Still can't believe that I was blessed enough to have the opportunity to attend a public talk & guided meditation with His Holiness the Dalai Lama during his 2015 Ocean of Wisdom Tour. I'm sure it goes without saying that the event was breathtaking, transcendent, emotional & even life-changing; to be in the presence of someone who actually seems to "radiate" goodness. While it may be true that Buddhism isn't my religion - I am a Christian - I can appreciate & respect both a faith & spiritual leader seeking to make a positive difference in our world...
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"Every day, think as you wake up, today I am fortunate to be alive, I have a precious human life, I am not going to waste it..."
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Dress: Vintage, Osti jersey
Cape: Sportsgirl wool
Tights: Razzamatazz 40 denier
Booties: Corelli @ Williams suede & neoprene
Bangles: Gift, gold, silver, beaded (from India)
Floral Headpiece: Gift, silk flowers
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Capturing the mood of the day - peace, love & tolerance - was easy with this amazing vintage paisley-print dress from popular 1970s brand Osti in a comfortable jersey fabric with floaty, three-quarter sleeves, empire-line colour-blocked bust detail & zip front with trippy pendant.
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"There are only 2 days in the year that nothing can be done. One is called yesterday & the other is called tomorrow, so today is the right day to love, believe, do & mostly live."
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Black accessories "anchored" the look - the matte 40 denier Razzamatazz tights as well as suede & neoprene heeled booties by Corelli @ Williams giving the illusion of length while letting the dress take "centre stage," so to speak.
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"People take different roads seeking fulfillment & happiness. Just because they're not on your road doesn't mean they've gotten lost."
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The cooler weather meant a top layer was necessary & this woven Sportsgirl cape with its striped hem & fringing fitted the bill; the hue matching the exact shade of navy inherent in the print of the dress, providing a pleasing contrast to its "Swinging Seventies" style brightness while the shape added warmth without covering the dress' awesome handkerchief-style sleeves!
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"We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves."
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When it came to jewellery, the most obvious piece - the boho-style pendant attached to the zipper - was already provided, supplemented by a trio of mixed metal bangles that a friend sent from India for a touch of daytime sparkle, matching the "temporary tattoos" given out on the day... they even glowed in the dark! Scroll down to check them out in detail:
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"Love & compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive."
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The finishing touch to the look was definitely the stunning, oversized silk floral headpiece that was given to me by the organiser of my meditation class to mark such an auspicious occasion. Flowers, particularly white, signify all that is pure & natural & good in nature & I truly believe that it was a fitting tribute to a man who continues to dedicate his life to making the world a better place through acts of kindness, love, thoughtfulness & tolerance. See how wonderfully well it sat atop my dark, blunt bob in the pics below:
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"There is no need for temples, no need for complicated philosophies. My brain & my heart are my temples; my philosophy is kindness."
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