Trends

So the summer is over. We mustn't be sad it was an amazing one here in the Uk even though I spent the majority of it in Europe you could feel the energy pull from the British Isles. The Jubilee, Olympics and Paralympics the summer was electric.

I cannot comment on the weather in London but in Salzburg it was phenomenal which gave me a chance to wear a summer wardrobe quite novel for a Uk dweller. I ponder on these thoughts of a summer wardrobe as the temperature starts to slowly drop, London fashion week comes and goes and the stores start to introduce the next seasons trends. Exciting times and probably my favourite time of the year. I chance to update the wardrobe with this seasons new trends. What are you going to add? Lets look at our choices.

We have Brocade.

Rag & Bone, Salvatore and Dolce & Gabbana

Military,

Leather

To name but a few. There is also a frenzy of studs on everything. Gorgeous berry colours perfect for the Autumn. Patterns we've seen filter through from the summer with a slight change of colour. Metallic sci fi infusions, I love them all but what to choose? There are so many including tartan but I'll be staying away from that one due to over kill in school uniform(still traumatised) . You don't want over load or the break the bank. I suggest you have a good look in the magazines and blogs and see which trends jumps out at you the most and then go for it!

We are very lucky here in London to have a wide range of stores from high street to designer so what ever your budget you can get involved. I have picked a few low budget pieces to update my wardrobe. Some I have made as I have not seen anything I would want to spend my money on that I won't see on anyone else and some I've picked up at various places.

Firstly a Camouflage jacket I knocked up in about 4 hours this week.

My stud contribution. Leather jacket Exchange store,denim jacket customised by moi, flats Primark, ring Alexander McQueen, Bracelet Newlook.

And lastly some Brocade fabric I found. I'm thinking maybe a dress, will post photos when it's done.

Whatever your budget and your taste have fun with this seasons wears. There is so much you'll have a ball! DON'T WASTE THE PRETTY!X

Big business

So unfortunately of late my body has taken to waking up around 4am. I write this at 6.13 am. I try not to stress about these things. Maybe I'll check Facebook or twitter (thank god for my timelines) but more often than not I'll try and use this time constructively. This for me usually means checking out new lines of clothing or drooling over some stupidly expensive shoe and last week it meant keeping up to date on New York fashion week. Love Victoria Beckhams SS13 collection. However the last couple of days I have become obsessed with watching Youtube tutorials. On what you may ask?

Well about two months ago I decided to go natural and by which I mean my hair. You see I like many many other black women had a relaxer put on my hair at a young age, 10 to be precise. Don't get me wrong I requested and probably protested for this to happen on a family holiday to the USA (of course). For those of you that don't know what a relaxer is it is a strong chemical based cream applied to the hair to relax curls/afro to make it straight, some say more manageable. As a child in the 80's(yes I know I don't look it hehe) I felt as if it was literally a waiting game to get a relaxer so my hair would flow and blow in the wind like the european girls at school and plus all of the older girls and women in my life had one so I couldn't wait. So one sunny day in New York we did it and I absolutely loved the affect. I thought I was Pochantas, flicking and touching all the time.

Now I am blessed to have thick hair that could withstand the chemical torrent that is a relaxer but nether the less it got thinner over the years. The last couple of years I have changed my lifestyle slightly with regards to diet and the things I put into my body. I am by no means a health freak as I still partake in the odd cigarette and glass of wine but one step at a time people! I changed brands of cleansers and shampoos to organic but was still relaxing. This to me seemed pointless so I decided to stop. Scary, as it has been part of my life for over 20 years so I went to the only place a women of these times does, online!

People let me tell you , well you all probably already know as I can be a little slow on the uptake. There are a multitude of sites and blogs and vlogs all geared towards girls oops I mean women (I keeps doing that) like me who are making the "transition" back to natural. It is so nice to read and see all of the styles and women and the support there is. All declaring that it is ok and actually beautiful to be natural because lets face it that is not really what society says to us. We are as a race brain washed and it is deep rooted. Do not get me wrong people I love a weave and I know at some point in the future I will have another probably 18" long because if your going to do it go hard! But underneath that said weave will be natural healthy unrelaxed unchemically petrified hair.

As with all change it is daunting but exhilarating at the same time. We all know our hair does not define us but is does sometimes change the way we act and hold ourselves. Will I change my approach to fashion? These are all things I have to contend with and I am happy to do so as these are not problems but refreshing snippets in my life. Plus if it gives me an excuse to go shopping it can only be a positive experience!

Some may think whats the big deal non black or people of colour grow out hair colours and perms all the time but it is a big deal. Afro hair is big industry, have you not seen the movie?

Anyway until next time. Here is a shot of me at 3 half months transition.

A few more you'll see Sloange Knowles and Viola Davis onatural

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Summer of love

Without sounding like and absolute gush bag I've had the best summer. Moroccan weddings, festivals and a hedonistic month in the Austrian mountains. Pure heaven. Throw in a little work and I mean little and we have the summer of love. I am a city girl born and breed so my eyes have truly been opened to the wonders of the great outdoors this summer. Picture this you are booked to work on an Opera previously performed at Easter. You rock up to Salzburg and realise that your days off far out number your working days. Fabulous! Salzburg in the summer is a hive of opera fabulousness. At any point of the day you can spot people dressed in their best, sauntering around the town coming and going to concerts and operas. It was funny as you could smell the money around town. It is definitely an affluent town which is all good because we all love money but I got to see the beautiful natural side of Salzburg on this trip and I will never forget it. I climbed a mountain. Ok well maybe a third of a mountain. Dipped in a mountain river/waterfall. Swam in a huge lake ok so maybe paddled but all in all me and the nature were walking hand in hand for a while. There are places in this world that are truly beautiful and I'm so lucky to have seen some of it. Gush over check these out. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4SE6PnZ9JY&feature=plcp

I cliff jump with some brave people.

Just a casual photo shoot on the rocks

Behind us is a 30 foot drop. I must say although I found inspiration in the country side the fashion was still lacking. In four weeks I saw one lady who could have been travelled to another country and held her own. I know in the big scheme of things this means nothing but I love fashion. Any how until next time. DON'T WASTE THE PRETTY!X

Medals Mud and Makings

I am very proud to tell you all that I received a medal for the work I have done in Afghanistan along with some colleagues. To be honest I didn't realised how much of a big deal it was until the day as we were presented our medals by the top dog of the forces. By now I should know all of the official terms but don't ha. I am very proud and grateful for all of the opportunities I have had in my career, may they keep coming. Check me out Charlotte and I. My dress by Reiss, fascinator by me and shoes Melissa for Vivienne Westwood Anglomania.Charlotte's wears classic Louboutin pumps with a believe it or not very high street dress. Love the mix of high street and designer.

I manage to get down to Wireless again this year which was great. For those of you that live in the Uk you will know that our summer so far has been an total wash out but as true Brits we are powering through with our summer activities. Wellies, umbrellas, sun glasses and denim cut offs all at the ready. Unlike previous years we arrived quite late in the day to Wireless as the sun wasn't representing and my idea of fun is not standing in the rain watching the Rizzle Kicks (sorry dudes). As always the best was saved for last and this came in the shape of Jessie Jay and Rihanna. I sang my guts out with another couple thousand people and danced as the heavens opened. Funny enough as Rihanna dedicated her last tune "Umbrella" to us Londoners not a drop of rain fell on us not that this mattered as we all had our umbrellas open and swaying. Its at times like that I love London. Summer 2012 is and will truly be one to remember. Enjoy peeps!

All foot wear wrecked in the best way!

I must say I have had great fun making a few bit recently. I find I can't push myself to create things on a weekly basis but when I get the bug I really go for it and make surplus. I hope you like them to! "we found love" jacket and cute bow/fascinators. So

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Hello World

Hello world! I've been MIA for a while. So much going on and a real mixed bag. From red sole shoe exhibitions to brief visits to the hospital. Learning amazing choreography and becoming a want to be Yogi. Whats funny is the thing that has resonated in me and brought me out of my writers slump is my realisation of being a brand snob. I hear the gasp from you all and I also here the realisation in your minds as you think about your own consumption and wonder "am I a brand snob?". The answer is probably yes I afraid. I know the current climate may curb such snobbery in certain instances in my world this is confined to things like kitchen towels and cleaning products. I am not ashamed of my thoughts behaviour or actions in anyway it is what it is. I just thought I was more open minded with regards to the underdog. I mean I am British, we love the underdog. Now obviously this brand loving rears its snobby head in my fashion prowess. I shall explain try not fall asleep. I have long loved the Dr Marten boot. It started with my love for TLC you know 90's r'n'b girl group. To look like said band DM's were a must so after long badgery my parents relented. I wore them until the heel was worn right down and this is no mean feat I tell you. Fashion changes and I stayed away from them for a while but about 5 years ago I felt the need to purchase another pair. Still with me? My need was so great for these boots I bought them a little snug on one foot. I then spent the next five years wearing them on average twice a year and working through the pain. After a little time of reflection I decided to rid myself of all unnecessary items of clothing and accessories. The to small DM's had to go so I sold them to then buy again in the right size. The selling experience was not great for me they sold for £20!!! I know I am clearly rubbish at selling. Sensible me wants to replace with a very similar style boot. In jumps the snobbery. I tried for the sake of the equilibrium in my bank balance to love the alternatives but alas the brand won. Have a look and make up you own mind. Black 8 hole Dr Martens Black River Island boot River Island boot Pink Dr Martens However when it comes to my other senses and with this I mean smell. I have opted for a very none branded perfume originating from Moroccan amber. It cost £2 and smells divine. Where is my snobbery now? Life is strange. Great to be back! DON'T WASTE THE PRETTY!x

Salzburg sun

Allo! I write this wonderfully overdue post on a very beautiful sunny Sunday in Salzburg.  I have been here for two weeks and I am having the most amazing time.
Lets start with the work.  You may have read before that I am dancing in the Opera of Carmen in Salzburg.  This is my first Opera experience and can honestly say nothing can prepare you for the sound that comes from these seemingly human opera singers, it is simply phenomenal.  I am not a gushy person but I am undeniably working some of the most talented people ever.  Creative Director and choreographer  Aletta Collins minds works in a way that no mere mortals can, she sees and can jump into any character no matter how small or large at any time and often does to our amusement and total ewe.  We then have Opera legend Jonas Kaufmann.  I had no clue who this dude was three weeks ago and now I have the pleasure of seeing him perform nearly every day and it can get pretty emotional I tell you.  You have to understand I am  South London girl(ok woman) who loves 90's r'n'b and drum and bass.  I have never had any interest in Opera before but after being a part of this one I will definitely  go and see some more.  The sounds that come from these people are out of this world and they are not even singing to there fullest yet.
Sir Simon Rattle is our conductor again I knew nothing of this man, just that he shakes a stick at musicians.  How wrong was I.  The man is fabulous.  He brings the singers the chorus and even us dancer out of ourselves and yes I mean singing, us dancers are singing albeit very timidly.  Me personally I just like his face.  It is so warm and disarming. Watching him and Aletta work just makes me want to be better.  That is a fabulous thing.

Aletta Collins

Sir Simon Rattle

The City of Salzburg is very beautiful and quaint.  It is a very rich city with lots to see museums, castles and lakes and there is a national dress that people actually wear!  It was the home to the Von Trapp family and Mozart and I'm sure much more but I haven't got around to them yet.  I must say was a little miffed at Mozart's former home now being an up market Spar supermarket.
As I said Salzburg is a rich city but in no way a fashion haven in my opinion.  Yes there is a national dress which I greatly respect but I have not seen one person with great individual style.  Most people are well dressed but they all look the same and in my opinion very vanilla and the shops reflect this much to my bank balances delight! Who knows maybe some one will put me gang to rights in the following week but until then....

Mozarts house, what a same.

National dress.  It's very cleveragey. 

One of many interesting fashion stores.  I wonder of Vogue magazine know of this? 

Last but by no means least I have to praise my fellow Carmen gypsy dancers.  We are so diverse with people from Paraguay to Paris each bringing their bit of flavour to the stage.  The talent is immense and the laughs even better.  I don't think Salzburg (especially the night life) quite know what has hit them!

Gypsy girls in rehearsal studio

Manon's lovely profile by the river

Getting some rays by the river.  Just a casual lunch.

I can't wait to see how this all pans out but till then...

DON'T WASTE THE PRETTY!X

90's vs now

What's up folks? I have had such a privileged week getting my creative juices flowing, going to see live music and seeing friends in fabulously cool places, what a week.

So after nearly a year of writing a blog and a few attempts at writing other bits and bobs I decided to take myself off to a Creative writing course recommended by a friend.  The course "Creative writing for beginners" is run by a lovely married couple Susan Oudot and David Wingrove at their home.  I won't relay the whole schedule of the day but I will say that it was great and has definitely given me more confidence with my ideas and the knowledge to push forward.  They also had the coolest home and are super successful through hard work and determination.  Being in their space made me want to be better and that can never be a bad thing!

Our group. The whole wall was lined with books.

Very eclectic taste, some would say fruity 

Then on to see 90's legends SWV, Dru Hill, Genuine and Silk at Hammersmith Apollo.  What a great night of sing along fun!  It did get me thinking about the voices around at the moment, I mean all of the artistes are belters with great range and emotion.  I am very aware that I'm not up to date with the current music scene but I don't need to be as having the radio on any popular culture station voices and songs should stand out right?  And they do but not a patch on these guys.  Stuck in a time warp much Marvon?
Anywho here is a shot but is very blurry.  It would seem that my multi tasking skills are lacking singing dancing and photography, not good.

SWV Sisters With Voices

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=h6qiV2nS6Js

The end of the week was dinner at Bistro Du Vin on Dean Street.  There was a lovely relax feel to the restaurant that I think was due to the very competent and complimentary staff.  Every fashionista loves this type of staff!  The menu was pretty simple which is good as I want to spend my time catching up with my friends not trying to decipher the menu.  Everyone was happy.
For drinks a quick walk around the corner to the quirky Soho Arts club where all of the drinks are served in tea cups and mugs.  This in itself was lethal as you are unaware of how much you top up but such fun times.  The musical theme of the night was 80's which was awesome although I do think the Dj should have mixed it up a little.  Saying that I did manage to sing "when will I be famous" by Bros and "Breakout" by Swing Out Sister word for word!
Didn't bother me for long as I clocked this cool chick in a Henrik Vibskov  kaftan and you know how much fashion make me happy.

Cool kaftan chick.

Perfect accessories 

Raspberry Ricket ummmm

One of my besties and I wearing some of this seasons must haves, neon and feathers.  I only wish the photo was clearer as the feather jacket is immense!

Me. Neon skirt by Asos, Jacket Zara Vintage clutch and Diesel boots.   Feather jacket custom made.

LOVE AND LIGHT
DON'T WASTW THE PRETTY!X