...Just a little bit of "Swagg for you Savvs"

Let's lay our wittiness aside for a brief moment and perhaps touch on our own daily attire...
Considering spring is spinning off and escaping us so candidly [arrrgh the snow that fell upon us early this morning "bah" got to love nature right?!], it just hit me and I thought I'd warm you guys up with a little reminder to help you brush off the shady weather... huhuh, 'tis the season indeed!!!! Doesn't it kill you when you buy a killer pair of pumps or stilletos then go outside to find out it's either raining or snowing??? Or perhaps when you buy that nice trench coat and figure it's far too cold to wear it out? Or that nice cocktail mini you now have to save up for next summer?What about those sexy knee-high suede boots you feel like throwing out regardless of the fact you sprayed them countless times last year, the salt still managed to ruin them? etc etc.... Perhaps you're nodding because you know it hits home! Perhaps not, rather confused but my point is for those who at times feel like winter is a "swagger- hater"!![ just think of that nasty slush melting on your pants and you will see where I'm going, ha]! You and I both know how winter can easily make you lose your summer edge (i.e. make you feel like there's no point to fix yourself up or even make you lazy) but who said you couldn't have swag and be fab during "reindeer season"??? After all, it's either you got it or you don't! And if you do, why should that fade? and if you feel like you don't, what's stopping you to get on your "quick fix" momentum?? It's just a matter of knowing your body and knowing what style works for thee [will cover that issue very soon]...

With respect to this matter, I picked out the runway styles you see above because a) I felt like they exemplified that effortless, classic-chic essence of natural confidence (it's called "swag")... and (b) to encourage you to keep on staying "up to par" with that same confidence despite the season change and still allow yourself to work it out on your own with poise and posture while still keeping warm...

On this note, why juggle your appetite or compromise your natural "oumph"?!

Clientèle

Today has been rather interesting and refreshing! Been tweeting away, working away, scheduling and reading away [I sense you get the point ?!]... As a matter of fact the day isn't over yet but it's about to get even more fascinating as I will be meeting up with several clients later on tonight to discuss several plans and strategies for what is currently shaking up...

I find that it's always important to follow-up on clients and make sure that they are aware of any new developments that may arise when planning any type of production [leave it be an event, a one on one consultation or a personal styling session etc]. It's good enough to know they trust you will be making the right execution decisions on their behalf; however, that alone shouldn't be taken for granted! Although, you are hired on the basis of taking charge, it's always appreciated when you let them know what you are up to as they will not only feel included and involved but will feel valued [not to mention respected] in the entire “scheduled” process which to me alleviates unnecessary misunderstandings.

After all, etiquette and conduct are all part of the services you provide [I'll assume and take that as a big yes]! People need to feel like they can communicate with you "in and out" of a business context. Sure there are fine lines between being personable, relatable and professional …. But why should a simple cheque dictate your behaviour???hmm... a simple "generic" thought to keep in mind…

My point: Maintaining an upright relationship with your clients is what is going to flourish and influence your referral base indeed but what will even so determine the size of your character…

Guilty Pleasures:"If money we're no issue" ??

Holiday beauties???? what do you think...???
I personally have mixed emotions but I'll let you be the judge ;)
http://obsessed.instyle.com/obsessed/photos/results.html?No=0

Full Throttle 2: Addicted to "Busi-ness"

"Alrighty", rather than filling the cup of excuses [notice how quick that word faded] here’s a little taste of my updates as promised:

It has been full speed ahead around here with all the productions I am currently directing; not to mention many of my own personal endeavours...

Reminder...

- Gwen Madiba’s second annual fashion show “I Am Fashion: Rip The Fab Lane”.
As stated in my earlier posts, the model casting is now finalized! Eliminating some of the models wasn’t easy but it had to be done and we are pleased with those who have been selected to strut on the fab lane. We are currently moving onto the next phase with (a) our first meeting with ALL the models Dec 5th and (b) the sponsorship campaign! With this said, we are right on schedule therefore I couldn’t be any happier! Our venue is booked and our vendors are lined up! Couple onsite logistics activities this week … hmm spilling too much but will be giving you “the fashion insight” soon :)

Two other clients have added themselves to my list of fashion shows; however, will keep my lips sealed for now and won’t say too much. Can you say addicted to busy-ness…?
3 fashion shows for 3 different clients - hmm… different lines, different themes, different concepts, can you feel the pressure?? Sing with me..."I'm loving it" [better believe it!!!brainstorm, brainstorm and more brainstorms] I know I am sounding like a freak but nah, I just love being challenged…

Apart from that, I’ve been working away the production of a musical play for a local female singer/song writer! This launch is the ideal thrill and can’t wait to put all the pieces together with a touch of "class, chic and soul"! Hushhh, stay tune for more…

New to my list of duties... a powerful & uplifting book launch for a christian author; I'm truly excited about this project! I was called upon about a week ago and was totally humbled :)... Also lined up, a couple of interesting beauty and empowerment workshops that I am hoping to schedule on a monthly basis in the New Year [yup, look out for my "tricks and bits" segments]...

There is no better time to start planning this out! It may not seem like a lot... [Euuh does that even make sense??? ha-ha] but trust me when I say "the making" behind every detail of an event or a project of any sort is a lot of work! What's going to make a difference in the planning and the process more efficient is... your spirit and however you choose to go about your strategy and knowing what is required to be done at the proper given times! Words like structure, precision, clarity, goals, objectives etc etc etc are crucial in the executing phase!!

The sooner you start the better you finish! “NOW” is always the best time to start planning and getting organized…

Full throttle (1)

Pardon the negligence! It's been crazy, it's been good...
But mark my words, I promise to give you a FULL update tomorrow!

Stay true, Stay blessed :)

Flair in the detail...

The usual bustle; sharing my daily expeditions...

I hear you are a bride to be looking for flair or simply addicted to chic?? Well then, it's time to get inspired...

If you don't feel like bypassing the dark edges of today's trends be sure to check out some designer concepts from the fall 2010's bridal runway...
http://www.brides.com/package/fall_2010_wedding_dresses

Every detail of your gown should reflect every unique aspect of "you" therefore keep it Classic, Chic and Soulful!!!

Daily Inspiration: "Why Not"...?

In total awe's and oohs and feel totally inspired! I am amazed by the amount of resources that life has to offer and the wonderful people God puts forward into our lives for a specific reason...

Behind each steps of this journey lie the hidden treasures of wisdom! Although on "the come- up" and slightly growing into a maven, I feel like there is absolutely nothing to lose as long as I keep pushing to the limit…

With this said, I want to leave you with a little something that left me more than enthused! If you're a visionary at heart, you will understand my emotion....

"You see things and say, ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were and say, ‘Why not?"
- George Bernard Shaw

Mind-Full

New projects, New Decisions, New Challenges …
In this economy, you can't afford to just sit there and rely on "your own understanding"! Whether you're in business or not you have to "seek to find". This is why; I always find it stimulating and important to nurture my intellectual appetite. Wise man once told me “…When it’s all said and done you can only do what you know” and I couldn’t beg to differ…

I spent my weekend reading and researching some interesting resources on entertainment ideas, beauty tips, current trends and various topics. Considering the wave of projects I am currently handling, it is crucial for me to adapt to any moving trend! This in return will allow me to produce and create something of different substance [rule of thumb: creative juices always have to flow]...

I also took the time to work on my new “vision board” [I’ve vowed to do one every 6 months from now on that way I can keep my ideas, goals and business files freshly updated].

Can’t wait to share some of my new discoveries in the upcoming posts…

Tale of the day: The mind is truly a terrible thing to waste…!

Strategist?? Post Website launch…

Made it through another week full of activity [Whew, Praise God]…

I want to take this moment to thank everyone who took the time out of their day to celebrate the launch of our new website with us. I’m truly moved by the positive feedback and constructive criticism I’ve received thus far. It’s an exciting stage of our business and sharing the experience makes it worthwhile. Sometimes I feel like it hasn’t hit me yet! Seriously, all this “traffic” feels surreal… what a difference a couple years can truly make and what a way we mature [ Key words to the wise --> step by step, mile by mile]…

A lot of time was spent, but I can testify today and say that none was wasted! I guess all the strategizing and planning paid off [not to mention praying for a better sense of direction] and this is just a small piece of the pie; there is so much more in stores and I feel blessed and privileged to handle “this rush”.

I would be a liar though, if I failed to admit that things can get a little overwhelming at times! Being a young entrepreneur can get scary and the writing on the wall is not always crystal clear… Now, if you’re a perfectionist like I am, you understand that these emotions can sometimes push you to be harder on yourself as you’re continuously confronted to remain on top of things.

What keeps me going??? Couple elements I’ve shared in some of my earlier posts such as: the importance of me being passionate and loving what I do etc etc...

"Play time in the sand" is over and burning “random bridges” is OVER …
This means, distorting every shade of fear, trusting the unknown (i.e. no comfort zone); getting out of the frame to see and feel the bigger picture… [“see and feel” sorry I have to emphasize on this powerful meaning – not to worry soon you’ll understand]

On this “strategist” note I leave you….
Can’t talk “the talk” if you’re unwilling to work for it….

Language of the Soul

It's Tuesday,

Different jazz, different breed! Rather interesting if you ask me....
Today I just thought I'd set back, break the routine and spend some "ME TIME"!!! So many things are currently running through my mind, so many thoughts, so many projects, Lord knows the list could go on....

But spending some "me time" is totally something that I like to live up to on a regular, but lately I've been consumed with my scheduled duties and haven't taken the time to pause and just settle down... [Yes, I confirm I am a workaholic] now don't get me wrong, nor confuse my statement... “Settling down” doesn't mean kicking back and being sluggish?! It simply means taking the time to break free, self-evaluate, and assess everything that is around you and within you in a peaceful manner... [gotcha didn't I??? you should of known there was going to be a double sense to this; I'm a philosopher I can't help it]... but yeah, today I am in “total reflexion” mode - taking the time to smell the roses and making sure my spirit is in alignment...

I love being busy and keeping myself occupied, however it's important that I don't lose myself in the process! After all, it’s so easy to get lost and caught up in our “daily, daily” and as much as we make the efforts to balance, at times we somehow manage to fail! So how do we or should I say how can we measure up? Truly depends! Sometimes we need to breathe, sometimes we just need to pause and sometimes we just need to completely detach…

Red glass of wine, lavender neck wrap, Foot sauna, and eye pads! Tailored spa & pampering??? "LANGUAGE OF MY SOUL" … today I’m doing just that!!! –> Cutting the strings and allowing myself to loosen …

Cut, cut, cut... Detached :)

Monday Jazz...

"Ba-da-ba-da"... It's Monday!

I know most people just want to hide under the rug when they hear the sounds of the "Monday jazz” or perhaps boycott a day of work but "hey" what a blessing to know that we were all, for the most part, fortunate to make it through the weekend and now find ourselves able to go about our daily schedules for this week -> rule of thumb: make it effectual!

Last week was really busy and the files just keep on piling up! ... Please mark my words and feel my emotions when I say "I am not complaining"! In fact I am making more room to receive all that is coming to me; Call it magnetic or however you like I am mentally "de-cluttering" to nourish this focus! With this said, can my cup please overflow…?!

Here are my top ingredients for this week’s formula:
More room, more excitement; more excitement, less distractions; less distractions, more focus; and more focus.... More Greatness! With this perspective in mind, how can “Peace n’ Positivity” fail me??? Did I hear you say AMEN…?

Last week we ended on the launch of our new website http://withinessenceproductions.com/index.html [did you look at it? not that I want to pressure or anything but you know I had to throw that in there somewhere lol]...

Also, I had briefly mentioned the open model casting for the "I AM FASHION: RIP THE FAB LANE" fashion show set for next May.... Now, I know it's Monday so I'll take it easy and won't bombard you with details [at least not today that is lol] but just know that everything ran smoothly! It was a long and dynamic day, everyone was wonderful and up to speed [such an amazing team] and we the jury and photographers called it a great turn out! It's truly going to be hard to pick out the models considering that there are so many options however the job has to be done....

Less of me for now, got to get back to my "creating duties" to make the best out of this "Monday Jazz”....

On this “note” I leave you: "ba-da-ba-da"...

Lights, Camera....Voilà

Shhh...

Happy hour, Happy day :)

Let's hit this off with a little tale of suspense... Tell somebody to tell somebody that our new website is officially DONE and right around the corner!!! We are so excited and truly looking forward on sharing this launch! The website is looking oh-so lovely and is truly the epitome of WEP's "Classic, Chic & Soulful" mantra...

Won't say more nor fill the void, I'll just let the countdown do the talking...!
Lights, Camera .... http://www.withinessenceproductions.com/

Voilà :)

"Explicit Fabulocity"....

Alright, so here we are on the blessed 3rd of the week. This means it’s time to give what I call the "insight" scoop! A bit more details on what's been going on and so on...

I mentioned that Within Essence Productions was working away the preps for some fashion shows... yes; Ottawa is growing to this extent and believe me when I say that there is no need to get sceptical nor any reason to underestimate this city’s potential when it comes to building a bridge called “opportunity”. [How dare I ? I know and yes I said it! hey, tough love is never enough unless it's straight to the point] Life is truly about what you make of it and HOWEVER you choose to "create"
--> here goes that word again, did you highlight it ??? :)

One of the many projects that I am currently so delighted to be working on is the 2nd annual of the "I AM FASHION: RIP THE FAB LANE" that is set for May 2010.

This show was firstly introduced to the Ottawa fashion scene last year, to showcase Gwen Madiba's new collection, alongside numerous talented local designers. The show had a tremendous outcome and quite frankly is the reason why I gave birth to Within Essence Productions [the new addition to my BVM Enterprise (Beyond Verbal Measures Ent.)]... I will expand on this confession further; just lookout for the tales of "The Foundation" lol.

But really all jokes aside, I am extremely humbled and feel so honoured to be directing and managing every bits of the show once again... it's a lot of production but boy is it ever worth it!!!! I enjoy every moment! Our casting call is set for this Saturday November 7th and man is the competition EVER FIERCE!!! The models are looking quite “tasty” [I must say so myself ] Who said, “picking” and “cutting” was made easy? However, the question remains, which one of them can rock "THE FAB LANE"? Mum is the word for now but we shall see...


Gwen Madiba is an amazing woman and her new collection will be exactly as our dear colleague Marcia B. described it: "EXPLICIT FABULOCITY"!!!

Here’s a little snippet from last year's show... Enjoy :)
http://marciabcreative.blogspot.com/2009/05/i-am-fashion-you-are-fashion-ottawa-is.htmlashion-ottawa-is.html