https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/home daily 1.0 2026-03-05 https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/home/category/Featured monthly 0.5 https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/fashionblogcategory daily 0.75 2025-10-08 https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/fashionblogcategory/9o7jeu6483vbl2pu0s9mh4kwr16lj2 monthly 0.5 2025-10-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1748106778840-7JJ1LKLXRR795CBQOE80/IMG_6344.jpeg Fashion - Beauty: Community, Creativity, Technology - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/16009637-8f29-4521-9ebe-c04a5c5b9e58/IMG_6363.jpg Fashion - Beauty: Community, Creativity, Technology - All communities need a physical space Digital communities are a great equalizer Pop up, school, park meet up etc… Give attendees the opportunity to look you in the eye when you say this is what you stand for Opened WAH nails in 2009 in Dalston Women were appendages to their spouses in theri hang out spaces - had to create a place that was intentionally for women WAH nails opened up in topshop oxford circus (as a pop up), then a flagship in soho 2016 Think about business as a vehicle for your thesis Future girl corp event - teaching girls how to start businesses and get into the start up world Created this event to have a sponsor and get money to buy a salon Tech and funding can leave women behind Wanted to prioritise technology in the beauty experience Introduced a new photography style for nails - creating a depth of field having a magazine in the background of the nails Wanted to create a futuristic looking nail salon focused on user experience design https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/e57da73a-52e2-42d7-8fcb-4cd4ad1ea3a2/IMG_6347.jpeg Fashion - Beauty: Community, Creativity, Technology - WAH VR video on youtube There was a discrepancy that she noticed between her pay as a CEO and that of the workers who were older than her but receiving minimum wage - so she instead created a programme that allowed the women to manage their own bookings and payments to work This was called the Beauty Stack app Allow people to book from an image - had to build this app from scratch Created a magazine to support this too Challenge the perception of the beauty industry Launched stackworld in 2021 In 2022 created a DAO crypto/web3 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/d903b826-1674-40e1-af72-5cb01323da41/IMG_6361.jpeg Fashion - Beauty: Community, Creativity, Technology - 39BC new beauty brand she is creating about ancestral and spiritual beauty What does AI mean for women in a corporate environment Omi studio - GEN AI Creates layered images unlike Chat GBT There is the argument that GEN AI is taking away jobs, but it is taking away jobs the same way indesign and the steam engine took away jobs Using all these GEN AI tools takes away community - e.g. in person shoots is where the ideas and community is built Instagram is not a community and you don’t own the platform She is known as a business person, but it's really a way to show her creativity Be involved in building community Having the right tools is a motivator to create Learnt the tech in year 2 in indesign to apply it in year 4 of her studies As an artist you reflect the world around you but also you emotional state - if you are feeling it other people are too - listen to yourself and put it out there, see who it resonates with and create a container to hold space for that https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/fashionblogcategory/future-proofing-the-beauty-industry-lecture monthly 0.5 2025-05-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/20522616-59cd-4f0b-8582-5837dbfcf1c8/IMG_6324.jpeg Fashion - Future proofing the beauty industry (lecture) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/fashionblogcategory/facing-the-beautiful-lecture monthly 0.5 2025-05-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1718da9b-2b21-4324-8d3d-6dcf9d31a0ab/IMG_6331.jpeg Fashion - Facing the beautiful (lecture) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/fashionblogcategory/an-exhibition-of-their-own monthly 0.5 2025-05-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/eba2a122-f192-4ba7-b1db-a69ec10f64e7/IMG_5115.jpg Fashion - An exhibition of their own - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/fashionblogcategory/youre-hot-and-youre-cold monthly 0.5 2025-06-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/849ea314-ad9b-4f42-8c16-1ae38b1670c7/IMG_9654.jpg Fashion - You’re hot and you’re cold - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/09c333bb-2e61-428a-bc5b-b31d75126a3b/image00012.jpg Fashion - You’re hot and you’re cold - The Denim Jacket Denim in general will work in your favour. It has stood the test of time for a reason. You wear it in the morning if it’s a little chilly with a promise of a heatwave later in the day, then wrap it around your waist in the afternoon for the early 2000s Coachella look. Denim goes with almost any and everything, so it really is a long-term investment piece. You can find it in almost every shop at the moment in a range of variations from the classic to diamond-studded. Do you have yours yet? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/31a377e2-8a76-4726-94e1-7c32f0cd16f3/tempImageNRjX8f.jpg Fashion - You’re hot and you’re cold - A black bodycon dress The girlies were right when they said we all need a little black dress. I love having that one dress that I can just throw on last minute and still look good in with minimal effort. For this weather, a midi dress with a little side slit is your best friend for many reasons. Covering your knees keeps you warm in case the wind picks up. The dark colour protects you from any unexpected potential sweat marks. A stretchy fabric will always work in your favour if you go for a really good meal and feel a little bloated – this dress got you! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/eb2e9507-f3b1-43c9-8c1d-bc1e1f13ded7/IMG_4313.jpg Fashion - You’re hot and you’re cold - Ballerina Flats These are a great shoe for this weather because it’s cutesy to match a skirt, but won’t leave you freezing if temperatures take a turn while you’re wearing a sandal. I personally wasn’t an immediate fan of the mesh shoes, but the girls over at Eliza convinced me and, with the proper styling, they are a Spring/Summer staple. These are opaque, breathable, and also have some glitzy sparkle on them. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/fashionblogcategory/after-fashion-lecture monthly 0.5 2025-05-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/e7764a99-c147-492c-b76d-c8fa2cc1749f/IMG_5006.jpg Fashion - After Fashion Panel Discussion - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/fashionblogcategory/fashions-cinema-club monthly 0.5 2025-04-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1744214771182-GD7MK0HNL5RSNJJBNV1V/unsplash-image-AWOl7qqsffM.jpg Fashion - Fashion’s cinema club - Make it stand out All images in this blog post are screenshots from Amazon Prime https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/9ac079f0-0430-49cb-a861-ff66bb956578/Screenshot+2025-04-09+at+19.33.39.png Fashion - Fashion’s cinema club - 1) Devil Wears Prada You knew it was coming, this is my go to movie for a night in. It’s an early 2000s movie (which is code for amazing) about Andy, our protagonist, who ventures into the word of editorial fashion as an aspiring journalist. That’s the short and sweet description cutting out all the workplace mistreatment, boyfriend drama, character evolution and glamour of fashion. I recently did a blog post unpacking the true villain in the story. Long story short, are you really into fashion if you haven’t already watched this yet? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/9d1117cd-12d9-4834-8ae5-ec20d55659ef/Image+09-04-2025+at+19.28+%281%29.jpeg Fashion - Fashion’s cinema club - 2) The Bold Type This is my favourite series of all time. It follows three main characters who are best friends and work in different roles in a fashion magazine. One is a stylist, another a writer and the final working in social media. You learn, laugh, cry and grow with these characters as they figure out how to align their life with their career goals while also creating space for change. This is the series that confirmed that I wanted to be a journalist and made me want to have a blog website. I didn’t work for any publications at the time, but I wanted to be like Jane writing an article into the night - so I took matters into my own hands. I’m really sad they took it off Netflix, but you can find it on Prime - 100% worth the watch https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/d92b2cf5-4e8d-4638-a819-ab269ba67bfd/Screenshot+2025-04-09+at+19.33.01.png Fashion - Fashion’s cinema club - 3) Cruella I actually haven’t watched this in a while so it’s definitely on my list to watch this Spring break. It’s a Disney live adaption spin on the 100 Dalmatians villain origin story. (Disney has a way with making you sympathise with the villains after convincing us our whole childhood that they were in the wrong). Cruella in this movie is not yet a villain, but she is seeking vengeance. The tale reveals her to be an aspiring fashion designer with incredible talent, but is overlooked by the one person she seeks approval from - hence the villain origin story. There are so many fashion moments in this and the movie is honestly so underrated. Make sure this one is on your list! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/d08cbad0-de3b-44cb-9967-0c08ffdc54e6/Screenshot+2025-04-09+at+19.30.14.png Fashion - Fashion’s cinema club - 4) The September Issue “The September Issue” is all about the creation of the September edition of Vogue Magazine. If you aren’t already aware, autumn or fall is the most crucial season in fashion. It is the time that dictates upcoming trends for the following seasons, what’s in, what’s out of fashion. This is the moment for designers and individuals to make a name for themselves, but also for advertisers to fight for their spot on the key pages of publications like Vogue magazine. This documentary follows the creation of a September issue and all that goes into it behind the scenes. I had to write an essay about something Anna Wintour said in this documentary about being about looking forward which you can read on my blog here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/09a1e7e3-cb8e-413a-ac89-9d51dbc1d716/Screenshot+2025-04-09+at+19.30.37.png Fashion - Fashion’s cinema club - 5) First Monday In May The Met Gala is known as the biggest celebration of art as fashion. Every year, on the first of Monday celebs gather at the MET museum dressing to fit the yearly theme - some putting in more effort than others. Years before, it really was an IT moment in fashion that fashion girlies would anticipate and stay up all night watching (something I still do every year). As the years passed, it seems some put less and less effort, so this documentary is more like an homage to how it used to be, how it’s supposed to be. It should be a moment to wear art essentially, it’s not the time to just wear a pretty dress. This documentary will take you through the process behind the scenes of what it takes to put on such a momentous event. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/beea3113-84a6-49c1-9efd-95b5deee6540/Screenshot+2025-04-09+at+19.31.27.png Fashion - Fashion’s cinema club - 6) Mrs Harris Goes To Paris I love this movie, it feels like a warm hug. This is one you can watch with your fellow fashion girlies or at home by yourself with a nice hot cup of tea. It’s really just about someone who just loves fashion and lives all of our dreams of just being surrounded by beauty and having the chance to wear it. Mrs Harris lives a regular, working class life, but she has a dream - she wants a Dior dress. The innocence and simplicity of this request is endearing and you watch this movie and really want to see her dreams come true. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/92567df7-6fb4-4e8d-b41d-97f38c325528/Screenshot+2025-04-09+at+19.32.00.png Fashion - Fashion’s cinema club - 7) The Intern This one is directly, full on fashion, but I still love it. It shows that you can actually teach an old dog new tricks. Robert De Niro stars as a senior citizen who responds to an advert to be an intern at a start up fashion brand. He not only learns new tricks, but also brings some of his wisdom to the young team. It’s a cute story about an unexpected friendship between him and his new boss (Anne Hathaway) as he steps in as an intern and ultimately becomes a source of confidence. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/8767c271-d4d8-474a-b255-080f40ec76f3/Screenshot+2025-04-09+at+19.32.31.png Fashion - Fashion’s cinema club - 8) Barbie Fashion Fairytale This one is for my girlies who grew up thinking everything is possible because of our multihyphenate bestie. You can’t really talk about fashion movies without including the one and only barbie who is the source of inspiration for some of the most stylish people. She is known for her crazy mid movie transformations and knows how to make a statement with multiple iconic fashion moments. In this movie, Barbie receives unexpected news which sparks her decision to turn her life around and move to Paris for a fresh start. There, she discovers an opportunity to work in a fashion house and I’ll leave the rest of the story for you to find out. (There are SO many dresses from this movie that I want for myself) https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/fashionblogcategory/my-spring-cookbook monthly 0.5 2025-04-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/fc129318-86cd-4424-9609-068e2b05d949/FullSizeRender.jpg Fashion - Florals for spring? Groundbreaking… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/a084bd7a-fe4c-430b-900d-43c88a2978c8/IMG_1758.jpg Fashion - Florals for spring? Groundbreaking… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/5bdbc85c-f273-4a60-935e-e28b02339f2a/IMG_7525.jpg Fashion - Florals for spring? Groundbreaking… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/b79e648a-a1e9-4030-9805-a2a76eae462a/IMG_8142.jpg Fashion - Florals for spring? Groundbreaking… - The Canadians got it right I am not embarrassed to say that I have been living in variations of a Canadian Suit for the past couple of weeks. It just works every single time. You probably already own a pair of wide leg jeans, so why not add a denim jacket to the mix and I can assure you that you will have endless outfits for the next couple of weeks. Just rotate a couple of tops, add jewelry/accessories such as a coloured belt and you will be warm and stylish - what more could you ask for? If you want to mix it up, try it with different variations of denim. You can swap out your wide leg trousers for a skirt either pencil or midi. If you still want the look of trousers then you can try introducing jorts to your wardrobe - trust me, you won’t go back. I love my jorts because I can dress it up with kitten heels or keep it simple with loafers or some trusty converses. You’ll have to work a bit more to sell the skinny jeans with a denim jacket but I have worn it with some knee high chunky boots and that look worked just fine for me. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/0335d667-55b2-467e-a053-14f0899e273f/IMG_5888.jpeg Fashion - Florals for spring? Groundbreaking… - Spice up the black with gold I love a bold black look, but it doesn’t reflect my Spring mood all the time. Sometimes I want to wear black top to bottom but the bright sun and flowers in the trees seem like a heavy juxtaposition. One way I overcome this is through accessorizing. My go to? Gold. Gold and black are the it couple of every season and NEVER fail. Black in winter can give a bold look, but in Spring, you will need to invite it’s best friend to your look. When the sun shines, you will also shine as the rays reflect off of whatever metalic accessory you got on. Why not try adding a chunky gold arm cuff or statment earings? I also recently started getting into colourful accessories too that are quite cutesy like butterfly clips and coloured scrunchies which can also breathe some fresh air into your Spring outfits. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/5bdbc85c-f273-4a60-935e-e28b02339f2a/IMG_7525.jpg Fashion - Florals for spring? Groundbreaking… - Blue, no red, no, blue This might just be more personally, but blue is the best colour of Spring/Summer. There I said it. If I had to live in just one colour during this season, it would easily be blue. Don’t worry, my style tip is not to just stick to blue - it’s to find out what works for you. Everyone has a Spring colour, the same way everyone has an Autumn colour. In Spring, I’m more of a blue, green lilac kinda girl, while in Autumn, you can catch me in orange, emerald or black. Find the colour that makes you pop. The sun is your spotlight so experiment with colours so you can shine. That way, even if you have to layer up, you can still feel all the Spring vibes. Maybe start with pastel colours like yellow, baby pink or blue etc, or maybe a cherry red is more you thing! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/fc129318-86cd-4424-9609-068e2b05d949/FullSizeRender.jpg Fashion - Florals for spring? Groundbreaking… - Florals for spring - groundbreaking I don’t own many floral prints, but that doesn’t mean I don’t love them. Yes, it may be cliché, but when else are you going to wear a sundress with lilies printed on them? Any type of naturey print you have, throw it on - but not together. I’m not a fan of clashing prints in one outfit. Or, if you’re not a fan of prints, you can try adding flowers in your hair for that ethereal, I-can-speak-to-animals kind of look, but in the best way possible. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/a084bd7a-fe4c-430b-900d-43c88a2978c8/IMG_1758.jpg Fashion - Florals for spring? Groundbreaking… - A cheeky cardi We’ve all had that teacher who would spend half the lesson wrapping and rewrapping herself in her beloved cardigan. Well, that’s about to be you. Cardigans are so cute and convenient. You can throw it on over a little tank and jeans situation if it’s a bit chilly when you leave the house, then wrap it around your waist of shoulders as the temperature increases throughout the day. Your Spring wardrobe has to be versatile and prepared for any situation. I’m talking fog in the morning and heatwave in the afternoon. The cardigan really is your best bet because it’s warm enough to keep you during windy moments, but also light enough to not be a heavyweight to carry later in the day. But you have to get the right one. Three things to consider: 1) The neckline has to be flattering 2) The sleeve should be fitted, not tight 3) If you’re only getting one, make sure the colour matches the rest of your wardrobe to ensure maximum use out of it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/96281f2d-1705-4fde-afa9-02935e2c74d8/IMG_8642.jpg Fashion - Florals for spring? Groundbreaking… - Midi to the max There have been mornings these past few weeks where I look out the window and see the sun, but I look at the forecast and see wind. However, I really want to wear a skirt/dress and I don’t like tights in Spring (they just feel extra itchy). Midi to maxi hems really are the way to go. You’re showing just enough skin to still look elegant to still look elegant while not catching an unnecessary cold. But what’s really great about this length is the layering opportunities. I’m not even talking about for fashion reasons, I mean to keep warm. If you see me wearing a midi skirt during grey weather, you can guarantee there will be a pair of 3/4 length leggings under there. Once again keeping the comfort along with the style. Or sometimes I’ll level out the midi skirt with my knee high chunky boots to play around with the silhouette of my outfit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/a2e2d755-427e-47aa-95b8-c4dcc33e7487/IMG_1819.jpg Fashion - Florals for spring? Groundbreaking… - You’re hot when you’re cold This is the season where almost everything goes. You can wear your favorite woolly jumper with your beach shorts and hiking boots. Just look at the guests at fashion week who go all out with their oxymoronic dressing. (Ooooh that sounds like a good blog title to do next). Use this time to experiment. Even if you’re at work, you can try out a blazer with some tailored shorts for a formal look that won’t leave you setting during an unexpected heatwave. One item of clothing that best suits the hot and cold weather is a classic waistcoat. This is probably my favorite thing to wear because I can wear it in any season. I can throw it on with a matching set, mix it up with different bottoms, or layer it over my tops and skirts. Its up to you if you want to wear it as a top or mini jacket. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/7e99b848-e0ef-492a-aa2c-1a946772e35a/IMG_2698.jpg Fashion - Florals for spring? Groundbreaking… - Set of graphic tees You can never go wrong with some graphic tees. Actually, on second thought - you can. I have quite a few graphic tees and they provide great put together lazy girl looks. I love to match it with some flowy trousers and platform trainers then match that with little bits of jewelry for the put-together part of the lazy girl look. There are different ways you can style the actual top too. You can go easy and just wear it as it is, or you can do a half tuck into your bottoms or a knot (depending on how oversized it is). I have two personal rules for graphic tees 1) When in doubt go oversized 2) Don’t just be buying any graphics and parading around in something you don’t understand. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/fashionblogcategory/fashion-books monthly 0.5 2025-04-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/f34e1520-a9cd-4f79-ba5f-3a134867a7ad/IMG_2591.jpeg Fashion - Fashion in print https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/15d65200-604d-415c-ac5a-3074675e20de/IMG_2593.jpeg Fashion - Fashion in print https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/61533137-6ff2-4ee0-8aa4-e7428ccb83c0/IMG_2592.jpeg Fashion - Fashion in print https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/15d65200-604d-415c-ac5a-3074675e20de/IMG_2593.jpeg Fashion - Fashion in print - 1) Fashion Source Book The Fashion Source Book is great for anyone passionate about fashion design and history. It is full of design references and technical garment names that I always come back to when writing a fashion article. Even if you’re not a fashion student, this is great for deepening your historical understanding of fashion through the decades. I think this was the first fashion book I bought for uni because I had heard so much about it and it is definitely worth the hype. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/61533137-6ff2-4ee0-8aa4-e7428ccb83c0/IMG_2592.jpeg Fashion - Fashion in print - 2) Thinking Through Fashion: A Guide to Key Theorists Thinking Through Fashion: A Guide to Key Theorists is an essential read for anyone who wants to explore the deeper cultural, social, and philosophical meanings behind what we wear. Agnès Rocamora and Anneke Smelik, compiled a list of major thinkers like Foucault, Bourdieu, and Butler to the world of fashion, making complex theory accessible and relevant to style. This book demonstrates the power of fashion beyond clothing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/dd4b03e8-2620-48ce-b533-37e9245cc190/IMG_2595.jpeg Fashion - Fashion in print - 3) Big Dress Energy Big Dress Energy by Shakaila Forbes-Bell is a bold and empowering read that blends fashion psychology with personal style exploration. It goes beyond trends, helping readers understand how clothes affect confidence, identity, and self expression. Fashion lovers should read it not just to refine their wardrobes, but to unlock the deeper power of dressing with intention and authenticity. Fun fact, I wanted to interview the author for an article I was writing in first year but she was busy. So as any good journalist, I booked tickets for her book launch where I was able to interview her and get a signed copy of her book! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/cc6657b3-416f-46f7-bfd8-ce7095fc707c/IMG_2594.jpeg Fashion - Fashion in print - 4) Why Fashion Matters Why Fashion Matters by Frances Corner is a punchy and thought-provoking collection of short essays that explore the many layers of fashion’s impact. Each entry highlights how fashion is a powerful force that influences culture, politics, and the environment. Fashion lovers should read it to gain a broader perspective on the industry they admire, and to understand the responsibilities and opportunities that come with engaging in fashion today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/f34e1520-a9cd-4f79-ba5f-3a134867a7ad/IMG_2591.jpeg Fashion - Fashion in print - 5) Fashion Writing: Journalism and Content Creation The guide by Josephine Collins and Stephen Spear is a must-read for anyone looking to turn a love for fashion into a career in media. The book breaks down the essentials of writing for the fashion world, covering everything from trend reporting and interviews to styling commentary and digital content creation. It also explores how to find your unique voice and navigate the fast-paced fashion landscape. Aspiring journalists should read it to sharpen their storytelling skills and understand how powerful, well-crafted writing shapes the way we see and engage with fashion. I saved this one until last because it is actually written by two lecturers on my course and was released last year! https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/fashionblogcategory/fashion-resources-that-shouldnt-be-free monthly 0.5 2025-04-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/de61a45d-50b8-47ec-a3df-6c8b89ba08ac/IMG_4956.jpg Fashion - How I Stay Fashion-Informed for Free - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1bcda43b-c24d-4b7d-b292-c9cc916b1c01/Image+05-04-2025+at+13.32.jpg Fashion - How I Stay Fashion-Informed for Free - Karla Otto Insights Reports These reports focus on marketing tactics in fashion and luxury with in depth research and data supporting their inferences and predictions. I love looking through the fashion week reports after each season and seeing if my predictions were correct on things such as which brand had the highest EMV (Earned media value) or which marketing strategy started a trend. I had the pleasure of working on two of their reports when I interned their, and those skills are something I kept with me to be able to read between the lines of moments in fashion and understand what it means in the wider fashion and media landscape. I would definitely recommend reading their reports and keeping up to date with their LinkedIn that hosts smaller reports. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/e4215bf8-049e-4b21-aa76-4d3dde3acf31/Image+05-04-2025+at+13.28.jpeg Fashion - How I Stay Fashion-Informed for Free - Make it stand out The two reports I worked on during my time interning with Karla Otto: AW24 Womenswear Roundup and Marketing in a World of Paradox https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/08f77047-4cbc-45d0-8454-5c5a63b96532/IMG_2548.jpeg Fashion - How I Stay Fashion-Informed for Free - Vogue app If you’re in fashion, chances are you already know about this app. It is such a great central resource for current and archival fashion. You can scroll through to see collections of almost every high fashion designer under the sun. Each design in the collections are captured with multiple angle in the photos as you swipe. These are all supported by a written feature describing the collection. After seeing and learning about the collections, you have the opportunity to test your knowledge with quizzes to retain the information even better. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/0d3ae2d4-fe2d-41be-b699-c62d50d8a9cd/IMG_2549.jpeg Fashion - How I Stay Fashion-Informed for Free - BOF Podcast and newsletter The Business of Fashion newsletter is a must-read for anyone serious about understanding the industry beyond the runway. It breaks down key business moves, cultural shifts, and global market trends in a way that’s digestible but never dumbed down. Whether you're a student or just starting your career, getting into the habit of reading it sharpens your industry vocabulary and gives you a clearer view of how fashion operates as a global business. Listening to their podcast is like being a fly on a wall in a room full of the minds shaping fashion today. From CEOs to designers and thought leaders, the guests offer raw insight into the decisions, challenges, and philosophies behind the scenes. I like to listen to it during my commutes and make notes on key takeaways. For anyone interested in the future of fashion, listening in on these conversations is a must. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/e60e1ab9-7c80-491e-8f46-1d26c260b85a/IMG_2550.jpg Fashion - How I Stay Fashion-Informed for Free - Pinterest Predicts Pinterest Predicts is an underrated gem for growing your fashion knowledge. Unlike traditional trend reports, it taps into real-time user behavior to forecast what people will actually be searching for in the coming year. This means you’re not just seeing what’s popular now, you’re getting a peek into what’s next. For anyone interested in fashion communication, content creation, or even styling, these insights can shape your moodboards, social posts, and even your shopping habits. It’s like having a fashion crystal ball, powered by data. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/de61a45d-50b8-47ec-a3df-6c8b89ba08ac/IMG_4956.jpg Fashion - How I Stay Fashion-Informed for Free - Books I saved this one until last because it’s not exactly a free resource. However, if you are a student, you do have free access to your school’s library and that is not just a place where pages collects dust. This is something I have to make more use of too with only 3 months left of uni, these books aren’t cheap. Some uni libraries host invaluable archives that you can’t buy in shops so this is not something to overlook. Books are a classic that can’t be overlooked. If anything, listen to the audiobook versions, but there is nothing like the feeling of slipping through and annotating the pages of a good book. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/fashionblogcategory/outfits-amp-memories-a-look-back-at-my-second-year monthly 0.5 2025-10-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/a78619f8-8cae-42cc-8fba-f7f0a6f5b63a/IMG_0530.jpg Fashion - Outfits & Memories - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/4031a3ca-bf72-40e6-b935-2152914e9a67/IMG_8309.jpg Fashion - Outfits & Memories - 1) First outfit in new building This was my first picture by the LCF staircase and first time being in the new building. It was taken a couple weeks before the building actually opened to the public and students because I had volunteered to be a student ambassador doing signposting. The outfit is super casual and cute, I’m wearing my favourite trainers, UAL lanyard and tote bag which I carry with me everywhere. You can see the excitement on my face, I was happy to be there. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/9961bf46-b835-4427-9355-8499c2eee68b/IMG_8758.jpg Fashion - Outfits & Memories - 2) Student ambassador This is me on the actual opening day of the LCF East Bank building. We were given these hi vis vests with the UAL logo as well as t shirts with the UAL logo. I still have these to this day and will keep them as memorabilia of the first day of a great year at uni. I had also dyed my hair ginger the night before impulsively. New year, new me! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/2fee7822-c0e0-4d15-ac3f-c1f0aa3d7ea1/IMG_8891.jpg Fashion - Outfits & Memories - 3) First study day of second year I remember taking this picture after a long study day at LCF. I had spent the day studying by the corner floor to ceiling windows and watched the sun go down as my to do lists decreased. I remember feeling so accomplished that day and telling myself “start as you mean to go on”. That meant working smart and consistently on my uni assignments from day 1.n My hair was actually tied up into a afro puff during the day, but after all that work, I literally had to let my hair down. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/ca30d00c-dc5d-4e50-8191-1a720231036c/IMG_1212.jpg Fashion - Outfits & Memories - 3) Gucci Cosmos This wasn’t worn at uni, but I visited the Gucci Cosmos as research for one of my assignments. I don’t own any Gucci garments but I still wanted to dress on theme. The trousers of my power suit made an appearance, paired with my sisters red purse to replace the Gucci colours. I was happy with how this look turned out. Fun Fact: After attending the exhibition, I walked around the corner with my sister an saw this beautiful building with clothes on racks in the window. It looked so chic and I remember telling my sister how cool it would be to work there…That building was Karla Otto and I interned there a couple months later! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/e50af0d9-50d8-4c89-a589-a340801361cf/IMG_8828.jpg Fashion - Outfits & Memories - 4) Horse riding I wore variations of this outfit a lot in my free time at uni because I would try to do horse riding as often as possible. Equestrian fashion is honestly elite (tennis is also up there). I’m yet to get my own pair of knee length riding boots but I am happy for the moment with my padded vest and knee high socks - they get the job done! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/73bcefa4-5c27-4d93-9624-3fc19914cb0b/IMG_1823.jpg Fashion - Outfits & Memories - 5) Going on ITV News at 6pm I was asked to represent the LCF on ITV news to promote the opening of the new LCF building in East Bank. It was a great opportunity to not just get my 5 seconds of fame, but to also see a real life journalist in action interviewing. Even though I was the one being interviewed, I was analysing everything the journalist was doing and taking notes which you can read on my blog here. Usually when I want to be formal yet still make a statement, I leave it to the accessories. I wore a blazer with wide leg jeans for the smart casual feel and a set of gold necklace, earrings and bracelet. This hat was actually bought after on the same day because I thought it suited the outfit so much and I should treat myself after being on ITV News. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/2f67af73-b5b6-4725-8ecf-ee07a4f92d6b/IMG_1863.jpg Fashion - Outfits & Memories - 6) LCF East Bank opening party It seems like a lot of my outfits have to do with the opening of LCF! This is the last one and it was the official opening party. It was actually the same day that I was interviewed for ITV but in the evening so I had some time to go home for a quick change. I was asked to do a speech in front of the entire LCF staff, their partners and new neighbours at East Bank including the BBC and Sadlers Wells. I wasn’t too nervous on the lead up, but on the night the nerves started to kick in so I was glad I had an outfit that I felt super confident in. I wore a Manniere de Voir set that had an asymmetric waistcoat and trousers. I love a good dress, but in moments like this, I always find myself gravitating towards a waistcoat suit. You can find more pics from the night on this day on my Instagram https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/83c508c5-1a5e-468d-821a-b5cfc5c77d5b/IMG_2308.jpg Fashion - Outfits & Memories - 7) The Winter uniform Autumn and late spring are the seasons I get most creative with my outfits. But in summer, I wear whatever keeps me cool and winter, whatever keeps me warm. Every winter I find myself sticking to a variation of the same type of outfit and this was the year of creams and boots. This was actually the same as the year before because it just works. I have a few cream jumpers like this that I would swap around with different bottoms in rotation throughout the season. I look cute and stay warm which is a win win. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/3a5a4fd3-e2d5-4651-ab96-8197616af310/IMG_6096.jpg Fashion - Outfits & Memories - 8) Evening Standard: Office core I want to start with a minute of silence of this top which I no longer have but loved dearly. My mum made this top with a smock detail on the waistband and sleeves which was so flattering. This outfit was worn while on my internship with the Evening Standard. In all honesty, I was really confused by the dress code so I went formal and office core. While I do like this outfit, it is a little to Millennial, while I’m still a new born Gen Z! Fun Fact: These loafers were almost brand new, yet when I wore them this day, they broke at the bottom and I had to run to M&S during my lunch break and buy trainers to wear. Honestly didn’t expect that to happen from the brand I got it from and the price it was - very disappointing! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/55204b5b-2d80-44fb-a7b3-5db7a6c4d477/IMG_6127.jpg Fashion - Outfits & Memories - 9) My first Press Day This was my firs press day and I was so excited. I wore my barbie pink blazer with some flared office trousers and Mary Janes. I was going to the press opening of the cute exhibition on behalf of the Evening Standard to create content for them during my internship. I did want to dress on theme for the exhibition but I was going back to the office the same day and that would’ve been a bit awkward. So again, colour came to save the day with the baby pink which I think is cute enough. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/cd240e03-49d0-4c6f-aec5-6556bcf8ebe2/IMG_6328.jpg Fashion - Outfits & Memories - 10) The official WFH uniform On my next internship at Karla Otto, it was hybrid working meaning some days I got to work from home. I found that working from my actual house wasn’t always effective so I would usually go to a cafe or co working spaces to do my tasks for the day. This outfit is so comfy yet still cute meaning I could take the home comfort on the go. These wide leg joggers are fleece lined so also keep my warm so I don’t usually have to layer up too much which is great for a monochromatic look like this. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1743185720547-AQDSY042SM1TRZHW5IYE/C20E089D-8C4F-4F8A-B6C5-E22D1CF06493_1_105_c.jpeg Fashion - Outfits & Memories https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1743185731515-ZWO690A82MRQTSZIA30M/03CC5194-97F9-49CB-BCB2-A56673FA3321_1_105_c.jpeg Fashion - Outfits & Memories https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1743185726340-FE46TEHQZZ2QL4JRI8Y0/5F5C8E1C-C3B7-461E-BC75-574325A2FED4_1_105_c.jpeg Fashion - Outfits & Memories https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1743185742442-W6H9ZD16A15AZIHB8NJA/B3F8D25D-69FF-44A0-B014-54E600EAA2FF_1_105_c.jpeg Fashion - Outfits & Memories https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1743185737374-8NFOFE2NG2XD3D4OFH90/75CB9B8C-F447-454D-9854-DD0B7A4AD801_1_105_c.jpeg Fashion - Outfits & Memories https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1743185768157-GIJVVHBXF0OFJNPMR419/9F23F776-033D-450D-B993-6BA3E3D7B397_1_201_a.jpeg Fashion - Outfits & Memories https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1743185774559-JJXFQKZ0O70RQUA788UU/826C4C4C-DFF1-4381-8408-777555277058_1_105_c.jpeg Fashion - Outfits & Memories https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1743185770489-A01GJC153U06ESN9NYDC/269AFAF4-37A4-426B-A4D4-C5FC5CAC60B2_1_105_c.jpeg Fashion - Outfits & Memories https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1743185782812-IPCA38MKN9RKNAENP6DG/C81DEF9D-2931-41D8-AA6C-3F24CAA2C8B0_1_201_a.jpeg Fashion - Outfits & Memories https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1743185788351-OP3GPQOIY3GHIQ2HO0GQ/B6353BBA-CC88-433A-9EB2-699C78BD452A_1_201_a.jpeg Fashion - Outfits & Memories https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1743185794535-0I3DXMCNKEBZVI9R2KKV/4FA72703-9270-45EA-B603-141EF36415D2_1_201_a.jpeg Fashion - Outfits & Memories https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/e014901d-b5d8-458e-8fb5-988d2009090a/IMG_3582.jpg Fashion - Outfits & Memories - 12) Arts Award nomination I had the honour of being nominated for an arts award for my contribution to community as a result of my Tiktok videos. I was so incredibly shocked because I was not expecting it at all, I didn’t even know it was a thing. This outfit was very intentional because I paired my green power suit bottoms with my black confidence waistcoat. I know my confidence and power doesn’t come from those items of clothing, but it’s what I associate with them because of how I feel every time I wear it. Those two qualities is what allowed me to be recognised for my work. I will always be grateful for the nomination and proud of the work I’ve been doing to receive it. Even though I didn’t win the award, producing that body of work was already a win. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/6a30ed8b-56e5-4056-8e76-f5bcd312243b/IMG_4189.jpg Fashion - Outfits & Memories - 13) The day I decided to wear heels… We’ll end this trip down memory lane with a little anecdote. I love this outfit, I would still wear it today. I remember thinking to myself that morning that I should wear heels to uni more often to practice walking in them. I started small with a block heel and arrived feeling great about my outfit. At some point in the day, I had the crazy idea to walk up to the 10th floor instead of taking the lift to get something in the cantine. As I got there, there fire alarm goes off. So I had to walk all the way to the lower ground floor - each floor level had 4 flights of stairs - and I had to do it in heels. It was an unwanted workout that I do not want to experience again. On my break I got this picture to commemorate the moment and it is still one of my favourite spring styles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1743185128736-W59GSQ4W0Z6167P3Y303/9D393AAD-0A74-47E7-A6A3-E3194945D5C8_1_105_c.jpeg Fashion - Outfits & Memories https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1743185141250-RXE8CWYKTO1NU87N7310/113A3A85-176E-4A6E-A4A8-7EADE08F1BDF_1_105_c.jpeg Fashion - Outfits & Memories https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1743186655071-3X518T0UOKW566RAC6H5/E1490924-9052-4950-AD02-1EA647493C34_1_105_c.jpg Fashion - Outfits & Memories https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1743186673257-XWKE5RNZOHMIXZEPEW6C/147CC912-D7E7-4FA5-8857-EA5EAE9E1AD1_1_105_c.jpg Fashion - Outfits & Memories https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1743185271319-0JT1AMXZYXQLBNP2FJX7/EECA7C3B-C935-4808-8E33-C89952D8D010_1_105_c.jpeg Fashion - Outfits & Memories https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1743185318556-O3I0J1AY98PO5AQ4XE6O/F4FA33D9-2561-4609-ADE5-BB076966AC77_1_105_c.jpeg Fashion - Outfits & Memories https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1743186756577-FUAB6FS5YH6M74UDLWCD/46CE1979-AA5E-4016-93DF-B878E36EE871_1_105_c.jpg Fashion - Outfits & Memories https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1743185595139-UULSWF26W185Z3B4TINF/159C93C6-FD5E-4C27-BAB6-411C77CCE6EC_1_105_c.jpeg Fashion - Outfits & Memories https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1743186693676-UHNPEEXBY4YLZEAWOE9T/2CC43CAD-F40E-4C1D-9DE5-8E10F40A7211_1_105_c.jpg Fashion - Outfits & Memories https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1743185903334-T8A5BHL74R58KXND3RAO/06609022-7505-46F8-8318-447577C57411_1_105_c.jpeg Fashion - Outfits & Memories https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1743186710801-G5K54S537IR3F14LSQ8M/B2A97838-1217-43E6-A1AD-35E57D7D850A_1_105_c.jpg Fashion - Outfits & Memories https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1743186036152-XXZ7VVRV0FHUX7HBXAPU/7392F701-0F96-42FF-92F2-F632E9942C65_4_5005_c.jpeg Fashion - Outfits & Memories https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/fashionblogcategory/the-must-have-summer-accessory monthly 0.5 2025-03-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/ec50d8d1-6d98-4508-8f2e-871158916edc/IMG_0257.jpg Fashion - The must have Spring/Summer accessory - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/39e4e3cd-5d16-4b2b-b70e-f34665432b7d/IMG_3799.jpeg Fashion - The must have Spring/Summer accessory - What makes it so great? There are some days that I want to be minimal, and others where I want the opposite. The arm cuff works in favour of both. You can choose to pair it with a matching necklace and earrings for a full look, or you can choose to wear it solo for a little sparkle in your look. Also, it keeps the balance of an outfit. There are some necklines that doesn’t allow for a necklace, but the overall look is too simple to go without jewellery. This is where the arm cuff comes in to restore and elevate the balance in your look. There are so many different types of arm cuffs for a range of different occasions and aesthetics. You could go thin, silver and cursive for a sleek look working in the city. Or you can opt for the chunky, gold and textured type to make a bold statement. There are so many styles and ways it can be worn to suit your style. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1743112513931-J6LMVBNG580TNVXXTNUK/IMG_1810.jpg Fashion - The must have Spring/Summer accessory https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1743112526476-D9SRWM0JP9FDA2P10KVL/IMG_1975.jpg Fashion - The must have Spring/Summer accessory https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1743112543120-5U6EX53WAJBY19CQOEOX/IMG_4217.jpg Fashion - The must have Spring/Summer accessory https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1743112556535-K7T7246ACLDIJDH86ZR8/IMG_0263.jpg Fashion - The must have Spring/Summer accessory https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1743112566427-IJYXHR2GRV20MU2EMJDM/IMG_5486.jpg Fashion - The must have Spring/Summer accessory https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/fashionblogcategory/anna-wintour-once-said monthly 0.5 2025-03-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1742572090330-HQY6BN6O1NTU2CGKPIVY/unsplash-image-ZoAhudO-BQM.jpg Fashion - Anna Wintour once said… - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1742572026956-5U31CTBPMVYQ8GL8BVXS/unsplash-image-Q9C3QKDUP7M.jpg Fashion - Anna Wintour once said… - To examine the limitations of this statement, the perspective of the speaker must first be evaluated, as Anna Wintour is a globally recognised figure in fashion whose monopoly is rooted in media. Therefore, her stance is as a communicator, whose role is to promote actualities in the fashion industry whilst dictating its future. This statement emerges from the “September Issue” documentary which highlights the most significant issue of Vogue Magazine, for advertisers and readers alike, as it communicates what has been deemed fashionable for the next season. In this early 2000s’ media landscape, the internet was the future of fashion and forced a changeover in powerplays through the introduction of blogs and broadcasting which debunked the allure and mystery behind fashion. Communicators still had a responsibility to project towards and lead the future, however Wintour’s statement is ignorant of the other contributors to the industry. Designers are also instrumental in fashion, yet they often draw from the past to influence their future collections. Similarly, the role of consumers cannot be ignored as relapses in fashion from various time periods are usually derived from personal preferences and moments in popular culture that influence the trend cycle’s reversion. Acknowledging these other factors allows us to comprehend how limited this interpretation of what fashion is “always” about. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1742572184204-8LDW51B00BJHSRGLAUFG/unsplash-image-F5cUG2J8SxI.jpg Fashion - Anna Wintour once said… - Fashion designers however often look back to pay homage to the past and reinterpret the possibilities of fashion’s future. Corner identifies designer Yamamoto’s work with having “a timelessness that makes them anomalous in an industry that insists on a constant turnover of trends” (Corner, 2014, THE FASHION DESIGNER AS ARTIST section). This could suggest that fashion is able to remain relevant by looking back and drawing inspiration from the past which is still predominant in present day. Corner however does go on to recognise that despite the consensus that fashion needs the past, Yamamoto’s designs “nevertheless point unequivocally to the future” (Corner, 2014, THE FASHION DESIGNER AS ARTIST section). Consequently, Wintour’s statement still caries weight regarding fashion design, even if it doesn’t encompass the whole design process; Wintour’s statement concerns fashions purpose which is to look forward. Similarly, Hopkins describes the design process as a means to “offer new insights and approaches as a means of remaining relevant and contemporary” (Hopkins, 2021, Understanding fashion section). This opinion suggests that a limitation to Wintour’s statement is that it one dimensionally confines the purpose of fashion. Albeit fashion is about looking forward, but through reimagining the past since “fashion change may be understood as cyclic.” (Hopkins, 2021, Fashion as change section). Best indicates that such statements made by those in media could be a result of lack of understanding of the concept of fashion design and as a result “Fashion writing needs to enlighten on the intricacies of the clothes and designers’ creative vision” (Best, 2017, 10 FACING THE FUTURE: THE EVOLVING FASHION MEDIA section), it is therefore no surprise that Best admits “This requires knowledge of fashion history” (Best, 2017, 10 FACING THE FUTURE: THE EVOLVING FASHION MEDIA section). Therefore, Wintour’s perspective as a communicator of fashion is limited as it omits designers’ views that fashion must look back to design the future. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/20755dc2-4936-48e8-867e-c924c3d488be/unsplash-image-I8ebVbQMapQ.jpg Fashion - Anna Wintour once said… - The primary limitation of Wintour’s statement is its failure to accommodate all sectors of the industry when making such a generalised statement about fashion. Fashion encompasses media, design and consumers amongst others, yet this statement is only entirely true to media. At the time the statement was made, it could have been true, however the media landscape in fashion has evolved and no longer allows a single individual to determine the sole purpose of fashion. (1303 words) https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/fashionblogcategory/in-the-contemporary-globalised-world-fashion-and-lifestyle-media-are-central-to-cultural-diversity-nbsp monthly 0.5 2025-03-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/f7873ff4-14d4-4943-9098-21f2fb96ee04/IMG_5307.jpg Fashion - ‘In the contemporary globalised world, fashion and lifestyle media are central to cultural diversity.’  - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/386ad89b-10d8-4345-9a2e-a92184df028e/Screenshot+2025-03-18+at+22.07.19.jpg Fashion - ‘In the contemporary globalised world, fashion and lifestyle media are central to cultural diversity.’  British Vogue aims for heterogeneous covers but often fails to fully encompass representation in regards to afro hair on black women. Figure 1 is the February 2022 cover which displays nine women of colour in what is now known as the Black issue. Despite the attempt at racial diversity, the cover fails to portray black women in a way that their readers can identify with since each model is seen in elaborate wigs. “Ideology is first a matter of representation” (Lassen, Strunck, Vestergaard, 2006, loc pp29) meaning that if this cover was an attempt to represent black women during a time where the social landscape called for greater diversity, it is therefore necessary to produce images that include aspects of black womanhood such as afro hair. Ford may contest that blackness is subjective since the “apparents [sic] of servitude” for one might be liberating to another” (Ford, 2015, loc pp 51). Some studies acknowledge that black women in precolonial Africa practised forms of hair straightening which makes the appearance authentically black (Ford, 2015, loc pp50). Given the title, there should be an offering of black that is accessible to the readers. Having The Black Issue as a title of the cover of such an influential magazine in the fashion media landscape, it sets a standard of what black is in fashion, hence the reason why it could be argued that this cover has failed to use its position, being central to cultural diversity. Edward Enninful, as a person of colour leading the fashion industry would arguably have the expectation to be able to reflect what blackness means through fashion. However, this assumption can not be justified as even though he has a leading position, he can not be expected to represent what blackness means for all readers. Moreover the readers could have influenced the decision to avoid the afro as the preexisting reader of British Vogue is middle class white women who don’t necessarily identify with representations of afro hair. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/33698642-443c-4145-8465-c1f6f25e6b03/Screenshot+2025-03-18+at+22.08.39.png Fashion - ‘In the contemporary globalised world, fashion and lifestyle media are central to cultural diversity.’  Lack of representation also constitutes mediation of culture when considering the ways in which afro hair is currently being portrayed in the media. This essay follows Siapera’s definition of mediation which involves “taking the risk of simplifying a complex reality” (Siapera, 2010, loc 102) through the following three practices “Taking the risk of simplifying a complex reality” (Siapera, 2010, loc 102). Mediation of culture results in the commodification of afro hair. Figure 2 displays Naomi Campbell, a model of colour instrumental to early representation in fashion during the 90s, in a long afro. This portrayal of the afro, while a step towards representation, symbolises the mediated afro. “The processes and relations of mediation are processes and relations of recontextualization, which specifically involve relations between the field of media and other social fields” (Lassen, Strunck, Vestergaard, 2006, loc pp28). Dating back to the 60s, there has been an image of the socially acceptable afro circulating in the media which had to be curly, not coily and a length longer than what the majority of black women could achieve. This contributes once more to ideas of capitalism as the discourse surrounding afro hair in the media capitalises on the curated insecurities of afro hair (Brown, Lemi, 2021, loc pp38) which encouraged the consumption of products or wigs to achieve the idealised afro. Fashion and beauty industries capitalise on the neglect of afro hair in the media by promoting straight or slightly curly hair as more desirable. For those familiar with the model in Figure 2, this cover could start speculations around what is considered a natural afro. At face value, having a supermodel in a version of afro hair on the cover of a mainstream publication could be an attempt at cultural diversity. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/a063d422-7bf9-46a8-88b6-7d70dd758660/Screenshot+2025-03-18+at+22.09.23.png Fashion - ‘In the contemporary globalised world, fashion and lifestyle media are central to cultural diversity.’  Nevertheless, fashion and media lifestyle does have the capacity to impose positive change on the contemporary globalised world when considering the progression of ideas surrounding The Other. Figure 3 portrays two similar British Vogue covers which have varying meanings. Both individuals on the cover demonstrate alternative styling methods for afro hair. This in turn illustrates ways to normalise textured afro hair in everyday life. Previous attempts such as Figure 2 can intend on glamorising the afro but in turn, also ostracises it as a daily occurrence in fashion and lifestyle media. The 2020 cover in Figure 3 portrays Lupita Nyong’o in her natural hair which is stylised in a way that is also natural and therefore attainable for the readers. Whereas although the 2021 cover also focuses on styling textured hair, the added length raises questions once more on the portrayal of afro hair. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/fashionblogcategory/outfits-hold-memories monthly 0.5 2025-10-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1741984712595-ICXNBOQ6KGSS60BGYVRY/B798457B-1498-430D-8256-17EA601E55BF.jpg Fashion - First Year Fits & Flashbacks https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1741978935608-09OP6KNZCURCACNR01P8/IMG_7584.jpeg Fashion - First Year Fits & Flashbacks https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1741978675767-5EU3AKFY1N4EPGPLM9FF/IMG_1427.jpeg Fashion - First Year Fits & Flashbacks https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/fb363677-6dee-4d7c-b894-187a2e8a715e/IMG_5098.jpeg Fashion - First Year Fits & Flashbacks - 1) First Day Of Uni I still remember all the nerves from my first day. I had planned my outfit in advance since my sister had bought me the whole green suit. I remember the night before she said I should swap out the suit trousers since a full suit would be too obvious that it’s a new first day outfit. So I prepared my outfit the night before with black and blue wide leg jeans as options - I went with the blue. I also got this bag from dune and still use it to this day. I loved this outfit. I wanted to show that I am ready to work but also stylish, I think younger me did a good job. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/95d7d980-0457-41ce-b38c-4517dc183edb/IMG_5534.jpg Fashion - First Year Fits & Flashbacks - 2) Doing my first Vox pop I got this bright pink shirt in the age of the Valentino pink era. I loved it so much and wore it the day I had to do street interviews for the first time ever. I was so nervous so I knew I needed an outfit that was going to boost my confidence and it definitely did just that. This picture was taken after doing the Vox pops in the Harrods store as part of a trip we were on for uni. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/bdd128f9-a8e2-4dd3-be32-929163f37f6d/IMG_1427.jpg Fashion - First Year Fits & Flashbacks - 3) Attending my first big lecture I had a very similar outfit saved on my Pinterest board for the longest time and this was the day I was able to recreate it. My sister gave me her blazer that I use till this day and I had discovered a great love for ankle boots (I wore them almost everyday). I really felt like a fashion girly - I felt like a fashion journalist. I have never been shy about wearing my natural hair and do it often in uni. I love how it looks in this picture. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/0dbab57c-bc70-447f-96fe-85fb8add3db2/IMG_6547.jpg Fashion - First Year Fits & Flashbacks - 4) Meeting Fisayo Longe I had this shirt since sixth form, but wore it differently then. I felt so chic in this silver satin shirt, like something out of Devil Wears Prada. Layering it with this tailored blazer brought the whole look together. This was the outfit that I wore when I met Fisayo Longe and took a picture with her, not knowing a year later, she would agree to be interviewed by me. Now, I LOVE Converses, but if I could go back in time, I would tell myself that they did not have a place in this outfit. It creates a bit of an imbalance, but it worked at the time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/6687edfa-91d5-422d-a2f9-e670c3bafd47/B798457B-1498-430D-8256-17EA601E55BF.jpeg Fashion - First Year Fits & Flashbacks - 5) Obsession with Converses I used to style outfits based on colour and this day was black and white. The converses were fairly new, a gift I bought myself after finishing my A-Levels. I would have them cleaned about twice a month and really treasured them. I styled my whole outfit around these shoes and my tote bag obsession was already in full swing. You can’t see it in this picture but I was also wearing Mona Lisa shaped earrings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/48f4b310-b584-4a40-ac1c-79dcb1686e37/IMG_7131.jpg Fashion - First Year Fits & Flashbacks - 6) Attending Stylist Live I love method dressing, if you can call it that. This pink shirt made another appearance layered under this mini dress and paired once more with ankle boots. I was going to the Stylist Live Event and knew the magazine colour was hot pink - of course this shirt had to make an appearance. When I met the editor of the magazine at the time, Lisa Smosarski, she really liked my outfit! The inspiration of this outfit was The Bold Type which is my favourite series of all time about fashion. If I was part of that cast, I would wear this. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/bbad708d-fd66-4edf-8a86-42a078378225/IMG_7584.jpg Fashion - First Year Fits & Flashbacks - 7) Stylist Live Day 2 Stylist Live is a three day event and when speaking to the Editor of the magazine, I mentioned that I got tickets for the whole weekend. What I didn’t expect was to wake up the next day to DM from the Editor Lisa asking me if I’d like to join her backstage to meet everyone and watch the catwalk behind the scenes. That was the biggest pinch me moment so I wore my power suit and had the best time ever. That same day, I went to my workplace at the time and handed in my resignation. It was a risky move and I had no back up plan. But I also knew that this was a pivotal moment in my career, it was time to focus wholly on the life I wanted to make for myself. This will always be my power suit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/9fe466eb-6bf6-4f90-8852-2b739034376d/IMG_4334.jpg Fashion - First Year Fits & Flashbacks - 8) Being a true journalist I had an assignment that I was doing about dopamine dressing and I really needed primary research from an expert. I reached out to a fashion psychologist and her assistant got back to me saying she was too busy for an interview because of her book launch. So, as a true journalist, I didn’t take no for an answer and went to the book launch where I was able to meet her and she was so nice to speak with me and sign my copy of her book. This outfit felt so sophisticated and classy. I had actually go this outfit (besides the flares) for my 18th birthday and I still love those kitten heels. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/d9c0231e-1aeb-46de-8fcd-50d5c2f4c2f9/IMG_4775.jpg Fashion - First Year Fits & Flashbacks - 9) Damn, that fur coat I had a love hate relationship with this coat, There were some days I felt like mob wife, and others that I felt like a grizzly bear. I remember thinking I ate and to be honest, it’s not as bad as I think. I just wouldn’t wear this today at all, especially not those shoes. The purse is cute though! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/2d069a78-9bf8-415d-b13c-8500324bd97d/IMG_1650.jpeg Fashion - First Year Fits & Flashbacks - 10) Sakina for Mayor This picture makes me laugh so much. It was actually a candid shot my sister did of me to test out her camera for a photoshoot we were doing in Oxford Circus. I was supposed to be the photographer hence the basic looking outfit. Something about the lighting and relaxed smile reminds me of those pictures candidates running for Mayor would use. There’s not really anything wrong with this outfit, but it doesn’t reflect fashion student. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/0d58ad32-a4f5-4867-a9e8-34695f1743c4/IMG_8778.jpg Fashion - First Year Fits & Flashbacks - 11) Pose like a Zara model I had this phase where I wanted my IG photos to look a little cooler - this was not the way, but it was the route I took. I started posing in my mirror selfies as if I was a Zara model and now, I can only look back and laugh. I actually love this denim jumpsuit and layered it so I could wear it in A/W too. I actually bought it the day I got my A Level results and found out I got accepted to study at LCF. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/19dd26e4-7527-4f91-8b73-3f92488c95e7/IMG_0307.jpeg Fashion - First Year Fits & Flashbacks - 12) My first fashion week I remember this was a very crazy day for me. We were literally about to move houses so all my clothes were boxed up and ready to be loaded off. But when I go the email from uni that we were invited to Natasha Zinko’s London Fashion Week show, I knew exactly what I wanted to wear. I had done a design short course a couple years before with UAL where I designed and made these denim trousers. I had never wore them before (and never wore them again after), but I knew that if I was going to fashion week for the first time, it had to be with something I made. Who knows, maybe paparazzi would take a picture and before I know it people want their own…that didn’t happen. And thank God it didn’t. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1e6e5462-052d-4c72-9068-2f3dabcac592/IMG_0788.jpg Fashion - First Year Fits & Flashbacks - 13) Maid in Manhattan You know that Jennifer Lopez movie where she works as a cleaning maid and wore one of her clients outfits and felt like a million dollars. That’s exactly how I felt. I watched that movie when I was much younger and wanted that feeling, that look and I got it this day. I personalised it with my chunky ankle boots and felt like I was in a one woman show in the big city. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/7696339a-a555-486c-aece-374dff218ce8/IMG_4207.jpg Fashion - First Year Fits & Flashbacks - 14) The get work done jumper Everytime I wear this jumper, just know that some serious studying is about to happen. I wouldn’t wear this to lectures, only for my solo study days. This day in particular was when I went to the Oxford campus to study in the cantine and stayed the whole day. It was a weekend and no one else was there. When studying I prioritise comfort above all and I remember coming to take this selfie after completing my assignment that day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/c584d380-8bea-4981-8b98-43b989a32eee/IMG_5476.jpg Fashion - First Year Fits & Flashbacks - 15) Louis Vuitton Pharell Debut Show Some students, myself included, were invited to a screening of Pharell Williams debut show at Louis Vuitton. I remember thinking, I don’t have anything Louis Vuitton and it would be a crime to wear another brand. So I played it safe and ended up looking like stage hands. But on the day, I actually liked my outfit and was just there for the vibes. Looking back, I wish I dressed more for myself rather than bend to other people’s aesthetics. It was an event/party put on by the Louis Vuitton team in London and it was such a great night. I remember saying that after watching a screening of fashion week, my next step is to work fashion week and I actually already did that. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/fashionblogcategory/1mdvq09dplyka77s8n33bng5lj9s9e monthly 0.5 2025-03-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1741808112107-1LM3U4Y7VDABD0TDYYTZ/temp.jpeg Fashion - Top 3 Paris Fashion Week Highlights https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1741808114526-9HT74USFLICKBD40DQ4K/temp.jpeg Fashion - Top 3 Paris Fashion Week Highlights https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1741809077910-UZRVP6Y0OXIE6EH1GKJ3/temp.jpeg Fashion - Top 3 Paris Fashion Week Highlights https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1741808576281-OSRUJBZLE3D7F80NX8BS/temp.jpeg Fashion - Top 3 Paris Fashion Week Highlights - THE SHOW & ACCESSORIES Schiaparelli is innovation class and style. If you have not already seen this show in video, go and do so now. I love that they brought back the traditional catwalk style of elegance over speed. No more models running down the catwalk with guests catching just a glimpse. The models, strolled, posed, twirled…I would have loved to be in the room where that happened! Also, I mentioned in another one of my blogs that belts are the accessory of this season and I think Schiaparelli agrees. There were so many looks that layered belts in such a dramatic way and I am so here for it. I did see some girlies on social media do this too, needless to say, I want some more belts! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1741808575328-0KIR6MKGOVS2OXHGRLPT/temp.jpeg Fashion - Top 3 Paris Fashion Week Highlights https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1741808578349-E66L7F3F9BLFQAJRZBBM/temp.jpeg Fashion - Top 3 Paris Fashion Week Highlights https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1741808579276-C7BSNONLIFMK1K47Y3T5/temp.jpeg Fashion - Top 3 Paris Fashion Week Highlights https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1741808581045-5OWJQG33ALKVKUR13UQT/temp.jpeg Fashion - Top 3 Paris Fashion Week Highlights https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1741808582053-RDM5ZWKTQQR5AN1Q6N56/temp.jpeg Fashion - Top 3 Paris Fashion Week Highlights https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1741808584399-774WR73ES9VBHJS6161R/temp.jpeg Fashion - Top 3 Paris Fashion Week Highlights https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/f76e438c-d624-4d07-9796-c718d778a3e0/temp.jpeg Fashion - Top 3 Paris Fashion Week Highlights - THE CREATIVITY AND EXECUTION I have seen many outfits claiming to be a deconstructed version of a traditional garment. But this - this is art. It is not easy to make art wearable, since this is a ready to wear show. But Comme Des Garcon didn’t just think creatively to reimagine a traditional suit, they executed it to perfection. I really want to see this collection in person, feel it and try it on. It plays with silhouettes through shape and sculpting with fabric. (It also kind of reminds me of the Inside out movie scene when they went through abstract thoughts.) I want to see this collection in an exhibition because it is a chef d’oeuvre! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1741808803726-AN8RM2NCCXY9X112WFI1/temp.jpeg Fashion - Top 3 Paris Fashion Week Highlights https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1741808803635-BPSAUIZQRZ2LBS8VI9IJ/temp.jpeg Fashion - Top 3 Paris Fashion Week Highlights https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1741808806702-PLLAXTW0V8Y122I227CI/temp.jpeg Fashion - Top 3 Paris Fashion Week Highlights https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1741808806608-DIF4DYRY4DLW8PAYZH3I/temp.jpeg Fashion - Top 3 Paris Fashion Week Highlights https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1741808809389-0UL0YLGOV4WKBVYHGPKS/temp.jpeg Fashion - Top 3 Paris Fashion Week Highlights https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1741808809601-ELJKCO3MC14Y381N6CSR/temp.jpeg Fashion - Top 3 Paris Fashion Week Highlights https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1741811217786-7KEP91C4YO2UTOE5O3AJ/Image.jpeg Fashion - Top 3 Paris Fashion Week Highlights https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1741808957765-S7RWYWIRHZT4XFO5V6DS/temp.jpeg Fashion - Top 3 Paris Fashion Week Highlights - THE CLOTHES I was so sad to hear Sarah Burton leave Alexander McQueen because I loved her work there. But, she proved with this debut collection that she can take her talents anywhere she goes with this collection featuring the beauty in simplicity. This garment in particular was my favourite - it is just so fashion girly. I could wear this to fashion uni, as well as an interview as a fashion journalist. Pretty and functional. I would be very happy owning these pieces and wearing just these for the rest of the year on rotation. I also thought the second dress (white with black ribbon) was familiar - then I remembered. Elle Fanning wore a custom full length version of this for the Oscars which you can find on my previous post. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1741808981766-GFJYFEGKF7PGZWPWXANV/temp.jpeg Fashion - Top 3 Paris Fashion Week Highlights https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1741808962193-HFDBEADM862M1WO5STX8/temp.jpeg Fashion - Top 3 Paris Fashion Week Highlights https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1741808959966-QMRZF4MKQ07J4J4YEHCZ/temp.jpeg Fashion - Top 3 Paris Fashion Week Highlights https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1741808958036-AWDYJW2RZMLNTG1FGD5E/temp.jpeg Fashion - Top 3 Paris Fashion Week Highlights https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1741808959755-1JXUUSZ4ICBZ6Y9PL1XP/temp.jpeg Fashion - Top 3 Paris Fashion Week Highlights https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1741808961792-GLYRI6AB5G104AODZGJG/temp.jpeg Fashion - Top 3 Paris Fashion Week Highlights https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/fashionblogcategory/creative-to-creative monthly 0.5 2025-03-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/6d1dc636-0023-40b5-b09c-773f6059a3c4/Image+07-03-2025+at+22.57.jpeg Fashion - Creative to Creative: Ziwei Qu - Make it stand out YYATOMIC on Flair Fashion https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/8f01bedc-b232-4e97-bcf8-ff6d7815fc9f/IMG_2980.jpg Fashion - Creative to Creative: Ziwei Qu - Ziwei Qu is a London based designer and founder of YYAtomic However, before becoming a business owner, Qu studied BA (Hons) Fashion Design Technology: Menswear at London College of Fashion and went on to later complete her masters at Central Saint Martins. As a UAL alumni, Qu returns to discuss her brand, tease her upcoming collection and describe what she thinks the future of fashion looks like, as well as the future of YYAtomic. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/db996fd2-7c62-4423-876e-c3834ade92af/IMG_2939.jpg Fashion - Creative to Creative: Ziwei Qu - YYAtomic is a streetwear menswear brand made for the red carpet or other special occasions. YYAtomic is a streetwear menswear brand made for the red carpet or other special occasions. “The style is retro futuristic with mechanical aesthetics and a touch of romance,” says Qu. Her work fuses the contemporary styles with sophisticated craftsmanship to really elevate the typical streetwear aesthetics. She acknowledges that this aesthetic is not typical for red carpet events, but remains hopeful that she can upgrade the everyday wear style for special occasions, looking to brands like Balenciaga as inspiration. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1741389126398-XJ3KI0EG1GIUQCW3TQ5Z/IMG_2975.jpeg Fashion - Creative to Creative: Ziwei Qu https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1741389126854-7SBJCW08098U18EDZDZI/IMG_2998.jpeg Fashion - Creative to Creative: Ziwei Qu https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1741389130223-ZP0SPBM4G3H9CTP96IU6/IMG_2873.jpeg Fashion - Creative to Creative: Ziwei Qu https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1741389201355-6STIFVLTJ1EDLTFOY3M1/IMG_2960.jpeg Fashion - Creative to Creative: Ziwei Qu https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/6fda3e59-ccf4-4ad7-ad19-208447b5e35c/IMG_3003.jpg Fashion - Creative to Creative: Ziwei Qu - The upcoming collection will focus on the concept of the Navy uniforms from the 1920s combined with futuristic elements. These marines designs will debut at London Fashion Week in September with a new key element: womenswear. For the first time, Qu reveals that she will now be incorporating womenswear into her collections after admitting the difficulties being a small brand catering solely to menswear. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/16d2c15b-d35b-4703-90e6-81e4ed4763e2/IMG_2960.jpg Fashion - Creative to Creative: Ziwei Qu - Our UAL alumna has much to look forward to as a young designer and business owner. One being hopes of a collaboration with former One Direction star Harry Styles who she believes would represent her brand values best. “When you become bigger and more famous the background or your story is going to make you more unique,” says Qu as she thinks of what the future of YYAtomic can look like. She goes on to say: https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/fashionblogcategory/ie7yx3bbckxh48khbuep4tutalzmzq monthly 0.5 2025-03-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/58e770ac-0bf3-4499-8dff-c22ecf26cf14/1.jpg Fashion - Oscar Winning Looks - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/fashionblogcategory/why-does-fashion-matter monthly 0.5 2026-03-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/23e0389c-1fd8-4395-aedf-6ae65fbc4d2c/Screenshot+2024-10-16+at+12.52.37.png Fashion - Why Does Fashion Matter: A visual essay on Afrofuturism - 1) Black Panther (2018) Directed by R. Coogler [Feature film]. United States: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Okoye is the leader of the Dora Milaje who are the protectors of Wakanda. As the leader, she has subtle differences that establish her rank in her uniform such as the gold instead of silver neck rings and shoulder pads. Her character is the epitome of an Afrofuturistic woman who is a strong and empowered female with great respect and responsibility. This is successfully shown as she doesn’t have to wear masculine clothes in order to receive the same respect as the leading male characters. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/d9114f1f-ef0c-4311-a006-c63b019e8f56/Screenshot+2024-10-16+at+12.52.13.png Fashion - Why Does Fashion Matter: A visual essay on Afrofuturism - 2) S. Sule Ali (2023) Dora Milaje uniform [Collage]. I created this collage as a visual representation of all the different features of Okoye’s Dora Milaje uniform as it puts into perspective how much a single costume can represent a whole story. This costume represents multiple cultures and shines lights on different customs native to African countries which as a result, gives agency to viewers to then embrace these cultures. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/b47f1247-eb54-470d-86f7-292692266cf6/Screenshot+2024-10-16+at+12.51.00.png Fashion - Why Does Fashion Matter: A visual essay on Afrofuturism - 3) Black Panther (2018) Directed by R. Coogler [Feature film]. United States: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures In this scene, there is a traditional ceremony which is equivalent to a coronation. Okoye’s outfit here is slightly more relaxed as it is a celebration, however you can still notice her rank and position through the armour that resembles jewellery. The other uniform in Figure 1 is more practical while this one serves a performative cultural purpose. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/bf33a043-66ea-4d85-a67d-ecb68098ce5c/Screenshot+2024-10-16+at+12.50.27.jpg Fashion - Why Does Fashion Matter: A visual essay on Afrofuturism - 4) Dowayo (1980-1984) Wood and beads [Doll]. British Museum (Viewed: 1 May 2023). This is a handmade doll, carved in Cameroon that supposedly has the power to heal sterile women. It is no coincidence that this figure which is supposed to empower women has a harness-like top made of beadwork that mirrors Okoye’s uniform. Beadwork is an ancient craft in multiple regions of Africa so it is only natural for it to be included in the costume. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/c210ed04-39ce-49da-b7a8-7c44a480c1c9/Screenshot+2024-10-16+at+12.49.56.jpg Fashion - Why Does Fashion Matter: A visual essay on Afrofuturism - 5) J. Quesada (available) (2005) Who is the Black Panther? Hudlin, Romita, Janson, White, Gentile, Alonso. 13/April/No.3 It caught my attention that in the original comics, the protectors of Wakanda were also women since conversations around female empowerment and Afrofuturism weren’t as common as they are now. This shows just how advanced Wakanda as a society is, in terms of social ideas around the roles of women, which justifies the need for costumes that empower women. The difference between the comics and the film however is that the modern film adaptation allows for more agency regarding the representation of African cultures in the costume. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/3a11deff-f45e-4bae-a97c-74fd2c963c90/Screenshot+2024-10-16+at+12.49.27.png Fashion - Why Does Fashion Matter: A visual essay on Afrofuturism - 6) Black Panther (2018) Directed by R. Coogler [Feature film]. United States: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures The neck ring in this costume is called an Idzila. It is a tradition for Southern Ndebele women who are married to represent loyalty to their spouses, however it is ironic to be wearing it in this scene as Okoye defies her husband. This irony is empowering as it shows how women can be loyal in relationships whilst still keeping their own ideas and thoughts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/62658029-0d86-45d3-816b-f0d3a9e0103e/Screenshot+2024-10-16+at+12.49.03.jpg Fashion - Why Does Fashion Matter: A visual essay on Afrofuturism - 7) Black Panther (2018) Directed by R. Coogler [Feature film]. United States: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures These are some of the most western style clothing worn by T’Challa and Okoye in the film, however it should be noted how there is still an infusion of Pan-African influence through the accessories. This is a clear example of how seamlessly Afrofuturism merges tradition, culture and modernisation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/c818eeba-c68f-4f82-9fd4-658a47f5f7cf/Screenshot+2024-10-16+at+12.48.21.jpg Fashion - Why Does Fashion Matter: A visual essay on Afrofuturism - 8) Black Panther (2018) Directed by R. Coogler [Feature film]. United States: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures This throne room outfit is significant as it presents T’Challa as a leader who has the responsibility to respect traditions whilst allowing the society that he leads to progress. This is done here by using the colours of the Black Panther costume such as black and purple to represent vibranium which powers the country. Purple is also commonly associated with royalty as purple dye was historically expensive which therefore shows off the wealth of his nation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/885a4934-2e65-4769-a040-e81a01eaaf71/Screenshot+2024-10-16+at+12.46.53.jpg Fashion - Why Does Fashion Matter: A visual essay on Afrofuturism - 9) Black Panther (2018) Directed by R. Coogler [Feature film]. United States: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures The textiles in this costume are significant through the symbols and shapes used. For over 2000 years, the trade of African cloth has been a major part of the African economy however it also has historical value. Cloth makers use textiles to tell stories such as migration as well as communicating social status. The use of the triangular shape represents the Nsibidi triangle pattern which is sacred in Africa. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/7643c828-cf30-49ba-a516-735eb6fa6ffd/Screenshot+2024-10-16+at+12.46.27.png Fashion - Why Does Fashion Matter: A visual essay on Afrofuturism - 10) Black Panther (2018) Directed by R. Coogler [Feature film]. United States: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures In this scene, T’Challa is receiving guidance from his ancestors on how to rule as the new King which is mirrored in the costumes as his father wears a more traditional Ghanaian cloth as a toga, while T’Challa represents the new generation with a Nigerian, long sleeve,modern dashiki. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/f4fe4ab5-9497-47ac-b870-84a2b6e3f869/Screenshot+2024-10-16+at+12.45.59.jpg Fashion - Why Does Fashion Matter: A visual essay on Afrofuturism - 11) Black Panther (2018) Directed by R. Coogler [Feature film]. United States: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures T’challa is not the typical masculine superhero; his advisors and protectors are female lead which reflects the intersection mentioned in the quote about gender role modernisations. He is a black leader who does not fall into the stereotype of being aggressive or power hungry. His fashion is body positive which produces relaxed silhouettes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/14c74568-da75-4a24-8405-c3b538b6ca45/Screenshot+2024-10-16+at+12.45.37.png Fashion - Why Does Fashion Matter: A visual essay on Afrofuturism - 12) Black Panther (2018) Directed by R. Coogler [Feature film]. United States: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Queen Ramonda wears the same colour as T’Challa as if to show that she is in solidarity with him in this governing meeting. As the mother and as a female in the room, it is easy to think of her as a secondary character, however, even if her voice is not heard in this scene, her outfit is loud enough to acknowledge and feel her presence in the room as an equal rather than an other. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/213624ba-1f48-4d56-9494-69353da5bc60/Screenshot+2024-10-16+at+12.44.21.jpg Fashion - Why Does Fashion Matter: A visual essay on Afrofuturism - 13) Carter and Koerner (2018) Queen Ramonda Shoulder Mantle [sculpture]. Science Museum (Viewed: 22 April 2023) This shoulder mantle is infused with African lace textiles which is another example of how the costumes experiment with modernising traditional African crafts in order for it to find its place in an Afrofuturist society https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/8d25a621-7dc3-4bf2-b4a4-14d02210e34a/Screenshot+2024-10-16+at+12.42.53.jpg Fashion - Why Does Fashion Matter: A visual essay on Afrofuturism - 14) Black Panther (2018) Directed by R. Coogler [Feature film]. United States: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures One way in which the costumes in the Black Panther transcends the usual expectations of a typical science fiction movie is with the emphasis on fusing technology with the costumes. For example, many pieces from Queen Ramonda’s attire were 3D printed by Australian designer J. Koerner. This, on surface level, provides a clean finish to the execution of the costume. However, on a deeper level, it also acts as a symbol of wealth for a demographic which is often associated with poverty in the media, by promoting the idea of a society well established with high technology. In this way, fashion in the Black Panther matters because it re-establishes the continent of Africa by introducing a narrative of wealth and prosperity. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1a4f274d-31b3-457b-bfaf-b121a3de509c/Zulu+%281993%29+Isicholo+%5BHead-Dress%5D.+British+Museum+%28Viewed%3A+1+May+2023%29 Fashion - Why Does Fashion Matter: A visual essay on Afrofuturism - 15) Zulu (1993) Isicholo [Head-Dress]. British Museum (Viewed: 1 May 2023) Queen Ramonda is seen numerous times throughout the film wearing an iteration of this hat on a grand scale. Its origins derive from South Africa and it resembles a traditional hairstyle of married women who use frames to achieve this shape and dye their hair this poignant colour. It is an indication of marital status as well as societal rank, religious belief and ethnic group. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/733a0463-3cab-47f2-aa4b-1da68c84aed2/Screenshot+2024-10-16+at+12.40.22.png Fashion - Why Does Fashion Matter: A visual essay on Afrofuturism - 16) Black Panther (2018) Directed by R. Coogler [Feature film]. United States: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. The head piece mentioned in Figure 15 is no longer apparent in this scene which in turn reflects the Queen’s vulnerability since T’Challa was no longer King. However the locks still have a regal look which gives a sense of her inner power as a female without the crown. She’s wrapped in a blanket uncommon to her usual colour scheme with bold patterns which juxtapose the silhouettes that usually dominate in her outfits. In desperation, there is a relaxing of character specific clothing to meet the basic needs to be protected in these conditions. Upon deeper reflection, this could represent the resourcefulness of the African diaspora when put outside of their native areas, who still bring pieces of themselves to combat the harsh conditions they are subject to. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/fashionblogcategory/creative-to-creative-fisayo-longe monthly 0.5 2026-03-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/d5431bf8-f8d3-4f88-b409-13d3eeac5dec/fisayo-longe-headshot-9.jpg Fashion - Creative to Creative: Fisayo Longe - Make it stand out Image curtesy of Fisayo Longe https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/92ddacee-dca6-4bec-b6d5-ec69a44d74d2/KC_Campaign_FINAL+%2811+of+111%29.jpg Fashion - Creative to Creative: Fisayo Longe - Image curtesy of Fisayo Longe ‘Viral brands’ are often futile, but 7 year old Kai Collective still stands strong. Longe has recently been listed on Forbes 30 under 30 after announcing that Kai’s annual revenue has doubled to over 1.2 million pounds; Thus proving her ability to transform Kai from an online sensation to a lucrative business. She discusses her journey from the comfort of her cousin’s living room, sporting a cosy neon green jumper, almost as bright as her personality. “I'm genuinely someone who is ready for success, I'm ready for the next level of success. So we were not prepared but we were always going to figure it out,” Longe says. Longe wore Gaia dress to the 2020 BAFTA awards. After a click of a camera and a post on Instagram “nothing was the same”. Requests poured in demanding the mesh, marble printed dress that sits on the body like a tattoo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/55d0befe-de63-411c-beb6-d9260f0d2986/48.jpg Fashion - Creative to Creative: Fisayo Longe - Image curtesy of Fisayo Longe “I'm a black woman and my brand represents very fiercely black women in all our campaigns.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/a594dad6-9df6-459f-89df-ba7c0fa54ca4/Look5_798.JPG Fashion - Creative to Creative: Fisayo Longe - Make it stand out Image Curtesy of Fisayo Longe https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/fashionblogcategory/eolwodx9mw5fp90qdryec48k1728ly monthly 0.5 2024-06-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1715515648592-2OAVIZG6B8V8DK3HSQ7U/gettyimages-2151783463-594x594.jpg Fashion - Top 10 MET Gala looks https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1715515648692-S9AYRKZVFIHJFGGFLSNR/gettyimages-2151788440-594x594.jpg Fashion - Top 10 MET Gala looks https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/0252391c-b565-4ec4-828f-83a04736127a/gettyimages-2151239906-594x594.jpg Fashion - Top 10 MET Gala looks - NO.2 NAME: SABRINA HARRISON WEARING: CHRISHABANA REVIEW: When I say this on the live recording of the MET Gala, my jaw dropped. I immediately had to find out who this person was and who is responsible for this showstopper. I’m not a fan of attendees who choose to just put on a pretty dress with minimal effort - but Sabrina managed to wear such a beautiful dress that is perfectly on theme and is art - round of applause! It’s not easy to wear a full gold look without looking like an Oscars trophy (which isn’t bad either) but the details in this is indeed Oscar worthy. I was immediately drawn to the detail of the melting clock on her breastplate as it reminded me of the surrealism artwork by Salvador Dali ‘The Persistence of Memory’. (My GCSE art teacher would be very proud of me for remembering that.) Every aspect of the look is intentional from head to toe with the dramatic headpiece being a literal clock. Admittedly, I can imagine the risks when designing this look, it easily could have boarded tacky with the mini clock detail cascading down the dress - but what is the MET Gala if not a place to take risks. This definitely payed off. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/bcf889af-bfb8-4718-8e4e-cd87ade11459/gettyimages-2151778974-594x594.jpg Fashion - Top 10 MET Gala looks - NO.3 NAME: ZENDAYA WEARING: MAISON MARGIELA REVIEW: You can tell it’s Maison Margiela from a mile away from the fabric choice to the structural elements. But if that’s not enough, then the dark, doll like make up seen in their last couture collection should give you some indication. This look is so enchanting and I felt like my eyes went on an adventure as she made her way up those steps. Law Roach and Zendaya are an unbeatable fashion duo for a very key reason - they are never afraid to try. I might need a whole separate blog post on this but I’ll just start with saying Zendaya is confident enough in herself to try out daring looks and Law knows her well enough for her to trust him. Their goal isn’t to look pretty, it's to understand and deliver on theme. That ladies and gentlemen is the difference between being fashionable and stylish. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/fd960cbc-7134-4779-a1ad-cf306f93c95a/gettyimages-2151785582-594x594.jpg Fashion - Top 10 MET Gala looks - NO.4 NAME: WISDOM KAYE WEARING: ROBERT WUN REVIEW: I was genuinely so happy to see him here. I saw him coming out from the hotel and before knowing it was him, I was obsessed. Besides Coleman Domingo, there weren’t many other males whose imagination extended beyond a tux or penguin suit. Therefore, I will always apploud those who put in that effort. The MET Gala isn’t just for the girls and I would love to see more men taking some more risks. A full red look is as bold as it gets and coupled with the burnt edges - I’m sold! Wisdom Kaye is a phenomenal stylist all on his own so I was very happy to see that he brought his A Game and made all his tiktok fans (myself included) super proud. I didn’t notice many tiktokers present this year, but they chose him and I must say, they chose well. I can imagine this look on a massive Hollywood style live action of Alice in the Wonderland where the Mad Hatter joins forces with the Queen of Hearts wearing this look - my imagination runs a little wild ;) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/5196dc32-bd29-45c2-83fa-c223751e269f/gettyimages-2151786179-594x594.jpg Fashion - Top 10 MET Gala looks - NO.5 NAME: TAYLOR RUSSELL WEARING: LOEWE REVIEW: If I had to pick a brand for Taylor to arrive with, it would still be Loewe. Loewe remind me of renovated houses that still managed to keep the flair and timelessness of the original buildings. This is shown perfectly through this look. The bodice is wooden and sculpted to Taylor for a personalised, artistic and modern look. The drape of the skirt adds that delicate touch that is always present in Loewe. I see strength and fragility in this look from the tree like top to the soft covering of the skirt. I love this look because it took a different approach of simply adding flowers to an outfit to fit the theme, because a garden is made of more than lillies and roses, there are also the trees. That being said, I would have loved to see other looks like this perhaps focusing on the undesirable aspects of a garden such as unmovable weeds and insects. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1715519811998-57MYUV2LUVLRRL18CJMW/gettyimages-2151833929-594x594.jpg Fashion - Top 10 MET Gala looks https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1715519817868-VBHI9W8PT9L6H3IW584H/gettyimages-2151850960-594x594.jpg Fashion - Top 10 MET Gala looks https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/975dc1a3-e5c5-41d8-a4ed-950381ebd5ae/gettyimages-2151812669-594x594.jpg Fashion - Top 10 MET Gala looks - NO.7 NAME: ALIA BHATT WEARING: SABYASACHI REVIEW: When watching the interviews during the live, there is one thing I love more than a host who asks the right questions and that is a guest who knows about their look. Alia didn’t just know about the process to make the dress (which took 1000 hours by the way), but she genuinely appreciated the craftsmanship and gave the designer his flowers after he hand embroidered them into her dress. This sari featured a 23 foot long train with glass beading and gemstones among other embellishments. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/8dfea374-2949-45dc-aecb-22a962be4b4b/gettyimages-2151792594-594x594.jpg Fashion - Top 10 MET Gala looks - NO.8 NAME: KENDALL JENNER WEARING: GIVENCHY REVIEW: Unpopular opinion, Kendall was actually perfectly on theme. The MET Gala theme was Garden of Time, and the exhibition was Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion. This focused on past garments that are too fragile to be worn again and had maybe a single air time before being archived and kept in this capsule of time... see where I’m going with this? Kendall’s look is from the Givenchy archives and had never been worn before this day. As a result, no alterations were allowed to be made to this dress, luckily for her it slipped right on. If you ask me, that hits a bullseye for the theme. Regarding the actual look, I love a deep V in the waist, I think it is so flattering. I would wear this look (minus the slight flashing at the back). I can also imagine this look on Maleficent, probably because of the hair, but also from the fabric and colours. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/7757847d-f013-4d17-943b-6fd94b8b1fbe/gettyimages-2151789160-594x594.jpg Fashion - Top 10 MET Gala looks - NO.9 NAME: DEMI MOORE & HARRIS REED WEARING: HARRIS REED REVIEW: I am all here for a loud, dramatic moment in the MET Gala and this duo owned their moment. For an event like this every attendee should have their time in the spotlight and its not easy to create looks that compliment each other without looking like Minions in uniform - they understood the assignment. Demi’s look played with shape while Harris’ look experimented with draping. Their looks together tell a story of a blossoming flower followed by what Harris described as ivy. This ensamble was a match made in the Met Gala. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1715521167090-0LBVC4HJ3DX9HB5H813X/gettyimages-2151788970-594x594.jpg Fashion - Top 10 MET Gala looks https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1715521174163-IV53R745ZKXVU7YSCK0E/gettyimages-2151788983-594x594.jpg Fashion - Top 10 MET Gala looks https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/00986dba-05c2-4c7e-805e-d6bc5e9dbbd9/gettyimages-2151826692-594x594.jpg Fashion - Top 10 MET Gala looks - NO.10 NAME: ZENDAYA WEARING: JOHN GALLIANO’S GIVENCHY REVIEW: Zendaya gave us not one but two looks. Even though on this ranking the second look is sitting at No.10,that does not mean that it is the worst look of the night. (There were way more than 10 people at the MET). The dress is dramatic, beautifully fitted and probably super heavy - but it was the headpiece that stole the show. It is a masterpiece and very camp looking. I can tell that it was well made since Zendaya seemed to have no trouble balancing it on her head while making her way up the stairs for a second time which of course is a sign of precious couture. Another thing to point out about the headpiece is the actual construction around her head that curves so naturally. It’s not easy for a statment piece to not over power the wearer and end up having the clothes wearing the person. I can imagine this outfit in a modern adaption of a Victorian period drama where the villain wears this look to a funeral. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/fashionblogcategory/how-do-you-dopamine monthly 0.5 2024-11-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1f7710ec-f2cc-46f8-8b80-05ac8a6a75ed/7BBB31C3-C083-4A56-B604-90E111E4EB42_1_105_c.jpg Fashion - How Do You Dopamine? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/7960e473-2382-4e9c-9ea2-1bb88557be11/DSC01952.jpg Fashion - How Do You Dopamine? Image: Taken by Kerenza ADD LAST NAME https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/cc3599dd-8564-4a8b-ad84-599f3725fdab/DSC02004.jpg Fashion - How Do You Dopamine? https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/fashionblogcategory/blog-post-title-two-tmcrz monthly 0.5 2024-01-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1700174498758-95HG5MDKAJWO535SAALX/image.jpeg Fashion - The most important fashion medias today? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1705860560466-M0IF4ONKUPQHGTCCBA36/Screenshot+2024-01-21+at+18.09.13.png Fashion - The most important fashion medias today? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1705860593119-0GSMW1CWSDOH7FGC4XI2/Screenshot+2024-01-21+at+18.09.47.png Fashion - The most important fashion medias today? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/879f0c53-94de-498c-a887-1a4a0f972cf6/Screenshot+2024-01-21+at+18.30.29.png Fashion - The most important fashion medias today? - Screenshot from Allure Magazine Instagram page From my own experience, I was intrigued by a post in the Allure magazine feed which featured what they called afro “cloud” hair. Before reading the full article, I felt included in a world of fashion and beauty, that was stereotypically reserved for the traditional white model. When I read the article, it started a conversation of how publications could and should promote diversity of race, culture, size and age. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1706014052286-PPC5EK5U2LT5VHKUH9AS/Screenshot+2024-01-23+at+12.47.26.png Fashion - The most important fashion medias today? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1706014007658-OEETLC8WB9VHSIBC85VZ/Screenshot+2024-01-23+at+12.46.41.png Fashion - The most important fashion medias today? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1706014034663-ZMCO3M3WWBXPM32U6YUG/Screenshot+2024-01-23+at+12.47.08.png Fashion - The most important fashion medias today? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1706014070191-TBB6SQY3UIB7Q9IFX511/Screenshot+2024-01-23+at+12.47.44.png Fashion - The most important fashion medias today? https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/fashionblogcategory/blog-post-title-one-a6cdp monthly 0.5 2024-01-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/b4a4eab3-8f5c-49d3-aa37-e06cc27e1074/IMG_3954+2.jpeg Fashion - Creative to Creative: Asya Ter-Hovakimyan - Make it stand out Asya in her studio - Image by Sakina Sule Ali https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/9c208744-740b-4078-bcb5-216020f0b305/IMG_3945.jpeg Fashion - Creative to Creative: Asya Ter-Hovakimyan - “I think people underestimate how important finance is because we are always taught and told that, it's all down to creativity, and being original and unique.” Asya Ter-Hovakimyan Asya working on some designs in her studio - Image by Sakina Sule Ali https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/a58a266c-1252-48e0-b85a-257fe21a94a8/IMG_3933.jpeg Fashion - Creative to Creative: Asya Ter-Hovakimyan “Yeah, do what you love, but you have to do it well” - Asya Ter-Hovakimyan https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/fashionblogcategory/blog-post-title-three-lrhkn monthly 0.5 2024-01-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/63baba14-7241-49ec-8f48-8d500a9c5530/IMG_2689.jpg Fashion - Balmain SS23 Ready To Wear - Make it stand out Image from Vogue Runway Balmain SS23 Ready to Wear https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1700150720524-S5K6UA9LW6LMEU3C53HD/6F0E4426-394A-45F8-BFD2-7211288AF272.jpeg Fashion - Balmain SS23 Ready To Wear https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1700150772602-ANH8XP8BC3Z6EGUVV7ZM/FF305FB0-BCC7-4736-8FC5-C3ED1EB8C120.jpeg Fashion - Balmain SS23 Ready To Wear https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1700150791846-FRJQJKG0O7BC5HNNDQN3/7F86AF63-A5CC-4072-B384-8607B58E2023.jpeg Fashion - Balmain SS23 Ready To Wear https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1700151248218-DZRNP35A9GVUEMOUINA5/IMG_2686.jpg Fashion - Balmain SS23 Ready To Wear https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/0e00954e-9df8-4cdd-b21d-b206cc785f28/IMG_2687.jpg Fashion - Balmain SS23 Ready To Wear - In this way, the collection proved to be a step back from aesthetic focused fashion, and a step towards the brands recognition of their environmental responsibility. After celebrating 10 years as Creative Director of Balmain, Rousteing admits that this shift in mindset was heavily influenced by the pressing environmental concerns, sparked by the global fires destroying homes and forests. He encapsulated his desperation for climate aid with a segment featuring black garments with uniform flame prints to represent the damaging effects of global warming. Image from Vogue Runway Balmain SS23 Ready to Wear https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1700153687801-XWIOVNSF41GM0MBUSBSQ/IMG_2695.jpg Fashion - Balmain SS23 Ready To Wear https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1700153691751-9E39GK6NYN3EG6N2VVG5/IMG_2696.jpg Fashion - Balmain SS23 Ready To Wear https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1700153695938-LUXMHLG6P69KELWG355N/IMG_2697.jpg Fashion - Balmain SS23 Ready To Wear https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1700153702992-EHYN9CWP9VUCPNXF38F5/IMG_2694.jpg Fashion - Balmain SS23 Ready To Wear https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1700153462587-I1JR10FPV9H2K1UFL2RV/IMG_2690.jpg Fashion - Balmain SS23 Ready To Wear https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1700153466336-G7HW0IH3TZ9AE482W3R3/IMG_2691.jpg Fashion - Balmain SS23 Ready To Wear https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1700153469868-LBOWMN0C9H31HQTF2OD4/IMG_2692.jpg Fashion - Balmain SS23 Ready To Wear https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1700153473799-ZUVYM5S21O0A3MLDION1/IMG_2693.jpg Fashion - Balmain SS23 Ready To Wear https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/fashionblogcategory/tag/Balmain monthly 0.5 https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/fashionblogcategory/tag/Kendall+jenner monthly 0.5 https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/fashionblogcategory/tag/alia+bhatt monthly 0.5 https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/fashionblogcategory/tag/met+gala+2024 monthly 0.5 https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/fashionblogcategory/tag/zendaya monthly 0.5 https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/fashionblogcategory/tag/Taylor+russell monthly 0.5 https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/fashionblogcategory/tag/met+gala monthly 0.5 https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/fashionblogcategory/tag/olivier+rousteing monthly 0.5 https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/fashionblogcategory/tag/wisdom+kaye monthly 0.5 https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/fashionblogcategory/tag/sleeping+beauties%3A+reawakening+fashion monthly 0.5 https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/fashionblogcategory/tag/Tyla monthly 0.5 https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/fashionblogcategory/tag/loewe monthly 0.5 https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/fashionblogcategory/tag/garden+of+time monthly 0.5 https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/fashionblogcategory/tag/lana+del+rey monthly 0.5 https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/lifestyleblogcategory daily 0.75 2025-08-07 https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/lifestyleblogcategory/im-officially-a-blogger monthly 0.5 2025-06-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/2c2d4119-2689-4069-8778-8077c58ffc0a/IMG_6917.jpeg Lifestyle - I’m officially a blogger! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/a8975850-515a-415b-9621-f3b9e1b5661b/IMG_6908.jpeg Lifestyle - I’m officially a blogger! - How it went There were so any times where I thought I wouldn’t reach the 100 days (that includes two days ago). I am someone who loves a challenge, but I didn’t expect it to be this hard. 100 is ambitious, but so am I. You can read the full blog post about why I chose to do this challenge, but now that I’m on the other side, I’m genuinely impressed. What do you mean 100 days has passed since I began this challenge? No article is the same. I will do a roundup of all the blog posts written during this time soon. The three sections on my blog is fashion, lifestyle and more tea - I tried to spread out the articles equally across those three sections. However, about 90% of those article ideas came to me on the day. I found so many ways to be inspired through reading, talking, socialising etc. that I do feel like I could actually go on for another 100 days! Some of the articles I wrote were quite personal but I knew the impact t it would have for someone like younger me to read, so I shared it anyways. I’ll get into what I learnt later on in this post but vulnerability is definitely one of them. One of the reasons why I started this blog website was because I wanted to be like Jane the in the Bold Type who would write articles as they come to her sometimes late in the night, typing away on her laptop. What I didn’t expect was to also go down the same journey or vulnerability as she did. In tune with the title of this series I wrote some thought pieces that were quite timely and reactionary. I started with an opinion on something going on, which then progressed in to formulated thoughts with facts that was then justified throughout the article. To this day, I am still quite impressed with the way I was able to apply what I had learnt in uni about formulating articles through having a PEG, ANGLE and a TREATMENT. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/d74fd2fc-a105-498f-becf-157856afa343/IMG_6903.jpeg Lifestyle - I’m officially a blogger! - What I learnt Between personal and professional development, there was a lot to learn form this challenge. This will be better explained in the YouTube video but for now, I can discuss what I learnt about myself and my skills. They say it takes 21 days to make a habit - so what happens after 100 days? I really feel like a blogger. I am a blogger. I can write articles just about anything. The ideas that came to mind impressed me because I didn’t know I had it in me. I learnt that I can write quickly but that I can also take my time. Some pieces need to be done then and there while others can brew for a bit - this challenge was an opportunity to learn the balance. I highly recommend that if you want to get better at a particular skill, test yourself under pressure. Not pressure put on by school or friends, personal pressure because you know your limits and how far you can push it. Set new standards for yourself. Being vulnerable also allowed me to really connect with you all. There were some blog posts that I second guessed, not because I didn’t think they were good, but because I knew how personal it was. Being perceived is not for the weak. I know that any content I publish is me opening myself up to any resulting criticism. But this challenge taught me that I’m also opening myself up to compassion. There were a couple blog posts that received ALOT of comments of support or I had other people share similar stories and thank me for speaking up. I will be doing a lot more of that as I continue to get comfortable in this virtual world called the Internet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/6a8ed1cd-d185-43f6-8a2d-76a162bcc1b9/IMG_6914.jpg Lifestyle - I’m officially a blogger! - I was crazy enough to start this challenge in the thick of my final project. Don’t ask me why! When an idea comes to my mind, I have to act on it or it just won’t get done. There will always be a reason to do it tomorrow, or next week or when blah blah blah is finished. I had the idea and acted. Looking back, I can’t say I regret it. Besides the professional skills to generate ideas and execute on time, I also learnt time management. I did this by deciding what mattered most. For example, my blog matters to me, but the last couple of months, my final project at uni was my priority. So I put systems in place to make sure that my uni work was down so I wouldn’t have to compromise on doing my blog. Having free time is also important to me, so a few weeks into this challenge, I started pushing myself to wake up earlier than I’m used to, to write my blog before starting my day. That way, I could have my evenings to myself (that was before submission deadline was around the corner). Don’t get me wrong, I’m no robot. Some days were more organised than others, but I set an expectation for myself that no matter what, I will reach the end of the 100 day challenge - and I did. In all honesty, I went through many ups and downs during this time. There were some moments where uni work became ALOT and I wondered what the consequences would be if I ended the challenge early. The answer - nothing. I set the challenge, so I would only be disappointing myself. Well, I’ve reached a point in my life where that is not ok. It’s easy to meet expectations of others, but why do we so easily let ourselves down. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/lifestyleblogcategory/your-best-will-always-be-enough monthly 0.5 2025-06-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/bb11f495-c04e-4584-88e3-7a000aa85a2d/IMG_5589.jpg Lifestyle - Your best will always be enough - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/lifestyleblogcategory/ukw54v5e7whhxzcvmeks7csxpzr2wb monthly 0.5 2025-06-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/c2925b2d-054d-4a31-9b28-c9608ac05ad1/FullSizeRender.jpg Lifestyle - They taught me too… - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/lifestyleblogcategory/my-digital-detox-diary monthly 0.5 2025-06-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/13776f2b-1dfb-4cf8-904b-9a23428f5d5b/IMG_5575.jpg Lifestyle - I learnt how to sleep again - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/7434cbef-4add-4bec-b24e-191614fe2d6e/IMG_5488.jpg Lifestyle - I learnt how to sleep again - Why I did it I had actually planned to take a mini social media break way before I actually handed in my assignment. The deadlines were around the corner, a backlog of content was piling up that I hadn’t posted and it all became a bit overwhelming. So I made the decision that when I submit, I need to take some time for myself, by myself. This next phase of life that I am currently in can feel uncertain and ultimately uncomfortable if you feel like you have to answer to others. Although 2 weeks is not a lot, it was enough for me to realign my focus with things that actually matter and give me perspective on my situation. If you are in a similar position, even if you don’t post online, I would still recommend a social media fast — as in delete all the apps — and spend time with yourself. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/d7401f4c-daea-4007-8747-0c04bda08975/IMG_6381.jpeg Lifestyle - I learnt how to sleep again - What I ended up doing However, when these two weeks arrived — the plans quickly disappeared. I unashamedly spent a lot of that time sleeping. At first, my body couldn’t sleep well because I had done back-to-back crazy late nights leading up to my submission, so it’s almost as if I forgot how to sleep. But when I actually managed to fall asleep for the first time knowing that my laptop wasn’t desperately waiting for me in the morning, it felt really good. As students, we often see sleep as optional or even a weakness, a sign of a lack of commitment. But as humans, we should learn to see it as mandatory. So as crazy as it sounds — I learnt to sleep again. During the day was another challenge. My brain was actually fried from all the research and studying I did towards my final project, so I knew it wasn’t the time to take in new information. Even if I read the best self-help book in the world, the information was not going to stick, so I took it easy on myself and swapped my self-development hacks for hobbies. Those hobbies were: crochet, tennis, Bible journaling, tried and failed at running, cooking, etc. You can read more about those hobbies, but the main thing I learnt was that those hobbies are self-development in themselves. I love my course and my career path, but I used this as a time to disconnect from that for a bit and open up myself to other things. We are not one-dimensional beings, so we should have multiple facets to ourselves. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/lifestyleblogcategory/content-to-look-back-on-uni monthly 0.5 2025-06-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1748856177099-A9U2FTSQ83399Z2DW7RK/unsplash-image-YZsvNs2GCPU.jpg Lifestyle - Stuck on what to post at the end of uni? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/lifestyleblogcategory/the-celebrations-are-just-getting-started monthly 0.5 2025-06-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/ebcfef73-26b2-4db4-892d-a8bef3417d98/unsplash-image-Hf8n0RUk7g0.jpg Lifestyle - The celebrations are just getting started - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1748792780303-3OTW9R8O1H3NSV8JC9AE/unsplash-image-MD_ha01Bk7c.jpg Lifestyle - The celebrations are just getting started - Childlike activities Now, hear me out. You are officially, officially an adult entering the working world. This day really is your last chance to wild out (in the right way of course). Maybe go to a trampoline park, have a primary school themed party, make goody bags. Use this celebration as a moment to not just have heaps of silly fun, but to also honour your younger self that brought you to where you are today - I am sure they will be proud. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1748792830248-CLNQ3TLZ2WUXCVEOW2BT/unsplash-image-mi-9juweK3I.jpg Lifestyle - The celebrations are just getting started - Scrapbook making night If you are the sentimental type (like myself) this one’s for you. Scrapbook making is a great way to look back on memories while making more memories. Ask friends to bring all their memorabilia from their time studying and get matching scrapbooks so it ends up being like a DIY yearbook. The content can include anything from photos to lanyards, receipts and exam papers. I love this type of thing that feels like not just an activity, but also a time capsule. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1748792874087-I7TEMGUKAX78XT6XTFJN/unsplash-image-Ciqxn7FE4vE.jpg Lifestyle - The celebrations are just getting started - Restaurant This is a classic idea because it just works. Who doesn’t like to dress up and have a nice meal in the city. This can be as big or as intimate as you’d like but food is a great way to celebrate. You can try something new or go to your favourite place with your loved ones and toast to your current and future success. If there is a place you would eat at a lot with friends while studying, no matter how lowkey it might be, it might be fun to go there all dressed up and share your last meal there as students. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/lifestyleblogcategory/curating-memories-how-will-you-remember-this-day monthly 0.5 2025-05-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1748707029311-7NW8GRQAJXNZTWY7THLT/unsplash-image-3EMw3T-ZjkE.jpg Lifestyle - Picture this: Graduation content ideas - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1748706795420-ADQWAHLPC2HCGEIKONHI/unsplash-image-CTd5_C7p__8.jpg Lifestyle - Picture this: Graduation content ideas - Instagram/TikTok Me then vs. me now The angle you want to take with this video is really up to you. You might want to see the humour from the drastic physical changes, or take the more emotional route highlighting the character development. The treatment of the video can be a carousel of pictures, an Instagram story or a short video featuring two clips from the start and end of uni. Cap toss As far as I am concerned, the movies lied to us. There is a no official cap toss during graduations - I believe it has become a bit of a safety hazzard so it has been discontinued officially from graduations. However, you can always find a nice area with some classmates or even individually and throw that cap into the sky - it will make for a great video, just make sure you are being safe. Best moments from uni Compilation video of all your fond moments over the years at uni, you might want to add in the good and the bad for a more wholistic vue, then end the video with you at your graduation. You can always use a trending audio if you would like to boost your video, but I suggest being a bit more intentional and maybe use a sound that relates to your personal uni journey. What lyrics matches your journey or what song would you play during your late study days? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1748706832053-RI08KIP7F8Q51XAVNVSX/unsplash-image-l5sAmrAOw9g.jpg Lifestyle - Picture this: Graduation content ideas - Longform videos Day in the life vlog This video is great for yourself as well as your viewers. The day might go by so quickly, but this video will allow you to reminisce on the great day. You can capture as much or as little of the day as you’d like and have it as a time capsule. Your viewers (myself included) LOVE these type of videos because 1) it is a fun and engaging day to watch, they can see your whole journey of uni life come to an end. 2) They might not know what a graduation day looks like so it could also serve as an educational purpose. My advice is to get friends/family to capture most of the content for you so you still get to be present. Who will I be? A YouTube video where you ask your future self a couple questions that you can answer in 5, 10, 15 years time. This is a great opportunity for what I like to call audible vision boarding. Think about the type of person you want to be and ask questions around that. Did you get that dream job? Are you living in the high rise? Do you have a boyfriend? (All very valid). Set a date or timeline that you will come back to that video to answer those questions. This will motivate you to achieve those goals, but will also take your audience on that journey. Your online community love to feel involved as if they are privy to exclusive information that future fans won’t know about - let them in on your journey. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1748706965879-8NJFHHPJ6KHE2XML9ZPB/unsplash-image-aUNQeSh9zxY.jpg Lifestyle - Picture this: Graduation content ideas - Blog style Graduation letter Write a letter to your future self or to your class, reflecting on growth, gratitude, and goals. I actually already did this on this blog which you can go and read now. Doing things like this is not just cute content, but also helps you mentally to put an end to this chapter of your life on a good note. To push it further with a personalised touch, maybe accompany this blog with a reel of you reading this out with some clips of you and your classmates at uni. For first years If you are in first year or about to enter first year, this one is for you. I wish I had done this myself, but I literally just thought of it as I was writing this blog. Write a letter to yourself that you will read on your graduation day, then video yourself reading it out. This will be. Avery cute way to honour your younger self and officially close the chapter. What you write in the letter is completely up to you, it can be advice, compliments, questions etc…completely up to you. Photo diary You might not be a vlogger at heart, but photography is where you shine. Why not capture the day through photos either on your phone or your camera and create a visual diary with all the pictures you accumulated in the day. You can present it as a photo dump with you and your peers which will be nice to look at as a scrapbook style. But if you want to put your creative director hat on, you might want to consider curating your photos in a way to tell a story. That can be though editing or adding some additional text around the images. This idea can also be used for socials. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/lifestyleblogcategory/eqy3c86ati2181pa6v3ge4gfeihkkq monthly 0.5 2025-05-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1748638170848-F0TEU9C5XZ2G8RLN9R0J/unsplash-image-hpRGrfOIybc.jpg Lifestyle - How does the graduation day go? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1748638292307-V2JTXFK70J2S83FQETUU/unsplash-image-yFpnkorlodo.jpg Lifestyle - How does the graduation day go? - Getting Ready Depending on the time of your graduation, you might want to consider waking up a bit earlier. Luckily, mine is in the afternoon, but that doesn’t mean waking up with just enough time — you need as much time as possible. I don’t know if it’s just me, but I spend so much time getting ready for an outing compared to regular days because I am trying to elongate the day as much as possible. I want to listen to multiple playlists and pretend to do a “Vogue Get Ready With Me” episode. This is not just so you have enough time to get ready, but also so you set the tone of your day. You do not want to spend the morning rushing to get ready on time so quickly that you miss the whole process. You want to be present and process the entire day. Take your time doing your hair, sit in your PJs for a bit, and have breakfast. Chill with family/friends and embrace the moment that you have been looking forward to. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1748638260187-E66O1SJ2ZOU7H94PKHLI/unsplash-image-m7yOJx0ALME.jpg Lifestyle - How does the graduation day go? - Ceremony The moment you have been waiting for! The big ceremony. You will be seated with your peers — I am assuming in register order for a smoother flow when your names are being called out. Your family will be sat in the audience a bit further away. There will be speeches from different members of staff as well as a guest, usually someone who is receiving some sort of honour from the university. I don’t think there is any entertainment (that would have been nice), and there is also a speech given by a member of the student body. Once that is done, they will begin calling up names of all the graduates as they walk across the stage, shake hands, then return to their seat. Make sure you own that moment. Yes, there are over 100 other people who will be before and after you, but when they call you, it’s your time to shine in whatever way you want to. I have seen everything — catwalks, cartwheels, confetti, and even silent protests. When they call your name, the stage belongs to you. Own it. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/lifestyleblogcategory/im-bored-now monthly 0.5 2025-05-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/75dd0369-0a4d-4c53-9cc8-c083746c20bd/IMG_8475.jpg Lifestyle - I’m bored now… - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/65a3070c-0006-4a21-92ac-d594dac7a03a/IMG_6381.jpg Lifestyle - I’m bored now… - Tennis I have been itching to take up this sport. I previously did weekly horse riding lessons and as much as I love those sessions, it’s not exactly a cheap sport, so I haven’t done it as regularly as I’d like to. So I decided to incorporate another sport into the mix - tennis. I really admire those who play sports professionally as it requires a lot of physical and mental discipline. Doing tennis during my free time, an hour a day is giving me the amount of structure I need in my life right now. It’s also good for my mental to try out something I am not necessarily good at. Sometimes we should do thing snot for monetary gain or to inflate our ego - but just because we love it - that is enough. I play with my sister which is some nice bonding time but also a good opportunity to go outside. Having a membership forces me to make the most of the cost by actually using it, while also keeping me fit and active. Honestly, without this, I would happily stay at home, but in this new season of life I am entering, transitioning from student to graduate, all I need right now is some outdoor sun. If tennis isn’t your cup of tea, why not try out your own version of sport like running or football with friends - whatever suits you best! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/b7e1b941-d066-412d-bfb7-412348c5b098/IMG_6211.jpg Lifestyle - I’m bored now… - Crochet I have already done a blog post about all I have learnt so far from crocheting so go ahead and check that out. It has become my favourite past time to just sit literally anywhere from my bed or the train, listening to an audiobook and crocheting. I am currently working towards making a pillow, it was supposed to be a cute, little pillow, but I am addicted at this point and the pillow keeps getting bigger and bigger. As someone who has not allowed myself to happily watch a movie in peace or binge watch a series since the time I started uni, it’s hard to just switch out of that mode. My mind keeps reminding me as I start to indulge in a movie “shouldn’t you be doing something right now? Don’t you have an assignment due?” I am still struggling to fight the guilt every time I relax and am not actively working towards something. However, crochet allows for some relief. Now when I watch a movie, I still feel like I am being productive as I am working on making my pillow - its a win win! https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/lifestyleblogcategory/why-is-it-so-hard-to-find-the-perfect-heel monthly 0.5 2025-05-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/e2483c56-a7a2-4a56-9fea-8dbb9a6ed926/IMG_1905.jpg Lifestyle - Why is it so hard to find the perfect heel? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/c2ae081b-abc2-4117-a49f-785c29db03ec/IMG_3048.jpg Lifestyle - Why is it so hard to find the perfect heel? - The outfit I have only one run for your outift. You have to love it. Make sure this is the outfit you are going to look back on in 50 years time and still love. I do however have some tips on how to achieve this. If you are starting from zero with no clue what you want to wear, start with the colour. What colour compliments you best, what colour makes you smile most, what colour is your graduation gown? On that note, I wouldn’t recommend any need colours unless you want a Marilyn Monroe happy birthday Mr President moment when the camera flashes. Colour is the first hurdle, once you decide that you can start narrowing down your selection when shopping. Do you want floor length, midi or short? What neckline is most flattering on you? Is your personal style extravagant or simple? Girly or tailored? What feeling do you want from your outfit? I must add that you should really consider the shape of your gown to. It is a massive oversized wizard looking thing - you don’t want your outfit to clash with it. You might have a beautiful outfit but it can look a bit silly when the gown is on - and it will be on for most of the day and pictures. Just have a quick look at what your university’s gown looks like and try to work around it if you are unsure. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1fd5045f-7ec4-4980-8120-39ef27398811/IMG_3470.jpg Lifestyle - Why is it so hard to find the perfect heel? - The shoes Once you have the outfit picked, you might think everything else is smooth sailing from there, right? Wrong! From my personal and current experience, shoes have proven to be the hardest part of this process. My outfit was decided in 15 minutes, but I am still yet to find my version of a glass slipper. I feel like shoes are arguably more important than the outfit. When you put the big, black cap and gown on, the shoes are the only thing that really define your outfit. Again, personal opinion, I do think heels are the only way to go for graduation, it will just elevate your walk by 10x. But over everything, make sure they are comfortable. You will be wearing the heels not just to walk across the stage, but also on your journey to the venue, as you take pictures before and after, chilling with family - you do not want to end the day with blisters or literally unable to walk. If anything, maybe bring a change of shoes. Something equally stylish to match the outfit but more for comfort when the pictures are all done. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/c026282d-3816-40d2-8353-ad10b493dca7/IMG_3181.jpeg Lifestyle - Why is it so hard to find the perfect heel? - The accessories Why not glam up your look. Chances are, your outfit are not things you can wear every day after your graduation, but jewellery can. Maybe have a special necklace or earrings that you wear that have sentimental value that will carry you across the stage and into your new life. You can go and get some new pieces, or bring in some family heirlooms. Dependant on your outfit, make sure it doesn’t clash with the overall look. Whether you are a maximalist or minimalist when it comes to accessorising, there must be method to your madness. For example, if you have a high neckline, maybe you can skip the necklace and go for a dangly earring instead. Accessories are also more than jewellery! Have you thought about what bag you will be having if you are having one? What nail design are you going for? For my prom, I had my nail tech match my nails to the pattern on my dress! (as seen in the picture) This is arguably, before your wedding, the best opportunity to go all out! https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/lifestyleblogcategory/48hi58n7jsxew4rf45y58ki2nuv1wz monthly 0.5 2025-05-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/69da9523-a310-47c1-9593-95de48f7483c/IMG_0047.jpg Lifestyle - Are you graduation ready? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/lifestyleblogcategory/ffbotuljwb4ofc50h3lvr2amhqd7ix monthly 0.5 2025-05-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/94c99276-4c30-4f90-a5c3-c9ca16360759/IMG_6208.jpg Lifestyle - The crochet girlies were right - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/b7e1b941-d066-412d-bfb7-412348c5b098/IMG_6211.jpg Lifestyle - The crochet girlies were right - Patience The last point ties perfectly into this one. Patience. Patience is a virtue and one that comes through daily practice. You can’t pray for patience then lash out at every opportunity you are presented with to be patient. The patience required to crochet actually needs to be studied. But what also needs to be noticed is the peace that comes with it too. We live in a fast-paced world, I live in and have grown up in London so there is always something new and quick and shiny to do. Sticking to one thing goes against everything our algorithm has been training our minds for. But since doing crochet, especially during these two weeks I took off social media, I am reprogramming my mind to slow down and focus on a task at hand. There will always be something else to do, but it is important to learn to not only prioritise but to focus your attention in moments. When I crochet, it’s all I’m thinking about. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/lifestyleblogcategory/thvpow7plnawz6h9x87r2iv7jm1djw monthly 0.5 2025-05-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/a7e735ad-60fc-4212-bfe8-dfbf083bd5b2/IMG_5902.jpg Lifestyle - Brewing Change: Permission to start at 0 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1414d400-d8d8-40ce-90ad-7180ce1ff3a0/IMG_5928.jpeg Lifestyle - Brewing Change: Permission to start at 0 - Life can push us into seasons of change which are often characterised by milestones or endings. That can be: graduations, leaving a job, moving countries. They are all bittersweet endings, but also signify direct new beginnings. One of the best things you can do is to get used to starting new things. Get used to being a beginner. If you are, in my case, a student who has gone through all their education doing quite well in terms of grades, you come to think of yourself as a high achiever. This is great for your self esteem, but the issue comes when you then stick to things that fit that narrative. You only do things that flex your existing skills and shy away from things you’re not amazing at. You think you are helping yourself, but you are actually just limiting your potential. You think you are sticking to your strengths, but you are actually highlighting a weakness. The fear to be seen trying. The only thing more embarrassing than trying, is to be seen trying. But guess what, when you start in whatever season of change you are entering, you are going to be seen trying anyways. That can be by your boss, colleagues, friends, family etc… You need to train your mind from now on to get used to trying. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/lifestyleblogcategory/hitting-reset monthly 0.5 2025-05-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/5d721419-f79e-4ac9-91d7-97765184adb7/IMG_6010.jpg Lifestyle - Comparison is a scam - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/733dd954-e4d7-4ee7-a9c4-2d315e6fd2ac/IMG_5968.jpg Lifestyle - Comparison is a scam - Comparison also comes when you are trying to work according to someone else’s schedule, simply because you don’t know yours. Having inspirations and role models is great as guidelines if they are doing what you want to achieve. But they stop becoming inspirations when you confuse example with rules. Their experience and timeline will never be the same as yours. They might have won x award at 20, but you will get it at 45, that doesn’t discount any of your efforts. If you keep comparing your goals, your achievements, your lifestyle, you will miss all the things that you are doing. Comparison is called the thief of joy because it really snatches your joy without you realising. You are not always conscious when you are comparing yourself to someone else. It might be a celebrity that you look up to or a close friend that you admire. In the moment, you might genuinely be happy for them, but later on when you aren’t having a great day, your mind has a funny way of reminding you of everyone who seems to be doing better than you. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/lifestyleblogcategory/hxnz4q97xx8wzsmksq86nmgio1blpw monthly 0.5 2025-05-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/c3a48b2c-abb4-4b18-b816-e539ceec021e/IMG_6020.jpg Lifestyle - A gentle reminder that you are becoming… - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/2959d2d3-8ca8-45d8-8890-f4085a540dbc/IMG_6011.jpg Lifestyle - A gentle reminder that you are becoming… - Your first job is just your first job This is something Josephine Collins told me as I interviewed her for my final project. She is someone who went down different paths in her career after her degree before becoming an editor and current course leader - I would take her advice. It would be great to leave uni with your dream job, but if that doesn’t happen, it can still happen! Life doesn’t happen on our schedule, but it does come at the right time. So if you find yourself having to do a job that isn’t what you hoped for, there is no shame, only encouragement. Your only job at this time is to hold tight to your dreams until you are living them. Being a student doesn’t end after uni If there is one thing you can keep from uni, let it be a student mindset. The freedom to not know and the free will to find out. You don’t need an upcoming assignment to read a book. You don’t need a dissertation to investigate an area of interest. Of course you might not have all the equipment that you had in uni, but you still have you. You still have your beautiful mind that carried you through your student years and will continue to keep you young and active in the years to come. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/lifestyleblogcategory/this-moment-makes-it-all-worth-it monthly 0.5 2025-05-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/89ba70f2-3a6a-4408-adca-052ada308d2b/IMG_5626.jpeg Lifestyle - This moment makes it all worth it - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/lifestyleblogcategory/tomorrow-tomorrow-i-love-ya-tomorrow-youre-always-a-day-away monthly 0.5 2025-05-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/d8d6df23-9baf-4fff-9967-c182efcd26c1/IMG_5488.jpg Lifestyle - Tomorrow, tomorrow, I love ya tomorrow, you’re always a day away - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/lifestyleblogcategory/were-soaring-flying monthly 0.5 2025-05-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/3197e0f5-cfda-4490-bb58-3a5a2530a201/IMG_5453.jpg Lifestyle - We’re soaring, flying! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/lifestyleblogcategory/nothing-went-as-planned monthly 0.5 2025-05-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/100d574e-f586-4859-9a08-7081a8f81e90/IMG_5235.jpeg Lifestyle - Nothing went as planned - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/lifestyleblogcategory/time-of-the-monthall-the-time monthly 0.5 2025-05-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/9378d1bc-db11-4728-8464-306ba15865af/Image+11-05-2025+at+16.14.jpg Lifestyle - Time of the month…all the time - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/d5101529-8c48-4adf-82c3-ffccc244a144/Image+11-05-2025+at+16.23.jpg Lifestyle - Time of the month…all the time - During I just need 5 days to myself, then I’m good to go. I am someone who struggles to allow myself to rest sometimes, it feels like there is always something to do. One way I have learnt to incorporate rest in my overall lifestyle is by blocking out about 3–5 days when I am on my period. Our bodies are slowing down for a reason, we have certain cravings, we are literally in pain – yet we struggle to give ourselves grace to chill out for a bit. Prioritising rest during this time is a must. But, in order to have these five days, I have to put systems in place. If I want to really relax during this week, with no prior commitments, the only way I can block out this week is by remaining really disciplined the week before. There are some times where I might be really tired the week before, but I remind myself that I’d rather be tired and get the work done, than be in pain the next week and have to work. Another thing is, when I am asked to go out with friends, family or work, I check my period calendar. I just know how antisocial I am on my period, so I won’t arrange social engagements at that time just to cancel last minute. That’s not just for in-person socialising, also being online can feel like a lot too. We can be quite sensitive during this time of the month, so I try to cut out things that will heighten unnecessary emotions. Instead, I replace that with a cute chick flick, a good book or just good old sleep – it is ultimate me time. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/lifestyleblogcategory/popcorn-pensioners-amp-plot-twists monthly 0.5 2025-05-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/754076dc-e019-4305-84c3-501079c0ed1a/IMG_5098.jpg Lifestyle - Popcorn, Pensioners & Plot Twists - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/d8a962d0-ac4a-478c-b0b2-533aab886af7/IMG_5093.jpg Lifestyle - Popcorn, Pensioners & Plot Twists - Arriving I kind of cheated a bit because I actually came to the mall with my sister because she also wanted to have a solo movie date - we were watching different movies. So the getting here wasn’t too bad. Either way, I wouldn’t be too fussed about this stage since I can do a 24 hour journey as long as I have music and a good book. My movie started earlier, so I made my way to the cinema alone and my date began. As I queued up, I made the decision that I was going to go all out on the snacks - this Barbie was hungry, so I wanted to treat myself on this date. The only issue is I forgot that I had to carry it all on my own. Balancing the popcorn in one arm, the slush in the other, a hot dog in one hand, and a packet of sweets in the other. If I was with a friend, I could share the guilt, but alone, I got some looks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/71150c50-3f76-4642-9341-19f011e6844a/IMG_5095.jpeg Lifestyle - Popcorn, Pensioners & Plot Twists - At the movie I somehow managed to show my ticket to the workers there and arrived at my cinema screen after losing a few popcorns on the way. I was watching the Bob Dylan movie with Timothée Chalamet (I was reminded about this day out since the movie is now available on Disney+). I chose this movie in particular because I knew nothing about Bob Dylan. At all. I didn’t listen to his music, I didn’t listen to folk music, this was completely new ground to me. And I liked that. Before the movie, I had watched many interviews describing the making of this film, which further encouraged my decision. I thought to myself, if I’m going to go out of my comfort zone, I might as well go all the way and learn something new. The cinema room was full of seniors, and I mean full. I am not even exaggerating, I was the only person there that didn’t have white hair. And I also loved that. Doing new things lets you meet new people, step out of the echo chamber that you’re used to. I like to think of myself as an introvert who does extroverted things. Like talking to strangers. From doing vox pops, I have gotten used to starting conversations with random people (all with safe measures, of course), but being in a cinema room alone felt different. The whole experience was just a moment for my inner thoughts to run wild as I created space for them. But with all the conversations I had going on in my mind, I didn’t have time to talk to others. Which is fine. A solo date should really be a moment to spend with yourself; you wouldn’t leave a date to talk to a stranger, right? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/f31a56af-8b70-414d-b9bb-307ab459c166/IMG_5092.jpg Lifestyle - Popcorn, Pensioners & Plot Twists - After the movie Before the movie, I spent the time feeling self conscious and awkward. During the movie, I was allowing myself to just exist for a bit. It was after a uni submission, and I really just wanted to relax. After the movie, I spent time reflecting. My sister’s movie still had another 30 mins, so I sat and wrote down all the thoughts that came to mind. They started about the movie, what I liked about it, things I learnt. Then my thoughts progressed to a reflection of the whole experience. That was probably the most important part of the whole experience. The part where I got to talk to myself. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/lifestyleblogcategory/romance-in-solitude monthly 0.5 2025-05-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/fba53191-d8c1-49c7-be08-3b34a58315cb/IMG_4938.jpg Lifestyle - Romance in Solitude - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/4d8223ea-74bc-482f-928a-e67faacf3ae5/IMG_4956.jpg Lifestyle - Romance in Solitude - If you have realised that at some point in time you have forgotten, don’t worry. It’s never too late to get to know yourself. Go to a shop and try on clothes that your algorithm hasn’t picked for you. Go to a bookshop and select your next read that isn’t on the TikTok famous list. Go to a restaurant and order as much or as little as you’d like. Take a bus ride and look up from your phone during your journey. That’s how kids discover themselves. By doing, by seeing. They don’t have the distractions that we have which may be why they can confidently believe that they can be an astronaut and a president at the same time. At some point in our life, we forgot who we are. We got rid of our values and preferences so that we can fit into the mould of whatever is trending right now. As deep as it sounds, you may have created a socially acceptable version of you—but do you even like yourself? One of the latest trends is to share your experience having coffee with your younger self. But when is the last time you sat with your present self? Do you even know what she looks like? What does she like to have for dinner, what is her favourite colour, what does she value right now? Or has it been so long since you have spoken that you think it’s weird to meet up with this stranger. Don’t just have conversations with your younger self, telling her to believe in herself and she’ll be okay, if you know your future self will have to have the same conversation with present you in 10 years’ time. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/lifestyleblogcategory/12-days-12-songs monthly 0.5 2025-05-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/0a09bf96-4ccf-4cac-bb4b-07cd6a30b4da/IMG_5030.jpg Lifestyle - 12 Days 12 Songs - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/lifestyleblogcategory/new-season-new-schedule monthly 0.5 2025-05-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/517af203-7f7e-4eef-b914-dea29bb018b7/IMG_4831.jpeg Lifestyle - New Season New Schedule - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/9f833657-30fb-4eb6-8aa5-fb70673930a1/IMG_4670.jpeg Lifestyle - New Season New Schedule - Accepting your season This is something I used to struggle with a lot. I still have moments when it gets tricky, but I’m getting better at it. My season right now is characterised by my uni assignment. The only issue is, we are having an early summer. There is a tension between what I want to be doing and what I have to do. As much as I want to spend all my days in a park and evenings having a movie night, they aren’t worth it right now. What is helping me get through that is first changing my language. I don’t have to do this assignment, I get to. Summer comes every year, but I will never get the chance to be 21 years old studying Fashion Journalism and Content Creation again. The tricky part is when you are around others in opposite seasons. I am 2 weeks away from a deadline, but I have friends who have already submitted, some who aren’t studying, some who are working and others on holiday. Do. Not. Get. Distracted. You will get there, but you are not there. You are not behind, you are not missing out. Similarly, when it is finally time for you to be vacationing in the Bahamas, don’t distract your resting period by looking at others who are working and think you should be doing the same. We all have our own seasons and it won’t always match up. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/dca7c1d4-8e30-48a0-b0e7-099215ba6e9d/IMG_4791.jpeg Lifestyle - New Season New Schedule - My current framework I have gone through many different frameworks since secondary school that have helped me stay as organised as possible. From to-do lists to spreadsheets, I’ve tried it all. Here is what I am doing right now with a deadline round the corner – it’s crunch time. Yesterday, as I was falling asleep in front of my laptop while editing, I decided I needed to change things up. The first thing I did was ask ChatGPT to tell me something to encourage me to keep going with my assignment. This sounds silly and simple, but sometimes you might be sitting alone and still need a kick up your behind to continue. I could’ve called it a day, but the season I am in means I can’t stop when I get tired – I stop when I’m done. After that encouragement, I wrote all the tasks I had left to do into ChatGPT and asked it to come up with a schedule for me for the next two weeks. I put that schedule into my planning app and got to work. Breaking down my day to the minute shows me how much time I have in the day and helps me to use every second wisely. For example, I am going out in the evening at the time I would usually be writing this blog, so instead, I am writing this as I eat my breakfast before I start my uni work. Doing my blog every single day may seem like an unnecessary extra task when considering all the uni work I have to do, but since it is important to me, I am making time for it. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/lifestyleblogcategory/i-convinced-myself-i-was-failing monthly 0.5 2025-04-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/b49c7f3c-7907-47bd-abd7-815887fd4e1c/IMG_4503.jpeg Lifestyle - I convinced myself I was failing - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/lifestyleblogcategory/kmb7n8gqcehkkpywprl4smhpsowpe8 monthly 0.5 2025-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/dcded0a0-f5bc-4c8b-a350-e4c8b9ae4462/IMG_6646.jpg Lifestyle - Where does it all come from? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/lifestyleblogcategory/sleep-is-in-the-schedule monthly 0.5 2025-04-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/8c628133-dd04-4c0b-aa3a-9859d855b9a6/IMG_4305.jpeg Lifestyle - Sleep is in the schedule - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/e45c1086-fcde-43f1-a447-541ca2903f58/IMG_4294.jpeg Lifestyle - Sleep is in the schedule - Yesterday, I had a really long study day, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and got a lot of work done. I had my to-do list and checked off many things. When I had left the uni building, I had one thing left to do — relax. I find that if I don’t schedule in relax time, it really won’t happen. There is a difference between relaxing and sleeping. I don’t know if you’re like me, but I have to tell my body sometimes, Okay, it’s evening — start to relax. Even if I had a full working day and I am tired, my mind can be wide awake and fully active. There is a process — as most things in life. Relaxing is a luxury for many people. When working, it seems like a rare stolen moment. When studying, it feels like a waste of time. My advice is to remind you that relaxing looks different for everyone. Some days, relaxing looks like reading a book on a train ride home instead of writing notes for an assignment. Other days, it looks like 30 minutes watching an episode from my favourite show. Some rare times I can squeeze in a spa trip, but most times, it’s all about the small but intentional moments. You have to tell your mind. The more you do this — build this habit — your brain will start to associate certain activities with the end of the day, and you can begin to relax much easier. What usually works for me is reading a couple of pages of a book before bed; my breathing slows and I can dissociate for a couple of minutes. Other times, reading a book feels like too much, so I might just watch a cartoon — I highly recommend Bluey. Having a debriefing session of my day with my sisters is always my favourite part of the end of the day too. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/lifestyleblogcategory/happy-easter-sunday monthly 0.5 2025-04-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/cd621839-6ee1-47de-8654-59a346cc7503/Screenshot+2025-04-20+at+15.13.00.png Lifestyle - Lost and Found - Make it stand out Vogue Article by Lamorna Ash https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/lifestyleblogcategory/fashion-students-take-london monthly 0.5 2025-04-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/70b37520-dcd5-4c37-bfa1-6475ff25577f/IMG_3496.jpg Lifestyle - Fashion Students take London - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/e50e6669-e66a-4ccd-876f-5c9e3cc91f14/IMG_1063.jpg Lifestyle - Fashion Students take London - Panel Discussions I love a good panel discussion/lecture, especially when it’s about fashion. When I say there is always something going in London, there really is and panel talks is one of them. Us Londoners just love to yap, so if you love to listen, check on websites like Eventbrite and literally just type in fashion talks/lectures and you’ll find some. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/a4b5a237-e9c6-4e12-b7e4-805075bf5745/IMG_0852.jpg Lifestyle - Fashion Students take London - Museums and art galleries Fashion is part of art and culture so visiting some historic artefacts is a great place to start. London is bursting at the seams with museums and galleries to visit. I can’t count the amount of times I have visited the V&A museum yet every time I find a new room. There are also loads of niche exhibitions to make you somewhat of an expert on various topics. I had the V&A membership for a year and it was really worth it - I just wish I had more time to go to all their events. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/deeddb31-d3e9-4882-a00c-a7e382192a61/IMG_7242.jpeg Lifestyle - Fashion Students take London - Events and Pop Ups London is one of the four fashion capitals of the world - so when a brand wants to host an event, here they come. Especially around fashion month, you can be sure to expect various brand activations that you can engage with - some even for free. There are also some brands who may usually be online, but do the occasional pop up around the city, again offering some freebies which is always nice. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/0288ddd1-b186-49e3-a731-07ccac6706f0/IMG_21EED12A1686-1.jpeg Lifestyle - Fashion Students take London - Window Shopping Unpopular take: you don’t have to have money to visit Harrods. As fashion students, you should be visiting all the high fashion brands, recognising new collections and asking the store attendants questions. You might not be able to attend fashion week just yet, but the clothes are right there! Why not visit it, write a review of the collection, think of how you would style an outfit, or consider how you would’ve made that garment. There are so many - if not almost all high fashion brands in London right at your doorstep, don’t be shy to enter. Furthermore, why not check out fabric stores too to see the beginnings of an outfit, learn the names and textures of fabrics by hearts - there are SO many fabric shops all over London! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/bbd98719-bd41-4cf5-9b7d-0f0131954a45/IMG_3625.jpg Lifestyle - Fashion Students take London - Photoshoot locations If you want to build a social media profile with amazing pictures, London is the place to do it. The amount of setting options you have is endless from glitz and glam to grunge. You can organise a content day with friends which will cost you only a train ticket to whatever location you want to go to. Even you have a little cash to spend, London, especially East London boasts a lot of studio spaces available to hire for short or extended periods of time. You might not have the ideal backdrops at home that you want to start perhaps a YouTube channel or podcast - studio spaces are a great alternative. You can rent these spaces or use these outdoor locations to document your portfolio for example. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/bf04a7dd-7557-4597-8a2c-79d77290bbb6/IMG_3626.jpg Lifestyle - Fashion Students take London - Creative communities This is one I definitely need to do more intentionally. There are various niche groups around London that meet up for regular catch ups, events and discussions for different interests. One I love is the Stackworld, I have been to a few events but I would definitely love to attend so many more. This one feels like a girls group chat for women developing not just in their career, but mentally and emotionally - the whole package. It has everything from arts and culture to tech and entrepreneurship. Use social media and find your own group and connect with like minded creatives. Or, why not try creating your own - your people will find you! https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/lifestyleblogcategory/stand-out-and-stay-out monthly 0.5 2025-04-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/4c41df35-6f69-4788-8044-cd836e78f5d5/IMG_3268.jpg Lifestyle - Stand out and stay out - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/7210b200-1246-4f01-81e3-4a8db071bb8b/IMG_3263.jpeg Lifestyle - Stand out and stay out - Why is it better to stand out? I mentioned that uni is not the time to blend in because that’s the point I’m at right now, but it really applies to anyone reading this. If there is something you want to do in life, a goal you want to achieve, a person you want to become - you can’t do that by doing whatever everyone else around you is doing. Quick example, if there is a competition for a group of people you are surrounded with, how on earth do you think you are going to win if you are doing everything that everyone else is doing? Well, that’s life - professional life at least. Especially for creatives whose individuality is their unique selling point. When in uni or any stage of your life, try your best to overcome the fear and embarrassment because success and opportunities is on the other side. As I look back and reflect on my time at uni so far, I have noticed patterns in some of the opportunities I’ve been blessed with - many arising because of actions I took when choosing to act differently. For example, posting on TikTok can be seen as cringe, and even now I still get shy, but I don’t stop because I have been able to do so many content. creation jobs as a result. Standing out doesn’t mean doing anything crazy. It doesn’t even have to be extraordinary. It’s really just taking steps towards your end goal, regardless of how it may look like now. Posting videos on Instagram when you are a mega influencer is normal, but when you are just starting and creating for your loyal 50 followers, it’s a lot harder. That’s the middle section where many would stop, but those willing to make a personal brand, that’s where the real work starts. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/lifestyleblogcategory/life-quotes-2025-p1 monthly 0.5 2025-04-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/e556b2cd-a004-461b-9d55-8e3d46e199a1/IMG_2946.jpg Lifestyle - Life Quotes 2025 P1 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/bf9009cd-7ab0-4a78-8779-99a3b8242337/IMG_2984.jpg Lifestyle - Life Quotes 2025 P1 - The things that embarrass you today will inspire someone tomorrow - me There are so many ways to make money, but the best way is doing something you love - Sarah You don’t want to be exhausted before you start in order to start great - Leila You got a dream, you gotta protect it. People can’t do something themselves, they wanna tell you you can’t do it. You want something go get it, period. - the pursuit of happyness movie If the blessing is in reach, it’s already inside of you - Sarah TD jakes I feel scarred but I’m not scared - me If god gives you access to the blessing it’s because the blessing is meant to access you - Sarah TD jakes There’s many doors that you're going to have to walk through, but some you won’t get through until someone opens it for you. This is why you have to network and be nice to people - Tom, Burberry Sometimes you have to do the action before you even believe it - Salima If I go to a 9-5 I will always think of the life I could’ve had - Sarah In this treadmill of life you don’t always get to explain yourself - mum You have a lot of skills, just lean into your strengths - me https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/lifestyleblogcategory/may-we-never-loose-our-wonder monthly 0.5 2025-04-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/061c3935-d7f9-487c-85f2-ec052fff4955/IMG_2929.jpg Lifestyle - May we never loose our wonder - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/lifestyleblogcategory/quit-dont-quit monthly 0.5 2025-04-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/39af8bb5-4682-407b-85da-69604bc1ebe5/IMG_2668.jpg Lifestyle - Quit, don’t quit… - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/lifestyleblogcategory/your-skills-need-a-plus-one monthly 0.5 2025-04-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/5a76c041-17a2-41de-9868-90c4bf9a9fe9/IMG_3066.jpg Lifestyle - Your skills need a plus one - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1185096a-cece-4091-8acf-dd4aa8a7c1d8/IMG_2577.jpg Lifestyle - Your skills need a plus one - But do I have to? No, you don’t have to. You are completely entitled to a life far from all the opportunities waiting for you if you just tried this out. You can decided that you’re going to stay with your one thing and wait for that one moment. Or, you can open yourself up to the possibility of more, of more opportunities and a more fulfilled career. There are many benefits I can think of for diversifying your skills, but I’ll share the main two. First, you can apply for WAY more roles. I have met with many recruiters in creative industries and something they have all said is that you don’t need to be an expert in everything listed in the job description to apply. As long as you have a basic understanding and are willing to learn, a lot of the time, that is enough. But too often we eliminate ourselves from the competition if we aren’t masters of particular skills. Especially women, a Harvard study showed that we won’t apply unless we meet 100% of the requirements while men go ahead with 60%. However, having a basic awareness across multiple aspects of your industry, makes you more desirable to employers. As a result, you can also expect a higher pay as you can do the job of two more efficiently. Imagine working for a magazine and you can produce written and photographic content - it’s a win win. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/6ad0371b-527a-44dd-bbef-0cc9f58c6dca/IMG_2573.jpg Lifestyle - Your skills need a plus one - In 2020 I realised I was good at writing and loved fashion. So I went into uni thinking that I will be a fashion writer. As I opened myself up to all the skills I was learning on my course, I developed a love for broadcast journalism and content creation. I realised that I could do way more than writing with my journalism degree so slowly began building my skillset across not just journalism, but fashion media as a whole. I guess my root skill was writing and all the extra branches I explored for a career in journalism are: broadcasting, social media, interviewing, public speaking, photography etc. The first year of uni, I focused on writing and social media. My second year developed those and added on broadcasting and interviewing. Now that I am in my final year, the next one I find myself working on is photography. I didn’t just learn about those skills, I put them into practice. For writing, I started this blog page alongside my studies. For content creation, I started posting my own videos on social media, but also joined the Newsroom team at my uni and have been producing a lot of social content for them. For broadcasting and interviewing, I started my own YouTube channel where I post vlogs and in-depth interviews with other fashion students. Finally in my final year, I have been making use of the free equipment in uni and borrowed different types of cameras to test out my photography skills as well as joined the media team in my church. I didn’t just stop there. I also worked on some secondary skills that are indirectly linked to my industry. I started public speaking while at uni for different occasions, and have recently decided to do it more intentionally by learning and practicing how to improve this skill. Similarly, I interned at a luxury fashion consulting agency to learn about the world of PR and marketing and those skills were practiced immediately during my internship. Finally as someone who observes fashion as a journalist, every once in a while, I also participate in making fashion with my sister who is a designer - this gives me a greater understanding and appreciation for what I write about. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/lifestyleblogcategory/feeding-my-creative-child monthly 0.5 2025-04-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/ada1b2f7-1fdd-4af0-9fcc-cc4cca2305fd/IMG_2511.jpg Lifestyle - Feeding my creative child - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/lifestyleblogcategory/living-my-life-as-an-anomaly monthly 0.5 2025-04-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/ff6065da-3f46-41ea-b8d1-44e6b5eeb453/IMG_3423.jpg Lifestyle - Rejection to redirection to connection - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/lifestyleblogcategory/the-best-no-i-ever-got monthly 0.5 2026-03-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/15b8567a-eb36-4fcf-ab9d-91632c6e147e/20190921_094616_Original.jpg Lifestyle - The Best 'No' I Ever Got - Make it stand out 15 year old me standing outside what I thought was the school of my dreams https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/e95b63ad-ec01-444e-8cdb-1c1eeb577864/IMG-20190624-WA0008_Original.jpeg Lifestyle - The Best 'No' I Ever Got - (Me attending an open day at said dream school) For as long as I can remember I have been someone who likes to know their next move. By next move, I mean my next 10 moves. So when one fateful day, I attended a careers fair at a private school, I made the decision that this is where I am going to spend my college years. And when I made that decision, I put my money and actions where my mouth was. There was an opportunity to get a scholarship and I thought that was going to be my way in. There was an entrance exam that I needed to do, then get interviewed and a scholarship would be offered. I worked so incredibly hard on all my subjects as well as other topics that I wasn’t even studying just in case it came up on the exam. I was waking up at 5am every morning to do stretches, meditation and study before school, then I would come home and study until the evening. I probably over did it, but I didn’t want to look back and wish I had done more. I chose the History and English entrance exam and there was also a mandatory critical thinking exam that I would practice almost every day - I felt so prepared. Even going into the exam I knew I did everything I could and I wasn’t even too stressed out during the exam. As I walked out of the exam room, I was confident that that scholarship was mine. I can’t stress how assured I was because in my young mind, if you want something and work hard enough for it, it has no choice but to come to you. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/558e5702-b605-4565-b3ea-d2be092fe375/20191013_224550_Original.jpeg Lifestyle - The Best 'No' I Ever Got - Make it stand out All the souvenirs I had collected, my vision board and affirmations list. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/7fd26c02-53a7-462b-9944-d7d3f63264c7/20191013_224526_Original.jpg Lifestyle - The Best 'No' I Ever Got - (My affirmations list) Then the day came. The call. All who were proceeding to the next level would be called on the phone. So I stayed home from school. All my friends knew I was expecting this big call that would in my mind, essentially change the course of my life. I waited the whole day. Nothing. Not even a call to say I didn’t get it. So late in the evening, after spending the day sewing with my sister, I excused myself for a bit to the bathroom and just sat down. I didn’t even cry. I just sat and played the song “He’s Able'“ because a part of me thought that because my surname begins with an S, I would be at the bottom of the register so it would take a while for them to get to me. But they never did. My mum came upstairs and I cried like I never did before. Even as I write this, I remember the physical pain I felt in my chest and the knot in my throat - and the headache that came after. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/2f7de575-53dc-4896-a012-fdcece828627/IMG_3413.jpeg Lifestyle - The Best 'No' I Ever Got - (Me today outside UAL, my current uni) My life path since the redirection hasn’t been smooth sailing, but it’s been so worth it. I now study fashion journalism and content creation, but I am so much more than my degree. I once heard that purpose is not about what you do, but how you make others feel when you’re doing it. I’m still figuring it out, but I know I’m on the right path. Also, the thing about purpose is, you can’t outrun it. Even if I did get into that school and do the whole economics at Cambridge thing, I still would have got to this point eventually. It might take longer, but I would get there nonetheless. My biggest advice is to not let a set back keep you stagnant. There is a difference between resting and stagnation. Rest is to collect yourself to continue on your journey, while stagnation is an unintentional break that can cause you to slowly decay into a shell of who you are meant to be. Having people you trust around you at this challenging time is also very important. Fun fact, I didn’t look at any other college before applying to that scholarship, and I had no intention on looking at any after. I was really done with the eduction system. Then one day, my mum told me to dress up because her and I were going out for a surprise trip. I was so excited. I got in the car and she locked the door and started moving before she announced that we were actually going to a college open day. I didn’t talk to her for the whole journey. I was so mad that I had basically been hijacked or hoodwinked (not sure which is worse) to go to a college viewing. But long story short, I ended up loving the school and had the best two years there that I wouldn’t change for the world. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/lifestyleblogcategory/what-do-i-do-in-the-middle monthly 0.5 2025-04-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/afe63988-dbba-40f3-a57b-0fe6264ccf6e/IMG_2108.jpeg Lifestyle - What do I do in the middle? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/lifestyleblogcategory/using-my-yaaayaya monthly 0.5 2025-03-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/853df20a-cf87-44e5-ad24-2f996e35489e/DSC00004.JPG Lifestyle - Using my YAAAYAYA - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/4d0a285a-881e-4f4f-8906-5f0b01cf6c38/DSC00075.JPG Lifestyle - Using my YAAAYAYA - What was KUWTFS? Let’s start by getting used to the acronym KUWTFS that stands for the title of the series: Keeping Up With The Fashion Students. I started KUWTFS after spending my free time binging the Kardashians at the end of second year. I knew I wanted to do a review of my time at London College of Fashion so far on my Youtube channel but I wanted it to be a bit more interesting and the name just came to me. It was supposed to be a one off video, but life had other plans. It is now a series where I interview current and previous fashion students about their beginnings, their course and hopes for the future. This is my version of using my yaaayaya. As a young journalist, I made the decision a long time ago that I wasn’t going to stick to the usual script of interviewing people once they have accomplished everything they hoped for. While that is cool and definitely something I’d love to do, I wanted to use my voice differently. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/lifestyleblogcategory/you-can-be-scared-without-feeling-like-an-imposter monthly 0.5 2025-03-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1e104e81-243c-4c09-a9f5-5e49affd3826/IMG_9611.jpg Lifestyle - Rewriting your internal script - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/b3114af4-83e6-4aa7-a0d3-a9e0255b0c88/IMG_9751.jpg Lifestyle - Rewriting your internal script - You felt it, but you don’t have to become it. I watched an episode of the Colin and Samir podcast recently and something that stood out to me was how to view failures. Successful people will fail at something and will process it as data to inform their next steps. But most people will fail and view it as a diagnosis. They embody their failures. Failures don’t make a failure Just because you might experience a certain emotion such as failing, you need to remind your mind that it is no more than a feeling. The same way playing basketball doesn’t make you a basketball player…failing doesn’t make you a failure. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/8a7b7c54-5b8c-49fd-b54e-b0049ef97656/IMG_9614.jpg Lifestyle - Rewriting your internal script - The difference between what you feel and who you are Fear is one of those huge, overwhelming feelings that can dominate not just our thoughts, but also our actions. The language you use when feeling this is one way to overcome it. For example, if I am about to deliver a speech or presentation in front of a big crowd, it’s not unnatural to experience fear in the lead up to that moment. However, I am training my mind to accept the emotion, but not let it control my actions simply by saying this phrase: I feel scared, but I am not scared. Not to get all English student, but the words, “feel” and “am” are verbs. It is something you are doing actively. So I embrace that I feel (which is temporary) something but I am not that emotion. It is not me, it is temporary so it can be changed. You can watch a reel I did about this specific point here https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/5e200550-63db-4b37-8d39-02f43a998322/IMG_1504.jpg Lifestyle - Rewriting your internal script - Don’t make permanent decisions based off temporary emotions This is something that keeps my emotions in check. One clear example, I had this black tube skirt that was my goto for pretty yet functional outfits. However, one day on my period when I was super bloated, I wore that skirt - big mistake. I convinced myself that that skirt wasn’t flattering on me so I threw it away. Now that I am no longer on my period or bloated, I am grieving the loss of that skirt (as dramatic as that sounds). To this day I haven’t found any skirt that comes close to it. I now have to pay the consequences of a permanent decision I made based off of temporary feelings. How many times in your life have you thrown away your theoretical skirt.? How many opportunities have you passed up for your future because of how you felt today? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/95802cf6-271d-4806-b2bc-8966886103ea/IMG_9975.jpg Lifestyle - Rewriting your internal script - Maturing isn’t the lack of negative feelings, but the mastery of them Maturing doesn’t mean you don’t get angry or sad or frustrated, it’s about what you do with those emotions. How you react. I’m not even talking about in relation to others - that needs another blog post and a therapist - I mean how you treat yourself. Journaling is one of the great ways to process your emotions on the spot and control what you say to yourself. For example, you might be telling yourself that you are worthless and not capable in your mind, but it’s a lot harder to write that down and still believe it. You don’t always need to have your diary with you, sometimes I just write a couple lines on my notes app about how I feel, but then I counteract it with who I actually am. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/lifestyleblogcategory/52-days-until-its-done monthly 0.5 2025-03-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/6563c09e-8f3a-4b75-8e25-e1668e22e357/IMG_1663.jpg Lifestyle - 52 days until it’s done - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/lifestyleblogcategory/live-like-nature monthly 0.5 2025-03-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/7ed75a9e-13ab-4c27-9f55-389b8d29f7aa/IMG_1346.jpg Lifestyle - Live like nature - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1a4eb9a3-ff0e-49a2-b9d3-fab5ee06c162/IMG_1259.jpeg Lifestyle - Live like nature - There are no filler seasons Each serve a purpose For some you work and plan, and others you rest and joy Same thing with our life there are some seasons of focused hard work, and there are others of enjoying the fruits of your labour and resting in preparation for the next season Winter = hibernate Spring = new life Summer = enjoy Autumn = Harvest Repeat Nature doesn’t fight it so why do we https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/lifestyleblogcategory/a-sip-of-the-scene monthly 0.5 2025-03-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/6c15d0a1-b419-4e48-8dc3-3c36c2f7a473/IMG_1100.jpeg Lifestyle - A Sip of the Scene - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/afbb9d2d-db56-4427-a20c-334e58adfaf8/IMG_8544+2.jpg Lifestyle - A Sip of the Scene - Research The type of event you are going to will indicate the level of research you will need to do. You can choose to just read the headline, book and attend, but you are missing out on a step that can make you stand out. For example, if this is a panel discussion about sustainability in fashion and you turn up in a real fur coat - you will stand out, but not in the way you hope to. Research the people who will be speaking, the brands that might be there and the topics that will be addressed. Some light general research might help you to prepare some well thought out questions beforehand too. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/7c0536ad-233a-44dd-9356-c1d5b5cb3ae7/IMG_1524.jpg Lifestyle - A Sip of the Scene - Plan Outfit When picking an outfit for an event, I always ask myself: Do I want to blend in or stand out. It’s usually the latter but that doesn’t mean blending in sometimes can’t work to your advantage. Maybe you are feeling a bit shy and it’s an intimidating event so blending in might help with your nerves. However, if you’re feeling confident, or want to increase your confidence, a solid outfit is the way to go. You need to find a way to step out of your comfort zone, while staying in character - always dress for you! I usually consider the small things like a unique earring or a bright colour because those can be easy talking points. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1742487508945-FOCV6KRDZ1OO40GIPFS3/unsplash-image-5bYxXawHOQg.jpg Lifestyle - A Sip of the Scene - Take notes The only downside to live in person events is you can’t press pause. When I usually watch interviews or educational content online, I pause and make many notes and reflections. However when in person, they may be dropping point after point and you can’t keep up. First tip that I had to learn, don’t stress about the appearance of the page, if your handwriting gets a little iffy, don’t worry about it as long as you can read it back. Jot down key points that you need to remember and if it’s long, paraphrase it. However if you resonate with a key phrase, then write it down word for word. This written content can then be used to reflect on, or maybe share as an article/blog. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/054b1371-26f3-4a0b-9f51-e6f700ad51d3/IMG_2784.jpg Lifestyle - A Sip of the Scene - Document the moment This might not be for everyone, but if you are an aspiring content creator, events are a great place to start. You can plan before hand the angle and treatment of your content. For example, are you going to do short clips with a VoiceOver or music, or would you like to do some vox pops with other guests. Documenting events are great to develop your content creation skills, but it also shows future employers you actively involving yourself in the fashion industry by widening your network and increasing your knowledge. There are so many different ways to capture content so get creative. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1742487718217-PFRY6XDI3TK3W9QQ24ML/unsplash-image-a_lBsEZZjWc.jpg Lifestyle - A Sip of the Scene - Follow up I’m still learning the best ways to do this, but I know it is so important. There’s no point meeting people if you are going to forget about them the next day. Connect on socials and professional such as LinkedIn and email and pop up every once in a while when it’s relevant. It’s easy to feel annoying at this stage, especially if you don’t always get a response. But closed mouths don’t get fed - visibility is crucial so as long as you stay at the front of peoples minds, should an opportunity arise, guess who they’ll think of. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/lifestyleblogcategory/21-for-21 monthly 0.5 2025-03-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/89cb62f8-06e2-4aba-8325-d2dea093cd97/IMG_6362.jpg Lifestyle - 21 For 21 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/290b233d-efab-490c-920c-b9ce90b7a91d/F802B1DC-892B-4CA2-A1E2-FF33A9EEDF72.jpeg Lifestyle - 21 For 21 - Why I did this A lot of my achievements and opportunities from the year before came to me. That doesn’t mean I didn’t work for it or didn’t deserve it. All my previous, consistent work brought me to where I am today. It just made me wonder, if I can achieve that with a novice level of effort, imagine what could happen when I go beyond. Imagine what could happen when I intentionally plan towards my goals. What I think might take 5 years could actually happen in 5 months. When I blew out my candles at 21, I didn’t wish for the usual. I will share most of the goals that are a mix of personal and professional goals, but some of this tea stays in the pot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/74ea9f53-96f9-4e74-bdd9-f7fee73b5915/FullSizeRender.jpg Lifestyle - 21 For 21 - The Official List: 1. Graduate with first class honours 2. X 3. Learn how to confidently canter on a horse 4. Do 12 in depth interviews 5. Read 12 books 6. X 7. Write weekly blog posts 8. Do 21 vox pops 9. Build my dream wardrobe full of unique pieces 10. Workout consistently https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/666deacd-dd26-4ed8-8e1b-af24b52b46d6/FullSizeRender.jpg Lifestyle - 21 For 21 11. Define employment options post uni 12. X 13. X 14. X 15. X 16. X 17. Have five articles published 18. X 19. Do 21 solo trips 20. X 21. Watch a ballet performance live https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/8e9f95e1-bd21-4133-bc95-44b7919eae2a/IMG_6514.jpeg Lifestyle - 21 For 21 - Example: This is an example of 21 things I will do to achieve one of my goals that is on the list. Some of the steps are directly related to making that dream come true, while others are about creating an environment to increase the chances of that dream happening. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/lifestyleblogcategory/z4182tjwdgkp38lzi2e6lfzpnj3fh3 monthly 0.5 2025-03-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1742163835674-8ALGC5GQTSRTWKZLXX1U/IMG_2585.jpeg Lifestyle - From nerves to backstage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1742163835815-9QDF3KXQFOXPVRCSHV55/IMG_4954.jpeg Lifestyle - From nerves to backstage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1742163834212-JODN1UR7WH4BF3ZR0PQD/IMG_0949.jpeg Lifestyle - From nerves to backstage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/2bd2e84d-61fe-4540-910e-bd0545a5260f/IMG_7131.jpg Lifestyle - From nerves to backstage - This is what happened… Stylist live is an annual, three day, fashion commerce event run by Stylist Magazine. It hosts various speakers from athletes to authors at the Truman Brewery as well as pop up stores and a thematic fashion show. I actually had uni the first day an sprinted off straight after class to get there on time. The magazines colour was pink so I went with that as my style inspiration and to this day, it is one of my favourite outfits from my time at uni. This was the first time I had attended and I got a weekend ticket that got me access to the three days of this event. I did not go in there hoping for networking opportunities, but once I got there, I decided to make the most of it. I could’ve aimed small and spoke to some people attending - but I had big dreams and that meant going straight to the editor of Stylist magazine. Crazy right? Well, you have to be a little cookoo to believe in yourself fully and completely. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/ef6e15e4-6f2e-4b13-acfa-aa0bdc828a57/IMG_7341.jpg Lifestyle - From nerves to backstage - During one of the panel discussions, I remember standing at the back because I couldn’t get a seat. Even though the guest speaker was great, I was focusing on Lisa Smosarksi, the editor in chief at the time, and her interviewing style. I noticed how she would sneak a quick look at her question cards before meeting the eyes of her guest, showing how present she was in the conversation. She would create new questions on the spot based off of something someone said and repeat in other words if they couldn’t answer easily. To this day, I remember how much she didn’t just interview, she hosted whilst also being in conversation. I told myself that I wanted to be like that. Straight after the panel discussion, I knew I would have a small window to speak with her and I took it. Everyone was focused on the guest but I went straight up to her, super nervous and overcompensating with a huge teethy smile. I introduced myself and mentioned that I would be there the whole weekend, she complimented my outfit which felt like a win already. As I was about to leave, I turned around and asked if she happened to be looking for an intern. She asked for my details and as I frantically searched for a blank page on my notebook, she recommended I get some business cards for next time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/bbad708d-fd66-4edf-8a86-42a078378225/IMG_7584.jpg Lifestyle - From nerves to backstage - And as a result… I was happy enough having introduced myself but I couldn’t have predicted the next day. I woke up to a DM from Lisa, the editor herself saying how she admired my confidence and that I should meet her that day and she’ll take me backstage of the fashion show! WHAT?! I was just a young girl trying to carve a path in this industry - I still am. It was crazy to wake up to a message like that, you can imagine how quickly I got ready that day to arrive as early as I physically could. What’s shocking is that period of my life compared to now, I wouldn’t even say I was that confident. I was so scared to talk to people, but I feared missing out on my future even more. I always knew the type of life I planned for myself and I took baby steps like this everyday towards it. I put on my green power suit and had the best day. Lisa introduced me to the team of editors, models, stylists - literally everyone. I spent the whole time wondering why she was being so kind. I didn’t know her before and I’m just a fashion student. It was my first real experience in the fashion industry and my first lesson was that people are nice. It’s so simple, but growing up hearing how mean people in the fashion industry can be, it was a real mind boggler to experience the opposite. I felt the rush of backstage madness with models running in and out, stylists dressing them, makeup artists doing final touches - I was home. It was an invaluable experience that I will always remember. I was shown so much kindness at such an early stage of my professional career and I can only aspire to do the same for others. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/a9cb04b2-66c1-4260-9a68-98aeddae0698/IMG_0949.jpg Lifestyle - From nerves to backstage - This taught me… People in fashion can be nice People in leading roles can be nice Don’t let present fear stop you from joy in your future Talk to people - they will usually respond Meeting people in person will always be the best way to form connections Follow up on connections you made - but be genuine, you can smell an opportunist a mile away Being nice is a given - you get nowhere being mean Be memorable - use fashion to present yourself before you open your mouth Get business cards - which I did When you’ve been given an opportunity, it is your responsibility to do the same for others https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1742165054322-V0PXUIDTXNY0TV3K43P0/IMG_7122.jpeg Lifestyle - From nerves to backstage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1742165015232-VTEUFUM0RSYF4O68HM1O/IMG_0950.jpeg Lifestyle - From nerves to backstage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1742165043309-2WCMP7Y00R0EAX3PKWWT/IMG_7142.jpeg Lifestyle - From nerves to backstage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1742165036375-N58HMW967RR85985NHUP/IMG_7848.jpeg Lifestyle - From nerves to backstage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1742165046444-4WQJB4PK7P7H4ACG2XUV/IMG_7115.jpeg Lifestyle - From nerves to backstage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1742165002112-EMW5WLZUXOMXHQ9RQHAG/IMG_0951.jpeg Lifestyle - From nerves to backstage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1742165011807-NM0AENE9V0VCVO63JBXA/IMG_0955.jpeg Lifestyle - From nerves to backstage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1742165018658-AZ6NIAWX0YCD6WE6950R/IMG_0954.jpeg Lifestyle - From nerves to backstage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1742165031438-D9N9LPL5YQ1F331X2RXN/IMG_7472.jpeg Lifestyle - From nerves to backstage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1742165033943-TJK99U2N7EL0K4LNQGHX/IMG_7150.jpeg Lifestyle - From nerves to backstage https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/lifestyleblogcategory/my-last-briefing-ever monthly 0.5 2025-03-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/76e1a171-cfb9-472d-b1de-86fafeb2dc86/IMG_0652.jpg Lifestyle - My Last Briefing Ever - Make it stand out Me on the day I received my last briefing of my academic life https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/b0dd762d-fd02-478e-bc36-5c9b7bb9897e/IMG_0410.jpg Lifestyle - My Last Briefing Ever - The final year of university is a moment to demonstrate everything you have learnt over the last three years. As a fashion journalism and content creation student, that can look like a magazine, website, YouTube channel etc… I will be revealing my project in full in another blog post, but for now I can share a short description. I am making a Youtube channel called Let Me Be Creative where I will be interviewing industry professionals in behind the scenes creative roles. This is to educate young creatives on the multiple ways their talents can be manifested as careers in super niche jobs. I will use my platform to shine light on the underdogs of the creative industry as well as address barriers people may have to get into the creative industry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/16fd3b6c-9e48-47f3-8244-7f8826310228/IMG_0284.jpg Lifestyle - My Last Briefing Ever - 95% Excitement: I’m so ready for this I thought of my idea in the summer holidays, but I have really been working towards it my whole life. When I started uni, I thought I would produce a magazine and I was worried that I wouldn’t find a niche to focus on. I’m not part of any subculture, I don’t have an attachment to any location and I didn’t want it to be just a fashion magazine with no clear focus. However these past three years, I’ve done alot of self reflection which made me realise that advocating for young people in creative industries is something I have always done. I work with young people currently wanting to apply to creative courses; I use my social media to bring attention to fashion journalism and I have always pushed friends to pursue their creative interests beyond hobbies. I am excited to now be able to do this on a bigger and even more intentional platform. I get full creative control to realise this vision and help others - I can’t wait to start! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/17db4665-10f6-4a4e-86ce-e30187938c84/IMG_0846.jpg Lifestyle - My Last Briefing Ever - 5% Apprehensive: It’s ok to be worried But with great power comes great responsibility. I think sometimes I get in my head when I care deeply about something. I want to do right by my audience and I see this beyond being just a uni assignment. I don’t know how it will be received. I don’t know if people will agree to do interviews. I don’t know if I will get it all done in time. But what I do know is that I will try. All I have to give is my best and let God do the rest. There’s many ways this project can turn out and I will dodge each curveball as they come. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/622a8ada-1754-4db6-a656-3cae66d803d8/IMG_0419.jpg Lifestyle - My Last Briefing Ever - Let’s make this work: I could spend time fearing the what ifs. Or I could put systems in place to minimise the effects of possible negative outcomes. Here’s what I am doing to make the most of this project: Planning ahead: I refuse to get halfway through this project and ask myself where did the time go and what did I do with it. I love a to do list, but this project requires more. We have been advised to create an overall schedule of the timeline for this project, then break it down day by day. See the bigger picture then plan how to get there. Get loud: I was someone who would keep ideas to myself until they were complete. But something un has taught me is the value of others input. I am surrounded by people with bright creative minds who can think of things that I won’t. When you open yourself up and share your ideas, you allow others to help it grow. I also noticed that the more I talk about my project, the more confident I get about and the idea gets clearer in my head. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/8a922a14-97df-4212-83a4-54d33a6d7fd2/IMG_0416.jpg Lifestyle - My Last Briefing Ever - Ask for help: This doesn’t have to be a solo trip. I will continue being that annoying person asking all the questions in class. I will book as many tutorials as possible with academic support to refine my idea. My friends and family will be able to pitch the project themselves after all the times they hear me talk about. This is a big project and it is submitted independently, but it doesn’t have to be done alone. Have fun: This is my final project and I want to look back in a couple years and smile at the memory. I might have late night where it’s just me and my laptop, but that will be sandwiched with days out with friends and family. I will continue to make time for my other interests and vlog to remember this time. There is a good chance this project will consume my time these next two months, but I intend on loving every second. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/lifestyleblogcategory/100-days-100-thoughts monthly 0.5 2025-03-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/67222d06-6e70-464a-a310-9b235cb93dfd/IMG_4397.jpg Lifestyle - 100 Days: 100 Thoughts - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/b5a670db-d19f-439b-8e69-fa63baae6e0c/IMG_4415.JPG Lifestyle - 100 Days: 100 Thoughts - HOW THIS BEGAN? Tea No Sugar is the blog website of my dreams, and I mean it. For the longest time, before I knew I wanted to do fashion journalism, I wanted a blog. But it was one of those things I thought about and never really acted on. I thought of the name for the blog before anything else all the way back when I was Sixth Form. Tea No Sugar is the blog website of my dreams, and I mean it. For the longest time, before I knew I wanted to do fashion journalism, I wanted a blog. But it was one of those things I thought about and never really acted on. I thought of the name for the blog before anything else all the way back when I was Sixth Form. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/3508869d-e0ea-4623-b9b3-b1e0a6028441/IMG_4184.jpg Lifestyle - 100 Days: 100 Thoughts - But I didn’t do anything with it until my second year of uni. I had had a lot of journalism practice from my first year and finally felt “qualified” enough to have my own website. My sister created the website with me and we did a photoshoot to have some professional images on each page. The weekend after I finished my internship with The Evening Standard, I made the website live. Now, I want to say the rest is history….but that wouldn’t be true. No matter how much I love this website, I didn’t set out time and space to use it the way I planned. As a content creator, I saw my interest in social media take over and actually doing really well. Leaving this blog forgotten. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/2ae2c232-a2df-4940-a0dc-37369f31b910/IMG_4318.jpg Lifestyle - 100 Days: 100 Thoughts - I love writing, always have. Content creation came new to me, and I love that too. However, it is only recently I found that I don’t have to choose. At such an early stage of my career, this is the perfect time to experiment and test out al my skills. It’s not everyday niche down! Now, it’s one thing to realise, but it’s something else to actually do something about it. This is where this series comes in. I love a good challenge and the only person I compare myself to is me. So if I set myself a challenge - it is going to get done. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/2cc0a63a-8d90-46ad-93ee-3e43dd466de3/IMG_4116.JPG Lifestyle - 100 Days: 100 Thoughts - Sounds easy, sure. Until I had my university assignment taking up all my time, started a new job, and have endless heaps of forgotten social media and Youtube content piling up. But that’s life isn’t it? We are not always afforded the luxury for time to focus on one specific thing. Life comes at you fast and hard sometimes. Are you going to continue cruising by and blame time instead of making the most of it? I am crafting a life for myself by living as close as possible to what my future self looks like. How can I say I want to be a fashion journalist, but never practice writing time sensitive articles? How can I say I want to cover fashion week but I don’t stay on top of the current shows? How can I say I want the hustle, bustle and glamour of a fashion girly lifestyle, but I don’t manage my time? The more often you do something the more of a master you become of it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/66be86b2-81f5-4ea2-83a0-fc517bd0a4e8/IMG_4211.jpg Lifestyle - 100 Days: 100 Thoughts - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/lifestyleblogcategory/twas-the-night-before-submission monthly 0.5 2025-03-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/df2f45ef-a3c2-407d-ac34-932ea73ef4d0/IMG_0505.jpg Lifestyle - Twas the night before submission - Make it stand out Thumbs up because it’s almost done https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/lifestyleblogcategory/speculative-bio monthly 0.5 2025-03-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/16414074-54a5-4b32-ae8f-a38a6a30f9f3/Brown+and+White+Scrapbook+Research+Thesis+Presentation.png Lifestyle - Speculative Bio - Make it stand out My “A” grade submission for this assignment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/0bc25b50-9d02-4d0f-b274-f4e08952653f/IMG_4217.jpg Lifestyle - Speculative Bio - My name is Sakina Sule Ali and I am a globally influenced journalist with a focus in fashion. The fashion capital of red buses and untamed creativity known as London, is where I was born and currently reside. Here, I attended London College of Fashion for three years studying Fashion Journalism and Content Creation where I graduated with a first degree. During those years I did not just learn about the media industry, but made sure to experience it with various internships in publications such as Evening Standard, Vogue and Drapers, where I had my work published. My degree taught me foundational skills such as how to find stories and write them in a way that is tailored to particular audiences. Whereas, the work experience enhanced my taught skills by showing me how to apply it in practice. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/94707f20-c007-4b39-b735-4d6f809bb1d6/Screenshot+2025-03-06+at+21.33.06.png Lifestyle - Speculative Bio - I have also grown an online community that I started during my university days documenting my journey to becoming an established journalist and educating others who want to do the same. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/a51be1ac-b45b-433e-924c-9651e59ad11f/IMG_0182.jpg Lifestyle - Speculative Bio - From using platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, I noticed that there was a need for younger generations to be educated on journalism, particularly fashion journalism which is why I am so open with my journey and share advice to be the example that I wanted to see when starting out. I use my social media platforms to inspire younger generations and welcome those who didn’t have extra opportunities to get into an industry that is often a closed circle. One person who inspired me to do this was Emilie Hill who assisted on my course during my second year whilst continuing her own career. She freely gave guidance and genuine advice to my peers and I which was so valuable, given she did what we were experiencing at the time and is currently doing what we wanted to do career wise. In the words of Abraham Lincoln, “the best way to predict the future is to plan it”. I plan to widen my audience and diversify my platforms to more in person settings. I will do this by hosting in person focus groups and large scale interviews where I will act as a bridge between other leading journalists and aspiring journalists. This way, I will be providing access to others to ensure that there is diversity in the journalism industry. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/lifestyleblogcategory/whats-in-my-bag monthly 0.5 2025-03-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/132566bb-1c62-4691-ad2c-9e78f872200f/arnel-hasanovic-4oWSXdeAS2g-unsplash.jpg Lifestyle - Content Creation Toolkit - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/36b475eb-ea0a-4ced-966d-16973d951c9f/kevin-bhagat-Co-usQ-kpO0-unsplash.jpg Lifestyle - Content Creation Toolkit - 1. Phone As I said, I spent many years where it was just me and my phone. My first phone was a Huawaei and it didn’t have the best camera quality so I switched over to iPhone later on and the quality of an iPhone honestly matches a camera sometimes. I told myself at the beginning of my career that I wasn't going to buy anything for my content until it starts to pay me….crazy right, I know! But I focused first on my niche and consistency before I invested in the following intermediate category. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/b6b75df2-9d12-4b01-afd5-6586d4fc27ea/solen-feyissa-115YGe1M28I-unsplash.jpg Lifestyle - Content Creation Toolkit - 2. Portable charger You will not believe how important this is. The worst thing is to be out and you want to make content but your phone isn’t charged, bummer right. Sometimes content opportunities and you need to be ready to receive it. Don’t let a low battery stop you from creating some great content. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/78362210-17ba-41a5-8b6f-707c0eb036e8/frederic-paulussen-tOmJJ4xOECI-unsplash.jpg Lifestyle - Content Creation Toolkit - 4. Tripod I have said it before and I’ll say it again, my tripod is one of my best friends (you’ll meet my second best friend in the PRO section). This little adjustable stick allows me to create content almost anywhere as I don’t have to think about where I’m going to lean my phone to take a video. I would recommend the bluetooth tripods so you can use the clicker to take pictures and videos even if you’re far from your phone. I feel like Inspector Gadget every time I take that tiny button out of my bag “Go go gadget tripod!” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1741131348143-8GI74ZWD6AL30YWYL27M/IMG_0127.jpeg Lifestyle - Content Creation Toolkit https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1741131349322-WMLFN3YQ2K0R9ZIWJUSB/IMG_0125.jpeg Lifestyle - Content Creation Toolkit https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1741131353813-3F3UQ0AV3KOYJOGBNVW9/IMG_0123.jpeg Lifestyle - Content Creation Toolkit https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1741131353464-U7JIOD7VLL80KHR2FA8M/IMG_0121.jpeg Lifestyle - Content Creation Toolkit https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1741131357284-QBX1GB8XFABO60VFE6Q1/IMG_0122.jpeg Lifestyle - Content Creation Toolkit https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1741131358590-6EB4YR67TESPL29NHVI3/IMG_0124.jpeg Lifestyle - Content Creation Toolkit https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/4cf66c39-89ac-46a0-821b-6282d60d7def/unsplash-image-rhVD9wlnO_I.jpg Lifestyle - Content Creation Toolkit - 9. Ipad/Laptop Ladies and gentlemen, this is the other best friend I was talking about. I don’t think a day has passed since buying this last April that I have not used my Ipad. I make all my videos on it, plan my content and edit thumbnails. It is so useful to edit on a bigger screen to get more details in. I got my laptop for uni in first year and it’s only recently that I have also started to use it to edit my longer form videos for Youtube, while my iPad is reserved for TikTok and Instagram. This tech is not a must when starting out, but after getting the hang of content creation, is does make it a whole lot easier! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1741132244750-NY74Q6K60I74RQP9DE98/unsplash-image-F3Dde_9thd8.jpg Lifestyle - Content Creation Toolkit - 10. Camera Content creators seem to be reverting back to physical cameras and I am so here for it. My phone camera quality is pretty great, but it is a whole different feel with an actual camera. That goes for video and still content. I am yet to do my extensive research on which is the best so I am open to suggestions. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/lifestyleblogcategory/my-fashion-internship-experience-a-years-reviewnbsp monthly 0.5 2025-03-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/d31de6bb-cce2-44af-9ef3-6b8fe44323b6/IMG_8705.jpg Lifestyle - My fashion internship experience: A years review  - Where I interned: Karla Otto is the organisation you may not have heard of, but you have definitely seen their work. Remember the Gucci Cosmos exhibition, yep that was them. The London office is a beautiful building by 180 Studios, and they boast over a dozen offices worldwide. They have different departments such as PR and comms as well as Insights where I worked. The Insights department produces in depth reports ranging from the future of fashion marketing in luxury spaces to full fashion week debriefs. Words can’t describe how invaluable this experience was for me at such an early stage of my career. Although I am a fashion journalism student and this organisation is predominantly PR, I was still able to exercise skills I have learnt and develop my existing knowledge on the fashion industry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/9469ee1a-a333-45f2-abc8-53e5baf200d7/IMG_9772.jpg Lifestyle - My fashion internship experience: A years review  - This was one of my WFH days where I watched a BOF summit and made notes for the team. I was so glad to actually feel like a part of the team with real tasks from editorial to content and data analysis. The time I was there was around fashion month so we were booked and I was so glad to actually feel like a part of the team with real tasks from editorial to content and data analysis. The time I was there was around fashion month so we were booked and busy to say the least. From prepping for the big fashion weeks report to working on a separate social media marketing report, I had the opportunity to see every team member display their skills. The team was small and efficient, each member specialising in their role to such high standards. I felt so included and valued which of course pushed me to want to perform and work even harder. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1bd6fdad-3f3f-40df-b1b4-107e58b3b9d5/IMG_9841.jpg Lifestyle - My fashion internship experience: A years review  - Check out my day in the life as a fashion intern on my TikTok page Besides work, office days included regular trips to the kitchen for a cup of tea, which I absolutely loved. I felt so at home when I saw a drawer full of herbal teas. Some lunch breaks were taken as a team unless I was taking a walk around the park recommended to me where I would often just sit and try to savour the moment. I really romanticised my experience which is why I remember it so vividly and fondly. Even though my colleagues may be working on serious projects, there was always a moment to smile and laugh around the office; A high pressure environment with caring colleagues was a recipe for productive work. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/531e49df-28c0-4bce-adfc-555980bb5f63/IMG_6486.jpg Lifestyle - My fashion internship experience: A years review  - My tasks included: Writing summaries of the reports for their LinkedIn Created social media content for their TikTok account Attended Fashion Week on behalf of insights to capture social media content Analysed social media trends and had my findings published in their official AW24 Report Assisted with interviews for 2024 “Marketing In a World of Paradox” Insights Report Sourced and requested images for internal and external reports Participated in Global meetings Quantified data on current trends working alongside data analyst Attended events to learn about trend forecasting, social media and luxury fashion brands https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1740607589965-M4IB4YJ6W0QCS9W8CJ3Z/030FDEBE-57D1-4DFA-BA9A-0BB5F85F3FCB.jpg Lifestyle - My fashion internship experience: A years review  https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1740607364838-R3IC17ITVVG1O8CL22LP/B89DC275-495D-4460-A93A-9126C683F986_1_105_c.jpeg Lifestyle - My fashion internship experience: A years review  https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1740607364941-ZM4OYCWAGZ6YXVNTRE24/B469EF8D-883B-4EAF-B5FB-29FBE8A44DD4_1_105_c.jpeg Lifestyle - My fashion internship experience: A years review  https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1740607481556-0NH9ED2354SRSXR29KIX/B725A775-62E2-4F75-A476-5A4255C221DC.jpeg Lifestyle - My fashion internship experience: A years review  https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1740607504580-LSJ0CWMZDL5KX4N6UPPB/149C0171-EDD2-48C0-A452-C5382296CA49.jpeg Lifestyle - My fashion internship experience: A years review  https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1740607509609-0WO8RWCO9CS4M2BZL48C/5584388A-9FBD-4D5B-9A6D-BA3AC86DB547.jpeg Lifestyle - My fashion internship experience: A years review  https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1740607528814-A1WWI3GFTR8ETUFXCGW7/A3B81F46-1180-4186-A2D8-DD131EA63D8B.jpeg Lifestyle - My fashion internship experience: A years review  https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1740607535324-AIJDSGL1PONNRCZOZM0A/46F08EF5-C4C5-43C4-BB2E-9F69CB168D47.jpeg Lifestyle - My fashion internship experience: A years review  https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/075163f0-e7ae-4223-8d8c-dc20771c0a49/IMG_9866.jpg Lifestyle - My fashion internship experience: A years review  - Having my name and picture published in two reports is evidence of my efforts being appreciated which I will always be grateful for. I made an effort to ask questions and try to overcome the fear of getting things wrong. The team leader Anna reminded me of Jacqueline from the Bold Type - both firm and gracious - a true inspiration. While the other team members, Nerys, Nadine and Rui were so supportive and patient - I learnt about what each does and was encouraged to continue pursuing this career. I was also given a “buddy” from another department who I could go to for any help or questions I might have had. I also loved the workplace culture at Karla Otto. Every person was valued, as I know I was. I was able to participate in many celebrations such as birthdays and wedding engagements which was refreshing to see an active balance between work and play. At the end of my time there, they did a celebration with me to see me off with a gorgeous bouquet of flowers and a box of tea from my favourite brand. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/lifestyleblogcategory/struggling-to-study-try-this monthly 0.5 2024-11-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/6ec17095-d092-4b93-80c4-17d3e22504e2/IMG_4381.jpg Lifestyle - Struggling to study…Try this - Make it stand out All Images curtesy of Sakina: Fashion Journalism and Content Creation student https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/b66967cc-fd2a-4e2c-aebc-cb6fd6ee5539/4B73B1D0-15EA-47D2-AC6B-8CFE52376FC5_4_5005_c.jpg Lifestyle - Struggling to study…Try this - EAT Did you forget to eat? Believe it or not, it’s not writer's block, you’re just hungry (maybe hangry). I know as students, between high living costs and time efficiency, food doesn’t always come as a priority. But something my sisters told me when I started uni was no matter how hard uni gets, make sure you are eating. You are not dumb. You are able to do this work. You just forgot to eat and your brain is struggling to catch up. Grab a snack or meal then get back to work. You’re not you when you’re hungry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/0dec4695-b2ad-482b-8dfc-35a1bc1d6381/0820A0AC-CA09-406A-8957-BD829B6D4EA6_4_5005_c.jpg Lifestyle - Struggling to study…Try this - LIST This one almost always works for me immediately. You can have 101 things to do but if you have no sense of order, you will get overwhelmed and end up doing nothing. Get organised. List everything you need to do. Choose three that you will do, and do it. If you have time, add more to your list. Three things might not seem like a lot when you look at how long your list may be, but you will end up being three more steps ahead than you were before. Break down your tasks before you have a breakdown. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/ad6635f7-2594-407e-ad86-e6e4ac8c9a9b/706E0E7C-B515-4F2D-8896-70FEFE987A2D_4_5005_c.jpg Lifestyle - Struggling to study…Try this - CRAWL I saw this term on Tiktok recently and realised it was something I already do. Go on a study crawl. This is where you have a study day, but split up your time into various locations. Maybe you can do your reading in the library. Then make some notes in an open access study room. And finish off your day in the cantine writing a section of your work. Changing environments keeps your mind active and alert so you don’t start to slack off and feel too comfortable and settled in one area. When you start daydreaming, it means it's time for a new location. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/15c6a32c-c952-47a2-90bf-bff2496b2cc5/616C97FA-D63F-4F36-A6AA-51527C28E5AD_4_5005_c.jpg Lifestyle - Struggling to study…Try this - WALK Or maybe, you actually need a break. There is not a single person I know who advocates for studying without including physical wellbeing. My two inspirations: @veekativhu and @unjadedjade both excel in their respective careers and have both shared their physical wellbeing journeys. Whether it is going for a run in the middle of the day, or practising some breath work and stretches, it is so important to exercise your body the same way you are working your brain. In all honesty, this is the one I personally have to work on. I do feel refreshed after a quick walk, it’s just up to me to include it in my study schedule. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/af2f7c65-c46d-4358-ad35-37c7ad5df5e5/35FBBB50-E040-4E76-AB4E-6A25024F2A86_4_5005_c.jpg Lifestyle - Struggling to study…Try this - RAIN On the other hand, you might need silence that’s not really silent. I need some sort of noise when working and music can be distracting while studying at times. This is how I discovered: rain sounds. It might just be a London thing, but there is something very comforting about hearing the rain while being inside and locked in on an assignment or project. On sunny days I usually want to be out enjoying the heat, but rainy days get me really focused and set the right mood. I usually put a continuous video of rain on youtube, but iphones also have a white noise function that you can choose from. Experiment which works best for you. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/49d21082-bcb1-42f0-93f0-667d36e60868/D1FCA629-4C79-42F2-842D-3C2ABDA049C3_4_5005_c.jpg Lifestyle - Struggling to study…Try this - BOND As humans, we should not be doing life alone. That includes uni. If you are not able to motivate yourself, find yourself a study buddy. Not a friend. A study buddy. There is a difference. Not someone you can yap with, someone you can work with. Luckily, I struck gold finding people in uni that are both friends and study buddies with goals and discipline to put in effort. Identify that person and send a quick message scheduling your study date - chances are they need it as much as you do. If you are reading this thinking “I can’t think of anyone” don’t worry, I’ve considered that too. When I need a study buddy at the last minute, I find them on Youtube. Search, study with me, for whatever duration you’d like, and put your phone, laptop or ipad next to you as the video plays and get to work. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/5398d192-022b-4a29-8607-8da4a57b7698/9337F7F0-BA5B-4ECA-A4D7-E860FFE4459C_4_5005_c.jpg Lifestyle - Struggling to study…Try this - SWITCH Uni is not the only thing you got going on. This might even be the reason why you can’t focus on your studies. So switch focus for 30 minutes. Answer emails, schedule appointments, do whatever extra task is on your mind for a limited time then switch back to your work. Working in 30 minute increments keeps your brain active and ready to work more efficiently because you have stricter internal deadlines. I usually edit Youtube or Tiktok content then switch back to uni assignments, each for 30 minutes for up to 12 hours in a day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/429fb385-a7dd-4fdd-906a-e150a0504c76/IMG_4177.jpg Lifestyle - Struggling to study…Try this - Or… If all else fails, close your laptop for the day. Even if some days aren’t the best, at least you tried your best. Have a shower, wear some cute pjs, have a treat, watch a movie and try again tomorrow. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/lifestyleblogcategory/the-tea-on-press-days monthly 0.5 2024-11-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/c6d7697c-43fb-410d-bc44-36e99e49405e/IMG_4049.JPG Lifestyle - The Tea On Press Days - Make it stand out All images courtesy of Sakina Sule Ali https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/fe13d0e3-b356-42ca-9201-0fdf752c07a5/IMG_4040.jpg Lifestyle - The Tea On Press Days As described in the name, the press are present. This can be anyone with the means to communicate and advertise on behalf of the brand to diffuse their message. Magazine and newspaper editors get to see garments up close, wear jewellery and hold bags, not just to add to their wishlists, but to create written and visual content, That can range from trend reports to collection reviews. This is their primary research. Their bread and butter (or should I say tea and biscuits). This is where they get all the unreleased information and footage to then be the first to talk about it. Then people like you and I can sip on all the latest updates and releases. Now stylists have a different agenda. They are adding things to a wishlist, but not their own necessarily. The busy fashion calendar means many opportunities for fashion moments with their clients, whether they are actresses or musicians. They want to see what is new, what is fresh. What can they grab before anyone else even has the chance to look at it? Red carpet looks aren’t thought of the night before (well, maybe sometimes). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/0cefc006-08c7-4e6a-a246-5df60f1b1599/IMG_3558+2.jpg Lifestyle - The Tea On Press Days - (Me at my first fashion press event) Now my second opportunity was a little different and much more recent. It was two days ago which is why I am bursting to share. Since I had interned at Karla Otto, a luxury brand building agency, I took a leap of faith and sent out an email asking to be invited to their SS25 Press Event. Now, success really is on the other side of embarrassment because I was worried that they might reject my request or worse, completely ignore it! But to my surprise and delight, I was offered an invite and the rest I guess is history… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1731087172755-VSALAYEIJ5L7XLUCG0HP/IMG_3554.jpeg Lifestyle - The Tea On Press Days https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1731087380091-1R2EXM13U0H2HZE5PCCO/IMG_3466.jpeg Lifestyle - The Tea On Press Days https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1731087381227-GNO0SNC5V6IS0XB9HL2O/IMG_3476.jpeg Lifestyle - The Tea On Press Days https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1731090253016-CGOX30WDUUA6HJO14SEH/IMG_3466.jpeg Lifestyle - The Tea On Press Days https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1731090252532-UEML4O07P68HEU4C9WB4/IMG_3470.jpeg Lifestyle - The Tea On Press Days https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1731090272875-X17FONI0H1W9NJIT2IL5/IMG_3478.jpeg Lifestyle - The Tea On Press Days https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1731090271274-SKVB4OWD0B1R1SCJAYEP/IMG_3483.jpeg Lifestyle - The Tea On Press Days https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1731090343362-Z4E5T1I7CX19VT60K2PE/IMG_3486.jpeg Lifestyle - The Tea On Press Days https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1731090344472-VI5JDJI7S8IPWYXUICNL/IMG_3492.jpeg Lifestyle - The Tea On Press Days https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1731090346644-2EN5CSK5XQOYZKUPHEBL/IMG_3506.jpeg Lifestyle - The Tea On Press Days https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1731090396161-PVE52DC431AJTT7ODLBR/IMG_3513+2.jpeg Lifestyle - The Tea On Press Days https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1731090348365-KRQX6ZD8FIQV1TKJ1TIK/IMG_3509+2.jpeg Lifestyle - The Tea On Press Days https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1731090396835-58T7734N5UIW407P8KK2/IMG_3529.jpeg Lifestyle - The Tea On Press Days https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1731090351372-MNWOHH12YUTJBYMLOC0I/IMG_3511+2.jpeg Lifestyle - The Tea On Press Days https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1731090399668-YCT4EXX90AP8J9BYO34Z/IMG_3537.jpeg Lifestyle - The Tea On Press Days https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1731090401360-7E4PAGVVER8CU69TBJNR/IMG_3541.jpeg Lifestyle - The Tea On Press Days https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1731086406975-AI55PJTGWXBNQAJ6J001/82EDC7E6-B635-4386-BE1B-F8845D1B7A91.jpeg Lifestyle - The Tea On Press Days https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1731086409681-IABHLZZEGNBAP75UF7T1/813AE454-F133-4176-AB16-7B582D8AAF43.jpeg Lifestyle - The Tea On Press Days https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1731086408345-QWE5EZWT4E36QS2X2415/D6649DB8-9A3D-407A-A73C-7BCDBDE71C5E.jpeg Lifestyle - The Tea On Press Days https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1731086408756-50G4ZJONAXTOI97TU4KN/FFCC9595-B9A8-4A3E-8299-8C216A429E69.jpeg Lifestyle - The Tea On Press Days https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/f0757b89-fe56-4958-991c-ac87eadfcb4a/IMG_4080.jpg Lifestyle - The Tea On Press Days - Disclaimer: these tips will not automatically guarantee you an invite, they are just what has worked for my peers and I so far. INTERN: While interning you may just be blessed with an invite either to attend another brand's press day, or to work at one. This of course depends on where you are interning. Regardless of which offer presents itself, make the most of it as there is much to learn as staff as there will be as a guest. UNI: This one is particularly for fashion students, use your uni to your advantage. Especially LCF/CSM students because the name alone has a lot of street credibility in the fashion industry and can open doors that might normally be locked with a key for students. Of course, use it carefully. You need to have something going for yourself too! For example, I mentioned my uni, but also that I write for their online magazine which makes me a credible journalist. Don’t rely on others' reputation, build your own. NETWORK: Similarly, network, network, network. Reaching out to a stranger can be scary, awkward and daunting. But if you make the effort to meet people and form connections, the door will be held open for you more often than not. This goes without saying, your networking skills rely heavily on the reputation you build. You can check out my previous blog post describing how to network effectively. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/8d7b6c2b-9f1f-4cb6-903d-ad10be631a59/IMG_4074.jpg Lifestyle - The Tea On Press Days Finally, come back and let me know how it goes! I hope this was helpful and I would love to hear about your experiences. Check out my socials all linked below @its_moi_sakina and comment underneath this blog post which tea you drank while reading! https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/lifestyleblogcategory/how-i-make monthly 0.5 2024-09-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/d0a4545d-26b8-4f03-8f2e-15204a06696a/IMG_4286.JPG Lifestyle - Five Final Year Affirmations - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/8d71548a-9db1-42f6-a3ca-db7a032f56f3/Pink+Simple+Statistics+Sales+Product+Business+Bar+Chart+Diagram.png Lifestyle - Five Final Year Affirmations - Year 1 vs. Year 2 This graph shows my first three grades from first year compared to my first three grades from second year. Once I shifted my focus, my grades were boosted! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/c35b5919-3204-424a-8f6e-5d872cf2e4f7/IMG_4134.jpg Lifestyle - Five Final Year Affirmations Since primary school, it has been my instinct to check grades, compare scores and rank myself on the academic bell curve in school systems. I confess, I was a grade-a-holic. I was obsessed. My self esteem used to fluctuate like my GCSE maths grades. However, as I look back I wonder what a missed opportunity it was to really enjoy the process of learning, simply for the sake of learning. Luckily, I got this epiphany at the start of second year and it really changed my relationship with my studies. If I focus only on grades, then I will leave uni with good grades, burnout and stress. But if I can flip the focus, then I will leave uni feeling more fulfilled, knowing I gave my all, learnt all I could and ready to put it into practice. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/f9ccf6f5-6944-4145-847e-959057194d81/IMG_4145.jpg Lifestyle - Five Final Year Affirmations Reputation matters. It always has and it always will. There are multiple facets that constitute a solid reputation and appearance is one of them. Unfortunately, regardless how valid an excuse can be, we can miss out on many opportunities if we don’t show up ready. I can be totally overwhelmed by uni and life, but if I choose to look like how I feel, the chances of me getting out of that mental rut is slim to none. Now believe me, I UNDERSTAND. When life has you by the throat, the last thing on your mind is making sure your socks are matching and your shirt is stain free. So here’s a tip, put systems in place that make it easy to always look your best: 1) I have a photo album of outfits I like so when I don’t know what to wear, I can refer back to that. 2) I constantly purge my wardrobe of clothing that doesn't make me feel my best or bring me joy (It’s time to get rid of those faded printed tees from secondary school girls!) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/43a9fd33-e9d9-4410-b92e-8e49d4e6e334/IMG_4357.JPG Lifestyle - Five Final Year Affirmations - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/051d1539-36f2-460c-bae0-8789d007447c/IMG_4108.jpg Lifestyle - Five Final Year Affirmations This has to be one of my most referenced quotes. I say it to family, friends, fellow students and to myself. In this digital age of social media where we have all the resources to compare ourselves to others, it is really hard to focus on our individual path. Especially as students. There will always be someone else with better grades, or doing a cooler internship or maybe even a super clear career pathway. If you’re anything like me and have looked around at people who are doing what you want to do, calculations show that we are already 5 years behind. Luckily, I have news for you: You might not be on schedule, but you are right on time. It is great to plan ahead and challenge yourself with creating deadlines for particular milestones, but when you start missing those deadlines, don’t let that discourage you. In final year you have assignments to worry about as well as what the rest of your life will look like. But who said it has to be figured out all at once? Yes, you need a job. Yes, you need somewhere to live. But the place you find yourself in post graduation doesn't have to be where you spend the rest of your life. We don’t need to have it all figured out. My advice is instead of using this time to worry, create opportunities for yourself. Focus on learning everything and meeting everyone you can so when you have to make that decision, you have all the necessary knowledge and experience. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/lifestyleblogcategory/blog-post-title-one-936x3 monthly 0.5 2025-02-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/f7afaf38-08bc-48b0-ba68-35390119702f/IMG_4956.jpg Lifestyle - Assignments that got me an A in Fashion Journalism in my first year… - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/48f34588-808d-4626-af33-ea917b775dd7/Screenshot+2024-01-23+at+13.01.26.jpg Lifestyle - Assignments that got me an A in Fashion Journalism in my first year… - ASSIGNMENT 1: The tea is that I didn’t really like the first assignment at the time. It was a pass or fail, four week assignment that I felt wasn’t centred around fashion journalism, but rather fashion communication which is the school that journalism falls under. We mixed with the other fashion communication courses such as styling and creative direction etc. We had to submit a weekly log which reflected on the lectures and the work we produced in groups during seminars, as well as a 1000 word written report. I personally wanted to go straight into Fashion Journalism and start writing investigative articles and review fashion shows. But upon reflection, I understand now why it was important to start with this assignment. In fashion, I will not work alone. I will constantly be interacting with other individuals, from makeup artists to photographers. This assignment was a pass or fail because it wasn’t necessarily about the work we will produce, but rather what we will learn from working with each other. Anyone from those seminars could be my future colleagues, so going in with that perspective gave those lessons a greater purpose and meaning. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/cf088007-bd75-47ea-966f-d56cb7fcc047/Screenshot+2024-01-23+at+13.21.02.png Lifestyle - Assignments that got me an A in Fashion Journalism in my first year… - One fashion news story (250 words) I covered a launch party for the collaboration between London College of Fashion and The Carlton Jumeirah Hotel for a Christmas themed collection designed by alumni. One targeted fashion trend feature (800 words) and associated Instagram post Focused on dopamine dressing and makeup - I have already posted this article on my blog which you can read here One catwalk review (800 words) I chose Balmain SS23 Ready to Wear - I have already posted this article on my blog which you can read here One broadcast (video) vox pop (one minute) and accompanying transcript I went around Oxford Street asking people what is the most expensive thing they own in the midst of the cost of living crisis - You can find this vox pop on my tiktok https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1706016295990-R318A5D94HJR7FNF6TQR/image-asset.jpeg Lifestyle - Assignments that got me an A in Fashion Journalism in my first year… - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/01daddae-ffac-4c78-887c-c33b53e5a569/Screenshot+2024-01-23+at+13.28.03.png Lifestyle - Assignments that got me an A in Fashion Journalism in my first year… - Make it stand out Better Lives project: One of my group styling project outcomes reflecting on masculine femininity. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/lifestyleblogcategory/t8gvcv9oa62lhygurnpui68p3h4p1u monthly 0.5 2024-01-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/f382dbfa-0051-4bb9-857b-039ba285ecbe/IMG_2147.jpg Lifestyle - Mama I’m on TV! - Last November I had my 15 seconds of fame, well more like 26 seconds to be exact! ITV News came to my university (London College of Fashion) to cover their big move to the new campus in East Bank. This move gained a lot of media attention since the Mayor of London had invested £1.1 billion into the developments in East London, which is deemed the new cultural capital of London. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1c0f44ae-bdbc-48ff-963d-542ca538c6ba/IMG_2145.jpg Lifestyle - Mama I’m on TV! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/ae8cd6f3-59b0-4577-a675-6abd401e51b8/IMG_2141.jpg Lifestyle - Mama I’m on TV! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/lifestyleblogcategory/tag/third+year monthly 0.5 https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/lifestyleblogcategory/tag/uni+student monthly 0.5 https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/lifestyleblogcategory/tag/study+tips monthly 0.5 https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/lifestyleblogcategory/tag/student+tips monthly 0.5 https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/lifestyleblogcategory/tag/uni+tips monthly 0.5 https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/lifestyleblogcategory/tag/affirmations monthly 0.5 https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/lifestyleblogcategory/tag/fashion+student monthly 0.5 https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/lifestyleblogcategory/tag/final+year monthly 0.5 https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/moreteablogcategory daily 0.75 2026-03-04 https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/moreteablogcategory/nostalgia-over-creativity monthly 0.5 2025-05-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/fed25876-f16c-49a6-aab1-b21364e74299/IMG_6508.jpg More Tea - Why nostalgia will always win - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/46f7dc98-b5a7-43ef-a21b-61db45b6725d/IMG_6505.jpg More Tea - Why nostalgia will always win - 1. An emotional time capsule Nostalgia is the one emotion that allows you to time travel. According to Google, nostalgia is a sentimental longing or wistful affection for a period in the past. Most feelings are felt in the present and are fleeting and temporary. But nostalgia is all about emotions of the past that are accompanied by memories. It is a bittersweet cocktail of good and bad as you smile at the memory, but frown for the times that have passed. But sometimes, it’s nice to sit in thoughts of the past. At the end of the movie, they started playing the soundtrack and a group of elderly ladies got up and began dancing. There were three of them, just dancing in front of their seats. I imagine it was a nostalgic moment for them as the original movie came out in 2002. I wondered what memories they had with this movie to push them to come and watch it at their older age. In that moment as they grooved it out, they were just girls again. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/ef9634b7-6635-45ed-883f-43a1c35c9677/IMG_6513.jpeg More Tea - Why nostalgia will always win - 3. Introduce the past to the future Future Nostalgia is the name of a Dua Lipa album but also an interesting concept to consider. What will we be reminiscing about in the future? As I watched the adverts before the movie started in the cinema, I noted how repetitive and even cringe some movies are. I thought how sad it is that a lot of the movies we have today aren’t going to be remembered in 10, 20, 30 years' time — or even in a month. It’s a crazy concept since the movies I grew up watching are still on my current watch list because of the lasting impact storylines had. This then caused me to reflect on the lasting impact of creative outputs. Are we still creating with the intention of being remembered or merely to be seen? Will our impact last longer than a TikTok trend or are we okay with being gone with the wind? As creatives, I think it is important to find a harmony between impact and longevity — will what we create today matter tomorrow? https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/moreteablogcategory/decentralising monthly 0.5 2025-05-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1748203632833-W6ELBCFSOT25TD6OFM81/unsplash-image-9SMQXeTtjLg.jpg More Tea - Decentralisation - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/0e5f5d2f-ffc1-4f4c-aec7-2f8ede1650fd/unsplash-image-Uc7I0fpIPII.jpg More Tea - Decentralisation - Merriam-Webster: the dispersion or distribution of functions and powers. a decentralization of powers. specifically, government : the delegation of power from a central authority to regional and local authorities. OECD: It refers to the transfer of powers, responsibilities, and resources from the central government to elected authorities at the subnational level, with some degree of autonomy. Decentralisation covers three distinct but interrelated dimensions: political, administrative, and fiscal decentralisation. Gov.UK: Decentralisation acknowledges the immense potential of the people and places of Britain. It also requires humility and restraint on the part of those in the highest positions of power. It is, therefore, a good in itself. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1748204059059-BWBZH86IG7QW47XK93F8/image-asset.jpeg More Tea - Decentralisation - Let’s take the MET Gala as a case study. The MET is often referenced to fashion’s biggest night out. The guests are seen as the biggest stars of the time and the designers the ones at the top of their game. But how about we stir the pot? What does it mean for those who aren’t part of this cultural moment? What is society saying about them? Is it ok that we are seeing the same people, sam e designers, same guests there? I think there has been a cultural shift recently with attendees and designers as the recent MET included a wider range of international stars and designers such as Shah Rukh Khan and Ahluwalia on the coveted stairs. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/moreteablogcategory/youre-so-chamomile monthly 0.5 2025-05-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/41d94aa7-d712-4cf6-bf32-477de2c91d80/IMG_9735.jpg More Tea - You’re so chamomile! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/2841fafa-644a-4766-b96f-a94c9711b1ce/IMG_4410.jpeg More Tea - You’re so chamomile! - Peppermint - You like the simple things in life and find the joy in the mundane. Most of your days look the same, but every once in a while, we might find you on a wild exotic holiday or skydiving, just to switch things up! Green tea - You don’t drink for pleasure but out of necessity. You are very focused, organised and like structure. You spend your free time sharing why you switched from coffee to green tea. You go to sleep at around 10pm every evening after digesting your 8pm cup of green tea to debloat from a day of green juices, matcha and açai bowls. Camomile - If you drink this in the evening, you are the most calm person to be around and talking to you feels like a warm hug. But if you drink this in the morning, you probably spend a lot of time alone with your head in the clouds, you take regular naps throughout the day often find yourself asking what the date is today. Iced tea - You don’t actually like tea, but you are trying to get off coffee and this is all you can manage. Matcha - You also don’t like tea, but you are in your wellness era and this suits your aesthetic more than a cocktail right now. You might take a few pics with your green cup but you never really finish it all. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/moreteablogcategory/the-dormant-bookworms-suggests monthly 0.5 2025-05-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/f84d2c01-6a94-4aaa-afad-3a2a5c0ea474/IMG_6241.jpeg More Tea - The dormant bookworm suggests… - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/047c1ca0-d429-4a95-807c-5f7e35526fef/IMG_6244.jpeg More Tea - The dormant bookworm suggests… - Champion Mindset - Patrick Mouratoglou Ever since going to Wimbledon, I have become really interested in the world of Tennis. Not necessarily as a player, but as an observer. As with all sports, I always admire the mindset that the players have to commit physically, emotionally and mentally. It’s never just about the game, it’s the journey, the lifestyle, the mindset that makes them champions. Patrick Mouratoglou is Naomi Osaka’s tennis coach and has just released this book about the mindset needed to be a champion, not just in sport, but in life. As someone who has just completed a milestone at uni, I am feeling motivated to look forward to the next. I have been watching a lot of his Instagram reels where he offers a lot of free advice, so I’m curious to know what knowledge will be shared in this book. I was so excited about this book that I preordered it and it arrived the day I submitted my final assignment - feels very serendipity. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/5598ad68-70f9-4cdc-8a7e-d2aa44744f4d/IMG_6247.jpeg More Tea - The dormant bookworm suggests… - Real Artists Don’t Starve - Jeff Goins I actually bought this book last year but never got far. It’s the type of book that you read and need to make notes while reading to really ingrain it in your system. However between my uni assignments, working and creating content, my schedule didn’t really allow for that level of commitment - but things have now changed. This book is about the actions that come as a result of truly believing in your craft as an artist, a creative. Goins breaks down myths that creative industries or talents are a disadvantage and instead unpacks ways to use it as a superpower. I know this because my sister has read it and shared her notes with me which encouraged me to buy the book for myself. I also tried to listen to it as an audio book on my commute, but now I am ready to give it my full undivided attention. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/56455934-6ae2-46b5-8293-8e9b4f83452f/IMG_6246.jpeg More Tea - The dormant bookworm suggests… - Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow - Gabrielle Zevin This is another book that I started a while ago and didn’t get to finish. I have many other non fiction, encouragement and motivational style books patiently waiting on my bookshelf, but I chose this fiction book for a reason. When I was younger, I always loved the feeling of getting lost in a book. I mean really getting lost. When I read, there is no time zone, no limit to what is and what can be. Reading offers a real break, a type of holiday. So I want to reintroduce that in my lifestyle. This book is about two friends that start a video game company together and that’s about all I know. I got this in a bookstore a while ago when it first came out since it was very popular and I was curious to know if it was worth all the hype. Well, I will know soon and will come back with a full review to report. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/moreteablogcategory/why-do-you-write-like-youre-running-out-of-time monthly 0.5 2025-05-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/90fe4220-ae33-4299-9718-7b04eb5c6d86/IMG_5187.jpg More Tea - Why do you write like you’re running out of time? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/moreteablogcategory/i-am-not-throwing-away-my-shot monthly 0.5 2025-05-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/ac59e7d4-bdb7-42b9-bc80-f4b6e71223aa/IMG_5178.jpg More Tea - I am not throwing away my shot - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/moreteablogcategory/sitting-in-a-hotel-lobby monthly 0.5 2025-05-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/a7c01e36-dead-42ad-ae3b-1c09d5918230/IMG_3235.jpg More Tea - Sitting in a hotel lobby - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/moreteablogcategory/monthly-top-five monthly 0.5 2025-04-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/b7965941-c788-4d86-900a-8eecb891010a/IMG_4407.jpg More Tea - Monthly Top Five - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/cf5c3919-6faa-4900-8b33-7a1159dccb9d/Screenshot+2025-04-29+at+13.35.43.png More Tea - Monthly Top Five - 1) The Best 'No' I Ever Got 15 year old me would not believe I am writing this today. She was hopeless, disappointed and full of shame. I was rejected from what I thought would be the first step to a life of success: a scholarship at a private school. At 15, I thought I had my whole life figured out! I would get a scholarship, go to private school, then Cambridge University to study economics and live a life of abundance. The issue was, I didn’t really know what abundance looked like besides tons of cash in the bank. So when I got rejected, when the first part of the plan didn’t take off, I lost hope for my future. This is the story of how my rejection became the best redirection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/906d088f-1aca-4a4e-94b8-fbd41874a729/Screenshot+2025-04-29+at+13.35.18.png More Tea - Monthly Top Five - 2) Quit, don’t quit… Today’s thoughts are inspired by a turtle. A cartoon turtle, from Kung Fu Panda, called Master Oogway. I woke up this morning with this quote in my head, which is quite random since I haven’t actually watched the movie in a while. There are many lessons to learn from the animated animals in this movie; today we’re focusing on this one: “Quit, don't quit... Noodles, don't noodles... You are too concerned about what was and what will be. There is a saying: yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/2854b223-b2a8-4bcd-94ce-ba8fdcf94e17/Screenshot+2025-04-29+at+13.34.47.png More Tea - Monthly Top Five - 3) May we never loose our wonder “Wonder” by Amanda Cook and Bethel Music. This song has been playing in my mind rent-free ever since I discovered it a couple of weeks ago. The lyrics are simple and easy to learn—two verses that repeat. They ask that we never lose our wonder, that we remain like a child, being in awe of the beauty of God. The creative mind is a powerful, yet fragile thing. As a creative child of God, these lyrics mean so much more to me, so here are my thoughts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/e7d98195-f2e1-47f7-a876-03dd03183812/Screenshot+2025-04-29+at+13.33.03.png More Tea - Monthly Top Five - 4) LMBC: Let Me Be Creative Today marks officially one month until I will be handing in my official final project to uni. That sounds like a good time to reveal what my project is. I have been working on this project for a while now after the idea came to me last summer. I am sooooooooo excited about it and even more excited to share it with you all! Of course, I can’t share it all because I do have to hand this in as part of my submission at uni - I have no intention of plagiarising myself - but I can share some snippets here and there… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/7db42d67-779a-4842-bec6-ad52657c6380/Screenshot+2025-04-29+at+13.33.32.png More Tea - Monthly Top Five - 5) The Real Villain of The Devil Wears Prada The Devil Wears Prada is one of my favourite films and I can quote some scenes word for word. After watching it a gazillion times, it is so obvious that there was more than one villain. Miranda may have been… ok let's be real… she was a horrible boss. Let’s not try to normalise or accommodate her toxic behaviour. She was definitely the work villain. However, this blog post is about the everyday villain in Andy’s life that may be in yours. The one that meets you one way and expects that version for the next 60 years. Change may be good for you, but scary for others. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/moreteablogcategory/you-missed-the-train-because-you-didnt-run monthly 0.5 2025-04-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/09830d42-1681-4b96-986e-1573c09aa33a/IMG_4023.jpg More Tea - You missed the train because you didn’t run - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/6a99e231-4341-43a3-8485-e16293a3941a/IMG_5883.jpg More Tea - You missed the train because you didn’t run - Run - actively try If you want the train, you’re gonna have to run. Usually, I plan my time and commute to avoid this socially humbling experience, but sometimes, it’s unavoidable. You want the train, you run. I believe that what is for me won’t miss me — that doesn’t mean I don’t have to put in the effort to at least try. Too many times we think because something is a life dream of ours, a fairy godmother will appear and deliver said dream and all we have to do is wish really, really hard. That’s not gonna happen. Wake up. Dreams are not just for sleeping, so you have to get up and run towards it. Thinking about something isn’t doing it. Dreaming of something isn’t believing in it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/f7e269cf-b6fb-46e0-b0dc-fd1f41eef7ae/IMG_3744.jpeg More Tea - You missed the train because you didn’t run - Run fast - go with momentum It is so embarrassing to actually try and get something — publicly. I’m sure we’ve all been on a train and seen someone run for a train — and they miss it… or worse, they get closed in the doors… then miss it. If you’re like me, you try to be a little bit more nonchalant about it. Meaning, you pick up the pace a little, just enough to increase your chances, but not so much that anyone else can see what you were going for. Now, that’s okay to do with trains, but you have got to stop doing that with your goals. Let’s take posting on social media as an example. We all know someone who is trying to make this “social media thing work” in whatever way that means for them. If you think you don’t know anyone like that, you’re wrong — you know me. I am active on both Instagram and TikTok for the purpose of building a media portfolio of work. It can feel embarrassing to go full force with something when you’re not really sure how it will turn out. But that’s the good thing… you don’t know how it’s going to turn out. You might look back later and realise maybe that wasn’t for me, but you will never regret trying. If you don’t put your 100% into something, why expect a 100% return on your investment? Moreover, if you only give your 50%, you’ve actually wasted 100% of your time and efforts because you still don’t know if it would’ve worked out had you fully committed. Quick tip that helps me: The people that you think will find this embarrassing are not your target audience. What does it matter what they think? Stop creating content for trolls and have the confidence that your audience will find you. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/moreteablogcategory/love-thy-frenemy monthly 0.5 2025-04-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/3d642217-c72d-4978-bf4d-16e59bf25bbd/IMG_6277.jpeg More Tea - Love thy Frenemy - Make it stand out All images are from my trip to Wimbledon 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/aac8fc45-e6b5-4e18-a407-7d70e223198f/IMG_6167.jpg More Tea - Love thy Frenemy - Sports I love a good documentary — the only thing I love more than regular documentaries are sports documentaries. They just unlock a level of grit, motivation and self-belief inside me. One thing I have noticed about many sports documentaries is that no matter how competitive the players may be on the court, they still have good words to say about each other. Oftentimes we are taught to see the competition as an enemy, a threat, the one thing standing in between you and a win. While I noticed that sports players, the greatest sports players, view them as a healthy challenge — an opportunity even. They can yell during the match, but they will shake hands. The Alcaraz documentary featured many other tennis players, particularly Jannik Sinner who was one of his biggest challenges when playing. I noticed how they each addressed the competition between them, but also spoke so highly of each other with respect and admiration. They understood the balance between identifying each other’s weaknesses, while also appreciating their drive and determination. When reaching a level where you are playing against someone else that understands this, win or lose, you have already won. It is almost an honour to lose in such a way when you can respect your opponent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/7ea6c55b-b149-46c8-9f41-e6a221fb81ea/IMG_6453.jpg More Tea - Love thy Frenemy - Benefits There are many benefits of keeping a frenemy; I narrowed it down to three. Encourage: You don’t have competition if you’re not doing your best — let that sink in. Competition is not a threat, it’s an affirmation. No one is trying to compete with 100th place. So if you have competition, congrats. Now use that mindset to encourage others. Let’s say there is a race, 5 people take part but only one gets bronze, one gets silver, and one gets gold. If you are in that race, it is because you are capable of getting gold. Another thing to consider if you are in that race is that everyone else is also capable of getting gold. Regardless of extra factors, when it comes to crunch time, you are equals. So why not be friends? Think about it really, these are people who want exactly what you want. So in some respects, it means they have similar lifestyles, values, humour… seems like great company to me. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/27181e50-1009-4b52-8a0c-41dc639d4f35/IMG_6487.jpg More Tea - Love thy Frenemy - Only way this will work You may be reading this, thinking of one person in particular, with a tight knot in your throat: “I don’t want to talk to them.” First thing, identify what type of frenemy they are. Looks like a cinnamon roll but they can kill you, or looks like they can kill you but is actually a cinnamon roll (reference from a TikTok scroller). Only proceed if they are the latter. This will only work out if you have the right mindset. Again, referring to Alcaraz, something I realised was that whenever something went wrong, they didn’t blame the performance, the training, or the external factors — it was always mindset. To be a high-profile, successful individual, you need the mindset of a champion. There is no amount of training that can equip you if you have the mindset of a failure. For example, why enter a room of equals and immediately embrace a sense of inferiority or superiority? Both are pointless and quite lonely. Mentally assured individuals are able to recommend others and still think they will remain relevant. Mentally assured individuals can lose a competition, yet still enter another. Mentally assured people can go from first to second place, yet still believe they are worthy. It starts in the mind. You have to train it. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/moreteablogcategory/they-dont-hate-you-theyre-just-busy monthly 0.5 2026-03-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/887c1d9e-e4c6-42e0-940c-1ef311b00f97/A71C7F2E-CBA4-4027-B6DD-AF25C3F8086E_1_105_c.jpeg More Tea - They don’t hate you, they’re just busy - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/d211aaa3-9538-4c44-b86e-b8d3ad948e8e/IMG_3602.jpeg More Tea - They don’t hate you, they’re just busy - Content: Before worrying about all the logistics, let’s evaluate the quality of the actual email. Some of us are professional yappers in real life and when writing – myself included. But your cold email is not a diary entry. It has to be clear and concise. Your reader should not be left with questions about the purpose of you reaching out to them. For example, if you are asking to meet up, don’t leave it to them to arrange a time, it’s up to you to propose dates. Don’t do super long paragraphs either because visually it doesn’t read well over email. A simple trick is to stick to the 5Ws + H (Who, What, Why, Where, When, and How). Also, something I learnt from the Colin and Samir podcast: try and make it easy for the person to respond over email. That means, maybe not sending a 40-question email as your first impression because it will feel like more of a task to respond. They’re already busy so try not to add too much extra work. Contact: Once your email is written, make sure it is being sent to the right person. If you find that you haven’t been receiving responses, it may be because you are contacting the wrong person. It would be great if you can email Sarah Burton for a job at Givenchy, but maybe you’ll have more luck contacting HR or an assistant in the exact department you would like to work in. I’ve had some success aiming high, which I will always recommend, but that wasn’t my only target. If I am writing an article about a brand, for example, I wouldn’t just contact the founder, I would also reach out to the assistants and staff in junior roles because they are usually more willing, and have the time, to help out. On that note, when you get to those positions you aspire to be in, make sure you are always extending a helping hand backwards to those in similar positions to you. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/96bc3625-1e65-4e8b-905d-7eb61674bb51/IMG_3598.jpg More Tea - They don’t hate you, they’re just busy - Step 3: Don’t take it personal Truth is, no one owes you their time. As tough as it may be, they don’t actually have to answer you. Something I always have at the front of my mind as I progress in my career is to not have an entitled attitude. Having all the degrees, contacts, and knowledge positions you for success, but doesn’t make you entitled to everything you ever dreamed of. If you did all these steps and a couple extra that you may have thought of, if you did everything in your power, if you did your best… that’s all you can do. Wallowing will get you nowhere. Get back on that horse and continue, try again, start again. You are not the problem. Even if you did something wrong, that is just a behaviour, and behaviours can change. Don’t let your first try be the only try. Generally, people can be quite nice - even in fashion! https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/moreteablogcategory/who-i-am-online-p3 monthly 0.5 2025-04-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/f0cc7c77-c183-4071-afb0-987a4baa2441/Screenshot+2025-04-21+at+08.58.57.png More Tea - Who I am online P3 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/702c77c4-e1fc-4102-a1be-e213d5a37ca5/IMG_3597.jpg More Tea - Who I am online P3 - 1. I will graduate with a first class. I am no longer obsessed with grades as I was in first year; however, the grade will simply be evidence of the work I put into my degree. This will let others who come after me know that it is possible. 2. My final year project, LMBC (Let Me Be Creative), will grow even bigger than I can imagine and help so many people realise their creative potential. It is bigger than me. It is a resource and service for others to benefit from. Young people will believe that they are capable of pursuing a creative career, and more mature individuals will be reminded that it is never too late to try. 3. I will work with industry leaders in fashion media and have a job that I look forward to. I will have a job that I enjoy but that also challenges me intellectually. A place that encourages me to grow and evolve into new versions of myself, while remaining true to my values. This includes colleagues that I would want to go to a Christmas party with. 4. I will be known as an expert in the art of interviewing. Everyone I interview will be treated with equal levels of respect, care, and attention. I will not just ask the obvious but uncover things that help not just my audience, but also the interviewee. 5. This blog will be an award winning reference point for all things fashion, media, and lifestyle. I will not just have an audience that watches me grow, but one that grows with me. I will use my voice and platform to offer tangible advice and candid experiences that others can use as an example in their own lives. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/moreteablogcategory/who-i-am-online-p2 monthly 0.5 2025-04-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/a1dc4e3c-18e5-48b2-9bf2-8469c85ca10a/Screenshot+2025-04-21+at+08.53.56.png More Tea - Who I am online P2 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/moreteablogcategory/describing-sakina-sule-ali-online monthly 0.5 2025-04-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/921f9910-12cc-40e9-938e-22d8e86d7808/Screenshot+2025-04-21+at+08.36.11.png More Tea - Who I am online P1 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/moreteablogcategory/the-good-news monthly 0.5 2025-04-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/a6ec3889-4770-404a-b7aa-b56768baa60c/IMG_3556.jpeg More Tea - The Good News - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/moreteablogcategory/you-me-and-ginger-tea monthly 0.5 2025-04-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/f234d557-e56d-40a2-9e40-e8e583e6baf5/IMG_9735.jpg More Tea - In a world full of coffee, I will always choose tea - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/moreteablogcategory/lmbc-let-me-be-creative monthly 0.5 2025-04-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/3c7f3c16-5a00-4f36-8fc6-08da9e753dc4/LMBC+LOGO+-+VIDEO.png More Tea - LMBC: Let Me Be Creative - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/ead3bb95-2c86-45c1-9c18-197abf48eeb8/IMG_3186.jpg More Tea - LMBC: Let Me Be Creative - Why I am starting it: There are many key time stamps I could say that started this idea. I came up with the name last summer but initially thought of it being a magazine. However, as much as I love writing, I am definitely leaning more into my video content creation skills which is why it is now a Youtube channel. Another key time stamp was my internship at Karla Otto last year - it opened up my eyes to so many more things I can do with my degree after graduation. Just because I study fashion journalism, doesn’t necessarily mean my only career options are within journalism. Unfortunately, that is not a revelation many have had and are instead left with degrees, or creative interests and no clue of how to turn it into a money making career. I want this channel to be a place where creatives at the beginning of their careers feel motivated, inspired and encouraged to pursue their interests. When one door closes, there are so many other ways to continue! The more I work on this, the more I realise that it is something I have always been doing subconsciously. I grew up with many talented people, many friends in school who had creative gifts that were left unnurtured. We all know that one student who was insanely gifted in art class or textiles, but they ignored that talent because they didn’t see how that could be a real career as many parents would say. This channel will act as a reflective mirror, showing that creative interests don’t just have to be hobbies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/0ad69d83-419d-468f-bc0d-145fef502869/IMG_3169.jpg More Tea - LMBC: Let Me Be Creative - What you can expect: It’s always easier saying something than actually believing it. This is why I think it is so important to hear from people who are actually doing it! Real people living in their dreams to let you know it is possible. I will be speaking to every type of creative under the sun (no one is safe ). For the sake of my uni assignment, this first set of videos will centre mostly around fashion focused jobs, but the information you will get is transferrable to any creative career you are interested in. The following videos once I graduate and continue this will be more broad and expand to the wider creative industries as well as touching on ways to be creative in your office job - creativity can be found everywhere and anywhere! Some videos will be in depth sit downs where I discuss a specific topic, or I might invite a guest for a full length chat with them too. I’ll switch up the locations every once in a while, we can chat in a mall or uni all the same! As of now, I can’t give an exact date that I will release this channel as it has to suit my uni work schedule. All I can say is, watch this space. The official instagram for this channel will be up and running soon, sharing teasers and snippets of what you can expect on the main channel… https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/moreteablogcategory/youtube-roundup monthly 0.5 2025-04-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/f27562d6-d92d-4b0d-a811-0a483b456441/Screenshot+2025-04-13+at+22.44.20.png More Tea - Youtube Roundup - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/moreteablogcategory/what-if-it-were-men monthly 0.5 2025-04-12 https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/moreteablogcategory/the-real-villain-in-devil-wears-prada monthly 0.5 2025-03-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/d61b9591-ecea-45fb-8969-ba10f4c004c8/IMG_2194+2.jpeg More Tea - The Real Villain of The Devil Wears Prada - Make it stand out All images are pictures from “The Devil Wears Prada” on Disney https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/826f20f7-bbaa-4bc0-99b7-16c46a56744d/IMG_2176.jpg More Tea - The Real Villain of The Devil Wears Prada - ANDY AND ANDY’S DREAMS Andy wanted to be a journalist, she wanted to write. She moved to the big apple to pursue the dream career that almost every woman in early 2000s romcoms were in. However, she never planned for it to be in fashion journalism. Sometimes in life, we have an idea of what we want to do, what we enjoy, what makes us happy but we should also open ourselves up to what can challenge us, what can teach us, what can help us grow. For Andy, with her questionable taste in shoes and skirts, her opportunity for growth was Runway. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/36534aee-d265-445d-aa8d-4142446f338f/IMG_2166.jpeg More Tea - The Real Villain of The Devil Wears Prada - Runway is the magazine in the movie where Andy is hired by the hot headed and cold hearted Editor in Chief, Miranda Priestly. There she is pushed, and I mean pushed to her wits end by Priestly’s outrageous demands and sky high expectations. (You’ll have to watch the movie to understand). The moment in the movie I want to focus on is where she is presented with the perfect opportunity to leave the job she supposedly hated. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/44b56a41-e7e9-4ce1-a5e3-b62075e53294/IMG_2168.jpeg More Tea - The Real Villain of The Devil Wears Prada She was told, find the unpublished manuscript of the next Harry Potter book or don’t return. Given the crazy request, she prepared herself to quit…until, she was given an opportunity. Again, you’ll have to watch the movie to understand how, but said manuscript was made available to her over the phone as she stood on a crossroad. A literal and emotional crossroad. At that exact moment is where she decided, regardless how hard it may be, this is the job for her. Cinematic masterpiece. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/e64440ac-f1f3-4faa-bab3-dc3ade61ecaa/IMG_2181.jpg More Tea - The Real Villain of The Devil Wears Prada - Before that she was open to someone changing her style to suit the fashion office look, but after that moment, she was dressing herself. She didn’t need to be told what to do, or what to wear, she was at the top of her game. She knew how to dress, memorised the names of the designers, had industry contacts, she was on it. She was doing it for herself. She didn’t just look confident, she was confident - in her work and herself. When she changed her wardrobe she embodied the person she wanted to be, or maybe always was. Of course, as you watch the film, there were some things she could have done differently. Missing birthdays aren’t fun and emotional cheating is outlandish behaviour. But regarding her work, she was allowing herself to try something new and actually dare to be good at it. It’s not about whether she made the right choice, it was about her being able to make a choice alone. I would say her main fault was not owning her decisions. She knew what she was doing and the type of life she wanted, but she refused to accept that it meant she was changing and the people who knew her before couldn’t understand. Had she been honest from the start, it would have been easier for the friends to then make a decision on how they were going to react. But they were all - Andy included - clinging onto the past version of her. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/a151994c-cc86-4a30-8fdb-68eb71f56f9c/IMG_2165.jpeg More Tea - The Real Villain of The Devil Wears Prada - This is villain No.1. His behaviour in this movie was honestly disappointing because he looked like what I imagine Brandon in Dork Diaries to look like in real life - but I digress. The reason why the boyfriend is the villain is because he never gave Andy the space to grow. People change, ideas develop and jobs are not forever. From the start, her job was ridiculed by him intront of others and he did not have a single good word to say to her about her development. I also found it interesting how, despite them living together, he wasn't really shown during Andy’s style and career evolution - probably because he was there physically but not emotionally. He had his career going on and they were both still young. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/54be7c46-a333-45fc-8ff6-8555d66509fd/IMG_2187.jpeg More Tea - The Real Villain of The Devil Wears Prada So if Andy was presented with the possibility of pivoting into fashion media - who is he to stop her? What really gets me is the ending when Andy reflects on all she did and if it was worth it. His response was to condense it to “shoes and shirts and jackets and belts”. First of all, God protect us all from people who don’t understand fashion. And second, lack of understanding does not give permission to diminish value. This is turning a bit into a rant but I can’t BELIEVE, that after he refused to adjust to her new lifestyle, she quit her job and agreed to go to Boston for his work opportunity?! Are you serious?! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/6a1689a3-80b6-4dd4-919e-3bfc57ad38e1/IMG_2175.jpeg More Tea - The Real Villain of The Devil Wears Prada And her friends…don’t get me started. What grown, working adult would find it funny to miss a work call because their phone is being thrown around a dinner table. In the grand scheme of things, it’s just a reflection of their disregard of her work, and maybe even disrespect towards Andy too. They enjoyed the benefits of free goodies, but didn’t care for the responsibility to it takes to enjoy those advantages. Too many times I hear “Oh, you’ve changed” or “Where’s the girl I knew before” news flash - she’s not here. Growth should be encouraged, not diminished. Too many times we allow external voices limit our potential. We’d rather stay mediocre instead of risking the discomfort simply trying may bring. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/moreteablogcategory/expanding-your-mind-and-owning-your-path monthly 0.5 2025-03-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/09334195-846c-42c9-8915-ab99a019b558/Screenshot+2025-03-30+at+23.01.56.png More Tea - Expanding Your Mind and Owning Your Path - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/moreteablogcategory/if-only-jamie-could-draw monthly 0.5 2026-03-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/66cb6d69-74ba-4096-9513-f4870b7cd5ee/IMG_2061.jpg More Tea - If only Jamie could draw… - Make it stand out All images are pictures taken of Netflix show “Adolescence” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/d6aff426-fa67-4f6f-b9ee-23f994680c77/IMG_2070.jpg More Tea - If only Jamie could draw… - 1) Why creativity must be encouraged It doesn’t take a therapist to see that Jamie had low self esteem. It can be seen in his countenance to the negative language used to refer to himself such as “ugly”. He didn’t believe he was good at anything and thought that was normal. But he was wrong about both of those things. Whether or not people realise it, everyone has a talent, a skill, a gift - his was drawing. He could draw and he could do it well. However, this was not encouraged, it was overlooked and dismissed. Am I saying he wouldn't have done what he did if someone appreciated his work, I don’t know. But it has been proven time and time again that sometimes all you need is one person to encourage you in order for you to feel like you are worth something. Even the police officer in the series mentioned that sometimes all you need is that one teacher. His father pushed him towards sports and ignored where Jamie’s real talent was. How many Picassos have been forced into medicine? How many Da Vinci’s are hiding behind tills? How many people have been told that their creativity is not worth something. What will it take to make people realise that creativity is all around us, made by those who had the courage and support to dare to allow their imagination to come to life. Creativity is not an industry, it can be found in every single career. I truly believe that. The creative mind has no choice but to create, how much greater will it be when it is given an environment to release its full potential. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/bd566a11-93cd-4117-8df2-c191726ac432/IMG_2065.jpg More Tea - If only Jamie could draw… - 2) What happens when you get creative People don’t like to be told what they are doing wrong. So if they won’t hear, you must show them which is exactly what the creators of this show did. When I first saw that this series prompted a discussion about knife crime in Parliament, I was really annoyed to say the least. Shouldn’t they already know about this and do something about it? Did it really take a series to bring to their attention to what is really going on? Yes, yes it did. As I spoke with my sisters I realised that this is exactly why the world needs creativity. It’s not just a series. It’s a creative form of expression to address this heavy topic that has been heard yet not listened to. The creators saw a need and used their creativity to confront it. I’m not a film expert, but I did notice multiple artistic techniques that contribute to the overall story. For example, each episode is shot in one take which elongates every scene and really takes you along the whole journey. It’s uncomfortable, tiring and exactly what the audience needs to experience to realise that a crime like this is built up overtime and every single little detail matters. There is no need to add crazy transitions, special effects or dramatic music all the time. This is not just a series, it is a reflection of the life many are living. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1743285667240-5U23KBRGMCHYQYKGP7HD/IMG_2062.jpg More Tea - If only Jamie could draw… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1743285678554-8K620D3YI77RMEGUKPBG/IMG_2063.jpg More Tea - If only Jamie could draw… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1743285691418-G9Z6A8LAT6R5F2MUE912/IMG_2064.jpg More Tea - If only Jamie could draw… https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/moreteablogcategory/top-525-blog-posts monthly 0.5 2025-03-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/b7f930e2-5240-4056-9743-fca8286674b7/Screenshot+2025-03-23+at+20.14.32.png More Tea - A sip of the best - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/f0a7d461-d331-4c16-9496-349281a7bda0/Screenshot+2025-03-23+at+19.54.03.png More Tea - A sip of the best - 1) Who would I invite to tea? One thing about me is I love to host, so why not a tea party with all of my favourite content creators? Here are some creators I’m loving right now along with the tea I would serve them. Now this is not a complete list of content creators I love and learn from, it’s just those I’ve been keeping up with the most lately. Also this may seem like the most random collection of people ever - I would love to see how the conversations would play out in real life. Let’s get into it before the tea gets cold. READ HERE https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/84898d64-015a-445f-9f10-776cdf6fc51b/Screenshot+2025-03-23+at+19.56.02.png More Tea - A sip of the best - 2) My fashion internship experience: A years review Part of the fashion student experience is interning. Many have horror stories, I was lucky enough to experience a tale of excitement, encouragement and insight. I interned with the leading luxury brand building agency Karla Otto where I spent 2 months working closely with the fabulous insights team. This was from the end of January to the beginning of April. A year later, it’s time for a reflection of my experience. READ HERE https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/a74875a1-8674-4c2a-80c2-dda2cd64b11f/Screenshot+2025-03-23+at+19.58.42.png More Tea - A sip of the best - 3) Oscar Winning Looks The 97th Oscars has come and gone, but there are some outfits I will never stop thinking about. From bedazzled gowns to reimagined suits, there was so much to love. As fashion student who takes these events seriously, it was so hard to narrow the list down to 10. Unlike the Met Gala, there is no specific theme besides glitz and glam so it really isn’t hard to get it right. Here are my top ten looks from this years Oscars red carpet. READ HERE https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/ade514f7-42f5-40cf-9e18-df6c205c28b3/Screenshot+2025-03-23+at+20.01.38.png More Tea - A sip of the best - 4) Ambition and humility can coexist Do great work, but act like it's mediocre. Invest all your time, but keep that information private. Win an academy award and thank everyone but yourself. Crazy right? That seems to be the paradox creatives, and really humans are faced with. You are expected to operate at a level of greatness yet act like you didn’t. Be proud, no be humble, no be proud, no be…it’s exhausting. I’m sure by now you have seen Timothee Chalamet’s SAG award acceptance speech, if not, go check it out for some context because today’s thoughts were inspired directly by that. Before I was a fashion student, I was an English Lit A-Level student so I have decoded a piece of text or two in my time, this one will be no different. READ HERE https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/0adef6b9-4c94-4bab-a703-c296e8aea5e8/Screenshot+2025-03-23+at+20.05.50.png More Tea - A sip of the best - 5) It’s more than questions As a journalism student, I have done a fair share of interviews in my time. If you think it’s just creating a list of questions…don’t I have news for you! At its root, interviewing is simply facilitating a conversation. You need to stay in control while allowing thoughts to flow. You are both a participant and an observer. This list are some things to remember when taking on the task of interviewing. READ HERE https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/moreteablogcategory/its-more-than-answers monthly 0.5 2025-03-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/5ac31771-7e1a-4637-a910-e35b344f8ee9/IMG_9339.jpg More Tea - It’s more than answers - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/03b3887f-59c1-4248-b0dd-ec4253d99f88/IMG_0093.jpeg More Tea - It’s more than answers - 1) Don’t be late - being late is first, disrespectful to the interviewers time and second, sets a bad mood that makes it harder to warm up to the questions. It’s just awkward and unnecessary so respect each others time 2) Get to know the interviewer and their style. Are they informal and humorous or do they have more or a professional and educational tone . For example, don’t go on Chicken Shop Date and be surprised by the intentional awkwardness. 3) Understand the audience. This might seem like the interviewers job and it mostly is. They will come up with questions that will reflect their target audience. But you also have to be mindful and considerate when responding by using suitable language. For example, despite being an expert in AI, if the audience is people in primary school, you won’t use the big terms you would usually use with your colleagues (unless you unpack them to be easily understood). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/154eff51-ea6f-4b01-a37f-4836a0244fa3/IMG_0975.jpg More Tea - It’s more than answers - 4) The first message is visual. Consider how your outfit may be received by the audience. E.g. there was once a mini scandal with french president Macron, during an interview where viewers thought he took off his expensive watch to appear more relatable when discussing changes to pension schemes. 5) If there are any topics you don’t want to talk about, be clear about that BEFORE the interview. Mention it in the planning stages because you don’t want to arrive and realise that the whole discussion is shaped around said topic. The interviewer should be gracious enough to respect that and you will have peace knowing you were honest about your boundaries. 6) Don’t be thrown off by extra questions. You may have been sent a list of questions, but in conversation, you may be asked to delve deeper in a certain topic. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1742163835815-9QDF3KXQFOXPVRCSHV55/IMG_4954.jpeg More Tea - It’s more than answers - 8) Consider general responses based on questions that may arise, but don’t rehearse them or it will come across as scripted. Remember the best interviews are like conversations. 9) Don’t speed talk. When nervous you may find that you ramble or talk faster than usual. So intentionally slow down your speech to calm your nerves. This also helps post production in case the editor needs to cut out a section or edit around it. 10) Finally, voice record yourself on your own device if possible. You can then listen back and analyse your responses and things you may need to work on. The interviewer will edit the audio to make it sound better so make sure you have your own raw copy - this is good for job interviews too! https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/moreteablogcategory/what-are-the-main-things-to-consider-as-a-magazine-editor-when-publishing-an-expose-in-the-current-digital-agenbspnbsp monthly 0.5 2026-03-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1742076859714-FKCMD7XEGH8PCEH3CDC8/unsplash-image-WYd_PkCa1BY.jpg More Tea - Media, Law and Ethics - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1742076042513-TXEXUAFWIAQ7LYIUOXX1/unsplash-image-AD5ylD2T0UY.jpg More Tea - Media, Law and Ethics For example the Geoffrey Peck vs BBC Case was on the grounds of public interest to raise awareness on suicide, however the court ruled against BBC on the grounds of protection of individuals health. Article 10 states “everyone has the right to freedom of expression” (European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, no date). Moreover, the 2020 Downing Street Party during lockdown was in the public’s interest to know that leaders had risked the protection of public health during the Covid 19 pandemic. As an editor, it is important to understand that neither article outweighs the other in the eyes of the court; Public interest is not always a determining factor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1742076392885-HT92MVYF2E7H71T31TB3/unsplash-image-JFk0dVyvdvw.jpg More Tea - Media, Law and Ethics Coupled with the previous point, an editor must carefully consider risking privacy before proceeding with an exposé. According to Lord Nicholls, “a proper degree of privacy is essential for the well being and development of an individual” (2022, p. 416). Privacy is protected by the Data Protection Act, Regulation of Investigatory Powers 2000 and others which limits access to involvement or research into one's personal life. Albeit, privacy does not provide invisibility and is subjective to the individual’s conduct and consent; there have been times where the former self regulatory body, Press Complaints Commission, have ruled that individuals have invaded their own privacy by selling their story or talking publicly about private matters. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/fd54c34f-6047-40f2-92f0-d0285defe6a6/unsplash-image-nE2HV5AUXFo.jpg More Tea - Media, Law and Ethics One example of a successful case was Douglas vs Hello, a couple who had their wedding photos leaked to Hello Magazine after having denied permission. The case won because the wedding was a private affair, Hello Magazine were aware it was confidential as they had lost a bid to gain private access and the detrimental impact was unauthorised photos had circulated the media once OK Magazine had paid for exclusive access. Editors should be aware that subsequent risks include damages when information obtained in private is used for an unfair advantage. According to Collins and Spear, “Individuals can apply to courts to prevent the publication of information that would infringe their privacy” (2024, p.34) which can be prohibitory or mandatory injunctions. These can be dropped but can also be upheld for a long time which can prevent editors from including them in the expose. In rare but extreme cases, super injunctions can be enforced to prevent the publication of anything about an individual as well as the injunction. This is a high risk example because if broken, the editor can be prosecuted for contempt of court. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1742076601605-IO95PFHWI4E2D178CVNY/unsplash-image-JYPDh4ter10.jpg More Tea - Media, Law and Ethics - There are however defences that editors can use to protect themselves after publishing an expose that is being sued for defamation. According to Section 2 of the 2013 Defamation Act, the truth is a complete defence. If the exposé is substantially true the defence won’t fall. As an editor, it is important to balance the probabilities by keeping supporting evidence for at least a year and finding credible and convincing witnesses as “the burden of proof is usually on the defendant” according to Collins and Spear (2024, p.34). For example, in 2020 News Group Newspapers won a case against Johnny Depp on the grounds that their defamatory article was substantially true. Depp’s legal fees amounted to $5 million and would have had to be covered by the defence if the case was lost. Regarding public interest as a defence, editors should also consider the two types of privileges: Absolute and Qualified. According to McNaes “Law recognises that there are instances where the public interest demands that there should be complete freedom of speech without any risk of proceedings for defamation, even if statements are defamatory” (2022, p.364). Absolute privilege allows complete answer and bar to any action of defamation from the report of proceedings so long as the information is fair, accurate and contemporaneous. Qualified proceedings however are more closely regulated and apply only to reports of actual proceedings with similar requirements as well as having to be without malice. For example the Reynolds v Times Newspapers Ltd is a key case study as the latter avoided a charge for defamation because the statements against Reynolds were made without malice. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1742076753763-0CE1O7DUAFV0K39VECWL/unsplash-image-9XfSFjcwGh0.jpg More Tea - Media, Law and Ethics The final aspect that an editor should consider is the regulation surrounding copyright. Intellectual Property Law “relates to the establishment and protection of intellectual creations” (The University of Law, 2024). Creative works are also protected by the Copyright Design Patents Act 1988 for up to 70 years after the author's death. An editor should recognise that the imagery used in exposés must be authorised by the actual author to not risk breaches. Authors have the moral right to identify as the author, have privacy of certain photographs and the right to object to derogatory treatment. Risks can include injunctions, damages both financial and punitive as well as criminal offences for large scale piracy which can amount to £700k. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/moreteablogcategory/who-i-would-invite-to-tea-p1 monthly 0.5 2025-03-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/fabfab13-5f47-418e-8146-471803d9018c/IMG_4253.JPG More Tea - Who I would invite to tea P1 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/b9253ffe-7a01-4d43-887f-df871096165a/IMG_0582.jpeg More Tea - Who I would invite to tea P1 - @Melissaswardrobe I am not someone who spends time scrolling through many peoples stories on Instagram. But when Melissa posts, you put down whatever you are doing and you watch with no skipping. There is such a small percentage of creators who are authentically themselves and Mel is definitely one of them. It feels like facetime and her audience can really connect with her, which is why anything she recommends, people will buy. This celebrity stylist has mastered how to foster organic online community. If she only has 10% to give, she will give 100% of that. QUESTION: As someone who shares so much online, what boundaries have you put in place to keep your own peace? TEA: I would serve her the M&S shortbread tea that she recommended because I tried it and it’s pretty great. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/6b7e7f9b-7c38-4ded-866d-800d83e8e49c/IMG_0584.jpg More Tea - Who I would invite to tea P1 - @thenilaextract I recently came across this young journalist and I LOVEEEE her content. She posts clips of her interviews with A-List celebrities from Chris Hemsworth to Simone Ashley. She also has a series on her TikTok of Kardashian parodies if they were Tamil . The questions she asks her guests are always so well formulated and intentional which is something I aspire to do also. She’s a young girl like me experiencing life for the first time and making the most out of it. Something else I really love is how she shines light on her culture and invites her audience to learn more about it. Representation is key at every stage so it’s inspiring to see her embodiment of it. QUESTION: Since you are a journalist and an aspiring filmmaker: If you could ask one question to your favourite filmmaker, what would it be and who would you be asking? TEA: I would offer her an English tea with lots of milk and sugar, just to hear her Kourtney Kardashian impression since it’s not organic. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/babf52ac-4899-4401-abf6-389a492d6661/IMG_0585.jpg More Tea - Who I would invite to tea P1 - @ZeewhatIdid I am going to start with the sense of fashion. She just gets it. She will be at a premiere on the red carpet, interviewing the cast and you would think she was one of the actors. Vogue even did a feature on her recently highlighting the journalist who understands method dressing. She always goes with the theme and I would love to see her at the Met Gala. She doesn’t just interview, she has conversations with her guests and actually makes them laugh. My favourite interview she has done is probably the Denzel Washington one - go check it out. QUESTION: Does method dressing help you prepare for red carpet interviews or are there other things you do to mentally get ready? TEA: I would offer a camomile to relax and have a chill chat at the end of the tea party because she just seems like good vibes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/3a137292-7b9e-4e9b-bf36-2804e9fa66af/IMG_0583.jpeg More Tea - Who I would invite to tea P1 - @veekativhu I started watching Vee one night when I was in sixth form with an essay due the next day. She popped up on my Youtube after I searched how to write an essay in one night (I DO NOT RECOMMEND DOING THIS BTW). It felt like studying with a friend and after that, I would watch her videos all the time while studying. Her content is so motivating as a student who does so much outside of her studies too. She is a reminder that it is possible to excel in multiple areas of your life at the same time. If Vee can deliver speeches in front of world leaders while doing an assignment…so can I. QUESTION: From all the great accomplishments you have done, which would 10 year old Vee be proudest of? TEA: A ginger tea with lemon is the way for Vee because yellow is totally her colour and like ginger, she always has a kick to energise herself and others. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/78d8e947-2dd6-4423-98b4-97d5ec2f2b9e/IMG_0586.jpg More Tea - Who I would invite to tea P1 - @Juliansewell If you’re not on this side of TikTok, get there. This creator makes me laugh out loud with their acting skits based on everything from actors at the Oscars to period dramas. However besides the fact that I find these videos highly entertaining, the thing I admire is the consistency that is now being rewarded. I don’t even know how many years I have been watching this content of the same niche, getting better day by day before the steady rise in following and exposure. Hard work pays off. This is a reminder to figure out what your area of expertise is and work at it to be the best regardless of the size of your platform at first. You want 10 million followers? Then show up for your 10 followers as if every one was worth a million. QUESTION: What is it about the TikTok community that is so great for actors? TEA: Forget the tea, I want to give Paloma Diamond her Oscar because we all know she should have won. (Unfortunately you will only understand this lore if you are on this side if TikTok). https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/moreteablogcategory/visual-cultures-essay monthly 0.5 2025-03-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/4285cf4a-0757-455f-bba4-f998dd96c51e/Screenshot+2025-03-08+at+21.42.43.png More Tea - Visual Cultures Essay - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/0763c3cc-c1d2-47ef-b693-85025412446d/Screenshot+2025-03-08+at+21.43.44.png More Tea - Visual Cultures Essay - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/76909290-1fb5-4bfc-83e1-2198189e421c/Screenshot+2025-03-08+at+21.44.59.png More Tea - Visual Cultures Essay - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/29ac1676-8682-46f3-81af-da90610b3b18/Screenshot+2025-03-08+at+21.47.41.jpg More Tea - Visual Cultures Essay - I analysed current adverts on social media from Budweiser UK’s Instagram account and reflected on the narrative that the visuals were creating. Figure seven is a screenshot from their current feed and it is overwhelmed with men. What’s even more interesting was the complete narrative change from the 1950s adverts. The brand has completely broken away from the domestic settings where the male is the provider and the woman offers a drink and instead attaches itself to sports culture. This is significant as it demonstrates Freud's theory with visual culture that you must attach feeling to products to allow consumers to develop a desire for it since it is not a need for them. Sports is already an established leisurely activity, with football being stereotypically associated with men, therefore this union with this activity and a beer establishes Budweiser as a staple in sports culture. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/moreteablogcategory/get-clear-get-started monthly 0.5 2025-03-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/fb459cda-b53e-4577-877b-ad018a43765a/IMG_0150.jpeg More Tea - Get clear, get started - Make it stand out All screenshots and presentation slides are curtesy of the webinar with Dior Bediako 05/03/2025 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/b8340e39-1144-4aa1-997f-d629324b2422/Screenshot+2025-03-05+at+19.40.43.png More Tea - Get clear, get started - Factors that might be holding you back from your goals: Lack of clarity- you need to do something but it’s not clear so you end up doing nothing Fear of failure - you don’t want to get it wrong so you don’t give yourself the chance to get it right https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/66db3bab-c241-4c7d-85df-455b6d3cc35f/Screenshot+2025-03-05+at+19.28.03.png More Tea - Get clear, get started - Overwhelmed by the magnitude of a task Lack of accountability - blaming everything and everyone else External factors - other major events beyond your control Self doubt - negative self talk that downplays your capability https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/0758f4c9-85ce-4f59-a0c0-13eabc983721/Screenshot+2025-03-05+at+19.14.12.png More Tea - Get clear, get started - You might look like you are overachieving to others, but the things you accomplish might not be your actual impossible goals There is so much she achieved but she wasn’t making money - making money was her actual impossible goal She was undervaluing what she was offering (her coaching memberships) because she didn’t truly believe in the value of it https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/c38f5b6c-0757-4a56-89b8-32b8ad8c6242/Screenshot+2025-03-05+at+19.25.13.png More Tea - Get clear, get started - Don’t create based on your past because that is where your limits live Imagine what it would feel like to truly believe that your impossible was possible Work backwards from success Think of every problem as a question because if you know you are successful in the future then you will have overcome the issue, figure out how to do this https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/cb73d26d-7f5b-4de1-bb12-7ae964a34fa2/Screenshot+2025-03-05+at+19.33.54.png More Tea - Get clear, get started - Have a future self goal Perfect plan vs realistic plan with future self - Have grace daily Start with your future self - write everything about your future self I am the most important part of this process, a long as I am growing day by day, I’m good https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/800c4fec-c390-4dc8-9fe6-8e08c0bd4d84/Screenshot+2025-03-05+at+19.41.13.png More Tea - Get clear, get started - A vision and a goal is different and both necessary A vision is like a day in the life - it is continuous A goal is the (best) day of your life - the day you achieve it and the moment is highlighted What do your goals mean - be as clear as possible Don’t just say you want to be recognised for your work - Say you want to be listed in Forbes 30 under 30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/5af32358-530d-49e0-91d5-199d4f07991c/Screenshot+2025-03-05+at+19.39.40.png More Tea - Get clear, get started - Have you done research on how this vision can come to life? Don’t spend the whole time researching - make time to research, then act Your research should make the path to your goal as simple and clear as possible Do I know the very next steps to take? https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/moreteablogcategory/its-more-than-questions monthly 0.5 2025-03-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/e792ec7c-6d98-4be2-9655-7f9ee71ce879/IMG_0837.jpeg More Tea - It’s more than questions - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/fad22bdb-7594-40dd-8b01-ab6b71bb8ef3/E972D7D4-C646-45FB-B305-E927FF2D28B7_1_105_c.jpg More Tea - It’s more than questions - 3. Confirm details - Always. Confirm names, ages, job titles, spellings etc… This protects you from making minor mistakes that can distract from a great interview 4. Prepare your questions with a primary list for priority questions, and secondary list for extra things to ask if you have time. You might even think of questions in the moment, feel free to ask those too! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/d4e5c19a-b0c7-4310-98c1-f6dfccec9d89/896D6F2B-73A4-463F-8035-9AB650FF4A9F_1_201_a.jpeg More Tea - It’s more than questions - 7. Don’t assume anything. Ask the basic questions, as silly as it may be before you make your assumptions to really hear what they have to say 8. Fight the urge to finish their sentences, don’t assume that you know what they mean https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/d2d1dd8f-fa4a-4441-92c1-d8fd03c57fa5/IMG_0100.jpg More Tea - It’s more than questions - 10. Lead the conversation. Some people love to talk which is great, but you have to guide the conversation so there is flow and pace to match your chosen topic 11. There has to be an exchange, especially as a student you might not be able to compensate people for their time so make sure they get something out of it - even if it’s a moment to reflect on their achievements and experiences - people really appreciate that https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/69aa2e03-ba66-49d3-a447-92b5a46d6bb7/IMG_0832.jpg More Tea - It’s more than questions - 14. Record on multiple devices AND take notes. You don not want to reach the end of the interview and realise that you forgot to record or the audio is patchy. You won’t believe how easily this can happen and you won’t get a redo 15. Say thank you when you set up the interview, before you do it and after. Basic manners is a given. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/moreteablogcategory/whats-on-my-bookshelf monthly 0.5 2025-03-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/d22ef3a1-3eb2-4b3a-819c-9d96b3a3fe94/IMG_0051.jpg More Tea - What’s on my bookshelf? - Make it stand out One section of my bookshelf that I colour coded with the Jane Austen collection, a couple memoirs and some novels. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/dcfa452a-8f78-4753-bb2f-5b2a55f40771/IMG_0052.jpeg More Tea - What’s on my bookshelf? - Finding Me - Viola Davis I have read many memoirs but this…this is by far my favourite. Just like her acting performances Viola Davis offers a raw, real and delicate narrative of her life while equally demonstrating her strength. As an actor, you only really get to see the roles she plays in her movies. This book reveals what it took to get to the level she is at now, in not only her career, but her life. The road to your dreams is not always linear, but people like Viola show it is possible. Creatives, I implore you to read this and get inspired. In this autobiography, she was looking forward to having an EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony). I read that a couple weeks before it actually happened for her which felt so full circle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/54702add-e532-4c6f-a302-6365c3fd583c/IMG_0064.jpeg More Tea - What’s on my bookshelf? - Bamboozled By Jesus - Yvonne Orji When I tell you I laughed out loud, I mean rolling on the floor laughing (sometimes on the train). Actor and comedian Yvonne Orji managed to infuse every page with her infectious humour to tell the tale of how Jesus transformed her life. We all have our own walk with God and this book describes how she chose purpose over potential to create the life of her dreams. I can testify, Jesus can be very funny sometimes and I’m sure I’ve also made Him laugh with some of my decisions. It was refreshing to read of someone in such a secular industry boldly declare their faith and give praise where praise is due. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/b5d14d10-1616-4a14-8e1e-bdcaa81cf3f2/IMG_0055.jpeg More Tea - What’s on my bookshelf? - The Great Gatsby - F. Scott Fitzgerald If you have watched the movie, your perception of this storyline is probably different to the bookworms. Fitzgerald invites you to the roaring 20s, the golden age after the First World War. The economy was booming and the hope for the American Dream was ever present. But from the perspective of the characters, we are faced with the reality of capitalism, class, gender roles and love. Is this a tale of fated romance, or the futile pursuit of meritocracy? I have a love-hate relationship with this book. As mentioned in my last blog post, I was an A-Level English Literature student. From the battered cover, you can guess that I studied this. My copy is full of highlights and annotations. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/f9fbbb10-fb11-4e22-b0c8-53054527c5df/IMG_0061.jpeg More Tea - What’s on my bookshelf? - Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen A tale of two sisters, alike in appearance yet defined by character; One of sense, the other of sensibility. When both faced with the similar failings in relationships, each sibling responds in an opposing manner. We are forced to decide whose reaction was wrong, or perhaps if there is truth in each. This is probably my favourite Jane Austen book. As someone with 4 sisters, I enjoyed reading through their experiences of connection despite their opposing personalities. I found that in life, our mind as well as our heart deserves equal space and control. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/22f56452-1dc1-4c62-a8f6-008042838e21/IMG_0057.jpeg More Tea - What’s on my bookshelf? - I want to die but I want to eat Tteokbokki - Baek Sehee Was this a light read, no. But was it worth it - of course! The format of this book is displayed as a transcript of conversations with Sehee’s therapist as she navigates through the struggles of life and tries to make sense of it. I felt as though I was third wheeling in an intimate discussion of pain, trauma and a glimpse of hope. She had voice recorded these discussions to listen back on, but today, they have an even greater purpose. When reading, I couldn’t help but feel inspired by her courage to not just share this, but to actively try to work through the experiences and thoughts in her mind that constantly try to bring her down. That is true power, the choice to try. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/moreteablogcategory/ambition-and-humility-can-coexist monthly 0.5 2026-03-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/8fb8127d-4f3a-4229-8ff0-c6d77923e7d6/Screenshot+2025-02-28+at+22.02.07.png More Tea - Ambition and humility can coexist - Make it stand out Timothee Chalamet’s SAG award acceptance speech - highlighted by me https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/a3eb3047-d275-45d0-b5ed-5b08f830871a/IMG_1988.JPG More Tea - Ambition and humility can coexist - (My speech for the LCF East Bank Opening) Orange: First and foremost, he recognises what this means to him personally. As much as you can talk about the effort you put into something, only you can really understand it. Students, think of an assignment you did well on, and remember the moments when it was just you and your laptop at 2am. Creatives, think of a project you were working on, and remember how many times you wanted to give up on it. It is not prideful to appreciate when your efforts are being appreciated. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/0f5541b1-4fc2-42ff-8daa-060c65457a6c/IMG_1982.JPG More Tea - Ambition and humility can coexist Green: Ambition - This is the part that turned some heads. Confidence has a moment to be private, but it also can be public. Ambition and humility can coexist. Notice he didn’t say he was great, but that he aspired to be. This was a big moment for his career and instead of saying something that blended with any other forgettable speech, he had the courage to timestamp this stage of his career. Who knows, maybe 10 years from now we’ll be referring back to this speech as he continues to elevate his career. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/b4765324-e0ba-4ae0-833c-f31e69f0a272/IMG_1986.JPG More Tea - Ambition and humility can coexist Pink: Not materialistic - its meaning Wrapping this section up with some more humility, he sees the award for what it represents. As a creative, we don’t work for a miniature statue-like award, we work because we love and care about our craft so much that we want to share it. We hope that our audience will like it and things like SAG awards is evidence that our efforts have been well received. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/a7baac5f-e882-412b-954a-cfbd3f3a0d44/IMG_1979.JPG More Tea - Ambition and humility can coexist Let this blog be a reminder that you don’t need permission to operate at the highest standard of excellence. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/moreteablogcategory/campus-to-career monthly 0.5 2025-03-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/afb57ddd-8c30-4cce-abaa-e009e10729e5/IMG_5438.jpg More Tea - Tips To Get You From Campus To Career - Make it stand out WME x LCF Panel Discussion: Exploring Behind the Scenes Roles in Fashion https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/c7cdc1e0-7b53-4386-87e0-f46f1511e574/IMG_3618.jpg More Tea - Tips To Get You From Campus To Career - Make it stand out WME x LCF Networking Mixer https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/c48873c6-bf78-4fbf-acdb-510b87a2399e/IMG_5440.jpg More Tea - Tips To Get You From Campus To Career - Make it stand out WME x LCF Networking Mixer with graduates and students https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/8368e540-1060-479a-a72a-be9421b8e849/IMG_5439.jpg More Tea - Tips To Get You From Campus To Career - Make it stand out WME x LCF Mixer Welcome Appetisers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/2a1a62b2-df4d-41a5-942c-cb49d50eb0f4/IMG_5437.jpg More Tea - Tips To Get You From Campus To Career - Make it stand out WME x LCF Panel Discussion: Navigating Your Path from Campus to Career https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/moreteablogcategory/nano-influencers-with-macro-influence-understanding-influence-on-another-level monthly 0.5 2026-03-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/91df2915-a4db-41c5-974f-a7d210833403/139D240D-8B9F-4978-8C1A-BFED71D43619.JPG More Tea - Nano influencers with macro influence: understanding influence on another level - Make it stand out Laaibah Amjad: Fashion Student and Micro Influencer (Instagram linked via photo) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/8b5b3dbb-5a2f-4b8c-9890-c6ecbcb0f3b4/Screenshot+2024-03-03+at+17.46.51.png More Tea - Nano influencers with macro influence: understanding influence on another level - Chart via Fashion Monitor: The Rise of Influencers Report Why invest in Nano influencers? Image and data via Fashion Monitor https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/11fa19f0-e661-4b67-9a46-a2688d791661/DDF6EC00-0BB4-4385-B717-A561843A4527.JPG More Tea - Nano influencers with macro influence: understanding influence on another level - How to approach nano influencers? Amada recalls a hair care brand that took steps to first allow her to test the products for three months before requiring content. This built a strong relationship between the business and the creator which resulted in the organic content that they intended as well as a continued partnership with regular content for over a year. “They don't devalue influencers with less followers.” says Amada. Approaches and interactions make a difference in the overall outcome of a partnership with a nano influencer who often works independently. Nano influencers seek partnerships that have longevity according to Bemba through more personable interactions. “Speaking over the phone helps me to get a better feel of the brand and also makes me feel a lot more valued by the brands I am promoting.’ Ophelie Amada: Content Creator and Digital Marketing Manager (Instagram linked via photo) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/80187e0e-7b1e-4a34-8a90-9de5ba672d1c/Screenshot+2024-03-03+at+17.41.46.png More Tea - Nano influencers with macro influence: understanding influence on another level - The difference with Affiliate Marketing: Chart via Fashion Monitor: The Rise of Influencers Report https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/moreteablogcategory/blog-post-title-two-dxx2w monthly 0.5 2025-03-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1704733530560-TO7QNH6FFMS1LEXYQMJ9/image.png More Tea - One day in 2050: London Fashion Week’s first furry Models - Make it stand out "Dog wearing Cloth Sitting on Road 20131227" by 玄史生 is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/1706441640585-X51CFE2JG5WU2S2O90PQ/image-asset.jpeg More Tea - One day in 2050: London Fashion Week’s first furry Models - Globally, fashion has steadily begun to include domestic mammals in their collections as a result of the devastating effects of global warming which has caused long haired pets to lose fur and therefore suffer during the harshness of our extreme winters. Many pet owners have resorted to keeping their whiskered best friends indoors in order to keep them warm, however, with the increase of options available for animal clothing, owners now have a more stylish way to protect pets. Initially, high street stores were the go-to for animal clothing, however after Richard Quinn’s campaign consisted uniquely of models with wagging tails, shiny hoofs and whiskers – other luxury fashion brands followed suit. This campaign was in collaboration with leading animal charity WWF who aimed to “raise awareness of the pressing crisis of climate change and its effects on our defenceless pets”. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/770566b1-0c51-4682-8dda-bfd833b72c6a/Screenshot+2024-01-24+at+14.04.24.png More Tea - One day in 2050: London Fashion Week’s first furry Models - London Fashion Week was however the first season to bring these furry creatures to stage; most notably with the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Corgis who closed the Burberry show wearing an adaptation of a red trench coat alongside Princess Charlotte of Wales in a Red trench dress. Other labels have been more open to their choice of models on their shows such as Alexander McQueen’s SS51 runway, being around the Royal Ascott fields, having the likes of Kaia Gerber riding a fully suited horse in a matching ensemble. The rise in animal clothing is parallel to the increase of animal influencers who have become, arguably, more stylish than their owners. https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/moreteablogcategory/tag/student+blog monthly 0.5 https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/moreteablogcategory/tag/endeavor monthly 0.5 https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/moreteablogcategory/tag/creatives monthly 0.5 https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/moreteablogcategory/tag/students monthly 0.5 https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/moreteablogcategory/tag/img+models monthly 0.5 https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/moreteablogcategory/tag/the+wall+group monthly 0.5 https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/moreteablogcategory/tag/London+fashion+student monthly 0.5 https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/moreteablogcategory/tag/wme monthly 0.5 https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/moreteablogcategory/tag/fashion+career monthly 0.5 https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/moreteablogcategory/tag/fashion+students monthly 0.5 https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/moreteablogcategory/tag/London+college+of+fashion monthly 0.5 https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/moreteablogcategory/tag/career+at+img+models monthly 0.5 https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/moreteablogcategory/tag/fashion+media monthly 0.5 https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/contact daily 0.75 2024-01-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/378cce42-dd6f-464d-8734-6932ebee7bb1/IMG_3990.jpg https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/about daily 0.75 2026-03-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/0bc25b50-9d02-4d0f-b274-f4e08952653f/IMG_4217.jpg https://www.teanosugarbysakina.co.uk/features daily 0.75 2024-01-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/0e0c8102-6ce5-48ca-8a3e-e0d8f994dd32/Screenshot+2023-09-23+at+12.54.57.png Features https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/31d04d3d-a427-41bd-99f9-e0b8914836e8/Screenshot+2023-11-16+at+23.11.08.png Features https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/650dab71ca697a188176b509/13f40ed0-9e32-4c12-a3f6-ce307ec64407/Screenshot+2023-11-16+at+23.13.46.png Features