As one year ends, another begins. It's goodbye to 2013 and hello to 2014!
Whilst I'm happy to see in 2014, I'm also a little sad to see 2013 go.
After all, it was my very own 'Year of Realisation'. I re-launched this very blog, transforming it from Designerspray to Fashionicide. I visited a place that I'd dreamt of visiting from a young age, but had always thought it impossible. When I got there, the colour of my skin and courage of my beliefs saw me detained for four hours. After some light interrogation and a few insults thrown at me, I made it through - to the Holy Land where I looked on in awe at The Dome of The Rock and Al-Aqsa, I spent time with a Palestinian family in Al Khalil and witnessed the harsh realities of being born Arab in Apartheid Israel.
When I got home, I learned how to make Jewellery. I dyed my hair purple. I decided I didn't like purple. Then I dyed it Turquoise. I modeled for an independent streetwear brand. Then I dyed my hair again, this time Lilac and Turquoise!
More importantly than all of that though, I managed to cut ties with as many of the toxic people in my life as possible, the ones that drain the life out of you to the point where you have no energy left to focus on what you really want.
I've found that surrounding yourself with inspirational, motivational folks really does have a lasting effect on you. And that's what I've done. I'm f**king looking forward to 2014, as scary as it might well be and with the plans I have in the pipeline I'm ready for some failings. I might not succeed in everything I do this year but you need to reach the sky if you want your life to shine (as Cut Copy would say, right?).
Yellow Paisley Jacquard Tee - TOPSHOP | Black Mesh Dress - TOPSHOP | Hologram Skinny Waist Belt - ASOS
On a final note for 2013, it was also the year I opened my eyes to injustice, particularly the injustices that we as women face every day. Whether we like it or not, this is a (white) man's world and too many of us are unwilling or unable to face up to that fact. The sooner we do, the sooner we can fight the power. Take a look at this site for plenty of examples of what women have to deal with on a daily basis:
http://everydaysexism.com/
To end on a positive note, here's a 90s nostalgia-themed song from Cut Copy.
Free Your Mind
2014?
BRING IT.
18 comments
Aw Halima..just when I thought your hair couldn't get anymore gorgeous it does!:-)hehe!this is such a lovely post chick!keep on being you!;-)xxx
ReplyDeleteSounds like you've had an incredible year, glad to hear it! :) I LOVE your hair too. Wish I was brave enough to go that bright!! It looks fab!
ReplyDeleteHelen at Hels Yeah! xx
GOD YOUR HAIR IS PERFECT! Those two colours oh my wish I could have my hair like this! Hope your new years is everything you want x
ReplyDeletehttp://sarahlikesfashion.blogspot.com.au/
I too cut a lot of toxic ties this year. You are gorgeous and I hope you have an amazing 2014! xx
ReplyDeleteI adore your hair, it is beautiful. You have had an amazing year, I hope that this one will be just as amazing for you!
ReplyDeleteI love your hair! How did you get your hair this colour?
ReplyDeleteSophie
Xx
www.pocockins.co.uk
It seems like you've had a very eventful year, and it sounds like you've done a lot of exploring and learning. I hope 2014 brings you more exploration and inspiration. I really enjoy reading your blog, and your style and makeup is pretty rad, too. :)
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year! Ditching the toxic people from your life was a very important step and yay for two tone hair! You always look so beautiful. <3
ReplyDeleteTara xo
I'm definitely grateful that during 2013 we become brain twins :) haha. Been such a journey to see you grow during 2013 and 2014 you will only get more knowledgeable, beautiful, spiritual and gifted - LOVE YOU XO
ReplyDeleteYour hair and make up are amazing! Sounds like 2013 was a good year for you. Hopefully 2014 is even better x
ReplyDeleteWardrobe Quarry
love your hair!
ReplyDelete:)
happy new year!
Hi Halima, nice blog, exciting stuff going on. My sister is always changing her hair colour! So much fun! I wish you all the best and keep doing what you love, you are doing it great! Kat
ReplyDeleteYour top against that background is just perfect! What a perfect place to shoot it. Looks like the fabrics are almost twins of each other!! I'm glad you cut the toxic people out - I did the same a while ago and am so much happier for it! Here's to 2014!
ReplyDeleteKatie <3
Detained for four hours, that sounds horrific!! I'm glad you have fulfilled a dream of yours.
ReplyDeleteYou look amazing btw your hair is incredible.
I hope 2014 is filled with happiness & wonderful people!!
Georgie xx
Life in Loafers
What. A. Post. You rock lady! Wishing you a very happy and successful 2014 x
ReplyDeleteLove the whole look!
ReplyDeleteEmily | PENNY RUGBURN
Adore the way you are!!! Huge style & So nice to read u ;) I wish u all the best you can expect for 2014 M-C
ReplyDeleteYou look fab, your hair is gorgeous!!!! getting rid of toxic people is one of the best decisions you can make in life, I did it and I don't have any regrets x
ReplyDelete