Roses are red, violets are blue

Roses are red, and violets are blue.

It's never cute when it's all work and no play. Not only does the exhaustion take a hit on your physical appearance but it also drags your mind down with it. The key to motivation is to always have something to look forward too, regardless of how drastic or minor it may be.

The second your something doesn't motivate you anymore is the second it gets harder to get out of bed in the morning.

Retrograde is over and so are excuses. Pull yourself together, snap yourself out of it and get ready for a change in pace. Whether its a coffee, your loved ones, your favourite flowers, or embracing a dream season, ask yourself what makes you happy and what makes you rise and shine? 

If you don't have this, you are doing it wrong. 

Work is important but don't kill yourself.

Don't make yourself blue baby, 

we only breathe roses around here. 

Wait for the days that count,

and better yet make them count

-xo

- So, she's back

and who would have thought, she's back.

The world has changed over the past few years and so have we. I have been notably absent from blogging over the past two years but why? I fell out of love with it. Social media and the need to be seen falls nothing short of a facade. I struggled to get my head around how I could sit here and type about what I am wearing, or doing when the world was falling to pieces. 

When you hit your mid twenties you realise there are just bigger, more important things to concentrate on- oh and a pandemic escalates that. However, truth be told Ooohlalaa it's fashion will always have a special place in my life. It is this forum that shaped the life I desired and I worked so hard for it.

The difference between Ooohlalaa it's fashion then and Ooohlalaa it's fashion now, (or maybe I should say the difference between Tashaa then and Tashaa now) is that we are here because we choose to be. I love the runway, I love the industry, I love real talk and I love the voice that online provides to so many. What I do not love is the need to portray picture perfect falsities, and quite simply put that is not what you will find here. I love the power social media haves as a space, but that space is not safe and is filled with illusion. 

This blog is home to city life, reality and maybe just a little fun. We don't take ourselves to seriously around here, we grind day to day, we have a highs and we have our lows and we live to no expectations.

From fashion, to travel, to hot topic and just a little sass, Ooohlalaa it's fashion is reborn baby- 

Stay gracious, stay humble and join me as I let you know what I have been up to, what may be on the horizon and ... oh, of course I have a few tricks up my sleeve ;)

So, want to talk sassy, city frolicking and your latest style fix? 

Post Pandemic Diaries

We are not the same people.

         The world changed and so did we.

Heartache, loss and pandemic do that to you.

Try tell me different? 

Just because your new normal makes you uneasy and uncomfortable doesn't mean you are doing it wrong. It means you are figuring it out just like the other 90% of the world. 

Time to figure it out together my darling.

Let's explore together and fall back in love with the things that kept us going.

Welcome home 

Taste of the Tropical

The thing about Mexico is that it truly lives up to it's name, it really is the land of living a little ... or ALOT. From dancing in the streets, to the finest food, to waking up to a mimosa or two- if you are a looking for a different kind of sassy, city frolicking here is your treasure.

Maybe you are like me and love anything from the sea to the city. Maybe the idea of laying on a beach all day is your idea of boredom? This destination contains: the lease of life you never knew you needed- and an incredible culture you cannot wait to discover. 

Playa Del Carmen, like Puerto Vallarta, exceeded all my expectations. From the Frida Kahlo museum, to beachside cocktails, trinket shops and festivities on every corner, you will never be blind sighted to what this gorgeous city has to offer. The colours, the charisma and the character have all the substance to speak for themselves but they don't have to. This is Mexico at it's finest.

The iconic landscapes and divine horizon is complimented by the welcoming arms of its population, they really want you to be part of their city. We were mesmerised by the array of landmark retailers such a Victorias Secret & Sephora, to the handcrafted souvenirs shops ran from family homes. This is far from your classic postcard beach setting and curiosity is on everyones card.

If there is one lesson to be learnt we know that Mexico is the destination of dreams, bringing the city, a touch of history and culture alongside a different type of luxury altogether. You will never find yourself more grateful to be emerged in such an incredible setting and the best thing of all? Tequila, is at the start of every sentence.

 

Au revoir 2016, Hello 2017

2016,  the year when the highs were at their highest and the lows left us at breaking point.

This was the year we prayed Hillary would change history for women. 

She undoubtedly did, but she didn't win the Presidential election.

This was the year we fought hard to stay in the European Union, 

campaigning for months on end, but we left.

This was the year that we continuously wished peace upon the world, 

but countless acts of terrorism and warzones such as Aleppo made peace a dream once more.

This was the year where we lost so many notable figures.

In a world full of tragedy it is difficult to find hope, but we do. We pick ourselves up again and continue with our lives and fight for the better. This was 2016... but it was not all bad. 

2016 was also the year that world nations thrived at the Rio Olympics, the year that saw suicide rates drop dramatically. One that saw Leo win that Oscar, Tim Peake (our modern day space inspiration) return to earth. One that saw Obama visit Hiroshima and Britain have a woman at the forefront of it's political power once again. Whilst these are only a few to name this is proof that not everything in 2016 was all that bad.

I encountered a few of my own personal tragedies that changed this year, but i'm still killing it so should you.

We could dwell on the heartbreak 2016 has caused us but let's not.

The strive for success, health, happiness and hope got us through this year,

let's make sure it's gets us through the next.

Happy New Year my darlings,

it's time to slay.  

2017 were coming for you.

TRENDSETTER AW16

 

wearing knitwear by Next, skirt and boots by River Island

We are in the height of Autumn/Winter 2016 and the style stakes are at their very highest before the holiday season approaches us. How are you killing it this season? Straight from the runway and onto the high street, here are five of the greatest runway to retail trends this A/W season.

#1 Military chic. This trend makes it's return every other season. There is something about structure and tailoring that ensures your presence falls nothing short of bold and dominant as proven by Tommy Hilfiger's AW16 runway collection.

Head to River Island to shop Military chic.

#2 Geometrics. Keeping it dimensional makes an ensemble not only all the more interesting but also decisive. Whether you are experimenting with shapes and patterns, as seen with Louis Vuitton, or getting dramatic with your cut, make it count.

Head to Warehouse to shop Geometrics.

#3 Fur feet frolics. Now of course we are talking faux fur, but nevertheless keeping your fur at the very foot of your outfit is an outrageous move. Salvatore Ferragamo is a rule breaker, but sometimes rules were made to be broken.

Head to Topshop to shop Fur feet frolics.

#4 Layer lust. We always talk layering the second fall hits but this season it has reached an unprecedented level. Layers on layers on layers are all the rage. Instead of keeping such a trend restricted to the margins of outerwear, Riccardo Tisci demonstrated just how to layer within an outfit itself. Why not experiment with ruffles?

Head to Zara to shop layer lust.

#5 Belt me up. Belts are back and they are here to stay. Admittedly I have never been a lover of such an accessory however after seeing Saint Laurent dominate AW16 fashion week, by accessorising every look, regardless of the occasion, with a belt, I have never been more excited to experiment. 

Head to Asos to shop Belt me up.

 

September favourites

Can you believe it's October darlings?

Fall is in full flow, the nights are a little darker and the city is a little colder.

It has been a minute since I wrote a favourites post but I just couldn't resist, 

September was far to good not to. 

Couture La la by Juicy Couture SHOP

As we've discussed before, scents say a lot about a person. I get through bottles of fragrance all to frequently. Whilst I already have my favourites such as Tom Ford Black Orchid and Marc Jacobs Decadence for when we engage in city night frolics, I am forever switching up my everyday go to. This month I have been wearing Couture La la by Juicy Couture. Yes, it's a little sweet and yes it's a little fun, but after all you wear what you please and what you please mirrors your mood. 

Pandora Rose SHOP

I was gifted this gorgeous ring a few weeks back and it is now permanently attached to my fingers. From a girl who has never rated rings or participated in the current Pandora phase, I am now a lover of Pandora rose. I'm particularly selective about the array of rings that appeal to my liking in Pandora and this is perfection. I have never been an over the top jewellery fanatic, but this simple embellished band in darling rose gold is flawless. 

Lulu Guinness limited edition Vaseline

Okay, so I know Vaseline is Vaseline but we all know I adore anything Lulu Guinness. Over the years Vaseline has collaborated with many brands such as Selfridges but this is without a doubt a favourite that will remain in my handbag for months. 

The pink thing

So you may have guessed a recurring theme when it comes to my September favourites, we are talking all things pink. Whilst I have always been a a lover of Barbie's go to colour it has reached an unprecedented level over the past month. If things are a little scandalous you may as well look outrageously show stopping whilst they occur. Pink? Sequinned? Darling you are good to go.

KoKo K by Kylie Cosmetics

Whilst I have had my eyes fixed on every Kylie lip kit release I had never thought about getting my hands on one (they sell out in seconds). My best friend got me KoKo K as a birthday gift and it has become a lip lover, life changer. This shade, which I can only describe as a dirty pink, has replaced my beloved Mac Creme Cup this month as my go to product. This matte kit lasts all day without reapplication and I have received multiple compliments about it's exquisite colour. Of course i'm lusting after every Kylie shade now more than ever.

Dior blusher brush 16 SHOP

I'm still yet to put down my bronzer. After spending part of the month in the wonderful city of Barcelona I am just not ready to give up my summer tan (although it's inevitably fading/very much gone). This Dior brush is my favourite applicator of all time. Whether bronzing, blushing or highlighting this angled brush ensures perfection and whilst it may sit in a higher price band than others it's investment is worthwhile.

What would Blair Waldorf do?

So judging by my Instagram it's pretty obvious that this is my mantra. For a girl who still hasn't fall out of love with Gossip Girl, Queen B's thoughts and sassy sayings are life quotes. These pencils were a cute addition to my home decor. 

Amethyst Aphrodisiac by Charlotte Tilbury SHOP

Confession, I don't have green eyes. However that just wasn't enough to put me off. I am completely into purple and burgundy shades right now and this crayon eyeshadow is everything I need without the fuss of multiple products. Once again Charlotte continues to deliver and the results fall nothing short of perfection. 

A/W16 Barry M Gelly shades SHOP

I replace my Barry M shades constantly. These are the only bottles of nail polish I get to the bottom of as I use them so frequently. I picked up two new colours from their Autumn/Winter collection just the other day and I cannot pick a favourite between the two. I'm completely rating purples at the moment meaning Oasis is a dream. That being said Paradise, a Burberry inspired brown, has all the attributes of the most gorgeous nude you have ever set your eyes on. 

Sweet tooth

I have had a complete sweet tooth throughout September. That may have something to do with the all the rainbow cake and gelato I have had for breakfast on one to many occasions. These SugarSin handmade lollipops taste as good as they look and they are gluten free, naturally flavoured and naturally coloured not to mention completely vegan! 

Darlings, what have you been loving over the past month?

Be sure to let me know!

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. 

 

 

Falling

 

  

Today's marks the Autumnal equinox of 2016.

As the Burberry trench coats make a return, the leaves fall on the ground and our favourite shades reappear the turn of the season marks the the turn of a brand new transition once again. 

Join me as we I explore the wonderful city of Barcelona, my last fling with Summer and the first taste of fall.

City blues

 We all know i'm a self proclaimed city girl but now we have hit the summer months i'm a little over it, it's time for a vacay. There is something I love about the fast pace of the city, the motivation it gives you and the desire and drive it gives you to succeed. Now by no means has that disappeared but my love of it is dwindling, at least in this location. Catch me on the streets of NY, Milan or Pariee and I would be in heaven but i'm in need of a break. 

The city, the place where I once loved and thrived, is becoming dark and dangerous, and we aren't talking in a tall, dark and handsome sort of way. The more you put into the less you get out of it but that is just simply not enough to provoke failure. After all I did say when life gives you lemons... 

The world has a funny way of working and quite simply it has tested me this year, throwing everything in my path but it's just not enough to break me. 

I'm just not ready to give up my city girl persona, but it's time to fall in love with the island for a while.

Watch this space darlings. Things are about to get a little heated. 

Top: River Island

Skirt: Zara

Shoes: Carvela

'Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall'- Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby