The Superhero Effect

I used to run. I even did two 10-mile runs and raised some pretty decent amounts of money by doing it. Then, in 2009, my back began telling me something was wrong, but I was too involved in my career to hear it. I was too focused in worrying and stressing out over things that really didn’t matter: work, money, work again, less money, more work, slightly more money, more work, and more stress. Finally, in summer 2010 I had to stop. After several trips to the emergency room, countless medical tests, my back gave me a big fat “I told you so” and I had to quit my job.

During the last 3 years, I’ve encountered many back specialists, therapists of all kinds, I have tried several treatments, heard different diagnoses, have had my body scanned left, right and centre. I started doing Pilates – which meant I could do things like walking my dog, or even riding a bike now and then. The only thing that was certain, was that I couldn’t run, or jump, or stand for more than a couple of hours. It turned out I also couldn’t really sit for a few hours either, so again, I lost a second job.

The human brain is a curious thing. When someone tells you that you can’t do something, then you really want to do it.

Even when I could run, I really didn’t get it completely. I just did it for charity, because I could, because it was good for me…but not because I wanted to. I used to wonder when running outside, “why am I running? No one is chasing me! This hurts!” Then at the gym, at the treadmill, I felt like a lycra-clad hamster. However, when back therapists and doctors told me that running may never be in the cards for me, that’s when it really hit me. And it hit me in the form of anxiety, depression and A LOT of rage.

Then one day, I watched Eddie Izzard’s Believe, a documentary on his life and his pursuit of many goals, including his career.

“You’ve got to believe you can be a standup before you can be a standup.
You have to believe you can act before you can act.
You have to believe you can be an astronaut
before you can be an astronaut. You’ve got to believe.”

The brilliant Eddie Izzard is a hugely successful comedian, an actor, and now, also a runner.  I watched in awe while he ran 43 marathons in 51 days around the UK. Recently I watched how he attempted to run 27 marathons in 27 days, as a tribute to Nelson Mandela. He didn’t manage to complete this challenge because, basically, his body told him to f*ck off.

Which is, really, what tends to happen when you are convinced you can do something, but then life has other plans. Watching Eddie, I began to believe I could run because… why not? Except my back kept telling me to, you guessed it, f*ck off.

I would get angry, yell, quietly curse at runners in the park – I’m really silly when I’m jealous – feel depressed when my friends signed up to runs I had to watch from the side. I could tell my body “hey you, you can do pilates, you can walk up stairs, why can’t you run a little?” My body would still tell me to f*ck off.

Even with my legs, hips, knees and back refusing to cooperate, I dreamt of doing it all. I imagined myself running miles and miles, completing marathons, winning an Olympic medal. I pictured myself doing amazing things.

Why am I telling you this? Because , yesterday I bought a new pair of trainers…

 

And, because today, June 20th 2013, I imagined no more. … I ran.

No photoshop, just pasty-white and out-of-breath me. Early am. So glamorous

Barely a 2 km run, and at a speed so slooooow, birds wouldn’t even move out of my way – I’m pretty sure a couple of pigeons actually mocked me. I finished exhausted, light headed, almost collapsing as I walked through my front door.

My 7 year old mini dachshund mix, after the run, continued to jump up and down sofas – mocking me, animals tend to do this around me – wrecking his toys apart by shaking them non-stop. It felt like when Carrie Bradshaw fell on the catwalk and Heidi Klum walked over her. My dog being Heidi, a fabulous athletic creature of German origin.

I don’t know if I will be able to run a marathon, but what I did today is already pretty cool. I don’t know if I will be able to run fast, or if my back will allow me to jog regularly, but stretching afterwards, then eating my big breakfast with the best tasting coffee (EVER!!!) felt insanely good. As @karleensmith told me over Twitter:

@fashionlimbo no other feeling like it. It’s the superhero effect 🙂 x

— Karleen Smith (@karleensmith) June 20, 2013

“the superhero effect”

I’m dedicating my first run to those around me that, knowingly or not, helped me run today: Rob, Daniela, Luli and my awesomely brilliant back therapist Ramon Gassó. They made me ready for this, with their support and advice.

And then there’s the great runners out there, that have made me dream of being them. That every time I heard them talk of their running achievements, I thought “I’ll do the same some day”. The amazing Bangs from bangsandabun.com and spikesandheels.com, who is a genius when it comes to motivating the masses. Then there’s lovely Gemma retrochick.co.uk and her health & fitness blog lipsticklettucelycra.co.uk. There are so many inspirational women and men in Twitter … I can’t name all of you, but you know who you are.

Marta & Laura, two teenie-weenie running-addicts from Madrid who are so bloody “chulas” I adore them, and my aunt Sylvia, whom I repeatedly watched leaving her house on bloody cold mornings in London, to run around her neighbourhood like a trooper.

And basically everyone that believed in me, told me to forget about the naysayers and focus on what I wanted to do.

Life begins when you realise you are capable of doing amazing stuff.

Pictures: Fashion Limbo

& Other Stories opens in Barcelona

Last night I braved the awful weather in Barcelona to attend the exclusive opening party for & Other Stories, the new store/brand to come out of the H&M dream factory. Despite the rain and cold wind, the fashionable people in Barcelona showed up to celebrate the designs and beauty products offered by the new brand to storm the retail front. Scroll down for pictures and my review of the entire experience.

To me, & Other Stories seems like a candy store for devoted followers of fashion. In terms of the Spanish market, many items would probably puzzle shoppers used to less riskier brands such as Zara or Mango, but if they are looking for the Scandinavian desing of COS, paired with the quirkyness of H&M’s most adventurous styles, then & Other Stories could be a lot of fun.

Things get even more exciting when it comes to their accessories collection. There is no room for boredom. Extremely covetable with shapes and colours that are unavoidably eye catching at times, in loud and vibrant shades, and on the other side of the spectrum, items that favour minimalistic lines. As I walked out of the underground floor dedicated solely to shoes, bags, shades and other tit bits, I couldn’t help but think to myself “well played, Stories, well played”.

I may have fallen for the burgundy/shiny pair above, and I may have or may have not bought them already

It was a fun event: great music, cool atmosphere, canapés and bubbles galore. The layout of the store meant there was space for a lot of people, waiters, photographers and shoppers.

The beauty section had me quite intrigued. I loved the packaging, very simple, effective and the colours in the nail bar were extremely attractive. I was gifted with the Moroccan Tea Body Mist, light and fresh, perfect for summer. I used it this morning, right after my shower, and, at almost 4pm, it’s still present, in a soft, subtle way.

My verdict on the brand? Honestly, I’m excited. It could be because I live in Spain, surrounded by the Inditex empire and quite fancied something different. The medium to high price tags – below COS but more expensive than H&M – may be a drawback, but it is an entire different shopping experience. The staff made sure we were treated superbly, but it remains to be seen whether they will always be as helpful. I couldn’t have had more fun at the shoe section, the girl giving me a hand was also dedicating herself to please several other customers around me, never ceasing to smile. The shoes are nicely packaged and they seem to be of good quality. The cosmetics appear to be more affordably priced. With regards to the clothing, again, I think time will tell whether & Other Stories manages to please initial customers and create a following like that of sister brand COS. Quality needs to exists with these higher prices.

Oh yes… I bought the shoes. It was a strong tie between these and their siblings in black, but I went for these burgundy beauties. The more I look at them, the more I like them. What do you think?

Is there an & Other Stories where you are? Or will you be shopping online? Do you think this could be a brand for you?

Pictures: Fashion Limbo

PS. Thanks to Santiago Asensio and the team behind Area CG for inviting me to the event xx

Why there’s so much to love about Solange

She’s no new-comer. She definitively isn’t unknown. She has been the little sister, the back-up dancer, the next Diana Ross, the hipster fashion icon, and now she’s a hot DJ and the singer behind a single I’m obsessed with. Solange (Knowles) is hot.

The first time I heard about Solange was back in the early noughties. Destiny’s Child were the biggest girl band at the time and Beyonce’s solo career was about to take off. Solange was only 16 and poised to be the next best thing. At the time her entourage described her as something completely different to her superstar sibling, Beyonce. However, it wasn’t until a couple of years ago, and more strongly right now, that her sound and style have finally set her way apart from everyone else.

She is now being dubbed “hipster queen” – a tag she disagrees with – as her new single receives global praise and music critics brand it reminiscent of an early Madonna sound. Her personal style has her appearing time after time in front row shows, fashion events and she stars in the coolest blogs and magazines. She has become the hottest and most stylish DJ everyone wants to book.

What do I like about her? Her hair, the shoes she wears in her latest video, her dance moves, her eyes, her voice and the beats her songs carry.

Her earlier work, with strong Motown strokes, Sol-Angel And the Hadley St Dreams gave her international exposure. Now she returns with a highly anticipated  new album produced with Dev Hynes. Personally I have only heard Losing You – I fell in love with that tune a month ago and I still haven’t got enough of it –  and Sleep In The Park, but I can confidently say she is everything she was meant to be. A talented, brave and fresh new sound that is different to the Jay-Z/Knowles empire. Beyonce’s little sister? Nah, this is Solange.

Picture: The Guide cover, The Guardian

PS: Don’t miss the sartorial brilliance of Le Sapeurs in the video 😉

Goodbye Spring, hello Summer 2012

Since I’m “supposed” to be a fashion blogger, and fashion bloggers are “supposed” to be taking pictures of themselves all day, here is my humble compilation of some spring looks I will be leaving behind, since it’s now summer. I live in a hot-hot-hot and humid part of the world. Bidding farewell to layers and cardies, welcome ridiculous nigh time temperatures and lack of any refreshing gusts of air.

That moment when you walk into an H&M store, squeal and do a little jump, grab these booties and head to pay for them with a smile à la Cheshire cat – here paired with a vintage coral skirt scored at Brick Lane Bcn market

Another H&M find, this time from the Conscious Collection – yes, I’m a sucker for any “green” gimmick. In all honesty, more brands need to get behind initiatives like this one, so kudos to H&M for at least giving it a go. The dress is extremely comfortable to wear, fresh and makes for great summer festival wear.

Pictures in lifts – there must be a cool blogger term for this. In any case, wearing a very comfy albeit slightly warm COS skirt. Paired with some Sfera sandals.

My “Amy” ballerinas, reminiscent of the ones the sultry Winehouse made infamous – minus the bow, I spotted them, again at H&M – I’m noticing a scary trend here – and paired them here with my “Audrey” jeans. Yes, I give my clothes glamorous names, don’t all bloggers do that?

Vintage jewelery… yeah, I have nothing witty to say about this… – yes, I’m in shock too

Pull & Bear chinos and a Blanco cardie I stole – from my sister, not from the store you dirty minds. It originally belonged to my sister-in-law, but it’s now mine haha! The top is from H&M’s Conscious line – I told you I was a sucker.

The thing is that when temperatures begin to get really high I rarely fancy wearing anything apart from a bikini. Since it’s no suitable workwear, I shall be scouring the sales from lighter trousers, some sandals, and a couple of light dresses to take me all the way to autumn.

Is it hot where you are?

Pictures: Fashion Limbo

How to do an outfit post with Instagram

Challenges, life is full of them. Moving to a new place, finding a job, travelling far from loved ones, even just getting up in the morning with a full-on migraine, when you hardly have 30 minutes to leave the house and cycle to work, in the pouring rain.

However, challenges make us stronger, they polish our character. We become more knowledgeable simply out of practise. In this way, what was a challenge yesterday, today is just part of what you call routine.

My challenge today is doing an outfit post, getting “my mug” out there – challenge number one – using only my dodgy iPhone 3GS and getting help from no one. I’m afraid the little gadget has gone through a lot during these past weeks, but a fashion blogger is a recorder of outfits, so this is just what I do, with my good old mobile.

Mirrors are always helpful when doing a “solo” photoshoot
Tunic: Zara
Opaque tights: Oysho
Trainers: Adidas courtesy of Spartoo

What do you normally use Instagram for?

As you can see, this is just a casual and simple outfit. As I’m only trying out this nifty app for outfit posts, I decided to go easy on the ensemble, one that allowed for shamelessly lying on the carpet.There you go, first challenge of the day, done. Now to continue with my flat hunt, the challenge of the week.

Pictures: Fashion Limbo

How to wear trainers the smart way

I’ve said it before and I shall say it again: I love men’s shoes. And for that reason, I like to feature them in my site now and again. Sometimes I model them for you, but on other occasions, such as the present, I grab one of the stylish men I know, and coerce him into doing an outfit post for me.

So here we are, one of said stylish friends rocking a pair of Redskins trainers.

I think the jacket is from Zara,
the shirt could be from Adolfo Dominguez as I’ve heard he has a penchant for that brand
Shoes: Redskins courtesy of Spartoo

My friend tells me they are extremely comfortable and easy to wear with almost everything in his wardrobe, as he favours a certain casual chic style. I particularly like how they have been paired with some straight cut jeans, although he really needs to tell me where he got them  – seriously, these stylish men are very photogenic, but how sketchy are they on the details?! – These trainers can be also worn with some grey trousers, maybe even tweed, of the casual kind.

I simply love brown trainers. However, I only like them when they’ve been made for guys. Yes, I’m a tad strange. Rumour has it I once walked into the men’s section of a Pull & Bear, saw a pair I liked, asked for my size – fortunately I have big feet so I can fit into their smaller models – and bought them straight away. But that, my friends, is just a rumour.

How about you? Any strange shopping tendencies?

Picture: Fashion Limbo (by N & J)

On Men’s Shoes

I really have a thing for men’s shoes. There, I said it. Or maybe it’s more of a thing for men with nice shoes. Some people check out a guy’s eyes, others favour the derriere, some even sneakily inspect the boy’s hands. Me? I will take a quick glance at your shoes.

I strongly believe that the choice of shoes is like the choice of car. Say you go for a vintage Alfa Romeo Giulietta: you go for timeless class, understated elegance with a dash of effortless cool, a bit of “I’m Italian design, come with tons of flaws, but I will win you over with my charm”. The vehicle you drive defines a lot who you are, but also what you want to reflect about yourself to the world.

Shoes have the exact same effect. They form part of your entire outfit, but while your choice of clothes may be strongly defined by the situation, your feet is where the true personality traits appear.

The example below is pure effortless cool, don’t you think?  Tan casual chic trainers, a bit of retro inspired style.

Cardigan: Pull & Bear
Top: vintage
Jeans: Jack & Jones
Belt: Men At Work
Shoes: Le Coq Sportif via Spartoo

Do I like the shoes? Yes, quite a lot. In my opinion, every man should own a pair of tan trainers. Comfortable, sporty yet a tad elegant, classic with an urban twist. Do I like the guy? … do you even have to ask? 😉

Pictures: Fashion Limbo

Excitement & Disappointment – A fashion fairy tale

So, the new iPhone is not that excitingly new… when the other hotly anticipated piece of news of the year-  who will take over the reigns at Dior – is known, will we be a bit more buzzed about it?  Are we just too demanding? Maybe when we complain about how rapidly Apple updates everything on us, we are being moany insects, as really, deep down, we want new gadgets: quicker, faster, sooner. Let’s face it, who is even slightly motivated about H&M + Versace collaboration? Aren’t we all a tad, “meh” and hoping for the next best thing?

I don’t know, maybe I’m speaking too broadly, but I’m not that excited about the Versace bit, nor the new iPhone – since my 3GS seems reliable enough – and I desperately want Apple to start manufacturing MacBooks again.. but I am a bit of a retro queen, so there goes.

And…Paris, yes, about Paris,what about it? it’s Paris Fashion Week, and Chanel is going mostly white for Spring 2012, and according to Jennifer Neyt from Vogue FR, inspired by Coco Chanel’s love of pearls, nacre brilliance added to some cute pale shades: pinks, greens, a dash of salmon, broad shapes in jackets, midi skirts.

Kanye West also debuted his big ego on the Parisian catwalks, but I cannot really say much about a collection that was hardly “designed” by the nonetheless talented rapper, so I’d rather mention the theatricals at Alexander McQueen. A collection by Sarah Burton which was academic McQueen: very dramatic, a love for corsets, emphasized shoulders, intriquet details, plenty of metallics such as gold, corals, pale purples, and a return to their most thought-provoking ideas such as women objectification etc.

Pic by Julie Ansiau via Vogue FR

Excitement, buzz… today I’m loving this simple, effortless chic look from Paris Fashion Week, great photo by Julie Ansiau, via Vogue Paris. Those sandals are simply stunning… anyone recognise the brand/label? Please enlighten me.

UPDATE: and I’m excited!!! Just finished watching the live streaming of the Louis Vuitton show. It began beautifully, when the gigantic cylinder on the circular stage lifted, unveiling all of the models sitting on a huge white carousel. It began turning and with the dreamy music, one by one the models descended from their pearly white hourses. The last model to walk, a stunning – seriously, how does she do it?! – Kate Moss. Again, pale shades, broderie anglaise, some transparencies and feathers. As soon as I find a picture I will let you know.

UPDATE 2: Here’s a picture from The Telegraph by AFP

Pictures: Vogue Paris, Telegraph

Hello Autumn – An Outfit post

I don’t know how it’s been in your neck of the woods, but here, as soon as the 21st of September arrived, the days turned suddenly cooler, the nights are actually cold, and I even found myself shopping for a new coat. Before you know it, Halloween will have gone by, and the countdown to Christmas will be upon us… I am so not ready for all of that, are you? However, first things first, a lovely pair of blue suede boots.

Top: Topshop
Jeans: Karen Millen
Boots: Elite courtesy of Spartoo

Cuff: Thrifted somewhere in Granada

Many of you know Spartoo are one of my sponsors, and since I’ve been using them a lot I can clearly say that they are very, very good. The ordering process is quick and painless, the info on their sizing is very accurate, and their return policy is free, quick and brilliant. Their customer service is also pretty good, and their advisors very friendly, so I’ve been quite happy working with them. My reviews are always HONEST and objective, so I’m saying this from the bottom of my heart and my own experience. To shop with them click here.

Now, for the coat, and, let me just say, winter cannot come fast enough… and yes, of course it’s leopard print!!

Coat: Zara

Me trying to look … “zexy” – Kudos to my photographer,
who let me boss him around and managed to make me smile
… and laugh at myself 😉

So, what are your plans for the new season? Shopping? Studying? Chasing a promotion at work? Having a baby? Adopting a cat? Do tell, I’m quite the curious one xxxx

Pictures: Fashion Limbo

How To Wear Brogues

Brogues: a man’s shoe fit for women? We began to spot them last year, worn by Alexa Chung and other celebrities. However, with the masculine/androgynous trend coming up this autumn/winter, we are going to see them everywhere. While I love my heels and wedges, I’ve always been a fan of … men’s shoes. A tad weird, I know, but I guess it just proves the point that, if I were a man, I would have the same ridiculous shoe collection as I have being girlie me. Not too freaked out by my musings yet? ok, I shall go on.

I initially got a grey come blue pair from Primark in Spring, loved their comfort and paired them with skinny jeans and chinos. A couple of weeks ago while browsing Spartoo, I fell for the ones pictured above (you can find them here). As soon as the postman delivered them, I don’t know what it was, I loved them even more. And I have already thought of 3 ways in which to wear these beauties.

Option number 1: Inspired by Alexa as seen here.

Blouse: Zara
Cut-out jeans: Etnies
Shoes: Clarks courtesy of Spartoo

Is it just me or do I look really tiny in this picture?

Look number 2: the masculine take. Probably my favourite. Comfy yet I felt quite sexy wearing some red lipstick and attempting to style my hair with a retro quiff and a ponytail.

Jacket: Zara
Top: Denny Rose
Shoes: Clarks courtesy of Spartoo

Option number 3: Girlie girl

Dress: New Look
T-shirt: Pull & Bear
Shoes: Clarks courtesy of Spartoo

So there you have it, three different ways in which to wear brogues. They also look great with a pretty cocktail dress, but the overall silhouette must be sleek, so avoid making the top part of the body too bulky.

Brogues are a style of shoes that you either love or hate, what is your take? Masculine trends for women, yay or nay?

Pictures: Fashion Limbo