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Friday

Untangle Your Day


We all have those days when we wake up and our hair is nothing shy of a birds nest - the aftermath of a backcombed chignon bun or a hard core work out session at the gym and the painful pulls and knots that ensue are nothing short of a traumatic ordeal. Essence PR recently sent me the answer to solve all of my tangle troubles. This pretty little brush not only makes brushing a more pleasant experience but is less damaging to your hair. Michel Mercier has revolutionised the brush creating an exclusive patent in which 428 bristles positioned at different heights with a unique geometric distribution that help to disperse the pressure placed on the hair during brushing, resulting in easier detangling and reduced hair loss and breakage. Available in three different varieties to suit all hair types, you longer have to worry about tugging that brush so hard that the brush breaks, or repeating again and again with detanglers that just seems to stroke over your hair. Click here to get your own Michel Mercier wonder to brush away all your tangling troubles. 

Monday

Tweed Sweater



What I'm Wearing: Zara Tweed Sweater, MissGuided Skater Skirt & Office Flatforms.

Is it correct that black, well, is the new black? You can never go wrong with it. It flatters like everyone and matches with everything. Black is so totally a winner. After stealing this  tweed-esque sweater from my sister thanks Jesse, I couldn't wait to team it with some monochrome accessories for a dinner with the girlies. Found these absolute bargain flatforms in the Office  sale. I am not one for sale shopping in the slightest, elbowing women out the way in order to get your hands on whats about to become last seasons stock - no thank you, I'll pass on that. But popping into my local Office branch to pick up a pair of classic Van's for my Dad I know what a style icon, I spotted these for a mere £8 - ridiculous I know. Heading off to one of my absolute favourite restaurants in London & NYC tonight, Balthazar - be sure to follow me on instagram @georgiabenj to check out some of the delicious dishes.

Thursday

Winter Coat



What I'm Wearing: Urban Outfitters Panama Hat & Sweater, Zara Coat, Gap Jeans & Topshop Boots. 



Say hello to my newest winter wardrobe addition. This double breasted little beaut is totally my new obsession for this oh so chilly season. When it comes down to winter coats I have a million and one difference styles furs, leathers, trenches you name it, but for some bizarre reason I have never had a wool pea type coat - hence why this is such an exciting purchase. Teamed with a vintage hat from Urban Outfitters which by some miraculous reason fits my giant head perfectly. Sorry about the lack of outfits posts recently, be crazy busy sorting out everything for New York. Less than two weeks till the big moving date now. Absolutely buzzing! 

How To: Get A Job Via Social Media

Earlier this month I spent the best part of a week running around London, heading to a number of different talks, seminars and work shops in honour of London's Social Media WeekWhere better to share with you all, my new found wisdom and knowledge then on a little social media platform of my own. 

Tonnes of talks from We Are Social, Forward 3D amongst many creative ad genii, but the one that really stood out for me was; 'Getting A Job Via Social' held at @forward3D featuring world leaders in social recruiting; @billboorman2, @cloudninerec &  @mervyndinnen.


I do not want to claim any of these tips as mine as that would be down right mean, but for all my fellow recent graduates and those also looking for a job in this big old impossible-to-get-into market. 

Here are some seriously great tips to get you noticed.

Got your paper and pencil? Time to take notes.

1. Keep your LinkedIn profile always up to date.

So I'm sure many of you are like, "yeah but no-one really looks at linked in…bla bla bla" - trust me, this is the first thing they look at and the first profile that comes up on Google when they do a search on your name. Yes, its great to look all swanky and professional with listings of all your internships and experience, but you must also make it clear that you are actually looking for a job. No point having a million endorsements and recommendations, if on your whole profile it doesn't list that you are actually searching for a job. Plus be sure to put key works in all sections of your profile in order to get a higher ranking on Google searches. 

2. Findability.

On every social place and platform ensure that your contact information is really obvious. Email, phone number, Skype name whatever you want people to contact you on make it super clear and really easy to find. Clean clear links on every profile. 

3. Engagement is key!

Whether it be on Twitter, LinkedIn groups or even on community pages; comments, shares, adding opinions etc…. are all key ways to get you noticed. The more that you contribute through social media, the more you are likely to be found. This way when you want to ask companies for advice, help on CV, meet up for coffee etc…, you'll already be on their radar and they will be more willing to give you the time of day.

4. Stalking & job seeking. It's the same thing.

Within the realms of social media stalking is fully endorsed. 


It is safe to say we all have that one person who we're totally obsessed with on social media, and pretty much know all there is to know about them; from what they had for breakfast this morning to where they went on holiday with their boo last summer. Up to the point where you start convincing yourself that you're actually friends, well, then you might have gone a tad too far. But social media stalking in attempt to find a job is a great way to find more about a company and your potential future employers. If you're looking to apply for a specific role or have already done so, then find out who will be your direct superior - Twitter is so easy to find people just through a Google search. Find them on LinkedIn, follow them on Twitter and interact with them. Finding people who can influence you getting the job is crucial, and when you do find them, join the in conversation but remember to keep it casual, and don't be scared to contact big dogs on twitter asking for advice on your CV - remember they were all in this position back in the day.

5. Proversonal Profile. 

Finding a balance between keeping your social media platforms personal and private is sometimes very difficult. You don't want to always have to hold your tongue if you fancy a rant, and at the same time you don't want to come across like a stuffed old prune so the best bet is to keep your profiles proversonal - a happy medium between professional and personal, so an employer can find a little about you without finding out too much take those wine bottle guzzling pics down now.

6. Post a YouTube video of yourself.

It is so hard to stand out nowadays. There will always be the person with a bit more experience on their CV and with that connection to help them swoop past you in the application process, but one sure fire way to stand out is to post a viral video of yourself about why you should be hired. An employer can get a much better idea about you from a video then anyone can on a double sided piece of paper. Find a neat place in your home, put on your glad rags and tell all why they should hire you

Take note from @DawnSiff's #VineResume.




7. Facebook Lockdown.



It is safe to say everyone loves a cheeky tipple from time to time, but on many of our Facebook profiles it may appear that most weekends are spend living it up with a full on bottle service often ending in an absolute drunken state holding, your friends hair up… yeah I don't need to go on. We all do it and there is no denying that. But you're future employer does not want to see it. Lock down your Facebook. Hide your photos, and even if you don't choose to make it private that you're a bit of a party animal, be sure to keep it classy and at least appear like someone who would be a great asset to the team.





8. Look The Part.

Looking the part on social media is all about secret self promotion. Making yourself look good by posting relevant tweets, pictures and articles showing you're on top of everything  in your speciality area. Basically come across as though you're the bee's knees without even trying - "all this work malarkey just comes naturally" *wink* *wink*.

9. #Chats

Be sure to keep an eye out for what's trending. Lots of recruiters and industry professionals take part in hashtag chats on twitter, and its a great time to look out for top people in the field and find out helpful tips to get into the industry of your dreams.


So there you go. Some top tips to help you get the job you've always desired with a little help from everyone's go-to form of media - social. Happy job hunting people. 

Tuesday

Chotto Matte


Say a big hello to Nobu's new baby, staking claim in the middle of Soho, Chotto Matte is Kurt Zdesar newest venture offering a new type of fusion Nikkei - combining Peruvian and Japanese to create a rather extensive and impressive menu. With a kitchen run by Jordan Sclare (ex-head chef at Aqua Kyoto & Nobu) and Peter Gordon (presenter on New Zealand Masterchef) you know you're going to be in for a rather tantalising culinary experience.

Having only been open a few weeks, I wasn't too sure what to expect when walking into the huge open plan bar area, with the "new place to be seen in town" buzz spreading out onto Frith street with the retractable glass wall being pulled back. 



At the bar, rather dashing bar tenders shake up delicious concoctions using Japanese & Peruvian specialities including Pisco, Sochu and Sake - as well as all the old classics and a wine list almost as long as Santa's naughty & nice list. 



After several attempts to find our booking we were lead upstairs to be seated at our table, which after a further several attempts they eventually found. The upstairs dining floor was as busy and as buzzing as the floor bellow and decorated with an enormous 17m graffiti emblazoned wall designed by London based graffiti artist Tom Blackford depicting a sense of modern day Tokyo.



After studying the menu we were torn between the pages and pages of dishes to choose from. Sushi, small bites, skewers, soups, you name it - they got it. We opted for a little bit from all parts of the menu trying not to be my typical little belly big eyed self.


Pollo Nipón
Gambas Japonesas
Pescaditos

Yes the dishes do look rather beautiful and clearly have been well thought out... but at what cost? The pollo nipón, was just chicken yakitori, the gambas japonicas were just tempura prawns and the deep fried fish dish… you catch my drift. Not something to rave home about so far, but plenty more to come

Corazón

Salmon Sake Katsu
Bacalao Negro Aji Miso



Next on the menu. Sushi seared at your table. Sorry what?! This I had to see. 



We opted for the salmon option topped with a tasty line of….urmm…green paste…. 



One slither of nigiri, is that all? 
Yeah all two bites were pretty tasty, but for £8.50. Are you serious?

Tuna Futomaki
Chuleta de Cordero Ahumada



The food was utterly delicious. The combination of flavours and presentation of each dish did really leave you wanting more and more.

Chotto Matte literally means "please wait a minute", however I am still left wondering what Nikkei cuisine is, and how - if at all - it is different from any other Japanese fusion restaurant. Yes the menu is pretty much all in Spanish - perhaps that is the only Peruvian aspect to the restaurant? 

Kurt Zdesar may have opened Chotto Matte to make Nobu accessible to the masses, offering a cool and hip vibe for the young professionals looking to spend less than £150 (expected pph of dinner at Nobu). But they are yet to find a balance between playing it cool and keeping the service at a respectable level. 

Chotto Matte has oh so much going for it - from the swanky interior designed by Andy Martin (famous for The Ivy) and wonderful chef's -, but at what expense? The service was just down right awful. I don't want to be too harsh, and it is understandable that new restaurants can rush for an opening deadline and still have a couple of "teething problems", but poor staffing should not be one of them. 

If you want to give Chotto Matte a try, find it in the heart of Soho at 11-13 Frith Street.

Wednesday

LFW Spring 2014 with New Look



Following the buzz and excitement of this seasons LFW the lovely ladies down at New Look contacted me and asked if I’d be interest in answering a few questions about my LFW experience. So for those of you who couldn’t make it down to LFW this year, here is a little insight in what LFW was like for me. 

How do you feel about the impact bloggers have had on London Fashion Week as well as fashion on the whole?

The growth of fashion bloggers in recent years has revolutionised the industry with fashion bloggers acting as the middle men between the brands and the people. Fashion has reached new levels of accessibility and availability on a global scale through the growth of social media and the increased awareness of the fashion bloggers voice. Through social media, bloggers open a window into fashion week, making everyone feel like a part of it even if they don't make it down to Somerset House.

What collection was your favourite?

So many of the shows were just so fantastic this season namely Ashish, Christopher Kane, and KTZ but the one show that stood out for me this season was Burberry. I attend the Burberry show every season as Christopher Bailey never fails to put on a show worth "stopping work to watch". The Spring 2013 collection was all about corsets and capes and was packed full of classic trench coats in metallic leathers and ombre cottons worn over bodysuits and tailored dresses in such intense colours they just screamed 'wear me wear me'.

What interests you most about blogging?

Blogging offers a platform which breaks down the traditional boundaries of fashion, enabling fellow bloggers and readers to mix with like minded people all over the world. What I love most about blogging is having the opportunity to showcase your own unique point of view on the words fastest growing form of media - social media.

Describe your personal style in 3 words.

My personal style is so hard to pinpoint in just 3 words, as it changes with my mood. Some days I dress like a total boy in vintage Levi's, plaid shirts and sneakers whereas others I'm in a head to toe sequined jumpsuit. So three words is very hard to pinpoint, but if I have to I guess I would have to go for sporadic, urban and sparkly. 

Who is your favourite British designer?

Ever since seeing his MA collection, Christopher Kane has been on the very top of my must watch list. His use of unique fabrics and oh so feminine silhouettes makes me adore each new season collection that little bit more. His smudged watercolour infused collection for Spring 2014 is undoubtedly going to be seen on FROW regulars as soon as his RTW collection hits stores early next year.

For LFW, do you believe heels are a must?

Yes it's true that heels do add that perfect finishing touch to an outfit but with all the running to and from shows, catching up with fellow bloggers and grabbing a coffee any opportunity - heels are not always the most practical. Fashion is no longer dictated by the height of yours heels which was so evident at LFW this year with the infamous Somerset House cobbles being flooded with sneakers, metallic flats and flatforms galore.

What are the favourite key trends for SS14?

After watching this seasons shows, so many trends were evident that we saw show after show some of which I cannot wait to get my hands on. The three favourite trends that stood out for me was of course the metallic fabrics; accessories, jackets and dresses all glistening down the catwalk in their glimmering glory. The next is of course the crop top; already adopted as a key street style trend this has now made its way into RTW making a flash of your midriff now acceptable in everyday wear. Lastly sheer fabrics used for layering; layering up different textures and different opacities of fabrics to completely transform a garment is what makes fashion so fantastic. Throwing a printed sheer blouse over a lace crop top creates a whole new look and certainly stood out as a number one trend at this seasons shows.

What did you enjoy the most about attending LFW?

Fashion week is such an exciting time for designers, buyers, bloggers and fashion folk alike. Mingling with fellow bloggers and fashion advocates on the cobbles is one of my absolute favourite parts of LFW, and bumping into familiar faces you see season to season is such a fantastic part of this fast pace industry.