HIGH IN STYLE the sophisticated way of living
NOVEMBER 2015
BOLD COZINESS
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Welcome
to the November issue of HIGH IN STYLE!
BOLD COZINESS With each issue, I realise how much I want to empower women to be bold. To take charge. To be confident and to live life to its full potential. To me, there are many ways to do that. One is through your home, the people and things we surround ourselves with. Two is your wardrobe, self image and beauty. And three is through experiences that teaches us to be confident and self aware. I hope that this issue of our magazine will inspire you to be bolder and braver - whether it’s through a new cushion, wardrobe item, new make up colour or reading through our brilliant interviews. Happy reading!
Karolina xx Karolina Barnes editor in chief
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MEET THE TEAM
Flavia Young fashion editor LUXE-LAYERS
Karla Cihak beauty editor
Nicola T beauty editor STRAWBERRYBLONDE BEAUTY
Lindsay Clark food editor ALWAYSMAKETHYME
High In Style magazine is created and published by Karolina Barnes Studio. The entire content of this magazine is protected by copyright and may not be reproduced without written consent from the publisher. High In Style accepts no resposibility for errors and unsolicited manuscript or photographs. We reserve the right to edit, rewrite or reuse material across our media.
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NOVEMBER 2015
content
homes bold coziness 8
Step inside a London home designed by ELB Design that is full of bold pattern and colours balanced against white canvas walls.
tropical kids room 18 Eva from Wandfriedenstate shows us how to create a beautiful tropical themed kids room with taste and style.
shopping shop love 26 We love “HIDE & SEEK� online homeware store. This newly opened store offers the laid back luxe style and product range in high quality.
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fashion
content
32 gift guide Starting to think about ideal presents? We selected some great gift ideas in handbags, jewellery and winter essentials.
interview 48 style matters We talk to personal stylist, Lynne Meek, about the importance of style and self empowerment through wardrobe.
beauty
44 the face of autumn
Add some Autumnal vibe to your make up bag. We selected 3 beauty products suitable for every skin type.
cover Designed and images provided by ELB DESIGN LTD
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content travel magical Prague 50 Explore this beautiful city that boosts strong historical architecture and traditions. A truly magical weekend away that you will remember.
food lamb keema aloo 58 Try this Indian lamb recipe as an alternative to traditional chicken Tikka. So tasty and easy to make.
“open up & inspire” changing career from corporte to creative 60 We talk to Libby Hart, the owner of an online boutique “Libby London” and discuss how she decided to change her career path into creative business.
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bold coziness Step inside this modern London home full of bold pattern and colours. The bright and airy space is decorated in white which creates a beautiful canvas for bold soft furnishings and accessories. Oversized patterns in warmer tones are balanced in a cohesive way so it doesn’t look too overpowering.
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“Statement cushions and lampshades in particular can add luxurious yet comfortable and welcoming feel to any living space.�
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The power of cushions. Here are two examples of how much a small collection of cushions can do to a bedroom. By switching the colour scheme around the room takes on different personality and the atmosphere changes from comforting and calming blue to more vibrant and confident red.
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The pattern flows effortlessly throughout the whole interior and even the main bathroom is not neglected. The subtleness of the flooring goes well against the painted vanity unit and bathtub. The key here is to keep the large areas white such as the walls and tiles so the bathroom doesn’t feel too small. The pattern size is also very important so the room looks visually bigger.
“Don’t be afraid of using large patterns and bold colours in your home. Be confident, create unique combinations and enjoy the space. ”
Credits: All images and photography kindly provided by ELB Design Ltd.
ELBDESIGNLTD.COM
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shop the look COMBINATION IDEA 1.
INCI, £77.99
DILEK, £88
AMBU, £130
COMBINATION IDEA 2.
DILARA, £77.99
PEMBRE, £88
REMY, £130
COMBINATION IDEA 3.
RENAN, £81
ELMAS, £77.99
TAP HERE TO SHOP THE LOOK
LASA, £96
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NEVER MISS ANOTHER ISSUE
HIGHINSTYLEMAGAZINE.CO 17
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tropical kids room Eva Kindler from Wandfriedenstate shows us how to create a beautiful tropical themed kids room with taste and style! words by Karolina Barnes
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Start with your patterned wallpaper or fabric and build your room around it. Pick one colour in 2 shades as accents.
Keep your walls in white or pale neutral for nice crisp contrast.
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Use painted furniture to tie the colour scheme together.
Inject some personality into the space with funky chandelier and accessories. Keep your textiles in plain or textured child friendly fabric.
Waldfriedenstate is a blog set up by Eva Kindler. She writes about interiors, design and comfortable living. Her website is inspirational and informative with lots of great ideas. You can also find and follow her on Pinterest too. Credits: Photography kindly provided by Eva Kindler from Waldfriedenstate.
WALDFRIEDENSTATE.COM
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mini edition
Christmas Special shopping guide, table setting ideas, party food and much more
OUT ON 1st December 2015
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MY PLANNER 2016
available for purchase now
design your day, life & business 25
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hide and seek
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shop we love We talked to Helen Stiles from “HIDE & SEEK” to tell us more about her unique online store.
“Don’t be too formal, homes are meant for living in!”
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1. TELL US WHAT THE CONCEPT OF YOUR STORE IS?
3. WHAT IS THE MOST POPULAR PRODUCT / TREND YOU SEE?
I decided to set up the store because I was bored of the mass-produced homewares available in so many places (on the high street and online). I wanted to create and curate pieces that people would want to live with for years to come - using great quality, natural materials that have a story. I’d sum up the Hide & Seek look as “laid-back luxe.” It seems that so often, luxury design is uptight and inaccessible. For me, luxury is about great quality materials and well-made pieces that you can touch and use every day.
I think the trend towards sustainable and ethical sourcing is increasingly important. That’s why we are careful to source ethically from artisans around the world - keeping traditional skills alive and supporting women and craftspeople to make a living. I hope that the trends for slow-fashion and slow-living will continue and that fast-fashion fixes become a thing of the past.
I love the collected, eclectic aesthetic of west coast Californian design - blending modern pieces with vintage; global textiles with plains - lots of leather, wood, brass and greenery. It’s a look I found hard to source in the UK and so I decided to pull together all those elements to create a shop I’d love to visit!
2. WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT HIDE & SEEK PRODUCTS? Our first collection features lots of vintage textiles, cowhides, handwoven rugs and natural accessories. Many of these pieces are unique by the very nature of the materials used. No two are exactly the same, which means our customers are buying something no one else will have. We also love to seek out new and lesser-known designers. We work with Daniel Schofield, who produces wonderful brass trays and pots that will tarnish over time to create a unique patina. Ceramic artist Grace Lee, on the other hand, makes wonderfully whimsical porcelain creatures with 22 carat gold. They are pieces of art noto nly an item of homeware. I’ve collaborated with designers to create pieces exclusive to Hide & Seek, such as our chunky woollen throws based on the simple, graphic design of traditional Beni Ourain rugs made from 100% merino wool in London.
Gold is definitely very of-the-moment (perhaps because there seems to be a shift towards more glamorous interiors). That one we’ve certainly embraced in our store (from gold-decorated objet d’art to recycled brass animals!) And I think we’re going to increasingly see a trend for all things 1970s!
4. HOW DO YOU DEFINE STYLE? For me, style is about bringing a little bit of luxury to the everyday - celebrating artisanship and beautiful natural materials and textures. When it comes to interiors, there’s a lot to be said for having the confidence to display what you like and value rather than following trends. It’s easy to walk into a department store and buy a whole raft of new items to furnish your home, but it’s unlikely to reflect your personality and it’s hard to find anything interesting to say about the pieces you’ve bought. That’s why I try to create and source pieces that have longevity and a history to them. Whether it’s a textile woven by women in the Peruvian mountains (keeping an ancient craft alive and providing an income) or a vase handcrafted from horn with a unique patina, these items have a story and interest of their own. For me vintage textiles, handwoven rugs, natural hides and luxe accessories are the basis of a great interior!
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Our
Tfavourites EN FROM
hideandseek.london
COWHIDE RUG, ÂŁ270 30
SISAL VASE, £129 BRASS ANIMALS £75
AGATE COASTERS, £24
VINTAGE MUD CLOTH CUSHION, £120 ANTIQUE INDIGO CUSHION, £120
COWHIDE OTTOMAN, £725
MARBLE CANDLE HOLDER, £32
COWHIDE CUSHIONS, £75 EACH
HIDEANDSEEK.LONDON
SHEEPSKIN SUFFOLK CROSS, £145
COWHIDE iPHONE 6 CASE, £19 31
The
GIFT GUIDE Everyone has a different budget, but the rule should be just one: “GIVE WHAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE.” words and images by Flavia Young
jewellery
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MINIMALIST
feminine SIHOUETTES
SEE ALL OPTIONS HERE
PETALE 4
SIGNET
PETALE 1
“THE GOLDEN TRIO”
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handbags
SEE ALL OPTIONS HERE 34
FRANCO FERRARI
IRO
winter essentials
SEE ALL OPTIONS HERE
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PENMAYNE OF LONDON
FRANCO FERRARI
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styling matters We believe that style is a way of life. If you’re open to it and embrace it every day, it can be empowering and rewarding at the same time. We talked to Lynne Meek, a mother and personal stylist, about how important is personal style in building confidence and self empowerment.
“It’s vital to know yourself. The better you do, the better you’ll look!”
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1. How beneficial can styling be?
3. What does style mean and how can you translate it into your wardrobe?
I would argue that anyone can benefit from having a personal stylist, regardless of their age, gender or personal circumstances. Many people juggle very busy lives and their wardrobes have become neglected due to lack of time and focus. A personal stylist will provide a range of solutions to those problems and also give her client some often much needed ‘me time’. Using the services of a personal stylist certainly isn’t the preserve for the rich and famous any more, and time and money will genuinely be saved in the long run. The benefits will be fewer (but better) clothes that look and feel great, a greater knowledge of what’s in fashion, which colours, styles and trends to invest in and which to avoid, and a far more organised and cost efficient wardrobe.
Style to me is about simplicity and authenticity. It is all about the way we express ourselves and what is stylish on one person can be very unstylish on someone else! It is essential to really understand your style personality and to wear clothes that reflect you. We have all seen people, including the famous, wearing clothes that look wrong or awkward and it’s usually because they are the wrong style or colour for them. The best way forward, if you’re not 100% sure of your own style, is to keep it simple. Know your best neutral colours, the best shapes for your body type, create a simple capsule wardrobe of well cut pieces in the best fabrics you can afford, add some key accessories and you’ll look fabulous!
2. How can a personal stylist help women in boosting their confidence?
4. How important is the understanding of colour, shape and style?
I am a huge believer in working educationally and positively with my clients. As human beings we physically and mentally change constantly throughout our lives, and with all the demands on our time it is very easy to lose our confidence and sense of self in the process. One of the best parts of my job is developing and highlighting every aspect of a women’s personal beauty by focussing on the positives and downplaying the negatives. With the right information and guidance every woman can look their absolute best. And with that knowledge can come huge boosts of confidence and empowerment.
I think it’s vital to know yourself really well. The better you know yourself, the better you’ll look! I have done hundreds of wardrobe edits over the years, and I see many of the same issues and problems. Most people have a lot of clothes, but very little they actually like and wear regularly. The first thing I establish when meeting a new client is the right colour choices for their colouring and skintone. Secondly their shape styles, hem lengths, shapes and fabric types are all taken into account to confirm the best items of clothing for that person. Third, I look at their lifestyle. There is no point buying clothes that don’t suit your lifestyle as they will languish in your closet. Last, but definitely not least, your style personality. It is so easy to be influenced by other people here (a sales assistant, fashion magazines, a well meaning friend, a celebrity) but if the style of an item of clothing isn’t your personal style it will just sit unworn in your wardrobe.
“Clothes should suit your lifestyle otherwise you never wear it”
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5. Some top tips for a change of style? Know yourself really well (either with or without the help of a stylist) and you will be on the right path. I generally find I can encourage my clients to explore new avenues with their clothes once we have built a relationship based on mutual understanding, knowledge and trust. I am very lucky that most of my clients come to me via recommendation, so most people are excited and open minded as they have heard and seen what I can do. This positive approach is really important if you’re looking to make changes.
“Know your best neutral colours, the best shapes for your body type, create a simple capsule wardrobe of well cut pieces in the best fabrics you can afford, add some key accessories and you’ll look fabulous!” 41
Lynne Meek is a personal stylist offering a range of services including wardrobe edits, personal shopping, image and colour consultancy, styling events and gift vouchers. She is 53, a wife and mother to two adult boys, lives in Tunbridge Wells and covers the Kent, Surrey, Sussex and London areas. She can be contacted via email lynne@stylingmatters.co.uk, or by calling 07793 057299.
STYLINGMATTERS.CO.UK 42
If you're not currently in a position to enjoy the services of a personal stylist, here are some top tips to consider when shopping:
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Really look at yourself in good lighting and in a good mirror. Take your time. Look at the colours nearest to your face, look at the shapes and styles of clothing from all angles, move around in the clothes including sitting down. Be completely honest. If in doubt, take a selfie of yourself. The camera rarely lies!
ALWAYS try clothes on before buying. Don’t rush, don’t guess. If you’re not sure which colours suit you, go for mid colours rather than very dark or very light, and choose universally flattering colours like denim blue, teal, watermelon, ivory, deep grey, navy etc. Choose important pieces of clothing in neutral shades and great fabrics, and spend smaller amounts of money on colourful or patterned items if you’re not sure what suits you. Look for some great accessories including costume jewellery and scarves. They can be great additions and finishing touches to an outfit. Above all, enjoy your clothes and wear the things that you love. If you’re confident in what you’re wearing, you’ll look amazing. 43
The Face of Autumn 44
Autumnal twist to your make up bag. We’re talking berry lips, copper eyes and plum nails. words and photography by Nicola
Coral lipgloss languishing in the back of a drawer and fancy adding an Autumnal twist to your makeup bag? Here's how to switch things up with 3 products. Choose one or all three to warm up your look as the crisp weather sets in.
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3 easy steps
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The copper eyes
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The berry lips
Bobbi Brown Gel Sparkle, £19 While a little apprehensive the first time I tried a copper eye shadow, I was surprised to discover how wearable it is. Copper seems to enhance every eye colour - bonus if it happens to match your hair too! Bobbi Brown Gel Sparkle in Sunlit Bronze is a multi-use product that can be worn as shadow or liner. Blend out for a light wash of colour, build up for a dramatic foiled look or apply with a thin brush as liner for a flicker of copper sheen. Press the creamy formula on with a ring finger, blend out at the crease, then pat a little extra on the centre of your lid. Look down for a moment while it sets and you’re good to go.
Clarins Joli Rouge Lipstick, £19.50 If you only add one new product to your Autumn makeup medley, make it a berry lipstick. Nothing adds drama like a bold lip colour and there’s a berry to suit everyone, from a just-bitten lip stain to full-on vamp. I’ve been wearing Clarins Joli Rouge Lipstick in Soft Plum, which lies somewhere in the middle; plenty of depth, yet very wearable. The nourishing formula keeps lips soft and comfortable, with a flattering sheen and lightweight texture (I’m also rather taken with the golden bullet’s Louboutin-esque red lining). 46
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The plum nails Essie Bahama Mama, £8.99 A great plum manicure works with everything from cosy knits to evening wear, adding instant polish, literally. Essie Bahama Mama is the perfect plum, not so dark that it looks black - a definite plum. Best applied in thin layers, two coats remind me of a glass of Bordeaux, slightly sheer in parts, while three deliver a gorgeously rich, deep plum. Essie brushes are wide and slightly curved, covering most of the nail in one sweep for a pro finish.
We also love We also love these budget friendly alternatives that deliver the same Autumnal effect.
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Max Factor Shimmer Shadow Pot, Bronze, £8.99
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Max Factor Lipfinity Bourjois La Laque, Lipstick, Evermore Lush, Beach Violet £7.99 £6.49 47
gold rescue the ultimate nourishment for even the driest and most tired skin
TAP HERE FOR MORE DETAILS 48
tried & tested
omorovicza words and photography by Karla Cihak
I came across Omorovicza skincare products by complete accident and initially I wasn’t convinced that my dry skin would benefit so much from the anti-aging “GOLD” range I was recommended. However, since using the GOLD RESCUE CREAM and GOLD NIGHT DROPS, I have noticed a significant improvement in my skin appearance and feel. As the name suggests, products in the GOLD range contain lots of goodness including vitamins, oils and even traces of real gold. The Omorovicza skincare products, in general, deliver rich minerals found in thermal baths in Budapest into deeper layers of the skin. As a result the skin feels firmer, more nourished and younger looking. I use the Gold Night Drops each evening under the Gold Rescue Cream. The drops are easy and smooth to apply. On the other hand, the cream is much thicker in consistency but after application my skin feels soft, strong and doesn’t pull.
TIP: use the GOLD RESCUE CREAM under make up. Omorovicza skincare can be purchased at Space NK, Harrods, Sephora and many other stores.
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magical weekend in
prague words and photography by Karolina Barnes
Located in central Europe, Prague is said to be one of the most romantic travel destinations. Boosting with historical architecture dating back to the 12th century, the city offers truly magical travel experience.
climate in November/December: mostly sunny days with temperatures between 3 - 9 degrees C
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do Take a city tour Book a sightseeing tour in a historical vehicle for a romantic afternoon with History Trip. Explore all of the most important city’s landmarks including the Prague Castle, Kampa Island, Wenceslas Square and the Old Town. Some services include free sparkling wine and great dinner at a traditional Czech pub.
photography via History Trip 53
photography via Mark Hotel
stay in The Mark Hotel address: Hybernska 12, Prague 1
A 5 star luxury hotel located in the heart of the city centre. The hotel itself is designed to blend the classical aesthetics with modern art, technology and features throughout. Perfect for families and couples searching the ultimate comfortable destination in the middle of the town.
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eat in Cafe Obecny Dum address: namesti Republiky 5, Prague 1
traditional Czech dining Cafe Obecny Dum is one of the finest Czech dining destinations in Prague. Enjoy traditional Czech cake selection and its famous desserts and tea in relaxed atmosphere. Admire the interior surroundings set in Secession era where classic meets modern.
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Tweet us your
#GBFD Great British Family Dinner
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Ready in 45 min
lamb keema aloo recipe and words by Lindsay Clark, photography by Karolina Barnes
As a nation when we think of Indian food we automatically think of Chicken Tikka Masala and Korma or maybe even slightly more daring Madras. Not many of us think to explore the other Indian dishes that are, in my opinion, even more tasty than a takeaway curry. Why not give it a go?
ingredients Sunflower or vegetable oil, 600g lamb mince, 2 onions, peeled and thinly sliced 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger, 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped 5 tomatoes, roughly chopped, 400g potatoes, peeled and diced very small 1 fresh chilli, finely chopped, 2 teaspoons of turmeric, 2 tablespoons of garam masala 2 teaspoons of ground coriander, 2 teaspoons of cumin teaspoon of dried chilli flakes, 3 tablespoons of natural yoghurt 150ml water, 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped coriander Salt and fresh black pepper
method Heat a couple of tablespoons of oil in a large saucepan over a medium to high heat and fry the onions until soft. Add the garlic, ginger and fresh chilli and fry for a further minute. Next add the lamb mince to the pan and fry until well browned. Pour all the spices into the pan and mix well. Fry for a further minute and then pour in the chopped tomatoes, water, yoghurt and the potatoes. Stir together and cook on a medium heat for 10-15 minutes. Stir well, turn down to a simmer and cover for 20 minutes. Meanwhile you can cook the rice and Naan bread. After 20 minutes remove the lid, season and mix in the fresh coriander making sure to save some for garnishing. Serve on a bed of rice with the Naan bread on the side. Enjoy!
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LIBBY LONDON “Brace yourself, be prepared and focus on the end goal.”
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“open up & inspire” We talked to Libby from Libby London, a fashion online store specialising in professional womanswear, about changing her career path from corporate to creative.
1. Why did you decide to make a career change? What was the inspiration behind the idea? I worked in finance for a long time (I spent 8 years on the trading floor selling asset backed bonds, working my way up to become a Director in structured finance) yet had always wanted to run my own business. There was an entrepreneurial side waiting to get out. The more senior I became, the harder I found it to buy work appropriate but stylish clothes at affordable prices. I investigated the idea of developing a clothing line for a long time and after endless research my initial designs were so well received, I thought, “I have something here”. I wanted to create a brand that perfectly served the modern working woman and there was a genuine gap in the market.!
2. What did you find most difficult to overcome when making the transition? What obstacle/fear/risks were you facing? Leaving behind a career in the city was an incredibly difficult process to go through. There was no guarantee that the Libby London business would work and I loved my job in finance but had a really strong feeling that my idea had legs. I initially found it very difficult to work without the support structure of a big corporation. The fear of failure was terrifying and I knew that once I was out of banking for more than a year there would be no going back. Getting the brand out there and generating sales was a challenge I needed to address quickly.
3. How did you manage to overcome those fears and doubts? Determination and total, utter dedication on a level that I would never have imagined. In the early days, we held corporate Pop Up shops every week in various banks or law firms around London as marketing an online business is expensive. I still hold similar events now as it is a great opportunity for me to interact with our customer face to face. It’s interesting to see what people select and why; their feedback is invaluable. A lot of the customers I met in the early days are now our most loyal and have followed our journey from the beginning.
“The fear of failure was terrifying but determination and total, utter dedication pulled me through.” 4. What would you say to anyone who wants to make a change in their life but is afraid of losing the security of a steady income and certain standard of living? Brace yourself. You have to be prepared to survive without an income for 2 years. Rent anything you own, sell your car and pare down your spending to an absolute minimum. Focus on the end goal.
LIBBYLONDON.COM
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LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK We’d love to hear what you think about High In Style magazine, what parts you love reading, what’s missing and how we can improve it. Share your suggestions at sayhello@highinstylemagazine.co and you’ll be automatically entered into our prize draw. Look out for the great prizes to be won!
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enter to win
Join our High In Stylers club and you’ll be automatically entered into our prize draw. Already signed up? Then you’re already entered to win one of these gorgeous giveaways. How lucky you are!
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Agate coasters from Hike & Seek
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Ikat Yellow Cushion
Omorovicza Gold Cream Samples
Essie Bahama Mama
5. My Planner 2016
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HIGHINSTYLEMAGAZINE.CO 64