I've always counted myself as a feminist. I believe in equality, equal pay, and for any future husband material reading this, I think the 'Waitrose Love Life' ready-made range is the best invention since, well, the microwave. Recently though, I've found myself questioning the term 'feminism' and indeed, whether wearing my 'ain't no wifey' hat (purchased from the eccentric feminist at Camden market) is crushingly hypocritical.
With 2013 being the 100th anniversary of Emily Davison's quite frankly frickin heroic jump infront of the King's horse I haven't been short of radio talk shows covering this subject in a modern context to tune into. Women on these shows though, calling themselves feminists, I found, much to my dismay, to be more bitter and negative than inspiring. My images of women celebrating 'Girl Power' with one another, wearing whatever the hell they fancied and singing Spice Girl's anthems were inexorably fading, only to be replaced by self-important celebrities and catty remarks; recent Twitter spats between Miley and Sinead O'Connor, plus Lilly Allen's attack on young girls in the music industry in the form of a catchy pop hit, both illustrate women on women crime. How is this ok?!
Now I don't know about you, but feminism to me doesn't involve sniping at your fellow sex, making bitchy comments about your colleagues new 'unflattering' suit or that actress' 'botch botox'. To quote the masterpiece that is 'Mean Girls' - 'calling eachother sluts and whores just makes it ok for guys to call us that'.
Moving on to another of my *ehem* intellectual inspirations for this article, the treatment of Amy Willerton by some of the so-called feminists in the 'I'm a Celebrity' camp, has left me nothing short of aghast. Picking on Amy for being a Miss World contestant, for walking around in her bikini and sorry but not sorry, just for being BEAUTIFUL, is not in the spirit of feminism at all. AT ALL. If I had her body I'd wear my bikini to the shops, the supermarket, hell I'd wear it ice-skating if frost bite wasn't a looming threat. Lucy's flirtateous pinching of Vincent Simone's bottom as he paraded around in his tiny boxers, followed by catty remarks about Amy 'posing for ass camera shots' were just unnecessary, disjointed and quite frankly reeked of double standards. This is essentially telling girls they must cover-up for fear of being the object of a man's enjoyment, whilst men can sport their bodies to their hearts content and provide the nation with an innocent 'laugh a minute'. If this is feminism then I don't want anything to do with it.
All that said, I haven't hung up my 'ain't no wifey' hat just yet. I'm all for Vincent Simon's butt being on my screen of an evening, but nothing delights me more than Amy retalliating with her relentless bikini costume changes. This is equality. THIS is feminism.
Leila
Saturday 7 December 2013
Wednesday 20 November 2013
How to go to the gym and not be despised
Haven't done a fitness post in a while, but, it's party season - and you know what that means.
Christmas (pudding) is around the corner, New Year (booze) is a-knocking and before you know it you'll be stuffing your face with chick/bunny shaped chocolate then moaning you're not swimsuit ready. Off to the gym you'll drag your squat-deprived ass. Time to get lean, mean and sexy. A few weeks in and you're a fully-fledged, lycra-clad fitty. Flexing and sweating has never looked so good - got it down to a T, you fitspo, you.
Except maybe you don't, really. Maybe you're 'that guy' or 'that girl' - the bane of every gym goers life. Don't fancy being the social outcast?
Listen up and learn some etiquette from my extensive what NOT to do at the gym list; You're welcome.
1) Curls in the squat rack - This is punishable by death (so I've heard). I won't pretend to be an expert on curling or squatting in any sort of rack - I'm all good with the floor. But still, it really pisses people off... and you want to fit in and make gym buddies for life don't you?!
2) Save a shitload of bikes for your friends/friend's friends/neighbours and that nice lady you got coffee with that one time.
This is I think the most annoying thing probably ever. EVER. Not only do you have to creep out of lectures/meetings/everyday goings on at 1 o'clock everyday to book next weeks class, you've got to turn up half an hour before the class even starts just to guarantee yourself a bike to spin on. Coronary inducing stuff. You thought the gym was going to be a place to relax, unwind, generally improve your well-being? Think again. Get ready to fight tooth and nail to avoid getting stuck with the bike under the air-con.
3) Grunt like you're giving birth (or worse). Yep, thats a hell of a lot of weight, you're pretty hardcore. But I don't need to hear you from half-way across the gym. I'd say something to your face if you weren't three times my size, but you are, so I'll just moan behind your back.
4) Talk about your workout routine/personal training programme under any circumstances. No one cares. Actually scratch that. It's WORSE than no one cares, it's pretty damn annoying. Your 'zillion kg weighted super-sets' aren't big, aren't clever, and - lets be honest - aren't strictly accurate are they. (I've seen you and your predominantly green/yellow bar in body pump class).
5)Repulse anyone with your ungodly stench.
Success is 10 percent inspiration and 90 percent perspiration right? Cool. Just make sure that success is 100 percent sweet smelling. Deodorant is SO on trend right now.
6) Flex your guns, pose and/or lift your shirt up revealing trojan-like abs of steel.
Don't be that guy (or girl). Yes, that's you in the mirror. Yes, you look great. Congrats! But the gym is not the time or place to check yourself out, or indeed stick your ass out and invite others to admire longingly. That's what instagram's for, duh! Go home, get yourself a full length mirror and a camera phone and have at it.
Following on from the above. Ladies, put your freaking hair up. And take off your hoop earrings. There ya go.
7) Use cheesy vom-inducing chat up lines when I'm trying my best to work out and ignore you.
"Oh hey, you have great thighs, can I show you a awesome all over thigh toning exersise?"
"erm sure" (contentiously)
"It's really a partnership exersise..."
Well, you get my drift. Not okay - (Unless you're super-hot and just the right amount of arrogant that you can totally carry off lines like these).
and last but by NO MEANS least...
7) Let it all hang out in the changing rooms.
Seriously! Why oh why do people do this?! And, without meaning to sound like a judgemental bitch, why is it always the wrinkly, saggy biddies who insist on having it all on show?!
If you insist on being naked, PLEASE don't talk to me whilst drying/ touching your naked self in any way. Its just awkward. Oh and hair dryers are for drying the hair on your HEAD.
Follow these rules and you're well on the way to making friends who will save you a front-row bike in spin-class (if you can't beat 'em join 'em, right)
Good luck fitty!
Leila xoxo
Christmas (pudding) is around the corner, New Year (booze) is a-knocking and before you know it you'll be stuffing your face with chick/bunny shaped chocolate then moaning you're not swimsuit ready. Off to the gym you'll drag your squat-deprived ass. Time to get lean, mean and sexy. A few weeks in and you're a fully-fledged, lycra-clad fitty. Flexing and sweating has never looked so good - got it down to a T, you fitspo, you.
Except maybe you don't, really. Maybe you're 'that guy' or 'that girl' - the bane of every gym goers life. Don't fancy being the social outcast?
Listen up and learn some etiquette from my extensive what NOT to do at the gym list; You're welcome.
1) Curls in the squat rack - This is punishable by death (so I've heard). I won't pretend to be an expert on curling or squatting in any sort of rack - I'm all good with the floor. But still, it really pisses people off... and you want to fit in and make gym buddies for life don't you?!
2) Save a shitload of bikes for your friends/friend's friends/neighbours and that nice lady you got coffee with that one time.
This is I think the most annoying thing probably ever. EVER. Not only do you have to creep out of lectures/meetings/everyday goings on at 1 o'clock everyday to book next weeks class, you've got to turn up half an hour before the class even starts just to guarantee yourself a bike to spin on. Coronary inducing stuff. You thought the gym was going to be a place to relax, unwind, generally improve your well-being? Think again. Get ready to fight tooth and nail to avoid getting stuck with the bike under the air-con.
3) Grunt like you're giving birth (or worse). Yep, thats a hell of a lot of weight, you're pretty hardcore. But I don't need to hear you from half-way across the gym. I'd say something to your face if you weren't three times my size, but you are, so I'll just moan behind your back.
4) Talk about your workout routine/personal training programme under any circumstances. No one cares. Actually scratch that. It's WORSE than no one cares, it's pretty damn annoying. Your 'zillion kg weighted super-sets' aren't big, aren't clever, and - lets be honest - aren't strictly accurate are they. (I've seen you and your predominantly green/yellow bar in body pump class).
5)Repulse anyone with your ungodly stench.
Success is 10 percent inspiration and 90 percent perspiration right? Cool. Just make sure that success is 100 percent sweet smelling. Deodorant is SO on trend right now.
6) Flex your guns, pose and/or lift your shirt up revealing trojan-like abs of steel.
Don't be that guy (or girl). Yes, that's you in the mirror. Yes, you look great. Congrats! But the gym is not the time or place to check yourself out, or indeed stick your ass out and invite others to admire longingly. That's what instagram's for, duh! Go home, get yourself a full length mirror and a camera phone and have at it.
Following on from the above. Ladies, put your freaking hair up. And take off your hoop earrings. There ya go.
7) Use cheesy vom-inducing chat up lines when I'm trying my best to work out and ignore you.
"Oh hey, you have great thighs, can I show you a awesome all over thigh toning exersise?"
"erm sure" (contentiously)
"It's really a partnership exersise..."
Well, you get my drift. Not okay - (Unless you're super-hot and just the right amount of arrogant that you can totally carry off lines like these).
and last but by NO MEANS least...
7) Let it all hang out in the changing rooms.
Seriously! Why oh why do people do this?! And, without meaning to sound like a judgemental bitch, why is it always the wrinkly, saggy biddies who insist on having it all on show?!
If you insist on being naked, PLEASE don't talk to me whilst drying/ touching your naked self in any way. Its just awkward. Oh and hair dryers are for drying the hair on your HEAD.
Follow these rules and you're well on the way to making friends who will save you a front-row bike in spin-class (if you can't beat 'em join 'em, right)
Good luck fitty!
Leila xoxo
Tartan army
Calvin Harris, David Tennant & THAT accent, the warm dram of single malt whiskey sours - Scotland is 'reel-dancing' its way into the encycolpedia of 'hot-right-now'. And the fashion pages are no exception; now Scotts may have invented tartan, but the fashion pack own it.
I'm yet to discover a piece which doesn't excell with an injection of this wonder print - be it full on or a subtle hint.
Thats the beauty; Whether you're going for 'Vivienne Westwood meets Mary Queen of Scotts' or you just want to dip your tippy-toe in the Lockness Monster's 'a la mode abode' - there's something for everyone.
A tartan coat-lining at Chanel shows just how easy it is to work tartan into your wardrobe with a grown-up twist. Punky tailoring is the new elegant! Adding a scarf (as demonstrated on the right) is another simple way to work the trend.
aaand on that (bagpipe) note - time to invest, perhaps?
Happy shopping
Leila xoxo
I'm yet to discover a piece which doesn't excell with an injection of this wonder print - be it full on or a subtle hint.
Thats the beauty; Whether you're going for 'Vivienne Westwood meets Mary Queen of Scotts' or you just want to dip your tippy-toe in the Lockness Monster's 'a la mode abode' - there's something for everyone.
 |
| Christina Ricci adorned in a knockout from the queen of tartan - Vivienne Westwood |
 |
| Karl Lagerfield puts Scotland on the global fashion map |
A tartan coat-lining at Chanel shows just how easy it is to work tartan into your wardrobe with a grown-up twist. Punky tailoring is the new elegant! Adding a scarf (as demonstrated on the right) is another simple way to work the trend.
 |
| Simply gorgeous - Subtle tartan at its best. |
My picks...
aaand on that (bagpipe) note - time to invest, perhaps?
Happy shopping
Leila xoxo
Saturday 16 November 2013
Sushi Saturday
Yes I know it's November; I was wearing a coat I promise, I just took it off for the photos.
My dad and I took a trip to Camden Town for a mooch round the market and a spot of street sushi.
I wore a short suit from River Island with Office Brogues and Topshop frilly socks - the only designer section of the ensamble was my tights (Pretty Polly).
As I made pretty clear in my last post, I am obsessed with this seasons two piece suits - and since short suits are my all time favourite I went crazy for this one.
The silk material, bold print and peter pan collar elements were all bonuses!
SUSHI <3
Borrowed (indefinitely) these frilly socks from my little sister. I love the contrast with black brogues and black tights - channeling my inner cat!
Leila xxx
Monday 11 November 2013
Match Made In Heaven
'Match' Made in Heaven...
Bikinis hanging dejectedly on the sale racks, winter embraces this season's two-piece.
Tapered skinny trouser and oversized suit jacket - Topshop
Bikinis hanging dejectedly on the sale racks, winter embraces this season's two-piece.
City-Slicker
Suit Jacket and skirt - Miss Selfridge
Modern Romantic
Tapered skinny trouser and oversized suit jacket - Topshop
Grown Up Rebel
Tartan skort and silk shirt - TopshopLeila xoxo
Sunday 10 November 2013
3 is a magic number...
Snap, crackle, pop
Now on the lookout for a floaty romantic skirt to wear with this and converse a la Ben Toms for Under The Influence #12 S/S 2013) >>>>>
3) Already had disco pants in black, but these purple ones were calling out to me from the River Island Sale AND they're one size to big which means I can actually eat a meal/ sit down in them for long periods of time - BONUS.
WHAT I NEED:
Tic, Tac, Toe
Ready, set, go
No - I'm not going mad. Just demonstrating the point that things come in threes - (unless you're Native American or Chinese - then it's four and five respectively). I read an article recently on the so-called 'three rule' - super interesting but came at a price; I now see 'threes' EVERYWHERE.
Anyway, In light of this I, Leila Saffron Glen, (we even have three names for crying out loud) am going to do a 'three' themed round up of the week.
Anyway, In light of this I, Leila Saffron Glen, (we even have three names for crying out loud) am going to do a 'three' themed round up of the week.
First and foremost - WHAT I BOUGHT:
1)Not going to lie, feeling pretty smug with myself. Asymmetric, tartan and a touch of leather? Nailed THREE trends in one *go me*.
2) Been seeing these overly fluffy jumpers everywhere for a while, but this is the best one I've seen so far. Gorgeous mustard colour and love the deep v-neckline.
Now on the lookout for a floaty romantic skirt to wear with this and converse a la Ben Toms for Under The Influence #12 S/S 2013) >>>>>
3) Already had disco pants in black, but these purple ones were calling out to me from the River Island Sale AND they're one size to big which means I can actually eat a meal/ sit down in them for long periods of time - BONUS.
WHAT I NEED:
1) Isabel Marant for h&m. All of it.
But I guess that's slightly unrealistic so this over-sized men's cardigan will do for now. And a few of the plain dove grey T-shirts - they look SO DESIGNER.
But I guess that's slightly unrealistic so this over-sized men's cardigan will do for now. And a few of the plain dove grey T-shirts - they look SO DESIGNER.
2) Who says we have to give up shorts just because its winter?!
3) Bit of a copy-cat version of Zara's wonder skort from last season I feel. But the colour's incredible and I prefer the slightly higher waist.
and finally... WHAT ANNOYED ME:
1) Patronising, pig-ignorant football sexism - being asked by a shop assistant in Waitrose whilst wearing my full Chelsea get-up shirt and shorts (I went straight from the gym) if I could name THREE Chelsea players was... well - I have no words. His face though as I named the whole team striker to goalie PRICELESS.
2) The fact that the moronic van driver winking/ yelling at me at the bus-stop has his driving license and I - STILL - am waiting for the bus.
3) I really wanted this YSL lipstick (plummy gorgeousness - perfect for disguising those inevitable mulled-wine lip stains this festive season). But it only comes in the gift box for which I simply did not have the funds. Why put what I want in a gift box full of stuff I don't? ANNOYING.
To finish on a positive note though (which really I ought to) - my aunty bought the whole gift set and gave me the lipstick! What a babe <3
So, all in all good week.
Three strikes and I'm out >>>>>>>>>
Leila xoxo
Sunday 3 November 2013
'Spayed' (here's hoping) in Chelsea...
It's Monday, It's 10 pm, the weekend is well and truly over but who cares; it's that time again! Time to find out what havoc our favorite canape nibbling socialites have been causing this week, sauntering around Chelsea young, free and erm...single? (Interchangeably so. We can't quite keep up).
My sister, mum and I prepare to become sofa bound for the hour as my dad miserably slopes off, returning sheepishly as soon as the Moet starts flowing and the trivial but oh-so-heart-wrenching shit starts going down.
Now as much as I mock, I can't deny the concept is genius; who doesn't want an insight into how the other half live? And it's not all sushi, coffees and drinks at the Bluebird (although there IS a lot of that).. Some of them have relationships outside the show, talents, passions, and yes, even day-jobs! Over all they're a 'beaut' (don't get me started) group of young people, growing up before our very eyes and going through their (albeit privileged) lives for our entertainment.
However, there is one thing that irked me about last weeks episode of E4's smash hit; faced with an hour of 'laddish' behavior I was almost ready to swear off boys for life. ALMOST being the operative word... (For fear of sounding like a twenty year-old baby spinster).
Spencer Mathews comes immediately to mind, his cheesy grin and insurmountable arrogance attracting many a girl to his honey pot of faithful promises - until the next cheating scandal that is. Jamie Laing gets a special mention too - his cute Peter Pan like exterior and happy-go-lucky outlook on life making him almost compulsorily lovable, whilst he flits from girl to girl saying whatever it takes to get himself out of many an inevitable messy situation, male organs unscathed. Even seemingly sweet new boy Alex got himself into bother last week, dropping current love interest Fran quicker than you could say 'Caviar and Champagne house warming at mine Binky?'.
Spencer Mathews comes immediately to mind, his cheesy grin and insurmountable arrogance attracting many a girl to his honey pot of faithful promises - until the next cheating scandal that is. Jamie Laing gets a special mention too - his cute Peter Pan like exterior and happy-go-lucky outlook on life making him almost compulsorily lovable, whilst he flits from girl to girl saying whatever it takes to get himself out of many an inevitable messy situation, male organs unscathed. Even seemingly sweet new boy Alex got himself into bother last week, dropping current love interest Fran quicker than you could say 'Caviar and Champagne house warming at mine Binky?'.
I'm not generally a fan of sayings such as 'he has no balls' 'grow some balls' or various variations; they allude to the fact that being 'male' and therefore owning 'big balls' go hand in hand with courage, strength, guts, gallantry...Erm? You only have to look at The Made in Chelsea boys' unyielding concern for their man-parts to undermine the previous phallic sayings and replace them with my new personal favorite:
'If you have a dick, you are a dick'.
Stick that in your opening credit quotation marks...
p.s As mad as they make me, I just turned down arrangements in order to stay in tomorrow night and watch.
p.p.s Jamie Laing I take it all back - feel free to date me).
Tuesday 29 October 2013
Who says you have to RUN a marathon?!
So its been a while (putting it mildly) since my last post; I have to confess - for a split second I even mind blanked on my login...
But this weekend I took part in something which not only had me glowing luminous with perspiration (better ring to it than 'pouring with sweat' right?) but also got my juices of the creative kind well and truly flowing; Hello new Blog Post!
The sweat inducing event I'm referring to was the 'Fist and Feather 3.5 hour Charity Body Combat Marathon, York Hall Bethnal Green' - (and breathe). What on Earth you ask? Well it pretty much does what it says on the tin. On the bewitchingly crisp morning of Sunday 27th October, two hundred and fifty(ish) warriors/tribesmen/general-Body-Combat-fiends, gathered together to punch, kick and kata their way through 3.5 hours of intransigent Body Combat - Can I get a Kiah?!
Now I know what you're thinking, and I know because I thought it too - '3.5 hours' and 'Body Combat' are phrases which just shouldn't feature in the same sentence. Period. BUT my mind was soon changed when it was explained that we were fighting for a little girl in dire need of an operation to help her walk, and past marathons had meant she was already well on her way - 3.5 hours well spent, I'd say.
So after liaising with a lovely group from the gym, and roping my fabulous, always willing (poor unsuspecting) mother into proceedings, we bought our tickets (in the form of donations to the charity) and before we knew it the day was upon us!
Approaching the hall I genuinely felt more up for this than anything ever before! And once inside, forgive the imminent cheesiness/clichés but...WOW. The atmosphere was completely electric - (yes cheesy cliché, I did warn you). Peering around the hall bursting with Lycra clad participants, ready and waiting to literally KICK BUTT, the nerves, worries about not keeping up or collapsing on the spot just melted away and I couldn't wait to begin. Red Bull? Please. The whooping, energetic and generally AWESOME instructors, kitted out head to toe in Fist and Feather garments, were enough to 'give me wings'...
Once the music started, and combat was in full swing, time absolutely flew by! Before I knew it we were half way through and it was raining sweets (thrown out to us for that extra boost!) New tracks were combined expertly with old favourites which always got the crowd going. It was like being in a club when that song of the summer comes on and everyone invades the dance floor; Except instead of Swedish House Mafia it was tracks such as 'Phatt Base' getting the venue jumping.
And then just like that it was 3 pm and our Combat Marathon came to a head in style, everyone finishing together in a chorus of whoops and claps. Tired yes, sweaty hell yes, but never defeated! What a completely amazing day spent with inspirational people, I can honestly say I cannot WAIT to do it again!
Next year that is... My Red Bull fix for the foreseeable weekends will be downed in one and go by the name 'Jaeger Bomb'...
Oh, and the following day I obviously went shopping.
After all that 'Fist' action I thought it only appropriate to treat myself to some 'Feathers'...
Leila xoxo
But this weekend I took part in something which not only had me glowing luminous with perspiration (better ring to it than 'pouring with sweat' right?) but also got my juices of the creative kind well and truly flowing; Hello new Blog Post!
The sweat inducing event I'm referring to was the 'Fist and Feather 3.5 hour Charity Body Combat Marathon, York Hall Bethnal Green' - (and breathe). What on Earth you ask? Well it pretty much does what it says on the tin. On the bewitchingly crisp morning of Sunday 27th October, two hundred and fifty(ish) warriors/tribesmen/general-Body-Combat-fiends, gathered together to punch, kick and kata their way through 3.5 hours of intransigent Body Combat - Can I get a Kiah?!
Now I know what you're thinking, and I know because I thought it too - '3.5 hours' and 'Body Combat' are phrases which just shouldn't feature in the same sentence. Period. BUT my mind was soon changed when it was explained that we were fighting for a little girl in dire need of an operation to help her walk, and past marathons had meant she was already well on her way - 3.5 hours well spent, I'd say.
So after liaising with a lovely group from the gym, and roping my fabulous, always willing (poor unsuspecting) mother into proceedings, we bought our tickets (in the form of donations to the charity) and before we knew it the day was upon us!
Approaching the hall I genuinely felt more up for this than anything ever before! And once inside, forgive the imminent cheesiness/clichés but...WOW. The atmosphere was completely electric - (yes cheesy cliché, I did warn you). Peering around the hall bursting with Lycra clad participants, ready and waiting to literally KICK BUTT, the nerves, worries about not keeping up or collapsing on the spot just melted away and I couldn't wait to begin. Red Bull? Please. The whooping, energetic and generally AWESOME instructors, kitted out head to toe in Fist and Feather garments, were enough to 'give me wings'...
 |
| Ok, so some additional wings were strapped on at half time... |
And then just like that it was 3 pm and our Combat Marathon came to a head in style, everyone finishing together in a chorus of whoops and claps. Tired yes, sweaty hell yes, but never defeated! What a completely amazing day spent with inspirational people, I can honestly say I cannot WAIT to do it again!
Next year that is... My Red Bull fix for the foreseeable weekends will be downed in one and go by the name 'Jaeger Bomb'...
Oh, and the following day I obviously went shopping.
After all that 'Fist' action I thought it only appropriate to treat myself to some 'Feathers'...
Leila xoxo
Sunday 28 July 2013
Drinks, Dungarees, and a Stockbroker...
So last week the weather was beautiful and i'd just been paid; time for a guilt free night out!
A few friends and I decided to hit Covent Garden, sun ourselves on one of its beautiful roof-top bars and drink alot of vodka soda lime (the fitties drink of choice, who has time for empty calories?)
Anyway, deciding what to wear was surprisngly easy. I knew we were going to a cocktail bar but theres nothing I hate more than dressing for the occassion, so cocktail dresses and heels were out, and dungarees were IN!
I freaking love dungarees, always have since I was a toddler and my mum attempted to prize them out of my hands in return for endless Harrods silk dresses.
My most recent pair are by far my favourites ever; wish I could say I bought them authentic and vintage but alas the River Island label gives me away. They're a gorgeous shape and fit perfectly, only problem with them being shop bought was the stiffness and 'brand new' look; some bleach, a cheese grater and some serious elbow grease soon sorted that out!
Now I'm far from a 'Project Catwalk' candidate, in fact i'm not even sure I can thread a needle (they did teach us in textiles apparently but I was always ill period 4 fridays...). Therefore, I'm SO proud of how these dungarees turned out having had my questionable creative 'skills' unleashed on them!
A few friends and I decided to hit Covent Garden, sun ourselves on one of its beautiful roof-top bars and drink alot of vodka soda lime (the fitties drink of choice, who has time for empty calories?)
Anyway, deciding what to wear was surprisngly easy. I knew we were going to a cocktail bar but theres nothing I hate more than dressing for the occassion, so cocktail dresses and heels were out, and dungarees were IN!
I freaking love dungarees, always have since I was a toddler and my mum attempted to prize them out of my hands in return for endless Harrods silk dresses.
My most recent pair are by far my favourites ever; wish I could say I bought them authentic and vintage but alas the River Island label gives me away. They're a gorgeous shape and fit perfectly, only problem with them being shop bought was the stiffness and 'brand new' look; some bleach, a cheese grater and some serious elbow grease soon sorted that out!
Now I'm far from a 'Project Catwalk' candidate, in fact i'm not even sure I can thread a needle (they did teach us in textiles apparently but I was always ill period 4 fridays...). Therefore, I'm SO proud of how these dungarees turned out having had my questionable creative 'skills' unleashed on them!
 |
| I wore them with a plain pink vest and gladiators |
The rooftop bar we visited, Bar 21, was absolutely gorgeous and the balcony overlooking Covent Garden really gave me that holiday feeling!
Since it was Thursday night it was teeming with suits and A-line skirts all finished work for the day, desperate for a preview taste of the oh-so-close weekend. We got chatting to a little group of stockbrokers, and weirdly conversation somehow turned to my homemade denim wonders ;)
One stockbroker so insistant I do the 'one up one down' strap look he wouldn't talk about anything else; so Mayfair stockbrokers are down with East London style, who knew?
As the sun started to disappear (along with our inhibitions and sense of responsibility...) we strolled on down the road to adventure bar, mixed some cocktails and busted some serious moves.
All in all an AWESOME night with AWESOME people!
Leila xxx
Thursday 25 July 2013
Jog on...
Not feeling so good or suffering with a 'self-inflicted headache', the LAST thing on your mind is running, right?
Well I'm telling you, forget Berocca and go get your jog on!!
It's amazing how much getting out and breathing (gaspsing if you're doing it right) fresh air can lift your mood. It's the best therapy out there (besides the retail kind..)!
Anyway, it was a gorgeous evening and my running shoes were calling out to me!
Now I love a cute running outfit, what runner girl doesn't?! But the way the weather has been recently (not complaining, just saying...) the running leggings and matching North Face fleeces have been pushed right to the back of my wardrobe in favour of my signature teeny shorts. Now if I could run naked BELIEVE ME I would, but having some consideration for the neighbours I opted for the closest I could get...
So kit on and shoes and Ipod at the ready, I laced up, plugged in, and escaped the world for an hour or so...
When I run my Ipod is MANDATORY and pretty much critical to the whole operation. I know some people like to hear the sounds of nature blah blah blah but nothing gets me going like some banging tunes! Not knocking nature, it's just a personal thing.
Plus running monotonously at set speed doesn't do it for me. If you really want to sweat interval training is your friend! I like to run moderately fast for a verse, then sprint the chorus like running is going out of fashion, then repeat. This mix of intensity makes for a much better calorie burning run.
If I'm feeling super strong, sometimes I'll work a little body conditioning into my run; just a few simple squats, lunges, press ups etc...Not ideal I know if you're road running in public; a few car horns are to be expected... but hey, you have the next song chorus to sprint away from any weird looks...;)
Happy running!
Leila xxx
Well I'm telling you, forget Berocca and go get your jog on!!
It's amazing how much getting out and breathing (gaspsing if you're doing it right) fresh air can lift your mood. It's the best therapy out there (besides the retail kind..)!
Anyway, it was a gorgeous evening and my running shoes were calling out to me!
Now I love a cute running outfit, what runner girl doesn't?! But the way the weather has been recently (not complaining, just saying...) the running leggings and matching North Face fleeces have been pushed right to the back of my wardrobe in favour of my signature teeny shorts. Now if I could run naked BELIEVE ME I would, but having some consideration for the neighbours I opted for the closest I could get...
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| Pretty Totteridge in the sun |
Plus running monotonously at set speed doesn't do it for me. If you really want to sweat interval training is your friend! I like to run moderately fast for a verse, then sprint the chorus like running is going out of fashion, then repeat. This mix of intensity makes for a much better calorie burning run.
If I'm feeling super strong, sometimes I'll work a little body conditioning into my run; just a few simple squats, lunges, press ups etc...Not ideal I know if you're road running in public; a few car horns are to be expected... but hey, you have the next song chorus to sprint away from any weird looks...;)
Happy running!
Leila xxx
Wednesday 24 July 2013
Self control...Who really needs it?!
So I boycotted the shops for around 10 days after a clear out of my wardrobe revealed I'd already bought pretty much everything in the world and was just going round again; I found two identical pairs of jeans... Just how??!
Anyway, to cut a long story short, today I was bored and I caved. I dont even regret it! You can never have too many clothes right?! I don't know what I was thinking before.
I'm on such a shopping buzz now my fingers are shaking as I type this. NOTHING beats the feeling of fresh, label adorned, UNWORN new clothes. Not just outfit possibilities and combinations, but memories to be made, laughs to be had and Instagram photos to be published (ALOT in my case).
Looking over at my bags full to burst I can totally tell this week is going to be a frigin good one!!!
What do you think of my purchases??
Anyway, to cut a long story short, today I was bored and I caved. I dont even regret it! You can never have too many clothes right?! I don't know what I was thinking before.
I'm on such a shopping buzz now my fingers are shaking as I type this. NOTHING beats the feeling of fresh, label adorned, UNWORN new clothes. Not just outfit possibilities and combinations, but memories to be made, laughs to be had and Instagram photos to be published (ALOT in my case).
Looking over at my bags full to burst I can totally tell this week is going to be a frigin good one!!!
What do you think of my purchases??
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| School prefect - but a super cool one. |
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| This is my airport outfit. So chilled and comfy! Just add flipflops... |
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| Love a good knotted top |
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| I know acid brights were a 'thing' last year but I never fell out of love <3 |
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| I know. But YOLO - can't wait to whip this baby out ;) |
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| Next on my wish list: Leather skinnies and killer heels to wear with this KILLER top! |
ALL MINE <3 <3 <3
(Courtesy of Topshop)
Leila xxx
Welcome!
Here goes my first post...!
Super excited to have created this little Blog to post about a couple of my favourite things, fashion and fitness! I'm pretty sure those passions will feature heavily but will definitely archive important life events too; Going to try and encompass as much of myself as I can...
I'm a London based student and having an awesome summer holiday. Since I've always loved writing and am feeling so positive right now I thought it only right to take the leap and start a blog as a hobby (especially since my morning workout, followed by lounge in the sun/trip to the shops and evening out is starting to feel a little too routiney!).
Anyway can't wait to start posting and always looking for comments, feedback and lots of followers please ;)
Happy reading
Leila xxx
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