August252017
Starting your morning the right way
Do you sometimes feel sluggish or inefficient in the mornings? Does getting into the swing of things take more time than it should? Let’s re-evaluate how you’re doing things! Learn how to maximise your time and begin the day with a bang by reading my tips for starting your morning the right way.
Work your mind and/or body
Starting the morning with some form of exercise or meditation is the best way to energise your body and activate your mind. Wake yourself up with an early morning run, walk or yoga session, or hit the gym if that’s your preferred form of exercise. Once you get the heart pumping or the mind relaxing, you’ll be in the right frame to start your day effectively.
Refresh
Drink lots of liquid in the morning to hydrate your body. I like a glass of warm water with lemon juice, but have a green tea if you aren’t a citrus fan. This will also help flush out any nasty toxins and keep your skin from drying out. Try to drink 2-3 glasses before you even get to work.
Dress smartly
Dress like you mean it and you’re going to feel great. Get your outfit ready the night before so you don’t waste time deciding what to wear. Don’t rush your makeup and hair – you want to walk out the door feeling confident and prepared. It’s all about dressing like the winner you know you are.
Brainfood
This one is so important! Make sure you eat a good breakfast before you start work. A bowl of porridge with coconut sugar, muesli with low fat yogurt and fresh fruit or poached eggs on toast are fabulous healthy options – and quick to make, too. Fuel your body and brain by giving them energy, allowing them to work to their full potential.
Multitask
When you can do two things at once without adding extra stress to your life, give it a go. I like to check my emails over breakfast, which means I don’t waste more time doing it later on. Have a think about what you could be doing at once and see if you can make it work comfortably.
August172017
Why you’re tired and what to do about it
We all go through stages of feeling exhausted at times – life’s busy and it’s easy to put your mental health second when you have a lot going on. If you find yourself constantly feeling tired, however, it’s time to take a look at what you could be doing differently. Here are a few things that may be wearing you out.
Iron deficiency
If you don’t have enough iron in your diet, your red blood cells are unable to carry a sufficient amount of oxygen around the body. This leads to tiredness, among other things. Try to absorb as much iron naturally as possible. This is best achieved by incorporating foods into your meals that are rich in iron like spinach, red meat, legumes and nuts. Alternatively, you can supplement your diet with iron tablets.
Perfectionism
If you’re a bit of a perfectionist, it’s likely you tend to overwork yourself and subsequently wear yourself out. When you raise the bar just that little bit too high, too often, you constantly push yourself over the edge. While it’s important to do a great job in everything you do, it’s also important to look after yourself and know when to call it a day. Similarly, if you have too much on your plate and feel like you never get any down time, learn to say no. Remember – you’re number one.
Dehydration
Probably the biggest factor of tiredness is dehydration. If you aren’t getting enough water, your body suffers – it’s as simple as that. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Popular studies recommend around 8 glasses of water a day, though this varies according to body sizes. Drink enough so that you feel energised and healthy. Your skin will look amazing, too!
Bad food habits
Two of the most common and easily fixed causes of over-tiredness are skipping breakfast and eating unhealthy food regularly. If you eat foods that have little nutritional value – or even worse, don’t eat at all – your body becomes sluggish. Our bodies need fuel to allow us to go about our day effectively. Without a healthy diet that includes consistent meals, functioning at our full potential is nearly impossible. Eat three balanced meals a day and enjoy light snacks such as nuts or fruit in between.
Using technology before bed
This one’s directly related to sleeping. It has been scientifically proven that looking at screens shortly before you go to bed can cause you to sleep poorly. Not only are the harsh lights of phone and laptop screens bad for your eyes in artificial light, your mind is given no time to switch off and relax before you go to bed. Instead of scrolling through Instagram or checking emails, read a book, listen to soft music or have a short meditation session.
August062017
Spring Handbag Essentials
It’s time to re-evaluate what you have in your everyday handbag. As the temperature gets warmer, the items you carry around on a daily basis should be changed to ensure you’re prepared for the changes spring brings. Here’s what my handbag absolutely has to contain in those sunnier months.
Sunglasses
I never leave the house in spring or summer without a stylish pair of polarised sunglasses! There’s nothing worse than spending your entire time outside squinting – not only does it ruin your fun, it increases the likelihood of wrinkles on the brow and around the eyes. Protect your eyes and stay safe on the roads by adding a pair of high quality sunglasses to your handbag.
Sunscreen
On that same trend, sunscreen is another essential item for spring/summer handbags. Buy a small bottle that you can easily carry around so you’ll never get caught in an unpleasant situation. Sunburn isn’t just painful, it’s extremely bad for your health and causes excessive ageing to the skin. Try to keep your skin as youthful looking as possible by applying sunscreen every morning during spring and summer – even if it’s grey outside. Reapply at midday if it’s particularly hot.
Lip balm
An SPF lip balm is another item I always carry during the hotter months. Chapped lips are both unsightly and unpleasant, and can result in flaking for several days. By applying an SPF lip balm as a base layer each time you apply or reapply lipstick, you’ll keep your lips looking plump and healthy. I love Eco Lips’ Sport balm (SPF 30) and Hurraw’s Sun Balm (SPF 15) for natural, cruelty-free lip protection.
Water
Carrying a mini water bottle is a move you definitely won’t regret. As women on the go, we often don’t pause to refresh and take a drink between lunch breaks. I find keeping a small water bottle on me at all times makes me drink, which keeps my body hydrated and energised. Fill it up whenever possible and your skin and body will thank you for it!
Headscarf
Last but not least is the headscarf, or neckerchief if you prefer. Functional and stylish, the headscarf is there to protect your scalp should the sun suddenly decide to shine full-blast while you’re outside for a lengthy amount of time. Fold it diagonally in half and tie it at the back of your neck for sweet vintage style – easy chic.
July302017
Spring Cleaning: Your Need-to-Know
It’s that time of year where we welcome the new and say goodbye to the old, assessing our possessions and getting rid of unnecessary items. Not only does spring cleaning help declutter your surroundings and highlight what’s really important, it works wonders on the mind. When you clear out the things that aren’t needed in your life, you create space and inner peace. Your mind will naturally de-stress when it’s in a more calming environment. Minimise the chaos in your climate and you’ll be content in no time!
Wardrobe
Clearing out your wardrobe is very therapeutic. I recommend doing this at least once a year, because it enables you to get rid of disused or outdated items and prioritise timeless and beloved pieces. And, of course, it means there’s room for new, trending clothes! Begin by pulling everything out of your wardrobe and going through each individual item. Ask yourself how long ago you wore each item, how often you wear it and whether you realistically foresee yourself wearing it multiple times in the future. If it isn’t a basic or versatile piece, remember to check if it’s in season, too. Try to be firm with yourself – I know it can be difficult, especially when there are memories tied to certain pieces or you find something you forgot you had. Keep in mind that what you throw away could be a blessing to someone else. And by donating old clothes to your local charity, you’re also doing an act of good.
Workspace
Once you’ve decluttered your wardrobe, it’s time to get to work on your workspace. This might be a room at home, or an office in the building your work. Start with your desk. Are there folders and pieces of paper everywhere? Read them and assess their relevance. If they’re no longer important, recycle them. If they need to be kept on hand, create a filing system, or add to your existing one. Try to keep your desk as clean as possible. This increases productivity, as you’re able to find things much faster and have a clearer head from the lack of clutter. Examine the rest of the room, too. Could the walls do with a changeup? Are there unnecessary items on the floor? Are your plants alive and well? Tidy up your workspace and you’ll definitely notice the difference.
Everything Else!
The rest of the home deserves your attention as well. This means tackling your living room, kitchen and bathroom in the same manner. Bathrooms are generally quick – maybe update the magazine basket and get rid of old shampoo and skincare bottles, then you’re good to go. The kitchen, however, is always a big one. Go through your pantry and fridge and throw out any expired foods. Check your appliances and kitchenware, and clear out items that aren’t needed. Lastly, sort out your living room by removing excess pillows and blankets, recycling magazines and the like. A clean and tidy home makes for a clear, focused and peaceful mind.
July242017
Spring Hair and Beauty Looks
It’s hard to believe with all the shocking weather we’ve had lately, but Spring is actually on the way! Already the runways and stores are beginning to fill with the hottest trends for the Spring/Summer season, so keep up with the game by taking on board these hair and beauty styles.
Natural Brows
Natural brows are here to stay. Embrace your God-given brows and enjoy having a more natural look this summer. Ask your brow specialist for a tidy-up and gentle tint rather than an overly-defined style. You’ll save time and still look gorgeous!
Plaits, Plaits, Plaits
For simple spring and summer style, throw your hair into a messy plait. Side braids are a beautiful casual chic hairstyle, while a traditional braid softens the face and keeps things tidy. For a night out, why not try curling your braid into a bun, or pinning it around your head?
A Touch of Gold
Metallics are in this season, so add some shine to your appearance by using gold, bronze and silver makeup. Shimmery eyeshadow is perfect for a night on the town, while a little bronzer on the cheeks will give you the metallic effect in a more subtle way.
Free Locks
Summer in New Zealand is usually about beach hair, and this season it’s not different. Let your hair down and forget about fancy styles. Think soft curls and natural waves. Simple additions like pulling a section of top hair back into a small ponytail add a little more flair.
Pastel Perfection
Like metallics, pastels are here in full force. Enjoy the lighter things in life with tones of marshmellow, soft blue, mauve and mint. You can never go wrong with a gentle pink lipstick, but if you feel like branching out a little, give pastel eyeshadow a go.
July192017
Business Basics
Being a businesswoman is a multifaceted, ever-changing job. While grasping everything at once can be difficult, there are a few basic guidelines you should follow at all times. Stay on top of these and you’ll fast-track your way to success!
Dear Diary
In our busy society, having a daily calendar is essential – this should be the number one basic tool every business man or woman utilises. Include everything on your calendar – work and personal – and colour code each item so that you don’t confuse them. Setting up notifications will help you manage yourself adequately and ensure you never miss a meeting, appointment or catch-up with friends.
Tone is Everything
The way you conduct yourself around others is a reflection of your personal brand and the business you are representing. If your tone is unpleasant or uncertain, you risk losing potential clients and generating a negative image about your brand and business. Ensure that your mannerism is professional and friendly, no matter who you are talking to. I like to live by the golden rule: treat others as you would like to be treated.
Call It
Whenever possible, call clients and colleagues rather than email, message or text. Speaking with someone over the phone or in person is the most effective way to get your message across and cover all of the issues you want to address. People are far more likely to pay attention to you when listening to an actual person, as opposed to reading a message they can skim over and delete. It also saves writing back and forth, as you can get everything out in the open on the spot.
Positivity Breeds Success
Maintain a positive attitude towards your business ventures and everyone involved in them. Negativity won’t get you anywhere, so remember why you entered into your career path to begin with and be thankful for your skillset and position. Try to tackle work-related obstacles with this same positive attitude – you’ll find no task is too difficult to accomplish once you begin treating them with a can-do mindset.
Stay Focused
Once you’re clear on your brand’s vision and values, stay true to them. As the days go by, reflect on your values and check that you aren’t compromising them. More than that, ask yourself if you’re fulfilling them. Remaining clear on these core beliefs and views will guide you through your career and life, ensuring that you maximise your potential in both.
July102017
Essential Winter Accessories
Winter fashion is great because it means you can indulge in accessories. Accessories can make or break an outfit, and when used correctly they’ll give even the most simple look a touch of flair. Stay warm and stylish this winter with my essential accessories!
Scarf
Image: Zimbio
Layering is a key winter fashion trend, and scarves are the perfect accessory to give your outfit depth. Make like Blake Lively above and wear a thick, long scarf for extra warmth, or bring some colour to your outfit and wear a silky patterned scarf instead.
Gloves
Image: Pinterest
Gloves are a classic accompaniment to any winter look, adding elegance and stopping your fingers from going numb. Leather gloves like Olivia Wilde’s above are a refined choice, but wear wool if it’s really freezing. Elbow length gloves are a classy option for winter black-tie events.
Woollen Hat
Image: Splash News
Hats are multipurpose, serving as both a stylish accessory and a protector from the rain and cold. Winter is the ideal time to wear a cute woollen hat, such as a beret, fedora, cloche or oversized floppy number. Woollen hats in these styles add a classy vintage element to your outfit. Buy one in brown like Taylor Swift, or burgundy, black or grey for versatility.
Oversized Bag
Image: Cosmetics Delux
Oversized bags are great all year round, but they’re especially useful in winter. All that extra space gives you ample room for sweaters, raincoats and compact umbrellas – as well as all the usual makeup items, hand creams and more. I love Angelina Jolie’s Louis Vuitton bag, but any large leather bag will fulfil the purpose.
Quality Hosiery
Image: Trendsylvania
What would we do without stockings? If you don’t want to wear jeans or trousers all winter, stockings will be your best friend. Investing in a few pairs of thick, high-quality stockings gives you countless outfit opportunities. Black stockings like the ones Olivia Palermo wears above go with absolutely everything, but if you feel like branching out, navy or white stockings are a fashionable choice.
July062017
Winter Shoe Styles
Dressing for winter is as much about dressing for wet weather as it is about dressing for the cold. Strappy sandals and canvas sneakers aren’t going to keep your feet dry and warm, so some thought does need to be put into your footwear. There are plenty of stylish leather shoes which are great for keeping the wet out, so have a read below and consider adding a pair (or two!) to your winter wardrobe. Alternatively, invest in a good waterproofer to keep non-leather shoes dry.
Loafers
Image: Pinterest
I love loafers! These flats are comfortable and elegant, and come in a range of styles. Choose from plain, tassled, embellished and more – there’s a different style for everyone. Loafers are a great alternative to wearing heels in the office, and can easily be worn year-round.
Flat Boots
Image: Pinterest
A wardrobe staple, the flat boot is perfect for those rainy winter days. A good pair of boots should be able to be worn comfortably for hours, and they’ll definitely keep your feet dry from any puddles. Pair them with boyfriend jeans or tights and a dress for easy winter style.
Brogues
Another classic flat, the brogue is fun and fashionable. Plain patterned black or brown brogues are a no-brainer, but if you want to mix things up a bit, why not buy a pair with wooden heels? This adds a bit of edge to your outfit while still keeping things sophisticated.
Oxfords
Image: All for Fashion
If you’re looking for the perfect, classy flat, look no further! Oxfords create a refined, confident look. They’re bold and distinguished, and very versatile. Throw them on with jeans for a casual movie night, high-waisted trousers and a blouse for work, or a gown and lipstick for a night out. Choose from plain block colours or add a little flair to your outfit with a two-tone pair, as pictured above.
Heeled Boots
Image: Pinterest
You can’t go wrong with heeled boots. Effortlessly fashionable, heeled boots grace our runways and fashion stores every year. If you do prefer wearing heels, this is a fabulous option for your wet-weather wardrobe. Wear them with a skirt and funnel neck, or jeans, a button-up and a sweater. Casual chic!
Monk Straps
Image: Style Forum
Lastly, there’s the monk strap. Traditionally a men’s shoe, there are now plenty of women’s stores stocking these elegant items. Like the other flats above, monk straps are sophisticated, making them great for the office. They can also be worn casually. Get them in classic rich brown as pictured above, so you can break up your black outfits!
June292017
Healthy Snacks for Women on the Go
Eating well is extremely important to fuel your mind and body and ensure you feel great from the inside-out. A nutritious diet encourages brain growth and works as an energiser. If you are a busy woman on the go and want to maximise your potential, try supplementing your diet with healthy snacks. Here are a few of my favourite snacks for inspiration!
Vege Sticks and Hummus
The classic health snack! Hummus us a simple, delicious way to spice up raw vegetables. Chop some carrots, celery or broccoli into pieces and dip in a hummus of your choice – I personally love butternut hummus and beetroot hummus.
Raw Energy Balls
There’s a reason raw energy balls have become such a popular snack among foodies – they’re tasty and easy to throw in your daily bag. Try Tom & Luke’s balls for some scrumptious flavours like Mint Chocolate and Salted Caramel – you’ll feel like you’re eating a treat but they’re all natural!
Berry Mix
It’s hard to beat berries for a sweet, fresh snack. Berries are high in antioxidants that help keep your brain sharp and contain a number of vitamins. I love a mix of raspberries and blueberries, but blackberries are great if you’re looking for a little more tartness.
Avocado and Tomato Crackers
Wholegrains are an important component of your diet, so snacking on some crackers made with wholemeal flour and grains is a great idea. Slather them in avo, add a slice of tomato and some cracked pepper and you’re good to go!
Seed and Nut Medley
Last but not least is the much-loved nut mix. Nuts and seeds are a fantastic way to add protein, good fats and nutrients to your diet – plus they taste great! Mix together some cashews, almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds and chia seeds for a healthy and filling snack.
June202017
Weekend Winter Style
Dressing for work during winter is one thing; dressing for the weekend is another entirely. With so many trends it’s hard to know what to wear, when. I’ve put together some tips for weekend style during the cold season so you can look effortlessly fabulous every day!
Button-up and Brogues
Image Source: Modamo
My go-to casual chic outfit is simple: pair a button-up blouse with trousers or jeans and some gorgeous flats like brogues or loafers. A white button-up is always a safe bet and looks great with patterned trousers, especially a checked print. If you like brighter tops, embrace a solid colour or fun print like paisley and wear plain black or navy pants. Comfortable without compromising style!
Turtleneck
Image Source: The Cut and Paste
A cold neck is never good. Luckily, turtlenecks have made a comeback in recent years and are still trending. With lots of options, these are a great sweater to have in your wardrobe. A chunky cable knit sweater is perfect for sunday brunch, while a slim fit merino blend is more elegant for dressier weekend outings.
Boots
Image Source: kristinawilde.com
You can’t go wrong with a good pair of boots (or three). I personally like to keep two pairs at least – one flat, one with a nice comfortable heel as pictured above. Boots are dressier than sneakers but less flashy than standard heels, so a great weekend choice. Pair them with jeans and a coat for lunches, or tights and a cute dress for a Saturday night dinner.
Scarves
Image Source: stylingdutchman.blogspot.com
Scarves are another great way to keep to the neck warm while staying fashionable. In winter I love a heavy, thick scarf like the one above, but silky ones do look classy if you prefer a more lightweight feel. Why not embrace the winter spirit and invest in a patterned scarf like the one pictured? I love the vintage houndstooth vibes in this outfit. Get inspired by checking out some retro looks from the UK.
Black
Image Source: Pinterest
I’ve said it before: black never goes out of style. Gigi Hadid shows us how it’s done with a clean black outfit. Combining two of our listed trends (the turtleneck and boots) with a silky skirt and classic black sunglasses, she’s the picture of fashion. Mixing textures and fabrics is a good way to avoid your black items blending into one another. Try matching woolen trousers with a satin blouse.
Coats
Image Source: Pinterest
Last but certainly not least is the timeless coat. Buying a good coat is the best thing you can do for your winter wardrobe. Coats are extremely versatile, able to dress and outfit down or up easily. And of course, they’re warm and cosy. In winter I like to wear wool blends to trap the heat in. Grey, tan, navy and deep green are all good basic coat colours if you aren’t sure where to start. Make sure you purchase a coat with a good lining and preferably some pockets.
June122017
Why Teamwork is Important
Being able to perform at your highest ability both individually and in a team is essential to success. When you work as a team you create a positive environment and enhance your happiness in the workplace. You also maximise your ability to get fast, effective results. Ultimately, teamwork brings people together – people from different backgrounds, with different skills and different interests. Embracing your colleagues and learning to work with them cohesively will benefit both your business and your overall happiness.
A happy workplace
Getting along with your coworkers will noticeably increase your happiness at work. Think about it – working with someone you’re able to hold a decent conversation and share a laugh with is going to be more enjoyable than working with someone who you can barely talk to. When you work in a team, you foster an environment of loyalty, unity and companionship. Teamwork promotes equality and camaraderie, and encourages communication. This creates a more empowered way of working, where your whole team is inspired and focused. When you have strong morale, reaults will follow.
An effective workplace
Everyone has different strengths, so it makes sense that working in a team generates success – imagine all those strengths combined! By harnessing multiple skills, teamwork makes for a more efficient result. Working in a team tends to mitigate power structures and hierarchies, which encourages respect among employees and replaces any potential for competition with support and cooperation. Teamwork also makes room for new perspectives on problem solving, and new ideas for growing success. Additionally, it provides more opportunities for learning, as colleagues learn new techniques from each other and through the team function. Finally, teamwork shows clients and customers that your team is well-oiled, encouraging and enjoys its work. And who doesn’t want to support a business that actually loves what it does?
How to make your team function
In order for teamwork to really ‘work’, a few processes need to be followed. You can’t simply put a group of people together and tell them to get going. It’s important to initially establish your team’s direction and vision. What are your team’s goals? What does it need to achieve? Next, you should set roles within your team. Who is the leader? Who are the strategisers? Once people know their position within the team, they will be clearer going forward able to work more efficiently. Then it’s all about staying on track, making sure everyone is happy and checking that the group is functioning well. To uphold team spirit and equality, why not have a team meeting at the start of the week? This creates an inclusive environment and ensures that everyone is one the same page. It’s also a good idea to have regular team performance assessments to see where you can improve things. From there, you can continue to grow your team, your business and your success.
June072017
Top Looks at the Cannes Film Festival
Cannes Film Festival is a multi-day event in France which previews and celebrates new films from around the world. Because of its duration, the festival has more than the usual amount of red carpet entrances – meaning more fabulous outfits from our favourite celebrities.
Wrapping up at the end of May, Cannes Film Festival celebrated its 70th year. As always, there were some outfits which stood out among the crowd. I’ve put together my eight top looks of the festival. What was your favourite?
Monica Bellucci
Monica has long been one of my favourite celebrities. The Italian actress and model is the picture of elegance wherever she goes, and Cannes was no exception. This year Monica was the festival’s Mistress of Ceremonies. Over the event’s twelve days she wore an array of gorgeous garments, but my personal pick is this flared black Stella McCartney jumpsuit. Stylish, simple and clean, the jumpsuit highlight her lovely curves and is complemented perfectly with a diamond brooch.
Sara Sampaio
Portuguese model Sara Sampaio was a vision in red. The plunging neckline and full skirt of her Zuhair Murad Couture gown create a feminine and striking effect. The sequined detail on the gown just add to its impressiveness, and Sara’s diamond jewellery finishes the outfit beautifully. I love Sara’s simple, pulled back hair and smokey eyes – you can’t go wrong with smokey eyes, ladies!
Olga Kurylenko
Fashion designer Elie Saab never puts a foot wrong, as is evident with French actress and model Olga Kurylenko’s stunning dress. The cut is very flattering, accentuating her slim waist and flowing gently over the hips and legs. I’m loving the embellishments on this gown, which are eye-catching while still remaining elegant. Olga wears her short hair down and carries a slim watch on her wrist – very classy.
Deepika Padukone
One of the more stand-out gowns of this year’s festival is Deepika’s dress by Brandon Maxwell. The deep green-blue colour is hard to wear, but Indian actress Deepika pulls it off perfectly. The off-the-shoulder cut and train is dramatic but elegant, and the leg slit gives this look some edginess. Her eye makeup is risky, but again executed well. And who doesn’t love a good pair of stilettos?
Bella Hadid
Bella Hadid can simply do no wrong. The American model stole the show at the 2017 Cannes, and this stunning outfit was my favourite look of the whole festival. The gown, by Alexandre Gauthier, is perfectly fitted and just the right blend of sexy and classy. Soft pink is very in right now, and Bella matches her fashionable dress with striking Bulgari jewellery and delicate Olgana Paris heels. A beautiful, polished, head-turning look.
Jessica Chastain
Keeping things classic, actress Jessica Chastain wears a glamorous and sophisticated Black Prada gown. With a slight train and a low back, this gown is understated elegance at its best. Pairing the gown with a string of small pearl and a tight up-do, Jessica spells class. The simple makeup is an effective addition.
Adriana Lima
Victoria’s Secret Angel Adriana looked fabulous in this strapless sequined gown. The cut is classic and elegant, showing off her slim figure. The statement Chopard necklace is gives Adriana’s outfit a hint of flare, as do the red lips. When in doubt, wear red lips.
Juliette Binoche
Lovely French actress Juliette Binoche was glamorous in a long black Armani Prive dress. The fitted shaped of the dress highlights her hourglass figure, and the sparkles give it an extra bit of edge. I love the up-do and soft wave of the side fringe – very classic.
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