Things We Learn In Our 20's

The most difficult and most important life lessons are often learnt while we're still in our twenties, as this is a time when we are on a journey to 'find' ourselves and begin to grow into the people we want to be. Anything that's worth having doesn't come easily and in order to change, evolve and become the best we can, we have to face a few stumbling blocks along the way. These are a few significant lessons that most of us will learn while we're in our 20's. 

The Most Important Lessons We Learn In Our 20's

1. Love hurts, but not as much as not loving.

2. The friendships you nurture will have a greater effect on your life than where you work or what you earn.

3. You are not your job. You are not your bankroll. You are not the sum of your possessions.

4. The company does not love you. It has no heart. You are replaceable. 

Keep your parachute handy.

5. Few decisions will ever shape your future life more than who you choose to marry. 

To marry well, you must choose well.

6. Believe it or not, passions grow out of your values. Make early, wise choices to value what and who is good, trustworthy, and praiseworthy.

7. Rejoice in your health. It fades fast.

8. Find a passion. If you want to develop your passion and gift, stop worrying about the things you do poorly. Go with your strengths.

9. Don’t bother comparing yourself to others—this only leads to heartbreak, anger, and disappointment.

10. Most disappointments grow from unmet expectations. Set realistic expectations for yourself, based on your strengths, then strive to exceed them.

11. Don’t set expectations for others when they haven’t or cannot commit to them.

12. Don’t complain. Either change your situation, learn to cope, or change your perspective.

13. Don’t worry about making major money immediately, worry first about doing whatever you have to do excellently.

14. Little stuff matters—even in lowly jobs. The boss notices and even if not, your peers and colleagues do.

15. Don’t look down on others because they don’t have what you didn’t earn—your intellect, your beauty, and your culture of birth are undeserved gifts…be humble.

16. Failure is an opportunity: no great man or woman ever achieved significance without great failures to learn from.

17. Never withhold an apology when it’s merited. Deliver it quickly, sincerely, and personally—before resentment festers.

18. You don’t need to nurture old guilt when you’re forgiven. But remembering the remorse can help you avoid repeats.

19. The main thing you need to do quickly is to stop doing things quickly. Trade hurry for calm, confidence, and precision.

20. Everybody needs an editor. Everybody.

21. Avoid fights. Seriously. Avoid them like a plague: nobody wins in a fight, even if you walk away unscathed. But when a fight picks you, leave everything on the mat and give it your all. Hold nothing back.

22. If you’re bored, you’re doing it wrong.

23. The skills that will help your career most are the abilities to assimilate, communicate, and persuade. Keep learning.

24. Protect your joy. Nothing is easier to lose by over-thinking, overanalyzing, and second-guessing. On the other hand, always consider the long-term consequences of your choices: stupid decisions made in the moment can rob you of years of joy and happiness.

25. Your purpose in life determines how you frame events. You can maintain your joy in the most dire circumstances if you find meaning for your life. Dig deep.

26. It truly matters what you think about. Think well by reading good books, building good, loving relationships, having good conversation, and imitating great people.

What Have You Learnt in Your 20's?

*Original list by Rich Tatum. Editorial via Schon Magazine.

Milly Summer Magic 2014

I love a label that speaks in modish tones to the majority of the fashion-loving world, and not just to models or celebrities. And Milly is exactly that. The creative spark behind the New York based brand, Michelle Smith, merges contemporary style with feminine flair, presenting practical clothes that are within affordability. Milly's fun, youthful & trendy style aesthetic makes this label a growing favourite amongst celebs like Beyonce, Lea Michele, Mila Kunis and Rachel Bilson. 

Michelle's foundation in sportswear is reconditioned with sophistication and refined comfort for Summer 2014. She enhances the female form with graceful hourglass silhouettes and sexy bodycon dresses that are made to hug every curve. The cropped top trend goes tropical in punchy printed bralets and flowers bloom across a pretty range of tulle veiled dresses and skirts.

Milly caters to the working girl with chic appeal, offering polished shirt dresses and flaired skirts to enhance your office wardrobe. This season, Michelle artfully crafted a varying range of little black dresses that will fit into any style, be it sporty, retro, feminine, sexy or straight-laced. Book your entrance into the hottest summer events with digi-print and cobalt blue shifts, silky slip tops and corset mesh dresses. The collection also prepares us for a very voguish transition into Fall, with embossed bomber jackets, elegant crepe and lurex overcoats and featherlight tweed pieces.

A playful array of frou frou fringed jacquard and feathered evening wear highlight this irresistible range, along with the swishing skirts of beautiful maxi gowns that cement the graceful simplicity of Milly's style stance. 

This is a look into the beguiling Summer 2014 collection from Milly.

Flower Power

Office Appropriate

Club Tropicana

Little Black Milly Dresses

Black in Bloom


Summer Party Style

Into Autumn

Outerwear

 Fully Fringed

Sway Away

You can shop all these stunning looks and more at Milly.com. Whilst they only deliver within the US, they do have stores and retailers located across the world.

Which of these Milly Sets Suit your Style?

P.S. I am away this week and will be posting again on Thursday.

Looks of the Week - 26/07/14

The weekly roundup of celebrity style, on and off the red carpet.

Watercolours

Sarah Jessica Parker stepped out in The Hamptons wearing a beautiful watercolour painted Maisie kimono dress with violet heels from her own SJP range.
Jennifer Lopez sweeps us off our feet in this floaty animal printed dress by Camilla Savanna.
Rachel McAdams snapped up this stunning wavy watercolour digi-print dress straight off the Zuhair Murad Fall 2014 Couture runway.


Urbanesque

Olivia Palermo shows off her stellar style in a black and white pleated Zara dress, highlighted by an oversized apricot vest, tan suede Aquazzura heels and a tri-tone Smythson bag.
Supermodel Jourdan Dunn pays tribute to best friend Cara Delevingne with this quirky cropped top, paired with a navy and white striped Nicholas skirt and white pumps.
Cheryl Cole toughens up her street style in a caramel leather pleated skirt by Alexander Wang with a sporty 3.1 Phillip Lim tank top. Loving her tan and cream heels.
Miranda Kerr is sophisticatedly dressed in an ivory fitted shift by Max Mara, paired with a Nina Ricci bag and Gianvito Rossi pumps.


Selena's Summer Holiday Style

Selena Gomez traipsed the streets of Ischia & St Tropez in a number of snazzy outfits.
1. Selena dons a white boho pretty lace dress with long sleeves by Zimmermann. Her studded heels are by Brian Atwood.
2. Selena once again wears Zimmermann, picking out a prettily floral printed cut-out bustier dress, paired with her Casadei heels.
3. The singer carries off this cute metallic printed Zimmermann playsuit with charm. She added strappy white Casadei heels to her look.


Femme Fatale

Natasha Poly is impeccably contoured in an aqua blue Roland Mouret dress with black belt.
Chrissy Teigen wears a voguish optical illusion dress with sheer black blouse and white and orange paneled skirt.
Toni Garrn was radiantly dressed in an emerald green lace Elie Saab gown.
Cheryl Cole celebrated her wedding party in a sexy sheer chiffon gown with velvet strapless bodice, which is by Ralph & Russo Couture.


Frock Steady

Caitlin Fitzgerald is emerging as one to watch on the red carpet, elegantly outfitted in a poppy red V-neck Thakoon dress with layered skirt. 
Zoe Kazan looked demure in a black Honor cocktail dress with flaired skirt and a structured bateau neck that's decorated with purple and pink floral motifs. 
Sonam Kapoor is attractively dressed in a modern abstract printed Toni Maticevski monochrome midi dress, accented with red shoes.
Elsa Pataky is a classic beauty in this signature white scalloped lace Dolce & Gabbana dress, styled with a leopard print bag and strappy sandals.



Who is your Favourite 'Look of the Week'?

Friday Frills - Do More

Do more than belong: Participate.

 
Do more than care: Help. 


Do more than believe: Practice. 


Do more than be fair: Be kind. 




Do more than forgive: Forget. 


Do more than dream: Work. 




Do more than teach: Inspire.


Do more than earn: Enrich. 


Do more than suffer: Triumph.

Do more than give: Serve. 


Do more than express: Empower.

Do more than live: Grow. 

*Quote by William Arthur Ward

Bridal Style Icons 2014

Celebrity Brides 2014
Style Icon Wedding Gowns

Love is in the air and with it we have already witnessed several glamourous celebrity weddings this year. The fashion world's favourite style icons captured our romantic sides with a range of ravishing designer wedding gowns, each an extension of their own personal style. These are some of the most famous and fussed-over wedding dresses of 2014 thus far.


Poppy Delevingne

Model and socialite Poppy Delevingne tied the knot in May this year radiantly dressed in custom made couture gown by Chanel. Her shimmering white dress was enchantingly embroidered white floral appliqués and features a sheer silver specked maxi skirt.

Poppy held a second wedding extravaganza in Morocco with an eclectic bohemian theme. She looked beguiling in a pastel flower printed Emilio Pucci gown with peasant style sleeves and blouse and full two-tiered chiffon skirt.

Fearne Cotton

British style icon Fearne Cotton was married earlier this month in a beautiful and modern Emilio Pucci dress that was trimmed just above the ankle. Fearne's snow white A-line dress with pleated bodice and sleeves was ornamented by glittering silver sequins, a crystal headband and strappy metallic sandals. 

Olivia Palermo

It-Girl Olivia Palermo displayed her graceful taste with this elegant and demure high-low white floral embroidered gown by Carolina Herrera. The style icon added a cream cashmere knitted top and blue satin Manolo Blahnik heels to her contemporary bridal look.

Kim Kardashian

 Love her or Hate her, Kim Kardashian made waves this May with an extravagant wedding held in Italy. Her even more lavish couture wedding gown was custom made by Riccardo Tisci from the House of Givenchy. Her exquisite meringue white gown featured long lace sleeves, a low cut-out back and mermaid skirt with a colossally long veil.

Kaley Cuoco

 The Big Bang Theory's brightest star Kaley Cuoco wed early this year in a nontraditional choice of cotton candy pink. Her stunning tulle gown with sweetheart strapless neckline is by none other than wedding designer extraordinaire Vera Wang.

Kate Bosworth

Bohemian style icon Kate Bosworth released her wedding photos this year, where she sported two different dresses. For the reception, she wore a crisp white satin strapless Oscar de Renta ballgown and then changed into a wispy ivory lace Chloe look for the reception.

Who's Your Pick As Bridal Style Icon?

Who Wore It Better - Valentino 2014 Edition

Who Wore Valentino Better?
2014 Collections

Valentino is always a favored red carpet choice by socialites and celebrities, as their range of beautiful gowns are impossible to look bad in. On this edition of 'Who Wore It Better', 3 different Valentino dresses are put on display by international stars, each providing their own unique spin.

Round 1

1. Fashion queen Anna Dello Russo was pictured last week wearing this popular butterfly printed gown from Valentino's Pre-Fall 2014 collection. Surprisingly demure, Anna carried a maroon fringed Valentino bag with her outfit.
2. Saoirse Ronan was the first to wear this black, yellow and blue butterfly tulle frock in March this year, with sleeves that are delicately feathered in a rainbow of colours.
3. Italian actress Matilde Gioli picked this pretty black butterfly embroidered gown for an event in June 2014. She charmingly wore her hair in a side braid.
4. This flutter-filled gown featured as part of Valentino's Pre-Fall 2014 range.

The Verdict: I am impressed at how toned-down Anna is in this beguiling gown, but my vote goes to Saoirse. The dress has a youthful feel to it and her 20-year-old self portrays that wonderfully.


Round 2

1. Blake Lively took a stylish stride in New York during May 2014 wearing a violet hued flower and butterfly embossed Valentino coat dress. The blonde actress added printed Christian Louboutin ankle boots to her chic outfit.
2. Shailene Woodley wore the same butterfly jacquard print in a slightly different silhouette, also in May this year. The 22-year-old vivified her look with neon pink Kurt Geiger heels.
3. Miroslava Duma was pictured this July wearing the green-toned version of this Valentino Fall 2014 coat dress with glazed floral print. Mira wears black ankle-strap sandals with her look.
4. US Model Lexi Boling struts the Valentino runway in this butterfly and flower patterned coat with lacquered sheen.

The Verdict: Between the exceptional poise of Blake and the fashion savviness of Miroslava, I find it difficult to choose between the two. Both wore it splendidly. 


Round 3

1. Asian beauty Lulu Tan attended the Valentino Couture show last week in Paris, elegantly decked in this exquisite white tulle gown with transparent criss-cross bodice.
2. Katy Perry was the first to wear this Valentino Spring 2014 Couture gown back in January, making a memorable appearance at the Grammy Awards. The fluttery white tulle gown with sheer neckline and skirt was an apt pick for the event, seeing that it was decorated by musical notes.
3.  Dutch model Maartje Verhoef looked graceful on the Valentino Spring 2014 Couture runway in this white gossamer gown.

The Verdict: My vote goes to Lulu, her dainty frame enhances the fairytale appeal of this ethereal gown. I also liked it worn on the runway.

What are your Verdicts on these Valentino Dresses?

Looks of the Week - 19/07/14

The weekly roundup of celebrity style, on and off the red carpet.


Floralize

Kate Bosworth is charmingly styled in a pastel watercolour painted Red Valentino dress, paired with burgundy Bionda Castana ankle-tied shoes. 
Emma Stone wears a beautifully printed pink and royal blue floral chiffon Dolce & Gabbana dress and strappy tan heels.
Ukranian-Italian actress Anna Safroncik looked fetching in a white, orange and blue floral patterned Alberta Ferretti dress with ruffled high-low hemline and sheer printed bodice.
Chrissy Teigen looks summery in a this electric orange and teal cropped bustier and tropical printed skirt by Milly.



White Wash

Reese Witherspoon keeps cool in this chic white laser-cut top and matching skirt by Lovers + Friends, highlighted with tan sandals and a bright orange Maiyet Peyton bag.
Vanessa Hudgens takes a stroll in a cropped For Love & Lemons top, teamed with white shorts and a parka jacket. Metallic gold flats style her refreshing look.
Chloe Bennet looks pretty in this embroidered white bohemian smock dress with frilled sleeves and hem, given a twist with brown cowboy boots and leather clutch bag.
Olivia Palermo is refined in a feminine white lace mini dress by Heartloom, accessorized with a beige fringed Carolina Herrera bag and flat shoes.


Chasing Pavements

Jessica Alba is debonair in a white top and Max Mara blazer, teamed with plum shaded skinny jeans, strappy white Monique Lhuillier sandals and a pastel pink, beige and black Smythson bag.
Jamie Chung was engaging in a floral plum and white summer frock with A-line skirt, worn with a straw fedora, sling bag and flat studded sandals.
Heidi Klum revives colour blocking in this modish maroon knit top and violet mini skirt, styled with sky-high suede bordeaux Saint Laurent heels.
Miranda Kerr gives us major street style envy in this luxe black tank and pretty floral printed Sonia Rykiel skirt, accessorized with Gianvito Rossi pumps and a Hermes bag.


Modern Monochromes

Jaime King adds an edge to her statement white and gold printed tee and midi skirt, with a studded black Barbara Bui leather biker jacket and black and white Oxfords.
Ashley Tisdale adds a bright flash of tangerine to her monochrome outfit, which features a leather Mason mini skirt, black All Saints top, silver statement necklace and snazzy black and white L.A.M.B sandals.
Caitlin Fitzgerald channels retro glamour in this elegant houndstooth patterned Michael Kors dress, fitted with a black leather belt and interesting Jimmy Choo heels.
Nicky Hilton is duo-toned in a sophisticated black and white paneled Valentino dress with scalloped hemline and bow-tie accent.


Glam Angles

Kate Hudson makes a statuesque appearance in this body-contouring Michael Kors gown with sequined cut-out bodice and column skirt.
Jessica Alba shines in a vintage Elie Saab couture look featuring a folded asymmetrical neckline and glittering beadwork.
Nicole Richie takes a sheer risk in this black beaded Jenny Packham top and transparent Safiyaa midi skirt, chicly accessorized with metallic strapped Balenciaga pumps.
Nicole Peltz is alluring in a black leather banded bodycon skirt and studded halter neck top by Balmain.

Who is your Favourite 'Look of the Week'?

Friday Frills - Success is an Attitude

Whatever your mind can conceive and believe it will achieve. 

Dream great dreams and make them come true. Do it now. 

Never affirm self-limitations. 

What you believe yourself to be, you are. 

To accomplish great things, you must not only act, but also 

dream, not only plan but also believe. 

If you have built castles in the air your work need not be lost - 

Put foundations under them. 

You can always better your best. 

You do not know what you can do until you try. 

Nothing will come of nothing. if you don't go out 

on a limb, you're never going to get the fruit. 

There is no failure except in no longer trying. 

Defeat may test you, but it need not stop you. 

If at first you don't succeed, try another way. 

For every obstacle there is a solution. 

Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. 

The greatest mistake is giving up. 

Wishing will not bring success but planning, persistence and a burning desire will. 

There is a goldmine within you from which you can extract all of the necessary ingredients. 

Success is an attitude. Get yours right...

Now go out and show off the colours of your rainbow.

*Author Unknown. Image via Tumblr

Summer 2014 Shoes by Burak Uyan

Talent isn't made or bought, it's something that you're born with and Turkish-German designer Burak Uyan certainly has that intrinsic eye for style. After fine-tuning his skills at Givenchy & Giambattista Valli, Uyan rerouted his career to footwear, forming his eponymous label in 2010.

Since then, this Parisian-based artist has been known in fashion circles as 'The Architect', and its clear why, as he is fervently influenced by strong architectural shapes and towering constructions, which he transfigures into fashionable footwear. His structural Summer 2014 collection is a shoe lover's treasure chest of elegant and sophisticated pairs that make a statement with every step.

Burak's design aesthetic represents all that is glamourous about high heels, without overstepping the line of the outré and unwearable. Strappy slingbacks and caged sandals dominate in vivid tones of cobalt blue, aquamarine and tangerine, with a hint of yellow and subdued pastel hues that are sure to ignite any outfit. Burak experiments with contrasting colours and textures: leather with suede, prints and plains, accented by buckles and studs. Abstract ethnic and animal prints are etched across a refreshing set of flats and ankle-strap pairs. 

Colour-blocked cut-out pairs are engineered to precision in sky scraping heights, the curvature a marvel in it's own right. Glossy metallic sandals add pizazz to your evening attire and chic black & white pairs are given a modern interpretation with interesting geometric forms and sharp angles.

There isn't a pair that I wouldn't want in this outstanding range. Burak Uyan is a designer to watch, I can already envision many of his creations making their way down runways and red carpets.


True Blue

Flat Out Fabulous

Well Heeled

Monotone Mules

Summer Stilettos

High Gloss

Jazzy Geometrics

Which of these Burak Uyan's heels have made your wishlist?

* The Burak Uyan website is currently in progress.

Zuhair Murad Fall 2014 Couture

Couture Week continues with the spellbinding Fall 2014 collection of one of my favourites, Zuhair Murad. The Lebanese designer gives his illustrious gowns an architectural format this season, with sculpted shoulders, angled necklines and exaggerated hips. The strong geometric shapes are softened by billowing drapes in silk mousseline, duchess satin and chiffon.

Constructed in classic monochromes, aquamarine, cobalt blue, raspberry and shimmering silver, this jewel box of cocktail couture and ravishing evening wear finds its inspiration in the visionary works of architect Zaha Hadid. Her artful paintings are glorified in a colourful swirl of digitally printed looks seen in Set 3. Society Girls can bookmark the ritzy mini dresses in Set 1 for their many party and premiere appearances.

Undulating waves glisten across sea blue gowns in Sets 4 and 5, capturing the light with circuitous beadwork that curl out into swishing skirts. Murad also considers his executive client's less formal affairs, introducing sophisticated trouser sets and luxurious jumpsuits in Set 6, elegantly polished off by embellished blazers.

Set 8's entrancing ruby gowns will surely entice Murad's long list of celebrity fans like Jennifer Lopez, Taylor Swift and Blake Lively. The collection culminates with a starry array of glittering silver and white gowns that decadently drip in scintillating crystals and sequins.

This is a view into the stunning Fall 2014 Couture Collection from Zuhair Murad.


Set 1

Set 2

Set 3

Set 4

Set 5

Set 6

Set 7

Set 8

Set 9

Set 10

Which of these Zuhair Murad gowns would you like to see on the Red Carpet?