NOVEMBER: Passion Palette
I am back to my monthly passion palette, dipping my toe back into fashion, beauty, design and sharing what is inspiring me.
Currently I have no affiliation to any brand or product, these are simply products or experiences I am enjoying, or things on my wish list!
What I’m Reading - When Women Ran Fifth Avenue
Back at the beginning of the year I set some goals, and one was to get back to reading regularly.
All my life I have been an avid reader, but like many of us as my smart phone usage increased in a somewhat pernicious manner, my reading of books declined.
So, my goal was one book per month, which I have achieved over some months.
‘When Women Ran Fifth Avenue’ is a factual account of the rise of the department store.
The book follows the career progression of three women; Hortense Odlum, Dorothy Shaver, and Geraldine Stutz. All very different women, we see not only their professional lives, but also personal.
This well written book reads more like a novel than friction and is such an important glimpse into the rise of fashion becoming more accessible and women holding leadership positions in business.
Fantastic book for those interested in fashion, women in leadership, the golden age of the department store and New York vibes back in time.
Health & Beauty - Westman Atelier & Jones Road Make Up
Any of you that have read my blogs will know, I am not a big make up wearer. In general, I prefer to spend out on premium clean skincare, my absolute favourite being Agent Nateur.
That said, from time to time I do like to use make up.
Both Westman Atelier & Jones Road Make Up have been developed by mature women that understand my skin type and lifestyle needs. Quick, simple and natural, they are also mums juggling multiple projects.
Gucci Westman has more clean ingredients than Jones Road by Bobbi Brown. For purists out there, they will likely still have way too many questionable ingredients.
As I don’t wear make-up daily, I am ok with less, or low toxic from time to time for make-up.
I love Westman’s vital skin drops and their light to medium coverage, evening out your skin tone, giving a dewy, but not shiny finish. For even better results use her primer first.
Her duo blusher combinations are divine too and can be used interchangeably as eye shadow, blush or bronze.
Jones Road do some great matt finish lipsticks that aren’t drying and lip pencils that look great with her miracle balm that can be used on lips and cheeks.
Fashion - Victoria Beckham
I rarely watch TV these days, but I was tempted by VB on Netflix recently and loved it. She has this raw fragile energy, even though she has been blessed with so much, I get the feeling life often hasn’t been easy for her, a vulnerability she can’t hide.
Plus I have a soft spot for any person of the 90s and early 000s, since this was my coming-of-age era.
Since day one I loved her fashion brand, which has grown even better with time. If you have any opportunity to indulge in one of her pieces, I highly recommend her dresses. The cuts are sublime, even though she is as thin as a rake, she really does understand a woman's body and her designs are also suitable for curves too.
Just a few notes on the cuts to help you choose:
A. Gathered satin-jersey midi dress
If you are self-conscious of your midsection or any bumps here and there that you want to camouflage, avoid this material and cut. High sheen/gloss fabrics especially in jersey are very unforgiving and show everything. They tend to add visual weight, so good if you don’t have curves and want to add weight or illusion of curve. Plus the dropped V shape and central rushing will add attention to midsection.. Bear in mind the downwards V elongates your torso and shortens the legs. So beware if you want to elongate your leg.
B. Asymmetric ruffled gathered crepe midi dress
If you want to minimize your midsection, camouflage any bumps, this cut is your friend, the diagonal ruching and gathering at the side, rather than the centre is very good at flattering a midsection if you feel self-conscious. The crepe material drapes beautifully over curves, but does not cling, while the mat finish wont highlight any lumps and bumps.
I appreciate that talking about flattering, reducing visual weight and so on, can seem not politically correct these days in the era of body positivity.
I am all for people enjoying their bodies whatever shapes and sizes they are, from that stunning willowy androgynous figure, to a full curvy large, busted woman, and all in between, all has its beauty!
Some women struggle to keep weight on and want curves, others are self-conscious of their curves and find it hard to keep the pounds off.
The reality is, many aren’t a hundred percent happy with their physique and we can use shapes, cuts, fabrics and clever details to enhance, reduce or change our shapes, it’s a wonderful tool and never a comment on what you should, or shouldn’t do. I am just here to educate and give options, you decide and wear what you truly love and feel great in!
Fashion - mlouye
My latest leather goods affair is with this Turkish brand, established in 2015. I have been searching for an interesting bag and was lusting after Loewe puzzle bags for some time. But honestly their astronomical prices are nauseating and it’s also tres boring to keep supporting the LVHM gargantuan and also became tres boring seeing every fashion victim and her dog now carrying a Loewe bag too.
When I found mlouye it immediately spoke to me. The angular, geometric shapes, the interesting use of colour with shape, a hint of Loewe and Issey Miyake and its very own energy. It felt industrial, creative and reminded me of Josef Albers art.
I looked up the brand's creator and voila she was an industrial designer inspired by the Bauhaus movement! I haven’t bought one yet, so I can’t share on the quality and how they wear, but once my order (s) arrive I will update you all!
Fashion - Payal Khandawala
Years ago, I stumbled across this designer. I have always been enthralled by her work.
Take a look at her contemporary designs and Instagram account, although unfortunately she seems to clear old posts regularly. If you want to understand shape, colour and texture, just absorb her work, it will work on a deep level.
She has a background in fine arts and illustration and comes from a family of painters. She says she is not interested in fashion and just wants to make good clothes. Her brand was simply born out of her wanting good clothes that also traveled and packed easily.
Payal Khandawala Silk Brocade Palazzo
Payal Khandawala Silk Brocade Jacket