Friday, 30 March 2018
I’m Loving This Trend for Spring March 30, 2018 at 12:45PM
Thursday, 29 March 2018
GWC Playlist: Workout Mode March 29, 2018 at 12:45PM
Now that I’m back in the gym, I’ve been using music as motivation to get through my workouts. Whether I’m taking a brisk walk with Kingston, getting my cardio on or lifting weights, I can always rely on great music to motivate me!
Here’s what’s currently on my Workout Mode playlist:
WMBW Travels – Eden Roc Miami Beach There really is only one way to open this post… ‘‘Party in the city where the heat is on… All night, on the beach till the break of dawn. Welcome to Miami, Bienvenidos a Miami. Bouncin’ in the club where the heat is on… All night, on the beach till the break of dawn. I’m goin’ to Miami… Welcome to Miami.” I’ve always wanted to visit Miami, and I’m not sure if that was because of Will Smith or Don Johnson. That’s right I’m old enough to remember the Original Miami Vice and James “Sonny” Crockett cruising the strip in his black Ferrari 365 Daytona wearing white suits and pastel shirts! What a vibe brother! Whatever it was, Miami has always had an allure of this incredible celebrity playground and I wanted to check it out! The Nobu Hotel Miami Beach invited us to come and spend a couple of nights with them and of course, we accepted. This hotel within a hotel concept is actually housed in the Eden Roc, a building steeped in Miami Beach history that dates back to 1956. Designed by flamboyant architect, Morris Lapidus ( famous for designing Saks Fifth Avenue and Macy’s) it quickly became a celebrity playground! The hotel has since gone through a couple of renovations and additions but the essence of that 1950’s grandeur remains. If you look close enough you can still find some pieces of the original hotel scattered throughout the lobby. Nobu Chef Matsuhisa has placed his signature style across the renovated Nobu Bar – layers of walnut, bronze, washi paper, linen, glass, and leather create a sumptuous, contemporary environment. The Hotel is situated right on the beachfront, so you merely have to cross the promenade that runs outside the hotel to find your toes in the sand. With just 3 days at the hotel, we only managed a couple of hours on the beach to lie in the sun and sip on some cold beers. Be warned though, in true Miami style (as we came to learn) they will charge you for anything at the beach beyond your lounger. This concept was completely bizarre to us, paying for the use of a beach umbrella at a beach resort is something we’ve never encountered and truth be told put a little damper on our beach time. The hotel has all the amenities you would expect from a beachside resort though, multiple pools, one of the best hotel fitness centres I have ever visited (it even offers group training classes) and of course the obligatory spa. The spa at the Nobu Hotel Miami Beach is beautiful, a myriad of corridors takes you into an incredibly relaxing lounge that then leads you on to your treatment. The whole feeling is pretty Zen, as you would expect from anything Nobu. Unfortunately, there had been some confusion with my Spa booking and after arriving 15min late to a 30min treatment, I was reprimanded and given a 10min treatment. This left me feeling very un-zen and a little more stressed leaving the spa than I felt arriving. Our room on the other hand totally exceeded our expectations and was quite literally jaw dropping from the moment we walked in. Our corner Zen Suite set high up in the hotel offered the most incredible 180 views across the ocean with side views of the bay. It was also one of the biggest suites we have ever stayed in with a massive king sized bed and an awesome mix of Japanese and contemporary touches. Nothing, however, could take away from those incredible sunset views. In stark contrast to the bright white bedrooms was the equally massive and moody bathrooms. Complete with double vanity, rain shower and bath, it was hands down the most luxurious stay of our trip. We absolutely loved the rooms at Nobu Hotel Miami Beach. Together with its multiple pools and poolside bars are multiple dining options. The crowning glory is, of course, Nobu Miami. With such a short amount of time at the hotel, we unfortunately never managed to give Nobu a try but did manage a quick lunch at their poolside restaurant known as ‘Splash’. Splash by Malibu Farms offers a farm to table experience right next to the main pool. It’s really simple and casual dining with a healthy twist. We brought what was left of our beer bucket back from the beach and enjoyed some pizza and burgers el fresco! Perfect for a sunny Miami day! We decided to go completely different and ordered the Corn pizza with BBQ Roast Chicken – here the traditional tomato sauce was substituted for Crème Fraiche and local Ricotta cheese to make for a really interesting combination. The Chicken Ricotta burger on a brioche bun was a fresh alternative that totally hit the spot with a beer. The real winner though was our salted caramel ice cream sandwich. A perfect way to end a lunch in the sun! I feel like 3 days in Miami went by in a flash and really didn’t give us enough time to cover it all. We managed to catch the hop on hop off bus tour (which stops just outside the hotel) to get a taste of the neighbourhoods and history of Miami but felt like you really needed to dig deep to get away from the tourist traps trying to nickel and dime you at every turn. We loved our little exploration of the Wynwood Arts District and wish we had more time to find the hidden gems. Stumbling on to Coyo-Taco was a godsend for two starving travellers as we relived our time in Mexico over some pastor tacos, esquite’s and Margaritas! Definitely worth a visit! Our first Cubano experience at Puerto Sagua didn’t disappoint and it’s no surprise this late night spot is such an institution! My mouth still waters thinking of that sandwich – we loved it so much we nearly missed our flight getting a Cubano on the way to the airport! There’s definitely a lot to see and do in Miami, but you need the time to find it all and 3 days just wont cut it! The Nobo Hotel Miami Beach is definitely the perfect base to explore it all from. Situated on Collins Avenue you’re a stone’s throw from the strip and have quick access to the 195 taking you into downtown. If you’re looking to “Party in the city where the heat is on. All night, on the beach till the break of dawn” then this is a great location to do it from. Okay. Travel safe and stay fancy. whatmyboyfriendwore
Wednesday, 28 March 2018
How I Bounced Back After Having My Daughter March 28, 2018 at 12:45PM
While I enjoyed strength training and rehabbing a few injuries in 2016, I took the entire year off from working out in 2017 since I was pregnant the majority of the year, and to be honest, I was in relaxation mode and just didn’t feel like working out! This year though, Dave and I have been making a conscious effort to lead an overall healthier lifestyle, so now that Mina is three months and my body has recovered from giving birth, I’m recently back in the gym and loving it!
As I’ve mentioned in the past, I used to be an avid runner, but had to stop due to injured knees. It was a huge blow at first, but it eventually led me to rehabbing my injuries through strength training, which has been really transformative for my body, mindset and overall approach to exercising.
I was lucky to bounce back pretty quickly from this pregnancy, having lost half of the 31 pounds of baby weight immediately after giving birth, and the other half over the past 3 months by cooking the majority of my meals at home vs. eating takeout 1-2 times per day like I used to. My biggest takeaway, other than home cooked meals containing less fat than restaurant food in general, is that cooking meals at home helps keep my cravings at bay, plus I feel great being able to control exactly what’s in my food since I’m cooking it in my own kitchen. Aside from losing the baby weight before venturing back into the gym, my doctor says the prior strength training really paid off this time around, allowing me to get active much faster this time, compared to when I had Narayan and I hadn’t worked out at all since my knee injuries 4 years prior.
With Mina sleeping longer, which in turn allows me to get more sleep, I’m making time to workout a couple times a week strength training. Right now I’m focusing a lot on squats, deadlifts, lunges and planks in order to strengthen my core, as well as the muscle around my knees so I can accomplish my goal of being able to jog a couple miles a day. As with any type of workout, having the right shoes is just as important as form, so when HOKA asked if I wanted to try their FLY Collection, I couldn’t wait to take a pair for a spin in the gym and a light jog!
The FLY collection is designed for fitness enthusiasts like me, who workout in a variety of ways, in addition to running. I put the Cavu style to the test during my first trip back to the gym and was so impressed — not only are they the most lightweight workout shoes I’ve ever owned, but they have responsive, ‘intelligent’ PROFLY cushioning, making them softer in the heel for shock absorption, which is super important while running. They also come in a variety of bold color combos, making it fun to get dressed for workouts (because as I always say, when you look good you feel good)!
What I noticed immediately during my first jog was how smooth the ride felt, even on rough terrain — I’ve never felt so quick and light on my feet! Now that I have the right shoes, I can’t wait to increase the frequency of my workouts and start jogging regularly!
Tuesday, 27 March 2018
48 Hours in Mexico City
I do quite a bit of traveling, which I am so grateful for, and I always look forward to that moment I arrive in a new city only to be completely in awe of its ins and outs, and Mexico City was no exception. In fact, it was somehow even more marvelous and special then I imagined it could be.
While I spent a short amount of time there, I still wanted to compile a list for you all because I got the best recommendations from all of you! So without further ado, here is how I plan to spend my next 48 hours in Mexico City:
Start with lunch at Lardo. While I only had dinner there (which was amazing) I heard that brunch or lunch there is even better, plus the place is so pretty you’ll want to take a picture.
Rent a bike (biking in this city is so fun!), then head over to tour the home and studio of Luis Barragan. The architecture looks so stunning. And while you are in the neighborhood, make sure to swing by some of the other cool art galleries, including Kurimanzutto. Then if you’re still in an art mood, walk over to the Tamayo Contemporary art museum. Finish your day at the stunning Rosetta for dinner.
For day 2, wake up early and head to Maximo Bistrot for a bite and some coffee. The head over to tour Frida Kahlo’s home. It’s so inspiring to see the way this strong female creator lived and worked. Next, catch a car over to Museo Jumex, this was by far my favorite museum I visited. The travertine walls alone had me wanting to redesign my home. While you’re there check out the equally beautiful Soumaya Museum. After you’re done viewing some more art (who can complain?!) feel free to wander around the neighborhood and do some shopping (I’ve heard its the best in the city). Then catch a last dinner at the critically acclaimed Pujol, I haven’t personally been but it looks amazing!
Some more restaurants worth mentioning:
The post 48 Hours in Mexico City appeared first on Wide Eyed Legless.
MadelynnThe Australian Designers Everyone Should Know About The post The Australian Designers Everyone Should Know About appeared first on CHRONICLES OF HER. Carmen Hamilton
Monday, 26 March 2018
Chinatown with Stuart Weitzman
I have officially lived in LA for three months now! My, how time flies! And now that I am mostly settled into my new place and neighborhood, I have started exploring other parts of the city.
Recently a friend asked if I wanted to grab lunch in Chinatown and do a bit of vintage shopping, and of course, I jumped at the chance. It was also the perfect opportunity to test out my new Stuart Weitzman studded loafers.
By now you all probably know how much of a fan I am of a good ankle boot, so it has been a nice change of pace to style some cool loafers. I love how comfortable this SW pair is and the punch of the gold heel is a total deal maker in my book!
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MadelynnPeony Lim in Chanel couture: watch our sublime, surreal video now
The Chanel SS18 couture collection and style icon Peony Lim are pretty much the perfect match. Watch her in our fabulously floral, surreal video below to find out how to 'think couture', with flowers you won't find in her house - and some pretty un-couture dance moves...
Have you ever dreamed about spending a day in Chanel‘s inner sanctum, trying on couture dresses and pretending to be a couture model from the 1950s? (If you haven’t, get help now). We decided to make the dream a reality via the petite, red-lip-loving medium of someone who inspires us with every Instagram post – Peony Lim. She’s beautiful, impeccably stylish and regularly tops best fashion blogs lists. She’s also impressively knowledgeable about all things artistic (she studied Art History at the Courtauld in her pre-influencer life). And that’s before we get started on her ability to pull off cat ears while still looking totally couture. Luckily for all concerned, she’s funny with it – otherwise, we just couldn’t bear it. At the Chanel apartment in London – which is a bit like being in Coco’s Rue Cambon original, complete with a replica of the famous coromandel screens – we let her loose with some of the most exquisite pieces of workmanship known to woman, AKA the SS18 couture collection.
The show in January featured a verdant, flower-filled set inspired by the Jardins des Tuileries, echoing the floral abundance of the looks themselves. Flower prints, appliqued petals… and tiny headpieces with veils. In between practising her ‘walk like an Egyptian’ dance moves, we gave Peony a couture grilling on the little things that make life prettier.
“I love the vulnerability, and the impermanence of flowers,” she says. “I love to have them everywhere. Roses, orchids, violets, tulips, daisies…My favourites? Peonies, because of my name. But only white and pink, never yellow.” (Who knew?)
How often do you buy them? “I like buying flowering plants – they can last two months if you look after them. That’s the ultimate luxury to me, the couture of flowers if you like.”
Favourite colours to wear? “Blue, grey, black – I want to say pink because it’s fun, but I actually never wear it”.
If you could own just one piece of couture, what would it be? “I’m tempted to say something I’d wear a lot, like a tweed jumpsuit Chanel did last season. But really, I’d go for it – the most drop-dead dress, with all the flowers, all the feathers, tulle tulle tulle…”
And where would you wear it? “I would actually probably go and have a McDonald’s.”
10 things that make you feel couture? “Earl Grey tea, red lipstick, getting the weekend papers, hardback books, all the cakes, all the patisserie, clean sheets, my dog, open fires, dim sum.”
While you mull your own list, watch our video below for some seriously surreal and beautiful inspiration…
The post Peony Lim in Chanel couture: watch our sublime, surreal video now appeared first on Marie Claire.
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The Ultimate Must-Have for Multitasking Moms March 26, 2018 at 12:45PM
The best face serum that’ll give you a truly gorgeous glow
The fastest way to give your skin a moisture hit? Add a serum into your skincare regime
With roots in Japanese beauty, the best face serum will deliver a more potent dose of hydration and anti-ageing benefits to skin than your best moisturiser.
Lighter than face creams, they contain a higher concentration of essential oils and active ingredients, and the smaller molecules can penetrate the skin much deeper than a heavier cream.
They can also help combat a number of different skin issues, such as dullness, wrinkles and pigmentation. Once you’re done applying the best face serum, be sure to follow up with one of the best moisturisers for dry skin, or one of the best moisturisers for oily skin, depending on your skin type.
So which ingredients should you be looking out for? Hyaluronic acid is an incredibly hydrating ingredient, which holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water, so it will be a key ingredient in many moisturising skin products – including some of the best serums.
Meanwhile Vitamin C is vital in collagen synthesis, making it a key ingredient in many anti-ageing serums. Then there are natural ingredients like avocado oil and white tea, known for their anti-ageing properties.
Best anti-ageing serum
There are serums that will help protect and prevent wrinkles and lines in the early stages. There are those that will stop time in its place. And a few of the very best can almost turn back the hands of time.
Anti-ageing products, particularly those with antioxidants, can be used as early as in your 20s, but the most important thing is to use anti-ageing products that are appropriate for your skin type.
If you’re acne-prone, look for vitamin C. If you have dry skin, look for vitamin E. And if your skin appears dull, look for antioxidants, which will help protect your skin from free radicals, such as pollution. Keep an eye out for Clarins Double Serum Complete Age Control, one of our favourite anti-ageing serums out there.
The post The best face serum that’ll give you a truly gorgeous glow appeared first on Marie Claire.
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Jeans For Under $150 That You’ll Wear Every Day I asked, you provided. Butt, meet your new favourite jeans. New favourite jeans, meet my butt. The ingredients list for my favourite pair of jeans is as follows: snug but not suffocatingly so, friendly with my ankles but not too long, flattering to my toosh, versatile in regards to easily taking an outfit from day-to-night, and no flourishes or embellishments that will render them outdated in a couple of years. (In other words, timeless). Oh, and in this case, I wanted all that for under $150. I ask a lot, don’t I? For almost three decades, it felt like my sole purpose in life was to find the perfect pair of jeans. Prior to the creation of this beautiful collaborative list, it felt like it was a never-ending quest; one that was going to stay with me until I was old and grey. Things are looking a little sunnier in the post-list world, because you, benevolent readers, have done the hard work for me. Below, the best jeans for under $150. Words: @madw0n The post Jeans For Under $150 That You’ll Wear Every Day appeared first on CHRONICLES OF HER. Maddy Woon
Sunday, 25 March 2018
Blazers and Blue Jeans Wearing: Georgia Alice blazer, 3×1 jeans, Mari Giudicelli mules Nothing beats a classic style combination like a blazer and denim. Love this Georgia Alice blazer with its subtle blue fine lines through the check, which goes with blue jeans perfectly. Photos by Ana Sunday-Tanedo Harper and Harley
My 5 Minute Make-Up Look (Paris Fashion Week Edition) The post My 5 Minute Make-Up Look (Paris Fashion Week Edition) appeared first on CHRONICLES OF HER. Carmen Hamilton
Friday, 23 March 2018
The Ultimate Wedding Season Style Guide March 23, 2018 at 12:45PM
Thursday, 22 March 2018
spring in paris March 22, 2018 at 05:57PM
Wednesday, 21 March 2018
little winter escapes (at Los Angeles, California)
little winter escapes (at Los Angeles, California)
WMBW Reviews – Inscribe Wallets Pro When Inscribe Wallets Pro asked me to review their ‘Journal Wallet’ I was a little sceptical? When I need to remember something I usually just text it to myself or write a note on my phone – well, type a note really my handwriting has gotten progressively worse over all these non-writing years. I mean, when was the last time you wrote something down? I mean physically picked up a pen and wrote something on a piece of paper? Cant remember? Yeah, me neither. The art of writing is all but lost, and with it the art of journaling – You know, just noting down thoughts, ideas, sketches etc etc. We don’t do that anymore, do we? And if we do it’s usually on a random piece of paper somewhere…somwhere…hmmm…now where did I put that!? This was the problem founder Salem was trying to overcome. As a writer sketcher himself he tired of carrying around notebooks and losing pens so designed an all in one solution of a journal and wallet you could always have on you. Seems like a real chicken and egg situation that – Where do you sketch the design for a journal that allows you to make sketches before you have it? He got busy in his hometown of San Luis Obispo ( apparently the happiest city in America -according to Oprah) with local artisan sewers and leather makers to finalise his prototype before sticking it on Kickstarter. Needless to say, there was a massive need for a product like this and the campaign was quickly funded! The rest as they say his history. I decided I would give it a try for a day, dumping all my credit cards and cash into my Inscribe Wallet Pro before leaving the house in the morning. It didn’t really take up much more space than my regular wallet and sat pretty flat and compact in my jacket pocket. The wallet holds 2 cards that are easily accessible on the outside together with further storage for cards and cash in the RFID safe main compartment. The 32-page journal is the same size as a Moleskine Volante notebook and slides right into the back. The pen slides into a dedicated sleeve in the main compartment so that its always at hand – Both the pen and notebooks are refillable. Personally, I liked the attention to detail with the logo insignia on all the individual elements. I’m busy working on a new men’s accessory line so have really been in ‘idea’ mode lately coming up with different concepts and designs. Most of the ideas have been fleeting and the good ones have just been filed in the back of my head – I’ve truly written nothing down. I decided I would use this opportunity and get to work sketching and writing over a cup of coffee. I really made a difference. Seeing your ideas written down really makes you see things clearer and inevitably brings on more ideas. In the middle of all of this, I received a call and that’s when the Inscribe Wallet Pro really fell into place. I’ve been in so many situations where I need to jot down a number or e-mail address off a phone call and have nowhere to do so. This made having a journal and pen at hand invaluable. When I was done, I slipped out some cash, stashed the new business card I had received earlier into the wallet and I was off, ideas in hand! Later that night I went through it all again and it just made such a difference having something physical to hold. I really ended up using it a lot more than anticipated. The guys at Inscribe Wallets Pro believe that they are in the app business, just that their apps are physical. Not because they are anti-technology, but because they believe writing is a much more efficient strategy than typing. In the end, I have to agree, I found it so much easier to quickly jot something down rather than wrestling with my predictive text and miniature keyboard to take a note. Besides, in a world where we are constantly connected, the little screen break can be quite refreshing. If you’re the guy with 1000 ideas running through your head all day (or know someone who is) then this is the perfect addition to your “everyday carry”. The team at Inscribe Wallets Pro are offering the first 25 Readers a 25% discount with coupon code “25 Boyfriend” – Be quick though, with fathers day approaching I think this will go fast. Okay. Stay Fancy. whatmyboyfriendwore
The Spring Top You Need to Try ASAP March 21, 2018 at 12:45PM
Tuesday, 20 March 2018
Beauty Insider: Whats Currently in My Makeup Bag
I don’t talk enough about beauty on here, but as I get older I am seeing that I am spending more time considering and trying out different products, so let’s change that! I tend to keep my day to day makeup super minimal. I love the look of perfect skin, bold brows and dewy cheeks. For night I will throw on a lip color or a winged liner (but rarely do I do both!)
So without further ado, here is a round-up of my favorite products of the moment!
The post Beauty Insider: Whats Currently in My Makeup Bag appeared first on Wide Eyed Legless.
MadelynnMonday, 19 March 2018
skin deep March 19, 2018 at 03:48PM
Veuve Clicquot Masters Polo 2018 Now in its 8th year running the VC Masters Polo remains our favourite social event of the year. Every year we arrive earlier and leave later in the hopes of squeezing in a little more fun and another glass of champagne. These days never disappoint, but with free-flowing champagne, all day long how could they right? – We take the #CliquotInTheSun incredibly seriously and try to maintain a steady pace : ) As always no detail is spared and the entire event is perfectly curated, from the live fashion show to the fast-paced polo they never miss a beat! Generally, as the days lead up to the Polo, I often start getting emails and messages from friends and followers wanting to know what to wear on the day. In order to make things a little easier for 2019 I thought I would dispense a few tips and tricks I use. Dressing for any outdoor event can be tricky, especially in the middle of summer, so there are a few things to consider. Firstly, if there’s a theme let that guide you. When it comes to themes I always think its better to make the effort – I would much rather be the only person appropriately dressed, then the only one not. The 2018 theme was “Cape Town Summer’ so I interpreted it as bright colors! Not surprisingly it was a scorcher of a day so naturally I chose to go with a 3 piece suit – it’s a small price to pay for looking dapper I guess. There was, however, some method in my madness. If I got hot I could just slip that jacket right off, roll up my sleeves and let the waistcoat do all the work of keeping the outfit together. I decided on this bright blue suit from River Island. Not only did I feel the blue was a perfect fit for the “Cape Town Summer” theme but because the suit is mostly cotton and linen it will be very breathable in the heat – Natural fabrics should always be your go-to choice for summer. To contrast the blue and pay homage to Veuve Clicquot I decided on some orange accents. The brown shirt and tie, pair perfectly with both the blue and orange leaving the tan shoes to fall perfectly in between somewhere. And just like that, …you’re dressed for the polo!! I’ll be putting some links at the bottom of the article with all the items. Now that you’re looking the part it’s time to get down to the sport of kings! Now I said this in my last VC Master Polo post, but it’s worth saying again. If you haven’t seen a live polo match you haven’t lived! The speed at which these guys move around on those horses is no joke…in fact, I don’t know if I’m more impressed by the horse or the rider to be honest. The main match featured top South African national players Tom de Bruin, Le Roux Hendriks and Jabulani Khanyile. With a burst of energy in the last minute, Team Vodacom took the main match against Team Veuve Clicquot with a final score of 10 to 9. We were also treated to a game of bicycle polo..which, needless to say, is a little slower…and not nearly as impressive. Nice bikes though! Setting the tone for fashion at the 2018 Veuve Clicquot Masters Polo, was menswear designer Carducci. There was a definite 90’s feel to the collection with oversized pants and single button double-breasted blazers definitely standing out for me. Fashion at the VC Masters Polo is almost as important as the match and every year the standard gets higher. Menzi Mcunu was killing it with his unique Afro Dandy style while my man Anesu Chogugudza joined me in a little peaky blinders edit. Unfortunately, neither of us made the “best-dressed list” and the honours went to Zola Msizi in a killer pale pink 3-piece suit. And just like that, the sun set, the bar closed and we found ourselves heading back wishing we had stayed longer. Apparently, there was a massive pink cake! Can’t believe we missed the cake! I love cake! Will have to arrive earlier and stay even later next year. Hope it comes quickly! As promised, here are some links to the look above: Get suit here Get shirt here (It’s bespoke but that’s what they do) Get tie here Get similar pocket square here Get similar shoes here Okay. Stay Fancy. whatmyboyfriendwore
5 Makeup Hacks Everyone Should Know March 19, 2018 at 12:45PM
No matter what your makeup routine, in my opinion, you can always add some pro polish to your process. Over the years, I’ve picked up some great tricks from the makeup artists I’ve worked with on shoots, each of which can make a big difference in your overall appearance, whether you’re going to be in front of the camera or just want to take your everyday look up a notch.
From a quick trick for perfecting your hairline to an easy way to instantly brighten your eyes, here are the five makeup hacks I live by: