Coral Reef

Personally, I have nothing witty or clever to share right about now. Bar these images that my hubby lovingly worked on for me to share with you. My body and mind are tired but rather than see these signs as negative, I listen to them as a call to strengthen from the inside out; a sign that I need to take time out for myself so that I can continue happily and fulfilled on this wonderful blessed journey I get to call my life.

Mastin Kipp is a daily fixture on my Twitter stream and is always good for reminding you about the bigger picture. Life is not a battle to be conquered and whilst that is an original thought I have long held I loved what he says here...

A measure of how successful you are isn't how much stuff you have or how much you have achieved, but how much happiness and fulfilment you feel. - Mastin Kipp

 

Coral Primark Shirt / Robot Ninjas Leather Pants / Brian Atwood Pumps / Vintage Jewellery 

I hope all those that pass through are on that journey to happiness and fulfilment and thank you for taking a moment out of our busy modern lives to nose through this. It really makes my day!

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Fascinators, Heiresses and Penthouses

Remember the wedding I mentioned? No, not the Royal Wedding! The one that Woody, darling daughter, had been invited to not only be a flower girl at but also a reader (Corinthians 13 1-13). Well, the girl did good and of course I gave as many tips as any Drama school trained mother would! Needless to say she used lots of vocal muscularity and lent a rainbow of colour to the words :) Hubby and I were/are very, very proud parents.

But yes, yes, on to what I wore! I did consider 'doing' a dress because weddings = dresses, no? No! I understand that at times, it feels like the easiest style solution when faced with a 'proper' occasion to attend (such as a wedding). However, separates can work just as beautifully and look just as effortless as a dress. Especially when perfectly accessorised, as I hope this set proves.

The peacock/pheasant fascinator, a stunning bespoke piece by Liz Dominey, ( featured here) and jewellery, as chosen by hubby, from an extensive collection (mostly gifts from him) completed the look.

We shall be turning these images into a MCB Style-Book which can all be viewed by clicking here.

Liz Dominey Fascinator / TSR Cape Shirt / Dorothy Perkins Print Harems / Topshop Sandals / Chloe Clutch

I have been handing out a few, okay a lot, of the new cards we have had printed at every networking opportunity. The business cards look so seriously professional that the very act of owning them MAKES me feel ordained a proper blogger and I would like to say a huge hello to all that have found MCB by following the URL. So, to my new readers, I bid you welcome and I hope you stay a while, even better take a moment to introduce yourself in the comment field.

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An Essay on Brevity

The lovely Veshoevius  awarded me a Stylish Blogger Award and I must say it came as a surprise mainly because I was unaware of the award's existence. I am not sure what I have done to deserve the award but I am going to take it as the compliment I know it is. There are a few actions required to accept the award and that involves showing respect to the bestower and quite rightly so. The idea behind the award is that you pass it on to spread some blog love to other blogger you interact with. If nominated you are meant to do the following: 


1)Thank and link back to the person who awarded you this award.
2)Share 7 things about yourself. 
3)Award 10 recently discovered great bloggers. 
4)Contact these bloggers and tell them about the award.

I came across Veshoevius through FBFF and liked her immediately.  I follow her because I like her warm style of writing, her personal style and I find the gracefulness with which she wears dark colours quite refreshing and yes, inspiring. We also own the same maxi Marble Print silk dress (she bought it, blogged it and I had to have it)  So, once again, thank you Veshoevius for being a cool blog mate and for awarding me a stylish blogger.

You can check out her fantastic blog HERE

As part of being a 'Stylish Blogger' I am also to share 7 things about myself and you all know I can talk when I get going. I ought to promise to try and keep it as succinct as possible but we all know that brevity evades me at the best of times. Finally, after sharing, I get to pass on the Stylish Blogger Award to 10 recently discovered great bloggers, which I have to say I am particularly looking forward to.

You know what, it only takes a few minutes of processing before you (read: I) start liking the sound of it - Stylish Blogger - in your head. Try it if you don't believe me!


So, what would I like to share? An Actors training is meant to aid the shedding of that which we call ego, that which inhibits you by desiring you to be interesting, rather than allowing one to simply be... 


Okay, totally random but that leads me straight to my 1st disclosure. I am obsessed with Theatre Practice. The unreasonable passion and corporeal practice of creating and immersing oneself into that which we call Theatre. I love the reflective nature with which we approach our practice and best of all I love knowing that the process, often unseen, that we often spend an age married to lives longest. And that the performance is never an end point but rather a catalyst for a creative big-bang. Thus the cycle repeats. I love Theatre and always want it to be a part of my professional  life in one way or another.


My 2nd disclosure is relative. I really want a PhD, though I think this might have more to do with the Nigerian in me. I have a serious obsession with letters after my name which I thought was mildly satiated after gaining my Masters. Seriously. We moved to this fine country for a grand education after all, the kind (of education) with such gravitas attached that we had to leave our homeland to attain it, and I guess there is a part of me still battling with 'when is the debt really paid between old country of mind and new country of mine'. And I even wonder at times whether I am meant to take all I have learnt back 'home'. I could be the Augusto Boal of Lagos but oh, of course, I forgot myself for a moment, for I am home... So yeah, I think this 'disclosure' is pregnant with subtext and should not be read as a revelation to spend my 40s as a 5" heels wearing academic at Aberystwyth University Theatre department.


3rd disclosure is that I used to be a total control freak over what I was allowed to weigh. A lot of it had to do with work but I did not need much encouragement. I was fit and had enough stamina for the lifestyle I led. I got to believing I just could not put on weight. Pregnancy did not change my body bar stretch marks but I got to my late 20s' and things such as metabolism and all that sexy stuff started to shift and change. The days of being a model size 6 seemed a century ago but hey I was also naturally athletic so resorting to the gym was kind of a treat. I fell in love with a shrinking body whilst having regular sessions, like an addict, at Spin, Body pump, Circuit and Pilates classes. I was in control of my body once again and then I did the unmentionable. 10 months into a 1 year membership, I just stopped going.

Disclosure 4  I guess links well to the above in that having been married exactly 10 months today (Yes, I am still very much a newly-wed) , I am learning that lots of control devices we utilise in our daily life and interpersonal relationships are built on fear. Marriage is teaching me that I would rather deal with my fears than mask them under a guise for control.


At work and more recently at school, I use each environment as an exercise to observe my 'control monster' specially focusing on what fear trigger it responds to. I work often with others and I am aware of my role within groups. I embrace ensemble model of training and I initiate collaboration knowing my unique skill set is acknowledged and required. That way I remind myself that control can be manifested in a variety of shapes, many positive.


No.5 I like trashy TV. I don't get to watch quite enough but I would if I could. Things like Salt & Pepa R back, Cougars & Cubs locked up on a Desert Island, Notting Hill Residents 24/7, Australian Border Control, Come Dine with me repeats whilst complaining loudly that it is a repeat. Right now, I am making do with Model Agency but it is not grimy enough for me!


I am trying to make this a free-writing exercise - can you tell? - okay, no, well, on to no' 6 right? I cannot wait till summer. Why? Because we get to move into our family home. We are all being very patient about this but I need to move, I need space back in my life. I want all my shoes back, out of the holds of the Big Yellow Storage and re-established on my upper floor dressing room in made to measure shelves. 


And to the last, no.7, quite simple really. If there were a tablet you could take that would stop you being late, I would pop it without a second thought. My lateness makes me want to punch myself in the face at times and I apologise a hundred times to the human race for every person that has ever had to wait on me. Now, past and in the future. I am getting better, I swear.

Black Babooshka Cape & Turban / TSR Jersey mini insert / Pamela Mann tights / Jeffrey Campbell Boots 

I love these opportunity to commune with my readers and I do hope it is interesting for you to find out a bit about me other than my latest shoe obsession. 


If your name is below, it means you have been tagged and awarded the Stylish Blogger badge of honour. You know the rules and it would be very nice to hear seven things about yourselves. 

Make-up Addict  

Wardrobe Fetish  

Required 2 b Inspired  

Kennedy Holmes   

The Fashionista Next Door   

Electric Daze  

Country Girl Does Norfolk

Collections

Couture and Crumpets 

The Dusk Zone 

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Orange Liqueur

If you follow on twitter you know that I somewhat dealt with my Primark aversion this past week. The shirt the entire set is built around is from said shop and yes, before you ask, I bought more than the solitary shirt. Before you scorn, let me state my case. I almost think there is something immoral about clothing being available that cheap - it beggars the question 'who is profiting here' but the politics aside, I hate crowds of people and I hate queuing hence why I don't do Carnival and I would rather pay a bit extra to be fast-tracked on to the plane!

But I digress...I think I am totally in love with thinking of MCB as a magazine so tell me, do you like the latest Style Book offering? I have included snippets from some of my favourite poets such as Pablo Neruda, Eavan Bowland and Derek Mahon. There are also not one but 2 uniquely covet-able bag featured so get clicking on that magazine! BTW I shall be announcing the winner of my huge give-away tomorrow :)

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Tender Plants

Life threw me off kilter for a couple of days but I took it on the chin and made lemonade out of lemons. For a total control freak, such as myself, it is a daily learning curve to just accept what comes my way without the raging desire to tame it, mould it and direct it all in the same breath. But enough of that, it is Friday! The gate-way to rest & recuperation so to aid your relaxation further I give you lightness in the form of these images courtesy of the only photographer that manages to consistently stretch me to Himalayan heights. I swear I am only 5' 7"...

Babooshka Turban / TSR Floral Palazzo Pants / Topshop Lace Body / Muu Baa Leather Jacket / Christian Louboutin Sandals 

Have you entered my MEGA GIVEAWAY? If no, why not! For the impatient types, Babooshka is offering my dear readers a whopping 35% Discount. Code 

 'LUCKYVIP' 

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Fade to Black

School resumes today and I revert back to uniform black. I get used to time-off too easily but no need to cry as I know Easter break will soon be upon me. Not that I am wishing my life away or anything like that!

Day 3 of London Fashion Week and it would be an oversight not to mention it. I might not be in attendance but I get to live vicariously through these lovely lot below.

VESHOEVIUS / Fuyume / Frou Frou / Creative Idle

I also have to say the LFW streaming site is an absolute gem and I have managed to catch a number of shows live which makes me feel a little less outside the loop. Twitter has also held its own and here are my personal favourites for #LFW updates.

Fiona Pain / Sophy Robson / Mercedes Benz LFW / Katie Wright / Daphne Guinness / Laura Jlee / LFW /   Laurel Waldron

Bespoke Fringe leather Bag by Adeleshop / Black Jersey Dress by Rschone / Cropped Jumper by TSR / Shoes by Sam Edelman via Solestruck 

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Shared Focus

 
Paris was amazing. You would not believe that it is only my second visit with the ease I showed in navigating the subway but I guess I have the London tube system to thank for my ability to read any underground map put in front of me! Those following my domestic life on Twitter will already know about the MAJOR Parisian purchase I made at Bally yesterday which I shall be showcasing once the shock passes...

I have been excited yet apprehensive about shooting content since the move because even though I have lots of ideas I want to throw at you all space is a major issue. I am currently trying to persuade darling hubby to venture outside with me but as of yet he is not budging on this. In the meantime, I shall be introducing a new viewpoint - images of treasured items not necessarily to be found on my persons but don't worry I will still be found here posing as if I were 5' 10....

H&M top / Robot Ninjas Leather shorts / Etsy vintage necklace / Rare shoes via ASOS

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Maxi Preach

As I am off to Paris with my darling Mother-in-Law in the morning for a day of R&R in the form of shopping and champagne sipping, you would think I would be able to answer the simple question of what time I need to leave the house to get to St Pancras on time...

So while I get my head round the national rail website how about in the meanwhile I leave you with these images. Oh how I love the humble maxi skirts!

 TSR crop jumper / Charity shop maxi dress worn as a skirt / Stuart Weitzman open toe boots from Russell & Bromley

(Allo to my new blog-mates! THANK YOU for the follow, I promise I do normally make more sense than this but my brain is everywhere right about now. I should be settled in the new old house soon...)

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Broken Heels

Can you believe it is February already!? I am looking forward to the month for a number of reasons, one majorly exciting one that I refuse to talk about until it has happend....

It is the last week of rehearsal for Yerma. We open next week! I am still loving the rehearsal process and hope the performances itself builds positively on this. As a cast we have really gelled well and I am looking forward to after-show celebrations. One of which will be a perfume party I am planning for the female cast members. I am not exactly what this will entail as of yet (apart from perfume & champagne) but I am currently thinking of it as a mix between an Ann Summers Party & a Swish (neither of which I have ever attended)!

This is also an opportune moment to announce my imminent first ever GIVEAWAY. I am so lucky to have created a lively forum here and I see this as my way of saying thank you to all that participate. More details to follow including the lovely prizes on offer for my readers worldwide.

Charity shop cardie & cut-offs paired with a TSR top, ever trusty Dany's and a bag I picked up in Ecuador last summer.

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Black Swan

I tried to see the titled film last night but alas a tiny cinema and people that know what they are doing a week in advance kept me from achieving my objective. Never mind I thought, I will mosey on home and recreate my own fashionable drama...

Robot Ninjas Leather Cut-Out Box Sleeve Top
Beyond Black Dream Translucent Skirt
Scarlet Room Tube Dress (Insert)
Tristian Blair Essyit Buckle Heels

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Shiny Happy People

 

Exactly a week since we got back from our month long jaunts around the Americas and I am, thankfully, functioning normally again. It takes me a few days to get myself back on track but the transition has been aided by the lovely atmosphere at home coupled with the love of a good man.

September has always seemed like the start of the year for me and in previous years, the month has been regularly marked by new beginnings of some kind. This year instead of focusing on the things I am starting anew, I shall allow myself to enjoy the feeling of continuation. Committing to something new is the hardest act but once that very first step is taken, life carries you along providing all the resources you may need.

So, here is to being carried away by our dreams, hopes and prayers. 

To see Fever Ray I wore Black Milk 'Liquids' & Ribs Bodysuit with TSR Asymmetric Dress paired with my new Punkyfish Cardigan and my stupendously gorgeous Walter Steiger shoe-boots (check out the heel!!). I wrapped my hair up in a bunch of bendable necklaces I got from So Good whilst in New York.

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Feline Fantasy

I knew a guy called Marco once. He was a cobbler, one of those old school types. He had a shop in the random-est part of south London and I used to pop in to get my shoes re-heeled, as you do. We got chatting one day and it transpired that he made shoes to order. Yes, as in couture. I was sold, instantly. I placed an order for not one but 4 pairs. All I then had to do was take in a pair of well fitting shoes of mine (+ save up a serious amount of wedge/dough/readies) for him to make a last of, which he then used to construct my shoes.

One of the pairs he made me was the leopard skin beauty that you see below. I have had this for years but have actually never got round to wearing them. Yes, I have put them on my feet and paraded around my house on numerous occasions. I have shown them off to friends and family alike but still I have never stepped foot outside in them. Until now that is. They deserve to be worn, not just admired and I intend to do something about it!

Top: TSR
Shorts: Uniqlo
Shoes: Marco (made to measure)

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