Political Style: July 2015

Audrey Hepburn: Portraits of an Icon

31.7.15

Audrey Hepburn is one of the most glamorous women of our time. I'm a big admirer of her movies, her humanitarian work and her sense of style, so the Portraits of an Icon exhibition currently being held at the National Portrait Gallery in London is top of my visit list.

To coincide with the exhibition, a new book has been released. Audrey Hepburn: Portraits of an Icon is written by Terence Pepper and Helen Trompeteler and contains a mix of 145 black and white and color photographs. The exhibition marks the 65th anniversary of her performance at Ciro's West End night club that helped launch her career, and chronicles her early years in London, her Hollywood heyday and her career as a special ambassador for UNICEF.

Hepburn was principally dressed by Givenchy for much of her life, and sat for photographers including Cecil Beaton, Richard Avedon, Angus McBean, Irving Penn and Norman Parkinson. The book contains many of these images, as well as publicity stills, family photographs and informal images.

This is a truly amazing book, and has rekindled my interest in Hepburn and her impressive film reel. In fact, I'll be rewatching Breakfast at Tiffany's and Funny Face this weekend! If you love fashion, film or portrait photography, this is a book for you.

The exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery runs until October 18th.

Tintern Abbey

29.7.15

I don't spend nearly enough time discovering the sights on my own doorstep, so when visitors from New Zealand were here over the weekend, we took them to see Tintern Abbey.

The Cistercian abbey of Tintern is one of the greatest monastic ruins of Wales, and in the reign of King Henry VIII, his Dissolution of Monestries ended monastic life. Its decay began.

The Abbey is a stunning place to visit and I couldn't resist having fun with my new iPhone! :)

35 Under 35

27.7.15

I don't often post about personal things on the blog, but when super exciting things happen, I just have to shout about them!

Many of you know that last year I started my own business. It has been something that I wanted to do for quite a while, and taking the big step to do it was a milestone in itself. I specialize in content creation, copywriting, social media and bespoke PR and have lots of fun working with clients in both the US and the UK. My clients operate in the lifestyle, retail, technology and B2B sectors, and in the short time I've been working them, I've learned LOADS.

Last week I found out that I had been selected as one of the 35 Under 35 businesswomen/entrepreneurs to watch in my home country of Wales. This is a huge honour, and I feel so privileged to be among the company of many amazing women! It's also really great to share the honour with a few friends!

You can read more about the list here. Thanks to all of you who have already sent many lovely congratulatory messages!

Links of the Week

26.7.15

This week I've been reading...

A look behind the scenes at Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries

10 inspirational quotes from female business leaders

A chat with DvF

How to Instagram like a pro

White House Week

25.7.15

An interpreter signs in the foreground while President Barack Obama, with Vice President Joe Biden, delivers remarks during a reception for the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the East Room of the White House, July 20, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

This week, President Obama marked 25 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act. In the East Room, President Obama honored those who made the ADA the law of the land – the activists, congressional representatives, and stakeholders who worked tirelessly to ensure that millions of Americans with disabilities had the chance to make their contributions to the world. You can watch his full remarks below.

As part of the Reach Higher initiative, First Lady Michelle Obama held the 2015 Beating the Odds Summit in the East Room of the White House to honor youths who overcame obstacles during high school.

View image | gettyimages.com

Iconic Wedding Dresses

24.7.15

Do you have a favorite celebrity wedding dress? Lose yourself in the dreaminess thanks to Vashi!

Party in the Parc

20.7.15

I'm a big fan of a local cafe, deli and shop called Parc Pantry. They're based in my hometown of Newport and in the year since they opened, they are the must visit destination for miles!

To celebrate the opening of their newest venture, Parc Pantry Tea Rooms, they hosted a massive party in the local park! Belle Vue Park was packed with people and it was awesome to see and be a part of such a positive community event. I had great fun running their social media for the day and one of the highs was meeting in real life lots of people that I'd spoken to on Twitter.

Thanks to Lauren for this photo! // Dork Features

I'm looking forward to seeing the Tea Rooms thrive and thrive- and if you're in Wales, come down my way and say hi! I'll treat you to a cuppa and a slice of cake! :)

Links of the Week

19.7.15

This week I've been reading...

10 style lessons we can learn from Lee Radziwill

My new fashion inspiration: Melissa Browne

25 women on the best advice they've ever received

White House Week: Dr Biden joins Instagram!

18.7.15

I'm a big fan of Instagram so I was pretty excited to see that Second Lady, Dr Biden has joined the site!

Here's her first Instagram post:

Hello, @Instagram! Excited to start gramming. Running through my briefing papers before traveling to Asia to promote economic empowerment and educational opportunities for women and girls. #LetGirlsLearn –Jill

A photo posted by Dr. Jill Biden (@drbiden) on Jul 16, 2015 at 12:18pm PDT

Be sure to follow along!

My Top 5 Political Dramas

17.7.15

With a background of working in politics, I always find myself drawn to political dramas – fact and fiction! Even if I find myself needing to distress, I still reach for the nearest political DVD I can find

So which are in my top 5?

The West Wing: Forever a classic, the West Wing played an early role in my interest in politics. The issues, solutions, personalities and morals ring true for political arenas around the world, and I return to favourite episodes of the series for when I need a political pick-me-up. Season Two’s ‘Two Cathedrals’ will forever be my favourite.

Madam Secretary: Starring Tea Leoni, this drama follows Elizabeth McCord's role as Secretary of State. Dealing with a coup in Iran, crises at home and a change in family life, this is one of my absolute favourites. Plus McCord's wardrobe is proper A-game.

Commander in Chief: Cancelled after eighteen episodes, Commander in Chief starred Geena Davis as the first female American President. Fiesty and controversial, Davis played President Mackenzie Allen, and Independent who becomes Commander in Chief following the death of the former President. There was speculation that the series would be made into a movie, but unfortunately this never transpired.

Scandal: Perhaps one of the most addictive dramas on TV, Scandal follows main character Olivia Pope as she fixes Washington’s problems- oh and is in a relationship with the married President of the United States. The sizzling episodes provide an exciting and gripping distraction from everyday!

House of Cards: No list would be complete with House of Cards. House of Cards is the American remake of the classic original British drama. With the amazing Kevin Spacey playing the shady, divisive and downright scary House Majority Whip turned President, this is one gripping series. Season 4 is currently in production.

What are your favourite political dramas? Comment below!

GIVEAWAY: Louella Odie

15.7.15

When a new designer or company that I love finds its way onto my desk I just have to share it! Enter Louella Odié, an amazing handbag and accessories business based in Hong Kong. Created by mother daughter duo Karen and Lauren, the Louelle Odié brand was born in 2013. Mum Karen has a masters in print making and daughter Lauren experience in branding and marketing. Together they realised they made an awesome team!

The range of items from Louella Odié includes totes, clutches and backpacks, as well as a gorgeous line of scarves and stationery. All designs feature images and patterns from Karen's tropical life in Hong Kong, and her experience as a print maker ensures that the range includes both hand-printed and digitally printed leather, silk and other modern materials.

Louella Odié has a truly international outlook, a testament to the vision and innovation of its founders.

Louella Odié are offering readers the chance to win the Bauhinia Bag from their Island Life collection. The giveaway is open to readers worldwide- enter using the widget below!

Louella Odie

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Summer Bracelet Stack

13.7.15

For many of us, the different seasons means that we rotate the clothes in our wardrobes. A few tweaks here and there, and voila, you can be set for the new season.

We're well into summer now, and I've found myself mixing up my jewelry due to warmer climes. My treasured pieces do remain, but I've been gravitating towards a fun summer bracelet stack for both work and play.

I love these pieces from Lisa Hoffman Beauty. What makes them extra special is that they're fragrance bracelets, perfect if you're a little scatty like me and forget to spritz on your perfume before heading out the door! I'm wearing the Tuscan Fig and Madagascar Orchid bracelets in the photo- the two scents don't overpower each other, so you can stack away!

I also love my cuff from Dune Jewelry. Dune allows you to personalize your jewels using sand from your favorite beaches, making it a great gift for a friend or family member. I've chosen sand from Newport, RI- it's my happy place.

What's in your summer bracelet stack?

Links of the Week

12.7.15

This week I've been reading...

Sheryl Sandberg joins the board of SurveyMonkey

How Bobbi Brown spends her Sundays

The costumes of Marion Boyce

Julia Gillard's views on sexism

White House Week

11.7.15

Watch the fun call between President Obama and the United State's women's national soccer team to congratulate them winning the World Cup in front of the largest soccer audience in American TV history!

Mika Brzezinski: 'Don't say you're sorry'

10.7.15

Mika Brzezinski is one of my favourite journalists. I love her on 'Morning Joe,' and the career advice that she gives out is absolutely inspiring.

Brzezinski has embarked on her 'Knowing Your Value' tour, travelling across America to empower women and help them to express their worth in business and life.

I recently interviewed Brzezinski for The Huffington Post, the full post which you can check out here.

I've also teamed up with Brzezinski to give away a signed copy of her new book, Grow Your Value. the giveaway is open to readers worldwide and you can enter using the widget below.

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GIVEAWAY: Love, Luck, Kisses & Cake Goodies

8.7.15

I have a fun giveaway for all you stationery fans out there! The fab Katelyn, Founder and Creative Director of Love, Luck, Kisses & Cake is giving one lucky reader a box full of exciting paper goodies!

Katelyn founded her business back in 2009. LLKC originally started as a blog, and in 2014 expanded into their first line of stationery and giftable goods. The entire product line is made in the USA and features Katelyn's designs that celebrate everyday and special occasions.

Enter the giveaway using the widget below! The giveaway is open to readers worldwide.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

LLKC

Julia Gillard: An exclusive interview

6.7.15

Natasha Hirst Photography

Last week I interviewed Julia Gillard, the former Prime Minister of Australia. Gillard is the first woman to hold the position, and returned to her birth country of Wales for a special lecture at the National Assembly for Wales.

In my exclusive interview, I spoke to Gillard about leadership, women in public life and how the symbolism of a female US President would change the world. You can watch my interview here.

You will all probably remember the now famous speech that Gillard delivered in the Australian Parliament calling out sexism against her and other women. It's powerful stuff and well worth another watch!

Links of the Week

5.7.15

This week I've been reading...

Some of the first White House tour photos

A Q&A with blogger Rach Parcell

12 Incredible American Mansions you must visit

21 reasons why Madam Secretary's Elizabeth McCord is awesome

White House Week

4.7.15

For me, the most exciting White House news this week was... photos are now allowed on all White House tours!!! Thanks Michelle Obama for reversing this 40yr old rule!

Big news! Starting today, we’re lifting the ban on cameras and photos on the @WhiteHouse public tour. Visitors are now able to take photos and keep those memories for a lifetime! 📷 To learn how to schedule a tour with your friends and family, visit whitehouse.gov.

A video posted by First Lady Michelle Obama (@michelleobama) on Jul 1, 2015 at 4:47am PDT

The Magical World of Harry Potter

3.7.15

Earlier this week I took a trip to London to visit the Warner Bros Studios and the magical world of Harry Potter! It was certainly worth the 2.5 hour journey and was pretty much a look back at one of the highlights of my childhood.

Top tips for your visit:

get there early for when it opens or two hours before it closes.
fun to try Butterbeer but really not worth the price. (£4 for a small cup, and £5 for an ice cream!)
if you are hitting the gift shop, pick a budget and stick to it. Some of the items are quite pricey.

Check out some of my photos below.