What does Style mean to you?

I remember the first time I came across "Ugly Betty"...I was instantly intrigued and curious to see how the show would pen out. The storyline was based around Betty, a "plain-Jane” who enters the world of fashion through 'Mode' magazine - "the bible of the fashion industry". As I watched the first series, I remember instantly been drawn to Betty's character despite her apparent fashion faux - who could forget the ever favourite 'Poncho' - still I was attracted to her positive outlook and smart approach. And Despite been continuously mocked for her fashion taste Betty prevailed in her own unique style.

Coco Channel once stated that, "Fashion fades, style remains the same". She made a valid point.  I think we can all learn something from "Ugly Betty"; style is something that allows us to express our individual sphere, it is reflective of our identity and culture. Fashion constantly evolves and is always imitating, reflecting the latest trends and culture.

Growing up I was such a tomboy - much to my mother's distaste. I constantly lived in t-shirts and jeans (total 90s baby!)...I slung my jeans. Rocked out in my trainers or boots and lived for my funky little t-shirts. It was only until I hit college that I began to crave a new sense of style, a new identity (as you do when entering a new phase in life). My girlfriends inspired me - they were totally chic and I began to long for the "ultra chic" look too. I guess here begun my real transformation. Through a period of time I recreated my look and begun to settle into my own sense of 'style'. I was inspired by my culture, my friends and trends that moved around me. It wasn't just one thing; it was little pieces of everything that moulded together. That brought me into me!

I had the craziest little outfits but I can look back at it and smile, as I was able to put together all these different outfits with the most memorable moments...

It’s not just about what you can see in the window shop, it’s what you can take from it.  What you can create from it. That's what style means to me.

Positive Inspiration.....

Have you ever met an individual who came into your life for a brief moment but touched you in a profound way? Well I had one of those moments. It was a cool Easter afternoon and I was on the tram on the way to my mama’s house. An elderly man sat down next to me. Am sure you know how it is when you come around elderly people, they have the instant need to make conversation with you, telling you of old tales that came before.

So, this old man began to tell me of how he had grown up within the area and how so much has changed. He was visiting friends and on his way back home, he became reminiscent of his late wife. He told me how much he missed her and how the home that they built seems cold without her, that it just seems strange after sharing a life with someone – they are no longer there to share such small pleasures; as how each day has been filled. He told me they had children who were all grown with families of their own; I asked if he would be spending Easter with them. He smiled and said it was possible but still not quite the same. The most endearing thing can sometimes be in the simplest form, as I approached my stop he told me that what he missed the most was been able to have somebody who was there to hold his hand, through the day and into the night…and how he missed the comfort of that warmth.

I was close to tears, I didn’t even know this man but his story had touched me somehow and I had felt his pain without been attached to him on the emotional level. I wanted to stay there, sitting beside him, even just to embrace him…comfort him somehow but my words were lost and I knew nothing I said would make difference. So I just smiled…looked back to him and wished him well that he would enjoy a lovely Easter. He looked back and nodded simply thanking me. As I walked out of the tram, I felt strange somehow. I realised that I probably should have thanked this man. I should have thanked him for in that moment, he was able to bring me comfort even though he needed it most and to remind me how grateful I was for those ‘warm’ moments.

I guess that every now and again, when we have tender moments or things get a little tough, we all need a little push back in the right direction or some inspiring words. 

Introduction: "Divine Inspiration"

They say inspiration comes in all forms. It's just depends on how you choose to perceive it. So what does inspiration mean to you? Inspiration to me is that driving force that pushes you to a higher purpose; it's that object or that person that allows you to be elevated.

When I was 10 yrs. of age, I read a story that changed the perception of my tender age...'Cry Freedom'. I then watched the film where Denzel Washington beautifully portrayed the dynamic character of Steve Biko...It was here I came to realise how much a story can impact your perception. The words I read moved me...somehow it challenged something in me that I never knew existed...I had already been used to consuming the wildly imaginative tales of Roald Dahl that had purposely sparked my imagination...But this story. It took me to another level....The powerful, inspiring and dynamic message of Steve Biko evoked my passion once more again and I was ready to put pen to paper....

 So you see words have always been my source of inspiration...and somehow I found a way to dig deep inside me, stirring up something inside me and allowed my words to flow...As I reflected upon this, I realised that  whether it may be a positive or negative experience. It is often that very thing that challenges you...to reach you to your best potential...and that was the driving force I needed...

So as I reflected upon the “power of inspiration” ….I thought of all the icons that have brought inspiration to me. I look back within the pages of history and I think of the great icons that have come before; Mandela, Princess Diana, Shakespeare (yes, I know that one does not seem obvious but what can I say? He is a brilliant wordsmith!). I think about my mother, my girlfriends. But there has been one, over these last couple of years that has captured my attention. I reminisce. Sitting comfortably on my sofa, I clung to the arms, eagerly and hungrily anticipating the announcement of the new president. I allowed myself to drift off in a dream state imaging what a black president would mean to me? I smiled and crossed my fingers…back to my reality. I heard those words “Obama President”. The phrase “Yes we can” ran through my head. I jumped off my sofa – doing my celebration dance – “Yes” I pounded my fist in the air remembering Mandela. Obama had made it a reality, this was a significant step. As America celebrated their new president, I also rejoiced in this joyous occasion, in this moment. Obama represented a new sense of Hope. This was iconic. To me, this was not just what about the new president would be able to do but this was about what Obama represented. He allowed black boys and girls to believe that they could stretch themselves and aim high. But this wasn’t just about race and the sense of victory achieved. This was higher, this was about a man who had overcome obstacles, broken down barriers and stepped forward to become one of the most powerful men in the world. Even though this was a while back and we still face our many daily obstacles, this is a moment we can always look back to and be inspired. Now if that isn’t inspiration, what else is there? You tell me….Who inspires you?