Happy Weekend

Happy Weekend! It's been a cold week here in the UK, with the rain finally giving way to proper seasonal temperatures. Hello duvet coat, blanket scarves and snuggly boots! Whilst I've been keeping warm I've been checking out these links...

Working the West Wing: want to truly see behind the scenes at the White House? Politico's exclusive photos give you the inside scoop.

Michelle Obama wears her optimism for everyone to see: The First Lady wowed at this week's State of the Union, wearing a sunny marigold dress that everyone can't stop talking about!

Celine's Spring 2016 collection: it's pretty marvellous!

The Oscars pick the best movie sets of the year: who do you think will take home the trophy?

White House Week

This week's big story from the White House was President Obama's final State of the Union address. View the address below.





All eyes were on the First Lady and her marigold yellow dress from Narciso Rodriguez. The midi length wool crepe dress is now sold out!

Embed from Getty Images

Byw Celwydd: Spotlight on Welsh Politics

There's a new political drama in town, and it's hitting close to home. Byw Celwydd, (translated to Living a Lie) follows the trials and tribulations of a rainbow coalition government in charge of Wales.

The complex relationships and web of connections between the various politicians, make Byw Celwydd instantly addictive. This photo neatly explains who is who and how everyone is linked!

With the First Minister at odds with his journalist daughter-in-law, a husband and wife at odds over her leadership bid and a super special advisor back from America, there's no shortage of drama in the Cardiff Bay bubble.

With BBC Wales based in Cardiff Bay, I've got used to the regular presence of a film camera in and around my place of work. This time, it's particularly fun to see the Senedd on film, with scenes recorded in the public and private areas of the building.

So is Byw Celwydd art imitating life? Parts of the programme are believable, although I don't think we'd see a special advisor 'hanging out' at their employer's house quite as often, if at all, as we did in episode one! It's also been a bit confusing for us politicos to watch two brilliant actors who look like real life life politicians- hello Eiry Thomas, doppelganger for current AM Lesley Griffiths, and Mathew Gravelle, a lookalike for Stephen Kinnock MP.

With several more episodes set to air I'm looking forward to seeing how the the series develops! Plus, if you're lucky, you may even see me walking in the background...

S4C

Power Dressing: Inspiration from The Good Wife with Daniel Lawson

CBS

The Good Wife is one of my favourite television shows, and besides the action on-screen, I'm always looking at the costumes worn by lead characters Alicia Florrick (Julianna Margulies) and Diane Lockhart (Christine Baranski.)

The show's costume designer is Daniel Lawson, and I think you'll agree he's a marvel! With women constantly looking at how they can boost their workwear look and take inspiration from powerful women on screen, I spoke to Lawson for some exclusive tips and tricks!

Which factors have influenced the evolution of workwear?

Women used to dress in masculine suits, presumably to try to emulate men.  I think women's business wear today is far more feminine and individualized.  As more and more women attain top spots in the world of law, business, government and medicine, they no longer need to try to fit in.  They do fit in- they are the norm, which means rather than trying to assimilate to become one of the guys, they can pursue their individual styles and tastes.  This what the brand number 35 and 35DL are all about.  We want our women to feel empowered by their clothing and be able to reach into their closets and grab a suit knowing that she is going to be wearing a look that fits perfectly, feels great and exudes power and confidence.

What should women be wearing to feel empowered? 

Women should wear clothing that makes them feel good and confident.  They should be wearing clothing that fits. A suit is always nice, but I love a great dress for a sense of power too. I am always a fan of a proper pump.

CBS

Should there be specific dress codes for different professional industries? 

I think if an overall atmosphere is trying to be achieved within an industry, there is nothing wrong with a dress code. Allowing for individual expression within that dress code is key for helping to promote a healthy work ethic and productivity.

Alicia Florrick on The Good Wife is a successful women in a position of power. How does her wardrobe reflect her success? 

Alicia Florrick's wardrobe very much reflects her success as a lawyer and as the First Lady of Illinois.  Her look is equal parts classic and modern with an eye on clean lines, traditional silhouettes, perfect fit and luxe fabrics.

CBS

What tips/tricks can you offer those who are looking to power dress? 

Fit is key.  Always put some of your wardrobe budget aside for alterations.  Dress for the events of the day- know what your day is going to entail and dress appropriately for it.  Select one item in your look and let that piece be 'the star.' Clean, simple jewelry is good; certainly wear a statement piece if you'd like, but let the other jewelry elements support it.  And as we believe at 35DL, wear clothing that makes you feel good and strong - this is one of the most effective ways to appear powerful.

CBS

Things to consider when buying a home

Buying an apartment or house is a big step for all of us. With so many things to consider and an often tricky, long process ahead, having help from an expert can be a welcome intervention!

Real estate mogul Samantha DeBianchi, star of Bravo’s Million Dollar Listing has all the answers to your homeowning questions. One of the more interesting trends over the past few years in real estate has been single women buying homes. In fact, single women are the number two demographic when it comes to homeownership, just slightly behind families.  This trend shouldn’t really surprise anyone. After all, over the last 50 years the women’s movement has picked up incredible momentum and continues going strong. Therefore, it’s only natural that single women should make what is perhaps one of the best investments out there. Owing a home is practical for a lot of reasons, but unlike other purchases that depreciate overtime, the typical home in America continues to increase in value by roughly five percent each year.

Check out Samantha's top tips for the home purchasing process below!

Don’t rush the decision

I’ve seen it countless times. I take a buyer to see a property and before we walk out they are ready to sign the contract and put down a deposit. Sure this thrills me as an agent trying to make a living, but I always encourage my clients to sit on it for a day. The reality is that purchasing a home isn’t the same thing as buying a $90 outfit from Macys that you can easily return. Ask yourself some tough questions and answer honestly. Do you see yourself staying in this home for at least five years? Will it work if you meet the man of your dreams?  Does the location fit your lifestyle? Are there more pros to cons for making this purchase? Make sure and really think it through.

Are you financially ready? 

By far, one of the biggest mistakes I see single women make in the home buying process is they only consider the price of the home.  There’s a lot more to it than that and the sticker price is just the beginning. Don’t forget about property taxes, insurance, moving costs, utilities, repairs, attorney fees and more.  Also remember you’re going to need a considerable down payment. At least 20% is recommended to avoid private mortgage insurance, lower the monthly payment and reduce closing costs. At the same time, the stronger your credit and the better shape of your own financial house, the more attractive you’re going to look to the banks for financing.

An inspection is a must

An inspection is a must. It is never something to skip even if you have to foot the bill. I’ve watched too many women be swindled by a smooth talker who convinced them an inspection wasn’t necessary. You’ll hear things like, “I’ve maintained the property in tip-top shape from day one,” or “I just recently had the home checked from floor to ceiling and everything checked out just fine.” Even if the inspection doesn’t find anything significant, you’ve given yourself peace of mind by having one. If it does find something, try to get concessions from the seller to fix the problems.

Safety is paramount 

Safety is always important but especially when you’re a single woman living by yourself. Even if an area looks safe, do your research. Are there any registered sex offenders living nearby? What is the vibe at night like? Lookup area crime statistics online. Speak with several neighbors or the local police station to get an honest assessment of the neighborhood and crime rates. Most important: always follow your gut instinct. If it doesn’t feel safe or it just gives you a bad feeling, walk away from it because you’re probably right.

Always be honest with yourself

You’ve seen me sell some multi-million dollar mansions on Million Dollar Listing Miami, but just because my typical client is a professional athlete, successful entrepreneur or celebrity who can afford such a purchase, the truth is most people can’t and shouldn’t consider it. Sometimes the banks don’t help with this because they’ll lend you more than they should. Remember, you don’t have to use every dollar the bank is willing to give you.  When you decide to buy a home, leave your emotional side at home and think logically.  Be honest about your price range and what you can and can’t afford. Remember that price and square footage isn’t everything.  What you do with a home can make it beautiful and special, too.

The housing market is expected to be red hot in 2016. If you’re considering homeownership, now is the time to make your move. The most important thing to remember is to play it smart. If you do, you can find the place of your dreams and know that you’ve made one of the best investments money can buy.

Samantha DeBianchi is founder and CEO of DeBianchi Real Estate in South Florida. She also stared on Bravo’s Million Dollar Listing Miami. 

Happy Weekend!

We've made it to the end of the first work week of the year! If yours was anything like mine, you'll be glad to welcome the weekend to your doorstep!

It's been great to start 2016 off with some exciting new plans and positive phone calls. The following links have also helped provide perspective and entertainment!

Girl friendship drama: when it's time to stop perseverating and let it go

Sheryl Sandberg on renewal and rebirth

A Washington DC mansion sells for $18 million

How Tory Burch is investing in female entrepreneurs

The seven firms vying to design President Obama's Library

White House Week

This week's big story from the White House is the President's actions to reduce gun violence.



President Obama is taking executive action to reduce gun violence. Here’s what his actions are designed to do:

Keep guns out of the wrong hands through background checks

• The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is making clear that it doesn’t matter where you conduct your business—from a store, at gun shows, or over the Internet: If you’re in the business of selling firearms, you must get a license and conduct background checks.
• ATF is finalizing a rule to require background checks for people trying to buy some of the most dangerous weapons and other items through a trust, corporation, or other legal entity.
• Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch has sent a letter to States highlighting the importance of receiving complete criminal history records and criminal dispositions, information on persons disqualified because of a mental illness, and qualifying crimes of domestic violence.
• The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is overhauling the background check system to make it more effective and efficient. The envisioned improvements include processing background checks 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and improving notification of local authorities when certain prohibited persons unlawfully attempt to buy a gun. The FBI will hire more than 230 additional examiners and other staff to help process these background checks.

Make our communities safer from gun violence

• The Attorney General convened a call with U.S. Attorneys around the country to direct federal prosecutors to continue to focus on smart and effective enforcement of our gun laws.
• The President’s FY2017 budget will include funding for 200 new ATF agents and investigators to help enforce our gun laws.
• ATF has established an Internet Investigation Center to track illegal online firearms trafficking and is dedicating $4 million and additional personnel to enhance the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network.
• ATF is finalizing a rule to ensure that dealers who ship firearms notify law enforcement if their guns are lost or stolen in transit.
• The Attorney General issued a memo encouraging every U.S. Attorney’s Office to renew domestic violence outreach efforts.

Increase mental health treatment and reporting to the background check system

• The Administration is proposing a new $500 million investment to increase access to mental health care.
• The Social Security Administration has indicated that it will begin the rulemaking process to include information in the background check system about beneficiaries who are prohibited from possessing a firearm for mental health reasons.
• The Department of Health and Human Services is finalizing a rule to remove unnecessary legal barriers preventing States from reporting relevant information about people prohibited from possessing a gun for specific mental health reasons.

Shape the future of gun safety technology

• The President has directed the Departments of Defense, Justice, and Homeland Security to conduct or sponsor research into gun safety technology
• The President has also directed the departments to review the availability of smart gun technology on a regular basis, and to explore potential ways to further its use and development to more broadly improve gun safety.

For further information on President Obama's plans click here. 

Taking on 2016 with The Conquer Kit

2016 is going to be a big year of change for me. One of the areas I'll be focusing on will be the development of my business, moving to being a full time entrepreneur.

The release of The Conquer Kit: A Creative Business Planner for Women Entrepreneurs has arrived at a really convenient moment for me! Penned by media producer and entrepreneur mentor Natalie MacNeil, The Conquer Kit is a clever merging of the artistic creativity of Wreck This Journal and the business planning of #Girlboss.

Separated into timed sections, The Conquer Kit focuses your mind on what you want and why you want it. Helping readers to clear through the clutter, you'll be able to easily identify who you want to serve through your business and how you'll be getting there.

With handy tasks such as creating your 'business beacon,' and your intention word, The Conquer Kit really is an amazing tool for transforming your business, entrepreneurial idea and even helping you start out on your journey into the world of self-employment.

By following MacNeil's advice, 2016 will be your best business year yet!

Thanks to Penguin for an advice review copy of The Conquer Kit.

5 tips for choosing sustainable fashion

In a world of online, shopping and fast fashion, picking up a bargain quickly and cheaply has never been so tempting. Whilst many of us get a buzz from buying another tee shirt or pair of shoes at a rock-bottom price, the sustainability of our choices often doesn't cross our minds.

The COP21 climate change talks in Paris in December highlighted that we must all play our part in protecting the planet. Being sustainable with our fashion choices is just one way in which we can all make a positive impact.

Zady’s cofounder and CEO Maxine Bédat is championing this change. Combating the craze of fast fashion, Zady provides a platform for only those companies that care about timeless style and solid construction. From everyday basics to something special, Zady's is worth checking out!

Maxine is sharing her top five ways in which we can get our fashion fix in a sustainable way- take a look at her great tips below!

1.       Choose alpaca over cashmere. 

It takes five cashmere goats to make one sweater whereas you can create five sweaters from just one alpaca. Furthermore, cashmere goats eat grass by pulling it from the root, thus leading to desertification in China and Mongolia.

2.      Buy only what you love. 

Americans throw away 65-70 lbs of clothing each year. Invest in products you love and will own over the course of a lifetime.

3.       Buy fewer, and better. 

More than 150 Billion garments are produced every year. That’s enough to provide more than 20 new articles of clothing to every person on the planet, every year.

4.       Avoid clothing produced in countries with coal-based power grids. 

The top two countries for fashion is China and Bangladesh. Both of these countries rely heavily on coal, the fossil fuel for their power supply. And our fashion factories are not any different. These factories, are plugged into that coal supplied grid pumping out all that clothing that we end up wearing, on average, only seven times.

5.      Choose organic cotton and natural fibers over synthetics. 

Polyester, a plastic material made of crude oil, is now the most commonly used fiber in our clothing, and the trend is only increasing. Nearly 70 million barrels of oil are needed to make the world’s polyester fiber each year-- enough to fill the Empire State Building 10 times. Polyester takes more than 200 years to decompose.

To support Zady's mission and to find out more click here. 

New Year, New Workspace

I'm all for creating manageable New Year resolutions, and this year, sorting out my workspace is at the top of the list.

I'll be using my home office more than ever this year, and getting into my new routine requires a drastic rethink of my current workspace. I'll be ditching the piles of paper for a more tidy filing system, banning the clutter and keeping only the essentials close-by.

Whilst I work through an awful lot of stuff, these pictures will provide me with endless workspace inspiration. Grab a cup of something warm and dream along with me...

       Follow Laura-Emily Dunn's board Home Office on Pinterest.                   Follow Laura-Emily Dunn's board Home Office on Pinterest.    

Thanks to WeWork for the inspiration behind this post! Be sure to check out their London based office locations.

Happy Weekend!

Happy 2016! I hope the first three days of this new year have been brilliant for you! I've been getting back into the swing of things, reconnecting with my schedule and getting pumped up for the year ahead.

I've got big plans for this year, and I hope that you have too. Together, let's make it the best yet!

As we work on our collective goals, check out some of the links I've been reading this week.

32 things you didn't know about J.Crew: I certainly learned a facts by reading this list!

#HatsOffNewport: and my starring role!

Why Legos are a better investment than gold: there's a reasoning behind my new habit!

20 photos of Presidents on vacation: because even POTUS needs his down time.

The Best White House Photos from 2015

There were many standout moments captured by the official White House photographers in 2015. Pete Souza, David Lienemann, Chuck Kennedy and Amanda Lucidon produce awe-inspiring images of the President, First Lady and members of the Obama Administration, and it is their work which has reignited my love of photography and the camera.

There are simply too many amazing photographs to choose from- these are some of my favorites.

First Lady Michelle Obama and Meryl Streep participate in a photo shoot for MORE magazine in the Blue Room of the White House. (Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon)

President Barack Obama's motorcade travels to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport in Romulus, Mich. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

First Lady Michelle Obama participates in a "Let's Move!" Funny or Die game show taping with Billy Eichner of Billy on the Street and Big Bird at Safeway in Washington, D.C. (Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon)

President Barack Obama speaks with First Lady Michelle Obama following his State of the Union address at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

An aerial view of the White House taken from the cockpit of Marine One upon arrival from Baltimore, Maryland. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Vicki Kennedy, widow of Senator Ted Kennedy, shows President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama a replica of Sen. Kennedy's Senate office following the dedication of the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate in Boston, Mass. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

President Barack Obama laughs with Caroline Kennedy, U.S. Ambassador to Japan, in the Oval Office. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

President Barack Obama's place is set at the table prior to the State Dinner for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan in the East Room of the White House. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

David Lienemann, the Vice President’s photographer, made this image in Dachau, Germany, of the VP and his granddaughter Finnegan Biden touring the concentration camp with Max Mannheimer, a 95-year-old Holocaust survivor. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

The President’s daughter Malia stopped by the Oval Office one afternoon to see her dad. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Chuck Kennedy captured this scene at dusk as the President entered the Outer Oval Office with Shaun Donovan. (Official White House by Chuck Kennedy)

Pete Souza captured this image at the 50th Anniversary of Bloody Sunday and the Selma to Montgomery march commemorations. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

The First Lady, along with senior monk Eigen Onishi, had tea with Amb. Caroline Kennedy, U.S. Ambassador to Japan, and her son, Jack Schlossberg, at the Kiyomizu-dera Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan. (Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon)

The First Lady snuggled against the President during a video taping for the 2015 World Expo in the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House. (Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon)

The President walks to sign H.R. 2 Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 in the Rose Garden of the White House. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

Pete Souza ran up the steps of the Lincoln Memorial ahead of the President and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan to capture this scene of the two looking towards the Washington Monument. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

After returning on Marine One, the President walks from the helicopter to the Oval Office holding an umbrella for aides Valerie Jarrett and Anita Decker Breckenridge. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

'Show us the Jeremy dance,’ the President said to departing Social Secretary Jeremy Bernard, during a farewell ceremony for Jeremy in the State Dining Room of the White House. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

The President hugs Vice President Joe Biden after delivering a eulogy during the funeral mass for Beau Biden at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Wilmington, Del.(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Chancellor Angela Merkel asked the G7 leaders and outreach guests to make their way to a bench for a group photograph. The President happened to sit down first, followed closely by the Chancellor (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

President Obama had just stopped by the annual Congressional Baseball Game at Nationals Park and we were already driving away underneath the stadium. The President asked the Secret Service to stop the motorcade when he spotted The Racing Presidents. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

The First Lady and First Lady Agnese Landini of Italy tour the Mirror Room in the Italian Pavilion at the World Expo in Milan, Italy. (Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon)

Members of the Senate Democratic Caucus applaud the Vice President after the President acknowledged their partnership during a meeting and reception in the State Dining Room. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Underneath a picturesque sky, the President boards Air Force One prior to departure from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

The President and First Lady walk back towards the south entrance of the White House following a moment of silence with White House staff for the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

David Lienemann scoped out a great vantage point from the Blue Room Balcony to capture this moment as the President and First Lady escorted Pope Francis back inside the White House following the State Arrival Ceremony on the South Lawn. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

Two days after the visit of Pope Francis, the President and First Lady hosted President Xi Jinping of China and Madame Peng Liyuan for another State Visit. Before the formal State Dinner, the President showed President Xi and Madame Peng the Gettysburg Address in the Lincoln Bedroom. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Pete Souza focused on the detail of the Resolute Desk as the President was talking with two aides in the Oval Office. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

After their meeting with the President, Katie Beirne Fallon, Director of Legislative Affairs, and Shaun Donovan, Director Office of Management and Budget, knock on wood–the Resolute Desk–in hopes that the budget would pass through Congress. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

The President and First Lady react to a child in a pope costume and mini popemobile as they welcomed children during a Halloween event on the South Lawn of the White House. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

After arriving in France to attend the Climate Change Summit, the President, with French President François Hollande and Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, made an unannounced stop just after midnight at the memorial in front of le Bataclan, the site of a Paris terrorist attack. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

December through Instagram

Celebrating the festive season at Parc Pantry | Cute little bows from Felt Philosophy | A December birthday | Early morning at Friar's Walk | A very Welsh Christmas | Revisiting The OC Chrismukkah CD | Reads from Homes & Antiques and Vorsten | Brunch at Le Bistrot Pierre | The most gorgeous cranberry sauce

Follow me on Instagram!

A Look Back at 2015

It's pretty much been a whirlwind of a year! As I sit here with a cup of tea and look back through the archive, it's hard to believe how much I've done and the great people I've worked with!

Let's take a look back at 2015...

Travel

By now, you all know that I like to travel! I'm fortunate to have many opportunities to visit new cities as part of my job, and this year saw me head to Dallas for the first time. It's a city full of life and filled with history- I really enjoyed my first visit, and look forward to heading back again!

I also took a mammoth trip back to DC and NYC. Packed with lots of business meetings, I did make time for fun and catch-ups with friends and colleagues!

Milestones

I'm over a year into running my own communications business. It's lots of fun, rewarding and enriching, and I'm really glad I took the plunge in 2014! This year I was honored to be named as one of the 35 Under 35 Entrepreneurs to Watch in Wales. I was listed amongst awesome company, including many individuals I collaborate with. I was also a finalist at the inaugural Wales Entrepreneur Awards in two categories- Micro Business and Expat.

Blog

Political Style has gone from strength to strength, and that's thanks to you, the lovely reader! New content streams have developed, including the really popular Royal Style. I've also worked with lots of new, exciting global brands and I'm looking forward to developing these partnerships in 2016. Watch this space!

Wow Moments

This year has had quite a few WOW moments, but my favorite has been interviewing Julia Gillard, the former Prime Minister of Australia. Gillard was the first female to hold the role as Australia's Prime Minister, and it was amazing to interview one of my role models when she was in Wales. A moment I'll never forget!

Fun

Plenty of fun has been had! From visiting the Harry Potter set to those everyday hilarious moments, I feel lucky to have had such a great, empowering year. I count my blessings everyday!

Thanks as always to you for your support. Wishing you and yours an amazing 2016! - L xo