It has been a while since I danced my socks off especially to the nostalgic beat of hit songs such as Madonna’s Express Yourself. The latter, I did indeed and so proudly at an event hosted by Jo Manoukian, owner of Jo’s Dance, and Darcey Burcell from Strictly Come Dancing in support of Women for Women UK #SheInspiresMe Dance campaign. What a better way to entertain guests, than at the historical Cafe De Paris on Wednesday 25th January – a spacious venue that accommodated the activities throughout the evening rather perfectly. To kickstart the event, cocktails and canapés were served during a light-hearted reception. I, finally, got to meet the Women for Women UK team including Jenny Rose, Emma Thomson, and Brita Fernandez Schmidt. Such women are an inspiration and a reminder of the immense support network surrounding women survivors of war who are deprived of their own free will.
Before the much-anticipated dance session and surprise dance-off, Brita shared her experience of Congo with guests, in the form of a welcome speech, which was so vivid and rich in expression that I felt like I was in Congo face to face with a helpless woman in need of support. This part of the evening was indeed the ‘calm before the storm’ until an instructor from Jo’s Dance had everyone dancing to a number of dance routines which consisted of butt-shaking, twerking, waving our hands and legs energetically in the air, and doing the electric slide so it seemed. The atmosphere was full of energy from which everyone was highly charged. This would have to be one of the most enjoyable fundraising events I have been to, and more exciting than a gala dinner which Jo did not want to do (as per our telephone interview before the event) in support of the #SheInspiresMe campaign. There was a raffle on the night also and an opportunity to sign up to Women for Women International’s 12-month program. Lastly, I felt elevated after attending #SheInspiresMe Dance. I lost my stepfather just before Christmas so the desire to engage in dance has not been on my mind. Nonetheless, this event really did inspire me to dance having uplifted my party spirit in addition to making me feel happier in myself through such a difficult time.
She Inspires Me Dance
She Inspires Me Dance
She Inspires Me Dance
Written by @Styleiconnat | The Lifestyle Collective – “A Unique Expression of A Creative Power” | Images My Own
How would you define your style? Are you a lover of vintage? Perhaps, you have a more understated way of dressing or prefer to throw everything into the mix. With an innate appreciation for style as opposed to being a follower of fashion alone, you may instinctively find a way to recreate a seasonal trend so as to personalise it. For the most part, we adopt a particular style of dress to reflect our personality; hence, why such brands as S9 Muses have instant appeal.
Dare to be a little different rather than frequently wear the same designer. More often than not, when I attend industry events, someone will always ask me, “Where did you get your outfit from?” and then look rather perplexed if I say “The high-street”. Allow yourself to be innovative and spontaneous with your fashion choices. You will soon develop a knack for styling a particular item in more ways than one, without it looking as though it has been freshly handpicked from the high street or runway.
I recently attended a fundraising event in support of Women for Women UK and their current #SheInspiresMe campaign. There was not a particular dress code other than to wear something comfortable. I have been a fan of S9 Muses for a while, who are curators in fashion offering an eclectic mix of attire suitable for all occasions. I also appreciate the values which S9 Muses believe in. Brand integrity forms the basis of their ethos, which stemmed from a mutual interest in sustainable fashion between two friends originally from Thika, Kenya, and now settled in London. Each collection from S9 Muses offers a unique craftsmanship rooted in all forms of handwork and the use of vibrant colours and textures for which Indian fashion is significantly known. Furthermore, for those of us who appreciate non-conventional pieces, S9 Muses carefully source items that naturally suit fearless personalities who strive to empower through their style rather than to blend in. For this reason, it is highly unlikely you will ever have a “B*%$! Stole My Style” moment wearing a piece from S9 Muses as they are pretty exclusive. Then again, originals are often copied.
Maira Earrings From S9 Muses
S9 Muses
Women for Women UK – Darcey Bussell From Strictly Come Dancing & Style Icon Nat
I danced the night away at the #SheInspiresMe Dance event wearing a beautiful pair of earrings by MAIRA from S9 Muses. It was a relief not to end the night one earring down considering the energetic dance session. Nothing beats quality accessories to compliment an outfit. S9 Muses will be hosting a pop-up shop on Saturday, 18th February 2017 at Laura Ashley The Manor, Barnet Lane, Elstree, WD6 3RE. They are worth visiting if you fancy something tasteful, ethically made and timeless for your wardrobe.
Written by @Styleiconnat | The Lifestyle Collective – “A Unique Expression of A Creative Power” | Images My Own | Product from www.s9muses.com
With the number of humanitarian crises on the rise globally, we owe it to ourselves to remain politically and economically aware of current affairs profoundly impacting our lives day by day. Nowadays, our TV screens are dominated by reality TV but the true reality is, there is an abundance of cruel suffering around the world amongst those who live in a society where freedom of speech does not exist, their mere existence is to simply survive for their families. This painful reality is not something regularly promoted on TV. It is far from entertaining but real and hits a nerve in us all that somewhere over a seemingly hopeful rainbow, there are many unfortunate souls on the other side who just want to be heard and set free from their silent pain. To the contrary, what is so inspiring and gives hope is that there are organisations, and individuals who have enough influence to make a difference to those who are fighting in silence for survival. That said, as part of an empowering international campaign named #SheInspiresMe Dance, Women for Women International established in 1993, have teamed up with Jo Manoukian, owner of Jo’s Dance and a Women for Women International supporter, to host a star-studded evening of dance and fundraising, on 25th January 2017 at Cafe de Paris in London, incorporating dance as a means of self-expression.
Women for Women International have supported 447,000 of the most socially excluded women survivors of war in such countries has Afghanistan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Kosovo, Iraq, Rwanda and South Sudan.
There is an urgent need to support women survivors of war which is proving to be an ongoing battle. Just recently, I watched a very moving documentary on BBC Three about Yezidi women fighting against ISIS on the frontline. Such women have faced extreme violence such as rape and witnessed their families being slaughtered right before their very eyes. Why did I choose to watch this instead of Celebrity Big Brother? Because, I have a constant need to educate my mind about the current state of the world which will, without a doubt, affect the future of our children.
In order to learn more about #SheInspiresMe Dance, I managed to secure a telephone interview with Jo considering her hectic schedule. I felt pretty inspired after our chat. Born and raised in Newport, Wales, Jo comes from a working-class background. Jo admits it was tough at times due to the financial struggles with which both Jo and her peers were up against. Jo is now a proud mother of four children. She always had a passion for dance which began as a form of exercise having “evolved organically” into classes that her close friends soon attended. Over a lunch meeting with Brita Fernandez -Schmidt, Executive Director Women for Women International – UK, #SheInspiresMe Dance was born. There was a natural synergy between the ethos of Women for Women International, being to educate women and provide them with confidence, and Jo’s creative vision to develop self-confidence through such a skill as dance.
From Jo’s experience as a dance instructor, dance is “like therapy” to a lot of women who attend her classes consisting of a diverse mix of women from different professional backgrounds. According to Jo, her dance classes help “women to have control over their lives who are the force behind encouraging the family” This can only be done with confidence which #SheInspiresMe Dance promotes. Jo mentioned one raw truth in particular that made me feel so grateful for the simple things in life – good times with friends and family – being that many women in war-inflicted countries are “dehumanised never knowing what they are entitled to, not having the freedom to be their own person” These touching words make you feel even more determined to support such a wonderful cause. Through Women for Women International’s 12-month program, women learn about their rights, as well as key life, vocational and business skills to break down the many barriers caused by poverty.
#SheInspiresMe Dance will feature an exclusive dance experience taught by skilled instructors of West London dance studio Jo’s Dance. Guests will enjoy a drinks reception and canapés. Tickets cost £200 and proceeds raised from this event will support Women for Women International’s work with women in some of the world’s most violently threatening countries. Click HERE to find out more about the event and to purchase tickets.
“Dance is such a wonderful way of celebrating life and expressing our individuality. Often when I travel to Africa, women will greet me with a song and dance. And I always think how powerful it could be if we all danced more – and now thanks to Jo we will and the funds raised from this remarkable evening will support the inspirational women in our programmes in countries affected by conflict across the world; providing the crucial support, practical skills and knowledge to inspire change” Brita Fernandez Schmidt, Executive Director Women for Women International – UK
Choosing the right wardrobe pieces in which to invest comes down to personal taste. Some of us can’t live without the latest It bag and, of course, we all need a warm winter coat and a fabulous pair of boots if our budget permits. Nonetheless, I would not rule out a classic shirt, be it tailored or slouchy, simply because it is such a practical wardrobe staple. Depending on your style you may opt for a more traditional shirt with a simple collar or one that is more on trend like the ruffled shirt. Either way, a good quality shirt in terms of fabric composition particularly is a wise investment owing to being versatile, trans-seasonal, timeless and affordable.
In the past, I have always purchased a classic white shirt, which tends to work well with a pair of jeans. This season, I have replenished my wardrobe with a beautiful shirt from Ilk by Shikha and Vinita. Ilk, meaning clan, has a signature style of handmade textures and oozes an effortlessly youthful look. The style of shirt I have is different to what I usually wear. It is slouchy in fit feeling comfortable and incredibly soft against my skin. The colour combination is fun – navy blue with vertical red flower appliqué embroidery. I recently attended an event hosted by Angelo Galasso having teamed my Ilk shirt with a red skating skirt that accentuated the red embroidery. Conveniently, the shirt is made from moss crepe feeling lightweight, but warm enough to wear without a cardigan or jacket.
Styleiconnat Wearing Ilk
My classic sense of style influenced this outfit choice, but for a quirky/fun twist zoom in on details that feature a pop of colour, contrasting texture or print in order to create a dynamic look. My Ilk shirt is here for the long haul for this very reason. You can find more pieces from the Ilk collection on S9 Muses online store Use promotional code: S9STYLEICON at checkout, which is valid until the 28th February 2017, to qualify to enter the raffle prize draw. You can be the winner of this beautiful scarf made in Khadi cotton from House of Wandering Silk. The winner will be announced on 1st March 2017.
House of Wandering Silk
Written by @Styleiconnat | The Lifestyle Collective – “A unique expression of a creative power” | Product Image by www.s9muses.com
