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.

The only shade you should be concerned about is the colour of your next Winter coat.

The city feels exciting and new once more. Whether your eyes are fixated on the runway, you're shopping for your new AW16 wardrobe, you take on a huge task in the workplace or meet a new array of people. It's time to kill it darlings, don't let anyone mess with your vibes. 

After all we are all about the sassy city frolicking.