Mother Of Dragons
I’m a Game Of Thrones fan, and I’m sure I’m not the only one out there…will all my Khaleesi fans please stand up?!
What I loved about the setting while shooting this outfit (for the most part), is that it could come straight out of a GOT episode as well. Amazing historical architecture preserved as if time stood still.
My “Mother Of Dragons” T-shirt is from Customized Wear (direct shopping link below). Skirt from H&M. Boots from Missguided. Stockings and Jacket from Bbarbarella by Trees.
Photography by Fons de Keijzer. Enjoy the photos and don’t forget to scroll all the way down for all the details.
In the words of Daenerys Targaryen herself: ”I am no ordinary woman, my dreams come true”.
Much love,
Nadira
What I’m wearing (click on pictures to go to shop):
- Published in Written Archives 2013-2018
Jingle Bells
Feeling festive!!
I went for a casual-glam outfit matching our shopping plaza christmas tree, combining over the knee boots with leather leggings, a choker top showing off some shoulders and my favorite winter jacket.
Wearing:
Top: SheIn.
Pants: Zara, shop a lookalike here.
Boots: Missguided, shop a lookalike here.
Coat: Shop a lookalike here.
Earrings: Swarovski.
For my adventures the past month, check out my related post: New Beginnings & Perfect Endings.
Full Photo diary and shopping links below (click on the picture to go to shop).
Photography by Jesse Verboog.
Outfit (click on the pictures to go to shop):
- Published in Written Archives 2013-2018
Nadira R. Ramautarsing, MSc.
It’s been a while loves, I hope you haven’t missed me too much! For those of you who are following me on Instagram or Facebook know that I’ve been in my hometown Paramaribo for the past month.
It was a mix of pleasure and pain. Yes, I know…you’re probably thinking, ”Pain”?
So…My daddy, who lives in Suriname, turned 60 and we celebrated with a big party, which was soo much fun!! On the other hand there was the pain and struggle of finishing my Master thesis. Nothing is worse than being in paradise and having to spend all your time on your laptop doing SPSS analyses!
The struggle paid off though…As of last week I’m proud to officially be able to call myself Master of Science in Marketing!
Despite everything I still managed to enjoy being home, quality time with my parents and close friends mixed with a little business on the side as well.
We celebrated the victory and huge load falling off my shoulders a bit, but at the same time I started a 16-week intensive personal training program by Elite.Fit. It’s heavy both mentally and physically, meant to change your lifestyle.I really needed a challenge, so I’m excited. Will update you guys with more information in the coming weeks.
Oh and great news, this blog is getting a complete makeover, with so much more lifestyle, beauty and fashion coming your way. I’m so excited about it, so stay tuned!!
There is so much going on with business, fun projects coming up, and so many other things on my mind, all will reveal itself in due time.
For this blog/photodiary I wanted to do something sophisticated yet playful and casual. I decided to play with patterns and prints and add some funky colour to the black & whites. I hope you guys love it as much as I do. Also, I’ve discovered my new favourite store SheIn, where I get the most adorable outfits for less, because every fashionable entrepreneur loves a good bargain right? Check out below for more detailed info!
Sending you my love,
Nadira
P.S. Below you can find the full photo diary and outfit details, if you click on the product pictures you can shop the outfit immediately, or even faster, click here.
OOTD: Blouse, Skirt, Shoes & Bag Shop here: Shein.com
Outfit details: (Click on Product Pictures to go to shop).
Skirts: Similar
Bag: Similar
Shoes: Similar
Manipulate Your Own Mind
Starting From Small, It Becomes Big – The trick to manipulate your own mind.
One thing I’ve learned up to this point in life is that the mind has a memory. And it’s damn smart; it “subconsciously” recognizes patterns. Once the patterns become a habit, it’s hard to stop. It requires extra mental strength to break the habit. This is why it’s so difficult to stop doing something that you are used to doing, like smoking or becoming a morning person. At the same time, it offers the opportunity to create better habits for life, given that you are aware of this and have the mental power to pursue an activity long enough for your mind to make it a recognizable pattern.
“Starting from small, it becomes big.”
Starting with white lies, repeatedly, you become a compulsive liar.
Starting with shoplifting a candy bar, repeatedly, you become a thief.
At the same time…
Starting with exercising at least 3 times a week, repeatedly, you become fit.
Starting with eating healthy everyday, repeatedly, you become well and healthy.
Starting with walking with your back straight, repeatedly, you have an elegant posture.
Starting with smiling and being positive, you become a happy person to be around inside and out and attract people with the same energy to you.
Starting with giving unused clothes and loose change to the homeless, repeatedly, you become empathetic and giving.
Starting with sharing things with others, repeatedly, you become generous.
Starting with only doing things that align with your core values, repeatedly, you are a person of meaningful values.
Starting with reading, repeatedly, you become addicted to learning.
Starting with making sure you get what you need done for the day, repeatedly, you are always on top of everything.
Starting with being focused, each task at a time, repeatedly, you can easily get into the flow and be productive.
Starting with thinking outside the box, repeatedly, you become extremely creative.
Starting with getting out of your comfort zone, repeatedly, you become confident and fearless.
And so on…
Conclusion:
Starting with telling yourself what you want to achieve in life, repeatedly, you will get there.
Starting with just getting it started, repeatedly, anything you want to be and do, you can be and do.
So instead of thinking ‘’It’s too hard to stop or change’’ or ‘’I don’t know where to start’’, just start, and go step by step, day by day. Self-Mastery comes with consistency or as the great Aristotle once said ‘’We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.’’
Love,
Nadira
P.S. Pictures taken on a lovely day out in Haarlem, the Netherlands. Such a lovely city.
Outfit details: Sweater: H&M, Pants: Missguided, Heels: Mango, Sunglasses: ZeroUv, Lips: Dolce K by Kyliecosmetics.
Against A Lot Of Odds
I’m back from what I’ve experienced as a too fast going rollercoaster that launched me right into zombieland.
We moved into our beautiful and much larger office space where we can divide our 2 businesses, a separate office for Customized wear and a special showroom for Wulterkens Clothing, while still connected. For us the perfect combination. We did have some bumps in the road though, one of it was that the first few days we didn’t have any central heating, while still winter, so it was freezing, which got me very sick. There were some other issues as well, but I will not bore you with those details. Right before moving, we launched our new sport collection (part 1), but had some problems with delivery on our stock, so everything piled up. So much to do, so little time, lots of difficulties… and not long after I had my Business Marketing exam, which of course required a lot of studying. For those of you who don’t know, I am doing a part time Master program at the University in Amsterdam. (*Update 31-3-2015*: Just heard I aced my Business Marketing exam with a grade of 8,5 (out of 10), so I guess it was worth it!)
As excited as I was for all the new things happening (new office, new collection), I think you can imagine the amount of cortisol (stress-hormone) flowing through my body, while struggling to recover.
So it’s safe to say I’ve been a little busy, but hey what else is new! We’re back and we’ve just launched part 2 of the Wulterkens Sport Collection, check it out on www.wulterkensclothing.com! Coming soon (April) is our Summer Fashion Collection and another surprise, so stay tuned for that.
What I’ve learned from the pas month is that I can do and handle so much more than I thought I could. Another confirmation, in retrospect, that we tend to limit ourselves in our minds most of the time, but when certain situations demand action on our behalf and it’s just an absolute must (you know you can’t hide under the bed covers even if you’d really love to), it suddenly appears that you are able to do whatever it is you need to do.
If someone would have told me a month ago, what was going to happen (read: go wrong), I would have thought ‘’No thank you, I can’t handle that’’ and I would have skipped the entire moving part and a few other things.
‘’All limits are self-imposed’’, one of my favorite quotes and it’s nice to have a good reminder of it! So whenever you get into a crazy busy, too much to handle, everything going wrong and demanding your attention kind of phase, just breathe, and go with the flow. Don’t go hide in a corner, because although the temptation will be strong, it won’t solve anything and may lead to even bigger problems. So take responsibility, do all you can and it will pay off. If it doesn’t kill you, it only makes you stronger.
I’ve started training and eating healthy again since this week, in preparation for summer. #hotsummerbody, who’s with me?
Controlling my sugar & carb intake and keeping a regular workout schedule was just too much for me during the past month, so I let myself go a little, which has become visible in the mirror and I’m not happy with it, so it’s time to get strict and back at it.
I will be doing an update post on my fitness routine, as I will have a slightly different approach for the next few months. I’m also planning on doing some videos, with some good exercises that you guys can try that do a lot of good. If you girls/guys have special requests, please let me know, I will try to incorporate that.
Another great thing I just found out (to my surprise!) from the statistics of the blog is that for 2015 Lead When Others Follow has been viewed by awesome people from over 60 different countries. How cool is that! I want you all to know that I never expected this when I started blogging and I am extremely grateful to all of you who find my crazy life interesting and I really hope you can learn a little bit or get inspired.
Lots of love to all of you!
Nadira
Outfitdetails: My Wulterkens Varsity Jacket is from the new Functional Fashion Collection, Sporty, but chique, check it out here, also available in black & white.
Pants from ZARA Basic, Sneakers from All Star, Turtle Neck Sweater from WE.
Time…So Precious, So Scarce
“Imagine there is a bank account that credits your account each morning with $86,400. It carries over no balance from day to day. Every evening the bank deletes whatever part of the balance you failed to use during the day. What would you do? Draw out every cent, of course? Each of us has such a bank. Its name is time. Every morning, it credits you with 86,400 seconds. Every night it writes off as lost, whatever of this you have failed to invest to a good purpose. It carries over no balance. It allows no over draft. Each day it opens a new account for you. Each night it burns the remains of the day. If you fail to use the day’s deposits, the loss is yours. There is no drawing against “tomorrow”. You must live in the present on today’s deposits. Invest it so as to get from it the utmost in health, happiness and success. The clock is running. Make the most of today.”
Time…the most scarce and precious asset we own, and most of us don’t even realize and appreciate it. I don’t know who wrote the above, but I think it’s a beautiful way of making you realise the value of time.
My goal was to write a new post at least once a week. For now, I’ve failed at doing so, because of the simple concept of not having enough time in a day (or having slightly more important things to do that I had to prioritize).
Last night I said to my partner before I fell a sleep ”I wish I could have a little bit of time that so many people are wasting everyday; the things I would be able to do”.
With all the (great) things that have been happening the past few weeks, I’ve become increasingly more conscious and I’ve been wishing for more time every day.
I still cannot tell you guys about most of the projects we’ve been working on, until they are final. But I can give you guys some hints.
– First big thing and it’s no secret: the new Wulterkens Fall/Winter sportscollection is coming very soon! (Most items will be available for pre-ordering next week already). Still a photo and video shoot in the planning, so still lots to do before. You can shop our summer collection on Sale now: www.wulterkensclothing.com (Stock is low, so hurry!)
– We have a new member in the Wulterkens team who advices us on our production & marketing, which is great, because 3 minds always achieve more than 2 and he is a major asset to us with his brilliant mind and experience.
– We are currently designing a seperate sports collection for a big chain of stores (So excited!)
– We are working on a project with an upcoming DJ, which also involves us into some lights, camera and action. Unfortunately I cannot tell you guys any more than this yet.
– One of the Netherlands’ topmodels will be spotted in Wulterkens sportswear, more info soon!
– IFBB Pro Athlete Ramona Valerie from Germany is rocking our Sportswear, introducing us into the German market, which we are very grateful for.
So yes a lot of exciting and big (international) projects/opportunities! I am also starting with a part-time Master program in Marketing at the VU University in Amsterdam! Not because I have so much time on my hands (as is pretty clear), but because I believe you always have to keep on learning, keep on growing as a person.
By now I don’t have any social life. I barely see my own brother, let alone friends or other family. I am so happy when I get home before 10 p.m., because that means I can get a good nights’ sleep (we usually leave home at 8 a.m. and come home at 11-12 p.m., making 14-16 hour workdays). However I am not complaining at all! I might be tired and not have a social life, but we are getting so much back in return. The growth of our brand is becoming exponential, which is our dream and life, so it is worth it. It’s an investment in our future, in the life that not everybody gets to live (because they are not willing to give up the things that we are giving up). People always tend to see the success and the growth, but not the sleepless nights and countless hours, blood, sweat and tears we’ve put in.
I think you guys understand now why I’ve become very conscious of my time. It is so extremely precious to me. I don’t intend on wasting it anymore on anything that doesn’t make me grow into a better version of myself, or anybody who isn’t worth it. It may sound selfish and rude, but it’s what I choose, because I know that life is exactly what you make of it. What you spend your time on now, will result in what your life will look like tomorrow. Nobody will do it for you. So start planting those seeds and water them everyday, work hard, believe in yourself, never give up! Your hard work will be rewarded.
“You will never find time for anything. If you want time, you must make it.” Charles Buxton was right about this. Everybody is complaining about not having enough time, but be honest with yourself. We all waste so much time watching television, series, playing videogames, on our phones on social media etc. It’s fine, but make sure you prioritize, because tomorrow, your time can be up. Make sure that whatever you spend your time on, you are enjoying it. If you choose to sleep, spend it with a loved one, invest in yourself (work, study, exercise), party…whatever it is you do, make sure that when your clock has run out, you can say you’ve lived and enjoyed it to the fullest. Don’t be a slave to the system, or to others. Stay away from all the drama that lots of people put themselves in and waste their time on. Choose to do whatever it is you love to do, everyday. Try to spend it with whoever you love. You always have a choice. Choose wisely.
And to the people who know me personally…If I give you my time, I give you a piece of me/my life I will never get back, I can never spend it in any other way. I am very conscious of this, so if I give you my time, I value you a lot.
Love,
Nadira
Outfitdetails: Mixing lace with leather for a lunch date.
Skirt from H&M (old collection). Shoes from Colin Stuart (Old). Top (Basic) from Zara. Lace Cardigan from a boutique in Rome, Italy. Bracelet from Hermes (Collier de Chien). Clutch from New Look.
You Have To Do The Hard Things
Hello loves!
I’ve been so so busy. Ever since we moved into the new Wulterkens Office, it’s been so hectic. I’m not complaining because we’ve really grown a lot in a short period of time, but finding the time to write has been difficult.
I came accross a piece from Dan Waldschmidt that I really want to share with you guys. It’s also a daily reminder to myself, because during this journey of entrepreneurship I realise how easy it is to make up excuses to avoid doing something that I don’t like/ want to do or even fear. It’s easy, but at the same time limiting any kind of growth.
You Have To Do The Hard Things – Dan Waldschmidt
”You have to make the call you’re afraid to make.
You have to get up earlier than you want to get up.
You have to give more than you get in return right away.
You have to care more about others than they care about you.
You have to fight when you are already injured, bloody, and sore.
You have to feel unsure and insecure when playing it safe seems smarter.
You have to lead when no one else is following you yet.
You have to invest in yourself even though no one else is.
You have to look like a fool while you’re looking for answers you don’t have.
You have to grind out the details when it’s easier to shrug them off.
You have to deliver results when making excuses is an option.
You have to search for your own explanations even when you’re told to accept the “facts”.
You have to make mistakes and look like an idiot.
You have try and fail and try again.
You have to run faster even though you’re out of breath.
You have to be kind to people who have been cruel to you.
You have to meet deadlines that are unreasonable and deliver results that are unparalleled.
You have to be accountable for your actions even when things go wrong.
You have to keep moving towards where you want to be no matter what’s in front of you.
You have to do the hard things.
The things that no one else is doing. The things that scare you. The things that make you wonder how much longer you can hold on.
Those are the things that define you. Those are the things that make the difference between living a life of mediocrity or outrageous success.
The hard things are the easiest things to avoid. To excuse away. To pretend like they don’t apply to you.
The simple truth about how ordinary people accomplish outrageous feats of success is that they do the hard things that smarter, wealthier, more qualified people don’t have the courage — or desperation — to do.
Do the hard things. You might be surprised at how amazing you really are”.
I hope this is an inspiration to all of you, just like it is to me!
Love,
Nadira
Outfitdetails: Blouse: Kardashian Kollection; Pants: ASOS; Coat: ZARA; Shoes: Misguided.
”Be Bold. Do what the ordinary fear”.