fashion

Power dressing – the feminine touch.

Posted on by Keya

Good afternoon to you my sleek stylistas,

Well so much has changed since my last blog post. After much deliberation and decision making, we decided to end our chapter in Qatar and I am now living back home in London. I have also since started a new job – slightly more senior than I had been previously which is a huge challenge but mega exciting. Quite fittingly for this months post we are going to delve into the tricky world of power dressing but keeping it feminine.

All images courtesy of google images)

Whenever I hear the words power dressing, I can’t help but be reminded of Oliver Twist – sooty faced chimney sweeps on one end of the spectrum and gentlemen in elegant three piece suits with a slick hairstyle to match on the other. It does seem like quite an old fashioned notion especially as today’s fast fashion is one in which we embrace our individuality and what we wear today is yesterday’s news once it’s picture has been posted on social media – however power dressing has had a serious upheaval in recent years.

As I recall I’ve mentioned in earlier posts, the very first time I watched the series Suits on TV with Jessica wearing an one shouldered monochrome dress with sky high Christian Louboutins and Rachel in fitted a line dresses or shirts and pencil skirt combos I was sold. I knew that I wanted to improve the way I dressed in the office too.

One of the fond memories I have from living in a conservative state in the UAE is it really made me think twice about the length of my skirt or whether my shoulders were covered each day. I really liked how elegant I felt in midi skirts or floaty long sleeve tops and trousers. I have always believed in the less is more approach to dressing anyway so being covered up in the work place felt natural and comfortable.

In my new role I wanted to embrace that new style into my wardrobe so I find my day to day go to’s are knee length fitted dresses with a jacket and heels or tailored chinos with a smart top and heels. It really doesn’t have to cost a fortune, I find by mix and matching my jackets or cardigans or shoes with certain outfits it can look completely new and is extremely versatile.

Because my days are so fluid in the office also I never know when I will have to attend an impromptu meeting so I find a simple shift dress with paired back accessories and simple hair can take you from boardroom to after work team building with ease.

One of my absolute style crushes for work wear at the moment is Amal Clooney. She effortlessly puts outfits together so beautifully and she looks amazing whether she is attending a red carpet event or spending a day in the office. There is something so chic about a twin set and pearls and she really pulls off the old school 50s Hollywood glamour.

So whether you prefer a sharply tailored suit or a ankle length pleated dress and jacket for your work wardrobe, just remember in a proverbial mans world we can still be feminine and on trend with or without the trousers in the board room.

Until next time,

Take care

Keya x

Fast fashion – the True Cost.

Posted on by Keya

Good afternoon to you my fashionista friends,

A short while ago, I watched a documentary on Netflix called “The True Cost” (an absolute must watch if you are as fashion conscious as I am) and it had such a profound effect on me. I knew immediately it was something I needed to research in more detail and share with my readers. Therefore, this month we delve into the world of Fast Fashion.

(All images courtesy of google images)

I was in tears by the end of the documentary as it goes into great detail about the working conditions in textile factories in some of the most poverty stricken, third world countries in the world. Mothers can be seen bent crookedly over their sewing machines whilst their newborn babies are swaddled in a blanket at their feet, whilst others earn so little money each month they have to send their children to live with relatives in distant villages because they cannot afford to provide basic human needs for their families.

It really puts a spot light on the influence of how Fashion has evolved so dramatically even in my lifetime. The demand for ready to wear collections; seen one day on the catwalk and then available in stores the very next is now the norm – but at what cost?

I was absolutely appalled to see how in some remote regions in India, because of the harsh chemicals used to dye leathers and suedes, the local rivers which provide drinking water to its inhabitants are now heavily polluted. These areas do not have access to bottled drinking water like we in the western world take for granted, so they risk severe illness and even death by consuming it.

Or when textile workers complained to their senior management about unsafe working conditions in a factory in Dhaka which was ignored, Rana Plaza came crashing down to a pile of rubble in May 2013, killing over a thousand people albeit barely making international news channels. These companies are under such pressure to produce garments as cheap as possible, with the notion of if they refuse, the fashion houses will just find another factory to fabricate their collection even cheaper.

It really puts me into such a conundrum. I, like everyone I know will shop in high street chain stores where you know you will be getting basic items at minimal prices because frankly we all love a bargain. That feeling of buying a dress which was originally £50 but only amounted to £19.99 when you go to the checkout counter is an instant endorphin boost. I wholeheartedly admit that with the world of social media and digital technology, the ideology of being able to wear a new outfit every time you socialise with your friends is highly coveted but not sustainable at all. What with rising costs of living, bills and supporting families – many of us do not have anything extra from our salaries to purchase frivolous clothing.

I also believe however, that spending a bit more on classic, well made items ensure they really do stand the test of time. A wonderful example of this is a well worn Burberry trench coat is now one of my prized possessions after it was handed down to me by my mum. It comes out in the Spring every year and must be at least 20 years old but utterly timeless in my opinion.

I guess my passion for Fashion has predominantly come from seeing masters like Manolo Blahnik lovingly going to his factory in Italy every few months where he insists on making the sample shoe of each style himself, teaching his staff the skills and quality he brings to his brand. And Dries Van Noten ensuring all of his textile factory staff are taught how to sew couture gowns and intricate sequin work by hand as he wants his legacy of dress making to continue long after his reign in the industry has surpassed. When you learn that a standard Michael Kors bag can be made in 20 minutes whereas a Hermes Birkin can take easily 24 hours as it’s all hand made – you can fully understand how the costs can vary so dramatically.

Personally I have learned that I as one person will never be able to change the world myself by refusing to wear animal products or only choosing to buy clothing from high end designers perhaps once a year instead of for that special occasion you would like to look your best for, but by consciously thinking about where the item was made and if you really need it instead of merely wanting it – day by day you can make a difference to your own life and your loved ones around you. I believe one small act of kindness or compassion achieved by us all, will collectively make a lasting impression in the world for our future generations.

Until next time,

Keya x

An ode to Oud

Posted on by Keya

Good day to you my sweetly perfumed patrons,

Just over a month into my time here in the Middle East, I felt it imperative to immerse myself in the local culture and traditions as much as possible. It is such a different way of life to my own upbringing back in the UK, but immensely interesting.

As a predominately Muslim country, I have personally witnessed many people taking part in Wudu, which is the religious ceremony of washing one’s hands, faces, feet and arms prior to prayer. Another facet to this ritual of cleanliness is scent which is what I wanted to delve into in this months post.

When you walk into any fragrance store here you are instantly subjected to an overload to the senses. Firstly you have the utter visual beauty of the glass bottles displayed on the shelves, secondly the heady scents of incense, Amber and the rich woody texture of Oud fills your nostrils and finally tracing your fingertips over the amazing tapestry of presentation boxes can easily transport you to a traditional store in a souk in Morocco or Saudi Arabia.

Auod/ Oud or agar wood as it is also known, is one of the most expensive woods in the world with an average price per kilo as QAR 40,000. The wood can be burned on its own to perfume an individuals home, or more commonly the oil from it is used as the base for many perfumes. It’s rich, powerful aroma is instantly recognisable.

With agar wood as the base note of the scent, other delights like incense, Amber, or strawberry (the list could go on) are amalgamated to form the most incredible scents. Many are unisex with women preferring the bolder hints of the masculine eau’s and the lighter, more fruity feminine fragrances are used by men subsequently.

The delightful concoctions are not just limited to our skin either with many people opting for perfumed hair sprays and body musks to ensure they all are smelling deliciously fresh and clean in the summer heat.

These fragrances are not just a wonder for our noses either, the opulent and luxurious bottle designs would not look out of place in the palace of Versailles, however we too can have our own slice of exquisiteness on our dressing tables at home.

It is utterly impossible not to walk out of an Arabian perfume shop without having a huge smile on your face and more than likely owning your own personal scent bottle also. Our senses are heightened everyday with the world around us and sometimes a certain smell can remind us of a lost loved one or transport us back to a childhood memory at the drop of a hat.

We decide everyday what outfit, lipstick colour or shoes to wear, who says our perfume choice can’t be included in our daily routine also?

Until next time,

Take care

Keya x

Art attack.

Posted on by Keya

Good day to you my creative characters,

Firstly I must apologise for my lack of blog posts recently. Life can be so busy at times and in the last few months I’ve been maid of honour at my cousins wedding in Spain, moved in with my amazing partner and also been promoted to a new job – so please forgive me for not having a chance to give you all some awesome new material.

For this months post though I wanted to talk about Art and it’s many forms. This past weekend we spent our Saturday afternoon strolling around the vintage stores in Brick Lane and there is just a plethora of street art around each corner. We stumbled upon a pop art gallery which was simply incredible.

Some of the exhibition can be seen below:-

Whether it be Street, modern, classical, theatrical, pop or anything else in between – Art really can come in so many different forms which is what I love. We all have our individual passions and things we do in our free time to unwind or relax – mine is creative writing. Putting pen to proverbial paper is so cathartic for me as I am such an introvert in my day to day life, that dreams and my imagination can take me wherever I want to go when I sit down to write.

I have a keen interest in Fashion illustration and although I am not the best yet, I still enjoy seeing the picture form under my pencil tip with each stroke and the sense of satisfaction you receive when you see the finished picture is second to none.

Have you ever thought seriously about what makes you happy? Whether it be catching up on the weeks worth of tv soaps, feeling the wind cutting through your hair and your trainers hitting the tarmac on your thrice weekly jog or reminiscing with your close friend about childhood memories over a glass of wine – try to do what makes YOU jubilant whenever you get the chance.

As 2018 is frantically coming to a conclusion once more, it makes you realise how short life really is – the washing can be done tomorrow, the medical form can be completed later – now it is time to embrace your own version of contentment.

Until next time, take care

Keya x

Happy holidays

Posted on by Keya

Good day to you my vacation loving vixens,

Apologies for the delay in getting this months blog post written. As I’m sure a lot of you also are in the midst of, I have just got back from taking an extremely needed break away to Spain. What with my full time job, teaching my spinning classes, spending time with my loved ones and investing my time in writing my blog you can imagine how I jumped at the chance to get away with one of my girlfriends to Europe this month.

(Image courtesy of google images)

The combination of sun, sea, sangria and snoozing on the beach was amazing beyond belief and I have come back home feeling relaxed, recharged and ready to face the second half of 2018.

I have been extremely fortunate enough in my nearly 32 years on this earth to have been on some unforgettable vacations around the world and I have seen some incredible natural wonders along the way. However, one thing I feel I am slowly getting better at but still haven’t mastered is the art of packing – especially lightly. Haha.

I remember when I was in my late teens/ early twenties and we would be escaping for our summer holiday as a family. I used to take a full 14 day’s outfits both for day and evening time and only wear a handful of them especially during the daytime where you mainly live in your bikini and beach towel anyway! Why do we feel we need to pack everything but the kitchen sink as if we cannot possibly buy anything that we may have forgotten at our destination?

Granted it does depend on where you are going and what kind of holiday it is. Obviously you need a different wardrobe style for a 4 day city break than you do for a weeks beach trip but I thought I would highlight my top tips for packing smartly this year.

For daytime I completely encourage that for a weeks holiday you can pack a different bikini or swimsuit for every day if you are lucky enough to have them (I was guilty as charged of this on my recent break.) One little word of advice though – make sure they are a similar size and style (I am partial to a bandeau top) as you really won’t want to look like a patchwork quilt of tan-lines by the end of the holiday 😊

For daytime I am definitely a cut off shorts and vest kind of woman. I usually pack a few pairs of either denim or chino style which can be mix and matched with various tops so it looks like a completely new outfit each day – result!

For those balmy summer nights believe me from experience you will be not be putting on your highest Jimmy Choo shoes each evening (unless you are staying in a exclusive resort destination then lucky you). My go to is definitely a smart pair of tan leather wedges. They literally go with everything, accentuate your tan and also give you that coveted bit of height us average height ladies NEED! Mine are from Guess but the high street also does some awesome styles too – try Zara or New Look to bag your own pair.

(Image courtesy of google images)

Clothes wise what on earth do you wear when the weather is still hotter then bath water and the sun is high in the sky until 9pm? For me, someone who loves the warm weather but feels their body just wants to expel all water as soon as I step off the airplane – then my go to attire is loose fit boho style dresses or fitted A line styles in bright colours or prints.

By keeping your hair and make up natural you can really go to town on your outfits as holiday dress can be so much more fun and eccentric than your everyday style – embrace it! By packing smartly and efficiently, who knows you might even have space in your luggage for a nice memento to remind you of your time away also. Well that is what I am telling myself ahead of my trip to Cyprus in a few weeks anyway ☺️

Until next time, take care

Keya x

London in lights

Posted on by Keya

Good morning my bashful Brit’s,

Yes, that time has once again come around for London to showcase its first fashion week of 2018, held in February. I always feel a huge sense of pride that my home city is one of the lucky places on the fashion calendar to hold its own fashion week amongst the greats in Milan, Paris et al. Below I give you some of my favourite looks and the key emerging trends from the S/S shows.

(All images courtesy of google images)

Victoria Beckham

Her collections up to now have always lives up to her namesake in the Spice girls and this show did not disappoint. She paired buttoned up blouses with floaty, pleated skirts and court shoes and super soft knitwear with high waisted trousers in warming maroons and lilacs. I love how VB has found her niche of elegant workwear style which can easily transcend to after work drinks with friends or an impromptu business meeting with an potential new client. There really is no excuse not to feel your best in her designs.

Mulberry

I always think fondly of trips to Selfridges when I was young wandering around the designer bag hall, gently tracing my fingers along the butter soft leathers and classic styling of this infamous accessories design house. Fast forward many moons and I have fallen in love once again with the almost princess like designs seen below in the palest of pinks against the stark contrast of the strapless body peeking out from underneath. In comparison to the matching prints shown later in the show in autumnal hues of browns and burnt oranges – it really was a show which shocked your visionary senses.

Temperley

I have always thought of Temperley as a brand synonymous with the central London elite – people who shop for their scarves and hats in Liberty, chutneys and jams in Fortnum and Masons and their stockings in Wolford – an older demographic than my generation but this years collection has hit the nail on the head. Every look that sashayed down the runway had young, fun and fresh all over it. I particularly loved the simple black roll neck sweaters teamed with the paisley print ankle skimming skirts and also the long sleeve blue panelled dress would not look out of place in my work wardrobe with a pair of buckled ankle boats and my oversized Armani high necked winter coat. Oh so elegant.

House of Holland

I would be lying if I said I didn’t want to secretly hangout at any of the members clubs around our beautiful city in the hopes of somehow becoming friends with Henry Holland. He has just always seemed like such a genuine, down to earth guy and every collection graces my favourite celebrities as soon as it is shown on the runway. This years showcase was no different. There was a play on the trusty football fan or Harry Potter house emblem scarves tied jauntily to one side over polka dot dresses which captured the London way of dressing entirely; oh wait, it’s a little chillier than I expected outside, let me add another layer….it all just worked perfectly and FYI Henry, I still want to grab a drink with you next time you are home! Haha.

Burberry

Oh Burberry, my life long friend. I remember clearly when I was in secondary school and I caught the first glimpse of one of your amazing bags in the shop window of the flagship Bond Street store. It was love at first sight. I even still have my classic camel trench coat which was handed down to me by my mum (who used to wear it when she was my age – it fits me like a glove, what are the odds!)

Although now I am more into the subtler approach to wearing this luxury brand I really loved the almost pyjama style design of the matching suits and visors displayed in this show. Also the tribute to love conquers all with the rainbow pride colours filled me with so much joy. The world is evolving so much, fashion needs to morph with it too I say.

Richard Quinn

And last but not least I cannot fail to mention our royal highness gracing the front row of the Richard Quinn show. Whilst there to present him with the best newcomer designer of the year award she didn’t disappoint in showcasing her own unique style in a matching twin set in the lightest grey and simple but elegant pearl earrings. She was the perfect backdrop to the beautifully colourful designs gliding along the catwalk in front of her.

What other city in the world, pairs fashion royalty in the likes of luxury brands which have withstood economic recession and the test of decades in the business, the ever present front row maverick Anna Wintour and ACTUAL royalty HRH Queen Elizabeth – London as always we salute you.

Until next time, take care

Keya x

Coming into focus.

Posted on by Keya

Good morning to you my visual media vixens,

For this months blog post, I am ecstatic to have been able to interview my friend Garry McManus, who is an Ibiza based videographer. His talent for capturing those intimate and special moments on a couple’s wedding day is a rare gift, which I am sure you will see from some of the pictures I have included in this post. Without further ado, I introduce to you Garry.

(Images courtesy of Maria Simon photography)

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Hi Garry, thank you for agreeing to this interview. For those of my followers who don’t know you, can you just explain where you live and what you do for a living?

Hi Keya, first of all I´d like to say a big thank you for asking me to feature on your blog.
I live in Ibiza and have been here full-time for the last 4 years since my son Noah was born here on Dec 8th 2013.  I´ve been coming to Ibiza since 2004 and fell in love with the island many years ago. The energy here is like nowhere else in the world and it just feels like home so it just always felt right being here and where I feel like myself more than anywhere else in the world. It´s funny looking back to 2004 as I had never been to Ibiza apart from when I was too young to remember and I just booked a one way ticket thinking I´ll see what happens…
That summer I stayed for 4 months and things worked out so well it was crazy but little did I know that this beautiful island had so much more in store for me. It´s hard to explain but it´s been the making of me in that I have my beautiful son Noah here and the career I dreamt of. I sometimes joke and say I´ll wake up one day back in my old life but for now the dream is real and I keep that in mind everyday to stay focussed.
I have my own business here called Infin8 Images which I started back in 2014 working as a videographer which is my absolute dream. It started as a hobby just back in 2011 when I was travelling through Asia & India and I´m just drawn to it all the time and work from home when I´m not filming so I often find myself at the computer editing. It´s my meditation and I love it so I´m happy to put in the hours. As Steve Jobs once said… The only way to do great work is to love what you do. I´m fortunate that I’ve found that and to do it in a place like Ibiza but the journey to this point was far from easy. You just have to take a leap of faith and give it everything if you really want to do the thing you love.
I actually met you at one of the amazing Swankys events a number of years ago. Do you have fond memories of those years?
Yes we met many years ago during a different stage in my life. I have some great memories from those days and the guy´s from that era of my life are all still my best friends to this day with Parris also living here in Ibiza and the godfather to my son so we´re still close. He´s a DJ so we´re both in the creative industry and now we often have a chess night with a glass of red wine to wind down and chill as we both have hectic work schedules. Swanky´s was really the first of it´s kind with what we did and so many people had a lot of fun so I always look back with fond memories but I´m happy to have moved on to the next chapter in my life now.

3) Do you ever miss the modelling world?

No I don´t miss it at all. I never really enjoyed it to be honest and only really liked doing jobs with the guys so I was happy to leave that all behind. Many of my friends have had great careers in modelling but I feel much more at home behind the camera filming.
What made you get into videography and how did you start out?
I always loved photography but my background is in sport. When I first left school I was a professional footballer doing that for 3 years at Southampton until the age of 19 when I was released and my whole world fell apart as I had no clue what to do from there. I was fortunate enough to get into the modelling and promo world whilst at uni meeting some amazing people along the way all through my 20s doing some really fun jobs so I was having fun working but I always knew that it wasn´t a long-term career path and often thought what my next step would be but never really knew until I had the urge to buy my first DSLR camera back in 2009. I was heading over to New York for a few days and thought it would be cool to get a camera and take some nice pictures. I had a blast and people loved the pictures which gave me the confidence to pursue it. Being around the modelling world at the time helped as I was able to do some test shoots with friends and it kind of picked up from there. I then went travelling through Asia in India over a 2 year period where I really got into it and fell in love with taking pictures. It took me to some incredible places especially through India but I never had it in my mind about being a career as it was so hard to break into the world of photography and make money so I always just thought it would be a hobby. Maybe the best thing I did was starting to film whilst in Cambodia during 2011 and teaching myself how to edit as I went. I´m sure those first videos would make me cringe but it´s a progression and everything has to start somewhere so I have to thank my 2011 for starting as it ultimately created the opportunity to have the life I have now.
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What is your favourite kind of shoot to do?

My main line of work is filming weddings. It´s been an incredible journey from 2014 to now which I sometimes look at and say how did this happen, it´s crazy but I appreciate every minute of it. The thought of filming weddings back in the early days around 2012-2013 when I was still living in the UK didn´t interest me and I thought I´d never do it but as soon as I did my first wedding here in Ibiza I was hooked. It´s a whole different ball game and the weddings here are amazing. That´s not to say the weddings in England aren´t good but I just feel like I´m in a bubble here and everything reflects that. I will often have client meetings sat around swimming pools with Noah playing in the pool splashing us which wouldn´t happen in the UK and that makes it feel extra special having him involved on some level.

It´s a very personal experience filming a wedding so I like to meet the couple before the big day and really get to know them so we´re more like friends and they feel comfortable with me having the camera on them. During the day I try to be in the background as much as possible but during the getting ready shots i´m often in hotel rooms with a lot of people so they have to feel at ease with me being there so I get the natural shots.

Also, knowing that they´ll have the film in the family for the rest of there lives and beyond makes it a very special experience and creates a really nice connection between myself and the couple. The feedback over the years has been incredible which I don´t get from shooting anything else like fashion as an example which makes it all worthwhile and makes me want to create something special for every couple.

Couple´s often have film screening parties at home and send me little video clips of everyone watching which makes it feel very real and that´s when I feel the pressure as up until then i´m on my own making the edit so seeing people watch it and their reaction makes me see and feel the importance of doing a great job by giving the couple a film there proud to share.

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Besides work, what hobbies do you have or what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Well I have to be honest that over the last 2 years it´s been non stop work as things have really taken off now so I´ve neglected my hobbies for the time being but when I had the time and when I go back to them my hobbies include… Kite surfing, Bike rides, gym and i´ll be doing a yearly snowboarding holiday with Noah. For me, kite surfing is the one which I learnt 2 years ago and plan to do some amazing adventures around the world kite surfing in all the best places with Noah making a movie of our life together as we go. I´ve been filming him since he was born with this in mind so now that he´s getting a little older we can start doing some adventure sports and make things a lot more interesting. It´s going to be amazing, I can´t wait to share those experiences with him seeing his face.
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Have you mastered the work/ life balance?Definitely not! I´m a workaholic but if I´m honest I was always drawn to taking pictures, filming and editing when I wasn´t working back before this was my career so now I just get to do what I enjoy the most and can make a nice life from so I never feel like I´m working. I do have to get the balance back in my life more than I have now but starting a business from scratch doing something I haven´t made money from previously in another country isn´t easy but I´m happy that it´s paid off so I´m happy to work as much as I need to make things the best they can be.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?
Right now I call these the building years… It´s like playing chess. I have my goals and surround myself everyday with my vision board which is now a whole wall full of things I want to attract into my life but it´s not about the material possessions it´s about the freedom and the choice to do what I want whenever I want with the people I love. I want to create a life full of adventure that I can share with my family and friends and film the moments along the way so we never forget. I didn´t have much growing up but I owe my determination to that upbringing and wouldn´t change it for the world but I want my mum to have a nice life so I have that in mind. I´d love to be the best wedding videographer in the world so right now my focus with work is on that and then I´d like to branch out into other areas of filming but I also love boats and plan to buy a boat so I can go between filming and being out on the boat fusing the 2 together as I´d be filming people have fun on the boat so for sure in 10 years that´s the life I imagine living here in Ibiza. And then travelling with my family having adventures and seeing the world together during the winter months.
Thank you so much for your time Garry. For those of my readers who are looking for a Videographer, what is the best way to get in touch with you?
If you´d like to see any of my films you can view them via my Vimeo site – https://vimeo.com/user7009494
My website www.infin8images.com is currently being updated with lots of great new content at the moment. If you´d like to contact me for any work related inquiries you can email me at infin8images2016@gmail.com.

Now for a bit of fun, here is my infamous quick-fire round. Just answer with the first one which comes into your head. 

Sea or snow?Sea

Book or podcast?Book

Formal wear or casual? Casual but I do love a good suit.

Couture or street style?Street style

Beach or pool side?Hmmm… Beach

Clubbing or bar hopping?Bar hopping but prefer a good restaurant with nice food and a glass of red wine.

Photographs or videos?Videos

until next time, take care

Keya

Forza Italia

Posted on by Keya

Good day to you my stylish superstars,

This past week we saw Milan Mens Fashion Week and it did not disappoint. For this instalment, I have picked out the key looks which certainly piqued my interest for the start of 2018.

(All images courtesy of google images)

1) Colour

Whether it was suits in bold primary colours or just a hint in a tie or sock, this year was all about colour. Continuing with the theme of trouser legs tapering in tight at the ankle and paired with a box fresh pair of trainers, this look was everywhere last week. If you are a little uncomfortable with going with head to toe colour, ease into it with one standout piece (it could even be a colourful pocket-chief to begin with) then as your confidence improves, up the standout ante.

2) Head and Eyewear combos.

From earlier posts, you would know I LOVE sunglasses. In my opinion, there is nothing that brings an outfit together like a perfectly coordinated pair of eyewear. This season though, when these eye wonders were paired with a fedora or trilby, it amped up the style to an 11. Even in the harshest of European winters, there is no excuse to not keep your head warm while still looking chic. There are so many varieties of hats on the market also, there is certainly one to match every occasion.

3) Tailoring.

I am such a huge fan of tailoring in my own wardrobe. The impact a perfectly fitting suit jacket worn over an a-line dress is dramatic at best, so you can imagine my delight when I saw how tailoring featured heavily in the catwalk shows in Milan. From three piece double breasted with accompanying pocket watches to the classic staple of a city work suit, I love the clean lines and simplicity of this trend. I am sure it is one to continue for many years to come.

4) Mellow yellow.

I am a huge SUMMER lover, especially in London so anything that reminds me of this season during the cold winter months is alright with me. The cat walks were awash with every shade of yellow and it just instantly puts a smile on my face. You can honestly go as bright as you dare and there really are no rules when it comes to this hue. Either pastel, canary or mustard – go with whichever shade works with your skin tone to incorporate this colour into your winter wardrobe.

5) The younger generation stealing the show.

We all know that fashion is evolving but style is everlasting. I still can recall, having Doc Marten boots in every colour to match whatever outfit I was wearing for the day when I was a child and I definitely think my love of Fashion was ingrained in me from birth. The younger generation were definitely stealing the show this year also, from two tone trench coats to father/ son matching aplenty but one thing I know for sure, these stylish young gentleman are surely going to be on our fashion radars for many decades to come.

These are just a few highlights from the awe inspiring Uomo Pitti 2018 but if there are any trends here that you just love, then my advice is to GO FOR IT. The world really is your oyster when it comes to personal style. Although we all have fashion fails at times, surely it’s more fun to have given it a try than to always play it safe.

Until next time,

Take care Keya x

Happy new year to all of YOU.

Posted on by Keya

To my devoted, festive season followers,

After a whirlwind year filled with living overseas, unbelievable holidays, nights out and some absolutely epic memories made, we say goodbye to 2017 and welcome in the New Year.

I just wanted to say a huge THANK YOU to each and everyone of you for continuing on this journey with me, reading each post and giving me your amazing feedback. Writing is in my veins and it really is my passion, so the fact you even take the time to click on my blog fills my heart with pride and love.

My pledge to you is to continue bringing well researched, thought provoking content from both the Fashion and lifestyle areas – hopefully inciting a fresh sense of excitement every time you see a new post published.

For now though, wherever you maybe in the world, I wish you a huge Happy New Year with an abundance of good fortune for you and your families for 2018.

Until next time, take care

Keya x

(Image courtesy of google images)

Tis the season…to up the style ante.

Posted on by Keya

Good day to you my festive friends,

As the Christmas period fast approaches and with so much emphasis on present buying, house decorating and general indulgence, it can sometimes be hard to even begin to think about what to wear during this holiday season. Well, that is where this months post will come in handy. I’ve selected my favourite styles for both men and women to help you get through the next few weeks looking and feeling fabulous.

(All Images courtesy of google images)

Ladies, let’s begin. My first trend is Lace. Now if you are like me, looking for the perfect dress for any occasion you are drawn to this whimsical fabric, then you are in luck as at Christmas lace is always uber chic. You can glam up a simple dress with statement earrings and some classic court shoes paired with a nice bejewelled Alice band for that work Christmas luncheon.

Next we have, you guessed it sparkly. Whether it be in the form of beads or sequins, in all of the shop windows currently there is a glittering little number taking centre stage. If you are a tad nervous of dressing head to toe in this look, then a sequin clutch or even a diamanté detail on your shoes can be your ode to this trend and still make you centre stage.

On the third day of Christmas we have my favourite colour, Red. No matter what your hair colour or skin complexion red can suit anyone. The trick is in the shade you go for. If you are brunette like me, the fire engine red really sets off my olive skin or if you are fairer, picking a red with a slight orange tinge will really work wonders. The plus side of wearing such a traffic stopping dress also means you can play it safe with your accessories and makeup. Let the outfit do the hard work.

On the fourth day of Christmas we have the trouser playsuit. If over the summer months, you lived in your flirty short suit, sandals and beach hair then you are going to love the tailored trouser suits which are in the shops currently. Apart from the inconvenience of needing a zip friend when using the amenities, these hard working power suits really can be dressed up or down dependant on the occasion. I am always drawn to the more structured, form fitting styles just because it suits my body shape but really this style suits everyone. As long as the leg length is tapered to give you that gorgeous peep of ankle and you team it with a beautiful pair of shoes to elongate your legs, we all can feel like Amazonian models in the playsuit.

And on the fifth day of Christmas, we have the printed dress. I LOVE colour, especially in the dreary winter months it always puts a smile on my face. So, what better way to feel good than to wear a beautiful printed dress. Whether it be floral, galactic or even art noir – whatever tickles your fancy just go with it. With black opaque tights, ankle boots and a cross body bag – this is the epitome of edgy but fashion forward.

And now over to the magnificent men who also deserve to look and feel a million pounds this Christmas.

On the first day of Christmas we have the tuxedo jacket. Dependent on where you intend to go for New Years Eve, perhaps you will get the chance to wear a classic tuxedo with bow tie (a masquerade ball is always a chance to really dress up) but if not, the tuxedo jacket always completes an outfit. Pair with a button down collar shirt, tan chinos and tasselled loafers and I am sure you will turn a few heads this year.

On the second day of Christmas we have the polo neck. Try to forget about times past when the only association you had with these high necked delights were your slightly eccentric uncle who you only saw at key holiday periods throughout the year in his pastel hued one teamed with canary yellow trousers. They have had a revamp and teamed with a well cut pair of suit trousers and patent shoes you can look boardroom to high society party in moments.

On the third day of male movie star worthiness, I present to you the luxe fabric which is Velvet. I still have pictures of me as a child dressed in velvet corduroy skirts matched with stripy knitted tights and to this day I still love the elegant aesthetic it gives on both men and women. I particularly love the wine coloured hue which has frequented catwalks this season. To downplay a jacket in this colour, I would team it with a black slim fit cotton shirt, black skinny jeans and desert boots – what a gorgeous combination.

Finally to finish off the male category by putting a smile on your face, who doesn’t love patterned socks. The trend has garnered such a cult following, that there is now a brand called Happy Socks which I am sure you all are already sporting. It just makes me feel warm inside when I see their displays in London department stores. But in this festive season dare to show your individuality with a flash of flouro, classic red or even Christmas themed with trees, snowman and Rudolph the red nosed reindeer. By keeping the rest of your outfit neutral, let your feet do the talking.

Whichever sex you are, Christmas is all about being with your loved ones, having lots of wonderful home cooked treats but also it is a chance to relax your usual day to day style and be a little more creative. No jumper, headwear or slipper is too much – indulge your inner child. I certainly will be 😀

Until next time,

Take care

Keya x