I’ve been fostering varied and meaningful (albeit unrequited) internet-based girl-crushes for over half a decade now. I don’t know who Alessandro Michele thinks he is, but he only got the top gig at Gucci in January 2015, and he’s already swooping in and sweeping up all my most beloved ladies.

It started innocently enough, with Chloe Sevigny doing a fantastic editorial in fresh new Gucci threads for Purple Magazine. It was full of motion, bounce and light, and hot dang it was FRESH! So okay, alright, I can get down with that. If your next move is to announce Florence Welsh as the new face of accessories and jewellery for the house, well, you need to break the news to me slowly. To then just steam right ahead and send Petra Collins down the runway and then tell me the “Gucci Geek” girl for the collection was directly inspired by Margot Tenenbaum…

I just don’t know what to do with myself. It’s all too much.

It feels like Michele is communicating to me directly via a kind of Fall 2016 telekinesis.

These women are my idols – both aesthetically and intellectually. Smart women who are super successful, proudly feminist, and rock their own individual styles. Each one is unique, but under the Gucci banner they are unified and even symbiotic. To top it all off – Michele dressed Brie Larson in that incredible blue gown for the Oscars and walked the red carpet beside Jared Leto. Get. Out. Of. Town.

Tom Ford left Gucci in 2004 and let’s just pretend the label was in hibernation between then and Michele’s arrival. Actually, we don’t need to pretend – both financially and sartorially, it was. Michele’s recent arrival has already resulted in Gucci’s best sales in the last 3 years (at least) despite allegedly only having four weeks to put together the now infamous Fall 2016 collection.

I can’t help but draw parallels between Michele’s approach and that taken by Anna Wintour as described in The September Issue. Wintour is the first Vogue editor to acknowledge the power of celebrities and their ability to connect the fashion world to the reader. These days we accept that link and have even come to expect it, but that wasn’t the case when Wintour first started blazing her trail. Michele is doing the same thing, but, in my opinion, it’s a bit more fabulous and a bit more feminist.

It’s that precise kind of fresh perspective you can’t fake.

A graffiti artist from New York called GucciGhost who made a name for himself by spray painting modified double-G symbols all over the city was celebrated rather than sued by the luxury label. His tags were emblazoned upon the leather goods going down the Fall 2016 runway a couple of weeks ago. I think it’s the perfect example of Michele taking a more cerebral approach to the brand. Everything has layers of meaning and everything is political – especially to tertiary-educated young women. If you run a multi-million dollar fashion label and can’t think critically about yourself and your place in the world, you can’t expect to hook anyone younger than Generation X.

He is breaking down the barrier between his muse and his target market.

These women all represent the future. Most people older than 25 haven’t even heard of Petra Collins. I challenge you to find a western woman under 25 who hasn’t. But anyways, go find your own girl-crushes. People keep stealing mine.

– Bri
Follow me: Instagram Twitter Portfolio Blog

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The post First Florence, now Petra: How does Gucci keep stealing my girls? appeared first on Zanita Studio.

If the French are known for their basic yet perennially chic sartorial choices and the Scandinavians for their unparalleled minimalism, then let the Italians be known for their daring silhouettes and often vibrant color combinations.

Milan Fashion Week came to a close not too long ago, but we’re not exactly ready to say Ciao to our favorites street style stars who are forensic proof that Italy is the true home of fashion. This certain herd of doyennes had us struck – jaw-dropping and all – with their flawless and creative style, reminding us exactly why Milan remains one of our favorite fashion capitals of the world. If for some odd reason you’ve been living outside the bounds of fashion and have zero familiarity of these faces, let this be your formal introduction. You can thank us later for surfacing your new style icon(s).

Giorgia Tordini

Former designer, now creative consultant who can be mistaken for French given her understated, sleek ensembles. But don’t undermine her knack for working in swift proportions and strong pieces like an Italian babe – something we don’t often see the French venturing into. She’s a power dresser with an inimitable elegance.

Chiara Totire

Often spotted in unexpected layers, the best shoes, and pieces that hint imperfection yet magically drive perfection, there aren’t many reasons to not leer at Chiara. We bet you’d have never guessed she was a pharmacist prior to pursuing her love of fashion. Her exquisite styling does more than justify her birthright in this industry – it’s exactly where she belongs.

Gilda Ambrosia

The bravest of the bunch, don’t be surprised to find Gilda in the coolest mashups you never perceived possible. Whether it’s in the choice of her fabric, bold sunglass select, or unpredictable pairing, she’s got a kind of signature you can’t quite put your finger on. And let’s not forget her mane – that distinct, black veil that lets us know she’s entered the premise.

Carlotta Oddi

She’s a quite pared back Anna Dello Russo in the same way Geraldine Saglio is to Emmanuelle Alt. Sometimes exuberant like Anna, other times romantic and feminine or just downtown in entirety – you never know what to anticipate, but you always know it’s going to be bene.

Diletta Bonaiuti

Diletta’s aesthetic is pretty simple but she always does something masterful to fuse her effortlessness together be it an unforeseen splash of color – not just any color but one that peaks attention like no other, a key accessory, or a punctuating piece. And when she’s out meandering the streets, it becomes completely memorable – never forgotten.

And there you have it – the babes whose street style can’t be beat!

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The post Queens of Cool: 5 Italian Street Style Stars Who Can’t Be Beat appeared first on Zanita Studio.

I travelled to Milan Fashion Week alone, which didn’t seem like a big deal at first but presented its own challenges.

Firstly, I didn’t have anyone with me to shoot my looks; all the street style photographers I love are already generally being pushed to their limits (it’s a tough gig!) and couldn’t really take on another hire. Luckily, I found the very talented Jeong Ilkwon who shared some pics of me on Instagram and gratefully sent me these to share with you. If I don’t post my looks – did I even wear them???? Haha!

I didn’t have Bri with me to keep me sane with her witty sartorial commentary and wicked planning skills, so I kept my schedule minimal – giving me time to bask in the highlights, which included a front row seat at Fendi (a first!) and the epically beautiful Missoni, Sportmax, and Tods shows. Look forward to sharing my runway edits for those!

I’m currently shacked up in Paris, awaiting the arrival of Susan and Gustav. We’re here working on a very special project (so annoying to say I know) and the weekend will be filled with planning and shooting…so no shows here. Following that, I’m headed to Munich and then Stockholm and finally, back to New York around the 12th. I’m burnt on travelling so I’m super keen to be back in NYC and feeling settled all over again! Is missing 9-5 really a thing?

Finally, something really fun – two nights ago I attended an event on a boat for Jean Paul Gaultier’s fragrance and they had a room set up with three ACTUAL tattoo artists available to tattoo anyone who wanted it. We had to choose from a page of predetermined designs and I jumped at the chance! You can see what I chose on my Instagram…I think it looks super cute. There’s nothing more exciting than being spontaneous. It’s why the best nights out are the ones you don’t plan – they just happen.

Hope you like these looks! The first is for the Sportmax show – and the second was for Fendi. Zx

Look 1: Sportmax dress, Bliss and Mischief Jeans, Tods bag.

Look 2. Tibi coat, Marimekko dress and top, Fendi bag. 

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The post Two Outfits In Milan appeared first on Zanita Studio.

We’re so excited to share with you the second installment of our three part series with Premium Winemaker, Jansz Tasmania.  This time we’re taking you to a new place and time to share the romance of the sparkling winemaking process, Méthode Tasmanoise.

As part of the creative process, our team strove to learn as much about Jansz Tasmania and the history behind the vineyard and their winemaking methods. What’s beautiful about Méthode Tasmanoise is that it’s the same traditional method used to make champagne, but from the cool-climate of Tamar Valley in Tasmania. This is essentially how sparkling wine has been made since the beginning of last century, which I just love. Learning about the method was a trip into the past, and it was in this journey that the theme for our video was born; an exploration of the time, patience, and handcrafted skills it takes to make something great.

When our Director, Pip, first suggested a ‘Film Noir’ theme to represent the Champenoise influence Jansz Tasmania uses to craft its sparkling wines, I was apprehensive. It’s a complicated look to re-create and it needed to be just right. We wanted to capture the romance, sophistication, and history of the winemaking process, along with a playfulness that suited both Jansz Tasmania and my personality. I have to take off my 1940’s style hat to Pip and our team for bringing this one together. I’m so proud of the result.

I hope you enjoy ‘Méthode Tasmanoise’ as much as we enjoyed making it. I don’t want to add anymore here other than to let the video speak for itself.

And remember, Drink Responsibly.

This post was in collaboration and paid for by Jansz Tasmania. To learn more about Jansz Tasmania and Méthode Tasmanoise, visit: Jansz.

Video Credit

Executive Producer: Gustav Carlson & Zanita Whittington

Director: Philippa Whitfield Pomeranz

Director of Photography: Jasper Galvanics

Second Camera: Sara Richardson

Hair & Make Up: Tobi Henney

Styling Assistant: Monica Bestek

Special Thanks to Maxine Harris & the Jansz Vineyard team

The post Méthode Tasmanoise appeared first on Zanita Studio.

With the infinite juggling we do in life, it’s certainly clear by now you cannot have it all. What that means though is that you’ll pick maybe 2-3 areas of your life to harness and drive forward while allowing the other aspects to plummet before you can even catch them as they fall. And if you’re at all like most people, your career probably ranks #1. While there’s nothing wrong with priding yourself on your career, you can reach a point of diminishing returns when it becomes too consummating.

Find out now if your career is controlling your life:

You’re afraid to slow down

You always want to be faster, better, stronger – in constant motion and you can’t stop – maybe from #fomo. Whatever it is, it’s causing your health and relationships to suffer without you realizing or admitting it. The unending attachment to being connected to your phone, social media, and e-mails – it needs to come to an end.

Work never stops

You don’t define your work hours, which means you’re working early mornings or into the late evenings. In a creative career, these boundaries are often blurred, but even Zanita & Gustav recognize how important it is to have days where you don’t do anything work-related. The overcommitment to your job doesn’t make you anymore proactive and dedicated than the next person who compartmentalizes their life well enough to go home and sleep.

Your job defines you

Does the value of your self-worth and happiness spill from your job? If there are no other life attributes other than your career defining who you are, you’re headed for trouble. Think about the damage than can arise when things travel south…don’t get so tunnel-visioned.

You lack hobbies & interests

Two things: 1. You’re too exhausted or too busy to try anything new, or 2. Your only hobby and interest is your job. Either way, it’s all too obvious that you’re addicted to your job when you have no other life activities outside of it. And this means you’re about to get burnt out.

Though being ahead of the career game brings relief and a whiff of fulfillment and happiness, too much of anything is never a good thing. So if you found yourself in a revelation after skimming these points, it’s time to take a breather and pare back. Life happens in more places than your job alone.

xo,
Susan
Follow me – Blog Instagram Pinterest Bloglovin

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The post Signs You’re Addicted to Your Career appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Grit, hard work, determination, tenacity are a few words people would use to describe landing a job in NYC… and they’re right! Entering the job front in NYC is like surviving a mosh pit: stressful but exhilarating once you make it out alive. There are hundreds of thousands of people all applying to the same job as you, yet only one lucky person gets picked. Who will it be?

Having my fair share of NYC job successes and rejections, I find these qualities to be true:

Knowing someone

Nowadays it’s not about what you know but who you know, especially in the Big Apple. Competition is stiff and the only leg up you have is if you already know someone in the field you’re trying to get into.

If you don’t know anyone, don’t panic. Recruiting agencies are a great start because they know everyone. They can get you an interview in your dream job, but only if you’re a good fit. Some of the most well-known fashion recruiters in NYC are 24Seven, fourthFLOOR fashion, and JBCStyle.

The right mindset

It’s no surprise that when you go into something with a negative preconceived notion, your experience will turn out that way. The same holds true for getting a job in New York City. You must go in with confidence and that you possess everything the employer is looking for, otherwise they’ll eat you alive. Your qualifications got you this far so go into the interview thinking you already have the job and you’ll likely get it.

“Something special”

Because there are so many people fighting for the same job, you need that “something special”. You know, that extra pizzazz or witty personality. You need to be professional yet relatable, funny but focused, driven and a team player. Did you graduate at the top of your class? Do you run the NYC marathon each year? Have you contributed to company growth? Hone in on your “something special” and show employers what a great asset you’d make.

Taking a risk

Sending a cold email, introducing yourself at an event, dropping your resume off in person are all risks worth taking. This shows the employer you’re determined and confident in your abilities and you deserve a chance. You have nothing to lose.

Perseverance

You are going to hear the word “no” – feel rejected, have more set backs, and fall down more times than not when you’re trying to get a job in New York. This makes you resilient and better prepares you for life’s unexpected turn of events.

No matter what the outcome, don’t give up. True success takes hard work, lots of hard work. You need to be in a good place spiritually, while working smarter and harder every day. Sometimes it takes years, sometimes months, but if you keep going I promise you’ll get there.

Positivity

People like positivity. Realists beware. Employers want to build a team of energetic, creative, and forward thinking people. Negative Nancys need not apply. If you’re a regular Zanita Studio reader, you should have no problem here.

Are you currently working in NY? If so, what did it take to land you the job? Share your story in the comments below!

xx Britt

Follow Me – Blog Instagram  Periscope

Photo Image Sources: Let’s Restycle, Popsugar Australia, styleninetofive

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The post What It Takes to Get a Job in NYC appeared first on Zanita Studio.

So you’ve been thrown in the deep end of a fashion internship – what now?

I landed in New York at 8pm Sunday night and was scheduled to knock on Zanita’s door ready to get cracking at 8am Monday morning. Jet lag wasn’t an option. Indulging my stomach-churning nerves wasn’t an option. I had no way of knowing how my time with the Zanita Studio team would pan out – I’d never event met any of them properly. Anxious much? When I walked out the door that morning into the freezing NYC winter I felt like there were just too many changing variables and unknown figures.

So what did I have control over?

Myself.

Having a baby, moving house, divorce, and (you guessed it) a new job, all come in high on the how-do-I-even-deal list of life events. Internships are a special kind of super-duper pressure test. You’re new to the workplace, you’re under the pump to impress your boss, you have a ticking time limit, and you’re almost always the youngest and most inexperienced person in the room.

During my three weeks with Zanita in New York for Fashion Week I tried my best to turn those stressors into opportunities. (For the record: I had it easy because Zanita is the best boss ever.) There were definitely tough moments and I made a bunch of cringe-worthy mistakes, but I managed to convert my internship into an ongoing paid contributor role. So without further rambling, here are my top 5 recommendations for nailing your internship:

1. Communicate your expertise.

Everybody is good at something! (And most of us are bad at a whole lot of things too!) Make sure your boss and the team you’re working with know what your strengths are. Remind them of what kinds of tasks you can do quickly and well, and chances are that’s what you’ll get to do – that means you have fun and get the opportunity to prove your worth. (Bonus points: Try to show your strengths without drawing attention to your weaknesses… easier said than done.) I wouldn’t have been able to shoot Zanita’s incredible Zimmermann look or interview Baby Slice if I didn’t communicate my expertise, and I’m sure those two jobs were my best opportunities to shine.

2. Put your hand up!

Learn what your boss wants and needs, and the way your team works, and you’ll be able to offer help with tasks before you’re asked. I learnt this best in my previous life/career when I was an assistant to a judge. It’s the sign of a great intern. It’s also a great way to cement your place in the system and make people wonder how they ever worked without you.

That way when your internship ends they’re going to really want you to stay.

3. Be flexible.

So the work you’re asked to do wasn’t exactly in the role description? Now isn’t the time to complain. You need to be prepared to meet people in odd locations, work odd hours, and maybe even eat odd food at odd break times. Sometimes I was sitting in incredible runway shows, sometimes I was returning garments across town in the rain and ice. It’s all good! There’s also a tricky balance to aim for between being flexible with your attitude and staying true to yourself. You need to adapt to the new team environment but don’t be a wet-rag butt-kissing suck-up. It’s a fine line to tread, but don’t worry girl, you’ve got this.

4. Eat well and sleep well at every opportunity.

This one is kind of a personal extension to the ‘flexibility’ recommendation and depends on the length of your internship. If your gig is only for a week or two then maybe you can afford to hit the ground running and sleep when you’re dead. If it’s for a few months though, play the long-term game and invest in your own wellbeing. A couple of times in NYC I made stupid mistakes because I was just so exhausted. When I was super tired in the morning I was more likely to run late, too. You’re smarter than that. Remember you’re #1. J

5. Enjoy it!

This is SO important! Remember that an internship is also a process for you to audition your boss and the company. How do you know you actually want an ongoing job at the end if you haven’t enjoyed your internship with them?

It doesn’t mean every single day is rainbows-and-unicorns-fun, but look out for that feeling that you’re engaging with what you’re doing. That the work means something to you.

So there we go! I didn’t nail everything I listed here but I did well enough. Learn from my mistakes and you’ll blitz it.

– Bri
Follow me: Instagram Twitter Portfolio Blog

The post How To Totally Nail Your Internship And Turn It Into A Real Job appeared first on Zanita Studio.

I love this fragrance.

It’s the latest from AERIN, called Mediterranean Honeysuckle and the scent reminds me of sitting alone on balmy evening in a flower-filled courtyard. It’s the kind of scent that takes you to another place – the perfect escape.

I was excited about creating this editorial for AERIN because as is the case with any fragrance, you’re expressing a mood. Something intangible. I’m sure you’ve experienced that olfactory witchcraft where a scent returned you to memory – choose your own de ja vu. So to express this visually? It’s quite limitless. I could share a post of colours. Some kind of a visual dreamscape.

I chose Mediterranean Honeysuckle to be the olfactory memory book from my recent trip to Mexico, so these images represent that escape. It was a blissful getaway and I was really able to switch off. My favourite moments were those spent alone in my thoughts, a dreamy electronic song in my ears and the fragrance on my nose.

I hope you enjoy this series and get the chance to experience AERIN’s Mediterranean Honeysuckle for yourself.

The post My Perfect Escape appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Mornings can be hard – trust me, I know the joys of hitting the snooze button. But, I still LOVE them. The air is at its freshest, it’s as still and quiet as can be, and there is an overwhelming feeling that anything is possible!

When it comes to exercising (hard) in the morning, it becomes 100 times more difficult for a lot of people, including myself. I usually hit the gym leisurely at 8 a.m. which gives me plenty of time to have coffee, read a book, check some emails, and eat a banana

No 8 a.m. is not difficult and that’s not what I’m referring to. I’m talking about the 5 a.m. alarm that goes off for a 6 a.m. RPM class or any other strenuous physical activity. At 6 a.m. most of your neighbours are blissfully snoozing away in their soft warm bed! But you madam, are a goddamn trooper who likes to achieve results so you get up even if you feel like hiding under your doona and dreaming of sausage dogs…

Here are the 5 methods I use to make it easy for me to get up at the crack of dawn and smash an early morning workout before most people have even raised an eye-lid!

Get prepared the night before.

Tell yourself that you are getting up early and you’re going to workout. Pump yourself up by turning it into a challenge or a competition – tell yourself if you get up you’re going to be a legend – whatever works. Also, make sure you get to bed early and get enough shut eye time to wake up.

Have your workout clothes ready to roll.

Place your gear at the foot of your bed the night prior so you don’t need to think about what you are going to wear in the morning. Let’s face it – at that hour, you’ll probably be half asleep. This is a great way to train yourself to go to the gym early.

Set two alarms.

Set your alarm twice within five minutes apart just in case you roll over and hit snooze or turn it off in your sleep (I have done this many times). The second one should be an automatic notification that it’s time to get your ass to the gym. Mini hack: Name your alarms using awesome trigger words or phrases like “Get up and smash it!”, “No excuses, up NOW!”

Remember how awesome you’ll feel.

You might not feel great in the process of working out, BUT you’ll certainly reap the benefits after you’re done. From the energy you gain to sense of accomplishment that fills you up even though it’s 7 am and your boyfriend is still in bed – it’s unbeatable. You just smashed it girl! Use THAT feeling as a reminder the next time you are tempted to hit snooze.

Drag a mate along.

This is the best. If you’ve organised to get to the gym early with a mate – hey presto, you’re now responsible for someone else and vice versa. They won’t let you slack off and you’re going to have a blast!

And no. 6 – I know I said 5, but have a cup of COFFEE and a banana for breakfast!!!!!

If you have any suggestions for how to get up early and smash a workout I would love to hear them Comment below!

SWEAT. MOVE. SMILE. #TheHarperMovement

Article by Mon – M.B Harper

Follow me on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, BlogLovin

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The post How to Get Up Early and Smash a Workout appeared first on Zanita Studio.

These days it’s not so simple to find clothes you can rely on.

I’m talking about pieces you can throw on after sleeping in and not feel like you’ve made a very poor styling mistake.

I’m talking about those pieces you instantly trust will feel good on your skin.

I’m talking about the cost/quality balance being just where you want it to be.

Probably my worst purchasing habit in the past has been an over-gravitation towards the statement piece. I’ll always love a bold print, a cropped trouser, a brightly coloured handbag. Then Tuesday (or any ‘average’ day) rolls around and I don’t want to think about dressing up or down – I just want to look good and like myself… post Fashion Month, I’m feeling this way more than ever. Give me NORMCORE.

So where to start? I’ve never really been so dedicated to any kind of basics brand… simply because there isn’t much I’ve found to last the distance. T-shirts and knits shrink. Denim becomes misshapen and seams just fall apart.

Enter Grana.

I’ll let you make up your own mind about the styles, but from here, all you need to know is the fabric. I’m talking Italian Merino Wool, Peruvian Pima Cotton, Chinese Silk, Japanese Denim, Mongolian Cashmere, and Irish Linen. It’s like the UN of fabrics produced the right way – clothing with conscience.

Another k-razy thing about Grana, which is frankly quite shocking (in a good way), is there’s only a 2x markup on costs. Most fashion brands markup around 8x! So where is all the extra money going if not into the quality? Branding, which I can’t pretend I’m not about…but for clothes to just wear on a Tuesday when I’ve slept in and I don’t have to attend fancy-ass fashion shows and high-powered business meetings?!

Hello Grana, meet my closet. It’s pretty disorganised and I’m relying on you to make personal styling on tough days easier. K thx bye.

Japanese Denim Jeans, Cashmere knit, Cardigan, and Scarves – GRANA

Snapped in Paris for Grana. Hope you like! Zx

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The post What To Wear On A Tuesday appeared first on Zanita Studio.

I’ve been working on this recipe for a quite some time now, maybe about a month. Not that I’ve been literally working on it for that long, I just got a little distracted from my baking due to school time constraints. Lately, my time has been filled with school projects or studying for tests, but they seem to have come to an end as the term closes for now. So it definitely feels good to get back into doing what I love and am passionate about – food.

The original recipe for this cake came from a friend. We were hosting a Friday night dinner and she brought it along with her. It was like no other Lemon Poppy cakes that I had ever tasted (not that I’ve tasted much to be honest).

It had a crisp and chewy crust, yet its inners were light and fluffy with little poppy seed speckles that gave it a crunchy texture. The flavour reminded me of some kind of tropical paradise.

I couldn’t quite work out at first what the flavour was, but then it hit me: Coconut. The coconut brings out the flavours of the lemon and poppy seeds together with its warm and sweet tang. And the best part was the topping – a luscious white chocolate ganache oozing in rich sweetness.

I had to make my version of the recipe a little more guilt-free. So what I did was I replace the flour with coconut flour, which adds even more coconut flavour, and I replaced the castor sugar with coconut sugar. This makes the cake both gluten-free and white-sugar-free (double score!). Yet one would never ever think so. The coconut sugar adds an almost caramel flavour and the coconut flour adds a subtle tropical flavour. One of the perks of using coconut flour is that it isn’t as expensive as other flour substitutes like almond flour (which is almost triple the price). I don’t think that you can come up with a good enough reason not to make this cake.

Gluten Free Lemon Poppy Cake

Serves 10-12 people

Ingredients:

• 4 eggs
• 1 ½ cups coconut sugar
• 3/4 cups sunflower/ vegetable oil
• zest of 1 lemon
• 1 cup desiccated coconut
• 150g/ 5 ounces poppy seeds
• 1 cup coconut flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 250g/ 8 ounces white chocolate
• 1 tbs butter
• zest of half a lemon for decoration

Method:

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and grease a 20cm or 7 inch round baking tin.

Whisk the eggs and coconut sugar together in a bowl until light and fluffy. Add the sunflower or vegetable oil a little at a time until all is incorporated. Next, gently mix in the lemon zest, desiccated coconut, and poppy seeds followed by the coconut flour and baking powder. Finally, add the plain yogurt and mix gently until well combined.

Pour the mixture into your prepared baking tin. Place into the oven and leave to bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden on the outside. Test if the cake is cooked all the way through by poking with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, the cake is cooked. Remove from the oven to cool completely before removing from the cake tin.

Prepare your topping. In a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water (filled 1/3 of the way), put in the white chocolate and stir until it melts. Next, remove from the heat and add the butter to the bowl. Blend until a smooth glossy mixture forms.

Place your cooled cake onto a serving plate and top it with your white chocolate cream and gently spread it out. Finally, sprinkle with lemon zest. Serve.

Happy cooking!
–Ben
Instagram @benorkin + Blog + Pinterest
Snapchat: @benorks

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The post The Best Gluten Free Lemon Poppy Cake appeared first on Zanita Studio.

A little over 48 hours since I’ve returned from Paris and only one word to describe the entire experience: Magnificent!

Backtracking a bit here, but the intent of my ubiety in Paris was to assist Zanita on a massively special photoshoot so I had no other major plans, but there were absolutely no complaints when Day 1 commenced with a fashion show – Chalayan FW16 – and my first ever to be precise. Bri had experienced the fracas of NYFW and wrote about her pleasant fashion show experience(s) a month ago and she’s absolutely right. Aside from the palpitating emotions that spur as soon as the upbeat music starts in congruence to the clouting steps of the runway models loping elegantly across the runway, there’s much to be observed and acquired around you – that’s if you pay attention of course. And since I’m someone who’s essentially ADD-inclined, I paid attention to every single detail. If there are social skills to be learnt in fashion, let it be at a fashion show…

– Act with confidence

If you just act like you’re important and you do it with confidence, people will believe you. Zanita and I weren’t exactly sure if I’d be able to get in with her on an exclusive backstage preview at Chalayan and clueless as I was, I just followed her lead – “We’re both here together on behalf of Swarovski” – sure enough, we both made our way backstage and watched the magic happen without having to say much at all.

– Be kind

Not that I saw any spectacular acts of kindness, but watching someone be an asshole was even more validation that you should always take the high road – be kind. From getting yelled at for unknowingly standing in the runway before “practice” to being forced out of seat (only to return with no apology), no one likes an asshole. And asshole remarks and demeanor will NEVER be forgotten; not only that, but people are sure to talk about your asshole behavior more often than your kindness (i.e. me right now about that guy). So do yourself a favor, no matter how much stress or pressure or anger you feel, be nice.

– Learn to shrug it off

Pretty much right in line with the point above, if someone is an asshole, you have to be able to shrug it off. You cannot be sensitive in a highly competitive industry like fashion – you’ll just be eaten up alive because assholes are prevalent everywhere especially when you’re quite a nobody (to them, that is…). Despite experiencing a bit of an unpleasant person at my first-ever show, I just ignored it and still had the time of my life. My first true Devil Wears Prada experience.

– Flexibility is the key to success

Fashion is ongoing and can feel even faster than the rate of a normal life. The adrenaline and the pressure exposes a lot of unexpected emotions and many times, unwanted. There’s a lot of uncertainly and sometimes things fall apart; other times, they fall together, but regardless of which way they’re falling, the only one way to win is to adapt. Everything you say and/or do should be a positive reaction to someone else.

xo,
Susan
Follow me – Blog Instagram Pinterest Bloglovin

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The post Social Skills I Picked Up at My First Fashion Show appeared first on Zanita Studio.

I was super duper excited when the new Ghostbusters trailer came out. As a huge fan of the original film, this funny feminist reboot was going to be everything my cinematic dreams are made of.

Smart chicks kicking butt in cool costumes? Yes please, more please.

The Twitter frenzy that followed, however, was vitriolic and inescapable.

To summarise, people were upset/outraged that the only woman of colour in the Ghostbusting team was reduced to a “stereotype”. Leslie Jones’s character, Patty Tolan, is the only non-scientist on the team. She’s recruited instead for her “street-smarts” and her knowledge of New York City courtesy of her being an MTA employee.

A couple of days ago, they released a “new” trailer. It replaced many of Jones’ lines, added a ton more Chris Hemsworth (presumably to calm the enraged masses), and was otherwise the same.

Janessa E Robinson made a compelling argument on The Guardian for the film dropping the ball, saying that “as the only representation of race and class commentary in the trailer, [Leslie Jones’ character] ultimately pathologises the working class and blackness by making the two synonymous with a seemingly inept character.” Leslie Jones fought back against such accusations on Twitter, saying:

I’m playing a hardworking woman.The regular one that rep the people. You guys are the racists by labeling her a lowly MTA worker.Not me

— Leslie Jones (@Lesdoggg) March 7, 2016

Regardless of personal opinion on the Ghostbusters matter, my broader observation is that female-driven media, be it movies or TV shows, come under far more public scrutiny than “regular white dude” movies and shows.

I use those quotation marks because they are taken from a quote by one of the creators of Broad City. Tired of being constantly compared to HBO’s Girls, because it’s “reductive”, Ilana Glazer said: “It’s like, ‘Women in their 20s, you are all the same!’ If it’s not a white dude thing, it’s compared to whatever group you’re in.” These questions and comparisons continued even after Broad City got signed for a second season and landed a New York magazine cover. It’s like people think there isn’t enough space in the world for two TV shows about young women.

What if I rocked up to a new Mission Impossible film premier and asked Tom Cruise how he thinks his new film defines itself as different from, oh I don’t know, every other Mission Impossible film, and also every other film about a “regular white dude” spy?

There’s a new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie coming out and all of the turtles are “regular white guys” but there’s no intense public backlash there. They’re green CGI’s for crying out loud, they could have picked four incredibly talented, diverse voice actors, and it would have made precisely 0 difference to the visual outcome, let alone the plot line. There’s only one speaking person of colour in the new Batman vs Superman movie, and how many times do I see superhero films with a white lead and a black sidekick? Let’s call it the Iron Man effect. Why aren’t there well-written op-ed pieces in The Guardian about any of these exciting new blockbusters?

I think it has something to do with how I’m expected to call my grandparents if they’re unwell, but my older brother isn’t. “It’s just a boy thing.” How female politicians are held to exacting, unfair standards compared to their male counterparts for things like hairstyles, attire, and even the sound of their voice.

When a woman, or a team of women, step out from the well-behaved pack and try to present what they’ve made, they are an anomaly. A peculiar thing. We all turn our heads, crane our necks, and pass judgment. This new Ghostbusters reboot isn’t a “regular white dude” film, and so it’s picked apart.

Really my point is that all films should be held to the same exacting standard female-driven films are. I’m down for that! Diversity has a seriously long way to go (hello #OscarsSoWhite) but until we criticise “dude” films the way we do “chick” films, let’s not lose perspective.

And also, for the record, more smart chicks kicking supernatural bad-guy butt in cool costumes. Okay? Awesome, great thanks.

– Bri
Follow me: Instagram Twitter Portfolio Blog

Image source: Sony and Empire.com.

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The post I AIN’T AFRAID OF NO Subconscious Gender Bias appeared first on Zanita Studio.

If you want to enter a city of chic, there’s no better place than Paris.

We kid you not, every single person is decked out head to toe in major swag from the tiniest 2 year old all the way up to 70 – they strut the streets on the daily with an untouchable insouciance, a kind of seasonless attitude we often see described in magazines but can’t exactly grasp…what are they talking about anyway. It’s all very effortless if you have any concept of what that means. But with eagle eyes, our focus stayed sharp on the streets, we turned our heads over and over, and now get to share with you a few tricks we picked up to look just like that: A swank Parisian.

We weren’t playing street style photographer in the thick of it, but certainly took mental note so listen up.

Styling Trick 1: Half-draped coat

If there was one thing we saw on repeat, it was the half-draped coat look. To achieve this, you basically wear a coat (ideally oversized) and let one side unintentionally fall off one shoulder. Then you walk and you keep walking.

Styling Trick 2: Turtleneck + Stripes

Protect your neck under all circumstances. You do this by wearing a turtleneck all the time. Make it your base layer before dresses, sweaters, camisoles, and coats. In return, you can omit the scarf. And the breton stripes, it’s a go-to year round in Paris and can’t be beat with a turtleneck.

Styling Trick 3: The belt is back

Belts are sneakily making a return – so sly and subtle. One of the cool accents we saw was the belted blazer (that didn’t intentionally come in a bundle). Keep the lapels popped up, wrap the jacket around your waist, and keep it in tact with a belt. This style also creates an exaggerated silhouette that’s perfect for shapeless figures.

Styling Trick 4: Tights are the new socks

Forget your socks and the misconception that flirtatious tights are for strippers. The fishnet and lace tight redux never looked so chic. Whether it’s worn underneath skirts and dresses or cropped pants with wild shoes, the Parisians know how to do it right.

Styling Trick 5: Let the sleeves hang

No need to tailor those long, oversized sleeves – just leave them loose and sloppy. To let it hang is to be effortless and unconcerned. We’re all in.

Image Source Credits – The Stylograph, Harpers Bazaar, Vogue

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The post Chic Styling Tricks We Took From the Streets of Paris appeared first on Zanita Studio.

There’s nothing more beguiling than being your own boss be it through launching your own blog, starting an e-commerce business, or making the transition from full-time to freelance. And though the mystifying freedom and excitement are rewards you reap once you live it firsthand, the road less traveled indeed comes with unimaginable degrees of risk and fear. We often only see the perks and the happiness that radiate on the forefront of successful entrepreneurs (e.g. Sophia Amoruso, Michelle Phan, Oprah, and so many more). But we guarantee you, the hysteria that shakes up internally are almost always close to intolerable so if you’re looking to make the jump, we’re sharing with you today the fears entrepreneurs seldom confer.

Be ready.

#1 Nothing is ever certain.

#2 You sometimes lose faith in yourself.

Self-doubt in this realm will undoubtedly surface. You’ll feel like you’re losing it. Losing yourself, losing control – losing everything. It’s inevitable. This lifetime of pride, reputation, and financial security you’ve worked so hard to build will feel like it’s all tumbling down. There is nothing more devastating than feeling inadequate and incapable of running your own business and that is what running a business can do to you.

#3 There’s only you.

It’s a lonely life. The effort and energy you put into building your brand and business can suck the life out of you and quite frankly, turn you into a raisin. It may be months before you see the benefits of what you put in. When you’re in business for yourself though, there’s no one to motivate and encourage you, but yourself. You need to find the catalyst that propels you under all affairs. Even when life sucks.

#4 Failure.

Failing sucks, but being criticized for failing probably sucks even more. You’ll always feel like you could have done better or change something that could have rendered a positive outcome. Many times along the way, you’ll feel like you’ve failed or that you’re failing,

but the most important thing is to not get stuck on that and to bounce back.

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The post The Deadly Fears of All Entrepreneurs appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Now that the season is officially over, let’s take a few minutes to digest, not the clothes, but the makeup –

which happens to be one of my favorite parts actually so in no particular order, I’m translating my top runway beauty looks into everyday life:

Anna Sui

At Anna Sui FW16, the models popped out looking super 60s mod sans the inherent graphic eyeliner often associated with that timeframe. They all looked very fresh with a velvety base, lots of lashes, and rosy nude lips. Not a whole lot of sculpting and highlighting or color here, which actually makes it very wearable during the day (as long as you tone down the lashes some).

Diane von Furtsenburg

We saw 60s at Anna Sui and then 70s at DVF – a different kind of mod here. There was an intensely defined crease with a very clean middle and then the beautiful skin with highlighter in all the right places. As long as you keep the ultra “rounded” eye look soft, it can work. Just remember to blend, blend, blend.

Carolina Herrera

Ahh – Carolina Herrera did it for me. This is my kind of makeup for everyday – it’s super soft yet noticeable and not at all, over the top. All I think of is sultry – chocolate smokey eye with hints of shimmery pink and almost invisible eyeliner. The skin is very natural and softly flushed while the brows are strongly defined – it’s very uptown.

Oscar de la Renta

All about the eyes at Oscar de la Renta, but this look should probably be reserved for advanced eyeliner artists. You basically create a cat eye (so if you haven’t perfected that, maybe move on the next look) and bring the “flick” back inwards following the natural path of your crease. To make it appropriate in real life, don’t draw the line all the way back in, just do so slightly. My best tip is to create the shape with a pencil eyeliner (smudge as necessary with an angled brush), intensify it with a cream liner, and set it with black eyeshadow. Runway aside, I’m a little biased – one of the looks we shot for our fashion editorial in Paris was very similar to this and I just happen to be really inspired by the whole thing.

Saint Laurent

Only at Saint Laurent do you get the best of the rocker girls. Think sparkly gilded lids and lots of eyeliner. (I know…a lot of eye-focused looks here.) If you’re doing glitter, make sure to get a good adhesive – cream eyeshadows and vaseline work great! Not so fond of glitter? Work your own version with foil or pigment and in my opinion, gold is your safest bet.

Now here is my recreation of Carolina Herrera & Oscar de la Renta.

xo,
Susan
Follow me – Blog Instagram Pinterest Bloglovin

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The post Runway Beauty Looks You Can Totally Pull Off appeared first on Zanita Studio.

With the telecommuting slowly replacing a traditional workplace, it’s easier now more than ever to start a fashion freelancing career. There are tons of online fashion publications waiting for a writer just like you. According to Lifehack, in 2020 freelancers will make up 50% of the workforce, which is great news for creatives like you and me.

In just 3 simple steps you can beat the crowd and be on your way to freelance freedom.

1. Find a voice & style of writing that works for you.

Finding your voice takes the longest when you’re a fashion freelancer. You want it to flow, be relatable, and hold the reader’s attention. The longer you write, the faster you’ll find your voice and reach your goals of becoming a fashion freelance writer.

Then once you find your voice there are 2 avenues you can take: commercial and personal story telling. Here at Zanita Studio, we prefer personal story telling because it works best for us. The editors at Who What Wear focus on commercial fashion reports from a third person point of view.

2. Build a portfolio

If you’re serious about having a career in fashion freelancing, you should be writing at least 300-word blog posts 3 times a week. Any less than that and publishers won’t be able to get a good feel for your writing.

Plus the longer your posts are, mixed with good SEO, the higher you’ll rank in Google which will increase your chance of being scouted by a fashion freelance employer.

3. Pitch a story

The beauty about freelancing is most fashion sites have an e-mail you can send a story to, but make sure your subject line is catchy so you’re not overlooked.

It is very likely that you’ll have to start off freelancing for free to get your feet wet. Typically only those who’ve been in the game for a long time or who have a strong background in fashion journalism get paid right off the bat. Don’t let this deter you! Keep writing and as your voice and portfolio grow stronger so will your bank account.

Do you have any tips that will kick start a fashion freelancing career? Share them in the comments below!

xx Britt

Follow Me – Blog Instagram Periscope

Image Source Credits: The Everygirl, Officelovin’

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The post How to Kick Start Your Fashion Freelancing Career appeared first on Zanita Studio.

What’s up with nipples these days, huh?

Everywhere I turn there’s some new, nipple-related BIG DEAL. I remember when a little celebrity nip-slip was a hot’n’juicy piece of gossip. After the Janet-Jackson-Superbowl-incident, we don’t even believe in an accidental nip-slip anymore.

And all these “naked” dresses? It’s like even when I can’t see the nipple the whole thing is still about the nipples.

I’ve personally come full-circle on my bra journey too, because we all know that’s way more a mental thing than a physical thing. (Unless you have beautiful big, big boobies in which case I definitely agree it’s a matter of practicalities.)

When I first started “developing” (blush!), I worked for minimum wage as a “Sandwich Artist” at Subway so I could go out and buy bras.

They symbolized a portal to the world of womanhood. I wore them when I needed a confidence boost. When I wanted to attract young men who were that easily attracted.

Fast-forward to 2016 and holy smokes I think it’s the sexiest thing IN THE WORLD to see a woman in a crisp white shirt with no bra underneath.

When you can only just tell she’s not rocking the wires, because you’re staring at her from across the café so much anyway because she holds herself like she’s made of expensive but robust flowers.

It’s like she’s teasing her male companions – challenging them not to glance down when a cool breeze comes by their table. She looks them in the eye and these 30+ men turn into 13 year-old droolers.

Obviously stuff started blowing up after Free The Nipple was released in 2014, and lots of women use Instagram, and we can all agree that Instagram’s archaic policies just beg to be constantly taunted. Facebook blocks users who post incredible photos of topless tribal women practicing and celebrating their culture, but allows underage girls in push-up bikinis at the beach.

What’s so special about the areola? Men and women both have these same bits. Some women just have more tissue in that area. That’s the visual difference, so why aren’t there “decency settings” for side-boob? Why doesn’t Facebook block repeat under-boob-exposing offenders?

And while we’re at it, why are people having such oddly heated responses to Equinox’s latest breastfeeding advertisement? What’s the big deal? You’re in New York City for crying out loud – everywhere you turn there are mammoth pictures of Victoria’s Secret Angels in bras that push their boobs up so high they’re basically double chins.

One of these images perpetuates a singular and often dangerous ideal of beauty. The other one involves a mother and child. Guess which one gets more complaints.

Female nipples have always been in fashion. And in art. Oh – and in life. (Most of us even drank from them for several months!) I’m just getting real tired of feeling like someone else’s idea of “sexiness” somehow dictates what is an “acceptable exposure” of my body. If you can’t handle a bit of nipple, go home and finish puberty.

– Bri
Follow me: Instagram Twitter Portfolio Blog

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The post Why Are My Nipples Still Such a Big Deal? (FYI: Yours Are Too) appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, the booty is IN this season – ask around…

I’ve shared my favorite moves for washboard abs, supermodel legs, and no-gym days, but not yet for the perfect peach though all I hear is my sister talking about it, Instagram is full of perfect bums, and lord help you if you google them – everywhere! My personal booty inspiration comes from those beach babes at Its Now Cool.

This workout is great if you’re feeling a little tired or you’re in need of a ‘rest’ day. But you’re awesome, so you get your ass to the gym anyway, right?

I use ankle weights to add a bit of resistance, but you can do this without any weights and it’s still gonna sculpt those peachy cheeks. Ready to burn yet?

Here are the moves to help you get the perfect peach; it’s my ultimate booty workout!

The following exercises should be done one after another on one leg, then switch.

Left leg: 20 Donkey Kicks, 20 Straight Leg Donkey Kicks, and 20 Donkey Pulses then swap to your right leg and do the same. Just warning you – it is going to burn so remember to breath…

Donkey Kicks x 20 

Start on all fours. Keep your left knee bent at a 90-degree angle, lift your left leg up until you feel your left butt cheek engage. Squeeze that tush and flex your foot, then slowly bring your knees back down to starting position. Repeat.

Straight Leg Donkey Kick x20 

Start on all fours. Straighten your left leg out behind you. Slowly raise your left leg up as high as you can go while squeezing your derrière. Slowly lower your leg in a controlled movement until your toes touch the ground. Note: Up and down = 1 rep.

Donkey Pulse x20 

Start on all fours. Keep your left knee bent at a 90-degree angle and the bottom of your feet facing the ceiling, then lift your left leg up until you feel your left rump cheek engage. Flex your foot and slowly pulse up and down.

Single leg bench Lunges x10 (each leg) 

Standing in front of a bench, place your left foot backwards onto a bench ensuring it sits flat on the bench. Bend your right leg to a 90 degree angle and perform a lunge – drop your left knee towards the floor in a controlled manner. Then, raise yourself up by squeezing your bums. Repeat.

Step-ups x10 (each leg) 

Using a box, bench, or ledge – place one leg up onto the bench with the heel firmly planted. Drive up from that foot while squeezing your badonkadonk and quad as you raise your opposite foot off the ground. Lower your leg back down in a controlled manner then repeat.

Do them all x5!

I like to add a bit of cardio to my workout to get my heart rate up so 10 Calories on the assault bike after each round definitely does the trick!

Let me know how you feel in the comments below. Follow me on Instagram for workouts during the week to keep you inspired and motivated! I also want to see what you do for training so show me on Instagram using the hashtag #TheHarperMovement – I’d love to check you out!

SWEAT. MOVE. SMILE. #TheHarperMovement

Article by Mon – M.B Harper

Follow me on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, BlogLovin

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Image: Josie Clough

The post The Ultimate Booty Workout appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Beyond graphic handbags and statement jewelry, always leave it to your shoes to bring your outfit to the next level.

Gustav always tells me I have too many…but you and I know the facts, there’s truly no such thing as ‘too many shoes‘. I had the chance to visit the Kurt Geiger showroom when I was last in London and it had my heart beating so fast and my brain racing with ideas (the outfits!?). Yes ladies, shoes bring us much joy – and I’m grateful to Kurt Geiger for giving our team the chance to really share that with you. Fun is written all over these images (and the shoes) and that’s because there’s one for every kind of ‘personal’ style. Watch the video here!

1. Remember when we told you patent leather was back in the game? Look at those oxblood booties. It’s an instant hoist and really pops on neutral – so fresh it made the hair go wham!

2. Then back on the versatility train, we had to pick a pump but not a boring one so something texturized and uniquely cut with a metallic heel fit the bill. That is day to night perfection.

3. Of course not-so-basic black booties were a requirement – we’re in NYC. The block heels makes it great for running and catching cabs. It’s a downtown cool wardrobe essential.

4. Winter is over, but just in case it snows in March (which it certainly can), this is your go-to over the knee boot. You can even store it for the next few months…the style isn’t leaving our whereabouts anytime soon.

5. We keep hearing about the death of the white sneaker and we already have plenty so why not go for metallic? It’s such a festive Spring/Summer update – see how perfect it is for casual denim outfits or just about everything else. We’ll walk for miles in these.

-Zx

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The post 50 Shades of Kurt Geiger appeared first on Zanita Studio.