In my new weekly segment “weekend fashion inspiration”, Selina Farooqui the award winning fashion designer shares her weekend fashion inspiration with us.
Want to be part of our weekly segment, email your weekend fashion inspiration to: umsuhailsblog@gmail.com
From the Office to the Weekend, Courtesy of Selina Farooqui
Top and Jeans @forever21
Sunglasses @missguided
Eyeshadow pots @ Colourpop Cosmetics
Barca “champagne pop” Highlighter @Sephora
Huda beauty liquid lipsticks @Sephora
Meet Elisabete Reis, a professional fashion stylist, Image Etiquette & Protocol Consultant, a wife and a mother of 3 with a passion for everything she does.
Elisabete was destined to travel to China where she found romance and married Miguel Heitor. China became home to the Reis Heitor, and the birth place of 2 of her children.
2006 brought new surprises for the Reis Heitor, Miguel had an opportunity to move to Qatar, without hesitation and armed with their shared adventurous spirit, they moved to Qatar. With the prospect of a year filled with new discoveries, new culture and new landscape they began their life in Qatar, no later they had a daughter and 1 year became 10 years – Qatar has been home for the last 10 years.
US: Elisabete, please do share with us how and when did you create Glam your Image?
ER: Glam Your Image is a dream come true. Having worked many years in the aviation industry, allowed me to interact and work with people from around the world from completely different cultures and ways of living. Fascinated by how different we all are yet so similar in so many ways, wanting the same things; to look and feel better, be more confident, express ourselves appropriately and ensure that our messages are clearly understood, to have an impact, be acknowledged and to motivate others and so on. I soon realized the need for my services in the market, the seed had been planted and so began my journey with Glam Your Image. 2008 saw the launch of Glam Your Image!
US: How would you describe what you do?
ER: I empower people and companies to achieve their ultimate goals. Provide personal development coaching workshops, create wardrobes for success, deportment, brand coaching enabling staff to effectively and correctly represent the Brand are some of the areas I cover. My work is divided in areas depending on the client needs. I have professional certification in all the areas I cover and I decided to expand and offer a comprehensive list of services.
US: What do you like most about what you do?
ER: Everything! I love everything about my work if I were to name a favorite, it would be empowering people by coaching them on how to be confident. I believe it’s the key to everything. I can give you an amazing closet but if you don’t own your confidence, it will not work in the long run. I want my clients completely empowered and confident.
This aspect of my work allows me to forge long term bonds with my clients, where they transition from clients to friends, our relationship becomes rather interactive, where I become a part of their lives, they share their shopping experiences and I am always happy to share my opinion when required.
US: What do you dislike?
ER: Not having more hours in the day perhaps 🙂
US: What education, schooling, or skills are needed to do this?
ER: I strongly believe education is key to success and empowerment. Study Image Consulting (Foundation and Advanced course), Coaching, Etiquette & Protocol
US: What is most challenging /rewarding about what you do?
ER: I had the absolute pleasure of working with people with disabilities and had the most challenging and rewarding moments of my career.
US: What’s a typical work week like?
ER: Completely hectic 🙂 Managing my time between family, clients and events.
US: What is the greatest misconception that people have about what you do?
ER: That I am a blogger :):) I am not a blogger Although I share and blog about my work it is not what I do for a living.
US: What are your goals/dreams for the future?
ER: My career is a continuous work in progress, with new developments which I will gladly share with you soon.
US: What kind of activities does your company offer?
ER: We work closely with brands, hotels and spas, promoting what we believe is good and of interest to our audience.
US: You also have a blog. When did you decide to communicate with your followers via this medium? What is your favorite thing about blogging?
ER: I do, but unfortunately haven’t been active on the blog, however it’s on my “to do list”. I love to tell stories and share experiences with followers, due to various reasons, I have unfortunately not been very active been active on the blog. Blogging has come a long way since its first appearance. Initially Blogging was used as a unique platform to share a person’s thoughts, feelings, opinions or experiences – an online journal if you will. Today it has grown into a platform used by millions and the simplicity of it, making it easy for anyone to launch a blog and become a self-proclaimed “expert”. Our strongest presence on social media platforms are on: Instagram, InstaStories and Facebook, however we also engage with our followers through Snapchat, Twitter and Pinterest simply search @glamyourimage
US: Please describe your personal style
ER: My style is focused on timeless pieces I love simple yet polished and elegant looks.
US: How do you determine the best style for your clients
ER: Based on personality and lifestyle.
US: You also help your clients edit their closets. What’s the hardest thing about this for you and your client?
ER: For the client is the struggle of “letting go”, their challenge in letting go of items, the constant negotiations to retain those items for various reasons, until they fully accept their new journey. For me it is the friendship I forge in the process of empowering people.
US: Do you like to follow fashion trends?
ER: Follow no but be aware of them yes. I invest in timeless pieces, trends are always very affordable that I can replace quickly and easily with minimal damage to my wallet.
US: What is the item of clothing that you would love to ban from every woman’s closet?
ER: I always say clogs and crocs, furthermore there’s absolutely no reason for any woman not wear properly fitted clothing to enhance her body type.
US: You are also a life coach. How do you incorporate this into your image consulting?
ER: It Is all about the building up confidence and owning who you are, as I mentioned earlier making it a perfect match in the image consulting business. I strongly believe in “beauty and brains” as a powerful and winning combination, with beauty in the sense of looking and feeling well put together, so it’s all part of the coaching process.
US: In addition to running your own company, you are the creative director for Debaj. Please describe Debaj.
ER: Debaj is a Qatari brand of luxury abayas. Debaj was the name of a fabric used exclusively for the Royal Family.
The Debaj Collection is like no other. This unique brand with its unmistakable and breathtaking designs made only of the finest fabrics, superb craftsmanship and impeccable attention to detail- a masterpiece. Each design expressing the creativity of a fantastic team made up of individuals from around the globe, a collective effort contributing to the success of Debaj.
US: What events do you like to be a part of when it comes to the services you offer; life coaching, fashion, or image consulting?
ER: I prefer interactive events where I can give back to the community such as workshops or brief image assessments where I can share useful tools or skills. I love interacting with people, having conversation, where you can look into someone’s eyes and feel their emotions and see their expressions.
US: Do you have to travel a lot for your job?
ER: I do travel quite a lot which requires great organizational skills. Thank God, my husband and children are very understanding and supportive of my career.
US: Can you explain how your image can have a huge impact on your everyday life?
ER: it is said that it takes It takes 7 seconds for us to judge another person, based on this, personal image can be a catalyst in building relationships. Personal image is important because most people are judged based on the first impression. A good personal image (includes everything from the way a person dresses to their voice fluctuations and even their social media profiles) will ensure positive and lasting first impressions, thus projecting a glimpse of your personal life, leading to many benefits and pave the way for many opportunities.
US: What advice would you give to anyone wishing to pursue this career path?
ER: Be genuine and sincere. Invest in your education, (trust me, totally worth it) attend renowned image schools or institutes and refrain from giving “tips” on social media without the sufficient knowledge. I cannot impress enough on formal education and thereafter enhance it with additional self-taught courses. Understand that just because you dress yourself every morning you are not a professional stylist, healing our children’s superficial wounds does not make you a doctor, just as eating your food everyday make you a good connoisseur or food critic. It is Imperative that one understands the difference between passion and hobby.
US: Your message for 2017 is…….
ER: Talk more text less!
You may reach Elisabete Reis,on the following:
Website: http://www.glamyourimage.com/
Email: elisabete@glamyourimage.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/GLAMyourimage/
Twitter:@GlamYourImage
Instagram: glamyourimage
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Today we meet , Atiyya Laher , born in South Africa and raised in the UAE – a fashion Stylist, designer and blogger
US: Hi Atiyya, could you start by telling us a bit about yourself?
Atiyya: Born in South Africa and raised in the UAE. I grew fond of diversity, change and adventure. I believe firmly in positivity, equality and ambition and feel that trying is the answer to a greater future. Luckily for me I have the greatest support system that is my family, my husband and my friends and they give me my daily dose of motivation that gets through each day.
US: At what age did you start becoming fascinated with fashion?
Atiyya: My mum has always been a major influence in my life when it came to my closet. She was an absolute diva in the fashion department and made sure her daughter followed her footsteps but it was at 18 that I decided why not make a career out of it if I love it so much.
US: Tell us about your fashion designing? Do you still get to design a lot?
Atiyya: Having graduated with a B.A degree in fashion and design I felt my first step to the real world would be to gain experience under the most prestigious designers possible – I’m talking Elie Saab, Proenza Schouler and even Oscar De La Renta. While I do not design full time, I take opportunities to design for friends and family and even potential clients who want something original and specially made. I must boast a little and mention that my greatest achievement this far was designing my wedding dress and my husband’s tux.
US: Where can we view/purchase your designs?
Atiyya: My design portfolio unfortunately is not available for view unless of course you are looking to have something designed. Until I have a steady line up and running, all designs are made especially for my clients and kept for their eyes only. However my styling portfolio is available on my blog – aforatiyya.com and you can reach me on the website at any time.
US: How did you prepare for a career in styling?
Atiyya: Styling has always been an ambition of mine and I was awarded an internship fresh out of my graduation with a luxury boutique. As everyone says you have to start at the bottom and that’s what I did. I wrote articles, copy edited, styled and studio managed as an intern which then grew into an opportunity for me to becoming the new online stylist – I grabbed it with my hands and teeth!
US: How do you stay updated on the current trends?
Atiyya: Trends are one of the most exciting aspects of working in fashion. My most efficient methods lie at the hands of my best friends; fashion magazines. While the street is full of trending ideas, none are official unless they’re in print and shown off at fashion week.
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US: How important is Fashion Week for you?
Atiyya: Super duper important! Fashion week defines what your wardrobe is set to look like for the next 6 months and that means shopping! Not only do I spoil myself rotten but it means I get to play style consultant for a whole new set of themes that inspire other people.
US: What is your dream job?
Atiyya: Once I have conquered the fashion world and by that I mean I have gotten my designs across the globe successfully, I would love to teach arts and motivate in the creative world. Education is a gift and I believe it’s the best gift we can impart on our youth.
US: How important is communication between yourself and the photographer that you’ll be working with? What sorts of things do you do to prepare yourself for an upcoming shoot?
Atiyya: Like any team based work there needs to be constant communication and chemistry. Having an open mind and being free to suggestions is key because while you might see an image in a particular way, the photographer might see it in a better perspective. My preparations consist of 3 main things: research, quality check and endless accessory options.
US: Name the top three things in your styling kit that are must-haves?
Atiyya: Pegs, lipstick and a smile.
US: What is most challenging about what you do?
Atiyya: Styling is a very physical job; you are on your feet 24/7, moving from the rail to the set to the model and it requires superior precision. If anything, it keeps my feet moving all the time which means I get to skip leg day at the gym!
US: In addition to designing and styling you also blog. How do you find the time to do all of this and tell us a bit more about the other projects that you are working on.?
Atiyya: Blogging is a recent venture I have come to enjoy and do it purely to share my views on the fashion world. I don’t like routine because I don’t like boredom and the 2 are very closely related for me. I am able to manage the many things I enjoy to do solely because I want to do them – passion is a driving quality that doesn’t let procrastination approach.
US: How would you describe your own personal style?
Atiyya: It really depends on my mood. Some days it’s preppy with a mix and match chic while on others its anything works with everything. I do maintain a certain quality and that is to have really exciting denim!
US: What’s a typical work week like?
Atiyya: A 9 hour day at work, 5 days a week which embodies on set styling and still life styling. Squeezing in a few photography sessions for my own blog here and there which then takes me home to a session of gym, a delicious dinner and skype sessions with family abroad.
US: What do you think will be the big hits fashion wise for next season?
Atiyya: We’ve had velvet make a major comeback this season and I don’t think it’s going leave anytime soon. Also the perfection of ankle boots, white sneakers and off shoulder cuts seem to have devoured the fashion world and I am so excited to see the versions of them being sold in stores soon.
US: Where do you tend to buy your clothes, and why?
Atiyya: I don’t have a flagship store – I look for unique items which define me as a person and this could be found anywhere from Zara to Kate Spade. I tend to do a lot of online shopping at boutiques which hold a variety of brands because hey it’s convenient and I get everything I want all at once.
US: What do you splurge on?
Atiyya: Shoes! We have a serious relationship going on and it’s not one I’m going to give out on soon. You can wear the same outfit twice with a different shoe and it will look totally different!
US: Do shops and advertisers send you samples of their goods to feature?
Atiyya: Some have but I don’t encourage it, nor do I sign up for affiliate programs. I like to speak about items solely on the fact that I love them and not for any form of compensation.
US: Do you have any fashion rules when putting an outfit together?
Atiyya: Always consider proportion play!
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US: Where do you find the inspiration for your blog posts?
Atiyya: The idea that someone who is reading my blog posts are feeling happy, pleased or inspired is all it takes.
US: Who is your fashion inspiration?
Atiyya: Sarah Jessica Parker.
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US: What’s your next fashion must have?
Atiyya: Miu Miu’s Satin Ballet Flats – on the top of the list!
US: Who does your amazing photography?
Atiyya: When it comes to style curation and street-style, that is all me but the mastermind behind my portraits is my husband – he sure does have a lot of patience.
US: How many times a week do you post on your blog?
Atiyya: I try to post an article once a week and a flash of inspiration every morning.
US: Where do you see yourself taking your styling career?
Atiyya: Working as a full time stylist has given me the opportunity to become a styling consultant on a free-lance basis. I do hope that from here I could work on the runway, styling for designers back stage and for look-books.
US: What events do you like to be a part of when it comes to designing and styling?
Atiyya: Anything and everything that is new, trending and exciting. Local talent shows, fashion exhibitions and even street-events are always sure to bring colour and is a wonderful place to network.
US: What advice would you give to anyone wishing to pursue this career path?
Atiyya: Don’t give up. You will always find someone better than you – learn from them. Someone will always tell you it’s not good enough – work harder. There will always be a difficult challenge – conquer it!
US: Your message for 2017 is…….
Atiyya: Just because you’re not ready, doesn’t mean you can’t do it.
Follow Atiyya on : www.aforattiya.com
Instagram: atiyya_laher
Facebook: www.facebook.com/atiyya.laher
Twitter: @Tiya7399
