Fashion Forward OR Fashion Fail??

lets face it, celebrities can wear the most outlandish outfits ever- but sometimes crazy ensembles are the biggest fashion trends.

Are you a true fashionista or just somebody that picks their outfit off the floor? (Come on, we know that you leave your clothes on the floor!) What's stylish and hip can look totally gross to some people, but like a beautiful work of art to another. Let's see how current you are with fashion trends!

What you generally wear is up to you, it's best to keep it classy and simple.

YOU DONT HAVE TO WEAR EVERY FASHION TREND...

especially not all at once in one outfit!!!

 

Here are some basic must haves for spring 2012/2013

 

The Candy Floss coloured skinny jeans which are having a whirl wind effect on us all. Its a must have for a fresh clean look. Wear it simply, paired with a white t or a pretty shirt. Dress it up or down. My favourite colours are the baby pink and the shades of light blue.

Above are some of my favourite ways to dress up your skinny jeans , keeping it fresh and simple!

SHOES!!!

Currently, I am very into wedges, all kinds of wedges, especially the peep toe. The shoe you wear dresses your outfit down. If you have a very simple outfit, dress it up with a shoe, and if you have a busy shoe, keep your outfit simple.

always accerssorize with a bag and jewellery. After all we are woman, may as well make the most of it.

Hope you all have these goodies in your closets for spring!
happy dressing!!!

Skinny Diaries - watching what you eat!

I haven't really been putting much focus on diet lately, and if I decided to step on the scale tonight I'm sure it would show. Life of a student is stressful to say the least, and when my body experiences stress it does one of two things: I over eat on delicious fatty foods like burgers and fries, pastries, or chocolate ice cream... etc. OR my appetite is completely gone and nothing is edible.

Well, this time, my body has decided to combine the two... I now feel completely nauseated about 70% of the day, and when food actually does sound good.... it’s the salty, fried, fatty foods that my body is ok with ingesting. Luckily though.... I don't eat much of it.

How many of you experience the same things????

I'm at a loss right now... I don't know how to curb this eating issue my body has decided to create – And but right now veggies and sweets are making me gag... and that is so weird.

I'm really hoping this is all over soon. This can't be healthy.

 

So I have been thinking , One of the best things to do when trying to monitor what you eat, especially when you want to lose weight is a food diary, its one of thee most effective ways to know what you putting in your body is keeping an account of everything you eat. I like to call mine the ‘skinny diaries’. With many people they believe they are dieting and when its time to step on the scale, they can’t seem to fathom WHY they have not lost weight, or not lost enough of weight. This is because they think the little crumbs of cake and two teaspoons of full cream milk in their tea don’t play a role in their weight loss. With weight, EVERYTHING matters, down to the smallest crumb. So it’s best to keep a record of everything you have eaten, even the minute’s crumb, that way you will know what’s affecting your body and what to cut out.

 

 

While its very important to eat food, its important to eat the right food and eliminate the junk. Do it the right way and it will stay off, crash diet and as soon as you SNIFF that cinnabon in the mall, it’s going to pile right back on before you can say the word YUMMY!

In an issue of Shape they did an article on “Foods That Whittle Your Middle,” which I wanted to pass along to all of you! Summer is around the corner and while I know everyone is busy, it’s important to fuel the body properly & eat healthfully. This article broke it down in a clear, concise way with foods that I am sure most of you have in your fridge [ at least, I hope you do ; ) ]

+ Grapefruit: it’s filled with water & fiber. Eating half a grapefruit with meals promotes weight loss. (Now this doesn’t mean eating a full fatty meal with oils and butter and expecting to eat a grapefruit to break it down for you lol, keep it clean and wholesome!!)

+ Spinach: it’s seven calories a cup [ uncooked ]! Spinach has tons of folate which lowers your stress hormones [ stress hormones- that makes you gain weight in your mid section- you want as low stress hormones as possible ]. Add it to smoothies or baked potatoes, eat it in a salad!

+ Eggs: they contain B12, which is an energizing vitamin that helps boost the metabolism & burn fat. Protein also keeps you full. But too much of this can result in weight gain, it’s the egg whites that are healthy, not the egg yolks, monitor how much you eat. And when making your egg, keep the fat you put in it at a bare minimum.

+ Chili Pepper/Flakes: I die over spicy food- it’s my favorite. Add these to hummus, salt and pepper chickens, pizza’s – the day you indulging, etc. to spark the metabolism & increase calorie burning.

+ Dark Chocolate: the perfect dessert in MODERATION & a healthy fat [ other healthy fats: avocado, olive oil, nuts, & olives ].

++ Extra foods that shrink that annoying muffiny looking crap that hangs over the jeans: Greek yogurt [ it's filling ], berries [ loaded with fiber ], & pineapple [ eliminates bloat ]. The best snack during the day is fruit, especially apples, they a source of fibre and keep you full.

Why not... Eliminate the drama?!

 

 

The drama queen. There always seems to be at least one in every class of high school, at work, or in our daily lives, and she always seems to be able to garner attention whenever someone else’s was shining a bit too brightly, or when the spotlight on her was beginning to dim.

Whether from a distance or someone you knew more directly, you probably can recall this type of person and the type of behaviors that they regularly exhibit. Behaviors perhaps were arguments, or filthy, hurtful rumors or pretending to know something that everyone else would want to know – in other words, they loved having the power – the attention – of those around them.

But such behavior is draining of valuable finite energy for the people who choose to spend time with this person, and it certainly is exhausting for the drama queen herself. After all, if she’s spending time concocting falsehoods and intriguing, yet pointless bits of information, when is she able to find time for things that really matter?

I think it is safe to say, drama in our lives is not an attribute of a well-lived life. Even though the drama queens may have raised their ugly heads in our youth, such people still exist in adulthood unfortunately, and it is up to each one of us to refuse to get sucked into their web.

How to Eliminate Drama

1. Change what you talk about

“Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.” –Eleanor Roosevelt

 

 

2. Keep some things to yourself

While it’s good to have mystery and maintain your privacy, it’s also important to not share everything with people you don’t know all that well.

 

3. Be observant
We gain knowledge by observing, not by talking (unless we are asking questions of course). So choose to observe others’ behaviors and tendencies because as we all know, actions speak much louder than words ever will.
4. Create healthy boundaries

Personal information should remain personal. In other words, if you don’t trust that someone will be able to keep information private, don’t share it with them.

5. Take time to assess

Before jumping to conclusions and assuming the worst, take a step back so that you can gather your emotions and let them calm down. Then with a clear head, evaluate the situation by putting yourself in the other person’s shoes. By doing this, you will be better able to make a sound decision that you won’t regret in the future.
6. Learn how to let off steam in a healthy manner

We all get upset. After all, we are human, but take the time to monitor how you feel and what makes you feel that way when you become angry, jealous, defensive, etc. Then look for ways to healthily let go because bottling it up won’t help either. Maybe it is journaling, talking to a trusted friend, running or weeding your garden. Whatever activity helps you release the negative emotions, partake in it before you do something you might regret.

7. Be proactive

Often part of the reason emotions run high and in a negative direction is because we are emotionally exhausted due to either over-scheduling or constantly placing ourselves in situations that are not healthy. Whether it is taking on too many responsibilities or spending time with people who constantly make you feel bad about yourself, choose in advance how much time you really have to offer and who you spend your time with as a way to reduce negative emotions and exhaustion.

8. Learn to say no

When you know what you can do, and what will enhance your life, it becomes much easier to say no to things that will not be beneficial. While no one wants to hear “no”, using this power is a way of respecting yourself.

9. Assume the best

Eliminate the cynic that wants to raise its ugly head and assume the best until you have all of the facts. Yes, you will get your heartbroken or be disappointed at times, but, as my mom reminded me, wouldn’t you rather want to make the mistake of expecting something wonderful instead of the alternative?

10. Spend time with positive people

The simplest way to reduce drama is to spend time with people who shun it as well. In other words, seek out positive, supportive people. we are a product of our environments, and the more we accept this, the more we accept responsibility for choosing better scenarios to place ourselves in. A great book to read on this subject is Situations Matter by Sam Sommers.

The beauty of eliminating drama comes in the form of living a more fulfilling, pleasure-filled life. Below are a few minutes that immediately came to my mind:
Benefits of Eliminating Drama

1. Build respectful relationships
2. Reduce stress
3. Create stability
4. Increase positive energy
5. More productivity
6. Build self-confidence
7. Reduce cynicism
8. Cultivate loving relationships
9. Increase in creativity
10. Ability to focus on what really matters

 

In conclusion, the life we create for ourselves is determined by the attitudes we embody, the people we surround ourselves with and the way we spend our time. Choose wisely.

Listen to what lifts you up and inspires you, and pay close attention to what tears you down or belittles your confidence. Run to the former and run from the latter. Have a magnificant monday everyone.

Ombre (Dip Dye)

Jessica Biel has done it. Gwyneth Paltro, too. Rachel Bilson. Even I have given it a try.

What am I talking about?? Ombre Hair.

The French-termed hair trend features darker, more natural hues at the roots with gradually-dyed lightening at the ends. Finally, a trend that doesn’t require a busy woman of the world to run to the salon every 8-12 weeks for a touch-up!

When I mentioned the trend to my mum a few months ago, and showed her some pictures, she thought the celebrities looked as though they had missed one too many trips to the salon, while others were in love with the look. I feel somewhat ambivalent - when done right it can look natural and sunkissed, but it can also go very very very wrong if the lighter colour at the bottom goes brassy!!

 

While the Ombre trend started a while ago, it ended very quickly, many people jumped off the Ombre train with a crash landing. However now I see its back again for spring 2012, and it looks like this time, It's here to stay ;)

Usually, I would not describe myself as someone that is a slave to fashion, or someone that follows all the latest trends, I would describe myself as a simple girl who sticks to what she knows best and what suits me. I rarely ever try new things. But while watching one of my favourite series "Hart of Dixie" starring Rachel Bilson (which if you havn't been watching... please start!!) I was highly intrigued by her hair. Rachel Bilson plays the role of a Doctor Zoe Hart. To me it appeared as they were trying to make it look as though she was too busy to dye her hair, but it had a sunkissed look to it, I loved it. I did some research and found pictures of Ombre hair, one specifically caught my attention and I HAD TO HAVE IT. It was a picture of Jessica Biel with perfectly Ombred hair!!



The Ombre Hair I had to have!!!

So after 3 months of deliberation and FINALLY deciding I would NOT do Ombre hair .... I went for hair cut and all of a sudden in the salon, I decided , Impulsively to Ombre my hair. The Result??

 

I opted to do an Ombre look that was not as light as jessica biels, something that would suit my complexion and something that is quite close to my original hair colour!

 

 

I walked out of the salon a happy bunny, quite thrilled with my hair and how it looked. I am so glad I tried the ombre hair look, but I have come to the conclusion that ombre hair is not for me or my personality and not something I will do again, unless I'm feeling very risky that day and I decide to go as light in colour as Jessica Biels  ;). I think I'll stick to my usual look.

Hollywood actresses Drew Barrymore's and Rachel Bilson's tousled waves have become synonymous with two-toned locks. And pop stars like Lady Gaga and Ciara continue to flirt with extreme versions. However, there are a few styling basics us everyday girls should keep in mind when going ombre.

 

Ask your hairstylist questions before he or she breaks out the hair dye
When you visit the salon, bring in photographs of ombre you like, as there are softer versus more severe, trendy versions. Be sure to mention how you typically style your hair. For example, if you blow-dry daily, ombre will look super shiny. And if your texture is air-dried, ombre looks amazing, too. Brunettes going ombre can oxidize (chemical process in which hair color changes shades when exposed to oxygen and UV rays), so make sure to ask about the right shampoos to use and about how light the ends will be.

 

The good news: ombre works on all complexions
Women with light skin tones have more room to play with, as you can go for a more copper color. For medium skin tones, I’d recommend a more neutral to ash ombre, giving contrast to your ends and making your eyes pop. Darker skin should choose cooler ombre as well. I wouldn’t recommend gold, as it will look too monochrome. The point of ombre is to enhance your skin tone, not match it.

 

With this hair color, upkeep is simple

Bare is Best!

PALE NAILS!!!

 

 

Fashion Isn't Only About What clothes you wear....

 

Recently I read an article in vogue which challenged my thinking on nail colours.  The spate of women sporting blue, yellow and purple fingers and toes ( As vogue would say "Nails Gone Wild Enthusiam") this winter intrigued me. and when I went for a pre-Luncheon manicure, I just could not do it. I have always been a nude, barely there, nail colour person.

 

 

As I have started buying key summer pieces I am falling in love with pastal shades, lots of pastal  jeans, shirts, dare I say, even shoes. However I am loving my colourless nails even more!

 

 

In March for my birthday and ever since then, I went for a Pale Nail look. It does look quite edgy and classy! and isn't it refreshing?? It's Perfect for spring and summer!

 

Below are My Pale Nail Looks.

 

A Pale Nail Look and A back to basics clear Nail Look.

 

 

The Pale Nail/ Clear Nail look is suitable for everyone, all skin shades and all complexions!! It has been worn on the runways of Alexnder Wang and Zak Posen Spring 2012. The designer Zak Posen asked the manicurist to choose nudes for each model based specifically on her complexion.

 

A model wears Butter London’s Nail Foundation at Altuzarra (left) and Coco Rocha models backstage at Zac Posen

 

 

 

For this pale nail/clear nail look:

 

 

Keep Your nails neat and clean. One of My favourite products to use to keep my hands soft and silky is the body shop wild rose hand cream, it has an SPF 15 and hydrates and helps protect againsr the appearance of spots. It smells devine!!!

 

Dare to Bare!!!

How to recover from a few days of eating like (add expletive here)

How To Recover From a Few Days of Eating Like Sh*t!!!

 

 

Since the previous weekend, I’ve felt bloated, tired, & slightly lethargic…until today. You know that post-Eating scene when you feel like a fat pig? Welp!!! That needed to disappear- stat. I wanted to show you all how to get back on track after a few days of eating badly:

 

++ How to Recover from a Few Days of Eating like Sh*t:

 

+ Sweat it out: that’s right. Don’t make excuses- it’s more effective to force yourself out of bed & sweat it all out, as opposed to lounging around. Today I did a Pilates class & then a bit of a jog on the treadmill. I cannot express how much better I felt. My endorphins kicked in- & boom!!! Instant recovery.

 

 

+ Example of a recovery meal plan:

 

- Breakfast: All Bran Flakes about 20/30 grams + an apple + tea or coffee with low fat or fat free milk

 

- Snack: watermelon or grapefruit slices [these are both 92 & 91 % water].

 

- Lunch: an open-faced sandwich [that means one slice ;)] with low fat mayo, sliced tomatoes, chili flakes, lettuce, & one chicken fillet.

 

- Snack: one apple, sliced and sprinkle salt over if you like.

 

- Dinner: load me up with veggies! Tonight will be a fresh salad, lettuce, cucumber, onion rings, carrots, even watermelon chunks if you desire. And a salt and pepper chicken with veggies on the side. [ Dressing for salad: a bit of  vinegar, little bit of low fat mayo, fresh lemon, garlic, & seasoning ]. Please avoid all other salad dressings as they are incredibly fattening and could be said to be as bad as a burger!

 

Dessert: fresh berries with squeezed lemon on top or a small piece of dark chocolate.

 

+ Water [ + some coffee & tea ]: drink as much water as possible. Coffee [ with a splash of cinnamon + nutmeg ] gives me a nice jolt. More than one cup & I turn into a full-blown maniac- lol. Green tea is full of antioxidants AND speeds the metabolism!

 

 

Eating Healthy isnt a crash diet, it is a lifestyle. So eat in moderation, enjoy yourself, you only live once, but dont live to eat... eat to live!!



THERE ARE NO UGLY WOMEN... JUST LAZY ONES!!

There are no ugly woman in this world, just lazy ones!!!


What do you think?

I think Coco is right. I think this statement is true of most ‘real-life’ women when it comes to the dressing of themselves each day. If they were honest they’d admit that they generally leave their homes each morning feeling frazzled and somewhat ugly – or shall I say feeling totally ugly!

Do they feel this way because they’re truly ugly or is it simply because they’re just lazy?

Like Coco Chanel, I don’t think there are any ugly women in this world but I do think there are a lot of lazy ones…*sigh*…unfortunate but true!

They’re lazy with regards to the amount of time, effort and thought that they choose to put into their appearance each and every day. Sadly they allow this lazy spirit to reside within by comforting themselves with the false belief that the modern woman need not be concerned with her outward appearance; it’s only what’s on the inside that counts. And fully knowing that most women they’ll pass on the street, the mall, office or about their city, will look as equally unkempt, dishevelled and unattractive as they do in their clothes continues to lull them into this state of ‘bad fashion’.

 I love the white skinny pants, As you know from my previous blog I am obsessed with it!! WHAT IS SO HARD ABOUT PUTTING IT ON IN THE MORNING?? Does it not look elegant??
I believe that in your closet you should have a few essentials, such as a good pair of jeans, a few nice shirts, a blazer or a jacket and some good but comfortable shoes. IF you have those, its easy to slip on and look good effortlessly!!
You dont have to be a fashionista or stylist to look good. In the above photo her skinny white pants, sunglasses and top are classic!! It can be worn anytime, anywhere, dressed up or down!

 This look is a bit 'busy' for my taste... however throw on a blaser, a good bag, sunnies and you ready to go!

A shirt dressed up with a necklace, Classic, Chic and effortless!!


It is this thinking, this ‘wrong’ thinking that I believe keeps ‘real-life’ women passive about their lack-luster style, dissatisfied with their personal appearance and therefore perceived as being ugly.

Why, why, why do ‘real-life’ women settle for mediocrity in their appearance when they don’t settle for it in any other place in their lives?

What do you think?

Let’s chit chat…