Blog – OkanDesigns.com

One World Together

“Being homeless is the outcome of a much bigger story….”
Hazel Ozturk

This blog has been stripped bare to signify how little some people have.

With 22 days until the autumnal equinox and conversely only 22 days of summer left, the careful balancing act of clothing begins. Will we have a scorching September like that of 2016 which saw the hottest September for 105 years or will it be wet and windy? What would you do without shelter on those stormy days?

For those of us permanently based in the UK we never really put our raincoat and woollies away. With that in mind, September is really much the same as the rest of the year. We keep a little of each season’s clothing in the bottom drawer or top shelf just in case we need it. I suppose that’s what makes living in the UK great and why we are credited for always talking about the weather!

As the days begin to shorten and we slowly slide into autumn, the trick is to dig out key pieces from the departing season and plan for cooler and wetter weather. If you are anything like me, you will also be keeping an eye out for key pieces for the party season.

Although I yearn for summer, particularly as this one has just passes by in a cloud, I really love autumn. Crimson leaves falling from the trees and piling up on the ground and the chance to layer my clothing in 101 different and colourful ways. I think it is that use of colour in what can be a very grey season which is so uplifting.

If you do nothing else this weekend, take stock of your wardrobe. Give to charity, particularly the homeless charities which do so much good. You would really be surprised by how many ordinary people like you and I are actually on the streets and heartbroken to see very young adults sleeping in cardboard boxes.

When you feel cold this autumn, think about just how cold you really feel and be grateful that you have several clean jumpers and coats to wear. Most of all, be grateful that you have the capacity to change someone else’s life by just giving a little from the comfort of your home.

So, this year, if you are able, donate the cost of one outfit to help others.

https://england.shelter.org.uk/

https://www.crisis.org.uk/get-involved/donate/

https://centrepoint.org.uk/donate/

https://www.mind.org.uk/donate

OkanDesigns.com

– Bag a Bargain –

After comfortably shopping online for what seems like a lifetime, 1,000s of us are now pounding the pavements for some old fashioned retail therapy.

Most outlets are selling off their old and slightly seconds stock to make way for new items to tempt us so, well worth a look.

I like to seek out such bargains and I am also a fan of picking up key items which would cost much more if bought in season. Things like chunky jumpers, bought in summer ready for autumn or swimsuits bought at the end of the summer season but great for next season or winter sun.

Personally, I love shopping online; if it’s in my size I can just ‘click and collect’ and wait for my order to arrive direct to my door. For me, gone are the days of searching through the rails for something which turns out to be OUT OF STOCK in my size. I became tired of hearing, “If we have it, then it would be out”. Sometimes the pursuit of the one item I just had to have turned me in to a crazy person. Has anyone else covertly followed someone around the shop just because they looked your size and were holding the very item you wanted to purchase for a night out?

I do miss wandering around with by friends though and finally collapsing for lunch with lots of bags sprawled around me. Yes, we all know that most of it will be returned but there is something satisfying about a shop with friends and I certainly always buy more. I also miss getting home and trying everything on again.

I don’t however miss dragging the bags back to the shops and explaining why I don’t want the item I bought just the day before. I certainly don’t miss queuing all over again either. Where did I put those receipts!

I am not saying that I won’t hit the shops again but it’s certainly less embarrassing buying two of everything online and I enjoy the anonymity of sending them back. Particularly when I’m keeping the larger size!

One plus for shopping on the high street is to support local businesses. The smaller independent shops which struggle when footfall drops. Those shops quite often have unexpected bargains and items that one won’t see everyone else wearing so worth a peek.

Well, however you shop, stay safe and …… don’t become that crazy lady!

O K A N D E S I G N S . C O M

Dawn of a new wardrobe!

March 20th sees the official start of spring signalling time to shake off our woollies, clear out the wardrobe and look forward to the dawn of a new season.

By now, most of us will have detoxed from the excesses of Christmas and New Year . If you haven’t already done so, it’s time to invest in a buffer cloth to pamper your skin. You can then follow-up with an essential oil of your choice. Remember, gently does it or you will do more harm than good.

Be you. See the beauty in you. Stride out LOUD and PROUD and make this year awesome.

MARCH – Key Dates:

1st ~ St. David’s Day
4th~ World Book Day
8th ~ International Women’s Day
14th ~ Mother’s Day
17th ~ St Patrick’s Day
30th * Our SALE Starts *

O K A N D E S I G N S . C O M

Mother’s Day. Sunday 14th March, ’21

Take a look

Key indications this season give a hint to a monochromatic palette which is echoed on the Catwalk. My feeling is that our Spring/Summer’21 wardrobe will be varied. I predict wide-leg trousers, sheer blouses and boho chic will flow through our wardrobes until the last drop of summer departs. We will then see a more structured and formal look through Autumn/Winter ’21. Particularly in outerwear which will have a military flavor.

So, LOVE whatever shape you come in because that’s what makes you beautiful. Focus on getting your skin in tip top condition and your wardrobe ready for your very own catwalk.

Valentine, be mine ….

Love and kisses.

Whether we are in love or looking for love, there is a special date which gets all our hearts racing. February 14th St. Valetine’s Day!

What will you wish for?

‘Love, of course’, I hear you shout!

Hearts and kisses are what most of us hope for at this time of year. Being in lock-down will certainly have its challenges so we will just have to be more creative.

I suppose being together is something that a lot of us will be hoping for. If you can’t be with your loved one, remember, “Absence makes the heart grow fonder.” Or so they say!

No matter what Valentine’s Day means for you, remember to love and be kind to yourself because that is the most precious gift of all. Once you love yourself you will open your heart and who knows what will happen.

Be bold this Valentine’s Day and dress to impress (even if your date will be online).

What will your day look like?

Like many of you, I will be celebrating Valentine’s Day but, for me, the significant other is yet to materialize. Lock-down doesn’t help but I still have faith and keep swiping. Remember that this year might take a little more planning to ensure that you have the perfect day. For some of you this will include dropping an EXTRA BIG HINT to that special person in your life. For me it will probably be a box of chocs for one!

Order in if necessary but make sure you leave plenty of time for everything to arrive. I have already ordered my new outfit but I am sure that I will want a backup, just in case I find that special someone! After all, a girl can’t have too many dresses. (some restaurants are making up valentines packs to save the stress of cooking.)

Value the person you are with and don’t worry too much if your day doesn’t go to plan. These are unusual times and we should just embrace the now.

Enjoy the day even if you will be spending it on your own. Remember, life is what you make of it and sometimes it can be awesome.

Whatever happens, be you ….

O K A N D E S I G N S . C O M

NEW YEAR …. same YOU!

JANUARY 2021

This year I have decided to go back to basics and invest in lots of lounge wear and comfy clothing. I still intend to buy a new coat; after all there is still the supermarket run to look forward to. I am also keeping my eyes open for key pieces which I can wear when the current restrictions are lifted.

If like me you decided to switch up your Xmas jumper for something a little more fancy (after all we have had a whole year of restrictions with the current pandemic), then I am sure you are now browsing the sales and wondering what to buy!

Relax and regroup

Something else I have been doing is to glam up once a week. Usually Friday/Saturday evening as I am really missing my girlie nights out. Getting ready makes me feel great and it also reminds me not to eat too much junk. Once I’m ready I take a selfie, mobile in one hand and a Mocktail in the other. Delicious!! The trick is to be ready by the time the take-out arrives and then we all sit down and relax.

Why not try it yourself and share on Instagram?

What will 2021 look like for you?

O K A N D E S I G N S . C O M