LISA IS LOVIN’…

Ohmyfreakin’stars! Now, you can call me a bandwagon jumpin’ minx if you like, but d’ya know what? I don’t even care because I could not have loved the book Eat, Pray, Love more if I had tried. I laughed, cried and at times felt it was a li’l too close for comfort, which is why I am doing star-jumps that the film trailer has just been released – I get a sense that I might be a teensy bit disappointed and I’m not entirely sure that Julia Roberts would be my Elizabeth Gilbert, but that said, I will deffo be front of the queue on release day for this…

This weekend is the Spring Equinox and I am lovin’ the idea of a li’l bit o’ spring-like goodness – spring makes me flirty-skirty and want to kiss in the sunshine, it makes me want to skip along the road and smile lots…I heart spring.

Yes you CAN.

AIMEE IS LOVIN’
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This may seem like an unusual thing to love, but I think it is a really positive thing that the government, have invested money into a campaign about abuse in teenage relationships. It’s not something I’ve talked about often, but when I was 17 I was involved in a somewhat violent relationship for four years. It made me the person I am today, but I think if I’d seen something that played out both sides of that relationship – such as the different scenarios in this advert, it would have made me, and him, think at the time rather than just accepting the destructive behaviour. Awareness is so important and the way it is being tackled in the campaign is sensitive yet realistic.

On a lighter note, the beau and I are flat hunting, and whilst he is working out the council tax and the more, uhm, economic side of things, I am mentally decorating already. I am not allowed to unleash myself upon Graham and Green, so I am looking at the cheaper-yet-more creative idea, of having a full lounge wall of framed pictures-images of provocation and beauty, such as the one of Brigitte Bardot above. I love looking at these sort of pictures, they inspired me so much as a designer, and I have been searching for a good print of a Helmut Newton to join my collection!

Finally, the days are getting sunnier and I feel it is time to bring out the sunnies! Ms L and I are all for the cracking out the pink Dior and vintage Jeepers Peepers respectively. These Gaga sunglasses are over-sized squares at an undersized price, just £10.00 at laden.co.uk. A la parfait!

The weekend is upon us ladies – what will you be lovin’? x

Mystic Medusa is a star-girl. Fact.
Since becoming a li’l obsesso about all things astrological, her site is my absolute must-go-to site on the web and because I’m such a fan-girl, I subscribe to her service called Daily Mystic, where every morning she emails me about what the planets are doing, what you can expect from the day & what kind of action to take, which is ever-so helpful when you’re as indecisive as I am!

Come meet her, she’ll wow you with her awesomeness.

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Want to stop boring your fam, friends and colleagues with your ‘cracked record’ moans and groans about work?
Are you stuck on the killer commute to nowhere-ville?
Is your self-esteem, confidence and happiness levels at an all time low? Want to do something meaningful, purposeful or just plain fun with your working life but don’t know how?

Then Find Your Dream Job is THE go-to-book.

And if that’s not fabulous enough, author and life coach of awesomeness, Carole Ann Rice is hosting a Find Your Dream Job Career Coaching Boot Camp. It will give you the rocket fuel you need to help you soar – if you need convincing, let Carole explain…

So, what is the career coaching boot camp?
The bootcamp came on the back of my book written with sarah Wade – Find Your Dream Job – so many people are unhappy at work and looking to do something that lights their fire. I held one in January and it was a total sell-out, had to squidge people on the stairs to fit them all in, because we ran out of seats. It’s for people looking for inspiration as well as practical tips on how get out of their rut

Will I have to run an assault course?
No you don’t have to do sit-ups while a guy armed with a six pack hollers at you.  You do however have to promise to take action after the event and let us know about it!

What will I get from it?
We’ve some cool speakers -

Gwen Rhys, www.gwenrhys.com  who reveals how to build powerful relationships through Effective Networking.
 
Justin Culver, a career change specialist www.careerenergy.co.uk  who will show you precisely how to write a killer CV.
 
Sally Hindmarch, of www.partnerswithyou.co.uk uses her wit and wisdom to demonstrate the art of giving A First Class Presentation and I’m going to do a coaching session on how to overcome fear and get started on finding your dream job.

We’ve had people of all ages from 20’s up to late 50’s and it’s for anyone looking to up their game or get some rocket fuel.  It was Time Out’s recommended event of the week in January!

When - Saturday 27th March 2010
Where – Creative Venue, 20a Paddenswick Road W6 www.creative-venue.com
 
How Much – Conc £35,  £45 or £50 on the door

Book your place now contact Sarah – sarah@findyourdreamjob.co.uk  07753 612 497

I have been a big fan of the online shop Roxie Sweetheart for a while, it reminds me of my time in Hong Kong, and Michelle, the founder of the brand, came and visited me whilst I was there, to hunt for trinkets and animations to use as inspirations for her collections. Quirky and delightful, Roxie Sweetheart never fails to catch your eye!

Michelle, tell us more about yourself and what you do?
Hello! I am the creator and director of a lovely little company called Roxie Sweetheart!
Roxie Sweetheart is a dressing up box of colourful, creative and cutesy accessories with unique illustrations and quirky prints. Accessorize with pick’n'mix shapes, textures and trinkets…for the beautiful girl who wants to be noticed and create her own fairytale harajuku style! Kawaii! Roxie Sweetheart girls are also fun, creative, passionate and fashionable.

Who/what inspires you and why?
I am inspired by everything; music, art, fashion, nature and architecture.
I adore Japanese culture, art and street fashion. Harajuku girls are my idols, they are not afraid to express themselves, and looking cute does not mean being silly! They know how to layer, how to use colour and combine designers like Vivienne Westwood with Vintage and Hello Kitty!

What do you love about being a woman in the world?
Being able to choose a slice of chocolate fudge cake over a man any day… and not feel guilty about it!

Where are your five must-go destinations for inspiration, life..?
There are many places I still want to travel around the world.
Biggest must-go destinations are Japan (top of my list!), Paris, New York, Thailand and Barcelona.
I am going to visit Barcelona this year just for the stunning and intricate Gaudi architecture, it’s truly amazing!

What has been your proudest moment so far?
My proudest moment has been taking a huge risk by first moving to London a year ago, with no job and no stability I experienced some tough times, but I stuck through it in order to get nearer to reaching my goals and achieving a good career. I am still working hard but I have made some fabulous friends and contacts along the way : )

Which five tracks make Michelle’s day?
Feel-good tunes are good for motivation throughout a busy day in London…
My current top 5 are:
‘Please Mr Postman’ – The Marvelettes
‘Animal’ – Miike Snow
‘It’s Not Fair’ – Lily Allen
‘Coffee and TV’ – Blur
‘Independent Woman’ – Destiny’s Child.

What are your five must-have, can’t live without fashion and beauty items?
I am addicted to MAC make-up! One of my top five would be my two favourite MAC lipsticks (which actually stay on all day…!) ‘So Chaud’ and ‘Chatter Box’.
I also can’t live without my Max Factor Masterpiece MAX mascara, rose tinted Vaseline, Vaseline with aloe vera body lotion and my Gwen Stefani Harajuku Lover’s perfume in ‘Music’ which smells delicious!

What makes you jump-in-the-air happy?
Good friends, music and food in the sunshine

What is your life Motto?
Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind… and above all, love what you do.

What is next for you creatively?
I am going to continue designing and promoting Roxie Sweetheart. I believe gaining experience and contacts within the industry is the most important thing you can do, as well as keep being creative all the time, in whichever way you can. I am always designing, making and thinking of new ideas, so keep your eyes peeled for new Roxie Sweetheart collections!

Quick fire round: What is your favourite?
Shop: Gothic Lolita, Camden
Book: “Harry Hill’s TV Burp” Book (hilarious if you have a random sense of humour)
Website/blog: Neurotica – sweet meets sinister clothing… www.thisisneurotica.co.uk
Hang-out: Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club, Bethnal Green/ The Cat and Mutton, Broadway Market, London.
City: London (East-side!)
Must-have beauty item: MAC Lipsticks
TV prog: Louis Theroux ‘Weird Weekends’
Food: Parma Ham (in any form…)

What does the term Sassy Minx mean to you, Michelle?
Sassy Minx is about embracing being a woman, loving yourself and what you do!

For cute accessories and jewellery visit the Roxie Sweetheart Boutique at www.roxiesweetheart.co.uk!
Also check out my blog http://roxiesweetheart.blogspot.com/

If I’m honest, the only thing that could make me happier than a filled-to-the-brim bubble bath and a bar of Galaxy chocolate is sweet, sweet smelling prods from Jo Malone.

OHMYSTARS – I’m head over Westwood heels in heart with the new Jo Malone Vanilla & Anise fragrance – if you haven’t had the V&A nosebud experience yet, you HAVE to go find a beauty counter, pronto.

Inspired by the floral landscape of Madagascar, capturing the fleeting moment that the rare vanilla orchid blossoms. The cream and white flowers found on the vanilla vine are a precious discovery: only one or two appear in the morning and seemingly vanish by late afternoon.

Here’s the science bit: Vanilla & Anise blends notes of bergamot, neroli and star anise to create a touch of spice sparkling above transparent layers of delicate vanilla orchid and frangipani. The warmth of vetiver, white amber and the subtlest hint of clove complete this unexpected, modern story of vanilla.

Now, while all that sounds completely fabulous, all I know is that it smells deliciously dee-vine.
Fact.
Boykind will literally be walking into lamp posts because they’re too busy looking for the girl that is smelling so incredible when you’re wearing it. It’s decadent with a hint o’ spice and I simply can’t get enough of it…mmmmmm.

To enhance your fragrance ritual, in addition to the yummy-scrummy cologne – 30 ml, £32.00, choose from the new bath oil – 250 ml £38.00, body crème – 175 ml RRP £44.00 and home candle – 200g, £38.00.

So, it’s not smell o’ internet, but take my word for it, you WILL want to buy everything on this site: www.jomalone.co.uk  

I first introduced the fabulous Vanessa Fristedt here to you via one of her fabulous necklaces. Just like her design pieces, Vanessa is inspiring and unique – come meet her!

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So I know that here at SM, Miss Aimee and I celebrate kick-ass women EVERY single day – damn it, Miss Aimz is probably the most kick-ass woman I know, but today, March 8th everyone world wide, is giving fellow girl-kind big, big love – hurrah!

Firstly, I want to give big props to Oscar winning girls Sandra Bullock – j’adore, Kathryn Bigelow director of The Hurt Locker and super-inspir-o Mo-nique – check out her acceptance speech, freakin’ love this woman.

I’ve posted this poem before, but I never get tired of reading it and it should absolutely be read and re-read on days like today… It’s Phenomenal Woman by Maya Angelou who I love x 10000.

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I’m telling lies.
I say,
It’s in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.

I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It’s the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.

Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can’t touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can’t see.
I say,
It’s in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I’m a woman

Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.

Now you understand
Just why my head’s not bowed.
I don’t shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It’s in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need of my care,
‘Cause I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.

Actually, while I’m sharing the love for Maya Angelou, check out the gorgeous women herself reading And So I Rise. It gives me goosbumples…

Minxes, happy International Women’s Day – what members of girl-kind do YOU want to share the love for?

I was pretty delighted when I received a breakfast invite to meet with Lorraine Candy, Editor-in-Chief of ELLE magazine, to discuss the launch of fashion’s answer to the X-Factor-The Shopgirl to Stylist competition, which launches today!

Lorraine says: “This is a unique and exciting projects which heroes the men and women who literally style the nation. They deserve more credit for what they do, and we will give them that in the pages of ELLE”.

As part of ELLE magazine’s 25th Anniversary celebrations, the British style bible is on the hunt for super-talented shop girls and boys, who, if selected, will win a chance to style an ELLE shoot, plus a magazine internship and expert mentoring from ELLE’s internationally renowned fashion director, Anne-Marie Curtis who wants to give the winner, their big break, with a stylist’s profile and lots of contacts.

25 super shop stylists will appear on the website where readers can comment and list their favourites, and then ten will make the grade to head-to-head stylist challenges, where they get help from the ELLE team.

If you’re out shopping this weekend, why not let that helpful shopgirl with awe-inspiring shoes in H&M, know about it, or if you are one of those rocking shop girls that we love so much, apply – it’s allowed!

www.elleuk.com/shopgirltostylist

Guest post from the gorgeous Miss Carla at MessyCarla

I managed to swing a last minute invite to Bernard Chandran’s Private Dinner party at the beginning of London Fashion Week last weekend. I was only supposed to be going to cover The Look Show for New Look, so it was a bit of luck that I was in the big smoke to blog about this for The Sassy Minx!
 
Bernard Chandran is Malaysia’s hottest designer – as well as being a television personality in Asia, being the chief designer on Project Runway Malaysia, he also has a stream of high-profile celebrity clients, such as Lady Gaga, Little Boots, Rhianna, Tori Amos and the royal families of Malaysia and Brunei.
 
So, it’s fair to say it was fairly intimidating meeting a man at the fabulous Awawa restaurant in Chelsea (just down the street from Louis Vuitton and Prada…), which is one of the country’s top restaurants, and co-operating with Malaysia Kitchen to promote Malaysian food in the UK.
 

 
However, he wasn’t intimidating at all – in actual fact, for such a hot designer he was incredibly down to earth and friendly. I write a blog about being a size 16, and he seemed really into this idea. “When I design for women, I do not think of their bodies – I love women’s imaginations and spirit more!” He sparkles, “My assistant for example can’t fit into any of my collection and that’s fine – I hired her for her personality!”

When I asked him about his collection, although his latest collection is the height of couture, with enlarged sleeves and skirts in many of the pieces, he describes his look as wearable. “It’s all about context,” he explained. “You wouldn’t wear one of these pieces to the beach, would you? But I love them all – I call them my babies, and I couldn’t pick a favourite!”

 
Amongst his celebrity friends present were Mr. Hudson, Beverley Knight (who when watching a playback of the show asked me “Couldn’t you just see me on TV in that?” I definitely had to agree – it was a beautiful sparkly purple bodycon dress), Sophie Anderton and Jimmy Choo – who FYI: was very sweet and polite – despite the fact I was wearing £35 heels from Next!
 
It was a wonderful, sparkling event – filled with people in the industry including designers, photographers, journalists and bloggers. I even got talking to Alexandra Burke’s family over a fantastic chicken dish and chocolate mousse. That’s Chelsea for you – you never know who you’re going to run into over dessert!
 

 
Many thanks to Sassy Minx Miss Lisa for letting me go in her place and get to tell you all about this! And be sure to follow my blog at http://messycarla.blogspot.com!

Now I am all for a bit of china, especially when it comes to settling down to a nice cup of tea, a few fondant fancies and a good book. Which was why my insides did a little jump for joy when I found Trixie Delicious, a continuous range of china, that isn’t necessarily traditional but frankly rocks my world. I want to put the Seven Heavenly Virtues up on my wall, put my junk jewellery into the Stash jar, and stain the Tart teacup with my red lipstick marks. Meet Karen and enjoy the fabulousness behind it all!

Who/what inspires you and why?
Inspiration comes from everywhere- websites tv programmes, magazines, books, shop windows, people on the street…I try and write ideas down, as I go along, but it doesn’t always work out. I’m my own harsh critic and discard allot when I read them back.

What do you love about being a woman in the world?
I’ve always enjoyed fashion and I guess women have more scope with that, than guys. I don’t mind getting older because I’m happy to swap wrinkle free skin for wisdom.. The world has changed a lot since I grew up in the 70s, and I think it is better for women now. The internet has definitely improved the global female network . I live in New Zealand which has a larger female population than male so macho attitudes have had to change as well and here we have had strong female role models- a female PM and Governor General in the last decade.

Where are your five must-go destinations for inspiration, life..
I have had a long relationship with the USA, – Got married in NYC in 1994, honeymooned in San Fran and I have travelled many times to LA.

Oaxaca Mexico where I spent a fabulous birthday. I’m a Halloween baby which coincides with the Day of the Dead celebrations. Tripping through a graveyard, drinking tequila, while mariachi bands and fireworks blasted away, was an experience I’ll never forget.

Melbourne Australia- great city, pretty architecture, fabulous food.

New Zealand’s South Island- beautiful scenic roads with no one on them!

Auckland city.I was born here and have lived here all my life so it is home.The city has grown up a lot in the last decade and is becoming more cosmopolitan which is a good thing.

What has been your proudest moment so far?
Giving birth twice- I have a son and daughter.

Which five tracks make Karen’s day?
I’m a Bowie fan and I love Starman
I have too many musical loves to say…

What are your five must-have, can’t live without fashion and beauty items?
Eyeliner
Niki de Sainte Phalle eyeshadow kit- outrageous colours, hard to find
Red lipstick
Good moisturiser
I’m a fan of tinted moisturisers as I don’t like powder.

Niki de Sainte Phalle perfume- hard to find

What makes you jump-in-the-air happy?
A sense of achievement. Graduating from art school after 4 years. Its tough been a student for so long- going without money etc..

What is your life Motto?.
Don’t just talk about it, do it!!

What is next for Trixie Delicious, and what is your favourite ever piece?
I put together a set of Seven Deadly Sins out of old chipped plates and used different fonts on each. It hangs above my bed and I can’t part with them.
Trixie will just keep going the same way maybe I will develop my own online shop one of these days-see motto…now that I’ve said it I’ll have to do it!

Quick fire round: What’s your favourite?
Shop: Etsy
Book: Many but I like a good bio- Keith Richards by Victor Bockris- hilarious
Website/blog:Badder Homes and Gardens.com- they are wickedly funny naughty and gorgeous girls
Hang-out: Boatshed on the Kaipara harbour, 2 hrs north of Auckland
City: LA
Must-have beauty item:eyeliner – it’s an 80s hangover!
TV prog: Hung
Food: My husbands pasta dishes- he was Italian in a former life.

What does the term Sassy Minx mean to you, Karen?
Confident, foxy and witty

We are crossing our fingers for that online shop, Karen! x

Find our more at www.trixiedelicious.com

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