Now's the Time to Act - Anti-ageing with Nakin Skincare

Hey guys!

Hope ya'll are staying at home and still slaying your skincare routines ;)

Just over a month ago, I received two wonderful products from Nakin Skincare - an award winning UK-based natural anti-ageing skincare brand.

First, I received the Natural Anti-ageing Lip Treatment Balm  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.

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.

Now, on to the Anti-ageing Performance Face Serum  - 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.

I may be 25 but I highly recommend starting preventative measures now as skincare is about prevention rather than reaction.

Please do try out these products and check out the rest of the Nakin range and let me know your thoughts.

Lots of love,

Mani xo

Winter Neutrals with Femme Luxe

Hey lovelies!

I hope all of you are keeping well and didn't miss me too much ;)

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 Femme Luxe.

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.

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.

Ladies, do let me know what you think of the below looks and let me know if you try out any pieces from Femme Luxe yourselves as I would highly recommend if you're looking for affordable, stylish, Instagrammable looks <3

Lovely figure-hugging cream jumper, perfect for teaming with leggings or cycle shorts for a night out.

Gorgeous flowy black satin dress which I felt looked so expensive in person.

Simple but flattering oversized sweat mini-dress.

Comfy, stretchy black loungewear co-ord which hugged my curves perfectly.

Goodbye London, Hello Switzerland!

For the last couple of weeks I've been exploring Switzerland!

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.

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.

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 so important to go out and appreciate God's gifts no matter where you are in the world.

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.

Here are a few pics...

Dress: Pretty Little Thing (I love PLT for their Shape and Curve sections where I can find items that fit my body shape  well).

The Swiss are known for their watches after all!

Postcard-esque scenery (Weggis).

Local street-art - who knows what this means but I live for it!

The Perfect Valentines Gift! : Personalised Elie Beaumont Watch Review

Disclaimer: Item sent for review purposes. All opinions are truthful.

Hey lovelies!

This is an official warning that there is just two weeks left until Valentines Day! 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...

Fear not! I have the perfect solution to save you from that last-minute gifting panic.

Personally Presented 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.

As I love fashion, I opted for this stunning Elie Beaumont Modern - Vintage Leather Watch in Black with White Dial. 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?

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?

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 Personally Presented was exceptional as they kept me up to date with all the dispatch info.

Duh ;)

Overall, I would definitely recommend Personally Presented if you're looking for a Valentines Day gift 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 therebirthoffashion.net-10 at checkout (don't say I don't treat you!) xoxo 

Know Cosmetics Review: Flawless Makeup Exists!

Disclaimer: Products sent for review purposes. All opinions are truthful.

Hey everyone! 

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). 

I wanted to share these gorgeous products from Know Cosmetics with you guys... 

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.

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 Know Cosmetics 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 No Dark Shadows, for instance, and we all know how some good under-eye concealer can take you from hungover af to slay all day. 

My favourite out of the range has to be No Bleeding Lips 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.

No Thin Lips 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.

No Bare Brows 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.

Have you tried Know Cosmetics? Let me know what you think! xoxo

Yalla Habibi: Marrakesh Lookbook!

Hey everyone!

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

So without further adieu, here are the pics! 

Embellished Maxi: New Look

Kaftan: Primark

Bodycon: PrettyLittleThing Shape
Choker: Bronzais
Clutch: Boutique in Mykonos
Heels: Carvela, Kurt Geiger 

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...