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

Discover: Natural History Museum

   

Education is the most powerful tool of them all. It tells a story, shapes history and builds a picture for us to continuously discover for years to come. London's Natural History Museum brings reality back to life and provokes the questions we never thought we would ask. 

   

Regardless of your interest in history, the Natural History Museum opens your eyes to a new landscape, one where we realise how much we take the life we live for granted and another that makes us curious as to the creation of our Universe. 

   

Located on Cromwell road, this phenomenal architecture contains some of the worlds finest treasures. Whether that is the skeleton of a beached blue whale from 1891 or a fossil of 298 million years, the efforts to retain some of the worlds oldest artefacts do not fall short of admirable and fascinating. 

   

This free for all museum is a history lesson we never knew we needed. To quite simply explore its entirety in true depth would require a few days. Experience the feeling of an earthquake, open your eyes to the skies above us or take those fables and stories and realise the truths of when Dinosaurs walked this earth.

 These aren't fairytales.

   

With a range of revolving exhibitions, at a small additional cost (sensational butterflies), on site scientists actively study in front of your eyes (visit the cocoon). Immerse yourself with the living and the dead from butterflies to eagles, insects to ocean life. 

The level of intimacy is a surprise that just keeps giving.

   

Take the next step and explore the depths of the Natural History museum in the dark of the night on the last Friday of each month. Alternatively play detective with Crime Scene live and investigate for yourself. We have all seen Night at the Museum right? (set in the US NHM)

   

If you are lucky enough to visit our capital this is one hidden treasure that cannot go untouched. This museum gives us something we don't see every day and to be able to do this on this unparalleled scale for no cost is a rare opportunity. 

   

Don't be ignorant to our history books. 

It will be your turn in generations to come.

The museums blue whale was named Hope-
'a symbol of humanities power to create a sustainable future'

VISIT: Natural History Museum 

Hamilton: Victoria Palace

   

   

Remember my 17 things to get you going in 2017 post? No.4

Back in Summer 2016 Lin -Manuel Miranda appeared on James Corden's carpool karaoke (WATCH). So what was the hype? The interest around Miranda and the promotion of his play, 'Hamilton' provoked curiosity around the world. Hamilton, a successful broadway play long before Miranda's appearance on the Late Late Show, is described as, 'the story of someone who embodies hip-hop, Treasure Secretary Alexander Hamilton'. Like many others, including the Obama's, our initial reaction was one that was far from taken seriously but after conducting research and being witness to one of the greatest creations of our time, it's true to say we all admitted we were wrong.   

The story of Alexander Hamilton is a history lesson. Through three hours of lyrics the 47 year life span of Alexander Hamilton is told through hip hop, yes really. This concept is mind blowing however we soon began to realise that Miranda's creation is something unparalleled, something truly out of this world.  He first presented this at the White House Poetry night in 2009 playing the role of Aaron Burr in the song, 'Alexander Hamilton' (WATCH). This placed Miranda, an already successful broadway star, into the limelight; people began to listen. Six years later Hamilton dominates broadway, dominates every awards show, and dominates the globe. 

Sold out for three years in the US, it was announced in late December 2016 that Hamilton would be coming across the pond and showing in the newly refurbished Victoria Palace theatre. Eighteen months ago I purchased tickets and just last week I was lucky to be subjected to one the greatest creations I have ever seen, and will never forget. Lucky really is the perfect word to sum up this experience, proven after I saw the play first hand.

  

This story incorporates power struggle, the founding of America as a nation and a cast and story that brings together cultures from around the world. This story is about making a history and having a voice. Something that doesn't sound to distance from our world today? I spent the past year and a half listening to this soundtrack and discovered the story through solely sound. To then see it performed on stage felt an honour. From Lin-Manuel Miranda to composer Alex Lacamoire, this is a play that retells history like never before, an education that you desire more than most.

  

Whether you are a history enthusiast, curious around the hype or quite simply looking for perspective I can assure you this is a night you will never forget. The artists that have created this play have given us something we never knew we needed- and now we wish for more. The price and the wait is worthwhile- I knew this even before my viewing.

'Looking for a mind at work'

BOOK TICKETS HERE

 

18 things to get you going in 2018

Go get them.

2018

1. As with every year we start number one by just reminding you it is perfectly acceptable to book a Summer vacay right now and not feel guilty about it.

2. The Golden Globes made history, the Critics Choice Awards changed the game and the rest of Awards Season is in anticipation. With so many stand out performances and powerful films it is almost impossible to identify our winners, paving the way for another unpredictable awards season.

3. The power of social media has dramatically risen over recent years but 2018 has already proven to be momentous with the #TimesUp campaign. We can only expect this to expand as it provides voices to the globe. This is something we are incredibly grateful for and cannot wait to see the progress it has on the horizon.

4. 2018 marks the Suffragette Century and we can't wait to participate in events celebrating 100 years since the Representation of the People Act. This was the benchmark for change in UK Politics and is the milestone that led to our passionate stance on voter participation today.

5. This years Met Gala theme is, 'Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination': to be held on April 30th. OH, and did I mention Rhianna is hosting?! 

6. Can you believe it has already been four years? This years sees the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea and the Fifa World Cup in Russia.

7. With a royal baby due in April and a royal wedding in May it is another big year for the monarchy we cannot wait! We love all things quintessentially British.

8. Hamilton has finally made it to the West End, a date that has been in our diaries for days, months, years. No exaggeration. 

9. This is our last year to mention Fifty Shades, with the final movie premiering in February. This is one guilty pleasure we can't help but miss already.

10. It is a big year for films with Mary Queen of Scots, Mary Poppins Returns and Oceans 8 paving their way to the big screens. These are just some of the films that have been in the works for quite some time sending our anticipation into overload.

11. Did we ever think we would see the return of 90's mini sunglasses? They are outrageous, and we are already rating them. 

12. After skipping last year due to her show stopping pregnancy Queen B is headlining Coachella. 

13. Visiting the edge of the Earth is now possible. VS angels Josephine Skriver and Jasmine Tookes spent the start of the year hopping around Antartica. This has just made it to the top of every bucket list ever created. 

14. Many of our favourite artists are hitting the road this year with Katy Perry, Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar and Ed Sheeran all on tour ... just to name a few.

15. JT takes on the Superbowl (again)

16. Pantones colour of the year; ULTRA VIOLET. 'A dramatically provocative and thoughtful purple shade, PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet communicates originality, ingenuity, and visionary thinking that points us toward the future' ... and it is completely perfect.

17. It is the year of switching off. Spend your evenings with a book in your hand and your phone locked away. We always talk about doing it but it's now time to place it into practice and stick with it.

18. 2018 is the year of you. There is nothing wrong with evaluating, goal setting and concentrating on your desires. It's time to look after yourself and think about what YOU want to achieve this year. Sarah Knight, author of 'You Do You' and 'The life-changing magic of not giving a f**k', uses her sassy personality to help you out in these two books (that I could not recommend enough!). 

Be selfish, but considerate.

Be bold, but kind.

Strive, but always be grateful.  

Have a wonderful week darlings, we don't do January blues around here. 

  

This post is not sponsored

Awards season 2018- The Low Down

January 7th - 75th Annual Golden Globes 

January 11th - Critics Choice Awards

January 20th - Producers Guild Awards

January 21st- SAG Awards

January 28th- Grammys

February 18th- BAFTA's

March 4th- Academy Awards

Awards season celebrates those who are dedicated to performance. Year after year it brings about a collection of talent that derives from all walks of life regardless of ones background. From January to March all eyes are on the red carpet and the Hollywood stage. Not only is this a recognition of the talent that many have demonstrated over the course of the year but also a powerful arena to promote belief and opinion, and 2018 is about to be the greatest yet.

After a devastating yet groundbreaking year in the industry as a whole, awards season 2018 is about to stand for so much more. With movies such as political blockbusters, 'The Post', and 'The Darkest Hour',  amongst the nominations, we see our timeless favourites unafraid to take on the role of politics in an array of credible, iconic and powerful performance. This plays an overwhelming significance in demonstrating our willingness and courage to participate in political discussion. 

Awards season is world renown for celebrating the success of up and coming talent evident by Damien Chazelle becoming the youngest director to receive both a Golden Globe and Academy award just last year. Jennifer Lawrence, Emma Stone, Eddie Redmayne, Lupita N'yongo and Brie Larson are just a few notable figures to name, who have represented the determination and strive to succeed from an up and coming generation. Paired with Leonardo DiCaprio who received his first Academy Award after six nominations, the idea of never giving up, speaks louder than ever. 

This is what our millennials should be subjected to.

Whilst this is a celebration of performance, talent, and global community alongside the coming together of multiple industries such as film, fashion and music, awards season is also a chance for those at the forefront of society to use their platform to promote a voice. Jared Leto addressed disruption in Ukraine and Leonardo spoke about climate change and this year #TimesUp is where our attention is drawn to.

This platform provides the voice for those who cannot be heard,  through those individuals who are lucky to land a global stage.

#TimesUp is a letter of solidarity, by 300 women within the tv and film industry,  appealing and raising money to the legal defence fund that provides support to both men and women who have suffered sexual harassment and abuse while trying to pursue their career. This letter of solidarity drives from 700,000 Female Farmworkers who thanked Hollywood for their support in speaking up about harassment, many who have devastatingly experience it themselves. It goes without saying that the voices projected over previous months have encouraged individuals world wide to speak about their experience and an overwhelming segment of this encouragement derives from within the industry. This Sunday, many on the red carpet will wear black to represent this call for change. With the world watching awards season has become the greatest, most powerful platform yet.

We celebrate the talent, we admire the fashion, we have a laugh and create some of histories most iconic images over the course of the next three months, but we also promote change. You cannot speak about awards season without commenting on what it stands for. The platform has reached an unprecedented level where it can evoke change and make a difference and that can never be reversed. 

Many who fear their voices cannot be heard are represented.

In 2018 awards season is more than just an awards show. 

It's fun, its feisty but its also fundamental to representing global population which is exactly why dynamics have progressed into a greater power and purpose.

Check out:  #TimesUp https://www.timesupnow.com

        

Let's Chat

As many of you may have noticed last year my content was minimal and often timely, but why?

It was time for a change.

I can no longer define Ooohlalaa it's fashion as solely a fashion blog because it isn't. Whilst I have always been vocal about my beliefs something changed early last year that meant I was no longer willing to relegate my posts to only fashion and beauty.

It goes without saying that the fashion industry plays a big part in my life and will always be central to my passion. It's what started Ooohlalaa it's fashion and it will certainly remain for it's entire existence, I mean just look at the title.

... but what has changed is our purpose. 

'Inspire, influence and succeed', applies to all areas of life, now more than ever. After a tough year last year the world needed a lot of love, belief and hope. The discussions we have in our everyday lives are powerful, thought provoking and revolutionary. I built this platform as a way to place my inspirations and ideas down on paper, but it just so happens that these haven't changed, instead have expanded and matured along with their audience.

Our priorities have changed and it is important that we change with them. 

I maybe a fashion blogger, a beauty blogger, a travel blogger and every topic in between but I am also a life blogger. Whilst my interests and passion remain primarily the same I find that this platform, as with many others, in need of progression. We can no longer be blinded, or ignorant as to what is going on around us, and we won't. A change in pace is needed.

Here you will find all things style, beauty, travel but you will also find cause, drive and hope. 

The world is changing, and so are we. 

Ooohlalaa it's fashion is a website that 

inspires, influences and succeeds with a touch of sassy city frolicking and the latest style fix,

it just now means something greater.

 

Power players, Rule breakers, Dreamers

Goals.

The dawning of a New Year inevitably triggers thoughts, feelings and curiosity surrounding accomplishment and achievement. Everyone discusses the turbulence the globe suffered last year (no explanation needed), but few mention the many things that 2017 brought to many. 

From the Women's March in January to the passing of gay marriage laws in Australia, weeks ago, we celebrated together and in sync with one another. Last year we saw the many marginalised step through the boundaries and into an arena where voices were heard and listened to. Voices that liberated many, encouraged others and brought cause to the very forefront of discussion. These voices had no set background, they were hidden within the many depths of everyday society.

This was just the start. 

It feels like the bar for 2018 is incredibly low however this statement could not be more wrong. We live in a world that changes by the second. Roles are reversed, dreams are shattered and many feel taken aback by rules that are imposed on them. This is not ok, but what is also not ok is this acceptance. 

To be powerful is to strive for success and drive an attitude into a mindset where one will not stop. There is no story or generic background to the definition of power. 

Rules are imposed to regulate, with the potential of restriction. There is a difference between living in harmony amongst one another and sacrificing fundamental rights.

Dreams are visions that keep your going, a reminder of your existence and a look towards the future. 

There is no world without them.

Every single individual has something to strive for whether this is upon themselves, collectively or in a greater picture. Goals do not need materialism to build their foundations, they need a mindset.

So to the power players, rule breakers and dreamers, this one is on you.

Each and everyone of you. 

This is a reminder to keep fighting for what you believe in, to embrace change, have a voice and stand your ground because whatever you encounter no one, not one single person, can take these from you.

Happy New Year my darlings.

Let's make it count.

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.

The things that make you happy

 

 

  

  

Challenge: Choose FIVE things that make you happy.

Choose FIVE words that you associate with them.

CHOOSE ONE word that describes why they 

bring you happiness.

WRITE

inspire, influence, encourage, motivate, power

Expression

STYLE 

trend, colour, experiment, freedom, blog

Statement

READ

dream, love, adventure, learn, create

Thrill

EXPLORE

culture, history, dine, people, music

Reality

ESCAPE

dare, beach, love, wander, change

Retreat

Here you are left with you five keys to your happiness. 

If you don't include them in your everyday life you will ultimately

be overwhelmed, drained and lost. Including those five keys aren't always obvious

but take a moment to think where they derive from? However don't overthink it.

You need to learn to live in your everyday life not just your dream world. 

There you will find peace with yourself.
What makes you happy?

wearing 

Playsuit: Topshop  

Ways to slay

Guess whose back my darlings?

Some may say it's been a while but I can only promise you I have been planning a whole lot of sass and a whole lot of love ... because we are all for a little excitement right? Everything appears to be all work and no play these days but thats not always the case, as long as you make it worth your while.

It's time to slay.

We gon' slay, gon' slay, we slay, I slay- Beyonce

1| Experiment and excel 

A little spontanuity goes a long way so always make a conscious effort to say yes to things that scare you. Who would have thought jumping on that aeroplane solo would allow you to dominate a new surrounding? Or maybe it's time to drop everything and refresh? 

This could make you instead of break you, never let fear get in your way.

2| Dare and desire

With little opportunity to back out, the act of daring yourself can be defining. If I say i'm going to do something I will do it, whether that is in an instant or in a while. Why would you dare yourself in the first place if you didn't desire the potential outcome?

3| Thrill and thrive 

Do not be boring.

This mantra is applicable in all areas of life whether thats style, work or relations. 

If you find a certain setting thrilling it's time to show everyone what you are made of. 

Turn satisfaction into pleasure and thrive.

4| Speak and suceed 

You have a voice so use it. Many have proven that it only takes one person to have a significant impact in the world. Have you ever thought that person could be you? Success is measured in many ways and is different to many people. Its your turn to influence, inspire and motivate others.

5| Figure and flourish 

Life is tough ... build a bridge. When life gets you down find a solution before it gets the better of you. The ability to pull through your darkest time prepares you for anything that is to come. Instead of picking yourself up refrain from allowing it to overcome you at all. 

6| Get up and get a grip

Stop complaining and get it together, no explanation needed. Don't be a time waster, the world is YOUR oyster.

 7| Charm and challenge

A little charm goes a long way, we all know that. However use this to your advantage. The ability to charm is nothing unless you can provide a challenge. Never show weakness.

No one can make you feel inferior with your consent- Eleanor Roosevelt.

8| Bewitch and bypass 

Haters gonna hate hate hate hate hate hate?

We all know how to say au revoir, don't let anyone dim your light.

9| Mesmerise and minimise

Take your head out the clouds darling. Whilst we all dream of frolicking on the beach of a deserted island that will come in time. If you really want something nothing will get in your way so minimise that daydream and go get it. 

10| Sass and slay

Sassiness makes the world go round. It's a way of saying you never take life too seriously. Sure these are a few life guidelines but no one said you can't have a little fun whilst fulfilling your goals.

You've got this.