Thursday, 19 May 2016

Working 9 to 5...

Or even 6....

Sooo...let's have a cheeky peek at pieces that are gonna work, work, work, work, work for you. Day or Night. Weekend or Weekend.

Have you ever lusted after a piece of clothing, but couldn't justify the price tag? Even after resorting to calculating cost per wear, you still hesitate about purchasing?

I had this exact dilemma when it came to the purchasing items for my day job. Digressing slightly...There is nothing romantic about starving or fretting about the roof over your head. So while pursuing a career, particularly in a creative industry (where supply exceeds demand) it makes sense for your purse and sanity to have a day job to pay the bills.

My day job is slap bag in the middle of the City (yes, I is a bonefide City Slicker) therefore attire is crucial. 

I came across a really lovely pleated skirt in a designer sale. My lust was so full-on that I actually left the shop (yep, risked the beloved item being sold) to seek guidance in a 'where's-your-head at' latte. I went back to the shop thankfully it was still there (phew) so I whipped out the plastic, paid up and left with my new garm.


An expresso martini is calling me. Be rude not to answer...
And my instincts were spot on! The skirt makes a regular appearance in my weekday wardrobe, and the bestowed compliments got me thinking... how can I incorporate its loveliness into a weekend outfit and/or after work drinkies (a favourite British tradition) with friendly colleagues?

I decided to edge up the look with a Topshop denim shirt and a beautiful clutch from Jocasi

 
The lips T-shirt is from Truffle Shuffle and my lovely Converse are from of the All Star Dainty range.



I think I did a successful job in 'dressing down' a work skirt for play. Is there a wardrobe item that you enjoy wearing for work/play? Comment below and let me know xo







Thank you Katy Hussey for such vibrant images!


Saturday, 7 May 2016

The Sun has got his hat on....

....Hip, Hip, Hip....HORAAY!!

Gosh! What a difference a lil sunshine and warm weather can make!
St Paul's as my latest hat..cough!

Do you know what's better than the sun making an appearance? The sun making an appearance when you live in the best city in the WORLD!


Granted, I am a Londoner therefore (unashamedly) biased, but it's fair to say most would agree that Capital life and living when the sun is out is fantastic.

From free film nights in the open air to a pop up sandy beach es along the Thames, the Big Smoke truly is a blazen.

Alongside the warmer weather, attention must be paid to the onset of *Summer Wardrobe* (gulp). After a season of duvet sized coats and opaque tights, wearing lighter/less garments to facilitate warmer weather *can* be daunting. But fear not! Help is at hand….you’re welcome 



Shhh...Pink batwing top is from Primark....I know!

I've layered an orange top beneath and this is from Tesco F&F range.
The leggings are from Topshop. The Celine inspired loafers are from the selection at River Island.
Longchamp's Le Pliage is a firm favourite of mine. As well as being a timeless classic, it's a practical roomy size and can be folded up. Great investment!  

Yes, it is me in the midst of foamy bubbles...what can I say? You missed out!

Comment below to let me know YOUR favourite season and why! 









Thank you Katy Hussey for such fab images! 





Saturday, 26 March 2016

Pasch. Glorious


Ooooh! Celebration....
  • Jesus Christ
  • Festival.
  • 4-day weekend
  • Clocks go forward (UK)
  • Chocolate and sweet stuffs galore!
It's fair to say I am very much looking forward to a much overdue chillax weekend. An opportunity to recharge batteries is always welcome. It's also lovely to know that the days to follow will become longer, brighter and (hopefully) warmer!*
Eat. Drink. Celebrate and live merry.

Thanks Katy Hussey for this unique image! 

However you're choosing to spend your weekend...enjoy and be blessed!


*we can only dream!

HTB tho...UK Talent is where it's at!


Hard Time Bus - the UK indie film continually going from strength to strength!  

Written by Owen Mowatt. Dir by Dean Charles. Prod by Nicola Gregory
The lovely people at the Black British Blacklist hold the best description for HTB (Hard Time Bus); 'a multi-layered relationship drama that centers around carefree and complacent Mark Bishop (Neil Reidman). Challenged by his commitment to long-time girlfriend Denise (Naomi Ryan) he turns to best friend Fitzy (Roger Griffiths) for advice only to be ridiculed for not following the ‘Fitzy Rules’ – “never marry and never settle”.

HTB has a variety of characters that audiences can express empathy for.. Having been voted Best Film at the Hollywood Black Film Festival, it's fair to say the industry are sitting up and taking notice!

I successfully auditioned for the role of Carla, a character I really enjoyed playing! 


One of HTB's many unique attributes is that it's told from the male perspective. The viewer is afforded an insight into how other people's opinions, especially that of a modern-day bromance, can impact and ultimately affect ones long-term relationship.

Since filming, I've been afforded the opportunity to not only discuss the film and its themes on BBC Radio London, I also got to attend the recent screening at London's Regent Street cinema & be included on the Q&A panel.

With Michael,  Neil, Darren and Kojo
Thanks to Kush Films for such a great evening, and Jenni Steele for hosting the event

Make sure you go see Hard Time Bus when its on general release! 


Tuesday, 15 March 2016

J & J matrimony

Love. party and a blessed union. Seriously, who doesn't love a wedding?

I gladly accepted an invite to a wedding party earlier this month, and had the best time of drinking, dancing, eating and enjoying fantastic company that when I did eventually get home, I didn't rise out of bed until 7pm the following evening...I know!

This particular event was held in Central London, the Hippodrome to be exact. As I knew I was going to be safely indoors of one of the UK's most beautifully historical buildings, my next dilemma was 'what to wear'.

I'm sure I'm not alone when I say men have it easy when it comes to such events; suit & tie or the occasional dickey bow, us ladies on the other hand have PLENTY to think about:
  • if I go high street, will somebody else be wearing MY outfit?
  • dress, pant suit or jump suit?
  • what type of heels will get me through an evening of standing, dancing and posing?
  • what if I party TOO hard and lose my jewellery? 
Sooooo much to think about! 




Shout out to the lovely people at Dark Sugar - delicious! 



The clutch is from the beautiful selection at Bag Servant and all the rings are from Top Shop.

                        
My dress is from Flam Mode - a ready to wear stockist based in France. With its 'blinged- up' sewn on deep neck collar, it's perfect for special occasions.. Shoes are from Dorothy Perkins I find their selection is a winner, especially when you are looking for comfort and edge at a sensible price.
 
With a careful mix of high street and designer, I think I curated a wedding-worthy outfit which is perfectly on point for partying the night away in the best city in the world...biased, I know!


What type of ensemble would you wear to a wedding party? 








Love and thanks to Katy Hussey for such great images

Monday, 7 March 2016

Sharing is....

Shout out to all my Bizzy Bees!

For those who are not aware, I'm a writer/actor who is also launching their own beauty-line...yep! 

So as a freelance creative, I came across a mantra which I firmly believe in - 'you have to think of yourself as a business, else you'll run out of business'.

In regards to the acting profession, items such as CV's (resumes) voice-reels and show-reels need to be in place so that if *when* opportunity knocks...you're ready!

so with this in mind, I've recently updated my showreel and I thought I'd share with you lovely lot....

Enjoy! 


Saturday, 27 February 2016

Spring time and a happy song...

Hip Hip Hooray...Big up March. April. May!

Spring IS my favourite season - warmer weather, (slightly) longer days and the budding of blooms en masse. Oh yeah, and my birthday is in April....time for Celebration!! What's not to love?!

Shout out to Katy Hussey for this beaut illustration - J'adore!


I hope your year is progressing as you hope? Just remember...Every step, however small, is progress. Just keep it moving forward closer until you're living your dreams....Cheesy Cheery sounding, but oh so true!  

Aren Devlin © 2014