Hey everyone,
Let me introduce myself, my name is Nadia El Ferdaoussi – and I’m a Freelance Journalist and I have my own blog called thedailyself.me.
I’ve always wanted to be involved in both beauty and travel, but never actually thought I could make a career out of it – they’re just the two things I love spending time doing.
My background is in make up artistry (I’ve worked for a couple of brands, the last full-on make up role I had was in MAC) and then I progressed into doing freelance editorial work and writing.
I was working as a Beauty Editor and got lucky one day when my editor at the time (Vicki Notaro) passed on a wine tasting trip to Spain she couldn’t make. Cliché as it is, the rest is history…
Having a cuppa | SORCHA CRILLY/GOSS.IE
I just researched trips I was interested in and started pitching to different publications.
I now write for lots of different magazines and newspapers about both beauty and travel, you’ll see from my Instagram account that I’m happiest when on a boat and ironically, not wearing any make up!
When I’m in Dublin I film TV beauty segments for Xposé and work on beauty and fashion shoots for magazines, they’re my two favourite make up jobs as it’s a lot of fun and doesn’t feel like “real work”.
My blog is an extension of what I do, rather than my full-time job. Sometimes the ‘blogger’ title gets a bad reputation, but I’m really happy to do both!
Werking Life | NADIA EL FERDAOUSSI
As a freelancer, my days are always so varied and with the weird weather we’ve been having in Ireland, it can be tricky to know what to wear.
I usually have a couple of different things to go to each day… I might be in the office writing, filming a make up segment for Xposé, having a business lunch, squeezing in a yoga class before or after work or heading to an evening event.
I also spend a lot of time in airports! People think the life of a make up artist and travel writer is glamorous, but it often means carrying a lot of heavy luggage, very little sleep and always being switched on, I’m tied to my phone and get anxious when my battery is low or if I have no wifi.
I never complain about it though because I’m doing what I love and it doesn’t feel anything like work. I get to meet so many amazing people, travel the world and see my work on TV and in magazines and newspapers.
Travel writing | NADIA EL FERDAOUSSI
While it can be tiring, it’s so fulfilling and most importantly FUN! My blog thedailyself.me is an extension of my life, it features lots of BTS stuff and all the images from my travels that I didn’t get to publish because I take so many!
I’m often on the road in between different locations in Dublin, depending on what I’m working on…so I always have a big bag with a change of clothes or I’ll leave a pair of heels in the office.
I’ve lost count of how many pairs of sunglasses I own, they’re my favourite accessory (especially Ray Ban for their classics) as I never seem to have time to mess around with finding jewellery to match my outfits.
Laptop life | NADIA EL FERDAOUSSI
I generally just wear one big statement ring, but I love my Alex & Ani bracelets when I’m away travelling for work, especially all the nautical themed ones on my boat trips!
Sometimes it’s quicker to just grab a coffee anywhere that has wifi and usually have my Macbook Air with me, even though it’s one of the lightest, my bag still seems to way a tonne but I love the way the Parfois shopper bags have a smaller version inside, great for going out straight from work.
I tend to keep my style simple, so it’s easy to mix and match. Black, white and grey are my staple shades and then I’ll mix in some denim pieces and throw on my leather biker jacket. Trainers when I’m working or nude heels to dress up, I love my new suede tie-up pair from River Island.
Here’s my Style Diary from this week:
MONDAY
Going for a spin | SORCHA CRILLY/GOSS.IE
Even though it was a Bank Holiday – I’m always working, and I spend so much time in my car, running around getting from A to B.
I wore this casual striped dress from H&M on Monday because it was a bit too warm for jeans, but I wanted to be comfortable for a day in the office writing features, pitching articles and researching my next adventure.
H&M is my absolute favourite shop for buying basics, I work right beside the flagship College Green store so I’m always popping in to pick up a few jersey bits and pieces.
I’m obsessed with stripes, I love anything nautical.
TUESDAY
Yoga time | SORCHA CRILLY/GOSS.IE
Every #WerkingGirl needs some time for themselves – and Yoga is the perfect way for me to relax.
I try to get to as many classes in The Yoga Hub off Camden St which is on my way home out of town.
On days when I’m not really meeting anyone, I’ll try and get away with wearing my comfy casuals all day….the perks of working for yourself is there’s no dress code!
I love American Apparel’s fitness leggings, they’re really high-waisted and thick, i.e. not see-through! New Balance or high top Converse are my faves in black and white.
WEDNESDAY
#OOTN | SORCHA CRILLY/GOSS.IE
On Wednesday I had to attend an evening event after work.
On days when I’m going to an event after work, I’ll usually wear something like jeans and a simple top I can dress up with heels and a clutch bag. For filming Xposé, I keep the colours simple.
This black and white blouse carried me straight through from being on camera in the morning, to a business meeting at lunch and then a quick change of shoes to these new River Island suede tie-up heels and glittery Parfois clutch.
Nude and multi-colour so that they go with absolutely everything and the bag was less than €20!
THURSDAY
Werking out of the office | SORCHA CRILLY/GOSS.IE
Sometimes it’s faster to catch up on work out and about in between meetings rather than going back to the office.
Casual jeans and vest with trainers for running about town. In typical blogger style, I simply can’t drink my cappuccino without a quick pic first and I’m forever creating flat lays…especially when there’s nice light or a lovely table or flowers.
I’m using the Samsung Galaxy camera because I love the big touchscreen and wifi but I’m hoping to upgrade to the new Olympus Pen Generation camera before my next round of travel which sees me away for all of September and October on six different trips.
When I’m not working, I’m forever packing and unpacking!
FRIDAY
Drinks on a Friday | SORCHA CRILLY/GOSS.IE
Finally TGIF – always a great day for drinks.
Socialising is actually a big part of what I do (or that’s what I tell myself anyway to help with the FEAR). Events are great for networking and making new contacts but also for catching up with other people in the industry.
Being a freelancer you can spend a lot of time doing your own thing so it’s nice to catch up with all of the gang. This white shirt dress from Forever 21 is so simple but put together and I love wearing white in the summer when I have a bit of a tan.
I went for my new favourite heels and clutch bag again, I think they’ve become my new staples!
Nadia
x
Blog: thedailyself.me
Twitter: @nadia_dailyself
Instagram: nadia_dailyself
Snapchat: nadia_dailyself
