tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39150482943114187152024-03-08T19:37:05.066+00:00The Rebirth of FashionCreated by Manita RughwaniManita Rughwanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02951932007914514796noreply@blogger.comBlogger237125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915048294311418715.post-62896811576926001332022-09-19T15:55:00.004+01:002022-09-19T16:15:17.014+01:00London Fashion Week: Fashion Scout 2022<p>Hi lovelies,</p><p>Hope you're all keeping well & taking some time to reflect during this period of mourning. </p><p>Like many other Londoners, I've felt the media landscape has had a sombre tone and it's been difficult to comprehend all the tragic events over the last couple of years. </p><p>Despite this, there are some fantastic communities within the Ldn creative scene that are working tirelessly with a "keep calm and carry on" attitude, delivering seamless & timeless shows. </p><p>I was privileged enough to attend Fashion Scout, all thanks to my amazing friend @accidentalstatement <3 </p><p>The venue was in Shoreditch - a buzzing East-London area packed with street art, unique food & pop-ups. The highlights for me: ducking from the paparazzi, enjoying some exquisite Indian food & spotting some amazingly talented outfits (both on the stage & in the frow). </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMPD0uh1qfEQJIGW3_OPNfhjgqI-dzv9h3NPcUxpzT4sREHOZs1eLFT3AQeMaqdsCbEH7Z-Iv-rhxtC_DWhqtbUaAwn5n_168b84cDwYD6djxbohcWtHAfMvkEtuLFEdzJsd0ZQ0mcgH1wN5XXtnYtutVMFDW-ILUU3gOKzQh4DvqZbsjrPHrvcMK6ag" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMPD0uh1qfEQJIGW3_OPNfhjgqI-dzv9h3NPcUxpzT4sREHOZs1eLFT3AQeMaqdsCbEH7Z-Iv-rhxtC_DWhqtbUaAwn5n_168b84cDwYD6djxbohcWtHAfMvkEtuLFEdzJsd0ZQ0mcgH1wN5XXtnYtutVMFDW-ILUU3gOKzQh4DvqZbsjrPHrvcMK6ag=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Timmy Chou: a vibrant collection with a colour palette of deep reds, inspired by Taiwanese culture.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgncVoNPfkcZM5wt_9Ow9uUMg-jFXkzsXWt4bPU4ckKdOtfKr4viZfQ-az5ESZT845z6OpliQ7mZm-o2FRnJtqPeLlHIQm_ypUCc8grvUTFp0y0UnEJfNYyVXLJ558oLiHMlXRu0q4E7UFh9LOpQKJyHFAhKj2TvXwU0nXAFJCkZEp-bs2_32qpU5WjRQ" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgncVoNPfkcZM5wt_9Ow9uUMg-jFXkzsXWt4bPU4ckKdOtfKr4viZfQ-az5ESZT845z6OpliQ7mZm-o2FRnJtqPeLlHIQm_ypUCc8grvUTFp0y0UnEJfNYyVXLJ558oLiHMlXRu0q4E7UFh9LOpQKJyHFAhKj2TvXwU0nXAFJCkZEp-bs2_32qpU5WjRQ=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chi-an Yu: a 3-D-forward collection inspired by human-centred cultures. This look particularly stood out to me with the shirt/dress hybrid & the fit-flare silhouette is oh-so elegant.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXdBaf9FhtJu-EELS2A0NKSmQ8pm99ZlAEdgba-ZJLUfn1PFm1K_Ml0BtEmrkpSHqJJ76_y17DXl8agj350OkPo7lOwfmxn3BEwRXNJ_tKiquyhL9rPk4m8dyaOUG3Ie4F0BAjQq_5D-4oRXwlX47NgTCrPuCgeHHXP1JuVfRbV7DOxta575a-A0_-gg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2080" data-original-width="1170" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXdBaf9FhtJu-EELS2A0NKSmQ8pm99ZlAEdgba-ZJLUfn1PFm1K_Ml0BtEmrkpSHqJJ76_y17DXl8agj350OkPo7lOwfmxn3BEwRXNJ_tKiquyhL9rPk4m8dyaOUG3Ie4F0BAjQq_5D-4oRXwlX47NgTCrPuCgeHHXP1JuVfRbV7DOxta575a-A0_-gg=w360-h640" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chi-An Yu: A collection that was giving S&M vibes all the way - loving this beautiful oversized yet dainty white shirt, alongside a mesh trouser & classic black boot. <br /><br /><h3>Show Me Your Shoes!</h3><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHEOhpcyfRhyll7Xrd1pR7weH7TbbPbuOsugnO4iTpamTP5Mbc8p_WFu4HVzzuLja_zIzsgURh1wrgAQSda_OUTKaSF5pTLkElTbLPw0WDouXmsk_W41j5QbSMFdHPDtr-t__ICRITRurNfBQQJnRp7ukFPBcPJ4-vIY0nB8x1SurwtOqcF_N7IdV1eA" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2080" data-original-width="1170" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHEOhpcyfRhyll7Xrd1pR7weH7TbbPbuOsugnO4iTpamTP5Mbc8p_WFu4HVzzuLja_zIzsgURh1wrgAQSda_OUTKaSF5pTLkElTbLPw0WDouXmsk_W41j5QbSMFdHPDtr-t__ICRITRurNfBQQJnRp7ukFPBcPJ4-vIY0nB8x1SurwtOqcF_N7IdV1eA=w360-h640" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Absolutely obsessed with these black & neon contrast Prada loafers <3</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2osHGD0teR1fnNINA2042YKl6EfhkJ3otmOqyQRs_6xSRe3qX1xLez-5xGmi0bwIQtv7UOwiHuGE91y23fMKWYibib5ApnIXEJy6Ylcb1OHsRXnEXEJRjeuBGw9p4j0lraKuaxEhkOISVqr-Ay-EwmQc49BMvaeke2s8pXzQLN1GTgPXphgv-hX4s1g" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2osHGD0teR1fnNINA2042YKl6EfhkJ3otmOqyQRs_6xSRe3qX1xLez-5xGmi0bwIQtv7UOwiHuGE91y23fMKWYibib5ApnIXEJy6Ylcb1OHsRXnEXEJRjeuBGw9p4j0lraKuaxEhkOISVqr-Ay-EwmQc49BMvaeke2s8pXzQLN1GTgPXphgv-hX4s1g=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sophisticated & neutral flats with a buckle detail.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYXBJoUT3Vnps6SdWBY60MnXdnF7h6QMM9V1F7AOjUthrIqpa6Dqr_ZllKjE4cwtDcXpsRGwRGQneUlfI4QqwT7GkuwzDM6FbSnJp69TlsGjVF99TRwrAcvVY6twgjPn8Obh7h-dvoiWoLPDfhIa08si05sCkLGRsZONidnLSl7ANB9ISq3S5rJzLBrw" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYXBJoUT3Vnps6SdWBY60MnXdnF7h6QMM9V1F7AOjUthrIqpa6Dqr_ZllKjE4cwtDcXpsRGwRGQneUlfI4QqwT7GkuwzDM6FbSnJp69TlsGjVF99TRwrAcvVY6twgjPn8Obh7h-dvoiWoLPDfhIa08si05sCkLGRsZONidnLSl7ANB9ISq3S5rJzLBrw=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Timeless black loafers with a chunky sole & sheen finish.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjHJiz44lR1rUxwsEFgEiNwyaded4OO62hKDnQ_-2P7vlcY8kR8x72En6C6l51VkkiSnyhW5nIdDUzXaWklI5owb-BCJq4jPNJmw4f508CfwsAUIaw8WrEdPNRyfh-vlsmSHXUj9e7m05HmexW-RenSU_vlRBXphuz61frzd-L-yFDbsS5_kBK_sgAA6g" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2080" data-original-width="1170" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjHJiz44lR1rUxwsEFgEiNwyaded4OO62hKDnQ_-2P7vlcY8kR8x72En6C6l51VkkiSnyhW5nIdDUzXaWklI5owb-BCJq4jPNJmw4f508CfwsAUIaw8WrEdPNRyfh-vlsmSHXUj9e7m05HmexW-RenSU_vlRBXphuz61frzd-L-yFDbsS5_kBK_sgAA6g=w360-h640" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colours, colours, colours!</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwGe73Hp3BN_-wG1PfhNOJdtulQLHnk0_qIeuyCkMAkG3mmQAGhsksZy3msqo8VMiyIyOXdIqhVE7u3Unvi9Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Chia-Lin Hsu - a simple, flowy piece amidst an otherwise show-stompingly bold collection.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyajV7PLnDpjH-9ahQeABtCz6S-8NE21xwrZleTNR3sI_SsAhXkXrg7GWayp9h_WXLGHg9Q9hL7SuPYFMXbPw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Decadence, femininity & shimmer from Chao-Ruei Wu</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw2VLCE6IULlJyuY_n-RijQFtut_PWw4szxYQ3EF0-uN_u4JrJ3KFNH-cXTSGJDA2w2tYz00SaBzrXq43fATw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A head-turning duo to say the least...</div><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Press Info: @i.deapr</span></h4><p></p>Manita Rughwanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02951932007914514796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915048294311418715.post-3347342078685927232022-07-30T22:55:00.005+01:002022-07-30T23:26:02.571+01:00Reality vs. the Metaverse, being South Asian, Christine Quinn's book & more...Hi all,<div><br /></div><div>Hope you're having a wonderful weekend, wherever you are & whatever you're up to.</div><div><br /></div><div>As (luck) would have it, I've been recovering from COVID-19 (just had it for the first time) & essentially, pondering my existence over the last decade. In fact, today I renewed my Google domain & it's always a proud feeling of mine every year. To some, this may not mean anything as I don't have some 7,000 members but when I was 16, I created my blog as a creative outlet following trauma. </div><div><br /></div><div>I feel strongly that the realm of media has shifted over the last couple years and that platforms, such as Instagram, have upped their algorithm game to a point that it even surprises me, sometimes. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm often left wondering - is anyone truly appreciating <b>real</b> content anymore? </div><div><br /></div><div>As we scroll and scroll mindlessly, are we truly retaining the information? For all my media peeps: <span style="background-color: #062940;"><span style="color: white;"><span face="Graphik, sans-serif"><span style="caret-color: rgb(16, 71, 107);">A 5% increase in your Customer Retention Rate (CRR) can boost profits by 25% (TripleWhale).</span></span></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>When I started blogging, I took inspo from BryanBoy and I would get giddy every time a new post would pop up on his site, staring in awe at those "beyond" outfits. I loved that he explained his heritage (Philippines) & never lost sight of this along the way. I loved watching the likes of <b>Shahs of Sunset</b> (<span style="font-size: x-small;">please Andy, bring the series back & scrap Mike. The incident is way beyond acceptable but that doesn't mean the rest of the cast have to suffer</span>) & KUWTK as it felt refreshing to see people of colour on my TV screen. Of course, Bend it like Beckham (2002) was the pinnacle of Indian Diaspora British film, though (iconic).</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/1c/Bend_It_Like_Beckham_movie.jpg" style="-webkit-user-select: none; display: block; margin: auto;" /></div><div><br /></div><div>I often find that as an independent South Asian (Sindhi) woman at 27 years of age, born and bred in London and estranged from much of my family, I struggle to relate to the content creators that I follow. Sure, it's amazing to see strong powerful brown women killing it but I'm often left wondering... where is anyone like me? Maybe I'm not looking in the right place & maybe I'll never find that. The sheer fact that I studied English with Film at a prestigious Arts & Humanities campus is pretty groundbreaking to many Asian communities. Traditionally, we go down the Medicine/Pharma/Finance routes but that never truly interested me. </div><div><br /></div><div><img alt="King's College London (KCL): Rankings, Fees, Courses, Admission 2021, Eligibility & Scholarships" class="n3VNCb KAlRDb" data-noaft="1" jsaction="load:XAeZkd;" jsname="HiaYvf" src="https://images.shiksha.com/mediadata/images/1533283959phpSfNE6A.jpeg" style="height: 300px; margin: 0px; width: 450px;" /></div><div><i>KCL - my bae... I'll come back for that Global Security MSC some day :D</i></div><div><br /></div><div>I will, however, give a huge shout out to the following powerful women I've seen doing amazing things on IG & killing it with their businesses: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bishamberdas/?hl=en">Bishamber Das</a>, Lailli & Alizé Mirza (I will be at <a href="https://www.biolitedubai.com">Biolite </a>some day & the mere fact that this renowned aesthetic clinic replied to me, made my day with COVID) <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dipnaanand/?hl=en">Diipna Anand</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tanvi.x/?hl=en">Tanvi</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/docnafiakaan/?hl=en">Nafia Khan,</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/anncytwinkle/?hl=en">Anncy</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jiSTICwJKvI" width="320" youtube-src-id="jiSTICwJKvI"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I literally died at this video as Anncy is HILARIOUS but it's actually accurate & very sad that skin lightening products are so widely promoted in India. I remember being there & so many of these ads would appear. In the trash, F&L goes....</span></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Whilst I appreciate the fast-paced nature of Insta reels, I never got into TikTok as I felt it was a little bit too childish for my taste (please don't kill me!) However, I have been on there recently as I feel it's a good way to tap into Gen Z's fun & sassy tastes. </div><div><br /></div><div>I recently downloaded Christine Quinn's <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/How-to-Be-a-Boss-Bitch-Audiobook/B09JFRYGPX">Audible book</a> & listened to it via Alexa --> epic (plus I could do some chores in the background). </div><div><br /></div><div>I enjoyed the fact that Christine kept it all the way <i>100 </i>& I could hear the pain in her tone of voice. I've heard countless stories of how brutal American high school life can be but I can resonate to some of her stories (including the glue in hair situation) & I can only imagine what it's like to not be able to pursue further education and force yourself into the spotlight. By distinguishing Christine's voice from her appearance, it became apparent that she is a <b>strong</b> <b>woman</b>. </div><div><br /></div><div><img alt="How to be a Boss Bitch: Stop apologizing for who you are and get the life you want eBook : Quinn, Christine: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store" class="n3VNCb KAlRDb" data-noaft="1" jsaction="load:XAeZkd;" jsname="HiaYvf" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/S/aplus-media-library-service-media/5d48478e-1c16-44dc-85a5-6314812a7823.__CR0,0,970,600_PT0_SX970_V1___.jpg" style="height: 247.4226804123711px; margin: 0px; width: 400px;" /></div><div><br /></div><div>I feel audio books are the way forward... </div><div><br /></div><div>My screen time is so ridiculous sometimes between all of my apps, emails and messages that I often lose sight of reality. Listening to audio or reading a book may seem old school but I feel it's important to balance tangible/physical forms of media vs. digital. Also, I remember to this day, some epic quotes from Christine's fabulously striking voice which truly says something about the audio form.</div><div><br /></div><div>As I've delved into the Metaverse, I'm so grateful to be a part of some fantastic, innovative communities and there is now genuinely so much I want to look at and be a part of but I have to remember, I can't do it all (and that's okay). </div><div><br /></div><div>Today's media world is so saturated with the rise of voice-assistants and media multi-tasking (who else watches TV & plays on their phone?)</div><div><br /></div><div>It's a wild time but one which we can enjoy and utilise, so long as we remember our zen time, filter out negative content vibes & ensure we are promoting all demographics. </div><div><br /></div>Manita Rughwanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02951932007914514796noreply@blogger.com0London, UK51.5072178 -0.127586223.196983963821154 -35.2838362 79.817451636178845 35.0286638tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915048294311418715.post-62819509274119688452022-06-09T18:44:00.004+01:002022-06-09T18:57:16.719+01:00Glitterati Jewels: Evil Eye away that Basic B- Energy!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hey lovelies!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hope everyone is keeping well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm back with a bang, bringing you the scoop on this exquisite <a href="https://www.glitteratijewelsuk.com/Shop/Choker-Drop-Necklace-p113645328">Evil Eye necklace</a> - it's absolutely sublime.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Firstly, I love the delicate chain paired with the statement gold pendant: it's bold but not overpowering.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Furthermore, the founder of <a href="https://www.glitteratijewelsuk.com/about">Glitterati Jewels</a> is a queen; not only is Shellni a South-Asian female working in healthcare, but she is also heavily involved in the fashion scene. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's so empowering to have such wonderful women around me that manage to balance such tough environments with a smile & bubbly personality.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvNrhaMDR1gGmHK7YVTriBXyMti50ZLwHiFJ5H1-XZ0AxfOtwbb20R78rJp0Fy-FGRaqsgt4W7RUAgmsB64klfUbyoGLkR-kWRGaLn5aSwnFPp7yJUA0cloi90BqUURsImUDzIwOMf7w9DeXWGNBIwjd28BpE93i7g-Q0wMo84qx-hyO49VyPCnufIBA/s4032/F84CEB73-8D37-4AA4-B173-0C521FFF145D.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2850" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvNrhaMDR1gGmHK7YVTriBXyMti50ZLwHiFJ5H1-XZ0AxfOtwbb20R78rJp0Fy-FGRaqsgt4W7RUAgmsB64klfUbyoGLkR-kWRGaLn5aSwnFPp7yJUA0cloi90BqUURsImUDzIwOMf7w9DeXWGNBIwjd28BpE93i7g-Q0wMo84qx-hyO49VyPCnufIBA/w453-h640/F84CEB73-8D37-4AA4-B173-0C521FFF145D.jpeg" width="453" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYMXBQvO1L3W2h7g4SGk2A7HZ67r0BfCBAPKc-o5ddLq2v-dnglMStpI-FI3vJW4KyyuHrhHb4ff0J5Xc5wYjqUpZtfzn41TmJ-1lk9HQ9Rjeju8CN0ixW31NwXn7TmqKV__gTueCtLMy9Bk3-31KHgbMpzAl0G-x7ntPCCEG8bIHuVVmCMihDmlEAzA/s2316/B325BB3F-6577-47F5-BA39-EB9AB3D052FD.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2162" data-original-width="2316" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYMXBQvO1L3W2h7g4SGk2A7HZ67r0BfCBAPKc-o5ddLq2v-dnglMStpI-FI3vJW4KyyuHrhHb4ff0J5Xc5wYjqUpZtfzn41TmJ-1lk9HQ9Rjeju8CN0ixW31NwXn7TmqKV__gTueCtLMy9Bk3-31KHgbMpzAl0G-x7ntPCCEG8bIHuVVmCMihDmlEAzA/s320/B325BB3F-6577-47F5-BA39-EB9AB3D052FD.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>Disclaimer: This piece is currently sold out but if you'd like to purchase, please do contact me :) </i></span></h4>Manita Rughwanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02951932007914514796noreply@blogger.com0London, UK51.5072178 -0.127586223.196983963821154 -35.2838362 79.817451636178845 35.0286638tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915048294311418715.post-15893248422116541812020-05-13T16:10:00.000+01:002020-05-13T16:10:27.200+01:00Now's the Time to Act - Anti-ageing with Nakin Skincare<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hey guys!<br />
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Hope ya'll are staying at home and still slaying your skincare routines ;)<br />
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Just over a month ago, I received two wonderful products from <a href="https://www.nakinskincare.com/">Nakin Skincare</a> - an award winning UK-based natural anti-ageing skincare brand.<br />
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First, I received the <a href="https://www.nakinskincare.com/collections/natural-anti-ageing-skincare/products/lip-treatment-balm">Natural Anti-ageing Lip Treatment Balm </a> which blew me out the park from the get go. Not only does it have a luxuriously rich consistency, it also contains a gentle scrubbing effect which means you get to exfoliate your lips whilst retaining moisture. It also has peppermint for a refreshing experience. This is perfect to throw in your handbag before a date or a Netflix n Chill moment.<br />
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Would I normally spend £10 on lip balm, no. However, this gives you that luxe spa experience that justifies the price. You also get a lot of product.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKunIXv9eXKw9pTectrk8CzMJQV9WUbmAnDhkAv857iOQeHT0vst0VUyQnSqnIubF1oSIWbjfMZiXu0QtNtolkuFaR93Oos3IyTH4fyi-HEidtihz0yN63XWUgB3HqscbNnWJ84ecCPLV/s1600/IMG_3211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKunIXv9eXKw9pTectrk8CzMJQV9WUbmAnDhkAv857iOQeHT0vst0VUyQnSqnIubF1oSIWbjfMZiXu0QtNtolkuFaR93Oos3IyTH4fyi-HEidtihz0yN63XWUgB3HqscbNnWJ84ecCPLV/s640/IMG_3211.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Now, on to the<a href="https://www.nakinskincare.com/products/performance-face-serum"> Anti-ageing Performance Face Serum </a> - this is one of Nakin's best sellers. It has a concoction of natural ingredients which stimulates the reversal of ageing signs. I used to be a big fan of serums back in the day, however nowadays I tend to just go for a standard moisturiser. After using this serum, I am definitely reverting back to serums as they give me that luxurious feel and a little goes a long way. Furthermore, after a month of use I noticed less blemishes, softer skin and a significant brightening/glow effect.<br />
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I may be 25 but I highly recommend starting preventative measures now as skincare is about prevention rather than reaction.<br />
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Please do try out these products and check out the rest of the Nakin range and let me know your thoughts.<br />
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Lots of love,<br />
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Mani xo<br />
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Manita Rughwanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02951932007914514796noreply@blogger.com0London, UK51.5073509 -0.127758351.1912379 -0.7732053 51.8234639 0.5176887tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915048294311418715.post-84431202229231958942019-11-26T15:07:00.000+00:002019-11-26T15:07:03.587+00:00Winter Neutrals with Femme Luxe<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hey lovelies!<br />
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I hope all of you are keeping well and didn't miss me too much ;)<br />
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This year has been challenging for many personal reasons but also a year filled with a lot of personal growth and self-development. As I've been taking a few trips to Switzerland to clear my mind and relax, I decided as I'm back in London it would be great to get back into the blogging scene. What better way than to start with a collaboration with the amazing <a href="https://femmeluxefinery.co.uk/collections/dresses">Femme Luxe</a>.<br />
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I feel like I've been out the blogging game for a little while so I wasn't sure how I'd feel but as soon as I tried these babies on, I just loved the concept of dressing up and it helped that I was genuinely impressed with the clothing I received. Not only do I feel the pieces are good quality but they also are very much on-trend with the neutrals theme this Winter.<br />
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Also, being completely honest, I am always a little bit anxious to venture out and try clothing from new brands due to my shape and wondering if the pieces would fit my size 16 frame in a good way. However, I was really surprised that everything fitted me amazingly as I went for both oversized/tight looks.<br />
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Ladies, do let me know what you think of the below looks and let me know if you try out any pieces from <a href="https://femmeluxefinery.co.uk/collections/dresses">Femme Luxe</a> yourselves as I would highly recommend if you're looking for affordable, stylish, Instagrammable looks <3<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU7U5I2V00pDxiaGF4Lu7eaXovRXyUt2FvQzAswsXK5yz-IynBmUB4JPFV4N7HCILvBrmbVzQIaMuYUi49jWGN1pdbdKhgRzxjm2c5z16ktLX27RJPItW2-cAFtlqUCcj0KHd87asgCt8J/s1600/8F053B61-6E37-4551-B20A-B68129BDF48E.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU7U5I2V00pDxiaGF4Lu7eaXovRXyUt2FvQzAswsXK5yz-IynBmUB4JPFV4N7HCILvBrmbVzQIaMuYUi49jWGN1pdbdKhgRzxjm2c5z16ktLX27RJPItW2-cAFtlqUCcj0KHd87asgCt8J/s640/8F053B61-6E37-4551-B20A-B68129BDF48E.JPG" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely figure-hugging <a href="https://femmeluxefinery.co.uk/collections/jumpers">cream jumper</a>, perfect for teaming with leggings or cycle shorts for a night out.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3THhQmJLstvoE7SvOnJiETs4LGZRUnmDFZhyphenhyphenFN-vLTYGes2Ofq064z7GDSuzZf5kCZhb9E3b8BmCxVoEZwm-j6ycqUGwpqi5g81dzAXzjMdVZbqV-DYuyy9p2P57v4sweGq5sydzP6KpY/s1600/206FDBA3-DF80-4D50-A66D-B5B0F1F7EDC0.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3THhQmJLstvoE7SvOnJiETs4LGZRUnmDFZhyphenhyphenFN-vLTYGes2Ofq064z7GDSuzZf5kCZhb9E3b8BmCxVoEZwm-j6ycqUGwpqi5g81dzAXzjMdVZbqV-DYuyy9p2P57v4sweGq5sydzP6KpY/s640/206FDBA3-DF80-4D50-A66D-B5B0F1F7EDC0.JPG" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous flowy <a href="https://femmeluxefinery.co.uk/collections/satin-dresses">black satin dress</a> which I felt looked so expensive in person.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheM9EBLw3QkU7MCTbrZh_aKlR-47ZbzqTsi1RJiXU1jyaWTlSvGveCZdCUjK-GFtZo0uaCegMYuBOlTKOuLDO0WSsoVVicr8TQRp0cJQA2KK6ViapxWwzfxgCinL2nZeiCo3VWgGFpve4L/s1600/223EAEED-9580-4207-88C1-AE35E891B1AC.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheM9EBLw3QkU7MCTbrZh_aKlR-47ZbzqTsi1RJiXU1jyaWTlSvGveCZdCUjK-GFtZo0uaCegMYuBOlTKOuLDO0WSsoVVicr8TQRp0cJQA2KK6ViapxWwzfxgCinL2nZeiCo3VWgGFpve4L/s640/223EAEED-9580-4207-88C1-AE35E891B1AC.JPG" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simple but flattering oversized <a href="https://femmeluxefinery.co.uk/collections/hoodies-sweatshirts">sweat mini-dress</a>.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXXJ0bAVodjIEQRMFU33xrn15RgZwoEidcS6lhvcGOGVilBe-0hiUpGdprzzyTE0yHYqNxEpztMg3TAIM_tHFTt9ko59MIhpy-iSUYaV5YvrDn_d0zKk2RwoClznogpcspmgAT414gNaAH/s1600/E02FE4D8-8BEE-4A2C-8F47-B27CEE04EE25.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXXJ0bAVodjIEQRMFU33xrn15RgZwoEidcS6lhvcGOGVilBe-0hiUpGdprzzyTE0yHYqNxEpztMg3TAIM_tHFTt9ko59MIhpy-iSUYaV5YvrDn_d0zKk2RwoClznogpcspmgAT414gNaAH/s640/E02FE4D8-8BEE-4A2C-8F47-B27CEE04EE25.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Comfy, stretchy black <a href="https://femmeluxefinery.co.uk/collections/lounge-wear-sets">loungewear co-ord</a> which hugged my curves perfectly.</td></tr>
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Manita Rughwanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02951932007914514796noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915048294311418715.post-44178745723294152372019-01-31T23:22:00.003+00:002019-01-31T23:22:59.119+00:00Goodbye London, Hello Switzerland!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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For the last couple of weeks I've been exploring Switzerland!</div>
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This break really has taught me a lot about myself and the way we have become such a materialistic society - sure it's nice to have nice things but the most important lesson in life is to re-connect with parents and all thanks to the Lord, I have been given this chance to take a break from life and re-charge my batteries.</div>
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Sometimes we get so caught up with London life (bills, bills, bills) that we all need time to take a step back and re-evaluate what is important to us in life. This break has taught me more than ever who my best friends are, who I can rely on and what kind of direction I want my life to lead. I am grateful to my father for allowing me to stay with him and whilst on this break, I've been doing more and more writing, reading and going for walks by the jaw-dropping lake. </div>
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The fresh air and peaceful way of living here has taught me one of two things: 1) We all should look after our environment more! London has a lot to learn when it comes to sustainability as recycling is taken very seriously here - outside the biggest supermarket chains (Migros, for one) you will see clearly-labelled areas to dispense your plastics. It's so inspiring to see the way people live here - the streets are spotless and everyone is healthy and active. Sometimes London life makes us sluggish but here, I have learnt it's <i>so</i> important to go out and appreciate God's gifts no matter where you are in the world.</div>
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Self-care has a different meaning for us all - as an "old soul", I tend to gravitate towards lakes and quite places for meditation and reflection. Sometimes, remembering the basics like having a nice hot bath and listening to your favourite tunes (oh, and for me jotting down my thoughts in my diary) is all we need to re-set.</div>
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Here are a few pics...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_9sBcNi6C3SH73UfWK0V1_A0q2aJgC01tPOknSeSwFJeUZswyQd8pmICK4hmQm6tUD5toLXedW_BhIKF6cInIn4I0AFnSQRsWJIe0hScfg4yQN3I1bIgtG9QoYZQSvD1KR-d-4t232ASE/s1600/IMG-3126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_9sBcNi6C3SH73UfWK0V1_A0q2aJgC01tPOknSeSwFJeUZswyQd8pmICK4hmQm6tUD5toLXedW_BhIKF6cInIn4I0AFnSQRsWJIe0hScfg4yQN3I1bIgtG9QoYZQSvD1KR-d-4t232ASE/s640/IMG-3126.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Dress</b>: Pretty Little Thing (I love PLT for their Shape and Curve sections where I can find items that fit my body shape well).</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlKdyTrjb0Qd9YZYkKMHWXbkiCWYrhCucZouzVs0iuWGXfUbrOGJvyAUF0TJOq0yPPJ4MiIN7G3zQ7Lm-91cP7gCw2bO8ZFgmSiRAU_DoUN2QMpZxN8itRrzxbP-IqfLrgAhN6D-y0oLGM/s1600/IMG-3085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1281" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlKdyTrjb0Qd9YZYkKMHWXbkiCWYrhCucZouzVs0iuWGXfUbrOGJvyAUF0TJOq0yPPJ4MiIN7G3zQ7Lm-91cP7gCw2bO8ZFgmSiRAU_DoUN2QMpZxN8itRrzxbP-IqfLrgAhN6D-y0oLGM/s640/IMG-3085.JPG" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Swiss are known for their watches after all!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsa6HVWoxU2gIcDatwrn0Al3Ic0YOZ-RyUycBlm9UDu9AKgoGjkeCE27ElxQHrlTxRNbheGwWdpqLb20KdMe-4p60yZ9uBWxbe1KO95Pyc4nilV2gtzSIaaTvei6EXfFkhGFHzTUYV1ekn/s1600/IMG-3091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1199" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsa6HVWoxU2gIcDatwrn0Al3Ic0YOZ-RyUycBlm9UDu9AKgoGjkeCE27ElxQHrlTxRNbheGwWdpqLb20KdMe-4p60yZ9uBWxbe1KO95Pyc4nilV2gtzSIaaTvei6EXfFkhGFHzTUYV1ekn/s640/IMG-3091.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Postcard-esque scenery (Weggis).</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9cqB5vMis5_ZzTIc4785769ePCieasI9YcEgneGarOVKcM8aEyCk39zH-uPfuu6E-683rnm6beIf7L8C0quwF4QuyC6Vs8oBlRUjmkOEXPBAP86MAjyzm4gXhyphenhyphenIx-qshsJ9-I2663WvPE/s1600/IMG-3092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9cqB5vMis5_ZzTIc4785769ePCieasI9YcEgneGarOVKcM8aEyCk39zH-uPfuu6E-683rnm6beIf7L8C0quwF4QuyC6Vs8oBlRUjmkOEXPBAP86MAjyzm4gXhyphenhyphenIx-qshsJ9-I2663WvPE/s640/IMG-3092.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Local street-art - who knows what this means but I live for it!</td></tr>
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Manita Rughwanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02951932007914514796noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915048294311418715.post-28736682787193272362018-01-29T22:19:00.000+00:002018-01-29T22:35:22.090+00:00The Perfect Valentines Gift! : Personalised Elie Beaumont Watch Review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>Disclaimer:</b> Item sent for review purposes. All opinions are truthful.</span><br />
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Hey lovelies!<br />
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This is an official warning that there is just <i>two</i> weeks left until <a href="https://personallypresented-dot-yamm-track.appspot.com/Redirect?ukey=1WmOTWd8X5ZuWx7920tdNHkTmefGo3XG531UxyaK7Wng-1171441288&key=YAMMID-96756565&link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.personallypresented.com%2Fcollections%2Fvalentines-day-gifts">Valentines Day</a>! Whether or not you think the day is a load of faff, there's a good chance that your other half is still expecting a gift so unless you're willing to deal with the mood swings, you better get on it now...<br />
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Fear not! I have the perfect solution to save you from that last-minute gifting panic.<br />
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<a href="https://www.personallypresented.com/">Personally Presented</a> is an online store which specialises in personalised gifts for all ages. The site is packed with gorgeous gift options and the quick and hassle-free personalisation option means that you can add that special touch for your loved one in just a click. I love the idea of adding a personal message on a gift as it automatically transforms the item into a sentimental keepsake.<br />
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As I love fashion, I opted for this stunning <a href="https://www.personallypresented.com/products/modern-vintage-personalised-leather-watch-in-black-with-white-dial-per2537-ser">Elie Beaumont Modern - Vintage Leather Watch in Black with White Dial.</a> The watch itself is timeless and versatile for wear at work or special occasions. I mean, what doesn't black and rose gold go with, right?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhj8Di9XW7rEpsS_M0vMGpnuV2iAjOxjqS3wqvLw-bK9J7X6C7ibJPRALBigdwzct4WI8M2g61WKV3kXN2pAqGW_I2PFbqM1dtQB-qfwuZPCPyf2I1e5jB2ubmOD7BBtK-e7LsFtFpx0gx/s1600/Watch+Pic+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1213" data-original-width="1600" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhj8Di9XW7rEpsS_M0vMGpnuV2iAjOxjqS3wqvLw-bK9J7X6C7ibJPRALBigdwzct4WI8M2g61WKV3kXN2pAqGW_I2PFbqM1dtQB-qfwuZPCPyf2I1e5jB2ubmOD7BBtK-e7LsFtFpx0gx/s640/Watch+Pic+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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My gift was presented in lovely minimalist packaging with an embossed box and a convenient leather pouch to protect my watch when not in use. Can we say #aesthetic?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2N-LYTiB7VQZJ37NAxRfVcU9UCC-AuIVzAQeNA9oUoK-fqC4HSDwV3hxu2IMcp5nzmzg58EWQ-dfITM3HuiPbayCgfQeffUok2LEd_FA867wMvolp-yFJXmjuajZVL4Vmw5HM8B3zOS_C/s1600/Watch+Pic+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2N-LYTiB7VQZJ37NAxRfVcU9UCC-AuIVzAQeNA9oUoK-fqC4HSDwV3hxu2IMcp5nzmzg58EWQ-dfITM3HuiPbayCgfQeffUok2LEd_FA867wMvolp-yFJXmjuajZVL4Vmw5HM8B3zOS_C/s640/Watch+Pic+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The turn-around time from order to delivery was ridiculously quick and in just a few days, I received my stunning new watch. The speed was impressive to me as I expected a personalised gift to take a little longer but the service from <a href="https://www.personallypresented.com/">Personally Presented</a> was exceptional as they kept me up to date with all the dispatch info.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ650fJ4USVawWsz1QSfooNrOgtnB12yQobioYkwI-0gVolYqqJXCmVvCkfgFKkPpUkPc3sgjiLE3LhviepwBl5EVzUb9xHDkjxvk67gTXyRjhvkRpg6zpuR6As2Oyk9ZWYy6f5JCt9H9i/s1600/Watch+Pic+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="944" data-original-width="1600" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ650fJ4USVawWsz1QSfooNrOgtnB12yQobioYkwI-0gVolYqqJXCmVvCkfgFKkPpUkPc3sgjiLE3LhviepwBl5EVzUb9xHDkjxvk67gTXyRjhvkRpg6zpuR6As2Oyk9ZWYy6f5JCt9H9i/s640/Watch+Pic+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duh ;)</td></tr>
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Overall, I would definitely recommend <a href="https://www.personallypresented.com/">Personally Presented</a> if you're looking for a <a href="https://www.personallypresented.com/collections/valentines-day-gifts">Valentines Day gift</a> for your special someone as the options are affordable and I believe that a personalised gift is incredibly unique and meaningful... you can't go wrong! Plus, I have a special discount for you guys: use <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;">therebirthoffashion.net-</span><b><wbr style="color: #222222; text-align: justify;"></wbr></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: justify;"><b>10 </b>at checkout (don't say I don't treat you!) xoxo </span></span></div>
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Manita Rughwanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02951932007914514796noreply@blogger.com5London, UK51.5073509 -0.1277582999999822351.1912379 -0.77320529999998222 51.8234639 0.51768870000001777tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915048294311418715.post-83796038508909723942018-01-05T18:14:00.000+00:002018-01-05T19:54:14.056+00:00Know Cosmetics Review: Flawless Makeup Exists!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>Disclaimer</b>: Products sent for review purposes. All opinions are truthful.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Hey everyone! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">I hope you lovelies had an awesome Christmas and New Years! (I'm still waiting on someone to arrive to my flat with an IV detox à la The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills). </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">I wanted to share these gorgeous products from <a href="https://knowcosmetics.com/">Know Cosmetics</a> with you guys... </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Previously available in Sephora (when are we getting a London one pls?), you can now purchase their range in the UK. Overall, the concept of the brand = essential, 'universal' products created to offer makeup fixes/hacks.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Sometimes we just need a little extra help when it comes to our makeup. Perhaps we're in a rush and can't be bothered to put in an hour's worth of effort but still want a flawless finish... this is where <a href="https://knowcosmetics.com/">Know Cosmetics</a> is a lifesaver! The range also offers items that I like to call the 'foundation products' to a quality makeup look. I don't know about you but I've definitely had days where I've woken up and almost heaved at my dark circles so I can appreciate <a href="https://knowcosmetics.com/products/no-dark-shadows">No Dark Shadows</a>, for instance, and we <i>all </i>know how some good under-eye concealer can take you from hungover af to slay all day. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnbydQCb7NUaAXW7ShNeEW6Q_8WK6OWKrNiNup-S35pPdhyphenhyphenRvNfg6-W2Z7f7PiUs72n43kLSn8V_aTI3TocYYbJ3r1hgN8kPgxv57O3jo2U73Qd9wfzHuMy_MtH4JEaYjR2lJjsyWDthGZ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-01-05+at+16.56.15.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1120" data-original-width="1188" height="602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnbydQCb7NUaAXW7ShNeEW6Q_8WK6OWKrNiNup-S35pPdhyphenhyphenRvNfg6-W2Z7f7PiUs72n43kLSn8V_aTI3TocYYbJ3r1hgN8kPgxv57O3jo2U73Qd9wfzHuMy_MtH4JEaYjR2lJjsyWDthGZ/s640/Screen+Shot+2018-01-05+at+16.56.15.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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My favourite out of the range has to be <a href="https://knowcosmetics.com/products/no-bleeding-lips">No Bleeding Lips</a> as this works especially well as a lip liner for all shades to give you that cleaned up look. Moreover, it's perfect for when you can't find the right liner shade for that vampy new liquid lipstick you bought. I can definitely see this becoming a cult product in my collection.<br />
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<a href="https://knowcosmetics.com/products/no-thin-lips">No Thin Lips</a> is also good product for adding some volume to your lips. I've used plumpers in the past and thankfully, the sting on this one is very manageable which is a pro. What I love about this product too is that it doesn't leave your lips feeling sticky but rather moisturised and hydrated.<br />
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<a href="https://knowcosmetics.com/products/no-bare-brows">No Bare Brows</a> is a universal brow pencil with two sides - a dark side to fill in and a white side to highlight/clean up. It also comes with a sharpener cap & brush cap. I think this is the product I would use the least as I prefer creams/pomades but nevertheless, it's still a handy duo pencil to carry in your handbag and it's less faffing around.<br />
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Have you tried <a href="https://knowcosmetics.com/">Know Cosmetics</a>? Let me know what you think! xoxo</div>
Manita Rughwanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02951932007914514796noreply@blogger.com0London, UK51.5073509 -0.1277582999999822351.1912379 -0.77320529999998222 51.8234639 0.51768870000001777tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915048294311418715.post-91874442493545757942017-10-13T16:11:00.001+01:002017-10-13T16:23:04.688+01:00Sonnet 130 Revised <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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* Taken from one of my English degree modules... an amalgam of personal grief, physical insecurities perpetuated by the beauty/fashion industry, as well as literature influences. In dedication to my mother (an excellent poet) on what would have been her 58th birthday today.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1JYSvr6SFTaVijQhwN5oDz56srFkjnVU0wH86ABdIbT1lGld7ETEFyZyzmWJqMioqfsXgvrwNUy1wFR9856RPjtUDWWqzteRHzQhu0sS3y886zkEK-G90LdLatCi6VjwvIkkMEnxPZyDW/s1600/512825698.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="409" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1JYSvr6SFTaVijQhwN5oDz56srFkjnVU0wH86ABdIbT1lGld7ETEFyZyzmWJqMioqfsXgvrwNUy1wFR9856RPjtUDWWqzteRHzQhu0sS3y886zkEK-G90LdLatCi6VjwvIkkMEnxPZyDW/s320/512825698.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Sonnet 130 Revised<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">My eyes are nothing like the sun;<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Poisonberry be the tone of my stained lips;<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">If tame be yearned, medusoid strands be found.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">I am an oyster unshelled, pearl luminescent,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Yet no such effulgence you see in my soulless eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Shell cracked, devil’s weed flows;<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Mother’s dead, from cradle to grave I go,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">I love to hear her whisper, yet well I know<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">That voice shall never grow into crescendo.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">I grant you never a goddess go;<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Well darling, your goddess tramples through grief and strife.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">And yet, good heavens, you poke, prod, ridicule,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Unmindful, this dull diamond is a jewel.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">In my revision of Shakespeare’s ‘Sonnet 130’ I was inspired to offer the female subject an active voice, disrupting the Petrarchan tradition of presenting the female as a disembodied object. Reclaiming the possession of ‘I’, my speaker overturns the analytical framework that ‘Sonnet 130’ upholds - one that fragments the female body and dissects it, enforcing that beauty is the most important female attribute. With its feminist overtones, ‘Sonnet 130 Revised’ is fearless; the speaker asserts her authority as she confronts the pressures to maintain a beautiful appearance for her lover and to appease society’s expectations in today’s age of oversaturated beauty industries and pressures from celebrity culture. The speaker feels neglected by her partner, one who selfishly ignores her period of grieving for her mother and fails to realise her right to satisfy her own emotional needs rather than his. Inspired by Harryette Mullen’s ‘Dim Lady’ and George Hopkins’ ‘I Wake and Feel’, ‘Sonnet 130 Revised’’s title is ironically clinical and uneventful but the content differs as it displays postmodern elements of poetic intertextuality, linguistic and semantic hybridity as well as unconventional gender roles. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">The first line counteracts ‘my mistress’ eyes’ with ‘my eyes’ as the speaker uses the first-person and hints at her rising confidence.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3915048294311418715#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> The elimination of ‘mistress’’ brings the line to the final iamb before the readers expect and thus, a sense of the speaker’s control is asserted from the offset. Although the speaker complies with Shakespeare’s anti-blazon rhetoric, it is her who voices her inadequacies, and as a result, she refuses to allow a man to define her body. In addition, lines two and three were devised as a sub-commentary on the growing beauty industry and its overwhelming influence on women today. The pressures to maintain a perfect appearance have increased due to the continual intense marketing of makeup and hair products. An online search for the term ‘poisonberry’, for instance, brings up results consisting of a popular lipstick from American makeup line, ‘LimeCrime’ in the shade ‘poisonberry’, as opposed to the plant itself. In ‘Sonnet 130’, ‘red’ is used as the complimentary adjective for a woman’s lips and ‘coral’ describes the mistress’ actual lips. Despite this new comparison, I desired to reject ‘coral’ as I felt it was still too reminiscent of ‘red’. Red shades of lipstick often evoke images of old Hollywood starlets such as Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor, as well as modern actresses like Nicole Kidman who frequently play femme-fatale roles and perform for the male gaze. Therefore, the start of my sonnet is intended to be a postfeminist critique. In media and consumer culture postfeminism acknowledges the ‘“empowering” and the “individual choice” of women to enjoy their beauty, femininity, and sexuality; but the diffuse power of heterosexual male control is concealed’.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3915048294311418715#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> By opting for a dark berry shade, I am rejecting the classic shade of red associated with Hollywood actresses and the ‘heterosexual male control’ exerted on them, instead welcoming a more rich tone that sounds hazardous to the ear. Furthermore, the concept of poisonberry plants bearing fruits that are toxic can relate to the classical view of women as silent images. If the inedible berries are taken to allude to women’s closed mouths, my speaker’s lips are ‘stained’ from their bursting and subsequently, her metamorphosis of being silent to unapologetically expressive. Lines one to three also draw inspiration from the opening of ‘Sonnet 20’: ‘A woman’s face with Nature’s own hand painted Hast thou, the master-mistress of my passion’.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3915048294311418715#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Here, Shakespeare praises a woman’s natural beauty as being superior to anything man-made. Linking to my postfeminist critique, I decided to embrace these lines in my sonnet and subvert the modern principle of a woman’s need to wear makeup to maintain decorum. My speaker is accepting of her flawed features due to the physical side effects of her grief: lack of sleep and excess crying. She embraces that her eyes do not reminisce the brightness of the ‘sun’ because though this is also an image of nature, it is not a realistic comparison. ‘Nature’s own hand painted’, on the other hand, accepts a woman’s face as imperfect because it is authentically beautiful and allows for an open definition of beauty, as opposed to one that relies on bright and beaming eyes. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">I accept that ‘Sonnet 130’ can be read progressively in its unconventional metaphors, yet I wished to tackle my doubts in ‘Sonnet 130 Revised’, particularly by developing the image of ‘black wires’. Instead, my speaker has ‘medusoid strands’ for hair. ‘Medusoid’ typically describes an object ‘resembling a medusa or jellyfish in form or function’.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3915048294311418715#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Hence, my speaker’s hair is wavy and sprouts outwards unlike the tameness enforced in the beauty industry through the masses of anti-frizz products. She refuses to tame her hair and this is perhaps a commentary on the pressure for women, predominately in the Afro-Caribbean community, to permanently relax or straighten theirs. In relation, I simultaneously embedded ‘medusoid’ because it etymologically alludes to the Greek goddess Medusa (‘Etymology: < Medusa n. 2 + -oid suffix’), known for her wild snakes as hair and ability to turn people to stone.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3915048294311418715#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Invoking the image of Medusa adds a sense of exoticness to my speaker and further retreats from the idyllic white as ‘snow’ woman. By using ‘medusoid’, I am opening the possibility of an ethnic speaker, perhaps of brown or black skin, and this new racial profile radicalises the sonnet by reversing the Petrarchan-esque blazon exclusively intended for white women. It is also significant that ‘Medusa stands for balance within nature, and guards the thresholds of the earth, heaven, and the underworld. Her totem is the serpent, as it represents the endless cycle of death and rebirth’.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3915048294311418715#_ftn6" name="_ftnref6" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn6;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">[6]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Although my speaker grapples with the death of her mother, she, like Medusa, can also embrace life by re-balancing nature and in this instance, she symbolises the rebirth of beauty standards and female subjectivity. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">The following quatrain introduces the grief that the speaker is undergoing. By firstly declaring that she is an ‘oyster unshelled’, she is attempting to expose her vulnerability as oysters have externally tough matters but soft, squishy insides. I acknowledge that the correct term for removing an oyster’s shell is ‘shucked’. However, I decided to use ‘unshelled’ as it was softer in tone and the prefix, ‘un’ helps to emphasise the gentleness of ‘pearl luminescent’. Noticeably, I have not paralleled the third line in ‘Sonnet 130’ (‘If snow be white, why then her breasts are dun’). In removing the ‘breasts’ from the sonnet, I am allowing the speaker to reclaim her bodily autonomy and prevent a man from obsessing over her intimate areas. Using Renaissance logic, the grotesque body is ‘not separated from the world by clearly defined boundaries’, and we can consider the open body parts such as the ‘mouth, the genital organs, the breasts, the phallus, the potbelly, the nose’ to be grotesque.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3915048294311418715#_ftn7" name="_ftnref7" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn7;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">[7]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> In opposition, the classical body is demarcated by the mind and human intelligence. The juxtaposition between the spatial realms of the grotesque and classical is also clear: ‘the grotesque body’s favoured space is the marketplace where it can […] speak the language of festive obscenity and abuse’, whereas the classical body is governed by the likes of ‘palaces, churches, institutions, and private homes’.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3915048294311418715#_ftn8" name="_ftnref8" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn8;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">[8]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Resisting Renaissance ideals, my sonnet strips the grotesqueness away from the female body and shifts the focus towards the classical body, whereby the speaker desires to be recognised for her mind and emotions rather than her external features. Linking to lines one to three and its commentary on capitalist beauty ideals, I am disallowing the speaker to fall into the trap of the grotesque body in the ‘marketplace’, which in modern society, I equate to mean the media industry’s standards. I am emphasising the speaker’s classical body but departing from the Renaissance idea of it being governed by the likes of ‘private homes’; I am shifting the classical body from the private to public sphere, in the open space of a sonnet where the speaker can write about her emotions with pride unobstructed by institutional or patriarchal boundaries. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">I also associate lines four to seven with a religious context. I was inspired by how George Hopkins’ successfully ‘instresses’ his experience with God through his darker sonnets. In other words, Hopkins encapsulates his feelings and vividly projects them in his poetry for the readers to empathise. In particular, I was inspired by ‘I Wake and Feel’, especially its striking trope of ‘dead letters’, whereby the speaker feels neglected by God as his prayers are not acknowledged.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3915048294311418715#_ftn9" name="_ftnref9" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn9;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">[9]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Lines four and five of ‘Sonnet 130 Revised’ are a direct response to God as the frustrated speaker receives no comfort in praying. As my speaker resonates with Hopkins’ spiritual dissatisfaction, the following two lines are directly inspired by his distinctive sound patterning (‘Bones built in me, flesh filled, blood brimmed the curse’).<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3915048294311418715#_ftn10" name="_ftnref10" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn10;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">[10]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Every word is monosyllabic and represents a fragmented, state of mind and broken spirit, as though the speaker is lifeless and loses the energy to speak. In relation to the fourth line, ‘shell cracked’ parallels with ‘unshelled’. Phonetically, ‘unshelled’ is rather euphonic due to the rolling double ‘l’ sound and the iambic stresses. In contrast, ‘cracked’ is cacophonic and harsh to the ear, representing a drastic change in the speaker’s internal state. The speaker hibernates into her shell again because of her rejection from God and/or her lover, yet the shell is now partly exposed, allowing the ‘devil’s weed’ to flow. ‘Devil’s weed’ is slang for the plant ‘datura’: ‘a preparation of any of these plants (esp. of D. stramonium), used as a poison or an intoxicating or hallucinogenic drug’.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3915048294311418715#_ftn11" name="_ftnref11" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn11;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">[11]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> As an intense strain of marijuana, ‘devil’s weed’ operates as a trance-inducing painkiller for my speaker, numbing her emotions. However, on a figurative level, the phrase indicates that the speaker’s retreat from God has left her vulnerable to the influences of the Devil, paralleling the hellish imagery of Hopkins (‘I am heartburn’/ ‘sweating selves’).<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3915048294311418715#_ftn12" name="_ftnref12" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn12;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">[12]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Following this line, ‘Mother’s dead’ is hard-hitting and somewhat disturbing as it catches the readers off guard. Here, the speaker transgresses the initial stage of grief (denial) allowing the readers insight into her trauma. ‘From cradle to grave I go’ is, therefore, emblematic of the speaker’s depression and pessimistic outlook as she begins to have suicidal thoughts. The specific choice of ‘cradle’ represents the burdensome lack of the maternal, perhaps personified most vividly through the removal of the breast from this sonnet. Like Hopkins, religion provides little reassurance for my speaker, and consequently, she too writes the sonnet to archive her trauma, usurping the sonnet as a public diary entry to prevent her emotions from becoming obliterated. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Predominately, ‘Sonnet 130 Revised’ embraces new linguistic and semantic choices in order to push the boundaries of gender roles. In particular, my integration of ‘goddess’ extends beyond Shakespeare’s appreciation for his mistress. A ‘sex goddess’, for example, is ‘a woman who is exceptionally sexually attractive or is regarded as a sex symbol’.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3915048294311418715#_ftn13" name="_ftnref13" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn13;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">[13]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Despite her lover’s resistance in viewing her as a goddess of any kind, she defiantly asserts her identity as one in line twelve (‘your goddess’). In unison, there is also a heavy tone of sarcasm that could indicate a direct confrontation with Shakespeare and his disembodying of women, hence explaining the need to foreground her complex life issues (‘grief and strife’). ‘Goddess’ is fluid in its meanings yet ‘tramples’ was chosen specifically to draw inspiration from BDSM culture. In particular, I was inspired by the final lines of the ‘Dim Lady’ sonnet: ‘My ball and chain is plain from head to toe. And yet, by gosh, my scrumptious Twinkie has as much sex appeal for me as any lanky model or platinum movie idol who’s hyped beyond belief’.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3915048294311418715#_ftn14" name="_ftnref14" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn14;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">[14]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Here, the ‘ball and chain’ likely refer to the props used in fetishistic bondage acts. The speaker is willingly dominated by his lover and accepts her as his sex goddess, despite her curvier size (‘Twinkie’). In my sonnet, the lover is imagined to show reluctance in being submissive but the speaker nevertheless assumes the role of a dominatrix. ‘Grief’ and ‘strife’ contain fricative ‘f’ sounds and this harshness on the tongue lends to an image of the speaker venomously shouting at her lover, perhaps humiliatingly spitting on him as she does so. Jeff Hilson comments on the traditional sonnet form as ‘a room, another male constraint fantasy’ and a ‘form of incarceration’.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3915048294311418715#_ftn15" name="_ftnref15" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn15;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">[15]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Hilson’s intense wording encouraged me to equate my sonnet to a cramped room where the speaker’s lover has no choice but to remain, forced to listen to her wounded self. In my version, there is a sadistic tone conveyed in the final quatrain that I embedded in honour of Hilson who feels frustrated with the sonnet’s historical inadequacy in representing the female voice. In my scenario, however, the lover holds a mere fantasy of gaining back the big ‘I’ but is instead humiliated. ‘You poke, prod, ridicule’ is a comment on the speaker’s mistreatment, but I also envision her sadistically poking and prodding at her lover as she speaks. Just as earlier parts of the sonnet make reference to contemporary culture, I wanted to reflect the recent popularity of works such as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Fifty Shades of Grey</i> and Rihanna’s ‘SNM’ music video, which have promoted BDSM culture to the masses, and I would argue, normalised the openness of female sexuality. This newfound empowerment is entirely progressive as it repels against female oppression, as was once seen in Shakespeare’s era. In my sonnet, therefore, I am de-Othering the woman and showcasing her multifaceted nature: she can be emotional, vulnerable, dominant and erotic as a sex goddess but these traits are not mutually exclusive.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">By simultaneously embracing and rejecting vital sonnet traditions, I have consciously oscillated between the reader’s expectations and reality. I have purposely embraced an abundance of punctuation with the many commas and semicolons to create an illusion of formality and to visually replicate the artificial style of ‘Sonnet 130’. The excess punctuation may appear contradictory to my goal in radicalising the sonnet form (especially as it counters the likes of ‘Dim Lady’ and its prose-style) but it ironically works to support my sonnet’s theme of distorted beauty. Furthermore, because the readers would likely expect me to finish the sonnet without resorting to traditional iambic pentameter, I decided to conform and ironically play on the tidy, epigrammatic endings that Shakespearean sonnets provide us, which seemingly undo the complexities set up beforehand. ‘Sonnet 130’’s couplet sees the speaker realising his true affections for his lover, despite all the shortcomings he has outlined. ‘False compare’ is an extravagant trope that sounds ethereal and pleasing, yet to modern readers I feel that it is archaic and surrealist. Unlike this dramatic atmosphere, lines eleven and twelve foreground the speaker’s rising self-worth that is set up in the prior three lines, hence the couplet is not intended to shock the reader in any way. ‘Sonnet 130 Revised’ refrains from a clear division between octave and sestet as there is no volta to be found in the eight line, rather it is explored in the tenth as the tone turns authoritative and sarcastic. The volta is withheld a further two lines to allow the speaker her time to grieve. In the Hopkins-esque lines, the readers are transfixed by the depressive tone and the building anticipation for the speaker’s empowerment is destroyed. Disappointed, the readers are startled by the sudden boldness in attitude, and because this has been strategically withheld, it furthers the impact when I finally gift them with vicarious pleasure. To compensate for deceiving the readers, the final line ends in a declarative fashion (‘is a jewel’) and the iambic pentameter stresses the noun ‘jewel’ and underlines it as the speaker’s newfound identity. Furthermore, the line is end-stopped to assure the reader that this definition of the speaker cannot be reversed or undone - it is eternally affixed within the sonnet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">‘Sonnet 130 Revised’ is a refreshingly experimental sonnet that boldly confronts issues of self-worth, emotional abuse, and grief. I have grappled with a constrained form and attempted to break free from Shakespeare’s conventions with my postfeminist messages, yet I also demonstrate some appreciation of the original form as I retain the rhyming couplet, excessive punctuation, and certain lexical choices. Ultimately, ‘Sonnet 130 Revised’ <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">is</i> a partly biographical piece; I have attempted to ‘instress’ my feelings of hurt and anguish, as well as the burning desire to conquer my grief and retaliate against ideas that the externalisation of emotions equates to weakness. My sonnet explicates that a woman should never feel pressured to appear as a doll-like figure for the male gaze, especially whilst battling an emotionally traumatic period. The embedding of grief into my sonnet may appear ambiguous, but it essentially works to stress the nonsensical nature of society’s endless expectations of women. My poem is the antagonist to ‘Sonnet 130’, defying its disembodiment of women, and my aim in writing it was to follow in the footsteps of the new-wave female poets (e.g. Mullen) that do the unthinkable and rewrite one of the most masculinised high-art forms ever created - the sonnet. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <!--EndFragment--><br />
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<!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" />
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<!--[endif]-->
<br />
<div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3915048294311418715#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"> William Shakespeare, ‘Sonnet 130’ in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Penguin Book of the Sonnet</i>, ed. by Phillis Levin (London: Penguin, 2001), p. 34.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn2" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3915048294311418715#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Meeta Jha, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Global Beauty Industry: Colorism, Racism, and the National Body</i> (London: Routledge, 2015), p. 102.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn3" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3915048294311418715#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Shakespeare, ‘Sonnet 20’, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Penguin Book of the Sonnet</i>, p. 27.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn4" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3915048294311418715#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">‘Medusoid, a.’, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">OED</i>,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><http://www.oed.com/view/Entry/115818?redirectedFrom=medusoid#eid> [accessed 8 January 2017].<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn5" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3915048294311418715#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">‘Medusoid, a.’, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">OED</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn6" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3915048294311418715#_ftnref6" name="_ftn6" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn6;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">[6]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"> Brandi Auset, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Goddess Guide: Exploring the Attributes and Correspondences of the Divine Feminine</i> (Minnesota: Llewellyn Worldwide, 2009), p. 54.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn7" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3915048294311418715#_ftnref7" name="_ftn7" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn7;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">[7]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Mikhail Bakhtin, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Rabelais and His World</i>, trans. by Richard Nice (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1977), p. 26.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn8" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3915048294311418715#_ftnref8" name="_ftn8" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn8;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">[8]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"> Bakhtin, p. 154.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn9" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3915048294311418715#_ftnref9" name="_ftn9" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn9;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 12.0pt;">[9]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> <span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Gerard Manley Hopkins, ‘I Wake and Feel the Fell of Dark, Not Day’, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Penguin Book of the Sonnet</i>, p. 96.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn10" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3915048294311418715#_ftnref10" name="_ftn10" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn10;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">[10]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"> Hopkins, ‘I Wake and Feel’.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn11" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3915048294311418715#_ftnref11" name="_ftn11" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn11;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">[11]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"> ‘Datura, n.’, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">OED,</i> <http://www.oed.com/view/Entry/47435?redirectedFrom=datura#eid> [accessed 8 January 2017].</span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn12" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3915048294311418715#_ftnref12" name="_ftn12" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn12;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">[12]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Hopkins, ‘I Wake and Feel’.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn13" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3915048294311418715#_ftnref13" name="_ftn13" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn13;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">[13]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">‘Sex goddess, n.’, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">OED, </i><http://www.oed.com/view/Entry/176989?redirectedFrom=sex+goddess#eid123463809> [accessed 8 January 2017].</span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn14" style="mso-element: footnote;">
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3915048294311418715#_ftnref14" name="_ftn14" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn14;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">[14]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Harryette Mullen, ‘Dim Lady’ in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Sonnets: Translating and Rewriting Shakespeare</i>, ed. by Sharmila Cohen and Paul Legault (New York: Nightboat/Telephone Books, 2012), p. 204.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3915048294311418715#_ftnref15" name="_ftn15" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn15;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">[15]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"> Jeff Hilson, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Reality Street Book of Sonnets</i> (Hastings: Reality Street Editions, 2008), p. 12.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Manita Rughwanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02951932007914514796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915048294311418715.post-12261513052953908902017-06-25T21:16:00.002+01:002020-12-27T14:07:01.567+00:00Yalla Habibi: Marrakesh Lookbook!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hey<span style="text-align: left;"> everyone!</span></div>
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This week I took a short break to Marrakesh... it went super quickly and I wish I could've stayed longer but nevertheless, it was all worth it.</div>
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Morocco is a place I've always wanted to explore and I'm so glad I got the opportunity to finally go. Generally, it is a welcoming place with a lot of culture and scenery. Aside from the constant haggling and the odd men who will serenade you with Bollywood songs on the street (or quite simply, 'I want to have sex with you' if you're less lucky), it is a beautiful area to see. </div>
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For the trip, I tried to keep my clothing quite loose and airy due to the climate. I also wanted to be respectful of the customs but when at our hotel rooftop bar, I broke out the bodycon as it was more acceptable. </div>
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Our hotel was situated in Hivernage - a wealthy area full of the best bars, clubs and luxury hotels. Literally, there was a Louis Vuitton store right next to us. I'd often stare in awe at the fashions as I sat and ate breakfast. A lot of women were carrying designer handbags - usually Michael Kors or Louis Vuitton. The fashion was definitely more Western and revealing in our area compared to the Old Town which, expectedly, was more conservative. </div>
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My biggest fashion tip for dressing in Marrakesh is to dress colourfully! It felt so refreshing to wear vivid colours as in London, I'm usually in black or neutrals. </div>
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So without further adieu, here are the pics! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2T2AElt7UwZMD2Cbq-XQrphyphenhyphenRVusZrMqvg5_YqwNUCiOvVFcpCNhZfsnPwb349kOwm_ZAHYDxrY7eYKmy21NSWknA5bSPzdqX8Y0RuRpl3-zquezM8yc6wJ1IHuUr1KiduifVmxNXAuwv/s1600/DSC00029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2T2AElt7UwZMD2Cbq-XQrphyphenhyphenRVusZrMqvg5_YqwNUCiOvVFcpCNhZfsnPwb349kOwm_ZAHYDxrY7eYKmy21NSWknA5bSPzdqX8Y0RuRpl3-zquezM8yc6wJ1IHuUr1KiduifVmxNXAuwv/s1600/DSC00029.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Embellished Maxi</b>: New Look</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_6y7ySY791N1Djl_dMvBdSRb0AtD9LyDM6PvQgwFmGBLPCGVFc63POgZ8uEPItHARFC9iI76Fbsw6Ewzbb00KCij0tUOynvaQeEE6bMyn3S46yAtoQDkEVVXE-4aQ2E3BMlP9cTChnuz9/s1600/DSC00062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_6y7ySY791N1Djl_dMvBdSRb0AtD9LyDM6PvQgwFmGBLPCGVFc63POgZ8uEPItHARFC9iI76Fbsw6Ewzbb00KCij0tUOynvaQeEE6bMyn3S46yAtoQDkEVVXE-4aQ2E3BMlP9cTChnuz9/s1600/DSC00062.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCOzhOMFe2KAxPsZ1iKHKlJyk357NXF9UMcNtwrEarc-XPv6YdSVdwx06sC332Rj8mywkJNAvgDaQI4RzWkiDbmVpBWr9uEUSn1_dMzgLiJjWIYkHI0EFKao5hX-yRdISc11onXH928kaz/s1600/IMG_7015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCOzhOMFe2KAxPsZ1iKHKlJyk357NXF9UMcNtwrEarc-XPv6YdSVdwx06sC332Rj8mywkJNAvgDaQI4RzWkiDbmVpBWr9uEUSn1_dMzgLiJjWIYkHI0EFKao5hX-yRdISc11onXH928kaz/s1600/IMG_7015.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0zk0GGUap3ME2GfRNXu_nGl8Zw_0h7TPnN_9YEuA2o4ct5z_5FgvARS2wuulWT2RNXWQuYTV0OIlTzafU0H-EHOW2qlXNiYchHkCiy3viK7gMxrIYAPWf4k4-3-Auxxo1_Ru3PBc8-8N8/s1600/DSC00122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0zk0GGUap3ME2GfRNXu_nGl8Zw_0h7TPnN_9YEuA2o4ct5z_5FgvARS2wuulWT2RNXWQuYTV0OIlTzafU0H-EHOW2qlXNiYchHkCiy3viK7gMxrIYAPWf4k4-3-Auxxo1_Ru3PBc8-8N8/s1600/DSC00122.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIMtTzq8GQUx-Efb6AXrQJOmes60UaLSRxcIdrx4z54BK1-Po-xiPH33Ljw3HuN6O7kB3fYOrXeuoyIi2tmUwDz7xsM-FKDa3uYM3bybYai2b6rigS2MVhMaQGP05ntWsuzmcv-R2fRiBb/s1600/DSC00159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIMtTzq8GQUx-Efb6AXrQJOmes60UaLSRxcIdrx4z54BK1-Po-xiPH33Ljw3HuN6O7kB3fYOrXeuoyIi2tmUwDz7xsM-FKDa3uYM3bybYai2b6rigS2MVhMaQGP05ntWsuzmcv-R2fRiBb/s1600/DSC00159.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Kaftan</b>: Primark</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy_Js9UPNfaCwCcQB8oa1BeQOYBz3J2DKmAn1hrEEaH5SJzMGwtXJDwEmDBgPw_QHSYNxmbKjdaVNMUk7XKnwiuNx9zu9A6pG7AjnmpCU9oIqIRmmfGXwPgGceDwynWI8gftMm1jSu4Gns/s1600/DSC00107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy_Js9UPNfaCwCcQB8oa1BeQOYBz3J2DKmAn1hrEEaH5SJzMGwtXJDwEmDBgPw_QHSYNxmbKjdaVNMUk7XKnwiuNx9zu9A6pG7AjnmpCU9oIqIRmmfGXwPgGceDwynWI8gftMm1jSu4Gns/s1600/DSC00107.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih_qCDSqZDI4Dk-zpKpM60IEQAtgYZW4jeNdAh6mpzlt-vKCSPXjHzt4F3fwYf6BQTMDnXB7lZl9b7T4YsyvsHUyMoVOuebwCGhqHG4zs0ywJAtouIqHbQr4oqXw6IGrnRrbZbNNt-kpPW/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-06-25+at+21.00.15.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1178" data-original-width="938" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih_qCDSqZDI4Dk-zpKpM60IEQAtgYZW4jeNdAh6mpzlt-vKCSPXjHzt4F3fwYf6BQTMDnXB7lZl9b7T4YsyvsHUyMoVOuebwCGhqHG4zs0ywJAtouIqHbQr4oqXw6IGrnRrbZbNNt-kpPW/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-06-25+at+21.00.15.png" width="508" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Bodycon</b>: PrettyLittleThing Shape<br />
<b>Choker</b>: Bronzais<br />
<b>Clutch</b>: Boutique in Mykonos<br />
<b>Heels</b>: Carvela, Kurt Geiger </td></tr>
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Manita Rughwanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02951932007914514796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915048294311418715.post-1956899995180598692017-04-13T17:59:00.000+01:002017-04-13T17:59:18.101+01:00Ofio Morocco Collection Shoot<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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So a few weeks back I took part in my first ever shoot for a brand! The line is called <a href="https://shopofio.com/">Ofio</a> and I've been following them for a while on Instagram, forever obsessing over their unique jewellery. I loved the fact that they embraced diversity in their shoots, selecting models of all races and sizes. This is so, so, so important! Also, <a href="https://shopofio.com/">Ofio</a> is all about empowering women which I adore. </div>
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I was honoured to be a part of the shoot and although I had no clue what I was doing, I think it was pretty cool to experience a proper shoot as opposed to having a friend take a few pics of me here and there. It reminded me how far I've come in terms of accepting and embracing myself as a woman, open and honest about my struggles and flaws. </div>
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So without further a due, here are a few of the pics that were taken... </div>
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Please do check them out and shop the <a href="https://shopofio.com/collections/morocco">limited Morocco collection</a> as it features some beautiful pieces including this <a href="https://shopofio.com/collections/morocco/products/dazzle-clutch">vibrant clutch</a> & <a href="https://shopofio.com/collections/morocco/products/faiza-raffia">boho-chic handbag</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS0_ON3XCJmu_-fcyWTyBKWHMgRxZzE6LNxkD36bWF6huRlpDq2a2Z6gCYMyNDupSJqblLXNhojQpLunKe4nZBr_FfT3uPqIU1-9_wgXSxb0iVIVtlJ-CADQ6on8sDs3ZHShJhTY4KDT1Z/s1600/_DSC0019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS0_ON3XCJmu_-fcyWTyBKWHMgRxZzE6LNxkD36bWF6huRlpDq2a2Z6gCYMyNDupSJqblLXNhojQpLunKe4nZBr_FfT3uPqIU1-9_wgXSxb0iVIVtlJ-CADQ6on8sDs3ZHShJhTY4KDT1Z/s640/_DSC0019.jpg" width="390" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8dPJJVu3Y0h9Ma-aK8s26eU99fV6PqYzItLh13fW3UHvep4yexaJnp_vVQu_oKvCAkOmrvZw-NaYfXne480fJXbRRsOx1V0JZ92K53ih-hfkptlne1ksXHqyXlW35pjr0yf0vmlErkg5G/s1600/_DSC0038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8dPJJVu3Y0h9Ma-aK8s26eU99fV6PqYzItLh13fW3UHvep4yexaJnp_vVQu_oKvCAkOmrvZw-NaYfXne480fJXbRRsOx1V0JZ92K53ih-hfkptlne1ksXHqyXlW35pjr0yf0vmlErkg5G/s640/_DSC0038.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitEpwi5QBmqiPVSSOOn1Y0X95cKhZoDqp2_sFKJi87xnDxjhBSqLRaiYxxAcJwk8bn7p04k4fk47-MYQpgk5nYMSCMQY3bsMd_wCb4uS7EETpMMcrrPvCZAdT0E4AFSF17YTMz8WyVuyi8/s1600/_DSC0070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitEpwi5QBmqiPVSSOOn1Y0X95cKhZoDqp2_sFKJi87xnDxjhBSqLRaiYxxAcJwk8bn7p04k4fk47-MYQpgk5nYMSCMQY3bsMd_wCb4uS7EETpMMcrrPvCZAdT0E4AFSF17YTMz8WyVuyi8/s640/_DSC0070.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhtLnelcePttNy62NdNISpqU6Z5uV_ovFjE12HZYFP328aRUpjOy254gC0qQ9eFebnZ0JGyo5UuS1l7VOzbM7t53frfDfj6AI1Dv_Ls4o2IW1HDf3DUfW2yUFlFnjZH5ku66YgaUDT-DkU/s1600/_DSC0116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhtLnelcePttNy62NdNISpqU6Z5uV_ovFjE12HZYFP328aRUpjOy254gC0qQ9eFebnZ0JGyo5UuS1l7VOzbM7t53frfDfj6AI1Dv_Ls4o2IW1HDf3DUfW2yUFlFnjZH5ku66YgaUDT-DkU/s640/_DSC0116.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjl4c9BqCqqzed6xWuh6Ht5mgFutD6Hx6cZ8OLrl2p_6xLyUKjYvJR33sookhyphenhyphenR9_XkUii_3CPXfdxnE5LmFM_PqA1vNN9Bv82wQdKHYZ5z92hAnvyfIuX_oleMApDZ-KDKMncsT8yr7NA/s1600/_DSC0127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjl4c9BqCqqzed6xWuh6Ht5mgFutD6Hx6cZ8OLrl2p_6xLyUKjYvJR33sookhyphenhyphenR9_XkUii_3CPXfdxnE5LmFM_PqA1vNN9Bv82wQdKHYZ5z92hAnvyfIuX_oleMApDZ-KDKMncsT8yr7NA/s640/_DSC0127.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Manita Rughwanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02951932007914514796noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915048294311418715.post-21521828446251718072017-04-08T21:04:00.000+01:002017-04-08T21:16:24.035+01:00Katie Queue: Artist, Author, Actor, Musician.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><b>Disclaimer</b>: Sponsored post</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hello, I am Katie Queue. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I live within a world of limitless thought and express outwardly, as if achievement and dedication were my constant trajectory. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Artist, Author, Actor and Musician, you may think I have over-sold myself and wanting to be everything at once; criticism I so regularly hear. But unfortunately I live with two minds, whilst the other proactively works away at the previous idea, the other half is creating a new one. I'm tired, exhausted actually, but it's the way I am. I can't stop. This flaw, this exhaustive flaw must be put to good use, before it drives me to utter madness; So, here I am. Talking to you. Engaging with you as if you were my friend. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I am involved in a film project right now, we're in post-production, meeting regularly in a block just up the road from Abbey Studios, strategising the channels in which we will progress our film from canned to viewed. We're realising our audience and we're interviewing and applying to independent film festivals such as Sundance and Berlin. It's got charm this film - an honest and relatable storyline. It has a twist, as it should, and it's a film based upon judgement. We too often circle our own issues without realising that we are but the second side of an argument or misunderstanding, there is someone else involved and someone else with feelings. It's a film about a sibling misunderstanding, and what comes from it, it is about love. The very premise in which everything I create is formed. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYE8SRqeMcsWcLYiUQjq86e3U8Jsa-uerIn4nGk9K3UkumfHtP57fQWhrGNIy2MN1lvuT5vsU_o1YAgrLDF91o-fN6egJa7oCFwdeoZ3v9DBBSWdIiDu-hW-uNRVxvIdsE-7krmRSe1W2X/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-04-08+at+20.51.45.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYE8SRqeMcsWcLYiUQjq86e3U8Jsa-uerIn4nGk9K3UkumfHtP57fQWhrGNIy2MN1lvuT5vsU_o1YAgrLDF91o-fN6egJa7oCFwdeoZ3v9DBBSWdIiDu-hW-uNRVxvIdsE-7krmRSe1W2X/s400/Screen+Shot+2017-04-08+at+20.51.45.png" width="398" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I write a lot, I have five books on Amazon, all exploring and highlighting better ways of thinking and doing things. They are there to not </span>educate,<span style="font-family: inherit;"> but to help you think. To put yourself in the firing line and address your inner Universe. Your inner Universe is something that magnetically attracts everything else that is going on. These books are there to help you understand the power and the love that is inside of you and using that to heal and create the life you want. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Music wise, I've done some gigs, some really important ones too. I've played at Europe's largest street art festival. I've played at the same venues as Bob Dylan, Oasis and James Bay. My style is unique, it's storytelling poetry with a pounding heartbeat and a mellow guitar. My voice is silky and reassuring. It's soulful. The stories and the use of words are mature and intelligent. Recorded straight to phone with absolutely no technical input, the sound is as raw as you're going to get. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioiPvYQGxycfKnDcxMT47YgPG-UiJooX-XRMEY7slyAjiLTAfEKM_BLvVoOKHtpo-qADvgtuRi4VgnVYzFAm6mt35aACEfk40dv9yLgcK3VGSkoU6cSLubR1aTYLcwUxEJQlnxaZsDJTAU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-04-08+at+20.54.55.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioiPvYQGxycfKnDcxMT47YgPG-UiJooX-XRMEY7slyAjiLTAfEKM_BLvVoOKHtpo-qADvgtuRi4VgnVYzFAm6mt35aACEfk40dv9yLgcK3VGSkoU6cSLubR1aTYLcwUxEJQlnxaZsDJTAU/s400/Screen+Shot+2017-04-08+at+20.54.55.png" width="325" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm inspired by a lot you know - work mainly. My past roles have seen </span>me<span style="font-family: inherit;"> work in Mental Health, where service users were suffering within their own confinement and suffered from the isolation that brought. That experience made me think. I've also worked in a very corporate London environment, office gossip being as </span>destabilising<span style="font-family: inherit;"> and damaging as ever. But what brought about these pieces of art; whether it is a book, a film or a piece of music, is the real-life exposure I have, with so many different people from so many different walks of life. From the corporate office manager whose having an </span>affair,<span style="font-family: inherit;"> to the drugged up medicated schizophrenic, to the smartest </span>loner<span style="font-family: inherit;"> in the room who gets bullied regularly. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Every person has a story and every person needs to be heard. So this is Katie Queue. I listen intently and I understand what context that medium deserves, is it going to be a film? Is it going to be a piece of art, or a book, or a piece of music? These are my inspirations, you are my inspirations. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I would say follow me, follow me for the person I am and the work that comes from it. It is here for you. Take what you need. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: inherit;"><b><u>Social Media:</u></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #bf9000;"><b>Soundcloud</b>:</span> <a href="https://soundcloud.com/katiequeue">Katie Queue</a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; white-space: nowrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #bf9000;"><b>Twitter</b>:</span><span style="color: #006621;"> <span id="goog_597869347"></span></span><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/iamkatieq">@IAmKatieQ</a></span><span style="color: #006621;"><span id="goog_597869348"></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: nowrap;"><span style="color: #bf9000;"><b>Amazon Books</b>:</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #006621; white-space: nowrap;"> <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kindle-Store-Katie-Queue/s?ie=UTF8&page=1&rh=n%3A341677031%2Cp_27%3AKatie%20Queue">Katie Queue</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: nowrap;"><span style="color: #bf9000;"><b>Youtube</b>:</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #006621; white-space: nowrap;"> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFaogp2Mh4s0dB7cLJwHXnw">Katie & the Queue</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Tickets for Katie's 'Designing Life' event can be purchased <a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/designing-life-tickets-33064294194?aff=eandprexshre&ref=eandprexshre">here</a>.</b></span><br />
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Manita Rughwanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02951932007914514796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915048294311418715.post-37503594692188936212017-03-31T15:40:00.000+01:002017-03-31T17:21:27.534+01:00BTS at the Asian Business Awards Red Carpet!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">The 20<sup>th</sup> annual <span class="il">Asian</span> <span class="il">Business</span> <span class="il">Awards</span> (ABA) took place in the gorgeous Park Plaza hotel in London on the 17th of March. The night also saw the launch of the 2017 <span class="il">Asian</span> Rich List, which profiles the top 101 highest earners in the British <span class="il">Asian </span>community. </span></span></div>
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I was lucky enough to see some of the high-profile guests hit the red carpet! </div>
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It was a good feeling to be in the presence of individuals who have really made an impact and for the right reasons. It reminded me that Asians really are excelling across the globe and we've come so far to celebrate diversity over the years. </div>
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Unfortunately I didn't manage to catch Gurinder Chadha but as a Film Studies student I absolutely adore her work. Her films have made such a huge impact on breaking barriers, defeating stereotypes and presenting Asian women as bold characters with a voice, unafraid to pursue unconventional routes. I think she will forever be a role model of mine because I too aim to defy boundaries. Just because history says you should behave a certain way doesn't mean you need to follow... Gurinder has taught me that it's okay to be your own unique self. It's okay to embrace your individual wants, needs and desires, even if society disagrees. Anyway, I shall stop rambling... but I was glad to see that she was present :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHQ__8dbhpbDNPCL6FbZAwrzgmT3MqxB5ur_cPvUmWz5ETqJbf8U60yB2V5os8AxfukPld6afqURqbY2CKSix3aBW5aa3rqWj1juudyYFly3ZrPS4uJkmfMPCvRTSJWXl3YaDFu6v5kMav/s1600/unspecified.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHQ__8dbhpbDNPCL6FbZAwrzgmT3MqxB5ur_cPvUmWz5ETqJbf8U60yB2V5os8AxfukPld6afqURqbY2CKSix3aBW5aa3rqWj1juudyYFly3ZrPS4uJkmfMPCvRTSJWXl3YaDFu6v5kMav/s640/unspecified.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">This year, the <span class="il">Asian</span> <span class="il">Business</span> <span class="il">Awards</span> welcomed Chief Guest, </span><span style="color: #222222;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; line-height: 22px;">The Mayor of London, <b>Sadiq Khan. </b></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 22px;">During a keynote speech,<b> </b>Mr Khan said:</span><b style="color: #222222;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; line-height: 22px;"> </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="color: #222222;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 22px;">"London is home to one of largest, and most diverse South <span class="il">Asian </span>communities in the world, which contributes a huge amount to our city’s success – socially, culturally and economically. Nowhere is that clearer than in the <span class="il">business</span> community. From retail and pharmacy to tech and innovation, the UK's <span class="il">Asian</span> <span class="il">business</span> leaders are at the forefront of their respective industries. The <span class="il">Asian</span><span class="il">Business</span> <span class="il">Awards</span> recognises the incredible success of these leaders and I was delighted to join them and the <span class="il">Asian</span> Media and Marketing Group for another fantastic evening."</span></i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3YFdc-xhXa7-XHi9jGDQLxFO-Yq0M_xb3V2H2XHCUcOvwEoWRncDuepvVq91pwq49TUouUjD2i6xIjq1cMqQHZ3Fvn0ZPuHDSC853oyvBCVkCM8AalJItdJxjc4nYWEQ-FZaOwvDLGZnx/s1600/DSCF6837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3YFdc-xhXa7-XHi9jGDQLxFO-Yq0M_xb3V2H2XHCUcOvwEoWRncDuepvVq91pwq49TUouUjD2i6xIjq1cMqQHZ3Fvn0ZPuHDSC853oyvBCVkCM8AalJItdJxjc4nYWEQ-FZaOwvDLGZnx/s640/DSCF6837.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Manita Rughwanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02951932007914514796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915048294311418715.post-20254211858162449972017-03-19T16:56:00.000+00:002017-03-19T16:57:05.669+00:00Bronzais Collab: Celestial Choker (+ Discount Code!) <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>Disclaimer: </b>Promoter collab. All opinions are my own. </span></div>
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Yo! So I collabed with<span style="background-color: white;"> <a class="" href="https://www.bronzais.com/">Bronzais</a> </span>who basically sell all things glam for bad bitches like me ;) Nah I kid, but I honestly did <b>LOVE</b> the Celestial choker they sent me. </div>
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Not only does it sparkle like hell, I was also impressed with the quality. I've bought chokers before that have broke or don't fit well but this one was perfect. It really is a statement piece and it looks a lot more expensive than it actually is which is always a plus.</div>
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If you're interested, you can shop online & get a cheeky discount with my code <a href="https://www.bronzais.com/">MANITA10</a>! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBv0lB13VkmWy6ENRxsurxdUPyWratV_DHK6Xrc3tn3_L-PCVNnwhI_HfI1aQLDtpQW9c7KpQHRuXFLHusT5zSzF9iYRpu5gM2rWVni6BVw-O5dzXfFgPhOd9VtMqRz88bPJrmsRE8szKT/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-03-19+at+16.50.57.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBv0lB13VkmWy6ENRxsurxdUPyWratV_DHK6Xrc3tn3_L-PCVNnwhI_HfI1aQLDtpQW9c7KpQHRuXFLHusT5zSzF9iYRpu5gM2rWVni6BVw-O5dzXfFgPhOd9VtMqRz88bPJrmsRE8szKT/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-03-19+at+16.50.57.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Manita Rughwanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02951932007914514796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915048294311418715.post-38556920411801098142017-03-16T15:21:00.000+00:002017-03-16T15:21:09.971+00:00London Fashion Week AW17: What I Wore<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hey guys!</div>
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So I know this is incredibly late... is it okay to still blame it on being a final year student? Probably not. In any case, here is what I wore at LFW! </div>
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I was so happy to be featured by Style & Curve magazine, where the following pic recieved over 3000+ likes! I was overwhelmed with all the comments and praise but I'm oh so grateful. I think it just goes to show that people really are striving to see diversity in the fashion industry, particularly at LFW. Although we've come a long way, most high-end designers are still yet to appreciate plus-size models... </div>
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That won't stop me though! Nor will it stop all the other fabulous curvy bloggers! Let's all remember that whatever size we are, we all deserve to slay, slay slay! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdVLYAI8tw6-nD1xi61TdzKxQampfylr4mxHqLnyzvD793LnWdTTLPj96fUmmbHppIGEVILou9YbXHLN7sxAvcspCdg0MP7Aocy9hmrfKGtYyQCJho8RNLVrtM9-OSyQaPCzpWkDgL9M_6/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-02-18+at+20.59.52.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="632" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdVLYAI8tw6-nD1xi61TdzKxQampfylr4mxHqLnyzvD793LnWdTTLPj96fUmmbHppIGEVILou9YbXHLN7sxAvcspCdg0MP7Aocy9hmrfKGtYyQCJho8RNLVrtM9-OSyQaPCzpWkDgL9M_6/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-02-18+at+20.59.52.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Dress</b>: <a href="https://www.missguided.co.uk/">Missguided Plus</a><br /><b>Heels</b>: <a href="http://www.kurtgeiger.com/">Carvela by Kurt Geiger </a></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVlsSdwIXd5Z7OEi4WFxSIR568AC3dUycUlsJCr7WCd08yhVVxqFI9qwjmfUN1qFm-R99XDBeIZc5BIedWVbeG5yyWP4sDwFpiMvILWtkCOYUNhQYsFvaDFrfZgYYPUNOvg4mkttgXh_pJ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-03-16+at+15.15.41.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="636" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVlsSdwIXd5Z7OEi4WFxSIR568AC3dUycUlsJCr7WCd08yhVVxqFI9qwjmfUN1qFm-R99XDBeIZc5BIedWVbeG5yyWP4sDwFpiMvILWtkCOYUNhQYsFvaDFrfZgYYPUNOvg4mkttgXh_pJ/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-03-16+at+15.15.41.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Manita Rughwanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02951932007914514796noreply@blogger.com0London, UK51.5073509 -0.1277582999999822351.1912379 -0.77320529999998222 51.8234639 0.51768870000001777tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915048294311418715.post-63584503310875158482017-03-10T18:36:00.000+00:002017-03-10T18:37:58.418+00:00Aisle Style: Your New Go-To Dress Site!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>Disclaimer</b>: Sponsored post. All opinions are truthful and my own.</span><br />
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We all know how difficult it can be to shop for an occasion right? I mean, I remember my freaking year 11 prom (which was a shitshow in itself) but I spent ages going from store to store trying to find a dress that had that wow-factor. It's fair to say it took a damn long time.<br />
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Now, there's no need to run around from store to store when you have the likes of Aisle Style at your fingertips. The site features <a href="http://www.aislestyle.co.uk/">wedding dresses</a>, prom dresses, evening dresses... you name it.<br />
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You have the option of using custom sizing which means less stress for you as we've all had that experience of purchasing a beauty online, only for it to come and it looks like a bin bag. Luckily, you won't have that issue here as <a href="http://www.aislestyle.co.uk/">Aisle Style</a> have your needs taken care of.<br />
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The designs in general are very elegant and sophisticated, perfect for an upscale woman with class. With the likes of beading, hand ruching and appliques, the detail is absolutely exceptional for the prices you pay.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyd_987eERsFTv1zbFeNRg3gl9rDNPQBqOGnKDU-lOz0mp9AWhj7nSKyAQvSG-AUj7L_csLf62PuH8NAYdqAQUQN-9s-SlMicoYZOGDBLFDS606fOA0M4-ltozmVunWgUCRQ_owds0u4qZ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-03-10+at+18.27.50.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyd_987eERsFTv1zbFeNRg3gl9rDNPQBqOGnKDU-lOz0mp9AWhj7nSKyAQvSG-AUj7L_csLf62PuH8NAYdqAQUQN-9s-SlMicoYZOGDBLFDS606fOA0M4-ltozmVunWgUCRQ_owds0u4qZ/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-03-10+at+18.27.50.png" width="418" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This beautiful off-the-shoulder piece is perfect for anyone looking for <a href="http://www.aislestyle.co.uk/wedding-dresses-c-68.html?flt_16_75=75">lace wedding dresses</a>.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0M7KCpgvo_rHAZSXNkfRMJUWGOT_z7F5QBzUlGxUPxY0HMkX9WPytHuYcZxtSIlZNydIpM4_ay4hYjKzH5ef5vcCEnHAF6tIPsNLx3LO8goBPiy688gqrTbLvLD-sO_4E2ErsDsof-Ox2/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-03-10+at+18.30.10.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0M7KCpgvo_rHAZSXNkfRMJUWGOT_z7F5QBzUlGxUPxY0HMkX9WPytHuYcZxtSIlZNydIpM4_ay4hYjKzH5ef5vcCEnHAF6tIPsNLx3LO8goBPiy688gqrTbLvLD-sO_4E2ErsDsof-Ox2/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-03-10+at+18.30.10.png" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This stunning lace trimmed gown is exceptional for £179.99. I guess <a href="http://www.aislestyle.co.uk/cheap-wedding-dresses-c-68_69.html">cheap wedding dresses</a> do exist!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6NYjL754WGzbNGa1YyplTXYrTXEXOOnIXRTvGdyO5K6GgIr6W_f-XBRUw-gBiKy0Mjc2dVG54EQyMWONaCpaIaKnnSY1CPiYs_Kcga3AQbMPc07u7EyDn7Ff8PHU7Xv048JIOgngZL8Cp/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-03-10+at+18.34.01.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6NYjL754WGzbNGa1YyplTXYrTXEXOOnIXRTvGdyO5K6GgIr6W_f-XBRUw-gBiKy0Mjc2dVG54EQyMWONaCpaIaKnnSY1CPiYs_Kcga3AQbMPc07u7EyDn7Ff8PHU7Xv048JIOgngZL8Cp/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-03-10+at+18.34.01.png" width="444" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's the 21st century people! Why not embrace <a href="http://www.aislestyle.co.uk/wedding-dresses-c-68.html?flt_12_30=30">short wedding dresses</a> if you're brave enough! I know damn well my future husband would look at me in awe if I walked down the aisle in this showstopper.</td></tr>
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Manita Rughwanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02951932007914514796noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915048294311418715.post-32925903589041453672017-02-24T19:56:00.000+00:002017-02-24T21:12:16.275+00:00Strut with Stella: Want to Win 2 Tickets?!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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So ya'll know how important it is to me to promote body confidence right? Every woman deserves to look and feel good about herself... no matter what! Can I get an amen?! </div>
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Okay so if you're sitting at home with your cuppa cheering at the screen, I've got something super exciting to share with you...</div>
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<a href="https://www.picatic.com/event14866503498217">Strut with Stella</a> is a workshop designed by fabulous actress/performer, Stella Pecollo. It's basically all about empowerment... inspiring anyone and everyone to feel confident about themselves. In just one session, you'll explore a bunch of exciting topics including yoga, nutrition and you might even learn a thang or two about makeup and fashion (whoop whoop!) </div>
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I absolutely love the sound of this and I can't wait to get more involved with the Strut by Stella project because as a student/curve influencer I'm all about promoting positive movements that genuinely want to help others with their self-esteem and self-worth as opposed to changing who they truly are. For me personally, I view myself as a child of God and with that I have to accept myself with all the good and bad parts included. I think everybody deserves to experience this self-acceptance and confidence because life is too short to dwell on things we can't change or even if we <i>can</i> change them, why not work on them? Let's not mope around, let's get out there and build ourselves up to becoming the powerful individuals we know we can be! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPy3t2Ogny0__2tlNh1zvTosYKVU1s-qS7zA68_NdbNwGi3jba2KhKvdBbO_LaMXNMkCHEAFi3tNJtegKmRSeInF_R1W_kkoGc3nlfK21WHkcRDeyCQYEgpKif7C5kE5QzTMOZ1YN3whga/s1600/SAI01P16013_Food_dancing_DailyStar_DPS_Strut_v03-1150x699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPy3t2Ogny0__2tlNh1zvTosYKVU1s-qS7zA68_NdbNwGi3jba2KhKvdBbO_LaMXNMkCHEAFi3tNJtegKmRSeInF_R1W_kkoGc3nlfK21WHkcRDeyCQYEgpKif7C5kE5QzTMOZ1YN3whga/s640/SAI01P16013_Food_dancing_DailyStar_DPS_Strut_v03-1150x699.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sound good? Well today's your lucky day...<br />
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If you want the chance to WIN two tickets to the first London workshop, simply do the following:<br />
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1) <b>LIKE the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/stellapecollo/?fref=ts">Stella Pecollo Facebook page</a></b><br />
2) <b>Post an original selfie with Stella's pic in the background. Make sure you use the hashtag #StrutWithStella and tag the page. The funniest selfie will win!</b><br />
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Competition ends on the 28th of Feb so hurry!<br />
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For more info about the event & to purchase tickets visit: <a href="https://www.picatic.com/event14866503498217">https://www.picatic.com/event14866503498217</a></div>
Manita Rughwanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02951932007914514796noreply@blogger.com0London, UK51.5073509 -0.1277582999999822351.1912379 -0.77320529999998222 51.8234639 0.51768870000001777tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915048294311418715.post-48549094277506979602017-02-08T23:00:00.000+00:002017-02-09T21:00:27.794+00:00HelpMeOrganics: Bedtime Candle Review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Disclaimer: Product sent out for review purposes, all opinions are my own and truthful.</span></div>
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Hi everyone! </div>
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Today I'm going to share with you a lovely nightime treat that can help you to transform your bedtime routine. If you've been following me on social media for a while, you might be aware that I have suffered from sleep problems for a very long time. At one point, my sleep issues were so bad that I was put on sleeping pills and that was honestly a horrific experience... Today, I manage my sleep issues with natural remedies such as Serotone 5HTP tablets. It's also super important to create a peaceful environment around me in order to relax...</div>
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For me, candles make a lovely addition to any home and I truly believe that aromas can be very powerful in stimulating different moods. This '<a href="https://www.helpmeorganics.com/product/help-me-its-way-past-my-bedtime-candle/">Help Me It's Way Past My Bedtime</a>' candle (how cute is the name) from <a href="https://www.helpmeorganics.com/">HelpMeOrganics</a> was the perfect pick to settle me into bed tonight, especially since I've been down with the flu so needed something extra special. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOkBOGabARXocvE-0eiolvogH8q8qKTWEg5BzQ2zzOl0dFJ_N_fSvhRmbtFQA10yAgkjsayNUsnLPA3yApJP_bNNnxXGn2ghltOjEqs2Fy7NJNJ3jhVV7vLhGeCOC_H0cyv9U2YwG9qI_F/s1600/FullSizeRender-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="636" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOkBOGabARXocvE-0eiolvogH8q8qKTWEg5BzQ2zzOl0dFJ_N_fSvhRmbtFQA10yAgkjsayNUsnLPA3yApJP_bNNnxXGn2ghltOjEqs2Fy7NJNJ3jhVV7vLhGeCOC_H0cyv9U2YwG9qI_F/s640/FullSizeRender-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Combining ginger, melissa leaf, eucalyptus and lavender, this candle's scent is so soothing. I kept it at a bit of a distance from my bed but it was still powerful enough to scent the whole room. I think this would make the perfect gift if you have a friend or a partner who struggles with their sleep because it not only smells great, but it's also organic, vegan friendly and paraben free. In today's day and age, more and more people are becoming aware of the dangers of parabens (including myself) so I definitely appreciate <a href="https://www.helpmeorganics.com/">HelpMeOrganics</a>' formula.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">At £9.50 it's also pretty affordable, especially if you're a student like me. Don't take my word for it though, try one out for yourself and let me know how you get on! Use CODE: Manita10 at checkout for 10% off yours! xoxo</span></span></div>
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Manita Rughwanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02951932007914514796noreply@blogger.com0London, UK51.5073509 -0.1277582999999822351.1912379 -0.77320529999998222 51.8234639 0.51768870000001777tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915048294311418715.post-49801704744728469602016-11-19T18:34:00.002+00:002018-01-31T18:11:40.018+00:00IPR x B2B SS17 Press Day <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Alrighty so apologies for such a late post but essays have taken over my life (: #ThirdYearUniIsAmaze</div>
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I thought it was only right to give you the lowdown on the <a href="http://www.iprlondon.com/">IPR</a> x <a href="http://www.b2bmedialtd.com/">B2B</a> press day. This was the first time going to one of their press days but I was super impressed and the trek to Shoreditch was definitely worth it. I loved the huge variety of brands which varied from the minimalist Axel Arigato (if you follow me on the gram you'd have seen that I recently went to their uber-lit store launch party) to the luxury Loriblu. </div>
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So without further ado, let's get into my faves! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivNJW0qPHCEuL3idIQ6GIuVrS6Ic6uYo-KThX0lCXBieA9cbeIPGFKZbYH-YdWZQfl6iJzYOXF_eTjmwnu2496UXeadlu_C3dk_3deeBvHT-yyNUqxIo7WBwxF6GX7jpruZrXIvrNJGlPb/s1600/DSCF6517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivNJW0qPHCEuL3idIQ6GIuVrS6Ic6uYo-KThX0lCXBieA9cbeIPGFKZbYH-YdWZQfl6iJzYOXF_eTjmwnu2496UXeadlu_C3dk_3deeBvHT-yyNUqxIo7WBwxF6GX7jpruZrXIvrNJGlPb/s1600/DSCF6517.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first brand that captured my attention was, without a doubt, <b>Sadie Williams</b>. As you can see, there is no colour too risk-ay in this collection. Love the multi-flag embellishments too (#GoDiversity!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDNY2G8FDkTBkcQ0w4jn1rlj-hFcMcjL5anKepXnqvyWsPf8AAuOtUvOQdagtqeewiKErkaVsqQl4Htzu9-SDjshpbj6HhFrUzfYHsbC__wyJg1pExaUZ5Yd9muk083PTacUk22lMobb5/s1600/DSCF6551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDNY2G8FDkTBkcQ0w4jn1rlj-hFcMcjL5anKepXnqvyWsPf8AAuOtUvOQdagtqeewiKErkaVsqQl4Htzu9-SDjshpbj6HhFrUzfYHsbC__wyJg1pExaUZ5Yd9muk083PTacUk22lMobb5/s640/DSCF6551.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These silk blouses were absolutely stunning! <b>Silken Favours</b> is a fab brand for luxury quality blouses with a contemporary feel... throw one on with some black skinnies and you're good to go!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHqQQjRWMepancvB5JWjrgv-R925q38l9AM-guCP5j_v4dtJtRwNW-vPJ2USqRPV-7J8lR8BZwVczzKnLBlwIRGq8PxKYHdZbR8SXR6cgiuZMoxoYA4ESp_V-c_gqLANShAHWqYaLgb7JI/s1600/DSCF6562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHqQQjRWMepancvB5JWjrgv-R925q38l9AM-guCP5j_v4dtJtRwNW-vPJ2USqRPV-7J8lR8BZwVczzKnLBlwIRGq8PxKYHdZbR8SXR6cgiuZMoxoYA4ESp_V-c_gqLANShAHWqYaLgb7JI/s640/DSCF6562.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Loriblu</b>, oh how you stole my heart! Can we say gorgeous? I need these nude heels in my life ASAP! I couldn't stop staring at the crystallised booties with a satin finish... brb just adding this to my sugar-daddy's list ;) </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5gLoVikNRqnYKXTetB5ARH-DIpsce2vdJnXUUKZYMwOS2jZ0BTg0Rqf1Gmu2gAYk7aRDw_iWlOhI5dp1011ju8I3KCGvdqpBG-nXD5JiS-bknQFh17KRHY0uCY3NGbDc8f0llmNsN2_5-/s1600/DSCF6571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5gLoVikNRqnYKXTetB5ARH-DIpsce2vdJnXUUKZYMwOS2jZ0BTg0Rqf1Gmu2gAYk7aRDw_iWlOhI5dp1011ju8I3KCGvdqpBG-nXD5JiS-bknQFh17KRHY0uCY3NGbDc8f0llmNsN2_5-/s640/DSCF6571.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my favourite brands that I got acquainted with was the <b>Alama Project.</b> This stunning jewellery line held a special place for me because they not only support artisans by using their own creations but all their revenue goes to Africa Amini Alama- an initiative that directly helps the Massai & Meru tribes. Having been to Africa before, I am in love with the culture and spirit of the people so I think this is such a brilliant idea and I encourage you all to check them out and show them some love. We need more projects in the fashion industry that give back and I'm glad to see that Alama Project is leading the way :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFT89IximIWPSFvK8IJHlQSyTBYZq3yrVBwEWei6B8j6WJ5duF2FBjkxGUcVM-Wt5TrG1gUnLHAne9H0uxKc4tNJpGi5bPQMmLVKkxUWs6fxcqHEcxYVsuUwhlGxWSJDU0bViTHl9j1NIz/s1600/DSCF6581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFT89IximIWPSFvK8IJHlQSyTBYZq3yrVBwEWei6B8j6WJ5duF2FBjkxGUcVM-Wt5TrG1gUnLHAne9H0uxKc4tNJpGi5bPQMmLVKkxUWs6fxcqHEcxYVsuUwhlGxWSJDU0bViTHl9j1NIz/s640/DSCF6581.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was so exciting to see <b>Axel Arigato</b>'s display and I was pleasantly surprised to see these beautiful block heel ankle boots alongside their famous trainers. They are definitely my kind of thing... still effortless and comfortable but would transform an outfit into a statement in no time. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Zena Presley</b>'s range is a work of art. These watercolour-esque designs are fit for a high-powered city woman going from her editorial shift to a gala... I mean, I almost didn't want to touch these beauties because they looked so precious!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before I left, I noticed this sweatshirt in the corner of my eye and I found the awesome <b>Cats Brothers</b> line. I love the oversized basic black sweatshirt with this 3D beading sparking off it as a firework would do. Perfect for the Xmas season <3</td></tr>
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Manita Rughwanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02951932007914514796noreply@blogger.com0London, UK51.5073509 -0.1277582999999822351.1912379 -0.77320529999998222 51.8234639 0.51768870000001777tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915048294311418715.post-73995902563144548612016-10-30T11:58:00.000+00:002016-10-30T12:13:18.231+00:00Hey, It's Okay to Switch Up Your Aesthetic: Things My Mother Taught Me About Fashion... <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So I've been thinking long and hard about this- I've been stuck in a quandary about how I'd like to integrate my late mother into my blog and in what context to write about her in.<br />
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The fact of the matter is that my mother not only raised me but taught me a lot about the perception of myself, the world and God. Not having her around has been numbingly painful and some days I just breakdown... the pain is such a circumscribed experience that it's impossible to explain.<br />
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A chunk of me is definitely missing, that's how I'll put it. In that missing chunk I feel like a lot of my motivation has gotten lost because there's no active driving force around anymore. Having said that, I will always remember my mother as a cheerleader because she always supported me and never forced any career paths on me at all. She let me explore the world of fashion and never told me it was worthless or would amount to nothing... she was proud of what I achieved on my own and always had positive things to say about what I was doing. Often the one holding the camera or helping me decide what to wear for an event, my mother was undoubtedly the biggest supporter of mine and wherever life takes me, I will always attribute any success I have to her.<br />
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The crux of what I'm getting at is that I want to include my mother more in my articles. I think it would feel wrong if I didn't. I want to remember her positively, and I want to share some of the love & light she brought to my world...<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>1) Who Cares!</i></span></b><br />
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The version of my mother, Anita that I got the pleasure of knowing was never really into fashion. For her, fashion became more about comfort over style. She was on the larger side and underwent a mastectomy in 2007 so I guess she liked to wear what she felt was natural to her- cotton t-shirts and long flowy maxi skirts. I have a vivid memory of her returning home post-surgery; I was 12 at that the time, and although I was scared of the lack of hair on her head I was incredibly happy to see her alive and well. She unpacked this bra that many women wear after having a mastectomy, and as you all are aware, most women choose to have a breast reconstruction afterwards. My mother did not. I never understood it at the time and I couldn't grapple with the idea of her going through the rest of her life without the most 'feminine' of parts back and not feeling attractive again. How wrong I was because for her, happiness came from within and primarily through her dedication to the Lord.<br />
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I was such a little bitch growing up though. Forever on her case telling her that things looked bad or that she should let me pick out some things for her to wear instead but it never seemed to bother her. From her nonchalance I've learnt that it's really not that serious. Some people are more into style than others and if someone doesn't care so much about what they wear, let them not care!<br />
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At the end of the day, is it really worth having a coronary over a piece of material?<br />
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It's safe to say that my mother shook up my idea of the 'ideal body'. What <i>is</i> a body? What does it mean to clothe the body? Why should a woman feel pressured to artificially recreate a 'perfect' body back after a traumatic experience? I now feel so incredibly moved by her bravery and although I feel torn about writing this content without being able to ask her permission, I feel that she would be happy knowing that I am using her legacy to make a difference in the world and in particular, the promotion of women's liberation and freedom over their bodies, minds and souls.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><i>2) Confidence Comes From Within</i></b></span><br />
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Every time I would have an event to go to the panic began the night before. My mother soon got used to the stress and chaos that came with the flabbergasting question that we all know so well... 'what should I wear?' Without a doubt, my room would look like a tornado hit it by the time I was done trying things on. I'd always show my mum 5-6 options and she would tell me her honest thoughts...<br />
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A lot of the time, especially when I reached a size 14, I would go off in a huff like a little brat exclaiming how fat I was and how I couldn't sit down without rolls showing etc. My mother was probably screaming inside because it became such a common occurrence and Lord knows why she put up with it but she did and for that, I will always treasure her. She'd always come and comfort me and tell me that I wasn't 'fat' and that I had curves and I shouldn't feel down about myself.<br />
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You know when you have a crippling headache and you breathe a sigh of relief as the paracetamol kicks in? Well my mother was my paracetamol.<br />
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I always felt that little bit better when she re-assured me that I was being too extreme. After all, if you don't feel confident from within then whatever you put on is just a layer on top of a fragile internal, right? How will you ever feel comfortable in what you wear if you don't feel comfortable with your own body?<br />
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Today, in fact, I had a lovely message from someone on Snapchat that said that I had a lovely figure and that I shouldn't put myself down about the way I look because people appreciate it and actually prefer my look to the Eurocentric skinny blonde model look. It was something that I needed to hear today and it came at a time when I was feeling low about myself but it just goes to show that there are kind-hearted people out there and no matter what you look like, you will always attract someone. Part of the reason why I've been doing more swimwear looks etc. recently is because I want to be a part of the body-pos movement that almost forces people to understand what a natural body looks like because that is <b>SO</b> important in this superficial generation that we are living in nowadays. I've realised that you can either spend your life in doubt about yourself or you can embrace yourself and accept God's creation for all that it is. Don't get me wrong, I'm still in a journey towards full body confidence but I definitely sense that I am progressing and getting more acquainted with the once scary notion of 'self-love'.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>3) Don't Force Yourself</b></i></span><br />
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Shifting focus now to cultural clothing, I was never one to truly embrace Indian clothing on myself. To this day, I rarely wear it unless it's a special occasion and when I do, I prefer to wear kurti tops with leggings as this is a lot more in line with my aesthetic.<br />
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Living in an open-minded city like London is a plus because there's no real pressure to dress up in traditional clothing when visiting a temple- some people do, some people don't. As long as you're modest that's all that matters. I've heard a lot of comments being made from certain individuals particularly in relation to Gurdwara etiquette (for those who aren't aware, my Sindhi roots meant that I spent a lot of time in the Gurdwara when I was younger). I saw this one guy on Facebook a while back demeaning women who choose to wear leggings to a Gurdwara instead of say, a salwaar kameez or sari etc. etc. Now, here's where I have a real issue...<br />
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Yes, it is important to be modestly clothed in a place of worship but do I think it's okay to judge a woman for what she willingly chooses to wear on her body whilst praying? Absolutely not. It actually infuriated me that this individual felt the need to do the equivalent of 'slut-shame' on a public forum. Is it not tragically ironic that religion promotes peace and non-judgement yet there are people who will go and bow down to Guru Nanak and go home the same day bashing a girl for wearing some freaking leggings. If the girl is clean-hearted and genuinely wants to express her worship for the Lord then who are we to dictate her body? It would be another thing if we were talking about some chick wearing a Celeb Boutique bodycon dress at langar here but we're not, it's just some damn leggings that actually cover the body really well if you ask me.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "timesnewroman"; font-size: 12.000000pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Woman’s crime of being other - of embodying all that man fears and despises yet desires - finds fitting ‘punishment’ in clothing that draws erotic attention to the body by simultaneously constraining and ‘correcting’ it. According to de Beauvoir: “In woman dressed and adorned, nature is present but under restraint, by human will moulded nearer to man’s desire”.</i></span><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman"; font-size: 12pt;"> (</span><a href="http://vc.bridgew.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1532&context=jiws" style="font-family: timesnewroman; font-size: 12pt;">Angela King, 2004</a><span style="font-family: "timesnewroman"; font-size: 12pt;">)</span></span></div>
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<i>Anyway, </i>the point I am getting to (rant over, soz), is that my mother never ever forced me to wear Indian clothing to places of worship. She encouraged me sometimes, sure, but she knew deep down that I wasn't feeling it half the time and instead of pushing me away from my spirituality by enforcing dictatorship over my body, she logically made sure that I knew it wasn't about what I wore but the fact that I kneeled down in front of the Lord and prayed whole-heartedly.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>4) Treat Yourself Well </i></b></span><br />
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In retrospect, I acknowledge that my mother spoiled me and always tried to make my desires possible but this should be understood in the context of my childhood which I won't go into detail about here. To summarise, my mother tried to compensate for my fucked up childhood by showering me with clothes/makeup etc. which was nice, sure, but it just put a bandaid on things.<br />
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As she got older I think she recognised that I was picking up on her habits from the past in my shopping sprees and retail therapy so she would try and snap me out of it because it's just not the way to fix anything. The temporary high you get is exactly that: temporary.<br />
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We all deserve to treat and reward ourselves but she taught me that this should not be in excess.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>5) Hey, It's Okay to Switch Up Your Aesthetic</i></b></span><br />
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It was only after my mother passed that I had access to a whole archive of photo albums spanning way back to the 80s. I found photos of my mother with her short bouncy hair, graphic tees and leather bomber jackets that I never even thought existed!<br />
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I had so much fun going back and uncovering the mother that lived before my time- wild and carefree. Honestly, I wish I could have had more conversations with her about how she used to be in her student days and beyond because I think <i>I'd </i>want to be her friend! Her laidback, avant-garde, pseudo-hipster, 'I read Freud in my lunchbreaks' look is so often forced by the basics in my uni that I commend her for being so beyond our time.<br />
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Looking at photos like these makes me realise that it's okay to switch up my aesthetic. Recently I've been so into blurring the gender lines between masculine and feminine... I love bomber jackets, oversized sweatshirts, minimal accessories. Trapstar, Nike, Supply & Demand are some of my faves right now. It's quite a big leap as I was so feminine this Summer in my chiffon dresses and floor-length gowns but I'm really feeling this sports-luxe vibe and I think I'm becoming more open to change.<br />
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Change is good. Experimenting is good. Never feel stuck or one-dimensional. Fashion allows ourselves the ability to change and enables fluidity on our rigid bodies...<br />
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I will now end on a very essay-ish quote (I think the English degree academia has absorbed into my blood... oops):<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>'Dress constantly poses the possibility of distance between body and clothing, between 'true' self, the fixed gender of ideology, and assumed persona'. </i></span>(<a href="https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=6lo0jq7dU9IC&dq=clothing+fluidity+gender&source=gbs_book_similarbooks">Annette Kuhn, 2013</a>).<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>P.S.</b> I cried a lot during writing this but I hope this was an enjoyable/gripping/funny/heartbreaking read for some of you (any one of those adjectives works for me).</span><br />
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Manita Rughwanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02951932007914514796noreply@blogger.com0London, UK51.5073509 -0.1277582999999822351.1912379 -0.77320529999998222 51.8234639 0.51768870000001777tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915048294311418715.post-51112335572977904992016-10-08T00:51:00.000+01:002016-10-08T01:07:35.429+01:00London Fashion Week SS17 Part 1: Delna Poonawalla<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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So LFW SS17.... where to begin!</div>
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Firstly I'd like to start by saying that for me, this season was pretty chilled. I only fit in a couple of shows and in fact missed both my on-schedules (tut tut). What I <i>am</i> thrilled about, however, is that I managed to catch Delna Poonawalla's show at the stunning Amba Hotel in Charing Cross. The location was spectacular and it really set the scene for an outstandingly elegant collection. </div>
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I was really excited to see Delna's vision come to fruition, especially after having met her in the past and having seen first-hand her out-of-the-box concepts. If you don't remember, refresh your memory and have a browse through my article from 2014 reviewing her fabulous <a href="http://www.therebirthoffashion.net/2014/10/delna-poonawalla-at-london-fashion-week.html">Kaleidoscope Karma collection</a>. A couple of years have whizzed by but that collection has left an imprint on me because of how innovative the concept was- as you all know I love me some hybrids! Mixing different elements of femininity and masculinity together is something that Delna has an irrevocable talent for and so I was super excited to see what has been brewing behind the scenes with this 'Dark Mistress' collection.</div>
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I was not left disappointed... </div>
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(P.S. I did take my own images but I felt they really did no justice to the collection so I will be using <a href="http://www.vogue.co.uk/shows/spring-summer-2017-ready-to-wear/delna-poonawalla/">Vogue's high-res</a> for reference.)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNy_PPzokqO2DEKXs9WW6uwBYVMl2KMFopRdZieCt2l7wk14pxQd9H4ZYvD_OdJjI6E1UjkmZrkneOsmG0g2_Gg0vv3YkjtRhm0VQOZ4_7tNgjDLvaarhpVBynYc9SlVWnaDEjKNzj9tsZ/s1600/1440-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNy_PPzokqO2DEKXs9WW6uwBYVMl2KMFopRdZieCt2l7wk14pxQd9H4ZYvD_OdJjI6E1UjkmZrkneOsmG0g2_Gg0vv3YkjtRhm0VQOZ4_7tNgjDLvaarhpVBynYc9SlVWnaDEjKNzj9tsZ/s640/1440-2.jpeg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love the colour palette used in this collection- very rich and regal. The champagne tone here is incredibly flattering and the square plunge neckline of the jumpsuit is harsh but toughens the look up just the right amount.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieYiNqW3IoJVHEpp9lkfEYiSNth90lQ1OYQSPWyo85QFNzFB5aUqpK8XxvY1mSSTMRIe3AOVCA-6igaf8JMN8QsF45D6_BxMimz1ErFUWPVjjgg2CBvifn8eyYDQjRj9fXtaB6fWlvK01r/s1600/1440-3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieYiNqW3IoJVHEpp9lkfEYiSNth90lQ1OYQSPWyo85QFNzFB5aUqpK8XxvY1mSSTMRIe3AOVCA-6igaf8JMN8QsF45D6_BxMimz1ErFUWPVjjgg2CBvifn8eyYDQjRj9fXtaB6fWlvK01r/s640/1440-3.jpeg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm getting major Greek goddess vibes! Take me back to Mykonos! The draping across the shoulder is beautiful and traditionally feminine. Juxtaposed with this is the unexpected dark navy detailing. Against such a light tone I pick up a sense of Gothic with the web-like embroidery. Again, a fantastic re-appropriation of femininity in high-fashion.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHZ5DeAJ-3sytcjC2W5eZHOFei99a8PN0-AI0w4NJJdJkQPY005G9h6m8e5rYLZMX0OMH5BnkRT-xDhQxUD6tdtn6LZSyUNJH0YOCgq9H59lU9S-Lp3ormXMNOZGzIFrB6JafeB5R2q3Yo/s1600/1440-4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHZ5DeAJ-3sytcjC2W5eZHOFei99a8PN0-AI0w4NJJdJkQPY005G9h6m8e5rYLZMX0OMH5BnkRT-xDhQxUD6tdtn6LZSyUNJH0YOCgq9H59lU9S-Lp3ormXMNOZGzIFrB6JafeB5R2q3Yo/s640/1440-4.jpeg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love the theatricality of this collection... you can almost imagine it being worn on stage in a play. This bold midnight blue is gorgeous alongside the gold detailing. The models strut with sass and I'm all the way here for it!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmN7yagFXfLonZmrHjTh-ktZo7C_K_Q9QtnawbU4mz2cCKnnriC6-RBlZbr2DUZb1Tx6TeoKyVPEuohf5tRY-MzRwUCNPkOLk_Ru6X5WRH5W9A3Ivuy0C9HpmZ6eMLNR0apk79miO7dF9u/s1600/1440-5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmN7yagFXfLonZmrHjTh-ktZo7C_K_Q9QtnawbU4mz2cCKnnriC6-RBlZbr2DUZb1Tx6TeoKyVPEuohf5tRY-MzRwUCNPkOLk_Ru6X5WRH5W9A3Ivuy0C9HpmZ6eMLNR0apk79miO7dF9u/s640/1440-5.jpeg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Probably my favourite of the whole collection... An unusual shift dress made with gold chains and complete with sequinned embroidery on either side. This is of course a statement look but my 'literature degree eye' can't help but view the chains symbolically; the woman is wearing the once shackling chains loud and proud. The woman's body is no longer a site of constriction or appropriation, it signifies freedom and a f- load of power. Woo!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLQsCxSxNlUPlHTR9TiyeT5rurSMguqGxzcu5Ah_hQBDUxqKJw63HRDWi99ty1gvapPdSNb0UdLZFiA9Onz11mbHvmo4pdylT-nXR9daUb96Q2CvrQzE4Zfikz-pTzpdFu28hH2-u1588v/s1600/1440-6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLQsCxSxNlUPlHTR9TiyeT5rurSMguqGxzcu5Ah_hQBDUxqKJw63HRDWi99ty1gvapPdSNb0UdLZFiA9Onz11mbHvmo4pdylT-nXR9daUb96Q2CvrQzE4Zfikz-pTzpdFu28hH2-u1588v/s640/1440-6.jpeg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beautiful Delna alongside two fierce models. Can we talk about Del's gorgeous bardot dress though? So flattering! </td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Image Credits: <a href="http://www.vogue.co.uk/shows/spring-summer-2017-ready-to-wear/delna-poonawalla/">Vogue UK</a></span></div>
Manita Rughwanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02951932007914514796noreply@blogger.com0London, UK51.5073509 -0.1277582999999822351.1912379 -0.77320529999998222 51.8234639 0.51768870000001777tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915048294311418715.post-90213758352084096282016-08-24T13:34:00.000+01:002017-02-01T21:16:15.189+00:00How to Survive London Fashion Week (The Real Deal) <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hey lovelies!<br />
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So please forgive me for not posting regularly but I am in a pretty stressful period of my life right now. I'm trying to adjust to the fact that my mother is no longer with me (aside from in spirit) and I'm also moving (yay -__-)!<br />
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I thought I'd do a little 'filler' post as London Fashion Week is creeping up on us all and I thought it'd be cute to do a mini rundown of how to survive it as a blogger/attendee and give you a bit of insight into what it's actually like. Before I start, I am in no way bashing LFW... I think it's a wonderful experience to be a part of and I am grateful that I have gone to on-schedule and off-schedule shows (the majority have been off-schedule).<br />
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I was telling my friend this the other day but when I was a kid I used to literally sit and watch Fashion TV with my Hello Kitty notepad and rate all the catwalk shows out of 10. I mean seriously... I thought I was Anna Wintour. Anyway, the point I'm alluding to is that I never thought I would actually be able to experience it years down the line. It's quite surreal but there's a lot of chaos and bitchiness that comes with it too believe it or not. If you've been reading my blog for a while you'd know that I keep it all the way 100 on here. Unlike some bloggers (no shade), I'm not afraid to say how I actually feel because I don't take fashion so seriously. It's meant to be enjoyable people! If you're easily 'offended' then take a valium first before reading...<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Dress Comfortably</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Maybe I'm just a lame for saying this but I am NOT someone who will try and kill myself to look good for LFW. Yes naturally I want to be stylish but wearing 6-inch stiletto heels and a restricted dress is probably not the way to go. Maybe you can pull it off if you're literally getting an Uber to one show and an Uber back home but if you've got a lot lined up for the day you might want to consider toning it down a noch. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4USYnnMtVsIVsZ8IryJzf2ldf-dWJ1AxTXH_myHNOzNIOMN1VUldTWZk0MVaWOfUDmBM_WuFBM_DVOQ_gu3zESD_DCjP7WrOFIq8osd4lxhB_saEpHPsbnu3sK5ugQ49O1BI5qPiqEjI9/s1600/lady-gaga-in-ny-1316001347-view-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4USYnnMtVsIVsZ8IryJzf2ldf-dWJ1AxTXH_myHNOzNIOMN1VUldTWZk0MVaWOfUDmBM_WuFBM_DVOQ_gu3zESD_DCjP7WrOFIq8osd4lxhB_saEpHPsbnu3sK5ugQ49O1BI5qPiqEjI9/s400/lady-gaga-in-ny-1316001347-view-1.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you insist on wearing huge heels you better act like the next Giselle ready to walk down the runway because it's not cute turning up and complaining 24/7. Just saying.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Dress in Alignment With Your Aesthetic </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">I have seen SO many bloggers dress ridiculously for LFW in order to get 'papped'. Everyone and their mother knows this exists because you'll see the same individual the next day and they're dressed completely differently. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6s_BkeEYNosF2Tvew5Fe5mNmK3VieO3piz2EjBK-ErEnTRMVx4Yu_ijxCE0wqmPwRwhS6yYIHc-_jehgVNUHc9GlNPtIFI6u-fWC5IetMJju_dygnOYZAtJ6QwmJ69KRhXKIVoLCs-suJ/s1600/weird_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6s_BkeEYNosF2Tvew5Fe5mNmK3VieO3piz2EjBK-ErEnTRMVx4Yu_ijxCE0wqmPwRwhS6yYIHc-_jehgVNUHc9GlNPtIFI6u-fWC5IetMJju_dygnOYZAtJ6QwmJ69KRhXKIVoLCs-suJ/s400/weird_5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Now I know this may offend some people because sure, it's LFW why not go all out right? I just feel like people try way too hard sometimes. If you don't usually dye your hair cotton-candy pink, wear tattered double denim, studded 12-inch platforms and carry a watermelon as a clutch then don't do it now all of a sudden. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Prepare for Bitchiness</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm not saying everyone attending LFW is a bitch. Far from it! There are amazingly lovely people in the press/blogging world and if you are lucky enough to find these people then kudos because your experience will go up a few notches. Saying this though, there are many girls who get invited to these shows and think that they are SO boujis with their freaking Céline micro luggage tote and black floppy hat. If this is your aesthetic then I'm sorry and if you can rock it great but there's literally no need to act like your shit doesn't stink. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">I remember last year I was queuing up for a show (which I will not name) because I had gotten sent a provisional invite from a PR company who usually distributes about 18291819 more tickets than they have capacity for. So anyway I was pretty excited but I arrived late so I was right at the back of the line. Bear in mind this day was freezing cold and it kept raining intermittently. I had just arrived from a previous presentation and I honestly couldn't bring myself to stand there for God knows how long just to possibly be turned away or be squished right at the back if and when I did get entry. So I called up my friend in the line and I had said something to the effect of 'This is ridiculous, I'm not waiting around, this is crap'. Now, these two girls in front of me turned around with such death stares I felt their anger penetrate into my soul. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Literally them.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Honest to God I thought I was going to have a full-blown fight with them in this line the way they had just eavesdropped and thought it was cool to stare me down like that. Like honey, fix your face because it's looking more chopped and screwed than a PartyNextDoor remix. Is it really that deep?! I wasn't even talking about the designer being 'crap', that'd be disrespectful. I just don't understand why people take all this stuff so damn seriously. It's just a fashion show... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Prepare for After-Party Snobbery </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">I only went to a couple after-parties last season but from what I saw at one of them, there is a lot of shadiness going on especially when it comes to the people at the door. Even if you've got an invite, you'll be judged thoroughly on your dress sense before you're allowed in (unless you're on a reality show... then you'll get a free pass). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Some of the up-and-coming designer's after-parties are super chill but there will be a few that will be 'super exclusive' held in Mayfair locations with people desperate to get in for the free champagne and mingling opportunities with the C-list celebs. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">I got into one of these after-parties last season... I guess my outfit met their 'standards'... a couple of my blogger pals got turned away which I thought was terribly rude but I proceeded anyway...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Once I entered it was a bit of a ratchet hot mess! I mean it was fun and I enjoyed myself but all the champagne ran out and I wasn't surprised after I saw stylists, journalists and bloggers twerking in Louboutins on the dancefloor and whacking their Chanel flap-bags all over the gaff. Some of these things just aren't all they're cracked up to be for the level of snobbiness you have to endure... </span></div>
Manita Rughwanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02951932007914514796noreply@blogger.com0London, UK51.5073509 -0.1277582999999822351.1912379 -0.77320529999998222 51.8234639 0.51768870000001777tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915048294311418715.post-53776498497546962522016-08-01T22:38:00.001+01:002016-08-01T22:43:12.628+01:00Task PR: Christmas in July Press Day <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It's hard to believe that we are now well past the half-way mark in 2016 and slowly heading towards that joyful time. You guessed it... Christmas!<br />
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As hard as that is to conceptualise and as scary as that may seem to your bank accounts, just sit back and relax. Go and grab yourself a hot chocolate to get yourself in the festive mood as I take you through my favourites at the <a href="http://www.taskpr.com/">Task PR</a> Christmas in July press day...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjArZaP2jNA7yq4vsePQ-CMYzFhpUP_gkTA9arEFJidh9wgL1fYIH6t7zTi87x1fcMLRmntv8KPPY3NT-6fs-YqAYGSlXeWaThPk_FMV8DFj2ZVqnB4wiqfYHuMrQManoqapAlKHVsKlKyI/s1600/IMG_1988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjArZaP2jNA7yq4vsePQ-CMYzFhpUP_gkTA9arEFJidh9wgL1fYIH6t7zTi87x1fcMLRmntv8KPPY3NT-6fs-YqAYGSlXeWaThPk_FMV8DFj2ZVqnB4wiqfYHuMrQManoqapAlKHVsKlKyI/s1600/IMG_1988.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.ashfootwear.co.uk/">Ash Footwear</a></b><br />
Sparkly midi-heel boots are perfect for dancing the night away in style during the winter months... you don't need to worry about comfort or freezing your little soles off (#winning!) </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.gerryweber.com/en/collections/gerry-weber">Gerry Weber Edition</a></b><br />
A staple white blouse is an absolute must for your AW16 wardrobe. You can do so much with one item like this. Teamed with a statement necklace, black ripped skinny jeans & heeled ankle boots, you've got yourself a killer outfit with little to no effort.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVTYEaaK8_9wlKYXB34UJxFBS3Vi4_VIrxWjlLLxY69j3pRtwyn6qmFPBq0ZnF4L_jjs8rYOKooXGFEE_kk00NmpyB_djpKyTZ4XRbNwEUvB-GcMgMuLqbIOLneEOciyN428UdcSTJKPBD/s1600/IMG_2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVTYEaaK8_9wlKYXB34UJxFBS3Vi4_VIrxWjlLLxY69j3pRtwyn6qmFPBq0ZnF4L_jjs8rYOKooXGFEE_kk00NmpyB_djpKyTZ4XRbNwEUvB-GcMgMuLqbIOLneEOciyN428UdcSTJKPBD/s640/IMG_2013.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.joseph-fashion.com/en/ecomuk/page/home">Joseph</a></b><br />
This beauty immediately caught my eye when I saw it on the rack. It's just divine. The shade of red is rich and sensuous. I can already imagine rocking this over an LBD and complimenting it with some rouge lipstick. <br />
Warning: strangers may stroke you, this is SO soft. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBuWbsZfzxmnPpAdV-8X9TLIW9o_fV8L45Z1Ke-PL8jk7XU906r4HnCC00sVSGd4NeaM4yCTjMUf_kFo8MNR8E8D5Y86qIcNuKc3fKAsLsLL9UkN6wkgnTWsa6VABlE1mUqEgWUeDC1bpc/s1600/IMG_1997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBuWbsZfzxmnPpAdV-8X9TLIW9o_fV8L45Z1Ke-PL8jk7XU906r4HnCC00sVSGd4NeaM4yCTjMUf_kFo8MNR8E8D5Y86qIcNuKc3fKAsLsLL9UkN6wkgnTWsa6VABlE1mUqEgWUeDC1bpc/s640/IMG_1997.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.thomas-earnshaw.com/">Earnshaw</a></b><br />
I'm a sucker for some bling so naturally I had to include these beautiful watches in my favourites. Adore the luminescent dial and bright straps. I think watches are really going to be the true statement pieces of jewellery for AW16 so make sure your wrist game is always on fleek!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJQLBOX3DjIjX-Yveq96X9HXz3zkIyl3TPJkbDfDxb3lcgSs-VcFVY0mvj6BEAlcBI9SEYJd6lEDIOxPxFCvBPa-BRT9puboIg5HdEhCwBO-3YNehVfoKWnD1yWYMAx27ywymNutZygV5m/s1600/IMG_2063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJQLBOX3DjIjX-Yveq96X9HXz3zkIyl3TPJkbDfDxb3lcgSs-VcFVY0mvj6BEAlcBI9SEYJd6lEDIOxPxFCvBPa-BRT9puboIg5HdEhCwBO-3YNehVfoKWnD1yWYMAx27ywymNutZygV5m/s640/IMG_2063.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.marc-cain.com/index.php?lang=1&cl=jaggeolandingpage&lang=1&sBackUrl=%2Fen%2Fhome%2F">Marc Cain</a></b><br />
You may have seen this shot on my Instagram already, it was just too cute to not share beforehand... I am OBSESSED with the black embellished flats. So in-your-face yet so opulent... love. The sequinned loafers are also adorable, the perfect choice for when you just don't want to bother with heels but still want to make an entrance.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkRwuCbE07wXyVMQQI8_XmMrDI8i53fj9ss1510CSX3QRayw64AnHGx_ASg3do_vsKFkrfucw_hoAEb3RTWgnW79R7WPEPAutFZdwpWSVlc0h1YhhImrbwGpOcW5dh_A3MSAk047Rswfdm/s1600/IMG_2020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkRwuCbE07wXyVMQQI8_XmMrDI8i53fj9ss1510CSX3QRayw64AnHGx_ASg3do_vsKFkrfucw_hoAEb3RTWgnW79R7WPEPAutFZdwpWSVlc0h1YhhImrbwGpOcW5dh_A3MSAk047Rswfdm/s640/IMG_2020.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.nikkidemarchi.com/">Nikki De Marchi</a></b><br />
Me & my girl Lizzie immediately knew this screamed 'me' when we saw this. I love black swimsuits as a curvier girl PLUS this is embellished with gorgeous multicoloured crystals. I wish I could have rocked something like this when I was in Mykonos... I'm sure it would've turned so many heads!</td></tr>
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Manita Rughwanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02951932007914514796noreply@blogger.com0London, UK51.5073509 -0.1277582999999822351.1912379 -0.77320529999998222 51.8234639 0.51768870000001777tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915048294311418715.post-18855910545042761502016-07-26T19:56:00.002+01:002020-09-03T17:57:04.197+01:00Benefit Brows: My New Staple Brow Products <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Disclaimer: Products sent for review purposes, all opinions are truthful.</span></div>
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Hey guys, yet another overdue post... (save the boos pls).</div>
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This time around, I'm going to give you the lowdown on the latest Benefit Cosmetics revamp on their brow collection. It's sexy, it's sleek, it's <i>everything</i>. Honestly guys, I have not stopped using <a href="https://www.benefitcosmetics.com/uk/en-gb/product/ka-brow">ka-BROW!</a> since I tried it at their blogger preview- it has changed my life. I think I may even name my first child "ka-brow"... it could work right? D: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuO8PWVaNmuPJmwWWGPIH8VsLshWhXoR79L-iig_hxfP9xD4PftKYi2zOFyMSW7nB_fbY_pm1CkjWkzpHmjVQV_YwWuBy5j_0pjl7TItwCOKEaaxwBsd-TP6gPxE-LSiPkgrhhFoX9TU6w/s2000/IMG_1093.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuO8PWVaNmuPJmwWWGPIH8VsLshWhXoR79L-iig_hxfP9xD4PftKYi2zOFyMSW7nB_fbY_pm1CkjWkzpHmjVQV_YwWuBy5j_0pjl7TItwCOKEaaxwBsd-TP6gPxE-LSiPkgrhhFoX9TU6w/s640/IMG_1093.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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The new packaging is gorgeous and brightly coloured, featuring lots of staple pink tones as this is Benefit's trademark colour. If you've yet to visit the <a href="http://www.goodshipbenefit.com/">Good Ship Benefit</a> docked on The Embankment, you are truly missing out. I've been on there twice now and each time I visit, I'm in awe at how gorgeous it is. It's a <b>must</b> for all girly girls as the decor is fun, playful & perfect for taking those bomb ass Instagram selfies.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheXscbu4N9p7Sddo9BQ-2iEJXxXiZJJ4fW7QcW5lJpnWU2GXvV6djPWYH6RSa5ituuZX_ewlc0MN-3E7fu1auHg8xofLB4rN4GxzPofjI1UvHUQlCWX94I7k7Nqmm0oQnv3BUFTUCVvKRN/s2000/IMG_1053.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheXscbu4N9p7Sddo9BQ-2iEJXxXiZJJ4fW7QcW5lJpnWU2GXvV6djPWYH6RSa5ituuZX_ewlc0MN-3E7fu1auHg8xofLB4rN4GxzPofjI1UvHUQlCWX94I7k7Nqmm0oQnv3BUFTUCVvKRN/s640/IMG_1053.JPG" width="446" /></a></div>
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So here's a pic I found wearing some bright pink lippy at the blogger launch alongside my new Benefit brows. Bear in mind that, on the day, I had not had my eyebrows threaded for a long time (decades) so it was difficult to create perfect brows. Nevertheless, I found that the products really helped me to tidy things up and create definition where there needed to be some. By the end of the event, I manifested some chic thick brows. I think fuller brows are more youthful but everyone is different and whatever your preference, you can use the products to achieve your ideal look.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2FljSJnsDMAEx4HwnuPr061Qn9AfpVr34qJIoiGfHuQw3Le2ExR4Qz9bK5BjnsgaElM6RYni75XQCRUX8xW7O0-pwaU2dG2YwnjIlVBxNFjJWriz1QEeckVPV2Hu9YiZkGyLQy2DT0ANC/s2000/IMG_1092.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2FljSJnsDMAEx4HwnuPr061Qn9AfpVr34qJIoiGfHuQw3Le2ExR4Qz9bK5BjnsgaElM6RYni75XQCRUX8xW7O0-pwaU2dG2YwnjIlVBxNFjJWriz1QEeckVPV2Hu9YiZkGyLQy2DT0ANC/s640/IMG_1092.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's me, <a href="http://www.accidentalstatement.com/">Bunmi</a> and <a href="http://georgieminterbrown.blogspot.co.uk/">Georgie</a> having a blast posing for the paparazzi (ok, maybe it was a photo booth but still).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgivB5VhridYUt89kSAHqm8QzWaMHmgly0UQgFmsc-6Gk0Q40E2NSN0pu7sfUL_Q9ZWYpyRhZRVhSxAN_Hr_FO0bycoPYUG8Bgzv4QDfPxIgQhvgu_yfQ5T3YYqcUrAqZPKPZXnp1UqImVQ/s2000/yourphoto-3.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgivB5VhridYUt89kSAHqm8QzWaMHmgly0UQgFmsc-6Gk0Q40E2NSN0pu7sfUL_Q9ZWYpyRhZRVhSxAN_Hr_FO0bycoPYUG8Bgzv4QDfPxIgQhvgu_yfQ5T3YYqcUrAqZPKPZXnp1UqImVQ/s2000/yourphoto-3.gif" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>My Honest Opinion...</b></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">There are a whopping 36 products in total in the new collection, so as you can imagine I won't be reviewing all of them but I thought I'd give you the scoop on these four below...</span><br />
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As you can see, the chrome metallic finish of the packaging is beyond stunning and really makes an impact on the dressing table. I mean, why not have your makeup look as chic as you right?</div>
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The <a href="https://www.benefitcosmetics.com/uk/en-gb/product/goof-proof">Goof Proof Brow Pencil</a> is a very easy-to-use tool and is perfect for travelling as it has two ends - a spoolie-brush and eyebrow pencil. It glides on the brows very nicely - I reach for this when I want to fill in my brows in a rush and don't want to think too much about what I'm doing. Let's be honest, we all have our moments when we simply can't stand in front of the mirror for half an hour creating perfect brows so why not let this tool do it for you?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoc-atmLDhPyHIOLQ44REpZ1RusspSceBqIHUOpB8nAN7PcmXzRvPuk8jkxs1HvTieEgjzZO8eQc-pQRjiZPXosJsZQ5Fzemk9N9OekaaUu1QLQjmhF7AMJ5LV0NHIYNneP40w9ez6ii0_/s1600/DSCF6008.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoc-atmLDhPyHIOLQ44REpZ1RusspSceBqIHUOpB8nAN7PcmXzRvPuk8jkxs1HvTieEgjzZO8eQc-pQRjiZPXosJsZQ5Fzemk9N9OekaaUu1QLQjmhF7AMJ5LV0NHIYNneP40w9ez6ii0_/s640/DSCF6008.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The <a href="https://www.benefitcosmetics.com/uk/en-gb/product/browvo">BrowVo! Conditioning Primer</a> is a clear gel loaded with kertain & soy proteins. You can use this primer on its own to help grow your brows and keep them in place or you can use it as a base. It really helps to seal any brow products that you place on top and helps to maintain a tidy appearance.<br />
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<a href="https://www.benefitcosmetics.com/uk/en-gb/product/ka-brow">Ka-BROW!</a> is my ultimate favourite from the collection. I've mentioned this product before on Snapchat/IG but I just can't get enough of it! If you're on a budget and just want to try out one product first, I would thoroughly recommend this one because it's an all-in-one cream-gel colour and again, this is SO good for travelling. The point on top is not just for show, it actually contains a handy brush for the cream gel. What I <b>love</b> about this brush is that it's really tiny and precise, allowing you to achieve small strokes as you glide it across your brows. Lots of brow products fail to get the brush sizes right and you end up using too much product but Ka-BROW! gives you lots of control which I appreciate.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl951TB0nOpEZliuZ-j55osVQ6j3c6t-lcpp5DE0PH5EAm6aP34k1n1psOq9Xbab5q1Iqrv3DCvFZdhiESEteuYOOnMsxQTiI3_z_q2ASumYABOo6BIyLzVLmAcIsRl7uBCf-bFxqbw-NC/s2000/DSCF6006.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl951TB0nOpEZliuZ-j55osVQ6j3c6t-lcpp5DE0PH5EAm6aP34k1n1psOq9Xbab5q1Iqrv3DCvFZdhiESEteuYOOnMsxQTiI3_z_q2ASumYABOo6BIyLzVLmAcIsRl7uBCf-bFxqbw-NC/s640/DSCF6006.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Finally, <a href="https://www.benefitcosmetics.com/uk/en-gb/product/gimme-brow-volumising-eyebrow-gel">Gimme Brow</a> is a great volumizing brow gel, great for natural-looking definition and shape. Again, the brush is tiny so you can use small strokes across the brow and get all those hairs into place. This product is great if you haven't had a tidy-up or wax in a while. I haven't reached for this one as much as the others though because quite frankly, I think ka-BROW! has stolen my heart.<br />
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Have you tried any of these beauties yet? Let me know which one is your fave! xoxo</div>
Manita Rughwanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02951932007914514796noreply@blogger.com0London, UK51.5073509 -0.1277582999999822351.1912379 -0.77320529999998222 51.8234639 0.51768870000001777tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3915048294311418715.post-62522111566934529702016-07-13T18:50:00.000+01:002016-07-13T19:02:08.937+01:00Guest Post: Balance Your Emotions with These Healthy Tips<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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We are living in a time when we are attacked by numerous
stressors everywhere we go. Unfortunately, it is something
that we have learned to live with and we rarely try to defeat it. How can that be when we know that stress is referred to as the number one silent killer? The
fact is is that stress is linked to six out of ten leading causes of death
worldwide. </div>
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Stress is a physical response which can result in detrimental consequences on our
mind, body, and soul so it's time to start fighting back. Regain your emotional
balance and start living a happier and healthier life by following these few easy-to-integrate tips. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Take a Deep Breath </b><o:p></o:p></div>
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It might sound silly, but sometimes all it takes is one deep breath. According to the <a href="http://www.stress.org/take-a-deep-breath/"><span style="color: #1155cc;">American Institute of Stress</span></a>, deep breathing
is one of the best ways to decompress and balance your emotions.
Try to practice it as often as you can – breathe from your stomach for about 20
to 30 minutes at least once a day. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Once there, you can enhance your state of calm with meditation and
yoga. Meditation is something you can do wherever you are. If you feel stressed
out at work, you can close your eyes and go to a happy place – it’s that
simple. Yoga will require more privacy and space, but it is one of the best
practices for reaching the height of balanced emotions. </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Food for Mood</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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When upset we reach out for comfort food, and that is perfectly normal! The notion that food <a href="http://thriveworks.com/blog/food-to-boost-mood/"><span style="color: #1155cc;">makes us happy</span></a> has been there since the
beginning of time. What do we do wrong then?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyoDvxgfnhtSvbq9-G4Ij3vEMOtMbMjB0yj6tlKKUn0h4EONEQGhYoR4yRSTz7F1ORp3M6xHzgdW_usMcrhe_6cnGRYoP_DH128kQ3hWKniXeDWrIshzzkkuZDJXnHKcmsW1LarTHZF7x/s1600/Food+for+Mood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyoDvxgfnhtSvbq9-G4Ij3vEMOtMbMjB0yj6tlKKUn0h4EONEQGhYoR4yRSTz7F1ORp3M6xHzgdW_usMcrhe_6cnGRYoP_DH128kQ3hWKniXeDWrIshzzkkuZDJXnHKcmsW1LarTHZF7x/s640/Food+for+Mood.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Well, we eat all the wrong food –
hamburgers and additive-filled ice-creams – which cannot make us happy. It is
quite the opposite – they make us unhappy and unhealthy. So, instead of those,
try some mood-boosting healthy foods like leafy greens, almonds, pumpkin seeds,
eggs, legumes, nuts, tomatoes and fish. </div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="normal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Healthy Body = Healthy
Mind</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="normal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="normal">
Have you ever heard that someone is exercising to let go of
their stress? Well it's true. Working out triggers a response that helps you let go
of negative emotions, stress and anxiety. So make sure you establish a
basic fitness routine.<br />
<span id="goog_705523674"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWUA30MWBWBB7SEstyKus6PyrOLyxGPoEMur1LbDWwfXp0xkRNH7u3QKlcD65p3IvjjAYVWpk9cqrNyehCtoTpzkSqV7W_KUlbtEKbk6JRngmxiLaKRlnotwFvCfP-xFvDlparhAM53Qlw/s1600/Healthy+Body+%253D+Healthy+Mind.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWUA30MWBWBB7SEstyKus6PyrOLyxGPoEMur1LbDWwfXp0xkRNH7u3QKlcD65p3IvjjAYVWpk9cqrNyehCtoTpzkSqV7W_KUlbtEKbk6JRngmxiLaKRlnotwFvCfP-xFvDlparhAM53Qlw/s640/Healthy+Body+%253D+Healthy+Mind.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_705523675"></span><br />
You can go out for a run, get a gym membership or
workout at home. If you choose the dynamic and weight exercises, you should get
<a href="https://www.ryderwear.com/"><span style="color: #1155cc;">appropriate
equipment and bodybuilding apparel</span></a> that will help with your
performance and range of motion.<o:p></o:p><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Be Positive</b></div>
<div class="normal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="normal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="normal">
Think positive and good things will happen to you. Cultivating
positive emotions can help you find balance in your life. That, however, does
not mean that you should repress the negative ones. When you feel sad or angry,
say it out loud and let it go.<br />
<br />
It is actually quite easy to develop an optimistic mental
outlook. Just find things that make you happy and use them to beat all the
pessimistic voices. What you wear, for instance, can actually lift up your
spirits more than anything (think bright colours, flattering fabrics, quirky designs). <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="normal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGYNsmifXIAdAewa91Z3wO0NgQ4604CNMaZMGQ-o2RXwPKVGJCli8Tkq9fLuWFwS_84oPgQKTFSfJnXIjc1jQ_W7RrksD0Zsev1QymFjh_xz8cLqF2RKBM3f3ZRlrhpUlNhcWCek5kS-_A/s1600/Be+Positive-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGYNsmifXIAdAewa91Z3wO0NgQ4604CNMaZMGQ-o2RXwPKVGJCli8Tkq9fLuWFwS_84oPgQKTFSfJnXIjc1jQ_W7RrksD0Zsev1QymFjh_xz8cLqF2RKBM3f3ZRlrhpUlNhcWCek5kS-_A/s640/Be+Positive-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;">Some find their passion in fashion, others in sports, reading or cooking. In the end, appreciate the little
things, and above all appreciate yourself. Face the burden of the modern world by
utilising these tips and be proud of yourself for succeeding. Reward yourself with
a stylish pair of shoes, a delicious and healthy dinner or a simple pat on the
back. You deserve it.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="normal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Author
BIO:</i></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="normal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sophia Smith is Australian based beauty,
lifestyle and health blogger. She is very passionate about organic beauty
products, yoga, healthy lifestyle and personal development. She is regular contributor
at Ripped and High Style Life.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="normal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3915048294311418715" name="h.gjdgxs"></a><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Find
her on: </i><a href="https://twitter.com/sophia_bri"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #1155cc;">Twitter</span></i></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/people/Sophia-Smith/100009756455791"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #1155cc;">Facebook</span></i></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/102187810527298399389/posts"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #1155cc;">Google +</span></i></a>
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
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<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:Calibri;
color:black;}
</style>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapedefaults v:ext="edit" spidmax="1030"/>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapelayout v:ext="edit">
<o:idmap v:ext="edit" data="1"/>
</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
</div>
Manita Rughwanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02951932007914514796noreply@blogger.com0London, UK51.5073509 -0.1277582999999822351.1912379 -0.77320529999998222 51.8234639 0.51768870000001777