Standing Still

When was the last time you stood still for the sake of nothing other than being still in that moment?

I don’t mean standing whilst you wait for your City Mapper to load or for your friend to arrive, just being still for that reason and nothing else. I did this for the first time in adult memory just this week, I was walking along the river with nowhere to go, no where to be and only using my Imagephone for music, not checking Whatsapp, refreshing Instagram, reading my Facebook newsfeed or checking emails. As a 20 something, we are living some of the best years we will ever live but we also have the added pressures of anything from getting on the property ladder to (dare I say it) having children at a ‘suitable’ age. So we can often get lost in the hustle and bustle, I think it is only as we get older we can start to stop and look around at what is right in front of us and not what may or may not come.

I stood there looking at the water; the ripples as they glided through and seemingly moved in time with the particular song I was listening to (End of the Affair by Ben Howard if you were curious) and just thought about what I was seeing and didn’t think about whether my hair was doing what it should, what time it was, what I should have for dinner.

Since I can remember I’ve wanted to be a career woman, high flying, sharp suits, (crippling) heels and this is still my goal, even with bumps in the road that come along, and for any of you who know what I normally talk about here this post is a little bit of a different direction, a bit deeper shall we say, but it was one of those moments in time when you just think this is nice. Any stress you’re feeling, worries you may have, anger bellowing inside you, I recommend just taking that one moment, it could be a minute or ten and think about what makes up that moment, the colour of the sky, wind in the trees, whatever, but just take in that moment.

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Looking Back and Looking Forward

Spring is in the air and there is a Spring in my step, cliché or not there is nothing better than waking up in the morning to a tree covered in full bloom flowers and the sky a wonderful shade of blue, but what lies ahead for the year for me. I think the phrase ‘time flies’ is simply all to real, I now go onto my Timehop and see reminders of a bungee jump in New Zealand three years ago or a fancy dress night 6 years ago with numerous photos taken in a less than presentable student flat. Now I like to think of putting some of my time into different things, although the next bungee jump is already planned for the end of this year, in none other than South Africa.

Of course on the cards are the numerous festivals coming up in the Summer, unfortunately no Glastonbury for me however I do think I will be partaking in an old favourite South West Four, just a stones throw from my humble abode, taking place on Clapham Common. The line up is unmistakably good, Faithless headlining Saturday, their first major London performance in four years I believe, not to be missed. Within my girl group of friends we have also been looking into Croatia, a place I’ve never been before but have only ever heard amazing things.

One thing thatapril 24 is special about London is that you’re never short of things to do that extend outward from the classic pub session (not denying however these will still be a common occurance). I remember last year having lunch and a prosecco cocktail, in the height of Summer, with my Mom before visiting the fantastic Glamour of Italian Fashion Exhibition at one of my favourite museums The Victoria and Albert, London. We spent a little too much money in the gift shop stocking up on books and beautiful prints as well as a miniature vintage Fiat 500 for my Dad to match his actual vintage Fiat 500. Previous to this I attended a lecture on Italian Fashion with a special focus on Salvatore Ferragamo, Shoemaker to the stars and if only all lectures in life had been like this one, so informative and fascinating. Next on the list is of course Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty, also at the V&A, I’m hoping to fit in time to go to one of the 2 talks accompanying the exhibition too! (Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty, 14th March – 2nd August, for tickets click here)

The other event I would love to attend which is slightly out of my reach is the Trust Women conference, a 2 day long event covering topics like Human Trafficking and Slavery as well as Women’s Empowerment and Special Focus talks. In light of some of the recent events including the tragic lost of over 800 lives in the Mediterranean Sea, these topics are more relevant than ever. With an advisory board that includes Cathy Russell (U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues), Cherie Blair (wife to former Prime Minister Tony Blair, lawyer and founder of Cherie Blair Foundation for Women) and Christie Turlington Burns (Founder, Every Mother Counts, filmmaker, author, super model) the event is sure to be a success once again. (Trust Women Conference, 17th – 18th November).

Funny how when you’ve finished education you eventually start to look back fort it, however this time I’m looking for more fashion trends and empowering women seminars rather than geometry and physics calculations.

Straight to the Matte

Autumn is here and yes indeed the heating is on. I am still clinging on however and dare to brave the cold whenever I go to the gym by not taking a hoodie for the short walk to and from the car. Ouch. I plan on celebrating Bonfire Night for first time since I can remember in the splendor of Battersea Park this Saturday including my first mulled wine of the season which needless to say, I am clucking for and as the cold rolls in, it’s time to shift the nails. I’ve gone straight into the Winter style of matte nails today, with a dark grey colour and have completed the look with simple black glossy tips as a contrast.

Matte nails can sometimes feel unnatural, especially when I am an ambassador of the clear top coat, it’s always worth it and makes such a difference. The matte look can look effortless and in some ways more professional than a shiny hot pink. My picks for the season are dark blue, grey and burgundy, classic colours. Feel free to mix them up also with a statement nail on each hand.

Follow me on Instagram @sarahjaynepen for more nail designs done by myself with a free hand and a bit of patience.

Nail Colour Credits –

Rimmel I Love Lasting Finish – Black Cab

Topshop Matte Nails – Light Brizzlephoto (6)