Christian Louboutin

Power dressing – the feminine touch.

Posted on May 22, 2019 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

Brisbane fashion runway

Posted on November 7, 2017 by Keya

Good afternoon to you my runway striding superstars,

For this months post I wanted to dedicate it to the supremely organised event I attended this past weekend – the Brisbane Fashion runway show held at Lightspace.

A few months ago, I mentioned to my friend about how I would love to have attended Melbourne fashion week although it coincided with my trip back home to London sadly. As if the stars had heard me though, within a few weeks on my social media page I saw an advert for the Brisbane fashion runway and I fell over myself to secure tickets to it.

When my friend and I arrived at the venue, we had some professional photos taken as we entered, were given our platinum ticket holder wristbands and ushered into our own VIP private area, with a glass of champagne in hand.

After some mingling and photo opportunities, we were directed into the fashion auditorium where we found our seats on the front row and eagerly awaited the show to begin, with a glimpse of the new Infiniti car in front of us, one of the events sponsors.

Eight emerging Brisbane based designers showcased their creations to a mix of music and fancy. There was such a varied selection of inspirations which I have captured below.

I loved the mix of headdresses with simple cinched waist dresses, lilac trench coats paired with pastel tailored trousers, wonderful African print tops with simple accessories and slinky little black dresses perfect for any occasion.

Following the fashion show, there was a delightful raffle with some once in a lifetime prizes to be won and the finale showcase was an absolute hat heaven 😍

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I've mentioned in earlier posts, I love any chance to get dressed up and this elegant, classy event was definitely worth a visit. This was the perfect chance for me to debut my London boutique dress in Oz, peep toe Louboutins and my classic Chanel clutch. Also, who doesn't love a chance to recline on a chaise lounge in front of a wall of romantic roses. Ha ha

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til next time, take care

Keya x

Print party

Posted on April 14, 2016 by Keya

Hello my pattern loving people,

As far back as I can remember I have always relished wearing bright colours and bold prints. On a dreary day there is nothing better to put a spring in your step than to wear something radiant. For today’s post I am going to delve back into my archives to show you some of my favourite print outfits and how you can incorporate them into your wardrobe.

The above picture was taken when I was working overseas in Cape Town, I am partial to a stripe especially Breton (those closest to me will definitely agree) and I just loved the candy colours of this dress. It is perfect for a night out or even with a cardigan for work.

The above dress I wore whilst on holiday in Sicily. I love how the white accents set off my tan beautifully and the Aztec pattern flattered my athletic frame. I wore this dress with stilletto heels and a clutch bag for that evening but it would look just as nice with a pair of gladiator sandals and a tan suede bucket bag in a more casual setting.

This outfit I wore whilst learning how to surf in Bali. It actually is a bikini coverall but the pastel colours are so beautiful you could totally wear it around town also during the day. This style of dress is perfect to take on vacation as it is super lightweight to optimise the space in your suitcase and can be worn over any colour bikini – excellent mix and match potential 😀

Ahh how I loved wearing this flamingo print navy and cobalt blue dress whilst I was in Venice. It was ideal for lazy wanderings taking in the sights in the sunshine. I paired it with a cross body bag and sandals but this outfit would equally work with peep toe court shoes and a tote bag for work.

This tie die inspired floaty dress was wonderfully received whilst in Positano. The spaghetti straps and deep V neck suit my wide shoulders and flatter chest and the longer length kept it a bit more appropriate and classic for a fine dining restaurant. I paired it with black suede wedges and an Alice band in my hair.

If you have ever wondered how to do print for an social occasion like a wedding or a black tie event, hopefully the above look will give you some inspiration. I loved this champagne coloured dress with a lace overlay. The panelling on the sides were slimming and the wider straps can flatter either a broad frame or a larger bust. My peep toe Louboutins and my Chanel evening bag were the perfect finishing touches.

As you can see there are so many ways to inject some colour and print into your own everyday wardrobe – you can either start with just one bold piece and build it up from there or be like me and just wear everything together – who doesn’t love rainbows right?? 😁

Just a quick note, from this week going forward rather than do a post each week I am going to extend it to every fortnight now. I just want to ensure I can write thought provoking, interesting pieces and having an extra week will give me a chance to achieve that. Watch this space for more exclusive interviews, my style inspirations and just my usual silliness!

Take care and talk soon

Keya X

Why so series?

Posted on October 20, 2015 by Keya

Good morning my tantalising screen sirens,

It’s that time of the year again where the cold, dark nights set in and all our favourite tv programmes return for the winter. I love the feeling of being cuddled up in my favourite marl Uniqlo trousers and a thick jumper enraptured in the riveting story telling before my eyes. Below I will elaborate on my current favourite shows and how the main characters wardrobe inspires my own.

I remember a few years ago when everyone was talking about a new show due to start. From the very first pilot episode I was hooked. I loved the intricate links between the main characters, the stunning scenery surrounding them and the storyline was one of the most captivating I have ever seen. Of course this show was Game of Thrones. I absolutely love the use of soft leather to form the males characters coats and boots, reminding me of my trusty leather bomber I have worn and adored for more than 14 years. The bold shades of Khaleesi and Cersei Lanisters dresses remind me of some of the colour block items I tend to wear on nights out or for work at my office.

Last weekend another of my favourite shows came back on the air, the Blacklist. I love how each episode they explore a different serial killer, baffling me more and more to think how the writers even magicked up some of the heartless, heinous villains. I think that Raymond Reddington aka James Spader makes the show with his witty sarcasm and impeccable dress sense. His standard wardrobe of a trilby hat and waxed jacket looks oh so chic and dapper. How I do like a well dressed man 😊

Another show I really got into is Suits. The legal profession has always interested me, and the style in this show actually influenced my own work dress sense. Rachel Zane is always wearing amazing shift dresses or pencil skirts with a slim fit shirt. She always looks immaculate and classic which describes my work wardrobe perfectly.

Lastly, this year I finished watching the first season of How to get away with Murder. This show is centred around a female lawyer who has the most impressive collection of costume jewellery and perfect hair. On a recent trip to Lanzarote my parents brought me back some amazing necklaces locally made which I usually wear with a plain black shirt or simple dress. It instantly makes my outfit more fun and vibrant.

(All photos courtesy of Google images)

It does amaze me how shows that we watch on a weekly basis, will subconsciously influence our own style. Sometimes that scene of Rachel wearing a fantastic pair of Louboutins will make me reach for my own nude pair on my next night out without a moments hesitation or that classic trench worn by Reddington will inspire me to reach for my Burberry mac on the next rainy day in the city. It also is the best way to learn of the newest trends and fashions on the radar. After all, if our favourite character wears that Victoria Beckham monochrome dress in the big apple, it would be just wrong for us to not have it in our winter collection also 😊

Until next week, take care

Keya X

Sensational shoes

Posted on July 21, 2015 by Keya

Good evening my shoe aficionados,

From a very young age I have had a huge LOVE for shoes. Even as a child if we had visitors come over who were wearing high heels, the minute they came off our guests feet in the hallway, they would be on mine clomping up the passage or garden path 😀 As I have gotten older, this love has not waned and I now own so many pairs I have lost count. The storage of said shoes has now even spilled out of my own bedroom, into every spare space in our house but I still always peruse my favourite shoe shops in the end of season sales in the hopes I can bag a bargain.

For smart court shoes or peep toes I love my wonderful collection of Jimmy Choos and Christian Louboutins. I wear them with fitted shift dresses for work, tailored trousers or paired with one of my favourite evening ensembles for nights out.
(The ones above are my lovely nude Christian Louboutins) ( These are my black peep toe Jimmy Choos which I wore to my office Christmas party)

For days when I know I am going to be on my feet all day, I love brogues and coloured moccasin lace up shoes from either Dune, Diesel or Massimo Dutti. They are so comfortable if you are running around the city and look uber chic with rolled up chinos or summer dresses.

I pair these leopard tasselled loafers with a black dress or white shirt.

And these two pairs of slip on loafers I usually wear with skinny jeans and a crop top or fitted t-shirt at weekends.

When the weather is warm, I live in my Haviana flip flops and jewelled sandals which are so inexpensive but look so laid back cool when worn with a pair of jean shorts and a vest top. The huge variety of colours means you can find a pair which matches every outfit and the brighter shades look even better when you have that golden summer tan.

For me, shoes are an extension of my personality. I always choose styles which are quirky, bright and individual as I do in my own wardrobe choices also. I would advise to pay a bit extra for your shoes as even though the brands I have shown above can be very pricey the cost per wear is justified when you look at the good quality leather and craftsmanship gone into each pair. They also last so much longer than your average high street shoe.

Shoes, much like perfume or lingerie, can make any woman feel like a million dollars; whether it is the way a fabulous pair of stilettos can make you feel like you are sashaying down a catwalk or that perfect pair of sandals which showcase your fresh pedicure in all its coral glory. After a hard day in the office or when you are going through a hard time in life, if by walking into Selfridges spending an hour perusing the shoe halls makes you feel better then DO IT! Believe me there are worst vices to have 😀

Until next week, take care

Keya x

It’s all about the LBD

Posted on March 3, 2015 by Keya

Good evening my fellow fashion fans,

I thought for today’s post I would dedicate it to the hardest working item I own in my wardrobe and its equally conscientious items in contention.

Personally I think every wonderful woman’s wardrobe should contain that all important crisp white shirt. It is that one item that as long as it has been washed with light colours (cue Daz commercial) and has not gone that awful grey hue (which has happened to all of us I know) always looks fresh, minimalist and clean. Either paired with a sassy pencil skirt or those incredible cigarette trousers which you have been flummoxed as to what to wear with so are banished at the back of your closet with the forgotten hair ties or odd socks. One of my favourite ways of styling my white shirt is as below

I wore my Uniqlo slim fit shirt buttoned up underneath my fantabulous monochrome black and white blazer from Gap, skinny black trousers from Massimo Dutti and black laced up brogues from Dune. The red lipstick and smoky eye effect worked perfectly with the two tone ensemble.

One of my fail safe, last minute.com outfits of choice for that whimsical social event, swanky date with your partner or formal meeting at work would definitely be one of my array of Little Black Dresses (LBD). I just love how versatile they are – dressing it up with a sky high pair of stilettos and big jewellery or going casual with flat tasseled shoes and a nice jacket.

On a recent night out I wore this outfit

The dress is a vintage Italian lace one I bought on one of my many unplanned shopping trips, which I paired with my nude Christian Louboutins, my mini Chanel bag, a wonderful pair of chandelier earrings and my bespoke timepiece by Mont Blanc.

I would say if in doubt about how dressy to go for an event you are invited to, I always add layers of unique, eye catching trinkets around my wrists or wear a jewelled hair band which instantly adds the glam factor but also can be removed in a jiffy if you feel a bit too theatrical for the setting upon arrival 😀

My last tid bit of advice would be always just wear what you feel happy and comfortable in. If I am having a bad day, a bold lip colour and chic dress always cheer me up and sometimes those comfy slouchy sport luxe trousers and an oversized jumper are the smart and ONLY choice. Have fun with it, after all life is serious enough right?

Until next week Keya x