Twenty two -

Love fiercely, and don't forget to stop pictures along the way - 

This remained in the Instagram bio of one of my favourite women, Chiara Ferragni, for years and it stayed with me. Now this may not be a centuries old quote from a classic novel but it is something to live by and something I think about each and every day. It's something that gets me going, and that is what 2022 is all about - living for yourself.

2021 was the year of no expectations, 2022 is the year of no regrets. It's time to start living once more. It's time to live for the things that get you going, and the things that make you happy, but - with no pressure.

As we speak right now its the Cancer moon and venus and mercury retrograde are about to clash. We all know what a retrograde means right? Uncertainty, emotion and a rollercoaster but lets make it over this hurdle because as February approaches we will have already forgotten about the hump.

This year is the time to grind, work harder than you ever have before. 

This year is the time to love, love greater than you ever have before.

This year is the time to live, to live more fiercely than you can ever imagine.

Take that leap, dare to dream and live beyond your wildest expectations. We have come from a past of the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Your mental mindset defines how you live your life so make it for the better.

It isn't always easy being positive and you don't always need to be. Just don't give up.

Fight for what you want more than anything.

Fight for yourself.

and live for you.

Always here angels - 

Welcome to 2022

love Ooohlalaa its fashion x

Time to break it off baby

It's that time of year again, when it's all things go and there is simply not enough time to breathe. The real question is when you're taking all that time looking out for other people who is flagging you down and saying its time to take a step back. We all need our time to shine but it often goes unnoticed when things are turning all consuming and you're about to dwindle. It's time to take a break and here is how you know you need it :-

The struggle to stay awake- The best of us can all run off 4 hours sleep a night but this will only be sustainable for so long. If you are like me you can rise and shine the second your alarm goes off. A coffee later and you are ready for the day ahead but the second it hits that 3pm mark your pace slows and your energy suffers meaning you will never flourish as the day draws to a close.

Lack of patience- Maybe you have the patience of a saint but a real tell tale sign is when you find yourself irritated with even the smallest of things. Its not always fair and its not always reasonable but when you are run down and exhausted the tiny little things will make or break your day, how crazy it is something so small will get to you? 

Planning becomes a thing of the past-  Having it 'together' might not always mean you are the most organised person in the world, but it does mean you should be able to get by with ease. Forgetfullness, taking too much on or the struggle to make decisions all contributing towards a downfall, stop it happening before it arrives.

Stress levels - Stress comes in many forms and is detrimental to your health and well being. You find yourself checking in with others but did you take time to check in on yourself? How will you shine babygirl when you are the one hanging by a thread?

Sleepless- Whats worse than tiredness? When you are so tired but your brain hits overdrive. If you catch yourself working until the late hours of the evening or playing catch up with what you've missed during the day how can you expect yourself to put it to switch off in the click of a finger? Wild dreams and nightmares are also a major sign you need to slow your mind down.

Irrational thoughts- The thing with irrational thinking is you convince yourself you are right. This can be when you are tired, when you are stressed and when you do not have the time to think it through. You may jump to conclusions, make reckless decisions or think the extremes over the smallest of things.

It just takes one of these things to make you crack. As we enter the busiest season of them all its time to check in on your mindset. A girl can grind but she can also crumble.

Maybe its your turn to break it off, recharge and take a step back (even if that is only for a second ;) 

- Speed it up, a city girls guide to the commute

Say it with me, your commute is a drag and we all know it-

 Imagine finishing your working day and spending the best part of your evening driving or on a train. Even yet rising early in the AM because if you don't you hit the morning traffic and your day and at the point your day feels completely screwed. Life in the city has it highs and has it lows but we keep it real around here and the commute is the reality that hits hard, and you better believe it makes or breaks your day:

Organise like your life depends on it - The most vital step to making that commute a little more bearable is getting yourself organised. It just takes for that lost phone or outfit disaster that can result in you running late or worse yet, a return journey. Get yourself organised and save yourself those extra minutes of beauty sleep, or the need for botox.

Fuel your soul- I never use to understand what was meant by the need for morning coffee until I hit my mid 20's and realised it was non negotiable. Set yourself up for the day and get motivated, find the thing that wakes you up in the morning.

 Who said that has to be consumable?

Smart glam- Spread your morning glow up and leave the best until last. Leave your lips and finalise your eyes when you have just about arrived. If your commute takes you an hour at least you will still look cute by the time you get there. I keep a bottle of my favourite Tom Ford in my car at all times for those days I forget, the days I want to play and maybe an emergency or two if they come along.

Play me hard- Having a playlist is an essential and even more so, one you can listen to on repeat. Guilty pleasures always work at treat. I will be the first to admit my drive to work is often silent, but the drive home mirrors an Ibiza superclub. Catch my playlist HERE

Homework club- Keep your work to your commute. The second you are home switch it off. If you are going to check first thing do it when you are out the house. The last time you glance at this should be before you walk through the door and switch off for the evening.

Catch up on life- Don't waste your time, call that friend you haven't had a chance to see. Not only is this great for your mind it also passes the time away like a dream.

Deliberate detour- I am sure the last thing you want to do is work your way down your to do list after a day grinding but the pay off is worth it. It only comes naturally that you zone out when you get home so make use of your energy whilst it lasts.

If you sit here and say you enjoy your journey, I applaud you. However this builds such a significant part of the day for many and is more often than not the worst part. Figure out your routine, spice it up and your venture will turn from a drag to a walk in the park (here's hoping ;) )

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. 

September is ...

 

Kate Spade 2015/16 Agenda, SHOP

September is ...

The month of fashion week as we take New York, London, Milan and Pariee.

Think french frolicking, city showstopping and a touch of British sass.

AW15

Autumnal trends, suedes, cords and of course faux fur.

The month of the Virgos (hello darlings)

We're taking 22.

A fashion lovers dream

Think look books, red lips and the September issue.

Career minds

Fresh beginnings, and new starts.

Power

Success, motivation and determination.

...Your time to flourish.