fashion | Keya

Wedded bliss

Good day to you my wedding fabulous readers,

If you are anything like me, I get so so excited when a personalised, beautiful invitation drops through my letterbox to one of my beloved friends or family members weddings? Whether you have been invited to an autumnal affair, summer stylish or winter wonderland wedding it can be so difficult however to navigate the fine line between being church chic and that innate fear of upstaging the bride.

I had my own magical wedding day in October 2021 and as the UK was still recovering from the COVID pandemic, we decided to keep it an extremely small party with just our parents and my brother in attendance. We decided to get married in October as I love the change of colours of the trees, the autumn hues were a lovely backdrop to my beautiful tea dress and I decided to spice up my understated dress with a faux fur stole and black lace stiletto heels. It was a truly perfect day.

When it comes to being a guest at a loved ones wedding however, what is your usual go to outfit? Are you a fan of a simple colour block fitted pencil or a floaty boho flowery dress or do you prefer a geometric wide leg jumpsuit or a classic tuxedo like Carrie in the sex and the city movie?

I personally usually err on the side of a simple dress or jumpsuit and then make a statement with chunky earrings, jewellery and a killer pair of heels or wedges to add my unique touch. This is a great way of navigating wedding season without having to buy a brand new outfit for each one. Find a well made, simple canvas and change it up with your accessories dependent on the weather and wedding style.

Regardless of what your go to ensemble is, the number one aim of wedding season is to celebrate all things LOVE and just remember how beautiful and special it is that you were asked to be a part of someone’s most intimate and emotional day of their lives 😊

Until next time, take care

Keya x

Glamorous Gucci

Posted on December 7, 2021 by Keya

Good day to you my fashion loving followers,

If you are in the Southern Hemisphere like myself then you also will be experiencing the winter weather synonymous with the Christmas period approaching. What better way to warm your hearts (and toes) than by going to the cinema to watch the newest release of the incredible house of Gucci?

As soon as I saw the trailer for this movie, I knew I had to watch it. Gucci has always been one of those powerhouse brands which I admired as a young child – the infamous GG’s emblazoned on handbags, belts and shoes to name a few.

Like so many people I’m sure however, I was completely unaware that Maurizio Gucci was assassinated on the steps of his Milan office by someone I did not expect! (No spoilers don’t worry!)

The movie originally is set in the 1970s through to the 90s and straight away the chic Italian style of the main characters are apparent. I love the bold colour blocking and head scarves worn by Lady Gaga. It reminds me of that bygone era of women driving in open top convertibles ensuring their hair stayed picture perfect under a scarf.

Her wedding dress was utterly breathtaking too with beautiful vintage lace and a timeless high/ low design. The long sleeves kept it elegant and appropriate for a church venue.

I felt completely saddened about the circumstances of Maurizio’s death especially as he did not initially want to take over his family legacy. Patrizia really helped him to make the decision as she wanted their family name to move with the times and bring the fashion house back into the forefront of people’s minds and wardrobes.

The best decision to help turn the Gucci name into what we know and love today was Tom Ford taking on the role of creative director. His first catwalk collection under the Gucci guise caused shock and admiration to rumble through the audience but he truly infused some je ne sais quoi into the brand.

All the Gucci family wanted was to keep the label within their family as many houses try to do but it is a lot easier said than done. Versace managed to do this with Donatella stepping into the hot seat but unfortunately for that family also it was plagued with an assassination of Gianni Versace.

The movie truly did not disappoint though and I hope if you do get to watch it, it will prompt you to go and research the true story as I did directly afterwards. Even amongst the death and destruction, there is a true beauty to Patrizia and Maurizio’s love story.

Until next time,

Keya x

The fine line between between fashion and today’s news?

Posted on May 28, 2021 by Keya

To my lovely fashion loving followers, have you seen the Netflix documentary about the extraordinary woman who edited Italian Vogue? If not, watch it NOW! For this months edition we are doing a deep dive into all things Vogue.

During this strange period of COVID and how it relates to fashion, one person who I have admired who has always pushed the boundaries between current news and fashion is Vogue Italia editor Franca Sozzani who reported controversial topics until her heartbreaking death in 2016.

Can you my dear readers think back to a headline that really struck a chord with you either emotionally, politically or spiritually? One situation recently where I remember feeling a sense of overwhelming emotion was when we went for our first COVID -19 vaccine. I remember walking into the vaccination centre feeling like this is something hopefully the rest of the world is going to experience and we are all working towards a common goal on the planet of eradicating the virus from our generation and generations to come hopefully for good.

One article from Italian Vogue which really resonated with me is the article that this amazing woman published about the oil spill in Mexico – Deepwater Horizon. Franca did a heartfelt piece on how the oil spill affected marine life and biodiversity with models posing with oil covering their bodies and it really struck a chord with me. My day job is working in the Oil and Gas industry and seeing those images made me think long band hard about the impact I myself am having on the world.I genuinely feel like renewable energy is the way forward in 2021 and it’s something I would like to explore deeper in my career but I love how she just pushed those controversial topics into a different ether and tested those boundaries.

The world has evolved so much, fashion has become pretty much on the back burner whilst the human race globally survive this pandemic but also where there is a will, there is a way! Now face masks have become a fashion statement have you noticed? What’s your mask of choice? It can literally be Gucci, Prada or H&M as long as it matches your outfit. Have you found your style of choice?

One thing I really hope will return even with all of the restrictions of the UK leaving the EU is being able to still afford sustainable fashion. One amazing talenof this is my mother handed down to me a Burberry trench coat which she wore in her 20s which I still wear each year in my mid 30s. The leather cuffs are worn and the shoulders are shabby but I still love wearing it as to me what is vintage is wearing a trench coat that my mum used to wear at my age. Have any of you got a family heirloom which has been passed down to you? Do you frequent vintage shops for classic finds or raid your own parents wardrobes?

What I loved about Franca Sozzani and something that I believe will be her lasting legacy was that she blurred the boundaries between fashion and real life journalism from the war in Afghanistan to celebs going to rehab or having plastic surgery – no subject was off limits and I loved that about Franca. She did not shy away from controversial topics and for that amongst many things you will always be remembered Franca ❤️ May your memory live on always and forever ❤️.

Until next time, take care

Keya x

Pastures anew

Posted on April 20, 2021 by Keya

Good afternoon to you my warmer temperatures lovers,

First off, where have the last few months gone? Even though we have been in a near enough year long lockdown in the UK, the months have just flown by. I hope that you and your families are all safe and well wherever in the world you may be.

A lot has changed for me personally in the last few months. I am proud to say I am now a home owner (eek whoever would have of thought it) so it has been a whirlwind so far of renovations, paint getting into places that it shouldn’t and also some time to just enjoy being still and quiet in the garden.

Have any of you found during the pandemic you really struggled with feeling cooped up and not being able to be outside? We spent the whole of winter in a rented house without a garden and I can safely say now I cannot get enough of having a patch of turf to call my own!

I hope that in your own countries restrictions are also starting lift slightly? I cannot tell you how happy I was yesterday to be able to go and have my nails done. It isn’t even just the fact they look nice, it’s just so amazing to feel pampered and relaxed for that hour. I am not a huge make up person (mainly because I do not even know where to start with all of the blushers and eyeshadows) but I do like to have my eyebrows shaped and my hands and toes to be manicured. What is your pamper treat of choice?

I know for a lot of men at the moment the one thing they cannot wait to have is a haircut. There is only so much slicking back or wearing a cap a man can do, am I right? I have giggled so much seeing all the memes of home hair cuts going completely wrong. I am sure we all have thought I can use a pair of scissors how hard can it be, much to our dismay when it goes catastrophically wrong 😊

Have any of you managed to go out for a meal or for a drink in a pub beer garden yet also? I have managed to book a Sunday dinner this weekend in a pub garden and on the reservation it said to bring warm clothing as heaters are limited! I think we will be happy to go out in a beanie hat and scarf, as long as we can have food that we haven’t had to cook ourselves at the moment. Haha.

Whatever it is that you are most looking forward to about life getting back to some sense of normality, still remember to stay safe, look after each other and most importantly dress to impress at every occasion from now onwards.

No more jogging bottoms and messy buns – woohoo!

Until next time, take care

Keya x

5 things to help you stay positive during Lockdown 2.0

Posted on November 13, 2020 by Keya

Good day to you my lockdown warriors,

As is much of the world right now, the UK is in our second lockdown of the year. When I saw the news of this announcement from our prime minister, I like many people felt a familiar sense of doom and found myself saying “oh no, not again!” This negative outlook did not last long however as I decided in that moment that I am going to do this lock down differently. Hopefully with these top 5 tips, it may help you see the light at the end of the tunnel also. This months post is all things POSITIVE 😊

1) Be at one with nature.

During the first few months of this year, we actually moved home from the bustling hub of London to the rural countryside of the Dales. I have always been a outdoorsy person, preferring long walks or bike rides in the forest to busy, loud bars at the weekend and I literally feel in my element having so much green space on my doorstep. Even if you live in a busy city, really try to make the concerted effort to take an hour at lunch to go for a walk in a local park or if you are fortunate to have a back garden, go out and tend to your veggie patch or walk a friends dog around the block. I cannot stress enough how being in the fresh air does absolute wonders for your well-being.

2) Make an effort with your appearance.

If like me, your working from home attire has been comfy loungewear and a messy up do for the last six months, you will be amazed at how much better you will feel blow drying your hair or putting on a little mascara. I make a concerted effort on the weekend to put on a nice outfit or make myself feel good by having a pamper session at home because self love is incredibly important, even more so in these difficult times.

3) Stay in contact with your family and friends

Just because we are unable to see our loved ones at the moment, still let them know they are in your thoughts by having a once a week video call or just sending each other silly memes throughout the day. Many people are alone at the moment and even though they have family members close by, it can still be incredibly lonely so sometimes just a 5 minute catch up can really make someone’s day. Anyway, who doesn’t love a good belly laugh when they can!

4) Take regular breaks from your home office.

I am incredibly fortunate at the moment to be able to do my day job from home 100% of the time which I am more than grateful for. One thing that I’ve really noticed though is are you also getting so many more emails and teams calls now? Can you relate?

I went through a bit of a hard time about 6 months into lockdown where I felt like I didn’t have much of a work/ life balance because even though we are at home it can be easy to forget that we still need to take a lunch break or to make a cup of tea. Things which are usually part of your working day can sometimes take the back seat which is why it’s imperative to still get up from your desk at least once every hour to stretch your legs or have a glass of water. It is not sustainable to be “on” all the time, be kind to yourself!

5) Time to look within

Although 2020 has not panned out the way many of us would have ever imagined so far this year, one of the real positives I have found during this time is we have never had more of an opportunity to be at home with our families more than now. Usually we are caught up in the daily rat race of commuting to work, perhaps school runs or extra curricular activities or taking part in sports or working out in the gym, when that has been taken away though, what are we left with? Ourselves and a whole lot of reflection time. Are you using this time wisely if you are being honest with yourself? Are you unhappy in your current role or career path? Unhappy with your level of health or fitness? Or perhaps just stuck in a rut? I can tell you for me personally, I have really struggled to write this blog during this time because it can feel inauthentic to be talking about fashion, lifestyle or holiday destinations when there is so much devastation worldwide right now. But I have come to realise upon reflection that I feel creatively at ease as soon as pen hits the paper every time I sit down to write an entry. THIS is my happy place. Have you found yours?

Until next time?

Take care

Keya x

New Year, not New You.

Posted on January 3, 2020 by Keya

Good day to you my raring to go readers,

I hope you all had an amazing Christmas break with your families and a very Happy New Year. As always, I would love to thank you for taking the time to subscribe and read these posts each month and welcome to the new joiners, your support is greatly appreciated and I am so grateful to have this platform to explore my creative writing with each blog.

With the emergence of the new decade upon us, I have been thinking a lot about the notion of setting New Years resolutions. I am not sure about you but I find that each year a small sense of doom overcomes me as the last few days of December pass by, at the thought of making a resolution that I can actually stick to and not sabotage by the end of January (the usual things like giving up chocolate – I mean really, I had no chance) or not being such a sucker when it comes to a fashion bargain. Its just not a nice feeling that you have failed at something already in the first month of the New Year.

I am sure you have seen on social media and on advertising campaigns, the slogan ‘New Year, New Me’ with companies promising their new wonder products can help you reach that dress size you have always dreamed of or have that glossy, shiny hair that we see on models in magazines but all that crosses my mind is, should there be a new me – what is so fundamentally wrong with the version that was left behind in 2019?

I wholeheartedly agree that if you have your heart set on perhaps quitting smoking or to get out in the great outdoors and lead a healthier lifestyle then that is a great goal to set yourself and sometimes we need a milestone like the 1st of January to break old habits but it pains me to think that people will be feeling really rubbish about themselves if they have a little slip up. Life is genuinely challenging enough, try not to put that added pressure on yourself also!

So personally this year, I have set myself a new goal NOT a resolution for 2020 and that is to just BE PRESENT. By this I mean, as adults we are always subconsciously worrying about or making plans for what is to come in the future or regrets from the past, we tend to lose sight of what is in front of us right now, being in the moment. We forget to take a second to revel in the sights, sounds, colours and variety in the world around us and that is a very sad thing to think of in my opinion.

Whatever New Years aspirations you have set in your own lives for 2020, just remember that we only get one life, so make memories, spend time with loved ones and friends, travel to those bucket list destinations or invest in that statement winter coat – just LIVE it to the fullest.

Until next time, take care

Keya x

World of wonder at the Wallace

Posted on October 29, 2019 by Keya

Good day to you my art enthused aficionados,

This past week after a colleagues recommendation, I went to check out the Manolo Blahnik exhibition at the Wallace Collection. Considering I have lived in London my whole life, I had never heard of this museum and all I can say is, wow what a treasure.

(Image courtesy of google images)

As I’m sure you can tell from my earlier posts, I LOVE accessories. The simple art of putting on a statement pair of earrings or a tailored blazer can transform an outfit, however I find shoes can be the most versatile. Block heel black ankle boots can be worn with a pencil dress for work, tucked under slim fit trousers with an oversized jumper for weekend brunches with your friends or with bare legs and a fitted skirt for weekend dinner dates. Talk about worth per wear 😊

Manolo Blahnik, born in the Canary Islands is an household name in this department, made even more infamous as the shoe go to for Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City. She really brought these works of art to the forefront of fashion and I have admired the designer for many years. If you haven’t had the pleasure of hearing of him, there is a great documentary on Netflix called the Boy who made shoes for Lizards – really worth a watch.

When I heard he was showing a limited collection from his archives at the Wallace I knew I had to check it out. The building nestled in the heart of West London is so inviting and as soon as I walked in and was faced with the sweeping split staircase leading to the upper floor, dressed in intricate red tapestry carpet, I knew I would love this place.

I walked through the rooms drinking in the immense variety of statues, jewellery and coats of armour – it really leaves you reeling. To think that this was once their family home, lived in with formal reception rooms and grand ballrooms, it was so quintessentially British. After perusing the ground floor and learning all about artefacts from around the world, we stopped to grab a coffee in the atrium. With the winter sun streaming through the glass ceiling, the excitement about seeing Blahnik’s works of art inspired by this collection mounted.

As we ascended the grand staircase, we were immediately met with the Trellis shoes encased in glass, as if good enough to eat. Moving through the various rooms I loved how the shoes were displayed beneath portraits of women from the 16th/17th century in voluminous dresses with just a peek of intricate shoes peeping out from the hem – Manolo’s shoes could easily have been from the same period.

In the study there was a writing desk which would not have looked out of place in the palace of Versailles and it was so interesting to see how fashion has evolved so much as the centuries have progressed. It’s incredible to think that pale skin and English Rose delicate features were revered, which seems such a far cry from the sun kissed, bronzed aesthetic that we aspire to in our European summers now.

One of the rooms which had long sky lights gracing the ceiling and huge portraits lining the walls literally took your breath away at the scale of it. I also felt a strange sense of deja vu as soon as I entered it and soon realised it’s because it housed Dante’s inferno, which was the key plot point of Dan Brown’s novel Inferno.

The painstaking process of the embellishment, fresh water pearls, beading or use of luxurious leathers or suedes made the shoes seem to hold their own amongst the splendour of this collection, they complemented each other perfectly and I feel so privileged to have seen Manolo’s masterpieces before the collection moves on to another city this week. I feel positively invigorated to pick up my pencil and sketch book myself.

Until next time,take care

Keya x

Siestas and sunsets in Santorini

Posted on October 10, 2019 by Keya

Good day to you my olive loving, fetalicious globetrotters,

I hope you all had an amazing summer and made lots of holiday memories. We not so long ago got back from the amazing island of Santorini and I certainly left with a heavy heart as I had the most amazing time. With the white washed, blue domed buildings, quiet sandy beaches and unbelievable local produce, for this months post I thought I would deep dive into this incredible place.

For this years summer vacation we had a handful of locations in mind but as soon as we saw the pictures and read the reviews we were sold on this magical gem in Greece. As soon as we had made our reservation the excited countdown began. After lots of research about the best places to stay we decided on Perissa, which with the black sandy beach on the doorstep of our incredible accommodation, Petri Suites we were over the moon as soon as walked into our room. With the white cave exposed walls, huge double sinks and fluffy robes and matching slippers it instantly felt like home. Also who doesn’t love an egg chair?

Our days were filled with swimming in the ocean and lunches over looking the crystal clear waters. One of our favourite spots was a restaurant called La plage noire. The squid and calamari were the freshest we could imagine and their crab and mango salad is a must try.

We even managed to head out on a fishing trip off the coast. The morning started off with a short sail to pick up the nets from the previous night to see what had been snapped up and we then headed to a secluded cove where we could go snorkelling, try our own hand at fishing and to just seal the deal whatever was caught was barbecued on the boat and we had it for lunch. Could you possibly get any fresher I hear you say?

Our nights were filled with visiting the many quaint towns which were easily accessible as we managed to hire a car for a week during our stay which is definitely a good idea should you visit. Every town has its own unique style however the sunsets never failed to disappoint no matter what location we watched them in. From Oia to Thira to cosy courtyard al fresco dining in Megalochori, the feta, cherry tomatoes, olives and my favourite – watermelon were mouth watering wherever we went.

The local wines were incredible too, each time we usually asked the restaurant staff to recommend a local vineyards wine to try and if you are a bit of a grape lover than the bottles from Sigallas Estate and Venetesanos were our particular top choices. We even partook in a wine tasting experience at the latter which was a first for me and it definitely did not disappoint. The pairings of crab croquettes with a soft white wine and rich dark meat with a bold red were a shock to the senses.

I couldn’t talk about Santorini if I didn’t go into the unbelievable sunsets they have pretty much every night there. As the sun began to set around 7.15pm, the sky was ablaze with burnt oranges, fiery reds and then the sun would just disappear into the ocean before your very eyes. What I loved about this island is, that no matter where you are, the restaurants and bars all have a perfectly placed terrace or veranda to easily add to your photo album each evening and bathe in its ethereal, romantic glow with your loved one.

I know that a destination has made an impression on me when a smile tugs at the corners of my mouth as soon as I reminisce about it and this is definitely the case with Santorini. It has the perfect mix of places to explore and is the ultimate in relaxing and chilled if you want to unplug and unwind from the stresses of our careers. It also holds a special place in my heart, because this is where I got engaged – such an amazing surprise and obviously I’m ecstatic. Whatever special memories you want to make in your own lives, this island is definitely going to help you make them.

Until next time,

Take care

Keya x

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

An ode to Oud

Posted on March 16, 2019 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