BTS at the Asian Business Awards Red Carpet!

The 20^th annual Asian Business Awards (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 Asian Rich List, which profiles the top 101 highest earners in the British Asian community. 

I was lucky enough to see some of the high-profile guests hit the red carpet! 

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. 

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 :)

This year, the Asian Business Awards welcomed Chief Guest, The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan. During a keynote speech, Mr Khan said: 

"London is home to one of largest, and most diverse South Asian 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 business community. From retail and pharmacy to tech and innovation, the UK's Asian business leaders are at the forefront of their respective industries. The AsianBusiness Awards recognises the incredible success of these leaders and I was delighted to join them and the Asian Media and Marketing Group for another fantastic evening."

Here are a few of my BTS snaps...

Bronzais Collab: Celestial Choker (+ Discount Code!)

Disclaimer: Promoter collab. All opinions are my own. 

Yo! So I collabed with Bronzais who basically sell all things glam for bad bitches like me ;) Nah I kid, but I honestly did LOVE the Celestial choker they sent me. 

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.

If you're interested, you can shop online & get a cheeky discount with my code MANITA10! 

London Fashion Week AW17: What I Wore

Hey guys!

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! 

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... 

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! 

Dress: Missguided Plus
Heels: Carvela by Kurt Geiger 

Aisle Style: Your New Go-To Dress Site!

Disclaimer: Sponsored post. All opinions are truthful and my own.

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.

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 wedding dresses, prom dresses, evening dresses... you name it.

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 Aisle Style have your needs taken care of.

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.

This beautiful off-the-shoulder piece is perfect for anyone looking for lace wedding dresses.

This stunning lace trimmed gown is exceptional for £179.99. I guess cheap wedding dresses do exist!

It's the 21st century people! Why not embrace short wedding dresses 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.

Strut with Stella: Want to Win 2 Tickets?!

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?! 

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...

Strut with Stella 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!) 

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 can 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! 

Sound good? Well today's your lucky day...

If you want the chance to WIN two tickets to the first London workshop, simply do the following:

1) LIKE the Stella Pecollo Facebook page
2) 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!

Competition ends on the 28th of Feb so hurry!

For more info about the event & to purchase tickets visit: https://www.picatic.com/event14866503498217

HelpMeOrganics: Bedtime Candle Review

Disclaimer: Product sent out for review purposes, all opinions are my own and truthful.

Hi everyone! 

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...

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 'Help Me It's Way Past My Bedtime' candle (how cute is the name) from HelpMeOrganics was the perfect pick to settle me into bed tonight, especially since I've been down with the flu so needed something extra special. 

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 HelpMeOrganics' formula.

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

IPR x B2B SS17 Press Day

Alrighty so apologies for such a late post but essays have taken over my life (: #ThirdYearUniIsAmaze

I thought it was only right to give you the lowdown on the IPR x B2B 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. 

So without further ado, let's get into my faves! 

The first brand that captured my attention was, without a doubt, Sadie Williams. As you can see, there is no colour too risk-ay in this collection. Love the multi-flag embellishments too (#GoDiversity!)

These silk blouses were absolutely stunning! Silken Favours 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!

Loriblu, 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 ;) 

One of my favourite brands that I got acquainted with was the Alama Project. 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 :)

It was so exciting to see Axel Arigato'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. 

Zena Presley'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!

Before I left, I noticed this sweatshirt in the corner of my eye and I found the awesome Cats Brothers 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