BACK...

So I have been gone for  a minute and getting several messages that I need to put up a new post. I am glad some people find me interesting even though they don't comment *rolling eyes*. It was my birthday last Friday the 24th. Nothing happened. No elaborate celebration or surprise. I was home all day and then a movie. THE END. So I won't go into much details regarding that as it wasn't a good day neither was it a good weekend. Infact  I wish I was in a Harry Potter movie so I could remove the memory in Dumbledore's office, (yeah huge Potter fan here) but I am not  so....whatever.

On to more interesting news, I have been quite happy and excited this past few days, not sharing the news... not just yet!!! LOL. Oh, remember my 36-day-no-shopping challenge? Today is my 7th day and I must say I am doing pretty well. I didn't even know I had all the clothes in my wardrobe, some still have tags atttached!!! WOMEN!!! and when we are asked we say we have nothing to wear.

Met up with 'MR COOL' today (ok I actually just felt like dressing up and going to disturb him at his meeting. LOL). And I am glad I did because it was nice, had a good time. I wonder how people walk around the westend in heels, it's so much work. I did today and it was murder. I looked nice and all (if i may say so myself) but I was going through so much pain and thinking whatever for!!! No wonder people carry flats along or at least trainers. Me, THE DIV, thinking yeah walking in heels on Regent street is easy...NAH!!! I will never forget my flats again.

I am also on a self help program (I am in it all by myself with the help of God). I won't go into details but all I can say is nothing beats a peaceful loving woman...she is divine. i will talk more on that next time. Just wanted to share a few pictures I have taken over the last few days that I have missed.

So here are the pictures I would like to share..ENJOY :)

I am wearing: Zara navy blue blazer, Hollister ripped jeans, Gucci belt, Christian Louboutin 'madame mouse' nude shoes, Fendi red '2jours' bag, Asos black chiffon ruffle blouse and in the second picture which was on the evening of my birthday, on my way to the cinema (it rained all day, showers of blessings) : Current Elliot mustard jeans, Asos polka dot top, Gucci belt, Zara blue satchel, Jimmy Choo/Hunters moc croc wellies and of course, as always a smile ;)

P.S: I haven't been myself lately but I am back in form now so YAYYY!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE 36 DAY CHALLENGE....

I didn't post anything yesterday because I didn't feel like. PERIOD!LOL! And also because most of my readers are still personal friends. So they read and then send me messages privately instead of commenting and giving me the kudos here.LOL! Could you kindly leave your comments here? Let others know real people read my blog. Thank you.

Yesterday, 'TUMBLR' was sold for 700+million pounds. I am currently thinking of an idea that can make me that much money, so please do not tell me any of your money making ideas as I will steal them (yes I confess). He's 26 (the guy who created it) and lanky looking and all. But I bet he's gonna be in the next edition of GQ's top 50 hottest men as voted for by readers. Women!!! (and some men!!!) Yeah, I know right. Amazing how 700+million pounds catapults you to 'HOT'! LOL!

Ah! The reason for the title of today's post...Starting from Friday (which is my birthday...yayyy!!) I am embarking on a '36-DAY-NO-SHOPPING' challenge. (May God really help me) It means no shopping, no retail therapy (why oh why! The word  'NO' and 'SHOPPING' do not even match). But this is to discipline myself because 'HELLO, MY NAME IS....I AM A CHRONIC SHOPAHOLIC'*shame faced*

I have been inspired by two lovely ladies on instagram to simply wear what I have in my wardrobe and see how easy it is. I mean I wear something once and it's like...NEXT!!! That's all going to end on Friday. Why wait till Friday I hear you say? Well it's my birthday then and I may need an outfit. Don't want to start today and then need an outfit on friday and have to break the rules. So as from Friday, I will post an outfit (for the next 36days after that) that I have put together from clothes that are actually waiting to be shown some love (again) in my closet. LOL.

Today, I went back to the gym, just to tone up and release some tension. Been quite stressed lately but I am much better now. Got back home and put together an outfit but couldn't wear it to my midweek service as the weather was nippy plus I wasn't going to hop buses in heels. So I ended up changing to comfy shoes and a jumper. And I finally got to wear dungarees which I absolutely adore.

Here are the pictures I'd like to share today...ENJOY ;)

I am wearing: Forever 21 peach blouse with black trimmings, Zara dungarees, Next jumper, Zara gilet, Sam Edelman black sandals, Necklace (available for purchase secretstylist007@gmail.com), Louis Vuitton damier speedy 35 bag and of course a smile ;)

P.S: Pictures taken by my able photographer, my daughter who I repeat is 'SIX'.
And I still haven't bought a camera so if you are thinking of what to get me.hint hint!!!

48 HOURS LATER....

Hello folks! Been out of here since friday so here I am today, back at typing hard. I had a good weekend, though I missed church :( I was away in another part of england :) Not too far off though. Sunday was a very reflective day for me because it was my dad's 10th year rememberance (how time flies!) Still feels like yesterday I got the news.

I recieved it with mixed emotions partly because I didn't grow up with him but also because I was just building a good relationship with him before he passed on. Oh well, we all have to pass on at some point, we just pray not too soon. But it will always be too soon for those that love us even if we live till a hundred years. Always hard to let go.

I spent sunday in my 'Mr Cool's  garden, 'DE-WEEDING' the pond (is there such a word as de-weeding?) I dont know *shrug* I had gone in there to listen to some good music and enjoy a bit of sun but couldn't help myself when I realised how easy it was to pull out the weed.  Plus it seemed like fun. ( I can be weird like that). So I didn't rest till I had de-weeded the entire pond. Then I could see the gold fishes and even the frogs came up to say thank you.LOL (or maybe the frogs came up for kisses!!!could have made a prince out of one).LOL

Nothing great happened this weekend, so if you are waiting to read anything exciting about that, NO!!! And today was uneventful as well but still ended pretty good. Am on to something that will make me millions (well I believe so). I also believe tomorrow will be a great day ;) I believe that strongly. So sorry if I seem a bit boring today but hopefully the pictures should cheer you up.

Got two different set of outfits today since I didn't have any posts at the weekend.
So here are the pictures I would like to share.....ENJOY:)

I am wearing:Mango (blue) top, Zara flared jeans, Nicholas Kirkwood shoes, Dsquared sunglasses (I have put a scarf around my neck under the collar of the blue shirt and attached a brooch for detail), Asos (white) top, Banana Republic denim leggings, Giuseppe Zanotti sandals, Louis Vuitton 'damier speedy 35' (I am trying to attach as much detail to the items and their correct names incase you want to purchase anything as seen on me).

ON THE WILD SIDE...

Growing up I was often referred to as 'RESTLESS'. Even my headmistress in primary school wrote it as her comment on my report card a couple of times. And this followed me for many years, not only cause my granny would never let me forget but because I was indeed restless. It always felt like I was sitting on hot coal being in one place for over an hour. TRUE STORY!!! The restlessness eventually evolved to something else...'WILDNESS'.

Ok, not so much that kind of wildness. I just liked to party and always be out. I went to loads of night clubs, sneaking out, jumping fences, all that unecessary and irrelevant stress (well that's what it seems like now). I never tried drugs, did try smoking (hated it and still do but i am tolerant), also tried alcohol on different levels (still believe getting drunk is a waste of time and energy but people drink and get drunk for different reasons and I would never knock that). All in all, I benefited nothing from these vices. But I did learn a few things about them.

I always got into one trouble or the other with my grandma (God bless her, she means everything to me). I think after a while she stopped worrying because I would always come back safe. I remember one particular episode. My friend and I decided we were not going to miss a halloween party, so we waited for eveyone to go to bed, jumped over the fence and walked to the bustop to find a cab. To cut the long story short, we got arrested while looking for a cab because the police officers thought we were hookers. TRUE STORY!!! I got us out of that with some lies easily. She cried her eyes out because she was worried about the grief we would get back home. She had stained her dress with all her mascara running down her face on to it. As soon as were allowed to go, she wanted to go home. Not on my watch!!! We already got ino trouble this night, we might as well see it through so we did go to the party.

But I am no longer that person. Not due to age (I am old but not old enough to retire from the party scene). Let's just say, I have found some peace, peace that makes me calm. I no longer feel the need to be out there or all over the place. I like to be home (with my daughter and sometimes my man) watching tv, cooking (I cant believe I said that), doing the dishes (what's happening to me? LOL) I actually do enjoy doing the dishes and ironing..for me they are hobbies, like reading. I am sure if my aunties and uncles read this, they'll be pleased because they bore witness to my restless days (stole the key to my aunt's room once so I could wear her shoes and clothes out without permission).

I have put all that restlessness into my christian life and of course, my fashion. So now I am proudly wild in my love for God and my fashion ;)
Here are the pictures I would like to share today which inspired the title of my post...ENJOY :)

I am wearing: H&M print leggings, Converse 'ALL STAR' flat print trainers, top available here (email: secretstylist007@gmail.com for details) and as always, a smile :)

P.S: Today is my sister's birthday. She's actually my first cousin but no one deserves to be called my sister more than her. So Happy Birthday my darling.
And my personal photographer (my daughter) has been jumping all over the place as I type, should I be worried ;)

CANARY WHARF-ING...

Today the weather seemed promising. The sun is shining, well perhaps I should use the word 'was'.
I had planned what I was going to do today since monday and I looked forward to it with excitement. Like a kid going to Legoland. I was going to have lunch in the city with a very dear friend. Lunch at Canary Wharf, where all the city guys gather in one place. As my friend said, you may not know much about them but you know the essential, they are working men that are at least well paid. (No I am not looking for  a man, I am VERY satisfied! This information is for anyone looking).

Until last night, I had no clue what to wear!!! Yes i had an idea in my head but, unfortunately I didn't have the clothes in my wardrobe to implement it so....NO! Anyway, I did find something I thought would allow me blend in a little (mind you I wasn't trying to blend in at all *not interested face*). A skirt and a blouse. Isn't that what people usually wear to work? Well, the difference is I am ME, so of course my skirt and blouse will be different. (Caused quite a stir in that skirt standing in the station waiting for my friend to pick up her phone). She works in a very impressive building where the lobby's bigger than my entire flat. I sat down there patiently waiting for her and observing passers-by (Mrs H taught me a term for it :PEOPLE WATCH).

She eventually turned up or should I say came down after 20 minutes (so late) wearing a purple dress, bright green bag and blue suede shoes( I love the colours she put together).  And so we headed to the restaurant for lunch, somewhere called 'THE PARLOUR' . Nice food, nothing special, at least you won't leave the way you came in;  'HUNGRY'. We ordered light lunches, quickly catching up before our meals arrived. There's a table tennis table (sounds odd typing it) right outside the restaurant and there are people playing. I mean everyone's walking around seeming busy and there's table tennis going on right in the middle of all that seriousness.

Lunch over, bill paid (thanks for lunch darling) and it's time to get to my own business! PICTURES! The idea was to find people or anyone wearing something out of the ordinary and take their picture but that didnt happen as everyone seemed to be wearing black shoes, black suits, all black everything. If  i worked there, I'd probably turn up in pink, orange, green, yellow...you name it. LOL! Anyway all in all, I enjoyed my time at Canary Wharf.

So here are the pictures from Canary Wharf-ing :)

 

I am wearing: Zara top, Miss Selfridge skirt (oh how I love this skirt), Calzedonia tights, Gucci shoes and as always, a smile :).
I have included a sneak peek of my wonderful friend's colourful outfit. She made Canary Wharf come alive with her bright green Michael Kors bag, purple dress and blue suede shoes. We took turns taking pictures. Sorry about the pictures, I am defintiely getting a camera this weekend. Thanks to everyone who's read and keeps reading and encourages me. I promise it will only get better. ;)

P.S: You can see a bit of my 'BREAKING' hair. LOL

 

NEW LOOK...NO NOT THE STORE!!!

I am doing this really late tonight because I have just been busy and that's the truth. Now I am tired and on the phone at the same time, so my brain isn't really functioning. Ok, off the phone now so I can concentrate. Oh! but I actually lack what to say or type in this instance. So i'll just, as they say, 'FREESTYLE' (type whatever comes to mind). Usually that's what I do as in I type as I go but they are usually words that have been carefully thought out. Today I had no energy or rather have no energy for that.

What did I do today? Hmmn...I took out my big afro weave and decided it's time to go 'NATURAL'. People associate being 'NATURAL' with being 'BOLD, I associate it with all kinds of things but not necessarily 'BOLD'. As a black (and beautiful)  woman, if your hair's breaking you are advised to leave it and let it grow so you dont have a choice, not that you are being 'BOLD'. If you can't afford to go to the salon every other week, either because you don't have the time or money, then you don't have a choice. You are not being 'BOLD'. Am i making sense? Well I didn't decide to go 'NATURAL' for any of those reasons even though my hair is breaking (lost almost all the front hair). Hair breaking is losing hair due to chemicals or all the stress you've put it through (well that's what's causing mine to the best of my knowledge). Anyway, I am walking around town with my 'REAL HAIR' and not because I am 'BOLD'.

Finished with the hair and went to church in the evening for prayers (I am in church every wednesday evening...PLEASE NO PHOTOS *Kanye West voice*) LOL and I just got home about half an hour ago.
So now I want to share my outfit of the day, I must say it was rather cold today (Summer where the heck are you???).  I couldn't do much today because of the weather, just took a few shots and I am wearing a pair of shoes I have had for three good years. And found a picture of Nicki Minaj in the same shoes so posted us side by side. I am not a big fan of her 'STYLE'. Yes I used the word 'STYLE'. She does have 'STYLE' but that doesn't necessarily translate into 'FASHIONABLE', but does fall under 'FASHION' (hope I am not confusing you). Everyone has got 'STYLE', that's their own identity. Now the added value is 'FASHIONABLE'. Your 'STYLE' may not be regarded as 'FASHIONABLE' but it doesn't mean you are not into 'FASHION' (sorry I am too tired to expantiate on that).

Here are the pictures I would like to share today...ENJOY :)

I am wearing: Calzedonia push-up tights (they are amazing), Giuseppe Zanotti gold open toe booties, M.UK top (available here,one size only. please email secretstylist007@gmail.com for enquiries) and of course a smile :)

P.S: Picture credits to my talented daughter (no she didn't take Nicki Minaj's picture) LOL and it's a very dear dear friend's birthday today. I just want you to know I love you and I am glad we became family, through whichever way it happened ;)

LADY SINGS THE BLUES...

I  wake up everyday thinking about all sorts. I have issues..and so do you! Period!!! Don't even try and deny it. But what can we do? Life goes on. I didn't wake up in the middle of the night (as I did all weekend) tossing and turning. I slept well. You want to know why? Well, I am not telling. LOL.

I had planned my day the night before, and included in that plan, (well actually it was my utmost plan) was the plot to visit my 'Mr Cool'!!! I call it plot because he's meant to be working and I devised a way to get into his day.(Please don't ask me how I did it, I more or less forced it) Got out of bed to get my daughter ready for school, while thinking of what to wear. Wanted to impress him as I hadn't seen him in a while. But I know what impresses him and clothes do not play a major role in it. ( You filthy lot...am sure you are thinking sex already).LOL.

I was going to take the train but it started drizzling so I ordered a cab. Now the good thing is I have been using this cab company for over 12 years, so it was quite easy requesting a particular driver, who had also become a friend that I enjoy having long conversations with (And this was going to be a long drive). I found out today, he was a manager with 'Topshop' for over 12 years (To me that spelt you must know about fashion). So we had a really long conversation about that till it was time to alight.

Finished my business where I had been dropped off as quick as I could because I just couldn't wait to see 'Him' *big smile* and also because it was raining now and I needed to be indoors (somewhere warm at least). Ordered another cab and I was on my way. Fascinating chap, this particular driver. We had some conversations I cannot believe we had (story for another day).

I got to my destination and.....THE END!!! Ok not really. LOL!
I am wearing different shades of blue today, down to my handbag hence the title of my post. (Please is the bag blue or green? not sure! you tell me).

I am wearing : Joseph pants, Zara turtle neck jumper, Zara blazer, Gianmarco Lorenzi shoes, Gucci belt. (Note how I have comfortably mixed high street with high end)
Oops, there is no bag in any of the pictures, well I guess I'll save that for later.

P.S: It was drizzling while taking the pictures so I couldnt really stand around posing.
 Pictures were taken by someone I really think should be a model ;) thank you.
The necklace is from a charity shop on my high street. (Yes I do go round scouring charity shops for jewellery, accessories and fine china, real treasures are buried in those places)

 

 

 

COOL FASHION HUNTING....

Today I decided to go hunting....for bargains. And I said to myself I am not doing any high street store, I am looking for treasures that wont put holes in my pocket. Just one off pieces I can work with to my own taste and satisfaction. I didn't have a great weekend but I had a fantastic Sunday morning! One, money and all the riches in the world, can never buy (I am not talking about sex so don't get excited). Jeez people, just because my blog says 'SEX ON MY MIND' doesn't mean that's what I do or actually think of all the time. Speaking of that, my 'Mr Cool' put that there and I dont know how to get it off!!! But sex is indeed a wonderful thing *BLUSH*

Back to the topic, so I take the train to Oxford Street, emerge from the underground and there is this fierce wind! So much for the sun shining up there. It hit me like a slap to my face. I quickly gathered my thoughts and headed to my destination.....my very own fashion treasure cave (well store actually). I stop to get some cash and what happens??? The card doesn't work!!! What is this!!! Why!!! Of all days, it shows the balance but wont give me the cash. How mean. Luckily, I have my back up credit card with the highest 'APR' in history....bloody tease. All that money and you are afraid to touch it because you' ll be paying back through your nose. Anyway, I march on ernestly as the wind ain't playing, it's so cold.

I get to the store and I am welcomed by one of the most pleasant faces I know, the lady that runs the store. Wonderful woman, large heart and she survived cancer (please pray for cancer patients). We exchange pleasantries quickly, because I had looked at the entire store in one minute and seen all I needed in one place. YIPPEE. so I get to work, trying on all but buying few, as am on a credit card roll so minimum spend advised. I got a few items that I really liked and one of them is the blue pinafore I am wearing in the set of pictures below. And I got it for a fiver (5pounds *big grin*).

Here are the pictures of the day! What I wore during my hunt and what I wore after my hunt, just to show you...ENJOY :)

 

The necklace is a gift from a wonderful woman whom I admire greatly and look up to. I have known her only a short while but I must say she has been a big inspiration to me. Thank you if you ever get to read this ;)

I am wearing: Massimo Dutti shirt, Blue 'Treasure' pinafore, Christian Louboutin shoes, Sophia Grace for Browns shoes, Gap cardigan, Vintage brooch and a huge grin :)

P.S: Love to my persona photographer again, my six year old daughter, thank you princess. (I apologise for the poor quality of the pictures today. I need to get a camera, yes I know)

#CHURCHMODE

Today is a sober day for me. Not sober in the sense of sadness or depression. Sober because I had a wonderful encounter this morning (which saved me from making a rather rash decision). Also because it is Sunday, my personal day of worship with people of like minds in the spirit.

I  used to look forward to Sunday as just a day of rest, last day of ease before Monday rears its ugly head. I must say I no longer find Monday ugly because seeing Monday means I have been given the grace to enter another week, so now Monday is always beautiful to me :). Sunday has changed a great deal to me now and is probably the most important day of the week for me because I get to dress up for my God and join people who love him, in worshipping him.

I remember I used to make no effort in dressing up for church. Firstly, because I thought it was the home of God and you shouldn't be too worldly and flashy in His presence, then I also didn't want to seem a show off. (I attend a small church called 'HTSC'! Small but absolutely amazing and filled with so much love). But one day I thought, I put in so much effort when I am going out with my friends, so why can't I put that effort into dressing up for church??? So I started....slowly but surely. Paying as much attention, to what I would wear to a function, as well to church and it made me feel good.

I have always been a fashionable person (Note: I didn't say I have always been into fashion...Big Difference but that's a post for another day). One of my mind-roaming days (I have loads of those), I thought to myself, 'you can use your dress sense for the work of God and to glorify Him', because people pay attention when you look good. Although you may lose that attention the minute you open your mouth and say 'Jesus loves you'!LOL (Oh no! we've been conned). Anyway, I am not preaching here (did I hear you say PHEW?) Just thought to share a little bit about what Sunday means to me.

So here I am in my Sunday best for this week..ENJOY :)



I am wearing: Theyskens Theory jeans, New Look belt, Zara bag, Benjamin Lloyd top, Black and white striped blazer( available for sale in all sizes...just email secretstylist007@gmail.com), Charlotte Olympia shoes.

P.S: My photographer is no other, than my lovely six year old daughter :)

 

 

WHERE AM I...ADVENTUROUS!!!

Opened my eyes this morning, took in my surroundings and thought 'Where am I?'. My daughter is curled up beside me on this lovely red leather sofa and am still thinking, 'Where the heck am I?'. Maybe i am dreaming...Nah! I have the urge to pee.(now usually, I believe in dreams, You don't have the urge, you just pee). So I am not dreaming, I am actually in this really nice apartment with this huge TV, must be the biggest I have ever seen. The characters on it are almost life size. Oh no! I now know where I am, I have been kidnapped...but whatever for??? I am just a simple mom living in london minding my business, now writing a blog!!!!THE BLOG!!! I have been kidnapped because someone has deemed me a threat seeing I am so interesting and would definitely make it big time..........and blah blah blah( please recall how I told you yesterday I make up situations in my head and believe they are real incidents till my brain returns to function mode....yes? Well, this is one of such moments, LOL) So I thought 'Who is going to pay my ransom?'. My grandparents and uncles and aunts are in Nigeria and America respectively. Why kidnap me to make international calls for ransom. Unless of course, they have 'Lebara' or 'Lyca' (which allow you make cheap international calls ). How lame!!! I have been kidnapped by 'Lyca and Lebara' users, not even 'EE' or 'Vodafone'. Or they could call my boyfriend. Shoot, we had a row last night, so he'll probably tell them to keep me. I am almost in tears as I remember I may have to wear the same outfit till I am released. I cant go shopping or change clothes at will....Death to Kidnappers!!!

But no, (phew) I hadn't been kidnapped (as if, really). I had simply slept off while visiting my friend who I did mention was ill yesterday. So I was very safe and glad. My phone jolts me back to reality as it flashes and my daughter asking me for breakfast, got me up and ready to go but not before my morning prayers. If He could die for me, what's ten minutes in the morning i can't spare? So after the prayers, we rummage through the fridge, warm something up for her, eat and we are out.

On my way home, I kept thinking of  my next and first post of the day and thought I'd write about maxi dresses; 'WAR OF THE MAXIS'. But one step outside and it was more like 'WAR OF THE WEATHER'. So i remembered my kidnap theory and thought ADVENTURE. Hmmn, ok I'll wear something showing my mid-rif which I found rather 'ADVENTUROUS', considering I have had a child and this belly had expanded, stretching my skin almost to the limit at one point in time.

So here again are a few shots of me being 'ADVENTUROUS'...ENJOY:)

Tagging (in no orderly manner) : wine curdoroy Theyskens Theory flared pants, Nicholas Kirkwood red shoes, Ralph Lauren striped shirt  and a Smile ;)

WEATHER FAUX PAS....

Woke up this morning at past 4 am and couldn't go back to bed. Stayed there, tossing and turning till it was 7am and time to get my daughter ready for school. Got a lot of real issues to deal with and some made up ones. The made up ones have somewhat fed off from the real ones so they also seem real and depress me. But i am a child of God, so depression lasts but for a moment with me :)

So finally sent my daughter off to school at just a few minutes past eight, looked around and thought alright time to plan my day. Oh after my prayers, I am quite religious and proud of it. The day always starts with what to wear even before a shower. Hmmnn...what to wear, what to wear, what to wear. oh i know, let me check the weather forecast on my iphone first, as we have been having some nice sunny days and I always think it's warm till I step outside without a coat or blazer and start shivering. It predicted 'rain'! YAYYY!!! Ok I  have to explain this. For most people, rain means dreadful weather and depresses them. For me, I get to show off my yellow Jimmy Choo/Hunter boots so yes, YAYYY!!

Well it wasn't really YAYYY because it didnt rain, it was hot and nice (hence the title of the post LOL) but I still rocked it and felt good. Went to the shops and had a good walk around taking pictures. When i saw the first picture, I looked so bright, I thought, 'why was I tossing and turning?' 'Why was I feeling depressed?' It's a good day and I am looking bright and happy :) so that really cheered me up.

Eventually got home and made a quick change as I had to go visit a friend who's been ill. And i thought i'd try something i have never really paid attention to: STRIPES ON STRIPES and I loved the outcome.

So here are the pictures I want to share ths evening.....ENJOY!!!
 

Wearing; Miss Selfridge dress, Zara coat, Calzedonia socks, Chanel classic bag, Jimmy Choo/Hunter boots (my pride LOL), Silva Rielle shirt (with cut out shoulders), Zara pants, Coral necklace,Christian Louboutin pumps.

ONCE UPON A TIME, THERE WAS A CHUNKY CHICK...

So once upon a time, not too long ago, there lived a chunky chick!!!THE END!!! LOL.
Ok not so much the end. I started this blog yesterday with pictures of me all slim and nice looking and perhaps sexy (not sure i am allowed to use that word for some reason but hey what the heck!) Anyway, I have always somewhat tried to maintain a certain size, especially after the birth of my daughter. That size is a uk 10 or for americans, a size 6. Now i must say, before my daughter came (well going back all the way to year 2002, I was a uk 8, which is an american 4 (for some reason, I am partial to that size).

So last year, just right after summer, I noticed the changes, first in my boobs, they were fuller and seemed very prominent. I didn't mind that (though I must point out quickly I am not a fan of big boobs for myself, but they do look good on most women). Then the tummy started bulging slightly, I didn't care, the boobs were getting compliments especially in corsets (which of course hold the tummy in) so whatever!!!

And then, I started noticing the change in size when shopping. I must jump and quickly tell you this funny story, LOL. I had the ump with Zara once for changing their tailors, who magically changed their measurements and shrunk their sizes. So, me a perfect  UK 10 (err  by that i mean UK 12 bordering on UK 14) could no longer find perfect UK size 10 clothes. How dare they?!? This theory still makes me laugh, especially at my denial. In truth, I had put on weight and become 'CHUNKY'.

Now please, I have nothing against chunky, oh by all means, there are some drop dead gorgeous chunky chicks that look way (and i mean waaayyyyyy as in faaarrrr) better than slim chicks. But you see, my body frame didn't make chunky look good. And that I think is what really creates the problem when you start to put on weight. When your body frame doesn't suit the size (I dont know if I am making sense?)

Anyway for months, I continued to squeeze into a UK 10 (living in denial) breaking zips, popping buttons and blaming the store. Then i decided to try a UK 12 which fitted better but I would tell all that cared to listen it's a small UK 12 so the measurement's actually a UK size 10. Come on, I know some of you can relate to this LOL. And yes, I got a lot of compliments i.e 'You've filled out nicely' (mostly from men while looking at my boobs), 'You've woman-ed up'. (now what the heck does that mean? woman-ed up) LOL

So in december 2012, I had had enough of the weight and almost popping buttons and breaking zips even in size UK 12 clothing, so I decided to act. I went back to my gym, did vigorous dance classes back to back...zumba, street dancing, you name it. Also did body conditioning and i must confess, since I am keeping it real, I drank this herbal tea every other night that made the loo feel like home eventually (as I was there frequently).

I just wanted to share pictures of when I was chunky (back then LOL) and now so you all know it's ok to be whatever size you are so long as it doesnt affect your health and it suits your body frame :)

Here are the BEFORE and AFTER pictures....ENJOY!!!

 

Please excuse my lack of professional photography :)
And i am once again a perfect UK size 8 otherwise known in America as size 4 ;)

Tagging items  (in no orderly fashion): Jane Norman dress, Alexander Mcqueen sandals, Christie Brown necklace, Zara dress, Zara necklace, Topshop skirt, Christian louboutin wedges, Zara jeans,YSL ring, Zara blazer, YSL clutch.

This particular post is just a story i felt like sharing so main focus not on the clothes or the quality of photography.

BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND DELIGHT

So this weekend that went by (Friday the 3rd of May to Monday the 6th of May) was bank holiday in the UK. I wanted to go and see 'The Book of Mormon', from the makers of 'South Park'. It is apparently very funny.
Well that didn't happen because my man didn't book the tickets early enough (but I am not mad, am in love..lol)

So anyway, ended up going to 'La Creperie' in Hampstead, North London. That kiosk has apparently been there for over 20 years and I swear they make the best crepe I have ever tasted. (Please never go by my ratings of food or any restaurants, I am not really a food person).
Also went to a friend's 35th dinner on Sunday evening in some turkish restaurant.

I had a rather difficult time deciding what to wear to the dinner (I always have this problem). I try on everything the night before and then on the day of the event, whatever I have settled for and deemed perfect, head turning and jaw-dropping, suddenly seems boring. (I am sure some of you know what I am talking about).

Anyway, so here goes:




The picture to the left (excuse my peeking boob) was taken by my daughter on the way to the dinner and the one to the right by my 'Mr Cool' when we got back from Hampstead.
I am rocking: (in no orderly fashion) Vanilla London black dress, Saint Laurent clutch (I haven't read up why 'Yves' was dropped, will do so right after this), Giuseppe sandals (my fave shoes at the moment), River Island white top, Calzedonia tights, Chanel shopper bag, Charlotte Olympia 'dolly' pumps and that about sums it up.



Oh yeah, I just had to show off the back of the dress ;)

P.S: I put up this particular post as I just felt like sharing what I wore last weekend with you :)....ENJOY!!!

DONT BREAK THE BANK

I see FASHION being portrayed so many times, especially on instagram, as wearing anything 'EXPENSIVE' with a 'TONGUE TWISTING' name.*rolls eyes*, Meaning I totally disagree.
Let's start with the meaning of FASHION!!! One second, while I google the word itself.

Aha, one definition says A POPULAR OR THE LATEST STYLE OF CLOTHING, HAIR OR BEHAVIOUR'! (NAH,i dont like that definition). Another says SOMETHING,SUCH AS A GARMENT, THAT IS THE CURRENT MODE. (HMMN,it's right but not yet what i am looking for.

Oh yes,here's a really good one that also applies to my logic:

'FASHION is an expression... meaning there is really no such thing as "out of fashion" because fashion is only a means of ones expression. In every human's unique expression of their style, their personality is being reflected. FASHION will always be unique to everyone, fashion is an expression, a means to communicate'....need i say more?


FASHION IS YOU!!! Everyone is unique and everyone has their own style and that is where i come in....I present to you my own style,created by me and explored by me but gladly shared by me :)


My first post is 'DONT BREAK THE BANK', which brings me back to my first statement.You do not have to own a pair of saint laurents,christian louboutins,jimmy choos or manolo blahniks to be deemed fashionable. You do not need to have a fendi,chanel or louis vuitton bag to qualify as fashionable. (oh but I do love all the labels, I invest in them greatly and people say it spells class but...hmmmn!we'll talk about that some more in my subsequent posts). You can wear whatever you can afford or feel comfortable in and still be considered one of the most fashionable of your peers.


That is why my first pictures are of me in high street labels and believe me, I still got looks of approval and nice compliments and I did take notice of the words 'TRENDY AND FASHIONABLE', being used a couple of times.


So welcome to my blog, I am SECRETSTLIST007.....ENJOY!!!

I am wearing high street labels; h&m, zara, dune, converse, hollister, next!
Ok the sandals in the first picture are alexander mcqeen but they could esily be anything else ;)