24 shopping days left.....

Who : East London Design Market (ELDM)
When: 07 December 2008, 11:00
Until : 07 December 2008, 17:30
Where: Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London E1 6LA


Details.....
This is a design market that aims to promote creativity and design from fashion, accessories, art, homewear and gifts.We have a great venue that offers a cinema, bar, cafe and live music, and the best part is that entry is always free.We aim to promote and help designers to get their products over to a wide audience. Come along to find the next big thing.As we are a non profit organisation we have only word of mouth to help all designers involved, please please please forward this to your friends and urge them to keep it going....

"But they cant be real people" Charlie said....

I LUUURRRVEEE Tim Walker, if there is anyone I truly inspire & gets me all excited & giggly about fashion photography it is this man. His fanciful images contain such unimaginable detail, demonstrating bits of those dreams we've had or things we have envisioned after reading a great story that you couldn't possibly think could be visualised. His latest shoot in Vogue is amazing and focus's on the stories of Road Dahl; he brings together seamlessly art, fashion, photography & the genius of Dahl. Capturing in an unexpected and perfectly mastered frenzy, the sets are bright, bold and totally ridiculous - one day I hope to be able to spill my imagination, questions, fantasies & intrigue onto a page like he can. Fabulous!!

"A woman who my mother knows came in and took off all her clothes,

Said I not being very old, 'By Golly gosh you must be cold'

'No No!' she cried 'I indeed am not, I'm feeling devilishly hot!"

(RHYME STEW - ROAD DAHL)

Foto x

Me

All that I am and all that I have.....

So I have been writing creatively for several years, it is what I know and how I understand who I really am. The words, 'All that I am and all that I have' conjure up the true depth to my creative side. It's a way of expression as we all know, as is Art, music and rhythm.

I would often sit in my room as a kid writing poetry that belonged to my inner self awareness. The colours of my soul and the strength of an ability that I once felt was a shadow of my own existence. I didn't know who I really was until I re-read what I had written down. All sounds very deep and a bit sickening to the outside world, but that is it-a world deep with intrigue.
I am a regular 26 year old lass who works hard (seems like even harder in these particular times) and gives life a good go at whatever is thrown my way. Yeah, I've had a difficult time throughout my young years, but who hasn't?! Times are good, times are bad, but what is important, is that as a person you manage to get through these times without falling to the ground.

I like marmite and tea in the mornings, a sunny day with the birds singing-not too early mind, I do have to sleep. I like to smile and think that smiling is, in itself an art. If you cannot smile at the games that are played in this life, then what have you got? Isn't life a game anyway? play it, you may win it, you may feel that at times you fail, but to actually get through smiling at the other end, really is something. Waffle waffle you maybe thinking, but it is all relevant in the long run.

I am deep, I am inquisitive, I am sincere and I am creative. I think that beauty is only skin deep, I believe that books are too often judged by their own covers. All that I am and all that I have is a hidden depth, a lonely sense of freedom.

Words: Freedom

COMING SOON.....OUR SPECIAL CHRISTMAS FAT CHAT!

Counting down to a Fat Chat you don't want to miss..... fashion, style, digital art and photography rolled into one huge Xmas prezzie just for you! Watch this space....

Mad Christmas Shopping

Well its that time of year again - xmas shopping & sales!

Now is it just me or is it all just complete madness? As soon as there is a sale people seem to lose all self control & turn into "Mr Hyde". They have to buy things regardless if they want it, need it or if it is of any use!
For example I spoke to a sales assistant in a shop the other day & she told me that a woman came into the store & saw a coat that she liked which was in the sale. The problem was they only had a size 12 left & the woman was more like a size 18/20. The shop assistant was amazed when the lady brought the coat to the till & said she was buying it as it was such a good bargain she could not refuse & would squeeze into it!!!!
Now to me that is madness.

Anyway saying that there are a lot of good buys out there especially if you are looking for xmas party outfits.

Just remember it is only a bargain if you are going to get the wear out of it!

If you like New Look here is a 20% promotional offer instore & online until Sunday 30th November.
Just quote 20NewLook @ the checkout.

x Fashion

Focused on Film

Hello Everyone,

Just a wee posting to introduce myself. I am a filmmaker so I will be making lots of posts about films but I have experience with music promotion and music videos as well so I will be doing some music review.

My first job in the entertainment industry was as a theatrical costume designer so I may have a few things to say about theatre and fashion too but for the most part I will concentrate on film.

Another thing about me is that I am based in Edinburgh so I will be the Scotland correspondent but as I work frequently in London, I may review London acts.

I am both a U.S. and Italian citizen and was raised in the U.S. though I have been resident in Scotland for almost 10 years so my perspective is broad based, some might even say strange.

As a special treat I will be writing from the area around Austin, Texas early in the New Year as I will be filming in Texas for most of January and February. Austin, Texas is the live music capitol of the world so there should be no shortage of talent to blog about!

I will also be covering the U.S. Presidential transition from Texas.

Just as a teaser I will shortly be bloggin about my friend Tim Barrow's film, The Inheritance and about a Glaswegian coutry music band called OneDay40.

Until then take care everyone,

Focus xxx

FASHION AND FUNCTION....

DARE...DISPLAY...PLAY...DESIRE - An exhibition exploring the complexities and tensions between fashion and sport.

http://www.vam.ac.uk/microsites/fashion-v-sport/index.php

'Tis the season for the little bag.....grab a hand held delight @ www.hannahzakari.co.uk

BOWS: £40.00


FEATHERS: £69.00

LEAVES: £49.00

Feel inspired........

The Fat Chat meets up with the founder of Purple Creations Ltd

Name: Donna-Marie Glashen
Age: Still relatively young
Occupation: Director
Links: http://www.thesecret2men.com/

What’s your background & who inspired you?
Well I started my working life @ the age of 15 in customer service roles & volunteering at media organisations such as Choice Fm and New Nation Newspaper. I always wanted to be a writer and business woman, and travel the world. Admittedly I did get distracted by socializing between the ages of 19-22, but managed to stay focused & continued along the educational route, I also managed to travel extensively. For me writing was a natural progression, I started reading from the age of 3 and wrote my first book at 6....which got stolen!

My Mother & Father have both been an inspiration to me, along with Maya Angelou & Oprah Winfrey.


Tell me about Purple creations?

“Purple Creations is a conglomerate of Donna. For me personally, I believe that creativity is organic so it includes workshops and events that allow people (not just women) to explore creativity and its infinite possibilities. It’s also about creating platforms for women to empower & express themselves, learn & share knowledge. The projects are varied including international & regional platforms. For me personally, my creative career needs anonymity and I have found this to be an interesting tool. I guess I need to let you know how people can get involved?...Anyone interested in the arts can be added to my subscription list by contacting info@purplecreations.net”

Donna’s newest venture is a website called theSecret2men.com. It is designed to increase self esteem & confidence around attracting the right man into your life. Donna says “I believe in female empowerment, women have a very important role in society - we give birth to a nation. So ladies do you feel that you deserve something good in your life? If so sign up to http://www.thesecret2men.com/”


So what has been the secret to your success…..so far ?

“Failure! In order to succeed you have to be ready for failure, for everything that has been successful there has probably been five things that didn’t work out. I feel that being humble and working within grass roots organisations and projects in various London community settings gave me the initial successes in my career such as documentary making, producing national training resources; a literature festival and international art projects and also having my freelance writing and creative stories published.
I learned how to make something out of nothing with little resources and money, just creative problem solving and working with team players. We are born equal, but socialization means that some have more access to knowledge and guidance than others, however, I think if you come from a so called ‘disadvantaged background’ you should share the knowledge, the old saying is ‘for each one teach one’.

Additionally, I always remember my Father telling me from a young age that the people that make the real money are behind the scenes; so that’s where I have aimed to be. It is also important to have a strategy, don't hanker for fame & adulation. At the back is often where the power is, its not always about being at the fore front and taking all the glory.


What are your 5 key pieces of advice for fellow creative starting out in their field?

1/ Understand what makes you passionate

2/ Hold on to your integrity and never trade it in for anything; be clear on your beliefs and values

3/ Understand that you are the author of your life

4/ Remember, it’s not good to do things prematurely, take your time and set yourself up for the long term

5/ Last but not least…..it’s only ever your own thoughts that stop you achieving your full potential


And finally that age old argument.... Britney or Christina Aguilera?

This is a hard one, Britney has done the Diva thing, we have seen her at her best and worst and that’s what the public like – somebody who they can relate to, gossip about and who makes them feel better about their own circumstances. However Christina can actually sing, but I am not sure about her current offerings…can I say neither?


Donna is continuously looking for like minded people to connect with so if you want to get involved contact Donna on any of the above

Interview: Fusion

Captain Crunch

Ok, so we all know about the credit crunch, I mean how many times are they going to keep using that 3D arrow on BBC News at 10? The sooner they stop using it the better I think we’ll start to feel. But the real question is, and this is one the government are still trying to figure themselves (with no luck I might add), what does this actually mean for each and every one of us, our daily lives and our futures, job wise?

Well I’ll let you in on a little secret, as if you didn’t know. Prices will go up, they are now, but I mean, really up, really really up. It’s inevitable, labour can’t prevent it, the conservatives want to use it as a reason to suck our blood once again, and the rest of the world is bracing [edited version] itself.

So for us it means we have to start thinking for ourselves and not waiting for the government to wave its fake wizard of Oz wrist at the situation. Listen, I know what happens at the higher government levels does affect us, but the time scale between their intervention and our rescue is so far apart that you’ll have better luck getting married, not talking for 25 years and meeting up on your Silver anniversary to find out if it’s still on.

So thinking for ourselves means one of two things. Firstly think back, way back, to when mommy and daddy stopped telling you what time to come in and what to do with that person you was dating but they thought were waste. The point here is, there are things you’re going to have to do to survive this new decade that the government isn’t going to spoon feed you. You will have to start going to the library, online (thank you btw) and whatever other sources you can find. Knowledge is power, it really is. Read, read a lot. I used to hate reading when I was younger, I get it now believe me. One book I recommend which will get you started somewhat is ‘Rich Dad, Poor Dad’ by Robert T. Kiyosaki. On your own, from there you are, young apprentice.
Start thinking about your money, how you earn it, how your money works for you now and how you can use it to its greatest advantage. One thing you can do, and really, it doesn’t matter if your on minimum wage with only £50 spare each month, is go seek the help of a financial advisor. Just so you know I’m not chatting rubbish, I’m actually studying my CEFA right now to be a financial advisor with a local law firm, one of many talents. A few things financial advisors do, as well as offer assistance with people looking to invest their money, is help you become more tax efficient. Most of us just prod along not even thinking that there is money out there that we’re actually owed, or that there is a way to make sure that we actually keep as much of our hard earned cash as we can.

Let me give you an example. In April 2005 Somerfield Group's turnover was £4.676 billion. Profit was £60.9 million before tax. They call in a few ‘friends’ to help them out and due to a tax credit it was £62.9 million after tax. Ok, so this is an extreme example, but the only time a fuzzy wuzzy example hit home was when I last read the tortoise and the hare. Obviously if your just a Joe the plumber (remember him?) then you’re not going to see these returns, but I can probably guarantee most of you that you can increase your tax efficiency further than you could imagine.

The second thing you can do, and this is most relevant for people who are thinking of starting their own business (or already have and don’t want end up going back to that desk next to ‘that dude’ who calls you dude), is do your research and continue doing it even after your set up. Don’t become complacent. You’ve heard of the business cycle right? Well let’s think of things to come as going through a business drag race. In order to stay ahead of the game you’re going to have to become inventive with your marketing strategies, utilise existing business models and also look outside the box as well. All at the same time.

The reality also is that funding and money is the most common worry for most people who want to expand their careers. There are plenty of organisations that can help you get funding either as a start up company or to help expand your current business. Now then, because there are different organisations out there, you have to make sure that you get the best advice that’s relevant to your specific needs. And the only way to do that? Ask the right questions, which also means, do your research.


Ok, a real life example. I’m also starting my own business (I really don’t have a life). Commercial music Productions and Solutions Company that also does Music Interaction Therapy with disabled and disadvantaged children. The first thing I did (after spending months and months researching and putting together my initial business plan) was contact a few different organisations to get the ball rolling and see what real help they could offer. These included the Princes Trust, the Bright Ideas Company, East London Small Business Centre and the Arts Council. They each offer different kinds of assistance, funding and grants. The most useful for me were the Princes Trust and the ELSBC. They helped a lot with my business plan and pointing me in the right direction and you also get the assistance of a mentor, which comes in handy if you’re a lonely freelancer (wink wink). Give it a go, see how far your rabbit hole goes.

Also get yourself out there. There are loads of seminars at universities and other venues where successful business men and women give talks and presentations. These can be very useful if the prospect of starting your own business in this current economic climate is daunting. You do have to remember a few things. The economy needs new businesses to grow and create new jobs and new forms of revenue. When you hear on the news that the government is borrowing more money to help stimulate the economy and provide public services, wake up, some of this money is being pumped into new business and start ups just like the one your thinking of starting. So get going, if you don’t, someone else will benefit. My brother went to a seminar the other night at Brunel University. One of the speakers was the youngest member of the UK’s 100 most influential black people’s list, he was only 21. I was going to go, but I went to 'Fabric' instead, I’m waste, I know. The point is, one piece of advice this young man (I forget his name, apologies) gave was, instead of registering your company LTD, go through the CIC channels. They have certain conditions you have to adhere to, but it is worth it because it makes it easier in the long run for your company to obtain funding from government organisations that support the growth of small businesses.

I hope you found this useful. If you want to find out more information about any of the things I have spoken about then go through the websites listed below. Infact, go through them anyway (even if you got bored of reading and skipped to the end) and then tell each of your friends about this blog. You never know, they might thank you for it!

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/
http://blog.moneysavingexpert.com/
http://www.cicregulator.gov.uk/
http://www.princes-trust.org.uk/
http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/
http://www.goeast.org/
http://www.brightideastrust.com/dev/index.htm
http://www.richdad.com/

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