ESTILA EDIT February 2017

ESTILA edit

ISSUE 18

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Welcome

to the February issue of ESTILA Edit!

A KALEIDOSCOPE OF COLOUR First of all, a big thank-you to everyone who supports our second print issue - VOLUME 2., THE COLOUR EXPLOSION, which we launched last month. It's going to be available on newsstands until the end of April 2017 so if you haven't got a copy yet, please head over to Estila.co website for more details.

By purchasing a copy you're not only supporting all the emerging brands and designers featured in it, but you also support our mission to empower women in finding their purpose and pursuing their passions.

This issue I call "A Kaleidoscope of Colour" for its rich boldness. I wanted to create an issue, which inspires and energises. It's a truly uplifting edit of colourful individuality, creativity and inspiration that hopefully will encourage and motivate you to find your creative side in everything you do.

Love,

Karolina xx Karolina Barnes editor in chief

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editor's recommended reads interiors darkroom Our shop spotlight is Darkroom, a retail concept inspired by the bold and the brave, the curious and the crafted.

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style holiday fashion Flavia, our fashion editor, talks about the key pieces for the beach and the mountains.

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open up & inspire ruth kudzi An inspirational interview with Ruth Kudzi, the founder of Ruth Kudzi Coaching, who is on a mission to empower women.

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cover EVELLE HOME PRINT p.23

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A new Private Business Platform especially set up for emerging designers in fashion and interiors, and small independent brands in creative industries. Coming soon..

in the meantime JOIN OUR PRIVATE FACEBOOK GROUP

"Where experiences and knowledge are shared, and collaborations are created."

ESTILA COMMUNITY 5

HAVE YOU GOT A STORY TO TELL? We are looking for inspirational life stories, products and emerging brands in interiors, fashion and lifestyle.

If you have a story to share, please get in touch at editor@estila.co

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HOMES

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The Art House words and photography by Karolina Barnes

I met Natasha Jade at one of the trade shows last year and I was immediately drawn to her colourful multi-layered art. Natasha is a commission artists, who creates her bespoke paintings from her East London studio.

Inspired by philosophy and mysticism, Natasha's work embodies her creative travelling spirit, resulting in vibrant pieces that reflect her colourful view of the world. I visited her parents' home and talked to her about her journey so far.

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1. WHEN DID YOU REALISE THAT YOU HAVE A PASSION FOR ART? As far back as I can remember, I have always loved creating artwork.

After selling my first painting at fifteen, I went on to study Mathematics at Sussex University. I continued creating artwork throughout my university holidays, selling commissions to family friends and friends of friends.

After university, I spent time in India and Nepal where I created paintings with whatever materials I found along the way. I then sent these paintings back to my mother in London, who sold them on to clients. This funded my trip and allowed me to continue travelling and exploring. As I didn’t have a camera, I sketched everything that I saw in order to capture the memories. It was these sketches that formed the paintings for my first major exhibition.

When I returned to London, I found a tiny studio space at Hackney Downs Studios, met two wonderful girls and formed a collective. We hosted our first pop up exhibition in Mayfair where I exhibited all of the paintings I had created throughout my travels.

One commission led to another and the next thing I knew, I had a bigger studio space, a website and had developed a brand with products stocked all over London - now exporting internationally!

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2. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE IN LIFE AND YOUR WORK? I believe that the best is brought out of people when they are in tune with themselves and living a life where they feel creatively inspired. I believe that when people are creating work that they love, developing their passions and recognising their responsibilities in life, they are generally happier and in more of a position to inspire others to live a life where they feel fulfilled and creatively alive.

For me, it’s very important to build a brand that mixes business and creativity. I believe that the two are very much intertwined and work harmoniously together. Having a strong business sense and dedicating time to running that side of the brand, gives me the drive and motivation to create new artwork.

As an artist I’m inspired by the places I go and the people I meet. When I am travelling, I try to absorb the sites, tastes, smells and people I encounter which diffuses into my paintings, adding another layer of depth to my work.

3. HOW IMPORTANT IS COLOUR IN YOUR ARTWORK? Using colour within my works is very important to me. I like to add colour and texture and build upon layers to create vibrant, deep works.

Using bright colours makes me feel energised and excited when I look at the canvas, which in turn makes others happy, especially my clients who commission bespoke pieces for their homes and businesses.

“I like to add colour and texture and build upon layers to create vibrant, deep works.”

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4. WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION AND HAVE YOU GOT OTHER ARTISTS YOU LOOK UP TO? As a child, I spent a lot of time in a village in Southern Tuscany – a place which inspired many of my paintings. About an hour away from the village, is a wonderful sculpture park created by one of my favourite artists - Niki de Saint Phalle. I spent many hours fascinated by her vibrant, mosaic sculptures and I often have a book of hers open when I am creating a painting! From a young age her work has been a constant source of inspiration.

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5. WHAT ARE YOUR TIPS FOR ANYONE HOW WANTS TO USE ART IN THEIR HOME? I think one of the biggest things that hold people back when they start creating is self-doubt. My advice would be – trust your inner instinct and create something that comes naturally to you. When I start over analysing and questioning my work too much, it blocks the natural rhythm. I’m learning more and more to just let things flow and do things that make me happy – such as incorporating fabric that makes me feel excited and colours that make me feel alive.

“Trust your inner instinct and create something that comes naturally to you.”

ARTBYNATASHAJADE.COM | @ARTBYNATASHAJADE 15

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shop we love

Darkroom words by Athina Bluff, photography provided by Darkroom, graphics by Karolina Barnes

Introducing Darkroom: the retail concept that is defined by a love for the bold and the brave, the crafted and the curious. It strives to make good design accessible, whilst also questioning the norm.

It was launched by partners Rhonda Drakeford and Lulu RoperCaldbeck. We spoke to them about their brand, which they started in 2007.

1. HOW DID YOUR STORE COME ABOUT? Darkroom was launched in 2009 in the form of a retail concept and space in London. My background is graphic design and interiors and my co-founder Lulu Roper-Caldbeck came from fashion and we wanted to focus pretty on fashion and interior accessories. Originally, about 20% of what we sold was Darkroom-designed and we curated the other 80% from designers and artisans from across the globe who’s work resonated with ours. In 2016 the brand has evolved to meet the challenges of contemporary retail with a focus on Darkroom-designed products accessible through e-commerce, wholesale and special pop-up experiences.

2. WHAT IS THE CONCEPT AND MISSION WITH YOUR STORE? The Darkroom concept is defined by a love for the bold and the brave, the crafted and the curious. It strives to make good design accessible, whilst also questioning the norm.

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3. DO YOU FOLLOW TRENDS OR HAVE YOU GOT YOUR OWN SIGNATURE STYLE? The Darkroom style has at it’s core a love of geometric shapes, whether in simplified objects or within bold patterns. This is complimented by organic materials and the beauty of imperfections in the hand made.

4. WHAT IS THE MOST POPULAR PRODUCT IN YOUR STORE? Our Bauhaus alphabet pendants and our African inspired textiles. And also, the alphabet pendants always point towards a joy of the personalised object.

5. WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION FOR WHAT PRODUCTS YOU'RE GOING TO SELL? Inspiration has often come from Africa, whether it be art, textiles, beadwork or architecture and also modernist and postmodern art movements, and also brutalism. If it’s bold, it interests us!

6. WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE ON INJECTING COLOUR AND PATTERN INTO A HOME? Cushions and textiles are a great way to be bold without too much commitment. I’ve also been painting panels and shapes of colour on the white walls of my temporarily rented apartment — all very easy to paint over when I move on!

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7. IF YOU COULD OWN ONLY ONE HOMEWARE ITEM, WHAT WOULD IT BE? A good sofa — my monochrome weave one came from B&B Italia and is now about 10 years old. It forms the focal point of the room by providing comfort and visual joy!

1. HOW DID YOUR STORE COME ABOUT? Darkroom was launched in 2009 in the form of a retail concept and space in London. My background is graphic design and interiors and my co-founder Lulu Roper-Caldbeck came from fashion and we wanted to focus pretty on fashion and interior accessories. Originally, about 20% of what we sold was Darkroom-designed and we curated the other 80% from designers and artisans from across the globe who’s work resonated with ours. In 2016 the brand has evolved to meet the challenges of contemporary retail with a focus on Darkroom-designed products accessible through e-commerce, wholesale and special pop-up experiences.

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OUR FAVOURITE

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CHOPPING BOARD, £75

AZTEC PRINT, £150

WHITE TEA SCENTED CANDLE, £49

STRIPE TEA TOWEL, £10

DICE PLANTER, £95 KHEYAMEYA WALL HANGING RHONDA DRAKEFORD 03, £400

DARKROOMLONDON.COM | @DARKROOM_LONDON

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Art amplified 22

designer spotlight

A kaleidoscope of colour words by Anouska Lancaster, photography provided by Evelle Home

The first time that I saw the colourful abstract patterns that are the signature look of ‘Evelle Home’, I was teleported back to my childhood. In the 80’s (I’m feeling slightly old now) we all had kaleidoscopes, long telescopes that as you turned the end; were a fantastical feast to the eyes. Exploding fireworks of colour and light would emerge with every twist and turn, hypnotising and drawing you in. In a similar way to the fabric and prints of Evelle Home, each pattern had an essence of controlled symmetry, yet the colour and patterns were so uncontrollable, and so powerful; that they demanded your attention.

Rebecca Ware is the visionary behind this new exciting and inspiring brand. Like me, Rebecca is unapologetic when it comes to ignoring the trends and following her heart, creating bold and brave patterns which celebrate vivid colour and originality.

Evelle Home is living proof that colour and pattern can be sophisticated and chic, whilst still injecting personality and fun into your interior. This fine balance is one that I believe is the key to a successful interior, and an equilibrium that so many designers struggle to achieve.

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1. HOW DID YOUR BUSINESS COME ABOUT? I had an old chair that I wanted to re-upholster and just couldn’t find the right fabric for it. Everything I found was either really expensive or was just a bit boring!

I usually work as a creative freelancer so I decided to take the chair on as my own mini project and design a print for it. I started by painting directly onto canvas fabric and then took close up photographs of the most interesting drips, splats and marks and had a play around with them on Photoshop. I didn’t give myself a brief on colour and just went with what felt right, It’s amazing where your mind can take you when there are no boundaries!

This first design became our best-selling Coral print. I really enjoyed the whole design process, which took me back to my time studying Art & Design at college, so decided to see where I could take it. Day to day I work on visual merchandising and interior styling projects. Launching Evelle Home has felt like a natural progression and slotted in to that perfectly.

2. WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION FOR YOUR DESIGNS? Travel is the biggest inspiration for me. Getting out of my comfort zone and exploring somewhere completely new. It’s more of a physical experience than looking at images on the internet or reading a book. Don’t get me wrong, Instagram and Pinterest are phenomenal tools for finding new ideas and seeing how others have interpreted trends. But to be fully inspired I need to get out there and see it with my own eyes.

When you’re travelling, you are in a completely different place mentally and your mind is open and willing to take in every little detail. The beauty of travel is, not only do you get to experience the new environment that you visit, you get to see your own environment with fresh eyes when you get back. England is one of the most fascinating and diverse places in the world but it can be hard to remember that when you are immersed so heavily in it every day.

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3. HOW IMPORTANT IS COLOUR AND PATTERN TO YOU? Without a strong mix of colour and pattern our prints just wouldn’t work. I find contrasting colours, from opposite sides of the colour wheel, a lot more inspiring than harmonious colours which are next to each other on the colour wheel. Whilst I appreciate how beautiful a harmonious interior can be and the calming effect it can have, it is contrasting colours that really excite me.

For my prints, I start with an empty square that I fill with a variety of splats, drips and marks to build up an abstract composition. I then manipulate the colour palette and introduce a strong mix of contrasting colours to create balance. These always feature both light and dark tones to add depth and an element of texture. Once the square is finished I repeat the canvas to create a symmetrical print, which is where the element of pattern comes in. For me, this final stage of creating symmetry is the most important. The prints are made up of so many colours, marks and textures that the addition of symmetry restores order.

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4. WHAT IS YOUR LATEST COLLECTION ABOUT? My latest collection is inspired by Marrakech and the way the Moroccans combine colour to create striking interiors. I really connected with Le Jardin Majorelle in particular. I was amazed by the bright blue and yellow buildings, red paths and abundance of cacti and knew I had to use my awe of the gardens to create something of my own. Marrakech is such a mesmerising place and I wanted to find a way for my customers to replicate that in their own home, without the obvious souvenirs or lanterns.

From my visit, I created 4 print designs, each inspired by a different place in Marrakech. Staying true to the bright, symmetrical patterns of season one but using more detail and individual marks to make up the prints. I also incorporated subtle pieces of photography from the trip into each design and more structural lines than I have previously used.

This season I’ve introduced linen, alongside our signature velvet fabric range, which is available across our whole print portfolio. As the collection is inspired by bohemian Marrakech it felt like a natural progression to introduce linen in to the collection at this point.

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5. WHAT IS YOUR MISSION WITH EVELLE HOME? With Evelle, I want to inspire people to embrace their own tastes and have confidence in their own choices. There’s such a culture of loyal trend following and neutral scandi style and whilst that can be a great source of ideas, I think it’s time to put the fun back in and embrace originality. Colour and pattern can bring such depth and happiness to your home and I hope to inspire people to embrace that.

My mission is to create a timeless and quirky luxury brand with pieces that look just as comfortable in an east London flat as they do in a luxury mansion in Kensington or a cottage in the middle of nowhere. To create this we are embracing quality, craftsmanship and creativity to create our new wave of luxury.

Focusing more on creating a luxurious product than a luxury price point.

6. WHAT KIND OF A BRAND DO YOU SEE EVELLE HOME DEVELOPING INTO IN THE FUTURE? My aspirations for Evelle are to develop it into a brand with a distinct style that has true longevity. That’s not to say our customers won’t be pleasantly surprised by new collections or that we will become predictable, but as soon as they see our products they will know they have been designed by us. We will always continue to push the boundaries of colour and pattern to create bright and vibrant yet sophisticated prints.

Although we are currently focused on interiors, I see Evelle Home growing into a lifestyle brand as quite an organic process. Our prints can be interpreted in a number of ways and in a number of different product categories without losing their integrity.

It is important to me that the brand is always accessible and approachable. We are a luxury brand but we will always have entry level products as it is colour and design that leads us. If someone enjoys our prints on a visual level then I want them to be able to connect with us.

For further information please visit evellehome.com and follow them on Instagram @evellehome.

FOLLOW ANOUSKA @NOUSKA_DESIGN | NOUSHKADESIGN.COM

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COLOURS of the month

words, styling and photography by Karolina Barnes

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THE BAG & SCARF STORY Two in one: this Furry Orchid handbag is a dual function handbag - not only does it hold your personal items but is also a wonderfully stylish hand warmer!

Available at vva.co.uk Like a piece of art, this wool and cashmere mix scarf adds a colourful touch to any outfit.

Available from stylelyrical.com 29

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THE TOP & SHOES STORY A holiday must-have. Subtle lurex threads glisten and catch the sunlight in this versatile top made in easy care fabric. Available from victoriaengland.co.uk.

Guaranteed to lift your spirits on the greyest of days these silver espadrilles are perfect to pair with your favourite jeans, shorts or warm weather dresses. Available from zaccys.com 30

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THE CUSHION STORY This colourful cushion was inspired by flowers found in nature, which were layered into a highly graphic print that will add bold statement of pattern and colour to your home.

Designed and available from yaniiakeliah.co.uk

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THE NECKLACE STORY A gorgeous and unusual pendant with the beautiful hand engraved star sign, which is totally and utterly unique to you. It's hand engraved and stone set with three sparkly diamonds. Available from harryrocks.com

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OUR MAGAZINE

on Instagram Follow us for behind the scenes, latest news and sneak peeks!

FOLLOW US HERE

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little treasures uncovered

Toolally text by Karolina Barnes, photography provided by Toolally

1. How did Toolally come about?

I was hosting a kid's creative emporium and made some charms out of perspex so the children could create their own jewellery. The wonderful array of colours started me thinking about designing pieces for myself and other women like me. I was tired of minimalism; I wanted to have some fun with fashion. I visited a few trade shows to see if anything I'd imagined, existed and went to the Vogue Fashion Festival with a few trial designs to get some feedback. I met the assistant of Lucinda Chambers, Vogue's Fashion Director, who asked if I made earrings - they were doing a feature on 80s fashion and wanted some colourful pieces. I boldly told her that yes, of course we made statement earrings. Perspex is lightweight so I could go large without fear of causing anyone pain.

She explained that they had to be at Vogue House in a matter of days for the shoot. I spent the weekend drawing, cutting and making a selection of 80s-inspired earrings and hastily sent them off. This chance encounter led to something great and the brand was born.

Photographer, Mario Testino shot Lara Stone wearing Toolally. The image was featured in the magazine and we were credited. My husband came up with the brand name - he likes to say it was an obvious choice given that, in his personal opinion, I'm totally doolally.

2. What is the mission with Toolally?

We want to inspire women (and men) to have fun with their style and bring some colour into their wardrobe. To celebrate their individuality and be bold. Our mission is to create a quality, British made, designer brand that's affordable. We only use the best quality materials, mixing perspex with sterling silver and gold vermeil. New designs are introduced at least three times a year. Currently, we are using a few of our most popular designs and reinventing them as fabrics - the possibilities are endless.

3. What was the inspiration for your latest collection?

Summer! The stunning colour combinations found in nature; birds, tassels and fans run throughout the collection. The Art Deco period remains a huge source of inspiration as do our customers. We love to hear from them and listen to suggestions and requests. This season we have introduced a number of more accessible styles so that people can enjoy a pop of colour. Inspiration comes from so many places that it's hard to narrow down, but the most important thing we consider is the person wearing our pieces. We ask ourselves "will they look and feel fabulous in them?". That's all that really matters.

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TOOLALLY.COM | @TOOLALLYJEWELS 37

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SHOPPING

LIKE THEM, GET THEM research and graphics by Emilia Vespoli

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NET-A-PORTER - BURBERRY Kensington Crocheted Cotton-Blend Trench Coat HOUSEOLOGY - HEATHFIELD & CO Celeste Lustre Pendant Light TORY BURCH Surrey Rose Gold Watch

NET-A-PORTER - TOM FORD Natalia Mini Leather Shoulder Bag AERIN Rose Body Scrub AMARA - WEDGWOOD Arris Rug AMARA - ELIZABETH SCARLETT Palmier Velvet Cushion

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ESSENTIAL HOME Edith Sideboard

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HOUSEOLOGY - MUUTO Connect Sofa

FOLLOW EMILIA AT VIA SAN VITO FOR MORE INSPIRATION

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FASHION

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half term: holiday fashion words and images by Flavia Young

February in the UK is synonymous with half-term, that time of the year when winter has lost its allure and everyone is in much need of a rejuvenating break to see us through the rest of the winter, which could still last another three months...

Generally speaking, when it comes to city style, I am mostly sitting on the edge of generic. Always sticking to neutral palettes, with only a hint of colour or print every now and then. Wearing the same investment handbag through the season. Comfortable shoes, rarely over 9cms high. And so on...you get the picture - have I mentioned my abhorrence of anything ubiquitous in fashion, or rather in today's language, items gifted to bloggers all over Instagram?

However, when it comes to ski and beachwear, I metamorphose. When it comes to holiday fashion, I love nothing more than an out of the ordinary skiing outfit, a great printed bikini and pareo combo, a hat and playful sunglasses. I feel that it plays a large part in making us feel like we are on holiday, in fact, holidays are when I pack everything I would not usually feel inclined or have the chance to wear on the daily grind.

So, whether you are heading for the slopes, the beach or simply giving your mind a break at home, I have compiled here a list of pieces that would enhance any stylish girl's holiday.

Bon voyage!

Flavia xx 41

MY THERESA

TALITHA, Printed cotton and silk top £305

MISSONI MARE, Metallic bandeau bikini £410

MISSONI MARE, Metallic dress £650

RAG & BONE, Straw panama hat £175

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MY THERESA

ZIMMERMANN, Tropicale balconette bikini £228

ETRO, Feather-trimmed hat £380

ETRO, Printed jumpsuit £620

EMILIO PUCCI BEACH, Off-the shoulder cotton dress £480

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MY THERESA

EMILIO PUCCI BEACH, Reversible triangle bikini £245

CAMILLA, Embellished silk shirt £363

CAMILLA, Embellished silk playsuit £398

DOLCE & GABBANA, Printed swimsuit £395

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MATCHESFASHION

MAISON MICHEL, Henrietta straw hat £440

CHLOE, Carlina round-frame sunglasses £235

LINDA FARROW, Round acetate sunglasses £425 PERFECT MOMENT, Queenie down-padded ski jacket £260

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MATCHESFASHION

PERFECT MOMENT, Imok III technical ski trousers £310

TONI SAILER, Anais Jet flared ski trousers £480

TONI SAILER, Jamie technical ski jacket £880

FUSALP, Montana fur-trimmed ski jacket £1,265

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LUISA VIA ROMA

ANCIENT GREEK SANDALS, Taygete ponyskin slide sandals £138

ETRO, Tassels feather espadrilles £345

DOLCE & GABBANA, 20mm watermelon brocade espadrilles £285

KYME, Beverly aviator sunglasses £189

NET-A-PORTER

ERES Swimsuit £325

ADRIANA DEGREAS Swimsuit £260

FOLLOW LUXE-LAYERS FOR VIEWS FROM THE INSIDE OF THE FASHION WORLD47

BEAUTY

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Home Grown Beauty: Bathing words and photography by Nicola McCullough

On days when we run from pillar to post, taking time out for a long bath soak often feels like the ultimate luxury. It's worth taking a moment to consider what we're sinking our skin into... it's our largest organ after all. When I feel the need for a little physical or emotional rejuvenation, I reach for natural products every time. Here are a few favourites...

REVITALISE NorthburN Bath Salts are a blend of pure pink Himalayan salts with 84 minerals to help balance, detox and relax the body, while cocoa butter hydrates the skin. Made in Northumberland by a mother and daughter team specialising in home fragrance, the bath salts range from Leather to Relax and Revive. My personal favourite is uplifting Vetiver, which lingers beautifully for hours.

DE-STRESS MOA Fortifying Green Bath Potion with refreshing peppermint and detoxifying fennel is both calming and soothing, the perfect antidote to achy muscles at the end of a hectic day. This herbal blend with essential oils has an incredible minty-menthol scent, is vegetarian/vegan-friendly and chemical free. MOA (Magic Organic Apothecary) products are made in England and built on an ethos of keeping things simple and natural.

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DETOX Too time-pushed for a bath but want a quick fix? Try Senspa Detox body wash, with sweet orange, lime and rosemary for the ultimate wake up call. Made in the heart of New Forest with a blend of nine essential oils, detoxifying seaweed, dead sea salts and marine extracts, this shower therapy is chemical and sulphate-free.

FIND MORE TIPS ON STRAWBERRYBLONDEBEAUTY.COM

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READY IN 40 MIN

sunny-side up mushrooms words and photography by Ellen Stanton

Mushrooms are claimed to be the next new superfood, so use this recipe for an exciting way to add it to your diet. I’m a big fan of stuffing vegetables with grains but why not take it to the next level by topping it all off with an egg! Beneath the yellow yolk lies a bed of harissa spiced couscous, sundried tomatoes and spring onion. My favourite thing about this meal has to be the oozy egg yolk that trickles down onto your plate once it’s cut into.

A perfect meal for breakfast, lunch or even accompany it with some fish for dinner!

ingredients 1 portobello mushroom 1 egg 10g couscous 1 spring onion (chopped) 10g sundried tomatoes (chopped)

1 tsp tomato ketchup ¾ tsp harissa paprika (optional) olive oil

method Preheat the oven to 180 degrees. Scrape the inside of the mushroom out to remove the stalk and inner layers, then give it a quick wipe to clean it. Place it face down on a baking tray, drizzle over some olive oil and place it in the oven for 10 minutes. In the meantime, cook the couscous by placing it in a saucepan of boiling water for 4-5 minutes over a medium heat. Drain the couscous and add it to a bowl with the spring onion, sundried tomatoes, harissa and ketchup. Take the mushroom out of the oven and fill it with the couscous mixture, ensuring you make a well in the centre for the egg. Crack the egg into the well and place the mushroom under the grill on a medium/high heat for 5 minutes (or until the egg has cooked). Remove the mushroom and sprinkle over some paprika. I have served mine on a bed of rocket with cherry tomatoes and a drizzle of olive oil. Now cut into that gooey egg yolk – yum!

FIND MORE RECIPES HERE 53

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“open up & inspire�

Ruth Kudzi text by Karolina Barnes, photography by Michelle Wildman

I talked to Ruth Kudzi, the founder of Ruth Kudzi Coaching who is on a mission to help mums create work lives that complement their home lives.

We discuss Ruth's journey so far and what led her to go into coaching other women.

1. WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR JOURNEY SO FAR? I have had bit of a crazy, whirlwind journey. I set up my business whilst I was pregnant with my second daughter, working full time and with my toddler in tow.

When I finally decided that this was what I wanted to and I had developed my confidence I was charged and ready to go. Pre-baby I spent a lot of time building the processes - finishing off courses, getting my website up and working with lots of pro bono clients to build up experience. I was also working with two coaches, one to help me with my coaching (a coaching supervisor) and one with my business. I was committed to getting everything ready so when I felt ready I would be in the best place to serve my clients.

In my head I had the idea that when my second daughter was born I would start working with paying clients when she was 6 weeks old and that is what I did. To begin with it was a massive juggle, I worked with people mainly in the evenings and weekends and called in help when I had calls at other times (mum / brother / partner / friends).

In December I realised that this was not the right balance so my little girl (she is tiny) started nursery in January three afternoons a week. This meant that I had time to work on my business. It is going up to 3 days in March and I am close to being fully booked on these days which is amazing.

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I am now focused on building my business in a sustainable way that means I will be able to leverage it further and I am excited about the future of the business.

2. HOW DID YOU OVERCOME YOUR FEARS AND INSECURITIES YOU HAD ABOUT SETTING UP YOUR COACHING BUSINESS? To begin with I was really scared of failure and I can say that I spent quite a lot of nights tossing and turning worried about what people would think and say. I could have let it consume me and it certainly meant that I didn't have the courage to start my business for a long time.

I worked a lot on me and how I felt about myself. I knew all about what I should be doing but it wasn't until I worked with a coach that I started doing it as I wanted to do it. I established morning and evening routines and I worked on my mindset every single day, even if that meant just writing in my journal or saying my affirmations or having a bath.

I continue to work on my mindset and my confidence every day and I have really enjoyed working with a high performance coach and seeing things from that point of view.

3. WHAT IS YOUR MISSION WITH YOUR BUSINESS? To empower mums to live the lives that they want to live.

“It wasn't until I worked with a coach that I started doing what I wanted to do in life. I worked on my mindset and confidence every day.�

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4. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO ANYONE WHO LACKS CLARITY AND FOCUS, AND FEELS LIKE THEY ARE DRIFTING THROUGH LIFE? I would want to know what was important to them and what they really wanted to do in their life. I would also like to find out what had been stopping them and how they were feeling about it.

We often lack clarity when we are feeling overwhelmed or we are feeling that we have so many other things that we could or should be doing.

The key is taking some time to recognise what you are feeling and to focus on what you really want out of life. I would take them through some exercises and ask questions to help them gain clarity.

I would also be interested in what their beliefs where as often our beliefs and our fears hold us back from doing what we want to do.

5. WHAT ARE THE TECHNIQUES OR STRATEGIES YOU USE WHEN COACHING YOUR CLIENTS ABOUT SETTING BUSINESS GOALS? In terms of goals I like starting off with their vision and thinking big picture about where they really want to see. We look at their whole life and where they want to be in as much detail as possible. From this big picture vision I then drill down into what their key goals are in terms of their business.

I always say to really think about the finance side as lots of people shy away from thinking about money and finance and therefore they don't really know what they want or need.

Another way to look at the goals is to do the classic rocking chair test which I am a fan of. Imagine you are sitting in a rocking chair on a beautiful veranda overlooking the sea. You are 80 years old and you are looking back at your life - what have you achieved? what are you happy about? what brings you the most joy? This really helps focus on what is important to you.

FIND MORE TIPS ON RUTHKUDZICOACHING.COM 57

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ESTILA MAGAZINE editor in chief

Karolina Barnes fashion editor

Flavia Young @ Luxe Layers beauty editors

Nicola McCullough @ StrawberryBlonde Beauty Karla Cihak food editor

Ellen Stanton @ Pale Blue Plate design editor

Emilia Vespoli @ ViaSanVito interiors editor

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