Mango Summer

Dress : Mango
Jersey: RL Polo
Pumps: Gucci

 

Mango has the cutest little summer dresses in stock - fell in love with this strappy light peach number

Joining the Farsali Craze

Given the craze that has surrounded this product , I had to give it a try to see what the whole rave was about . 

 

 

When I finally got my hands on the elixir , the first thing I fell in love with was the aroma ... I'm always sold on smell ❤️first , then texture and this product delivers on both . I tested the product out on a few uses , as a base for my liquid lipstick (amazing) , blending a few drops with my foundation , as well as using as a night serum . 

This product certainly does not disappoint. Some say it's a bit pricey when compared to other facial oils , but compared to the versatility of the product I would find that most people would find it worth the price (my other serums don't work wonders as a lip base 😍) .

 Definitely recommend 💙

La Mer Micaller Water

Well , it certainly is the most luxurious makeup remover in town! Given my good experiences with the La Mer skin care range , I gave the La Mer Cleansing Micaller Water a try, though the thought off using this expensive product as a makeup remover did make me weep a bit . 🙀

Once again , like most of La Mers products , this one  smells just as good !!👏🏽

I used the "water" with my cotton pad to remove my makeup and even remove my waterproof mascara and eyeliner with so much ease.

The product left my skin feeling hydrated and soft, with no "sticky" after  feeling that warranted a further rinse off, as the Micaller water simply draws out the dirt, rather than stripping the skin completely, so skin is left feeling clean, fresh and soft. 

 Micaller water does not contain any alcohol or other harsh chemicals, it is even safe enough to use around the under-eye region. Ultimately, Micaller water is ideal for people with dry, sensitive, or acne-prone skin. In short, micellar water is essentially the beauty world’s version of holy water. Love ❤️ 

 

Summer Inspirations - Satya Paul Design

Summer Dress : Satya Paul (Designer)
Heels: Steve Madden

Its heating UP

Its time to take out those the tank tops, or slip on the summer dresses, as the heat is on. Cooling dresses are best for this weather, and are timeless for your closet.

 

This summer dress can be found at Topshop. The criss cross neck fold is especially appealing and makes the dress sit more snugly in the front. The dress is made from a thin cooling fabric making it a pleasure to wear in the heat .

 

 

Maroon Loving

What better that having the material corduroy and maroon teamed together ?

This statement skirt is from Topshop (London)

Top: Zara
Skirt: Topshop (London)
Pumps: Spitz (Nina Roche)

 

Jeans kinda girl

 

I’ve always found high waisted jeans really flattering. They eliminate the worries of whether you’re flashing your knickers,  give a very streamlined look to the whole figure, plus, with the reign of crop tops not looking to fall anytime soon, they minimize the amount of flashed flesh whilst enabling you to stay very on trend

And for those with short girl ‘problems’ like me , they give the illusion of elongated legs. So, imagine my excitement when I came across the amazing range of jeans Topshop has to offer . I’m already a Topshop kinda girl and find it hard to ever walk into their stores and not fall in love with a new item on their shelves, so I was pretty much sold on their jeans , specifically the Leigh and Jamie cut  .

 

 

My first purchase was a pair of black Jamies (you can never have enough black jeans) . These are high-waisted , structured, super skinny jeans were designed perfectly to wear with crop tops.

The jeans provide a ‘firm form wear’ , however I found that all my Jamies ( yes I said all ) need to be worn with a belt to provide a more snug waist fit.

 

My second love is Leigh . These jeans are super soft, super skinny, and less structured than the Jamie and hold a special place in my wardrobe given the look and comfort factor. These jeans are perfect for my work wear and I find them easy to glam both formal or casual.  These jeans unlike the Jamies can be worn without a belt and carry form perfectly. The material is super thin (I love) and can be prone to ripping if you are not careful …. but then again I have a preference for the worn look so if there are rips , I find them adding to the character of my jeans.

 

When purchasing your pair, make sure you look at the description before you buy, as some Leigh’s are cropped, meaning shorter on the leg. I prefer purchasing mines with a longer length given I interchange mines for my work week to pair with my work shirts and heels.

 

 Topshop has a wide variety of different jeans options apart from just the Jamie and Leigh eg Joni, Baxter, Mom and more … so take your time and try on a few and I am sure you will fall in love with the one made just for you.

Off the shoulder

Just loving the off the shoulder work shirts , especially in these blisteringly hot days of late . You can keep it formal yet cool .

 

Picked this blue beaut up from Zara.

Shoes : Europa Art
Jeans: Topshop
Shirt: Zara

 

 

 

 

Sundaze

last Sundays laziness

 

Getting the edge with Stella McCartney

I simply cannot get enough of Stella McCartney’s platform oxfords.

 These shoes offer height without sacrificing comfort, and have an edgy-meets-preppy vibe that pairs well with a variety of looks( both formal and casual).



Stella McCartney’s platform oxfords

Vest: Zara
Skirt: Topshop
Shoes: Stella McCartney



We are all UNIQUE and that is were our individual beauty lies

 

 

"Don't compare yourself with anyone in this world ..., if you do so, you are insulting yourself" - Bill Gates

 

I felt the need to speak out on this , after a conversation this week where I found myself injecting confidence into a beautiful individual that the colour of your skin does not define your beauty . It was a conversation that pierced the core of my heart that "society" could impact such a beautiful human's confidence so much when I have always had the highest regard for their INNER and outer beauty.

 

There are no gatekeepers to beauty and beauty has no shade.

 It does not matter what that commercial on the T.V says. It does not matter what society says because as we all know, the “ways” of society are fleeting. What’s considered beautiful or “in” today may be ugly or “out” tomorrow.

 

True beauty isn’t fleeting because it transcends the physical. Beauty is confidence. Confidence in your own skin. Be it dark or light. Confidence in who you are, exactly the way God has created you. Beauty is kindness, compassion, humility and love.

 

It is the respect for your fellow human being. It is heart-deep.

 

The next time you hear a shallow human making a remark on another's skin tone , take a moment and feel sorry for them . They are un-beknowingly exposing their own insecurities that lie within them.

 

People that have to make others feel less , are the actual ones lacking within,  and they derive their strength from creating insecurities in others.

 

Beauty comes in every colour - Just how AWESOME is that !



 

Cannot get enough of this colour

Today's OOTD

Sissy Boy outfits always make me feel so fly

 

Matching Vest and Skirt: Sissy Boy
Heels: Guess

 

Black Out

On Friday’s I love wearing my cloak , which I honestly find to be part of my most elegant clothes in my wardrobe . I love the freedom it gives me , the flowiness of its movement , the comfort , the silky feel … and of course the look as I find them absolutely elegantly gorgeous.

 

My under clothes when I wear my cloak is usually a staple pair of tights and a black tank or a t-shirt , as I find these most comfortable for my work day wear, and I find that they “carry” the cloak so much better.

 

Today’s rave is dedicated to tights as EVERYONE should have a good few pairs of black tights in their closets given they are the most comfortable pieces of clothing and can be glammed up, glammed down , worn as pj’s , sweats , for frump days (we all have those) , or just as an under garment (as I plan on wearing mines today)

 

Given just HOW versatile they are , I can honestly say that I have owned way too many, due to my tights getting ruined by over use  , so finding the right pair that ticks the box in comfort , look and durability was a huge plus for me .

 

I decided to purchase a few pairs of Wolford tights last year (Hyde Park outlet) and have been absolutely blown by the quality and wear these tights give ! They have been washed, and worn so many times , and to me, look the same as the day I unwrapped them from the box .

 

Yes , the high price might scare off some budget-minded people (as the average at about R800.00 a pair) , but these are an investment in your fashion future. One pair can last for years—a reliable and significant improvement on most ultra-disposable options in the market today.

 

The Wolford tights are thick but not ludicrously so, warm enough for an average chilly day, and attractive under a range of outfits. They have a comfortable but secure waistband, the material feels silky and luxurious, with an even opacity and a smooth finish that resists snags and pulls.(huge plus here)

 

This purchase is a value for money as its evident in the high-quality construction, which means these will be a fixture in your closet for years to come.

 

My opinion – next time you are out there replacing a pair of your tights that have faded or become ratty with all the snags, make a stop at Wolford and have a look at a their wide range of tights … you will not be tights shopping again.

Into the Fray - #Black Days

 

 

I just love ripped jeans, so my adoration for raw hem jeans is a no brainer. Raw hem jeans work just like normal skinny jeans, but with a much more unique appearance.

 

 

Today's work OOTD is all things black , and I used my black raw hemmed jeans that I purchased at Berksha on my recent trip to Instanbul to make up my casual-formal look of the day.

 

What I love about these ripping's is the fringe on the denim can make a subtle or bold statement (with this pair allowing me to use it for formal wear without looking hippy at work)

 

Shoes: Burberry

Belt: Hermes

 

 

On my previous blog on ripped jeans, I mentioned that too much fraying can be overkill, and the raw hem jean provides the fraying in the "right quantity" in a " contained section" , keeping the look classy. This look is a must have for your jeans collection.

 

Where can I get them ?

 

Well, Topshop provides hem fraying on the jeans of your choice purchased at Topshop , allowing you to choose the desired level of ripping ( I just love having choice)

 

OR

 

You can do a bit of your own DIY on a pair of jeans at home (tried and tested - its not difficult)

 

1. Turn your jeans up on the outside to the length you’re after (I’d recommend putting them on and doing this with the help of a mirror or a friend) and pin along the crease.
2. Fold the turn-ups down, and use the pins as a guide to cut along.
3. Fray with your fingers as much or as little as you like.

 

easy peasy lemon squeezy !

ENJOY

 

I've got the Blues

Today is going to be fly ... cos I'll make it so

#mindsetmatters

 

Shades: Dior

Heels: Aldo

Jeans : Topshop (Leigh)

Top: Witchery
Necklace : Woolworths

 

Wednesday Reflections : Our Passions Drive Us

 

WOW , these last three weeks have been insanely crazy ones for me .... trying to find the balance between work and life .As a CEO I have come to accept that a 9 to 5 does not exist for me.

Of late , these last few weeks have became one of those - a 24/7 , no switch off one.

At present I'm still on it like a rash , and with all the time and energy its taken out of me , this weekends reflections has had me revisiting and reaffirming this, that;

“Working hard for something we don't care about is called stress: Working hard for something we love is called passion.”
― Simon Sinek

All of this is justified, as its driven by the passion, appreciation and gratitude for what I do .This is the energy that drives me to work everyday , that spurs me on through moments of frustration and exhaustion , that reminds me to get up when I'm about to give up .... its in the climatic satisfaction on successful accomplishment of a project driven by teamwork that infuses through me at the end.

it's worthit!

 

This is what we should aim to attain through our sweats ...

Its possible ... we can all achieve work that's passion . For me, its been trial and error over the years... but at this very moment I can now call my work passion.

 

here is to a few more weeks of this !

 

Skirt and Shirt : Custom Made
Shoes: Nine West
What's in my hand ? - its a prop (Smoking Kills)

 

 

For the love of shoes

 Can we just stop for a moment and appreciate this beauty ...

 

Velvet Desire

No catchy title needed here , the name says it all ...

 

DOLCE & GABBANA

Velvet Desire

"Tuberose and the Italian Renaissance.
A journey through time dominated by
white flowers and tuberose which in the language
of flowers signifies carnal passion,
forbidden to young Renaissance women
due to its powerful aphrodisiac powers.
An expression of timeless sensuality"

 

I have always been a lover of woody, spicy fragrances , as they appeal deeply to my senses.

 

Velvet Desire to me oozes woody and spicy notes rather than floral ones. Its scent is 'dark, mysterious and rich' , and I find it irresistible to wear with all things oozing elegance.

An absolute love !

 

 

 

A moment to smell the Flowers

DOLCE & GABBANA

NO

 they most definitely

DO NOT disappoint...

 

The craftsmanship in these shades, and the use of precious details characterize the Dolce & Gabbana  Flowers Lace Sunglasses. The frames are enhanced by Swarovski crystals and hand-modelled rose buds.

 

The Flower Collections have a vast number of shades options , some with details of Sicilian Lace applied of the frames giving a beautiful effect.

 

These are statement piece shades and qualify and collectors items in my glasses closet !

 

 

 

 

Not your average T-Shirt

If you get a chance , stop at Zara this weekend and get yourself one of these tee's ...

I had to contain myself from buying them ALL, and finally managed to choose just one - (its because of the black detail) . The colours options are amazing , the pocket detail adds a unique finish and the feel of the material is dreamy ...

 

"not your average t-shirt"

 

 

 

 

 

Tie me Tuesdays

 

 

Shirt: Burberry
Shoes: Mimco

Pants: Mango (Formal)

Tie : Woolworths Man
Watch : Hublot
Belt: Hermes

 

Sometimes its okay to be Sneaky

When I see this ... 

 

Sneakers: Nina Roche from Spitz

 I see this ...

 

 

 

Boardroom Formal - Version 2

"Many highly intelligent, well-qualified, capable men and women are not taken seriously because 'they don't sell for what they're worth,'" Price says. "A lack of professional appearance holds them back. It's frustrating because clothing certainly does not determine one's actual competence and credibility; it does, however, influence others' perception of those qualities — and that reality impacts career opportunities."

I am a firm believer of professional work attire , and dressing the part, especially for those in management (or, aspiring to be in management), senior and executive, because first impressions do last.

 

But ... as a closet fashion lover , I do believe that even if you are confined to formal Monday to Friday  - Who said formal has to be boring ?

You can be on trend and still pull off looking formal at the same time.

When it comes to my personal choice of work wear , I like to keep the 'less is more' principle by not over accessorizing and going overly colourful, yet still being able to enjoy my everyday work clothes and feel comfortably confident when I walk into a boardroom full of suites.

Given the fact that I am a lover of all things BLACK and then GREY and WHITE, it makes it even easier when shopping for a work closet.

Today's work ootd is a jumpsuit which I came across in one of my favourite places (the formal clothing isles of Zara)

All I can say is that I am legit obsessed with this Zara formal jumpsuit !

The colour meets the exact 'requirements' of formal wear, its simple , comfortable and pulls of a look of a 'vested' suited look, but is actually a chic jumpsuit.

One of my favourite work closet staples

Work clothes do not have to be boring and conventional , they can meet the requirements of formal with a dash of difference

 

 

 

 

 

Crazy about the High Waisters!

I'm really a pants girl - as I feel so much more comfortable wearing pants than I am wearing things that show off my legs, unfortunately, like jeans, I find that finding the right pair can be a real pain in the ass sometimes.

Needless to say I fell crazy in love when the high waisted pants returned to the shelves and I was on a mission to find the right pair of formal pants to team with my work shirts and the perfect pair of casual high waisted jeans for the weekends.

High waister's are flattering and hip-skimming, therefore its no surprise that the high waisted trousers keep returning to the catwalk.

The variety of styles at your fingertips, from your work out joggers, to your booted high waisters all the way to the variety of formal suited options leave you with many to choose from.

They come in an amazing array of print options, including florals, Aztec, geometric, dogtooth and tartans. You can also pick and choose when it comes to fabric, whether your feeling scuba, cotton, silk or faux leather.

These pants are the ultimate must have. My personal preference for formal as seen below is silk (though the creasing during the day can be a pain) with minimal print so they remain versatile for me to team with either a vest, t-shirts or a plain formal work shirt.

As I suffer from "short girl problems", I team my high waisted formals with a good heel so the pants carry the elegant appeal which I adore. With the high waisted jeans, I find it is easy to get away with either a pair of simple pumps, trainers or heels.

I was lucky to find my best choices of both formals and casuals at Topshop who carry an amazing range of high waisted jeans in a variety of cuts (to die for) High Waisters: TopShop
Tank: H&M
Sunnies: Dior  

 

The Denim Code

The jeans featured below is True Religion , for me this was one of those lucky packet draws found in surprise in the process of trying on a pair of jeans to please my husband (after much convincing) who is an avid brand loyal True Religion jeans customer. (one person's preference is another's poison - that's my motto in the jeans department )

 

 

I am very particular about the fit, feel and wear of my jeans (mostly fit),  brand is the very LAST thing on my mind, and I’ve battled to be loyal to any particular jeans brand for years. It is only of very late, that I have found a brand of jeans which I am addicted to, and find most of their style cuts to seem as if they were made for me (will review them on a future post) … Thankfully I don’t need to INVEST in each purchase of these, though if I had to I would given I feel great when I wear them (and that’s what counts when purchasing a pair of jeans)

So you can gather, as we all already know ,that finding the right pair of jeans is a mission, AND finding this “perfect fit” might seem daunting, so I’ve gone ahead and done some of the legwork for you…literally, as we are all uniquely different and each deserve to find our very own true love in a pair of jeans ,so take a look at my denim guide below in the hope of helping simplify your search;
 

If you have a petite build… Petite girls can go for almost any cut, but it’s a good idea to try a pair of jeans that lengthens your legs. A long, super skinny cut will show off your tiny figure and curves, while a pair of high-waisted trousers will create the illusion of height and length (I suggest wearing a pair of heeled wedges to make your legs look even longer).

If you’re pear shaped… A pear shaped body type tends to carry weight in the hips, rear, and legs–the lower half. A mid-rise, balanced style will flatter your shape because it will elongate your legs. Ideally, you should search for pair of moderate skinnies

If you’re apple shaped… Apple-shaped ladies need their denim to provide a little more “give” in the waistline, because they tend to carry their weight around the middle. Choose a fit that has a straight leg so that it shows off your assets, but without making you look middle-heavy.

If you have an hourglass figure… If you have the curvy but balanced body type we call “hourglass.” This figure can wear almost any cut. but it’s important to show off your curves the right way, and skinnies will highlight your curves. A pair of wide-legged trouser jeans will work wonders for enhancing your waist

If you’re busty… A wide leg fit will help balance out your bust so you don’t appear top-heavy. Choosing a lighter color wash will also draw the eye downward and away from your chest. Go for low-rise, boot-cut or wide leg trousers

If you’re tall… If you’re lanky and lean, go ahead and show off those gorgeous gams. A low-rise pair will help give your shape proportion, and a high-rise style will make your legs look like they go on for days (which is never, ever a bad thing). You can rock a trouser style, a balanced boot cut, flared jeans, or an ultra skinny fit–just make sure that whatever style you choose emphasizes your best feature.

If you’re curvy… Girls with curvy body types must be very careful to select a style that will create a slimming effect in all the right places. Show off your curves by picking a pair that hugs your assets and flatters not-so-favourite features. A lot of denim brands have fits that are marked “curvy,” which just means that the jeans are constructed specifically for curvier figures (plus they usually have some stretch to them, which is never a bad thing). Levi’s has a great line of jeans called the “Curve ID” collection that basically lets you choose your jeans depending on how curvy you are.. If you’re a curvy girl with a small waist you can rock the high-waisted trouser look because the cut will accentuate and flatter your tiny middle area. Lately, be sure to go for dark wash denim versus light to create a slimming effect.

If you have an athletic shape… For girls who have toned, athletic bodies, your best bet is to create curves while evening out your shape at the same time. I would suggest boot cut or flared jeans that are fitted around the thighs and bum, but a little more relaxed around the calves and ankles.

Happy sweat free shopping ladies !