LFW STREET STYLE ; An Asian Lesson in style, Outside Simon Gao Show

The statement is in the jacket, which his mum designed and made. No, she is not a designer, but a self taught passionate fashion lover. Customising is key to having outstanding personal style.

 I asked her, and no she doesn't always dress like a fairy... just depends on her mood... Either way I am enchanted with this look. The pastels are so in season.

 Just over all bad ass.

London Fashion week final show, Simon Gao

As the fashionably fabulous disperse, returning to their stations to live anonymously until the next fashion week, I was grateful to catch the last show of what has been a great week. Although initially critical of the collections earlier in the week Simon Gao certainly ended fashion week with a bang. And of course he would. Arguably China's hottest designer right now, Simon Gao surely enriched London with his beautiful Fall winter 2014 collection.

       

Gao benefits from a wealth of cultural experience. Traditionally Asian silohettes were reinvented with am minimalist European touch. The attention to detail and quality of each piece was evident, as the expertly crafted fabrics glided down the runway.

What I loved about this ready to wear collection was that it was just that, so wearable. Wearable art, the collection was full of statement pieces that on their own would transform any wardrobe. Although working from a muted palette of black, grey, white and khaki, the collection was anything but understated.

Whist waiting for the show to start, I i-spied a few of China's elite, such as the Editor-in-Chief of Elle China as well as some home grown favourites... Tinie Tempah was there, looking impeccably smart as always, along with super couple Rochelle Wiseman and JLS's Marvin Humes- taking a page out of the Beckhams book, in complimenting outfits. Cute.

Video coming soon x

The Interracial Matchmakers: how to get over a break up

 

 

Here is a piece co-written by my and the Interracial Matchmakers. Enjoy.

 

To set the scene - there you are/ were, crying into you morning muffin....finding it difficult to see past the seemingly eternal emotional cloud you are under. That's the funny thing about love pain, it follows you everywhere, keeping you under no matter what the weather, However, take comfort in the fact we are here to guide you through the storm- and it wont last forever.

I live by the philosophy that storms are easier to weather when forecasted...Similarly, it's important to know what to expect after a break up, the stages can be related to the 5 stages of grief or loss. Before you review these,  there are two questions to address:

"Have you actually gotten over your break-up?"

"Do you actually want to get over your break-up?"

If you want to get over it read on, if you want them back... stay tuned.

So the 5 Stages of mourning the loss of a relationship mirror those of grief itself and are as follows:

Stage 1 - Denial

This is the stage where you experience a type of disbelief, a wrestling with reality and dazed confusion or shock. You really don't want to believe the painful reality; you may even be tempted to contact your ex. Best to resist. If needs be, get a friend to watch over your phone on a night out or a girly session in. Needy texts immediately after a break up do not look good. Give it room to breathe...give yourself room to think.

Stage 2 - Anger

Here emotions may flair, you may be angry at yourself or your ex. You may take it out on yourself, them or those around you. This is a difficult one, because lashing out at your supports may be a regrettable side effect. So if you catch yourself saying something you will regret to your friends family and loved ones, apply the stop drop and roll method to cool it down. Stop... talking, seriously even if you are mid rant. If you realise you are being unreasonable and lashing out just stop. Drop... drop your tone and apologise, say its a hard time for you, etc...And roll.. roll on out of there and get some air & time to think. Alone time can help you come to terms with it all. 

Stage 3 - Bargaining

Negotiation and blame feature here, you may still be tempted to contact your ex. to negotiate a restoration of your relationship, even reaching out to his/her extended networks and involving mutual friends. DO NOT DO this, your not ready. I argue no ones ready- after a break up space is key...even if you do ultimately want them back give it space and alow for healing.

Stage 4 - Depression

This stage is a stage of regrettable sadness, you'll need plenty of reassurance and hugs from friends, as with all these stages. I say tough it through....its inevitable. Just take courage knowing it wont last forever. Keep your self busy by working out & working on yourself. Take classes. DO NOT wallow. Do not over eat. Don't buy into the American solution of ice cream after a break up, heart broken and putting on weight is not going to make you feel better.

Stage 5 - Acceptance

Although not entering as a grand finale, this stage is the gradual and calm acceptance that allows you to move on. It can become the beginning of a brighter future. You are single and there are a world of other singles...with us here to navigate you to the best ones. Take heart - the horizon looks beautiful.

Once you go through these stages, you are through the worst of the storm.

Next up.... what to do if you don't want to be over it/ want them back. Stay tuned!

The BAFTA's!!!

Yes honey, I am loving the parade of awesome that was the BAFTA's last night. Headed by my all time favourite, Lupita Nyongo. Colour blocking like she was born to do in this stunning emerald Dior gown. Next for a mention has to be Naomi Harris with her daring plunge neck line and racy slit...some how she still manages to look classy despite baring some serious (bronzed and gorgeous) skin. Helen Mirren always shows up, and shows that there is noting better then a woman who knows what suits her, with years of experience and a portfolio of fabulous, Helen out shines many younger ladies. Next for a mention has to be Brangelina who turned up in matching suits. I told ya'll before ( seriously, check below) suits for women are in- so get your self suited and booted this winter for an understated smouldering sexy.

Oh and I added David Gandy because....he's David Gandy- Happy Monday,

Life by Lois

2014 The women show the men how it's done

I have been saying it for a while now, a well tailored suit never hurt no body... and now it appears thats true for women too. Anne Hathaway and Salma Hayek boldly take a walk on the man side, and it so pays off. Salma in Yves Saint Laurent mensware by Hedi Silmane, who is noutorious for his love of fitted rock star style suits. Take a look at them both, what do you think. I think it is effortlessly sexy.

At A Glance Best Dressed

This year has been particularly fashionable with Lupita Nyongo coming top of my list. The 12 years a slave star has quickly made her presence known on the red carpet fashion scene, and promises to be a force to be reckoned with when it comes to the battle of best dressed. This week she effortlessly wins my vote in this complimenting purple jump suit by Cushnie et Ochs. The colour and the fabric are so complimenting to her skin tone, making her shimmer and radiate from head to toe, of course that million dollar smile doesn't hurt either...

Next is Karlie Kloss in a white Dior Dress, now as for consistent fabulosity Karlie Kloss does it for me. Unlike some stars who get it so right and then soooo wrong, Karlie pretty much always gets it right. This crisp, simply and flatteringly cut white dress coupled withs sexy black stilettos is the kind of effort simplicity I love her for.

And Naomi embodies an Egyptian Queen in this stunning Michael Kors gown. Shimmer sway sparkle girl!

CSM New Kids Show Some Old Dogs New Tricks

Whilst eagerly perusing the aftermath of the first two days of London Fashion Week I was strangely disappointed with the offering from London's trusted crew of designers. I found the collections either too safe (Orla Kiely) or too abstract and over all unattractive to the eye ( JW Anderson). Overall I found both ends of the spectrum, how do I say it uninspiring. It's like these guys are fully out of true innovation and inspiration. I was about to let out an all mighty sigh and give up, when I stumbled upon the CSM MA grad show. These kids had most defiantly poured their heart and soul into their finals, and the result was what fashion should be pure art. New, liberating, engaging, thought- provoking works or genius. Textures, silhouettes, colours and fabrics were experimented with to create brilliant masterpieces. I think that the established designers can learn learn some tricks from these NewGen designers. I say evolve or make way for the future, because it is most certainly bright.

See for yourself below...

Dove Real Beauty Sketches

It's Monday, and whilst I am so ready for the icy grips of February to give up and make way for sunnier days, I am content with focussing on feel good heart warming content. The latest of which, this Dove campaign, nurtures my soul like Nanas chunky lamb stew. Here in London, a thousand miles from my Nana, and her stew, anything that comes close to warming my insides deserves a shout out. 

For a while now Dove has been heading this campaign for real beauty. Whilst I doubt the suits profiting from Dove sales actually lose sleep over the state of women's body image, I must admit that when considering the damage the female beauty industry has steadily inflicted on women over the years, this campaign provides some much needed relief.

 The latest campaign video features a Police sketch artist and a few women, who one by one were asked to describe themselves. The women all started to list their perceived flaws in great detail. The sketch artist, who could not see them, drew them from how they described themselves. Next the sketch artist talked to people who had just met the women, and asked them to describe what they saw. The result was astounding. The sketches from the women's own view of themselves was remarkably different ( and worse) then the beautiful ( and far more realistic) images the strangers had described to the artist.

What was terrifying is that this is bone chillingly realistic of how most women perceive themselves and a brilliantly illustrates that  many womens self image is in desperate need of repair.

 Sadly and all to tellingly, it is revolutionary for a beauty brand to sell to women based on the fact that they are beautiful just the way they are.

Where as most beauty brands position themselves as a like a frienimy (bitchilly telling you what's wrong with you, whilst ever offering to help fix it- kinda) Dove is working to generate good will towards your self image. It is brilliant PR.

The campaign for real beauty is a far cry from typical beauty campaigns whose key messages can be distilled to "because you are not good enough" and "fix it honey"... that "it" referring to anything that is naturally you....apparently the way God made us is flawed. Hairy, flabby, freckled & aged....the natural woman as at odds with beauty.

As the video displays the battle to reconcile ones self image with the expectations of society can last long into maturity. I came across the quote below whist doing my dissertation on fashion and femininity. It oh so sadly illustrates the lifelong battle with self perception women face through out their lives.

“ My sensible relation to mirrors came to an abrupt and regrettable end with the onset of adolescence..Vulnerable to peer pressure and feminine norms which promptly wrecked my alliance with my mirror image. Soon I was as preoccupied with my looks and as distraught with what I in the looking glass as every other girl in my circle.”  -Meyers, T ( 2002). Mirror Memoire Mirage: Appearance, Aging and Women. In: Gender In The Mirror. New York : Oxford University Press. 148

There is hope. like anything, the first step to recovery is to admit you are sick.

Stop the cycle of abuse, the next time you look in the mirror and dis what God gave you, hazard the thought that you are perfect just the way you are. If you chose to wear makeup and hair, let that be your personal choice, and engage in that for pleasure, but never because you feel you have to. Know this, your default switch is perfection.

Life By Lois

Watch video here: