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.

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. 

 

 

The thing about September

September is all about new beginnings and change.
Whilst Summer is a carefree past time that allows us to release our flings and frolics that we have desired all year round, this season is one where we let everything go and start again. There is just something about September that holds importance like no other.

Virgos
This month I turn 23. The thing about 23 is, it holds little significance in the grand scheme of things. Whilst everyone is well aware of when they hit their decades, or life quarter, 23 still provides you with every opportunity to repeat your mistakes and continue learning from them. You still have seven years before you hit that thirty mark, lets make them all the more spontaneous.

Fashion week

I have been lusting after fashion week for so long. After a long start to the year I find myself craving new season, new trends, new cuts and new names. New York to London, Milan to Paris has never been desired more. This season we will see the up and coming rise of runway to retail. More and more designers and brands have decided to open up the borders to allow you to shop your favourite looks straight from the runway. We have come along way even since those snapchat premieres.

Fall

Autumn/Fall is my favourite season. Whether it's the leaves falling from the trees, the rainy days or all Hallows Eve, there is just something about this season that excites me more than anything. Burnt out colours, bold statements and trips to the pumpkin patch have never been more appealing.

The City
The city flourishes in the fall months. September is the month of motivation and magic. Power surrounds all of us, as does ambition, and pushes us to our very limits. Striving for success has never been more important and time and time again we kill it. It's time to show our love for the city once again.

But where does that leave us darlings?
It's back to the runway then onto the streets. Getting these next few months right significantly impacts the remainder of your year. Whilst of course the calendar months are January to December, I still work from September to August, my mood matches the season and it only makes sense to slay from the start and reward yourself at the bitter sweet end.

It's time to kill it my darlings.

We are about to talk fall looks, fall glam and power players.

Oh, that's after one last fling with Summer ... 

 

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 

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.

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. 

International Women's Day 2015

 

Empowering women; empowering humanity.

International Women's Day 2015 has a theme close to our hearts as our strive for success in the battle for gender equality continues into another year.

Over the past year the HeForShe campaign, lead by Emma Watson and UN women, has extended recognition and exemplified cause. Men around the world are passionate as they join in the attempt to make women their equal.


Women are still underpaid.

CEO and leading positions in the workforce remain a minority for women 

... despite doing better in their degrees.

The time is for change.

All women are powerful.

Men are not the enemy, they are the support.

You are powerful and together we will win.

Emma Watson held a live Facebook conversation regarding HeForShe this afternoon.
If you missed it, catch up HERE.

For more information visit:
www.internationalwomensday.com 
http://www.heforshe.org/

Photo credit:    He for She

Happy Thanksgiving! Today we are thankful for...

in life

Family & friends

Powerful women and those who support them

Our armed forces, emergency services & humanitarian aid

in fashion

The cities that excel in ready to wear runways

Instagram, where else would we get our daily style fix?

Killer heels

Perfect manicures

Victoria's Secret

Couture

Fabulous red carpet style

Vera Wang weddings

Our style Queens and inspirations such as Victoria Beckham & DVF

Oscar de la Renta, the icon whose designs continue to live on 

The Estilo Tendances team, such a pleasure to work for such an amazing website

in success

our hopes

aspirations

inspirations

and admirations

and most of all

I thank you. I thank you for your continued support of Ooohlalaa it's fashion as it continues to progress. Without you this site would be absent.

From me to you, Happy Thanksgiving my darlings.

@fashionschooldaily.com

To all empowering women: Happy International Women's Day, 8th March 2014

Happy International Women's Day to EVERY woman no matter what situation she is in.

International Women's Day, a day of celebration, happens annually on the 8th March and has done since 1909.

From the momentous acts of the suffragettes to the acts of women today we have achieved  so much, but the fight is not over. 

To women who remain on the margins of society, and to those who suffer, you have not been forgotten, change is still occurring. 

Power

Success

Recognition

We are proud to be women.

For more information go to:  www.internationalwomensday.com 

Dress for success; the art of power dressing

“Act as though it is impossible to fail.”- Dorothea Brande

What is success? Achieving the perfect job or perhaps the perfect outfit? Success is what you make of it. The example I like to use most often is that of Politics and Fashion, subjects very close to my heart. Look at the likes of Hilary Clinton, ex Secretary of State and soon to be presidential candidate or we can look back at the legacy of Margaret Thatcher, both successful politicians that mastered the fashion industry aswell as the political arena.

I sit writing this blog post as the Channel 4 documentary entitled, ‘Princess Diana’s Dresses: The Auction’, appears on my screen. Diana knew how to present herself with grace and poise whether she was a member of the Royal family or not. She used the art of power dressing in many of her engagements. The limelight today is shone on Michelle Obama or perhaps Victoria Beckham whose work as well as their outfit is plunged into recognition.

Dress for success.

Power dressing is an area of fashion that greatly intrigues me and one that I think about quite a lot whilst choosing my outfits. Like with any old man who can throw on a suit and show his apparent, ‘authority’ women do the same. Tailored and thought through is the key to playing the perfect part on the road to domination. You want to walk down the street and for people to have a second glance, admiring your outfit. For me powerdressing makes me feel fabulous and a fabulous self triggers determination and the desire for success.

Here are the key pieces to the ultimate power dressing wardrobe:

The Dress

Experiment with length. This is where the above the knee rule should apply. You do not have to be wearing a ridiculously short dress but as long as it is structured and flattering you are on the right track. Do not drown yourself in a dress that is too long or wear something too tight, trust me there is nothing powerful in your appearance when you are tugging at them all night.

Pieces featured are from: All Saints, £148 J Crew, £174 Miss Selfridge, £42

Top

Hello Pussybow! This is an absolute favourite of mine, it feels feminine and flirty yet has every inch of sophistication that is required. Whether it is a long or short sleeve, dark or light wear a Pussybow blouse and you are dressing to impress … or should I say success. High necklines are also great to work with. Experiment with different patterns and bold colours but nothing too extravagant where patterns are concerned.

Pieces featured are from: Ted Baker, £34 Warehouse, £25

Bottoms

 Tailored, tailored, tailored! If you are wearing trousers you want them to be the perfect fit so they complement your top to the highest quality. The pencil skirt is also fabulous for the workplace paired with heels and a blouse.

Pieces featured are from: Miu Miu, £595 Oscar de la Renta, £670

Jackets

A jacket is a must have and we are not talking the boring suit jacket! Cropped jackets are really on trend this season and go perfectly with dress, skirts and trousers not to mention flats or heels. On the other hand you can never go wrong with a blazer to smarten up your look. Even if you are running late and in a rush throw on a blazer and your look is transformed.

Pieces featured are from: Bannana Repbulic, £110 Topshop, £68

Shoes and Handbag

The shoes and handbag are my favourite part of the whole ensemble. You may remember my blogpost, ‘The Power of High Heels’, and this says it all. Heels play a major part in power dressing. Height elaborates on dominance and makes you feel ready to do anything paving the way to success. A good handbag is also a must, I love my River Island one which you have previously seen in past blog posts. A handheld tote is something that can perfect any outfit.

Pieces featured are from: River Island, £45 Louboutin, £450

Remember mix and match designer and high street pieces.

Dressing to succeed lies with feeling good about yourself.

Let me know your most successful fashion moments and how they have aided to being successful women darlings.

Be sure to check out, 'Power Dressing: First ladies, female politicians and fashion', by Rob Young