Ooohlalaa-it's fashion: work

Tuesday, 12 October 2021

- 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 ;) )

The things that get you going

In need of a little motivation, engagement, feel good vibe?

It's that time of year again ... the time where it is simply a drag. In the height of all work and no play it is incredibly hard to keep yourself motivated and your sassy usual yourself, so what's the fix? and how do we stop ourselves from falling out with our routine and immersing in exhaustion?

Start up by utilising your time wisely, don't over sleep or waste a second. Whether you are surrounding yourselves by your favourites or maxing out every single inch of your existence by being constantly on the go, there is no denying that surrounding yourselves with your favourites provide you with the normality and break that you need.

For me an outfit makes or breaks a mood. Some people like video games, some like sport but fashion is my area of interest. Forget preconceptions such as 'overdressing', if it makes you feel good, whatever the activity, or 'item' maybe- the rest is irrelevant.

Embrace the silence. Take a walk, take a drive, take a breath. Five minutes out may be all you need. Taking a long period of time out (this can even be a day) can demotivate you, especially when you are always on the go. Judge what you need and what makes you content.

Don't forget the get little things even when you have a crazy schedule. A killer blow dry and fresh manicure gives me the kick I need when i'm in the midst of everything. You may not have a great deal of time, but if this is the little bit of love you give yourself throughout the week so do it.

Remember you are your most important influence and you have the biggest control over your emotions and mindset so hype yourself up. I am currently listening to Kanye's new album as I drive to work then give myself a spare fifteen minutes to browse new Christmas shopping releases. Actions as simple as this get me prepared for the day and remind me that no matter how I am feeling this segment of me time can remain uninterrupted.

My favourite advice of all time is to pre plan. The times you have something to look forward to, no matter how great or small, give you something to strive for regardless of how your day, week or month is going. Having nothing to strive for will destroy your engagement with anything. Set yourself goals, targets and deadlines- just make them the ones that appeal to you, not the ones that are expected of you.

As always, remember you are killing it. If you are trying, no one can ever argue otherwise.

A New Era

SHE's BACK.

Hi there my darlings and welcome to a new era.
Are you ready for the ride?

September 1st will forever be my favourite day of the year.

It signifies new beginnings and an evolved you, regardless of your situation.

It's your chance to reevaluate, get back in your grind after a hot Summer and turn back into the power player we all know you are.

The truth is I fell out of love with blogging,

Social media turned toxic,

and I just could not force myself to write about something I was no longer passionate about.

So, what changed?

Me.

I take time out.

I find headspace.

I have a purpose.

I focus on the energy that makes me happy.

Ooohlalaa its fashion does not dwell on the past.

Lets get over it and talk about our future.

This online space was created to make you feel good.

To talk about the things we love.

The things that get us going,

and of course with a touch of sass along the way.

The day that stops, the day I stop.

So where am I?

I am starting a new job,

I can't wait for fashion month,

I turn TWENTY SIX in a matter of days

and I am still working on chilling the f out.

It's September 1st baby and

the best is yet come.

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.

Girl on the go

Life hacks for girls on the go

Always keep a pair of heels in your car or office, you never know when you may need a quick switch.

Dressing up is the new dressing down, never be caught off guard.

Always plan your outfit the night before, it's just another thing you can take out of your morning routine.

Carry your current nail colour with you, chipped nails are not cute.

Style studio Instagrams are everything, keep up with trends and buy seconds later.

Set your alarm tone as your get up and go song, Crazy in love wakes me up at 4am most mornings.

Set up your online shopping accounts as quick buys, you never know when you are going to need a show stopper last minute.

Don't make lists, just go ahead do it.

A single cup of coffee a day can set you up, anymore can do the opposite.

Stay well connected, you never know when that connection will come in useful.

Don't make appointments if you can't keep them, no one likes flakiness.

Surround your self by inspiration, a quote a day is a life changer.

Give a girl a break, work hard play hard.

The Shift dress: Every working girls dream

The shift dress is one of the hottest, most flattering dresses about and you will find it EVERYWHERE. Perfect for presenting colour blocking, florals and even quirky summer designs the shift dress is cute, flirtatious and sassy. We all know working through the Spring/Summer months is such a drag when really we are dreaming of jetting off, however instead of your appearance mirroring the harsh 9-5 routine of everyday life, work is the perfect way to embrace SS14 by wearing a wardrobe that will have everyone in the office in awe. The key to this is the shift dress. Why?

1. Simplicity- Easily accessorised

2. Outfit repeating is accepted- just switch your shoes or jacket

3. It allows experimentation with colour

There is a shift dress for everyday of the week ...

Mondays: Pretty in pink

Dress: Miss Selfridge, £45

Shoes: Office, £65

Handbag: Miss Selfridge, £29

Body Soufflé: Laura Mercier, £45

Sunglasses: £35

Tuesdays: Power player

Dress: Warehouse, £55

Shoes: Saint Laurent, £515

Handbag: Fendi, £1590

Nail Polish: Tom Ford, £26

Earrings: Accessorise, £6

Wednesdays: Jetsetting dreamer

Dress: Topshop, £55

Shoes: New Look, £40

Handbag: Warehouse, £90

Lipgloss: Bobbie Brown Hot Pink, £18

Mascara: Mac Zoom Fast, £14

Thursdays: Channelling your inner Victoria

Dress: Topshop, £95

Jacket: H & M, £40

Shoes: Louboutin, £745

Handbag: Givenchy, £1395

Nail Polish: Chanel, £18

Fridays: Office girl chic

Dress: DVF, £295

Kimono: Topshop, £55

Shoes: Topshopm £16

Handbag: Next, £28

Bangle: Oreloa, £18

Lipgloss: Yves Saint Laurent 205, £21

Which is your favourite darlings? I am in love with Tuesdays!

*All photos are from respected stated sites

Blazers- The art of tailoring

Blazers are a wardrobe essential, any girl would agree but why?

Perhaps you are having one of those days where you are feeling comfort over fabulous? Adding a blazer to your outfit not only smartens it but shows you're a complete fashionista all the time although your mood begs to differ.

Tailoring provokes class and sophistication, success and seriousness which is why your wardrobe should be filled with them.

This rule applies to every occasion. Imagine these outfits without a blazer ...

a little boring if you ask me! This proves that wearing the most simple outfit can be transformed by this key piece.

Smart casual- Think dinner party, first date or drinks

Blazer: New Look, £25 BUY HERE

Top: New Look, £10 BUY HERE

Shorts: Topshop, £40

Shoes: Carvela Kurt Geiger, £85

Necklace: Mickey White, £20

Casual- Think shopping, cinema or meal

Blazer: Asos, £55

Top: Next, £24

Jeans: Mango, £35

Boots: Reiss, £109

Handbag: New Look, £25 BUY HERE

Formal- Think wedding, christening or cocktail party

Blazer: Miss Selfridge, £39

Dress: River Island, £35

Clutch: Carvela, £69

Shoes: Topshop, £72

Work- Need I say more? Office chic

Blazer: River Island, £35

Blouse: New Look, £15 BUY HERE

Skirt: River Island, £20

Shoes: Miss Selfridge, £36

Tights: Pretty Polly, £2

So here you have it darlings a signature piece to looking showstopping and glamourous all the time!

*All photos are from respected stated sites

2014- We're going to work for it

Happy New Year darlings!!!

I hope you all had an amazing time last night partying the night away and saying goodbye to 2013. Here's to 2014, were going to work hard, play hard and succeed.

My outfit of the night

Playsuit: Topshop

Bracelet: New Look

Clutch: New Look

Shoes: Carvela by Kurt Geiger

I partied the night away with my favourite girlies who I haven't seen in a long time since I live in the city!

I know it was a fabulous night because I woke up to this ...

glamour spread all over my floor.

Happy 2014!

Tashaa xo

Merry Christmas fashion darlings!

So I have been a little absent in my more extensive and styling posts recently and here I will explain why. Besides being a full time student with numerous essays to hand in, for the past month I have been working every hour possible meaning hello constant tiredness. My advent calendar is my way of showing that I am still very much here, I hope you've been following!

Enjoy your festivities darlings because I am back.

Here is what I have been up to this past month

From this years Christmas jumper ...

to my naughty body shop purchases ...

and Christmas outfits of the day ...

and sitting by the fire on a Christmassy date ...

with my first Christmas dinner of the year ....

and cute presents from my friend ...

too a well deseved pair of gorgeous stilettos ...

and Christmas eve Starbucks ...

and finally it is the night before Christmas and I am sitting with my glass of pink champagne and relaxing.

Enjoy darlings.

Lots of Love

Tashaa xo

Hottest party dresses around- Estilo Tendances contribution!

Here is your guide to the Hottest party dresses around- my contribution for Estilo Tendances!

I'm so excited to guest post for this fabulous website, be sure to check it out darlings to get your most glamourous Christmas party outfit ideas ...

http://estilo-tendances.com/hottest-party-dresses/

and the post has made front page darlings!

Which style is your favourite?

A week in the name of Fashion; daily fabulous

Manicure Monday

Monday is the perfect day for pampering, preparing you for the rest of the week. Shellac (£25), Minx (£25) and Swarovski (£85) are the latest nail trends around. Make your nails statement making and eye catching to not only complement your outfit but to feel fabulous as your Monday blues begin to fade away.

Tote bag Tuesday

Can you think of a more perfect way to show off your new glamorous nails? A bag can change an outfit or appearance dramatically. Experiment with colour! A good handbag is always a must and totes are perfect for not only work but for every occasion.

Next: http://www.next.co.uk/x5222316s1#862803x52

'On Wednesdays we wear WHITE'

White is one of the hottest colours about right now, as long as it is styled right! It maybe a bold choice or out of your confident zone but with white you can look classy and chic not to mention my favourite monochrome trend!

Next: http://www.next.co.uk/gl058s4#L18312gl0

Tailored Trouser Thursdays

Chic, sophisticated, smart .. you decide. Tailored trousers are such an amazing creation. If patterned try wearing with a plain blouse and costume necklace or if plain wear with a pop of colour. Make sure your trousers are tailored so they show your fabulous figure at its finest darling!

Floral Fridays

TGIF! Work (for some) is over and your outfit should reflect your mood. Florals are one of the greatest trends on the catwalk for this season so there is no better way to show your admiration. Florals are a little edgier than plain and boring work clothes, your outfit is preparing your mood and excitement for the weekend.

Sophisticated Saturdays

Saturday’s are for cocktails and clubs (and shopping of course), a chance to wear your favourite outfits and show off your favourite trends. Sophistication is an element of elegance. I love the black and red combination but that is not say you cannot experiment with bolds and colours clashes. Whether you are going for a meal or dancing the night away indulge in making your luscious locks, make up and outfit glimmer to their finest. Look good, feel good.

Slumber Sundays

For a lot of people Sunday is the last day off before work. Pyjama days have never been my thing but this is about to change. What if your Pyjamas looked as fabulous as your outfits? I love this Miss Selfridge lingerie playsuit! Glamour can occur both day and night so when you are having what might be a ‘lounge’ day you can look mesmerising whilst doing so.

Next: http://www.next.co.uk/x526262s2#852009x52

Fabulous fashion occurs all week darlings!

Work hard, play harder

You will get nowhere in life without hard work and dedication, which should commence with enthusiasm and elegance.

Never, ever have I hit the snooze button on my alarm. If something needs to be accomplished it will be accomplished.

Waking up in the morning and knowing what lies in your day ahead is something that calms me yet brings out my pedantic nature.

Some may laugh or question my choice but before I go to bed at night you will find a spotless room and the next day’s outfit hanging on my door. A little OCD if you ask me but it pays off for the feeling you get when you wake up in the morning, prepared. On days of lectures, meetings or work I jump out of bed, wash then tame my bed headed locks before doing my makeup. A cup of tea is always a must before I sit and indulge on the morning news to catch up with current affairs. I then get ready and choose my shoes before picking up my already packed bag and dash off.

Punctual but not too early is a good routine to catch onto.

I love being at University in the city centre. In between lectures and seminars I can shop or grab a starbucks and still only be a few minutes away from home.

Work is a little different, it’s challenging working in a city centre and spending all day on your feet is difficult however it’s all worth in the end.

Whether the sun is shining in the glorious city of Newcastle or the rain is making the high street into a river, life goes on.

It’s the time’s when you have a little too much work or you are dealing with a difficult customer that frustrate and agitate you to a max but just remember the harder you work the harder you play.

I may have a 4 day week at uni with one day off to catch up on my uni work and then work the remaining 2 days, it may rain, my flatmates may leave the kitchen a mess. I may not get in til late at night and have to be up early the next morning but in the end I come home feeling accomplished. The feeling of accomplishment means when that next night out comes around you can let your hair down and enjoy, or perhaps you buy that ridiculously priced top that you do not really need. Who cares? Darling you have worked for it.

Accomplished.

The tights featured were sent to me by Jen from the Pantyhose Project. I am wearing Semi-opaque and ultra gloss tights and they are fabulous (especially the ultra gloss which make your legs look gorgeous without the need of a tan!).
Shoes are by Schuh and Miss Selfridge.

http://www.thepantyhoseproject.com/

Summer workwear; why wait until your holidays to look fabulous?

If you are like me I have a few more weeks of those long days at work before I jet off.

I am itching to wear my summer wardrobe which I have been building up over the past few months and looking forward to looking fabulous every second of the day in the height of summer.

BUT, why restrict fabulous fashion to holidays?

We are in the perfect season and time period to show off amazing outfits and what better place to do it than at the office? Hello 9-5 glamour, florals and colour ...

Maybe you work in an office?

Do you teach people?

Your always out and about in your job?

It really does not matter, there is no excuse that can stop you looking amazing during work.

Employers evidently opt for smart and tailored attire however you can push the boundaries. Do not hesitate to ask. Perhaps your boss only likes you wearing monochrome (not always a bad thing but it can get tiring if it is everyday)? What is stopping you from asking to wear colour as long as you are dressed smart?

The main thing to an employer is that you look presentable and can do your job. If you show your employer that you can look smart and sophisticated whilst experimenting with fashion this opens up a whole new world of opportunities and you can also encourage other people to experiment.

You have to wear these outfits on a somewhat weekly basis so it is definitely worth investing in decent and quality pieces particularly in handbags and jewellery! Remember this is a mix and match of designer and high street but you can always substitute with each.
I have created six different looks based on signature pieces and adding pieces that will compliment them.

I would say the Sassy Shorts are my favourite look but I would try out all of them. Which one best suits you? Please let me know!

The Bold Blazer