Friday 15 April 2011

With power comes responsibility

It's now been over 2 months since I became self employed and time has flown by very quickly.  I feel like I've done so many things within such a short space of time - working for some good clients, sorting out my website so I can officially launch 'Tubberfly Vintage', meeting different people most weeks, learning about print management (yes I am a geek) and working with ambitious and talented people everyday. 

Over the past couple of months I've also learnt a lot about myself - what motivates me, what I want to achieve, what I enjoy about my work and the type of people I like to be surrounded by both professionally and personally - I think some of this comes down to me being focused, determined, hard working and believing in myself as well as being influenced by things around me - friends, family, colleagues, media, technology...

It's easy to forget how the things around you can influence you and I've definitely grown to appreciate how powerful it is to be influential and I guess this applies to everyone whether you're a parent, business, leader, friend, spouse or offspring you have the ability to shape someones thoughts, behaviour, perceptions and possibly someone's future (not always in a positive way might I add!). 

The american writer Napoleon Hill sums this up very well:

"Think twice before you speak, because your words and influence will plant the seed of either success or failure in the mind of another" (1930)


Take a look at some of my favourite influential people below:


Barack Obama

Apart from being the first coloured president of the USA he has shown the ability to coordinate the wildly varying political interests of China, India, Russia, Brazil and the rest on issues like nuclear proliferation, human rights and climate change.





Gabrielle Bonheur ‘Coco’ Chanel

Pioneer of luxurious, sophisticated women’s clothing. From little black dresses to her famous suits, Chanel created timeless pieces that continue to influence women’s fashion today.



John Pemberton
Inventor of Coca cola, the world’s best known and influential brand

Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni

Archetypal Italian Renaissance painter, sculptor, architect, poet, and engineer who created the most influential sculptures and frescos in the world, namely the statue of David and The Sistine Chapel



NWA


Laid the blueprint for the most successful musical genre of the last 20 years - gangsta rap - and introduced the world to a new production mogul Dr Dre.



Stephen Spielberg


More than 25 years after Jaws, Spielberg continues to deliver more big-budget successes than any other director, remaining influential and popular at the same time.




Nesta Robert "Bob" Marley

Marley remains the most widely known and revered performer of reggae music, and is credited with helping spread both Jamaican music and the Rastafari movement to a worldwide audience



Have a great weekend

xoxo

Wednesday 6 April 2011

Spring has sprung!!

Spring has definitely 'sprung' in the UK this week - longer sunny days, windows open while driving, pumps, peep toes and european dance music blasting from cars.

Spring is definitely one of those seasons where people are generally more optimistic; whether it's planning for the summer, anticipating warm weather, spending more time outdoors or just happy with the prospect of it still being light when they get home from work or school. For me spring officially begins when I no longer feel the need to wear boots everyday (having lived in knee high's, ankle boots, Uggs and shoe-boots since September).

Having frequented both High Street and designer stores over the past few weeks I've become a big fan of this seasons bold bright colours, maxi's, white wash palettes and vintage styling for both men and women - I'm also happy that the current trends support my own style pledge to avoid wearing head to toe in black - it's just so unneccesary when there's so much colour to choose from!!


Take a look at my top picks from both designer labels and the High Street:

Marc Jacobs Cross Over Satchel £290 - guaranteed to brighten up any outfit


Marchesa silk chiffon dress £4010 - Gorgeous investment for a busy social calender
Temperley London ronnie animal print chiffon dress £995 - Team this with a leather jacket for a laid back look
Topshop Beige Peter Pan Floral Dress £36 - Vintage inspired on the high street

French Connection Anna Lace Dress £110 - Inspired by Marchesa
Miss Selfridge Cream drop back shirt £35 - A wardrobe staple and ideal for day into night
Carvela shilling £130 - Absolutely loving these desert boots



As it was the hottest day of the year today (I realise it's only April) I thought I'd finish this post with a real 'feel good' song from a proper band with great style - currently on repeat in my car - The Strokes!

Enjoy xoxo