Hang Ups.

It seems whether fat or thin, we all have one  problem or another with our bodies. Be it apple shaped, or pear shaped, busty or hour glass, there will always be the unsightly stretch marks we wish would fade away or the flabby arms we'd prefer would stay in place when we waved someone 'goodbye'.


In my early teens , I remember possessing an intense hatred for my body. Why were my boobs growing with such  a quickness? And if only I could snap my fingers and my thighs would be half their size. Being constantly compared with a cousin who was lighter in complexion, and had the soft, loosely curled afro didn't help either. (Yeah, remember those days when the lighter shade of black and the 'non-afro' afro hair were the only pre-requisites to being considered pretty?)


I guess the contemptuous way in which I viewed myself only started to change at around the age of 18. Coincidentally, that was around the time I met my first proper boyfriend. And I can say that as I'm approaching mid 20s, I do still have a few hang-ups (I mean, who doesn't?) but all in all, I'm  happy with myself, and have learn't to appreciate what I have.


So, what got me thinking about this issue? Well, it all stemmed from a conversation I had with a colleague about a week ago. She's a big girl, who seemingly always dragged a truck load of confidence everywhere with her. A talk over lunch however revealed that she wasn't too thrilled with her shape or size. And that any comment made  about her body would leave her wound up tight. Really sister? Even you? 


I guess the lesson to learn here is that even a Beyoncé look alike could think of something if she were asked what she would like to change about herself. It seems perfection can only be achieved in recognising that we will never be perfect.

Have a lovely week ladies and remember to embrace that jiggly belly, and those fat knees!


Amusez Vous Bien.


Madeline


 xx 

Helloooo! I'm back! Anybody there?

Um...I don't really know what to say...but sorry. Will that do? For those of you who have forgiven me, thank you. For those who haven't, please don't make me grovel.

It has been months. In fact, almost a year since we last made contact! A series of incidents + procrastination and general laziness + going back to uni and starting my masters, and being too busy for anything else kept me away. But I'm back y'all!

My return to blogsphere has got me thinking... there are plenty of fashion bloggers out there and I really wanted to do more than post pretty pictures of myself. Don't get me wrong, pictures are fun to look at, but I really want to make it relevant to you. So, without trying to sound too academic, we will be discussing a range of topics relating to fashion, beauty and body image as well as anything else you would like me to throw out there. So anything will be up for discussion. (And yes, the pics will still be posted!). And I will try and post around once a week. How does that sound? Do we have a deal?

Just before I sign off, let me leave you with a few pics  of my favourite outfits in the past couple of month

Dress - Dorothy Perkins

Belt - (Gift from a friend)

 Owl Necklace - Superdrug

Choker - Primark

Waistcoat - Evans

Trousers - New Look

Skirt - Primark

Shirt - Peacoks

Bangle - Topshop

Jacket - Primark

Amusez Vous Bien

Madeline

xx

Domzy in a Snapshot

Take a look at this picture.

Jeans: ASOS
Blazer: Talbots
Turban: Primark Scarf
Black Wedges: New Look
Wizard Glasses: Camden Market

It's of my good friend Domzy, and  was taken a couple of months ago by yours truly. We were in Camden, and I decided to mess around with my old camera phone. We had a lot of fun that day. We even stopped at one of the stalls to buy geeky glasses, (or Fay Bans, as I call them).

There are a number of reasons why I love this shot. Namely because, although she looks like she is posing, the beautiful Domzy was actually queuing up for the cash point. (I totally agree with you D, when you say you prefer the spontaneous to the contrived). Also, I remember her not being too enthusiastic about her outfit, but I love it!

Domzy is very good at creating chic and interesting outfits out of basic pieces. Her love for makeup and accessories always wakens up the dullest of clothes. Watch this space because I will be doing a full profile on her a bit later.

Have a lovely week ladies, and don't forget to capture life as it unfolds.

Amusez Vous Bien.

Madeline

xx

Digging Deep!

Have you come across a something in your wardrobe lately that you haven't seen in such a mighty long time, that you forgot you had it? 

Around a week ago, the glorious weather in London was a far cry from the damp, dark grey clouds and rain that has now decided to torment our summer months. I was on my way out, and thought I would set myself the challenge of wearing something I haven't worn  in a while.

I actually surprised myself and manged to create an outfit with a top I bought from Great Universal  when I was 18! According to my calculations, that makes almost six years since this one shoulder jersey top has been hibernating in my wardrobe.

Top - www.kandco.com (formerly Great Universal)
Jacket - Primark
Skirt - Peacocks

Creating new outfits from old clothes helps to save money and also exercises your creativity. This might have been the reason why I decided to wear these shoes instead of flip flops (which would have been the obvious choice for me)

Shoes - Primark

Bangles - Primark, Oasis

Ring - Evans

We all have old pieces that have been sleeping in the back of our closets. You may have even thought about getting rid of them. Ladies, this week why not set yourself the challenge and dig deep?

Amusez Vous Bien

Madeline

xx

Let it Glow!

Paying attention to what you put on (and in!) your body is important. And the steady stream of compliments I have received about my skin in the last few weeks is definite proof of this.

I wouldn't say that I suffered from bad skin. As a teenager, I had the odd annoying pimple which would take a defiant stance on the end of my nose, or on the middle of my forehead, but it wasn't anything life threatening. And in my twenties nothing much changed. However, I started to notice that although I didn't have spots, my skin was dull and actually felt rough.  

At the time, I was using St. Ives Apricot Scrub to exfoliate twice daily.There was nothing wrong with it, and it kept the pimples at bay, however I felt my skin needed more. So I decided to make some changes.

Before, I tell you about the products I switched to, I think it's important to tell you first that I have combination skin. This means I have an oily T-zone (which included my forehead, eyelids, and the bridge and the end of my nose),  while the rest of my face tends to feel dry and tight.

The first change I made was to ditch the fizzy drinks and juices for water. This was difficult for me as I have a sweet tooth and love sugary drinks. But a change had to come.

 I used to treat the natural stuff like I would bleach - great for cleaning the toilet and sink, but otherwise should not be touched. What a whole lot of good a change of mindset did for me. Do not underestimate the benefits of water guys. Drinking water will hydrate your skin, and make you look younger as it'll replenish skin tissues, moisturizes skin and increase its elasticity.

There was a time where I felt there was absolutely nothing wrong with smothering my face in cocoa butter. I ignored the advice of the beauty experts to use a lighter moisturiser, and saw it as a ploy to get me to spend more money. Why buy a separate moisturiser for my face, when I get just use the cocoa butter already sitting in my room right? WRONG!

I knew I needed to make changes when my skin started to look dull and greasy. I invested in Superdrug's Naturals Papaya and Mango Body Butter. As good as it is, I felt I needed a bit more moisture for this awkward UK weather. So I mixed it with Coconut oil. And ladies, this is what I feel is mostly responsible for my new glow. Coconut oil is an excellent moisturiser and also helps in treating various skin problems including psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema and other skin infections.

+

Finally I changed my exfoliator. I felt my skin had become accustomed to St. Ives, and it was no longer having an effect. Queen Helene Cocoa Butter Natural Facial Scrub can be bought from most hair shops, and generally costs around £3.00

I am not an expert when it comes to skin care. I just found what works for me, and wanted to share it with you. The important thing, I guess, is to know your skin, and most importantly to LET IT GLOW!

What products do you swear by? What works for you? Don't be afraid to share.

Amusez Vous Bien.

Madeline

xx

J'adore... Gabby's Style

Today is my birthday, and I have received so much Bday love. So I thought it I would pay back the love with a fabulous blog post!

I created this blog with the main intention of sharing little pieces of myself. And what better way to do that than to share a bit about the people who inspire me. One of the most important facets of my life is my role as a youth leader - a role I take very seriously.

For the last year or so, I can't help but notice that one of my teenagers is developing her own sense of fabulousness. Little Miss Gabby is becoming a trend setter, and I must confess that one of the joys of meeting my youth group is seeing what she will wear.

Anyway, Gabby kindly agreed to be my model for a few weeks, so I could share with you a snippet of her wardrobe.

 Enjoy...

This black beauty has a lot to say, and what she lacks in words, she certainly makes up for in her style. She is a UK size 12. When I asked her what inspires her, and where she likes to shop, this is what she had to say

"I am not really into labels ,I shop anywhere there is a good bargain. Being known to spend under £20 on a whole outfit without stepping into Primark and then also creating a whole outfit from there. Shopping shouldn't be restricted to the big expensive high street labels. The sales racks can be good anywhere. I draw inspiration from around me: people from the streets, school friends, church members, family, and then give it my own twist. I'd say my style is eclectic. I will wear anything if I like it."
Phew! I told you she normally has a lot to say. But she is a girl after my own heart.

What is your wardrobe like? who, or what inspires you? Where do you like to shop? Talk to me.

P.S. Happy Birthday To Me!

Amusez Vous Bien.


Madeline
xx

Sweet Tooth!

It seems the sun has not given up yet. Yep, that's right. Us Londoners are blessed enough to be bathed in more sunny rays, and it looks like it's set to continue. Yipee!!! J'adore le sun!

Anyway, yesterday, I decided to treat my sisters to an afternoon in the Leicester Square's Haagen Daazs Café. Firstly, because it was sunny and I needed to get out, secondly because two of my lil' sis celebrated their brithdays last week and I had promised it to them as a belated birthday present, and thirdy to satisfy the yearnings of my sweet tooth!

As the temperature was above 20 degrees , I thought it would be a good idea to pull out last summer's clothes. (Sorry about the poor picture quality guys, I was in a rush and didn't have the time to do loads of takes!)

  Jacket - Primark

Top - Camieau

Skirt - Primark

Gladiator Sandals - Oasis

Shades  - New Look

I am always a bit aprehensive about bringing out these sandals. Simply because I think they are a bit audacious. Also, they tend to dry out my legs.  (However, my good friend Domzy pointed out that that's just a simple fact of leather, so I guess I should just get on with it, shouldn't I?)

Before I forget, let me share with you the best part of the day!

That's right! Fat girl's Style

Mmmm!!

What have you been up to in the last few days? Don't let the sun go to waste. Get out and enjoy yourself!

Amusez Vouz Bien!

Madeline

xx