These Streets will make you feel brand new...

I love a good bit of street art! The appeal? The unpredictability, the creativity, the grittiness...and when done well, it really can reach out and er, touch your soul if you know what I mean?
So when my friend Daniel (who happens to also be an amazing photographer), told me about a tunnel that he had recently discovered, packed with the coolest graffiti, well we had to go and check it out and of course dress for the occasion.

The results...

                                                                     
Pleather Dunagrees: H&M, Flatforms: H&M, Bomber Jacket:Zara, Bag: Accessorize, Sunglasses: H&M.

Happy 2015!

I mean, really, it's 2015!! 

I do get like this every January, you know, excited but 'nervous', anyone else with me?

Anyway, yesterday, at approximately 12.30, there I was, in bed scrolling through my Instagram feed when I stumbled across a post from my lovely friend Erika. She has posted a photo with the #Day100, part of the #100HappyDay challenge.

For those of you who haven't got a clue what i'm on about, the #100HappyDay challenge is where you post a picture that makes/made you happy that day, for 100 days in a row. It can literally be anything - a picture of shoes you own/swooning over, an inspirational photo or quote, magazines, a great night out with friends, family or that special someone.... 

Unlike the 71% of  people have taken up this challenge and have failed, due to 'lake of time', my fabulous friend was not one of them. For 100 days she posted a whole bunch of incredibly cute, and tres chic pictures on her instagram.

When I asked her what she got out of it, she said the main thing was a simple reminder of how lucky she is to have the life she has, and the amazing feeling that smallest things can give you pleasure.

This got me thinking, how in this bumpy road called life we are all guilty of forgetting how things could really/have been worse (guilty as charged!) but by simply taking a few minutes out of our super-busy days to remember this, well it really doesn't cost a thang!

So yes, you've guessed it, i've decided I am going to take up the #100HappyDays Challenge. 

Today was my first day:

So keep an eye on my instagram: Shoe_na for my #100HappyDays photos.

So, there you go. I don't plan on giving up and if anyone is up for taking on this challenge with me, then please let me know.

Eeek. Wish me luck!

Hello #NextmasWishlist

I am the queen of writing lists the best part of the year, but 'Tis the season for LISTS, right? I have all kinds of lists coming out of my ears! To-do lists (work and social), and of course wish lists. So when an email with the subject header '#NextmasWishlist' landed in my inbox, I was keen to find out what it was all about.

So here's the deal, Next are currently running a blogger competition where you can win one random item from your #NextmasWishlist.

Now as I like to keep it real, Next isn't some where I shop often, and that's simply because my 'dress code' for my work and play is more glam-casual, rather than formal. But I will say this, in recent weeks I have spotted lots of  'wow that is from Next pieces', (hello, yummy, faux fur cape), in mags, blogs, social media etc, so compiling my #NextmasWishlist was a pretty, darn easy! My top picks are all fab pieces for the party season and beyond.

Check out my list below.

House of Shoena (HOS) photoshoot

Last month, I jumped on a bus, tube, and train armed with a suitcase, a bag of healthy-ish snacks and headed to South East London to meet one very stylish photographer, and two gorgeous models at 69 drops Studio for the latest House of Shoena shoot.

We shot 15 key looks, ranging from day to evening wear, whilst listening to old skool R&B and Hip Hop (Hello, Aayliah, Biggie and Faith Evans).

Along with writing, styling is my PASSION, so I was in my element on this shoot (and on every shoot). This was a mini shoot, but I am planning a bigger shoot probably in the new year (eeekkk! how is it almost the end of 2014?!)

As I mentioned HERE, HOS is due to go live on 22nd November. All products are a mixture vintage, pre-owned items and samples, and prices are all very purse friendly!

Below are a few snaps from the shoot. If you follow me on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook you will have seen some of these pics. Thank you for all the love!!

I'm happy to say that some of the products have already been sold before the HOS relaunch. :)


Which items are you fave?

SKIRT SOLD

SOLD 

PONCHO SOLD

Me with the HOS team

Getting my Faux on.....

OK, so despite the random sunny day in OCTOBER today, I have been browsing the web for all things faux fur. As a big lover for things faux fur, I love to update my wardrobe(s) every season with faux fur gems, and Nasty Gal (one of my fave online stores), well they just have sooo many yummy faux coats, scarfs, gillets... Ahhhh!!

Currently swooning over the items below.

Exciting news!

Helloooo,

How are we all?

So I have some news. I am excited to announce that my little online shop HOS (House of Shoena), is coming back. For those who have puzzled faces and do not have a clue about what I'm on about, allow me to bring you up to speed.

HOS is my online little shop that launched back in 2012, offering pre-owned gems, vintages pieces and one of a kind designs from up and coming designers.

Due to freelancing commitments as well as other reasons, I had to press the pause button on HOS, but now I can press play (sorry, I couldn't resist the pun), and HOS will be live at the end of October.

In 2 weeks I will be heading down to a uber-stylish studio, with a suitcase full of lust-have items, two gorgeous models and the coolest photographer to do a mini photo shoot. I love working on shoots as I am able to spread my creative wings (beyond writing).  I haven't had the chance to do much styling this year so I am very,very excited! So much so my stomach is doing back flips.

I also want to take a minute and give a BIG shout out to all the models who were involved in previous HOS shoots, both photographers (Pete Fallan and Burd Boy),  the make up artists and anyone who helped me make HOS happen!!! Through HOS I am able to fulfil my love for styling and and hopefully offer some style-spiration.

I will be doing the social media thang on the day of the shoot so be sure to keep your eyes peeled.  Until then I have rounded up a selection of photos from previous shoots.

Enjoy! x

Let's Talk Transeasonal Dressing

Hot one minute, warm the next, if you are finding dressing for the current weather just a little tricky then fear not, I'm here to give you the low down on what we call in fashion: transeasonal dressing.

Transeasonal (or Trans) fashion are the go-to pieces that bridge the gap between seasons. Think lightweight knitwear, sleeveless cover-ups and the must-have outerwear piece of the moment - the Duster coat. These gems can be slipped on over summer dresses, playsuits, tees, etc and are oh-so- stylish!

Key trans items have already landed in shops. Below are a few top items that I am currently swooning over, with the tribal duster coat from River Island being my number 1 need- to-have-now piece.

The Tribal Duster Coat

The Oversized Checked Coat

The Patchwork Print Dress

The Raw Edge Sleeveless Jacket

The Lime Mixed Print Oversized Jacket