Creative Break: Christmas Collection

Hello Everyone, how've you been!!!??? Sorry for my mini break, I have been busy creating and buying these last few weeks.

Nevertheless, I've created Ankara Ornaments and Ankara Covered journals for the Christmas Season. I have forgotten how much I love creating until these last few months my creative juices have been spiraling out of control!! Ornament, key chains, journals, I've been bitten by a creative bug and I love the process. For all my Instagram, Twitter and Blog followers: I have a coupon code: HAPPYHOLIDAYS20 which gives you 20% off your entire order, just in time for Christmas.

Have a Great Week, and I hope you are enjoying the festive period thus far!!!

Now Listening to: Lecrae ft. Mali Music - 'Tell the World' 

Clean Cut

How many of you have a problem with trust? Now I don't really have a problem with trusting people, I've learned how to try and be objective with people, and know that when a person shows me who they are to accept it. So if I don't have a problem with trusting people, what type of trust problems do I have? I have trust issues when it comes to my image. If I am going to you to do my eyebrows for the first time, I am literally the customer sitting on the edge of my seat, drawing my eyebrow shape and praying to God that they get it right. Once I find an amazing person to thread my eyebrows they've gained a certified customer! (Shout out to Naz in Edinburgh that does my fabulous eyebrows)

I also find it hard trusting barbers with my cutting my hair. I'll be directing and trying as much as possible not to get too upset if I get a new barber that has no idea what they are doing. So the last time I cut my hair in Edinburgh at a particular barber shop, the barber was horrible. My husband told me that he could cut my hair for me, but I was afraid he'd mess up. Then I'd be upset at him, and I don't want to be upset at my boo...thus I opted for peace, or so I thought. I thought I'd rather get angry at someone else if they mess up. Well in the end, the barber messed up and my husband had to 'fix it to the best of his ability' that was a month ago.

Since then I hadn't cut my hair for so long because I didn't my fade messed up again and I hadn't found a new barber, thus it was looking a bit unkempt. My husband kindly said baby I'm cutting your hair tonight, I avoided it saying I'm busy or I'm tired. Then Saturday morning I think he'd had enough of my sides looking jacked, lol, and he told me to trust him. So as a good wife, I sat on the edge of my seat and allowed my hubby to cut my hair....and he did a fantastic job. I have a clean cut and I'm now saving £20.00 a month! Lesson learned, learn to trust more. *smile*

 Outfit Details:

COS Bottom Frill Coat (SOLD OUT) similar (here) love this (here)

COS Jersey Dress (here) like this (here) + (here)

Carven Ankle Bow Heels in red (here) and floral print on sale: (here) + (here)

Vintage Gucci Shoulder bag

Primark Tights

ZFSowho Bangle + Earrings, Kenneth Jay Lane Ram Bangle (here)

This is the grey version of the 'one dress' I tend to wear all the time, worn previously in coral (here). It's funny that I've had this clean cut dress for almost 2 years and it's my first time wearing on the blog. I have worn every cent of the £55.00, and love it to bits.

Photographer: Oluwatosin Ogunlesi 
Now Listening to: Lecrae - 'Gravity' 

Skirts + Sweats

These days I feel I can wear a sweatshirt with literally anything. A sweatshirt can go with an a line skirt, pencil skirt, jeans, leggings or cropped trousers. Thus this grey H&M sweatshirt with this pencil skirt was a no brainer. I wore this when going for Brunch Sunday with the Hubby.

 Outfit Details:

H&M Sweatshirt  

Zara Choker Necklace

Zara Pencil Skirt 

Fendi Mama Baguette

Kenneth Jay Lane Bracelets

Christian Louboutin Pigalle 100's

 I have yet to get used to walking in these painful pigalle 100's, oh well. No pain no gain right...wrong, lol!! Hope you're all having a blessed week!!!

Photographer: Oluwatosin Ogunlesi 
Now Listening to: Erykah Badu - 'Window Seat'

Designer Spotlight: Anita Quansah London

Anita Quansah is of half Ghanaian and half Nigerian descent. Her pieces encompass her heritage and command nothing short of attention. She launched her brand in 2006, and is committed to creating 'unique bespoke creations that are one of a kind embroidered wearable art.' Thus, it's no surprise that the the pieces are extraordinary + breathtaking!. The mediums she uses for her pieces are: gems, beads, feathers, ankara fabric and more.

These statement pieces are sure to make a statement addition to any outfit. I hope to see Anita doing more bigger and better things in fashion, in the near future!

You can purchase Anita Quansah pieces (here), (here) and (here).

(source)

Now Listening to: Fela Anikulapo  - 'Lady'

Uniformed Dressing

With each season that passes, my style has pretty much remained the same. The only difference is, I spend more on quality items here and there and don't splurge on 'bargains' any more... (as much *smile*). Blazers, a blouse, cropped trousers and flats have been my uniform, especially in the fall for almost 6+ years now.

There is just something smart, chic and simple about the ensemble, that for whatever reason never gets old to me, it is my go to Uniform. I am that lady that owns probably 25+ pairs of cropped trousers and 8 - 10 pairs of Salvatore Ferragamo's and Chanel Ballet Flats ... because they work for me. If it ain't broken don't fix it right?

 Outfit Details:

Zara Long Sleeved Blouse 

Vintage M&S Sweater 

Banana Republic Martin Trousers

Salvatore Ferragamo Blue Patent Varina's 

Always wear what you feel comfortable in, invest in pieces that work for your account balance, your style and your shape. Don't follow trends, pick out items each season that embrace your style and make them staples in your wardrobe. I've learned that most of the clothing I am selling at flea markets or via ebay to reduce the ridiculous clutter in my closet, are pieces I bought when I was still discovering my style or impulse buys. Most items that I have bought in the last 1-2 years, have remained in my wardrobe because they were planned purchases or items that are inline with my current style.

So what's your uniform combination? Is it an LBD with a nice coat/jacket? Jeans and a crisp white blouse, or skater dresses and blazers?

Photographer: Oluwatosin Ogunlesi  
Now Listening to: Dave Holister - 'Can't Stay'

Turbanility

A few years ago my Ace came up with this fantastic idea to make Ankara Turbans. And when I tell you it's one of my most prized possessions and most adored accessory, I am telling you the truth. The turban enables me to look chic when my natural curls aren't behaving, or when the weather is cold and I do not want to hear a winter hat or fedora.

I've re-created a couple of Turbans that are currently on sale for only $17.00, more will be available early next year. Grab one of the few I have, now: (here).

Now Listening to: Corinne Bailey Rae - 'Let Your Hair Down'

Flea Market Stance

About a month ago (gosh time FLIES these days), I did the 'Out of the Blue' flea market in Edinburgh again. I am trying to get rid of excess clothing in my closet. I never thought in my life I'd accumulate so many shoes, clothing and accessories. I was definitely a shop-a-holic. I did pretty okay, the best I've ever done.

I've done about 6 now, and here's what I have learned. It's a flea market not a posh boutique. I was trying to only have jewellery this day, some clothing here, then shoes here and there. Until last weekend I thought, I'm bringing a lot more. I literally brought two suitcases of clothing and shoes and a box of jewellery, bags, belts, and hats. To sell more, you have to provide more, to reach a broader audience, and I did just that. Another thing I did differently is I got there earlier (there goes my Saturday mornings when the Flea Market is on!!!) so I got a bigger place to display my 'mini store'.

Thus far I have gotten rid of 40% of my closet, hopefully 70 - 80% of it will be gone by the end of the year. Besides selling clothing once a month at the flea market to make money and create space in my closet, I've met some amazing people! I met my photographer at the flea market, networked, and met a few new friends (still being fairly new to Edinburgh). I actually look forward to flea market Saturday's now.

My photographer came by to see me at the Flea Market to catch up, as we hadn't seen each other since my wedding. It was lovely having her around. She purchased a new camera and I was luckily her first subject. Hey I don't go to Flea Markets looking glamorous...but here are some of the shots:

Outfit Details:

Zara Long Sleeved Blouse 

Vintage Sweater

H&M Skinny Trousers

Old Beat Up Chanel Flats (I love these things)

Teresa, always makes me smile, I love my photographers (husband included ;).

I'll be doing the Flea Market again this Saturday, and I'm looking forward to it. Ps. if you are looking for a way to clear out your closet and are tired of Ebay, Depop or ASOS Market Place, I'd recommend having a sale at your house or finding a flea market in your city. You will get to interact with customers and give advice, save on ridiculous 10% - 20% charges, and returns. ....thank me later! *wink*

P.S. Sorry for the delay in blogging this week. We were changing providers for our internet and landline, and it took a couple of days to sort out.

Photographer: Teresa Dickson of Glanceobservecapture 
Now Listening to: Drake Ft. The-Dream - 'Shut it Down'

Racoon Tails

One way I spruce up my purses, handbags and clutches is with Fur or Faux Fur Key Tails. My when I visited London last, my cousin asked me excitedly, 'are they back in?' I shrugged, replying, 'I have no idea, I just like them.' Since then I made it a mission to buy another one in blue and a green one. However, I couldn't find a good green one. During my mission to search for one during the summer, I stumbled across this stripped racoon tail. It was love at first sight! And for only $10.00 (I believe), it's an easy way to update almost any bag in my closet.

Outfit Details:

Zara Long Sleeved Blouse: (Sold Out) 

 Vintage M&S Blazer similar: (here)

Banana Republic Martin Cropped Trousers

Zara RW 2013 (Sold Out) similar (here) +(here) but LOVE these (here)

Blue Ferragamo Varina's (here) lasercut version on sale (here)

So are they 'back in' or 'on trend'? I don't know nor, do I care...I just love them and these days I wear what I like, love and feel comfortable in. Fashion trends do not always dictate my purchase choices. You can get faux fur tails (here) + (here). P.s. I lied I do know, they are back on trend Fendi has some (here) and DKNY (here).

Have a blessed weekend, the Sun is coming out and I'm loving it in Edinburgh. I'll be working on completing my brand packaging! Can't wait!!

Photographer: Oluwatosin Ogunlesi 
Now Listening to: Ty Dolla Sign (Ty$) - 'Or Nah' Remix

Piece of the Week: 'Eclectica Vintage 1980s Napier Necklace

This magnificent 'Eclectica Vintage 1980s Napier Gold Plated Rhinestone Statement Necklace' is that timeless piece that vintage jewellery lovers all over the world are in constant awe of, as it is a limited production piece. This fabulous piece is gold plated and created with impeccable craftsmanship and quality. This is definitely timeless piece that can be dressed up or down.... however, I'd recommend dressing this beauty up, always! 

Purchase the Piece here: John Lewis 
Now Listening to: Jessie Ware - 'Say You Love Me'