Mixing makeup outside of eyeshadow blending is probably one of my favorite things to do and having experimented with several concoctions for quite some years now, I’ve figured out my most trusted beauty cocktails.

My penchant for mixing products really started with mascara – this is not at all a one-size-fits all and for the life of me, I couldn’t find a singular formula that did what I liked – volume + length. So then I thought what if I used a volumizing mascara with a lengthening one and BAM, I finally discovered what worked for me which was about 12 years ago. I was even mixing like 5 mascaras at one point, but then you hit a peak and the output starts plummeting so two’s a charm. Since then, I’ve always known that makeup mingling would be a wondrous solution so I’m sharing with you the beauty products you should mix for maximum impact. The final result is always more dimensional, vibrant, and of course, photogenic – that’s always my end goal.

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Foundation & Nars Radiant Tinted Moisturizer OR By Terry Sheer Expert Foundation

Finding the right foundation color is always a little tricky for me as my face runs pink but my body runs yellow. Mixing Groenland from Nars and B20 from Chanel gives me just the perfect shade. The best thing is, both wear inconspicuously so they’re really a match made in heaven. The Nars moisturizer is also higher in SPF which is a great addition to bring in as we head inwards to summer. If I’m attending a photo-sensitive event, I’ll swap out the Nars for the By Terry Sheer Expert Foundation in Intense Beige (#8) as it contains zero SPF. It does feel slightly heavier on than the Chanel so the mixture creates an ideal texture for someone who doesn’t like the feel of heavy foundation. In front of the camera though – that’s my foolproof formula.

Stila Convertible Color – Lilium & Nars Blush – Madly

Lilium is a cool, blue-toned pink, which may even be a little too pink for my liking on its own, but that’s nothing a dusting of Nars Blush in Madly can’t fix. Madly is super soft and neutral with a hint of shimmer and it glides on so beautifully on top of Lilium. The combo also delivers the best staying power for blush.

Lancome Maquicomplet Complete Coverage Concealer & Dior Radiance Booster Pen

These days, I really need a full-coverage concealer under my eyes and my discovery of the Lancome Maquicomplet Concealer has been a huge life saver! The only issue is, it’s looks a little flat when used alone. That’s where Dior’s Radiance Booster Pen becomes its BFF. The mix creates the perfect amount of light in the center of my face and everything suddenly glows.

Dior Diorshow Mascara & Clarins Be Long Mascara

My mascara mixup was what led me to cocktailing from the get-go so I can’t create this post without talking about mascara. My latest go-to has been from Dior and Clarins exactly for the reason I described above – volume + lengthening. Both mascaras have very different brushes, but I can’t really do one without the other. The Dior mascara really sticks and creates good volume, then I bring in Clarins to help separate and extend.

Becca Liquid Highlighter – Moonstone & Laura Mercier Radiance Baked Compact

I maybe talked about these products countless times before but it’s something worth hammering over and over until you try it yourself. Strobing minus the no disco-ball effect calls for Becca Liquid Highlighter with the oh so subtle Laura Mercier compact. Glowing from within – such a strange thing to say but that’s exactly how it makes me feel. (Bonus: Apply with Real Techniques Setting Brush.)

xo,
Susan
Follow me – Blog Instagram Pinterest Bloglovin

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If there was one thing we saw on repeat back at Paris Fashion Week, it was the leather jacket.

The coolest street strutters wore it impeccably in all shapes and forms – oversized, bombers, classic, aviator-inspired, fur collars, and shearling touches. There goes your evidence that it’s the ultimate cool outerwear piece. And now that we’re headed into warmer temps, it’ll make a great transitional piece when you’re in need of light layers for chilly mornings and evenings. As if you need more conviction that it’s a necessity, we’ve broken it down further. You really need it.

#1 They look good with everything.

No matter what kind of style you’re drawn to be it preppy, west-coast casual, boho, or downtown chic, a leather jacket looks good with everything. Not just styles but silhouettes (skirts, dresses, denim, et al) and in all contexts – you could be headed for the office, a date night, or even church and it’ll never fail you. Seriously, if there’s only one wardrobe staple you invest in, let it be the leather jacket.

#2 They’re seasonless.

Leather jackets know no seasons nor trends. When was the last time you saw one worn, but appeared out of place? Never.

#3 They last forever.

They’re super durable and if we must say, they wear even better with time.

#4 They look good on everyone.

No matter your body type, you’re bound to find one that looks good on you. Plus they’re so versatile, you can essentially get away with a looser fit or cropped version.

#5 They travel well.

Jet setting in style? Search no more, this will be your default. It’s soft, comfortable, but never cumbersome.

Shop Our Favorites!

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Normcore killed fashion week. Fast fashion is killing good design. Kanye is killing the industry. Wah wah wah, cry me a river. It’s almost as though people are so busy with the “right now” that they forget our entire planet is steadily, and wondrously, moving forward in time.

Joe Corré, the son of punk herself Vivienne Westwood, is the latest to get outraged about how much things have changed. He just announced that he’s going to burn his entire punk collection. It has an estimated value of FIVE MILLION POUNDS.

Joe said: “Talk about alternative and punk culture being appropriated by the mainstream. Rather than a movement for change, punk has become like a fucking museum piece or a tribute act.”

Of course the crux of his argument is correct, and not an altogether unique complaint. It’s the same voice we hear complaining about gentrification or that “young people these days use their phones too much”.

Punk was brilliant. It had a purpose and it shook things up. It brought people together to fight against a system of oppression and allowed for a whole new way of expressing yourself – both politically and sartorially. But not only is punk from a different time, where people were fighting for different values with different resources, but punk ended up gaining such a broad audience that it became popular. Isn’t that a good thing if you believe in your message and are trying to make change?

There are some other issues I have with these complaints, too.

Firstly, I must admit, that I am suspicious of Joe. He claims to truly care about punk but was born into a position of immense privilege and connection to the scene, and decided that he would take that silver-studded spoon and turn it into a lingerie business.

It’s like a fratboy’s dream job. Maybe punk died because its caretakers were too busy thinking about boobs?

Next, I want to draw comparisons here to what Business of Fashion has been posting about recently – the idea that fast fashion actually encourages new design, rather than stifling it. Fast copycats force designers to be way more inventive at a way faster pace. The burnout is a sad by-product of this, yes, but it’s all part of moving forward in the 21^st century. Fashion can’t take what it wants of new technology (e.g. social media) and make the rest of it wait outside (eg. rapid production capabilities).

So old punk is dead? Boohoo! Make a new one! That’s what punks did – they responded to the needs and concerns of their time!

Finally, for an example from New York City (because I am always looking for an excuse to talk about New York City) I would like you to consider gentrification on Manhattan Island. The East Village used to be a creative hub with cheap rent built from equal parts heroin addicts and future superstars. (Not mutually exclusive.) The scene got big, the richer folks moved in, it lost that extra special edgy element, and succumbed to gentrification. Yes, it’s an awful thing to happen for the people who live there, but it also forces that special scene elsewhere – it creates a new vibe, a new set of people, new challenges and new opportunities.

Old hangouts need to die for fresh ones to grow. People get old and young whippersnappers rise up with opinions and songs. It’s exciting and it’s life. Punk is no exception.

Vivienne herself uses her platform for social change. Her “Free Julian Assange” t-shirt is the perfect example of what punk can still be. The beast has evolved. Joe Corré isn’t going to pause time for punks by throwing a huge and wasteful bonfire. Nor should he. Punk means something new now, and that’s a good thing.

– Bri
Follow me: Instagram Twitter Portfolio Blog

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The post Punk is dead!? Fashion is dead!? Nope! appeared first on Zanita Studio.

The New Year is always time for a fresh beginning but the second closest is Spring.

As the dreary, gloomy cold comes to a standstill, in comes the sun, singing birds, and soft-toned blooms. The universe suddenly mutates into a brighter and livelier place, and along with the rebirth of everything, half the world begins sweeping their homes away. While they’re doing that, I’m trying to tidy up my life (myself) a little so if you’re in need of a few ideas outside the traditional dusting off your home, here are some pointers to get you spring cleaning your life.

– Become in sync with yourself.

Time for an awakening. So much time has passed and with that you change so much, so soon. You need to get back in touch with yourself – take a second look at your core values, revisit your dreams and aspirations, and where you’ve been then hit reset as needed. When you have a clear vision of what you want, you can realign your actions and choices to match back to it. Clarity is what drives forward evolution.

– Refine your relationships.

There’s always much talk surrounding “getting rid of people who no longer matter”, but perhaps that starts with you. Have you not been putting forth the effort and time you need into the relationships that do matter? Are you underestimating the value of someone in your life that deserves your attention? It’s all in perspective, but it starts with you.

– Get your finances together.

Spring is also a signifier of tax season!! Yayy…actually, bummer for the process, but hooray for the refund. While you’re in that chaos, you should really look at the finer details of your financial situation – you may just be overlooking unnecessary expenses or costs that can result in dramatic savings.

– Workout!

Being that bikini season is just around the corner, now is the perfect time to clean up your diet and get moving. Remember: Lifestyle – that is key and we’ve got you covered right HERE!

– Detox your wardrobe.

We all get to a point where we grow up and so do our clothes along the way. The easiest way I detox my closet is by purging anything I haven’t reached for in the last two years and by that, I really mean donate (do a good deed while you’re at it). If my style has evolved, I’ll get rid of anything that no longer fits my aesthetic (e.g. body-con skirts, sequin-anything, ridiculous heels, etcetera etcetera).

xo,
Susan
Follow me – Blog Instagram Pinterest Bloglovin

Photo Credits – C Magazine, Vogue Turkey

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The post How to Start Spring Cleaning Your Life appeared first on Zanita Studio.

We absolutely love anything pastry-related; it’s like a drug!

So even though gluten-infested things aren’t the best digestive option and the aftermath of the intake results in us feeling quite awful, we’ll suffer the consequences for a decadent indulgent. And there’s no better excuse to satiate in all the pastries you can when in Paris! After our recent trip, though rather short for most of the team, we made our way around the innumberable patisseries and boulangeries that sit on all corners of the streets in Paris. We’ve picked our Top 5 you definitely must visit:

1 – Stohrer Patisserie

(51 rue Montorgueil, 75002 Paris, France)
First stop of the bunch and sure enough, it did not disappoint. The shop carries an amazing range of pastries – our favorites being the croissant and pain au chocolat – and ridiculously cheap too. With an intention of only buying 2, we ended up with a bagful and devoured it in no time. There was no better start to our mornings.

2 – Pierre Herme

(4 Rue Cambon, 75001 Paris, France)
Holding the King of Macarons’s namesake, it was certainly a tourist stop, but one worthwhile. Pierre Herme carries such an innovative range of macaron flavors although quite expensive (3 macarons for almost $7 USD), the entire art form (texture so on point), unique taste, and creative process makes us believe it’s worth it. The service too – beyond reproach.

3 – Laduree

(75 avenue des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris, France)
Laduree isn’t unique only to Paris, but the idyllic, elegant shop in its motherland is a beautiful experience. We dare you to walk by without the urge to peep through the windows. And the macarons, always on par as is expected. Makes perfect gifts for those back at home too.

4 – Sadaharu Aoki

(35 Rue de Vaugirard, 75006 Paris, France)
Probably one of the best Japanese patisseries in the city with a minimalistic, uncluttered decor that gloriously complements its too-pretty-to-eat pastries. The array comes in peculiar Japanese flavors, but still delicious nonetheless. If you’re tired of the usual Parisian delight or just looking for something out of the ordinary, head this way.

5 – Eric Kayser

(6 Rue des Petits Carreaux, 75002 Paris, France)
Delectable croissants, 5-star sandwich bread/baguette, but the tartes – absolutely divine! They know exactly how to do a sumptuous chocolate tarte. This is the perfect place for breakfast and lunch – an all-in-one if you need more than a pastry.

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Fish is one of the healthiest foods on the planet.

One of the perks of eating fish is that it makes your body happy and healthier. Tests have found that the fatty acids in fish are favorable in combatting depression and increases the success of antidepressant medications. All fish are packed in healthy nutrients, fatty acids, and full of protein, which are all vital for your body and brain. In fact, the fattier the fish, the healthier it is for your body. Trout and salmon happen to be two of those fatty fishes and so I thought I would make the perfect recipe that compliments their fresh and salty flavours.

I can’t stop thinking about this dish. I had a pretty bad day today – art project issues. I’ve been working on a sculpture for the past few weeks. It was made out of clay and then fired. I then moved on to make a mould of the sculpture so that I could make a final one using candle wax (the project was about using unconventional materials). I thought all would go to plan, but I was very very very wrong. I ended up with a broken sculpture, cuts all over my hands, peeling skin, a lot of candle wax in the bin and even more of my time lost forever. I don’t want to jinx anything, but I seem to have worked out the problem (I’ll find out tomorrow). Anyway, I wanted to lift my spirits, and so I did very successfully. I made this unbelievably delicious fish dish.

It’s basically baked or grilled fish & veggies, ideally with Mediterranean style vegetables, lemon juice, olive oil, sea salt, and oregano. The flavours work so well together. The vegetables become soft and crisp as they cook and develop almost a smoky flavour, which is complimented by the salty and zingy fish. It’s so easy to make and the washing up is very minimal – literally everything happens in one pan (hence the one pan plan). It’s best served piping hot from the oven.

Fish and Mediterranean Vegetables

Serves 1 (depending in how many fish fillets are used)

Ingredients:

• 1 trout or salmon fillet
• 1 red pepper, roughly chopped
• 1 spring onion, roughly chopped
• 1 onion, cut in eighths
• 1 lemon
• 2 tbs extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp sea salt
• pinch of pepper
• 2 tsp dried oregano

Method:

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius or 360 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a baking dish or cast iron pan.

Arrange all of your trout or salmon fillet (skin side down), red pepper, spring onion, and onion in your prepared pan. Squeeze the juice of the lemon over the ingredients and then place in the pan. Drizzle the olive oil over followed by the sea salt, pepper and dried oregano. Mix the ingredients together.

Cover the pan with tinfoil or a lid and place into the oven. Cook for 15 minutes until all has softened and the fish has cooked slightly. Then remove the foil or lid and cook for a further 5-10 minutes. By that time the fish will be cooked all the way through and the vegetables will be soft and crispy. Remove from the oven and serve immediately.

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

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The post One Pan Plan – Fish & Veggies appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Got a closet full of basic black boots? Sleek, classic pumps? Normcore sneakers?

Sounds like you need an adventure. Take a risk and freshen it up a little now that the long-awaited Spring is officially here! The one thing reigning our shopping list before all else in the shoe department is the once fashion-faux-pas white shoe! And if you’ve been paying attention to street style, you’d already notice an array of fashion pioneers embracing its return –

white shoes are really back!

The tricky thing about it is that you can go from modern and fresh to cheap and frumpy in less than ten seconds. So here are a few formulas that work if you’re ready to dive in:

– Start with a Pump or a Sneaker
If you’re a total newb to the white shoe assortment, your safest bet will be a classic pump with simple lines in high-quality leather (think Manolo Blahnik). This style looks good with everything even in a color as stark as white – it tends to bring a pronounced modern component to any outfit. If you’re treading even safer, you might as well don a bright white sneaker like these Adidas’s, which surprisingly looks good with everything too – it just brings a totally different appeal.

– Sleek White + Audacious Outfit
Although forward on its own, white has the power to tone down bright, daring outfits whether you’re color blocking or mixing bold, busy patterns – anything excessive falls on this plate, i.e. stripes, macro (or micro) florals prints. If not in the print, even the natural contours of your garments – exaggerative silhouettes or wispy, excessively flowy contours. A white shoe brings in that cohesive element especially when in a sleek style. An obvious example is the Stuart Weitzman Nudist Heel.

– Oxford or Loafer + Tailored Pieces
Skinny jeans, pencil skirts, menswear pants – a good white loafer or oxford will take your style game up a notch – fresh, fresh, fresh especially in colors that highly contrast white like black or red.

– Strappy Sandals + Feminine Pieces
Tulle skirts, anything pleated, romantic, and feminine always make a great foundation for strappy white heels.

– Slides + Casual Outfit
Something like Birkenstocks will never fail a casual shift or t-shirt dress, and denim cut-offs or denim anything really. The sun is out now and you’ll soon be meandering endless music concerts and summer festivals and there’s nothing better than doing so in the comfort of your slides.

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The post White Shoes are Back! appeared first on Zanita Studio.

One’s makeup journey is equivalent to that of developing a personal style.

All that means is that you’ll make some cringe-inducing mishaps along the way, but hey, look on the bright side, those embarrassing moments will have you a professional in no time. And thanks to my major screw ups, you’ll get to avoid them! From no eyebrows to train wreck ones, flaky skin, and appearing to have been slapped in the face, I’ve pretty much done them all. There’s no denying that looking back feels pretty comical as much as a handful of photos make me blench in shame. So what exactly were they?

– Eyebrows that are too angular.

The trick to creating natural, feathery eyebrows with a beautiful arch is in tools you’re using. First and foremost, you need a spoolie, which helps soften and brushes out harsh edges. Also, when creating a shape, focus on the bottom of your brows as well as the ‘tail’ as that’s usually where the most definition is needed. The softer that bottom line is, the less angular your brows will look.

– Overdoing foundation.

It’s easy to get carried away and apply too much foundation especially when you’re having one of those days. And it’s only proof when your face looks powdery, masked, or even ghostly. To fix this, take a damp sponge (hint, hint: my beloved beauty blender) and dab it all over. You can even take a face spray like Caudalie’s Grape Water, spritz it over your face and use the sponge to subtract some product.

– Applying too much blush.

The easiest way to remove excess blush is to take a flat top brush (Lancome Precision Cheek Brush), place it on top of your cheeks, and rub it in. If you don’t have a flat top brush, use a dusting of face powder on a fluffy brush right over your blush.

– Mascara smudges on the eyelid.

I’ve read advice about waiting for mascara smudges to dry and then wiping it off with q-tip, but I actually think the reverse is a better method. As soon as the smudges come about, take a wet q-tip and swipe it off – it comes off quicker and cleaner.

– Allowing dry skin to surface.

Dry skin under makeup NEVER looks good and sometimes a moisturizer alone isn’t enough. A good primer, however, is a different story. I didn’t believe it either until I discovered Hourglass N.28 Primer. The point though is that you’ll need to tool with a bunch of different ones yourself and find a formulation that works. There’s definitely one for every skin type in the plethora available.

– Under blending eyeshadow.

If you’re not great at blending eyeshadow, the only way to get better is to practice. If you’ve made a blooper, a dry q-tip is the best option for softening out harsh edges. It’s such an underestimated product and yes, even better than brushes at times. Just make sure the swab is parallel to your face, then tilt it in any direction you need, and gently smudge where needed.

xo,
Susan
Follow me – Blog Instagram Pinterest Bloglovin

Photo Credits – Byrdie

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Being an entrepreneur and running your own business is hard work. Once you start to grow, your company will need to scale and you’ll need to build a team. Since you’ve been a one woman show for so long this can be pretty scary, yet very necessary. So, here are 5 ways to run an online business successfully:

#1 Hire good people

This one is pretty obvious, but you’d be surprised by how many start-ups and entrepreneurs just hire the first person off the street to help them run their business! You should do your research for the specific role you’re trying to fill while keeping your own goals in mind because you want someone who is going to help you reach them.

You also want someone who brings something unique and creative to the table – a go-getter who will help you grow. This person is a master at his/her skill and adds massive value to your company.

#2 Delegate efficiently

Once you find your ideal team, trust them enough to delegate important tasks to them so you can focus on building your business. Katherine Power of Who What Wear says her job is to do what only she can do and she delegates the rest of the work. Take this advice, it’s golden.

#3 Don’t micromanage

Micromanaging is no fun for anyone. It makes your employees feel uncomfortable and intimidated, and makes for an awkward work environment. Yes, you are the boss, but you’re also a leader and leaders trust their team to make educated decisions on behalf of the business. The best companies are those who give their employees plenty of autonomy.

#4 Stay organized

Online businesses tend to move at a rapid pace and things can easily be overlooked because it’s all digital. Keep track of every expense, every sales peak, every Skype call, etc. If you’re a blogger, content calendars will rock your world, as will Excel spreadsheets, Gmail folders, and scheduling services like Hootsuite or MeetEdgar.

#5 Know & stay ahead of your competition

It’s extremely important to stay on top of trends. It takes years to truly know your market and what you’re up against. Just when you think you have the latest and greatest idea, you come to find you’re a day late and dollar short. You can avoid this to some degree by collaborating with your competition instead of trying to beat them. Team work makes the dream work.

Do you have any advice for running an online business? Sound off in the comments below!

xx Britt

Follow Me – Blog Instagram Periscope

Image Source Credits: yourcoffeebreak, Forbes

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The post 5 Ways to Run an Online Business Successfully appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Is there going to be a school where all the little Angel babies go together? A pop-up creche that sits alongside the lingerie-packed Christmas special photoshoots?

Behati Prinsloo announced she was pregnant with her first baby about a week ago and the internet went wild. Then Candice Swanepoel shared an image of her belly with the news that she was entering her second trimester, and boy oh boy, is it just me, or did people lose their minds?!

Why? Why do people get so crazy about the idea of VS Angels having babies? It’s more than your normal celebrity-news hype. There’s something odd going on.

Here’s my theory:

The VS Angels are specimens. Rigorous workouts and strict eating plans help them maintain the bodies of athletes. Combine this with winning-the-genetic-lottery facial structures, and you have the apex of our generation’s commercial beauty ideals. Different from the Paris-runway-waif look, these women are the examples of “sexy” that we’re sold.

Sitting high up there on those pedestals makes it irresitible for the rest of us to watch on and see what happens when a spanner (spermatoza) is thrown into the mix (womb).

What are they gonna look like with a big bump? Will they quit modelling? Are they going to be ready for the next runway? Do they even want to?

I mean, come one, is there a secret “Golden-Wings Award” for fastest post-baby-to-runway recovery? Miranda Kerr got to wear the $2.5 million Fantasy Bra the year she made a triumphant return to the runway after having her first child. Heidi Klum set the record when she walked the runway just 5 weeks after giving birth a few years ago. Adriana Lima did it in 5 weeks with her belly exposed.

I can’t even commit to buying diet Greek yoghurt for 5 weeks in a row.

Most women can’t exercise twice in a day, and most women don’t have personal chefs or rockstar husbands. But every society has its mythologies and we all feel good when we aspire towards self-improvement. For me, the critical thing to remember is that these women are paid to sell products, and that so long as we remember that and enjoy they show, we’ll be okay.

– Bri
Follow me: Instagram Twitter Portfolio Blog

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The post Candice is the Latest VS Angel Making a Baby: Why We’re All So Pumped appeared first on Zanita Studio.

I love to run, but I can’t run far and it’s something I want to get better at.

With the launch of the new Nike LunarEpic Flyknit, I thought it would be a great opportunity to chat with Sydney’s Head Running Nike Coach, Sam Strutt, about how us amateurs can improve our running!

What are the most common errors novice runners make that are holding them back?

Be consistent

It’s not going to be easy or pretty, but getting out there and running is the best thing you can do to improve your running. You won’t see an improvement if you are getting out there once every few weeks. You’ve decided to start running so get out there and run!

Celebrate every win

One of the Nike+ Run Club philosophies is “Every day better”, and as a coach, this is something I try to impart on all of my athletes. Set a goal to go to bed a better version of yourself. That’s it – just get better. If you are trying to get up running 5km without stopping, but find yourself needing a break at the same spot every time, think “every day better”. Then add another 200 metres or run another minute when you feel like stopping next time. You should be proud of any improvement, no matter how small.

Have fun

Try running with a friend to make it social and fun – a friend will keep you accountable; getting out of bed in the dark for a run is a bit easier when you know someone else is counting on you. I use running as my social time in between work and coaching – it’s my time to catch up with mates.

What are 20% of the form/techniques that result in 80% of improvements and efficiency?

There are small things you can do that can improve your efficiency and make running that little bit easier:

Use your core

Your core will help minimise side-to-side movement making you more efficient and help drive your knees up for speed.

Stay upright

This will help you to breathe easily and engage your core.

Land under your hips

If you are over-striding, meaning your feet are landing out in front of you, your feet are actually acting as a brake. Landing directly under your hips will help propel you forward.

Relax your hands

Tensing your fists will cause tension in your whole upper body. Stay relaxed and imagine you are holding an egg. Close your fists, but relax so the egg doesn’t break.

What are the essential tools and equipment every runner needs?

I always have my foam roller and other massage tools handy. Muscle tension is super important for running and these tools will help keep your muscles at an optimum tightness to avoid injury and avoid losing essential power from your run.

Make sure you are in the right gear – Nike Running shoes and apparel are designed to support your body’s temperature regulation and movement specific to running. When you choose shoes, make sure they are comfortable first and foremost.

Track your progress with a watch or an app. Nike+ Running is free and compatible with most devices and allows you to track your progress easily, share with friends, and set up training plans to reach goals like a half marathon.

Many thanks to Sam for giving us awesome advice on how to make running a bit easier! Note to self: I’m literally going to run with an egg since I always tense my fists! Jokes – not really but I’ll definitely imagine that I have one  Get running my workout buddies

SWEAT. MOVE. SMILE. #TheHarperMovement

Article by Mon – M.B Harper

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

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Get Motivated

Images: Pinterest

The post 10 Effective Tips to Improve Your Running appeared first on Zanita Studio.

It’s a brave new world.

So what’s next?!

‘The Zanita Show’!!!

It’s happening Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5pm here in NYC (for Sydney, thats 8am Wednesdays and Fridays) on Facebook LIVE. We’re running for about 15-20 minutes depending on how much you guys like it! If you tune in, you can ask questions for me to answer plus we’re going to have a special segment with challenges and games. The first episode goes live in just 3 hours…I’m getting nervous!

Our first topic is TRAVEL – you can ask anything travel-related and I’m going to do my best to answer them all.

Don’t worry if you can’t tune in on time! The videos will be uploaded to Youtube so you won’t miss a thing.

“The Zanita Show”

5pm EST every Tuesday and Thursday on Facebook LIVE

Tune in and hang out with me!

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Video: What’s In My Bag?Video: 24 Hours in LondonFlorence Video Diary

The post Extra Extra!! We’re Going LIVE With Our Own Series: The Zanita Show appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Clearing our cabinets at the Studio!

We couldn’t be more excited for Spring cleaning after enduring a super high-low winter (make up your mind already mother nature!) because all it means is that the temperatures are rising – we get more sun. More daylight. That just gives us more reason to ransack the beauty cabinet and rotate out old products for new ones. After much dialogue over what’s fresh and worthy, we compiled each of our top Spring beauty buys into a small list of only the best ones you need for the warm weather months. From the best sun protection to two-in-one lip/cheek tints and hydrated skin, you’re fully covered.

Zanita – & Other Stories Cheek & Lip Tint – Aerin Rose Oil

Brittany – NYX MLS21 Matte Butter – Marc Jacobs Daisy

Susan – Avene Hydrating Light Moisturizer – Supergoop Sunscreen

Bri – Butter London Petrol Overcoat

Nicole – Goody Hair Hairbands – Goody Clips

Mon – Organic Coconut Oil

Shop Our Picks!!

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4 Beauty Trends That Need to Retire Now
Runway Beauty Looks You Can Totally Pull Off
6 Beauty Products We All Must Try This Spring

The post Studio Roundup: Top Spring Beauty Picks appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Carrot + Pea + Potato = Carreato ball

You guys, remember the Falentil ball? Well, I’d like to introduce you to his cousin, the Carreato ball. They are in fact brothers, born to the same parent (me) and in the exact same place (my head and then my bedroom kitchen).

The Carreato ball is both super flavourful and healthy, similar to his big bro. But I added a few special ingredients this time, which bring warm spicy flavours to the veggie ball; they include paprika, cumin, oregano, chilli, coriander seeds, and curry powder. These delicious spices are mixed into a combination of carrots, peas, potatoes, cooked onion, cous cous, and coconut flour. The combination is just perfect. At first bite you can feel the soft and light texture of the ball thanks to the cous cous. Then you taste the sweet and salty flavour of the spices and onions. Finally, you feel the texture of little green peas popping in your mouth.

Not only are these Carreato balls delicious to taste, but they are also incredibly healthy, filled with all kinds of vitamins, proteins, and fibres. Did you know that spices are healthy for you? “Technically, spices are vegetables in concentrated form,” says Wendy Bazilian (food expert), “Like veggies, they contain thousands of healthy phytonutrient compounds, including antioxidants.” Lucky for you, these veggie balls contain plenty of spices and make the perfect vegetarian alternative meatball dish.

Carreato Balls

Makes about 28 Carreato balls

Ingredients:

• 4 potatoes, peeled
• 3 carrots, peeled
• 2 tbs olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• ½ cup peas
• ¼ cup sesame seeds
• 1 ½ cups cooked cous cous
• ¾ cup coconut flour
• 1 tbs ground turmeric
• 1 tsp ground paprika
• ¼ tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp oregano
• pinch of chilli flakes (optional)
• ½ tsp coriander seeds
• 1 tbs curry powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 3 eggs

Method:

Place a pot over the stove filled ¾ with water. Bring to the boil. Chop your carrots and potatoes into small pieces. They should be roughly the same size so they cook evenly. Once the water is boiling, add the carrots and potatoes. Leave to cook for about 10-15 minutes or until soft. In the last 2 minutes, add your peas to the water and cook. Once all is cooked, remove from the heat and drain of the water. Place to the side for a moment.

Warm the olive oil in a pan over a low to medium heat. Add your finely chopped onion and a little salt to the pan. Leave to cook for about 5 minutes or until translucent. Stir regularly so that they don’t burn. Once cooked, remove from the heat and place into a large mixing bowl. Don’t wash the pan, you’ll use it again later.

Add all of your ingredients to the bowl with the onions and mix well together. You want to try mashing all of the ingredients together using a spoon or utensil of choice. Once you have a wet dough consistency move on to shaping the balls.

Scoop heaped tablespoonfuls of the mixture into your hands (wetting your hands helps the balls not stick). Roll them into round balls and then place on a piece of baking paper or a tray. Continue rolling balls until all of the mixture is used up.

Place your pan back on the heat and again, add a little oil. Add your balls to the pan (you don’t want to overcrowd the pan, so cook them in stages). Leave them to cook for about 3-5 minutes. Flip them regularly so that they get an even golden crust. Remove from the heat and sprinkle with a little sea salt.

Serve warm or at room temperature. They can be eaten plain or with dip, vegetables or salads.

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

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The post The Perfect Meatball Substitute: Carreato Ball appeared first on Zanita Studio.

It’s still a tad chilly, but we’re gradually seeing more sun alongside the increased frequency of the little birdies singing their morning lullabies.

And as has always been the case in the past, we might as well call it summer after we get through the first hump in April! But until we get there, we can fake that summer glow – the kind that looks like we’ve spent a full day sauntering by the poolside or billowing in the sand.

I can’t pinpoint how makeup routines come about, but I’m sure most of you are accustomed to seeing cheek products applied in this order: 1. Bronzer, 2. blush, and 3. Highlighter. But surprise! I have a twist – let’s engage in my little gimmick for achieving the best ingenious, no-makeup glow.

Step 1: Apply your liquid and cream bases.

As always, get your base on and don’t forget to load up on SPF! More sun equates to a ramp up in your perspiration and that in turn results in makeup being prone to slipping and sliding. So especially in the warmer months, I stand by my cream and liquid products to lay a foundation.

Step 2: Stipple on your bronzer.

Stipple your bronzer along the perimeter of your face and then blend. Don’t be afraid of faint shimmer in when the sun is out.

Step 3: Dust on your highlighter.

Contrary to what we’re used to, move onto highlighter and NOT blush – graze it along the high points of your face and any other areas you want to jolt forward, but not too much because you’ll be gleaming from the natural moisture of your body anyway.

Step 4: Apply your blush.

Illumination isn’t paramount when the sun is out so I save blush for last as it withholds any intensity that was created from the bronzer and highlighter. A coral-based blush is perfect for Spring/Summer because it just gives you a fresh, flushed glow.

So try it yourself, swap the order of your blush & highlighter!

xo,
Susan
Follow me – Blog Instagram Pinterest Bloglovin

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Studio Roundup: Top Spring Beauty Picks
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The post One Small Trick to Get Your Best Summer Glow appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Spring is such a magical time of the year. When you can sit in a park in spaghetti straps so the sun warms your neck, and your nose is only a tiny bit itchy from all the new pollen, and people are flirting everywhere! It’s time you go to more parties again – and that means having interesting things to talk about – and that means reading. It’s time for entertaining guests with new recipes. It’s time for some new style inspiration… 

It’s time for the Zanita Studio Spring Reading Guide.

The Best New Fashion Bible = Advanced Style: Older and Wiser

We all love Advanced Style. I mean really, really, loved. Ari Seth Cohen’s work has so much to offer. Not only broadening fashion’s gaze to those over the age of “sexy infant muse”, it celebrates bold and daring older women without reducing them to caricatures. The book is full of encores of your favourite ladies (e.g. Iris Apfel) as well as debuts (gents for the first time!) and there are lessons to learn on every page. Pre-order now for April delivery.

Best quote:

I must tell you that I am not really an old lady; just cleverly disguised as one.

The Most Raucous New Memoir = I’ll Never Write My Memoirs

Look at that pokey-tongue! On the cover! Even the title is cheeky. You don’t even need me to write anything here – it’s Grace Jones – she sells herself. Seriously though, this book takes you on a wild and joyous ride. At points she becomes a little self-indulgent and some of her writing style requires an open mind. I recommend taking a break from reading to get a coffee and after just 15 minutes you’ll come back to the book and be startled all over again.

Best quote:

Shaving my head led directly to my first orgasm.

The Tastiest Not-So-New Cookbook = I Know How to Cook

This incredible collection of recipes can only be delved into in Spring because only now can you start jogging enough to shift the extra sticks of butter off your butt. Honestly, this book should come with a warning to your arteries. WARNING: Must be purchased with a fitbit and some new gear. Ginette Mathiot has published over 30 cookbooks in her lifetime and this huge, bright, colourful book from Phaidon has 1400 not-too-tricky recipes in it. It’s your new French food bible.

The Delightful Spring Fiction Page-Turner = Miss Hazel and the Rosa Parks League

Things you need to know about this book to understand it enough to know it’s going to be awesome: set in the 1950s; Mississippi; Pre-Civil-Rights era; a rich white woman and a poor black woman who originally hate each other team up to turn their small town around. If you liked The Help then you’ll love this. (I know, I know, everyone is saying that, but it’s true!)

Best quote:

Rosie’s stirring up a lot of trouble for white folks…They say she forgot who she was. Forgot her place…I figger it was the other way ’round. I figger she remembered who she was.

The Moving and Insightful Memoir = Enemy

Ruth Clare has written a book about the suffering that followed her father home to Australia from the Vietnam War. It’s a story of domestic violence, PTSD, national shame, and a young woman coming of age on the surface despite never fully being able to let go of her childhood trauma. This book isn’t a happy-go-lucky walk in the park, but Clare manages to find a human in the monster and reading this book will make you a better person.

Best quote:

I was born into the war still raging inside my father. The DNA he gave me came charged with trauma that he didn’t know how to process, and as my life unfolded it seemed I was fated to follow in his footsteps.

So there you have it! Plenty of rooftop-cocktails-chatting material. Plenty of style inspiration and tasty new ideas for noms. Go forth and Spring!

– Bri
Follow me: Instagram Twitter Portfolio Blog

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I Ain’t Afraid of No Subconscious Gender Bias
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The post Get Excited! It’s the Zanita Studio Spring Reading Guide! appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Fluid. Tailored. Classic.

There goes three words to describe this season’s chicest silhouette: The Wide Leg Trouser. For several years now, we’ve reached for nothing but our Skinnies and though the style isn’t entirely out – because it’s become a kind of staple – street style shows us again and again that leg openings are only getting bigger (and better)! Better because there are so many more reasons to love the loose fit outside of its inherent timelessness. It hides all the pudgy places we wished never existed and it’s extremely leg-lengthening – even more so with the inclusion of heels. The style also works for all shapes, sizes, and height so no wonder history repeats itself here – first from women releasing themselves of their cliched corsets way back when (yes! to females wearing the pants), then onto the 70s-80s Charlie’s Angels/hippie movement and power dressing, and finally 90s grunge (baggy trouser + crop top combo). And here we are today – embracing every style and every trend, forging our own personal style.

The timing of its return couldn’t be more convenient…

Let loose for Spring/Summer!

Now, here’s how you can adopt the trend:

• Tailored tops and blazers add length to the torso, which balances out the ultra-wide bottom.
• Swap out skinny trousers and skirts for a fresh, feminine look – all it takes is a silk camisole and you’re instantly date-ready.
• For the vertically challenged, embrace your waist line (e.g. tuck in your shirt) and add a pair of sleek heels.
• High-waisted styles create a sophisticated visual appeal while low and slung manifest a sporty, casual aesthetic.
• Show off a great pair of heels (or loafers) with a cropped version.

Shop Our Favorites!

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The post The Season’s Chicest Silhouette (It’s Not The Skinny) appeared first on Zanita Studio.

So I broke a promise with you all…

I was going to post Episode 1 of The Zanita Show and failed due to technical difficulties. Also, the first episode was a bit awkward and crap. Let’s put that behind us! If at first you don’t succeed, give it another bloody go.

So, Episode 2 is here for your enjoyment!

I LOVED doing this episode – it was lovely to chat away and share some ideas and experiences. It’s even more wonderful to share it in this way – feels really genuine and direct. I know that tuning in at those precise times isn’t possible for all of you given we’re all rocking different timezones so if you have any questions or ideas beforehand, please send them through to show@zanita.com, comment on this post, or comment on the Youtube video.

We have many more exciting Episodes coming up next week and beyond.

“The Zanita Show”

5pm EST every Tuesday and Thursday on Facebook LIVE

Tune in and hang out with me!

photo courtesy of The File

The post LIVE Q&A Goes South Quickly: The Zanita Show appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Everybody wants their piece of the pie in fashion.

And we’ll be first to tell you it’s probably the BEST and most fulfilling creative industry to work in, BUT that doesn’t come without a huge tolerance for a load of other crap. You’ve heard the good, seen the pretty, but hardly the ugly and the bad. We’re here to usher you into the light – disclosing the harsh realities of working in fashion – so brace yourself!

#1 Lots of painful egos.

Snarky attitudes, maximal arrogance, and straight up assholes spitting retorts – there are an unnecessary pool of them. One or two situations sound tolerable, but a profuse amount? Just be ready. On the upside, there are so many amazing personalities that’ll make the said assholes bearable.

#2 It can be socially draining.

From one social event to another – it never comes to a close. Meeting after meeting and dinner after dinner (though we can’t really complain about the food part), the hours you spend in the company of people you may not really enjoy – you have not the slightest idea how draining that can be (until it’s done). All the introvert fluff about gaining energy when you’re alone, be ready to give it up!

#3 Unnecessary social politics.

“It’s all about who you know” – sounds like life altogether, right? Wrong. It’s undeniably realest in fashion, which can be irritating when you don’t really know anyone. Someone’s frailties can kill your expertise for this one reason.

#4 Forget enjoying the moment.

Fashion requires you to work months in advance (just take a second to ponder the noise surrounding Fall 2016 trends when Spring hasn’t even began). And the rate has accelerated exponentially because the short attention spans of the millennials and Generation Z (thanks us!). The fashion journey can feel so liberating and exciting in the beginning stages when you have a bundle of little projects, but as you breakthrough, you start to realize you’ll never fully embrace the fruits of your struggle because by the time it debuts, you’re already 6 feet deep into next season’s affairs.

#5 The pressure is real.

Why did Raf Simmons leave Dior? What pushed Alexander McQueen to the edge of the cliff? And what the hell caused John Galliano to sputter those painful remarks? Those are all primary examples of exceptionally creative and capable individuals who were pushed to their limits and proof that there is a ridiculous amount of pressure to be dealt with in the fashion industry. It takes very special human beings to carry the load and not break.

#6 It never ends.

Above all, the cycle is unending. You’re starting a new season, new projects before finalizing touches on old ones. As insinuated in Point #2, me time need be carefully considered or lost altogether. The people, the pressure, the affairs – the ENTIRE ongoing environment is exactly what it is: interminable!

But when it’s all said and done, the editorials, video – final products and recognition are all reminders of why you risk yourself. Why you grudgingly lope across the open battlefield time and time again. So think twice..

Do you really want to get into the fashion game?

Photo Credits: The Light of Now

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The post The Harsh Realities of Working in Fashion appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Florals for Spring!

You presume – “not so revolutionary”…however, in an aeon where slip dresses and minimalism dominate, micro (or macro) blooms and ditzy prints feel over & above whimsical, but in a way that’s not so delicate. The floral dress redux is instantly made modern through haphazard styling – think socks with sandals – another not so groundbreaking element, but something that’s quite tough to pull off; powerful layering pieces like leather jackets, bombers, anoraks, and fur; or just really clunky, not-so-pretty hooves (sneakers will do it too). So whether you’re dashing through the streets, soaring across the globe, or drifting into the countryside, let the flowery gown be your summer uniform.

And allow these vast personas in their most basic foundation to spring your imagination…

Meet Jean and her assistant, Minnie.

Jean is a marketing executive with a family – she’s a classic and all about being fuss-free (hence the maxi dress – it requires almost zero styling). That also means moisturizer, a swipe of mascara, and lipgloss is all she needs – she’s become top-knot master. On a rainy day, she pairs floral dresses with timeless trench coats and swaps out strappy sandals for sneakers.

At the office, Minnie manages Jean’s schedule, grabs her coffee, and runs her errands. Minnie eats avocado toast for breakfast and drinks green tea lattes. After work, she attends barre classes religiously and walks her dog, Bruce. When she’s feeling adventurous, she’ll wear socks with her block-heel pumps and often brings a bomber jacket to combat the office chill.

Jean – Tory Burch Maxi Dress – Gianvito Rossi Suede Sandals – See by Chloe Bucket Bag – Elizabeth & James Cuff

Minnie – Carven Floral Mini Dress – Aquazarra Patent Leather Pumps – Marie Turner Honeycomb Clutch – Samantha Wills Harvest Moon Ring

This is Martha and her good friend, Dorothy.

Martha recently quit her corporate job in LA to run a vintage clothing boutique. Before doing so, she spent 3 months trotting across Southeast Asia where she discovered her newfound love for textiles and mixing bold prints and patterns. She’s one of those West Coast girls that does fur or shearling in the Fall/Winter – the heavier the better especially with a dainty floral dress.

Dorothy helps Martha at the boutique during the night. When not at the boutique, she sells flowers at the local farmer’s market. She’s a hippie, an animal lover and treehugger. If she’s not wearing ballet flats, she lives in white loafers. She often times favors a longline blazer to get through LA’s windy nights.

Martha – House of Holland Floral Midi Dress – Kara Tie Tote – Castaner Suede Espadrilles

Dorothy – Sportmax Floral Maxi Dress – Steven Lace-up Flats – Loeffler Randall Triple Zip Shoulder Bag

Here we have Thalia!

She’s a millennial – a recent college graduate and NYC transplant struggling to find a job in fashion. Career aside, her ongoing battle lies in trendy, statement-making heels or carefree, cool girl comfort. She learns quickly that practicality beats twee and a biker jacket might be just what she needs to guard her against the big city perils – either that or one of these authoritative dusters. What do you say?

Thalia – For Love & Lemons Floral Mini Dress – Ivanka Trump Pom Heel Sandals – Whistles Faux Leather Clutch – Adia Kibur Chandelier Earrings

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5 Reasons You Need a Leather Jacket
The New Cool Way to Wear Lace

The post How the It-Girls Wear the Resuscitated Floral Dress appeared first on Zanita Studio.