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.
Wednesday, 8 March 2017
Tuesday, 7 February 2017
The thing about 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
Sunday, 8 March 2015
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
Saturday, 20 December 2014
Blogmas Day 19; Gift ideas: For her
Christmas is only next week darlings but are you prepared?
Lover, mother, sister, or friend shopping for the women in your life can be a little daunting.
Instead of making do with the first (or last) thing you see I have created a guide to provide you with a little inspiration.
From jewellery to make up to fragrance or lingerie, make sure you get the chicest present of them all.
Top Ten gift ideas
1.
Ted Baker, £85 Buy here
2.
Mulberry, £250 Buy here
3.
Orla Kiely, £25 Buy here
4.
Alexa Chung hearts Nails Inc, £45 Buy here
5.
Harvey Nichols, £45 Buy here
6.
Mac, £42 Buy here
7.
Kate Spade, £195 Buy here
8.
Boux Avenue, £10 Buy here
9.
Victoria's Secret, £32 Buy here
10.
Jo Malone Peony & Suede, £40 Buy here
Which is your favourite darlings?
I would be ridiculously pleased with any, they are all simply fabulous but it would have to be anything from Victoria's Secret or that Boux Avenue eye mask that would top my wishlist.
*All photos are linked to respected sites
Tuesday, 25 November 2014
#ORANGEURHOOD Say no to violence against women- UN Women
ORANGEURHOOD- UN Women, 25th November-10th December
Whether at work or the home,
In power or without a say,
Wealthy or at the poverty line,
Through armed conflict and human rights violation,
In media, education and health,
Women are victims of violence.
(United Colours of Benetton in support of UN Women)
This campaign is something truly magnificent.
This campaign is not just for feminists, but for the entire world, it's time to stop gender violence.
From now until the 10th December, Human rights day, the UN is encouraging global awareness of this worldwide problem by campaigning to END Violence against Women.
Women are powerful.
Women are strong.
Women are worth it.
The colour orange is vibrant, bold and show stopping, the epitome of women if you think about it.
Orange symbolises a brighter future.
The facts
- 1/3 women have experienced sexual abuse, most by an intimate partner
- 133 million women and girls have undergone genital mutilation
- 120 million women have been forced into some form of sexual acts in their life
The key campaign for UN Women is SAY NO.
The Beijing promise of 1995 listed Women's violence as a main priority which in turn led to the criminalising of domestic violence in two thirds of the world.
We need to work on the last third, whilst tackling the loop holes of the law.
Show your support.
Spread awareness.
Knowledge is power and together we will tackle.
Save your wives, mothers, sisters, daughters, friends, family, colleagues, strangers.
No one should be subjected to this.
Find out further information at:
http://www.unwomen.org/en
Trend using #orangeurhood #16days
Spread awareness.
Knowledge is power and together we will tackle.
Save your wives, mothers, sisters, daughters, friends, family, colleagues, strangers.
No one should be subjected to this.
Find out further information at:
http://www.unwomen.org/en
Trend using #orangeurhood #16days
Tuesday, 23 September 2014
Emma Watson- HeForShe U.N. address on Feminism
Emma Watson- U.N. Women's Goodwill ambassador and the most powerful source of global motivation in tackling gender equality.
No longer does feminism mean 'man hating'. Instead Watson's speech delivered on Saturday to kickstart the HeForShe campaign focused on the origins of gender inequality and aims to encourage men and boys to join in the fight against for Women's equality.
'I decided I was a feminist and this seemed uncomplicated to me. But my recent research has shown me that feminism has become an unpopular word. Apparently I am among the ranks of women whose expressions are seen as too strong, too aggressive, isolating, anti-men and, unattractive.
Why is the word such an uncomfortable one?
I am from Britain and think it is right that as a woman I am paid the same as my male counterparts. I think it is right that I should be able to make decisions about my own body. I think it is right that women be involved on my behalf in the policies and decision-making of my country. I think it is right that socially I am afforded the same respect as men. But sadly I can say that there is no one country in the world where all women can expect to receive these rights.'
I myself agree with her statements. Whilst I consider myself a feminist I am no man hater and Emma has placed into words something that many of us are still exporing and we applaud her.
Take a look at her U.N. speech, it's life changing and thought provoking.
or watch HERE.
Emma Wore a gorgeous grey Dior dress. She looks so chic and so sophisticated.
Thursday, 28 November 2013
Happy Thanksgiving! Thank you fashion world for ...
Our empowered women
Our fashion nobodies turned fashion Queens
The creation of red soles
Vera Wang weddings
Red lipstick
High gloss fashion magazines
Victoria Beckham handbags
Nail Polish
Fashion week
Hope
Dreams
Aspirations
Inspirations
Trend
Admiration
Success
and thank you to you, my darling followers for making oohlalaa-itsfashion, a success.
Thursday, 5 September 2013
Expression, security, fashion- why choosing a handbag is so important
As you have seen in my previous post a handbag is a must have investment buy. Spending the money on a fabulous handbag is something you will never regret. Handbags are an element of not only security with only you knowing what you have inside, but in contrast expose your personal style and inner personality. A bag for every occasion ensures that you will always feel good about yourself as well as looking chic and glamourous.
The 3.1 Phillip Lim collection is the epitome of perfection when it comes to handbags. The colours, styles and quality are any girls dream. After all a handbag is one of the most important wardrobe pieces you can buy and has the ability to change the impact of an outfit.
A bag for ...
Work
3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Satchel £740
When choosing a handbag for work go for a dark colour, notice I say dark and not black. Although black is totally chic and I am a lover of the colour, experimenting and pushing the boundaries is a little more exciting. Bold but darker colours give the impression of sophistication however are still light enough for everyone to appreciate all the magnificent features, something a completely black handbag may lack. Make sure the inside of the bag is big enough for you to comfortably fit all your items in. The great thing about this bag is if you have plans for after work it has equally the same fabulous impact so need to switch.Shopping
3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Satchel £740
A girls favourite past time? I think so. Here is where you can have lots of fun with colour and shape. I am in love with this bold yellow at the moment. No, it may not go with all outfits however have you never heard of colour clashing this season? plus how out there will your outfit be for shopping?
This handbag is my favourite from the collection.
Going out
3.1 Phillip Lim Leopard Clutch, £380
This is where the fun begins. Going out is the perfect opportunity to experiment and step outside of your comfort zone and there isn't a better way to do this than animal print. You have to be careful with animal print to ensure you that you pull it off in the right way and do it justice as it can easily look trashy when not styled proper. This clutch is simple and has no embellishment which gives off a mature and classy look meaning you can dress understated and subtle or dress it up with adding accessories to your ensemble. The print gives this handbag character and shows your edgier and more seductive style.
Travel
3.1 Black Leather Scout Hobo bag, £1125
For those of you who are constant jetsetters you will not find a bag that is anymore perfect than the black leather scout. The size of this bag just right and the effortless design is both practical and stylish. I love black leather and in particular the gold structuring on this bag. More importantly this bag would go with simply anything even if you are stepping off the plane in sweats. This is an example of worthwhile investment purchasing, a bag you will use time and time again but has all the elements and features you look for in a bag that isn't for practical use. The purposeful design of this bag is both imaginative and exception.
Shop the 3.1 Phillip Lim collection at Avenue 32, for bags that will fulfill any girls dream. Enjoy darlings!
*S
Monday, 19 August 2013
A girl should be two things; classy and fabulous- Coco Chanel
August 19th, 130 years ago a fabulous, creative, woman was born: Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel.
In honour of her birthday it is only right that we look back on the legacy left by such an amazing woman. The chanel house is still flourishing year after year with every inch of femininity, sophistication and class that it had when it was founded.
'In
order to be irreplaceable one must always be different'
The childhood of Gabrielle Chanel was far from delightful. Her mother died when she aged 12 (or aged 6 as she claimed) leaving her father no choice but to send her to a French convent. Once leaving the convent to pursue a job in a local tailors, putting her skill of sewing that she had learned at the convent to use, she met Etienne Balsan, ex military and a textile heir. She became his mistress and lived in a chateau with him for 3 years whilst he indulged in an overly extravagant and luxurious lifestyle. It was whilst she lived in the chateau she began creating hats.
'Where
should one use perfume?' a young woman asked. 'Wherever one wants to be
kissed,' I said.'
Gabrielle chose the name Coco after her stint as a singer.
She met Arthur Capel an english polo player whose name is now well known for becoming Chanels muse and love. He was also a friend of Balsans. He financed Chanel's shops and perfumes which aided her establishing the maison of Chanel. He died in 1910 in a car crash leaving Chanel devastated.
'Dress
shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the
woman.'
It was in 1920 Coco made her breakthrough with the introduction of a loose fitting jersey for women, who during this time were wearing corsets. Maison Chanel was created at 31, rue Cambon in Paris where the headquarters remain to this day. In 1925 came the signature black cardigan and in 1926 the iconic Little Black Dress. Comfort and freedom were Chanel's aim for women and the clothes they wear.
Coco herself was a woman who stood her ground. The iconic tan, bob and red lips were part of what made her world renown. She received much criticism during WW2 when she began an affair with a German Nazi officer. This impacted her lines success in Europe. However she found most of her early success within the United states.
'Elegance
is not the perogative of those who have just escaped from adolescence, but of
those who have already taken possession of their future.'
Chanel died in 1971, aged 88. She spent her last days enjoying her private apartment in the Ritz and worked right up until her death.
Karl Lagerfeld has been chief designer of the Chanel House since 1982 and has continued the legacy of the one and only founder. Coco Chanel is credited with making a successful fashion house and introducing liberation within fashion, Karl has continued this.
A LBD, Cardigan and the best selling fragrance in the world Chanel No'5, it was only right she became the only designer to make the Times 100 list of influential people of the 20th century.
Happy birthday Coco, the world of fashion remembers your excellence and thrives off your inspiration.
The stars have fallen in love with Chanel
Tuesday, 16 July 2013
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
Wednesday, 15 May 2013
Admiration for Angelina
So we all woke up the shocking news yesterday that Angelina Jolie had undergone a double mastectomy in a bid to reduce her chances of breast cancer. Her mother fought cancer for nearly a decade and Angelina's risk of breast cancer was at 87%, alarmingly high. She also has a risk that stands at 50% for ovarian cancer. Having six children was enough to persuade the actress to undergo surgery in February, a start of many operations but has reduced her risk of getting breast cancer to under 5%.
'Once I knew that this was my reality, I decided to be proactive and to minimise the risk as much I could. I made a decision to have a preventive double mastectomy.'
Not only do I admire her for going through such a tough time but for exposing such personal information to the world, information so sensitive. Brad Pitt, her partner, has expressed how proud he is of the actress and has been there every minute, reassuring her.
'Having witnessed this decision firsthand, I find Angie's choice, as well as so many others like her, absolutely heroic.'
The current cost in the US to be tested for the faulty genes stands at $3000 which Angelina has stated,
'remains an obstacle for many women'.
To go through something like this at the age of 37 would be a shock to anyone but we have to admire Angelina for taking such a preventive measure which required such hard decision making. Other stars such as Sharon Osbourne have previously gone through a similar ordeal. Angelinas surgery is not yet complete as she will also be getting her ovaries removed to reduced her high risk of ovarian cancer. How can you not admire such a brave woman?
I know many people go through this on a day to day basis but we don't always recognise the courage it takes for women to go through something through this journey and we should. Here is my chance to say that I admire you women and the sacrifice you make for your children, friends, partners and most importantly yourself.
Monday, 13 May 2013
The power of high heels
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Most girls, if not every, have a special place in their heart towards shoes or more specifically high heels.So there are many different reasons for wearing heels .. maybe you consider yourself too short? or maybe they show off your lovely long pins? Ultimately high heels are a source of power for many women. I know from my personal experience wearing heels makes me feel fabulous and confident, usually paired with a perfect outfit for a night out! But why should heels be relegated to nights out for young women today? Unless you're walking the high fashion streets of London or the likes of New York and Paris wearing heels is considered abnormal in day to day life. Wearing heels in everyday life, walking down the high street, you would find yourself surrounded by many stares, which yes may not always be a bad way to draw attention to yourself, but you know inside they are consciously querying your choice. But why should you be frowned upon? I'm not saying wearing heels all the time is a desire of the female population as a whole, but why is it considered by many as socially unacceptable? This is a sign of weakening the female image because heels bring women power. Now, I am all for womens rights, I truly am however that does not mean i'm a devout feminist, instead I take the stance that surely something that brings power to women should have attention drawn to it. The main thing with heels is they bring height and height makes a woman feel good about herself confident, sexy and able to do anything. This is power, power is dominant and seductive. Look at the likes of Christian Louboutin who began making heels adding his own personal touch by painting the soles of them red which soon became his trademark. Those red soles are now a global phenomenon. He was inspired when he visited Musée national des Arts d'Afrique et d'Océanie and saw a sign forbidding women of wearing heels in case they damaged the floor in this African museum. Christians response?
'I wanted to defy that, I wanted to create something that broke the rules and made women feel confident and empowered'
and on this he sells 60,000 pairs of shoes a year creating a revenue of $250million dollars. So he maybe a man? So what, how many men do you see wearing heels? Heels mean power in more than one way and not just for women.
High heels maybe painful but that famous saying by Benjamin Franklin,
'there is no gain without pain'
is evident to a tee. Look fabulous, stay classy, succeed.
Heels have created a mass financial market and various areas of buisness, a worthwhile product for women to place their money into and provides a feeling of power and dominance amongst the women who wear them which equates to them being confident, sexy and successful.
'You put high heels on and you change'
-Manolo Blahnik
Tuesday, 9 April 2013
'I wear my Sunday best seven days a week’- Margaret Thatcher
Ultimate power dresser, iconic figure, powerful woman. An inspiration.The Iron Lady
In 2012 seven of Margaret Thatcher's most memorable outfits were put up for auction. Here are some of her most notable outfits ...
Dark blue: worn to the unveiling of the bronze statue of herself at the House of Commons.
Coral metallic: Occasion wear, double breasted coat.
Spring green: worn on a panorama program in 1972 talking about women in politics
Grey: a great supporter of British designers.
Yellow (one of my favourites): making suring women stood out.
Duck Egg: worn on her acceptance as leader of the Conservative party."If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman."
Why does the fashion industry remember such a woman?
The pearls
The gloves and handbag.
The fabulous pussy bow blouses
The Hair
A true influence to both the fashion world and a world of women.
'"Being powerful is like being a lady. If you have to tell people you are, you aren't"
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