Carine Roitfeld, Pencil Skirts, Burgundy Nails, Ania Hobson, Unfeminist Hip Hop
I'm up early today as I'm driving to London for a few days of meetings and events. I've calculated that the drive and the train cost the same and take the same amount of time, but when I drive, I can listen to long-form podcasts with my heating on full blast on my feet, so it's a lot more comfortable.
I've had a great week this week. I am feeling super energised and excited about the future. Here is what has put me in an exceptional mood...
My Monday Muses are Carine Roitfeld, Diana Vreeland and Franca Sozzani. Three legendary editors and image makers who have a unique and distinct way of looking at the world. They are helping me to remember to stay in my lane and remember my own way of seeing instead of being swayed by what every other brand is doing.
Feeling... I want to be sexy again. More on this to come
Watching... I watched three documentaries of my muses this weekend. Watching a documentary on an inspiring person is one of my 7 Motivation Media Methods.
Sharmadean Reid
- Carine Roitfeld's Mademoiselle C (2013) details her leaving Vogue Paris and launching her CR Fashion Book. It's available under the Studio Canal subscription on Prime. (did you know the company that owns Studio Canal is about to IPO on the London Stock Exchange!)
- Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has To Travel (2011) is also on Studio Canal.
- Franca Sozzani's documentary Franca: Chaos & Creation (2016) is available to buy on Apple TV.
Eating... I made a Bavette steak, baby potatoes and peashoots for post-period winter comfort. Bavette steak is probably my favourite cut and this is the first time I made steak at home and it was on par with a restaurant. Key ingredient: Heckfield Place butter in the pan.
Drinking... Eminente Rum, ginger and lime is my go-to winter cocktail.
Applying... Coconut oil to my hair as it's so dehydrated from the central heating. I've been using Pai facial oil this week after I interviewed the founder for our Stack World event. The products are so good. They feel good, they work and I love the explainers on the packaging. Christian Dior Mystic Plum Lipstick and burgundy nails are keeping me feeling wintery. I was also kindly gifted a huge box of Medik8 so will report back after use.
Smelling... Byredo La Tulipe in the bathtub. Wouldn't rebuy as I prefer Blanche.
Wearing... Clearly ready to be out out as this week I'm wearing tight, femme fatale looks, very Carine coded.
- Tight top
- Pencil Skirt
- High Heels
I love the brand Ninety Percent and rewear my brown dress all the time. I love the feel of the material.
I know something will be on trend when I'm googling it and I can't find enough brands selling it. There are no great pencil skirts out there right now so hopefully it will be cool again next year. I'm wearing a 10-year-old Topshop satin one and a very old leopard Realisation Par one. But this is the vibe I am seeking...
The skirt must sit on the knee.
It's all very 1999, so search "ankle strap". The heels to go with are...
Reading... Still reading this biography of Cleopatra which is packed with history for brand research.
Looking... at these stunning paintings from Ania Hobson. I love them so much!
Podcasts… I binged interviews with Founder's this week:
- Aimee Smale of Odd Muse (which I had never heard of before last week!)
- Jasmin Hekmat of Cult Gaia - one of my fave brands
- Laney Crowell of Saie Beauty - because they got to $100m revenue.
- Richard Christiansen of Flamingo Estate - on Fundraising
Listening... I have a playlist of really unfeminist Southern hip hop that I like to bounce around to...
Business 2.0… Every Founder is successful in their own way. What will my playbook be? I'm writing my brand playbook over the holidays to remember to stay in my lane.
Thinking... About Vision Setting 2025. Don't forget to access your Worksheet to plan your year here.
Have a great week!
Love Shar X
