Looks Of The Week - 14/01/12

A round-up of the weeks most fashionable looks.

Kim Kardashian was photographed on the streets of LA, wearing a cherry red Equipment blouse with camel coloured high-waisted pants by Rachel Zoe. She carries a Hermés Birkin bag and walks in nude Louboutin heels. Are we loving or loathing this look?

Blake Lively looked chic in a scene for 'Gossip Girl', wearing a black trench coat and tights, teamed with Jimmy Choo knee-high boots, a turquoise Autumn cashmere scarf and fabulous colour-blocked 'Chameleon' bag by Fendi.

Pippa Middleton in a street savvy London look, with a mauve Ralph Lauren blazer, black Tania shift dress, Alice by Temperley animal print scarf and Zara ankle boots. 

Olivia Palermo mixes it up with a fur vest, striped grey and blue sweater, leather Daryl K skinnies, a Hermés Birkin bag and burgundy Brian Atwood boots.

Nicole Richie wears my favourite ensemble of the week, by Antonio Berardi. It features an oversized pale pink suit jacket with bejeweled skinny pants. Her nude platforms are by Christian Louboutin and gold clutch by House of Harlow.

Zoe Saldana is poised in a floaty black Jason Wu dress with embellished collar. She paired it with ankle strap 'Teresa' pumps by Brian Atwood.

Michelle Williams looked swish in a pale pewter metallic satin dress with beautifully beaded bodice by Prada. Strappy gold Prada heels complete her outfit.

Gillian Zinser from '90210' showed off her unique style in a black, green and red floral skirt, worn with a strapless lace corset. It's refreshing to see someone not in the usual cocktail dress or evening gown.

Nina Dobrev wears a romantic ivory and pink floral chiffon dress by Monique Lhuillier. She accessorized with a pink Rebecca Minkoff clutch and peep toe Louboutins.





P.S The lovely Katherine from Katattack interviewed me recently, you can read it here. 

Resolutionize 2012

I'm not good at New Years Resolutions. I find myself setting up goals that are far out of reach, beyond the realms of possibility. So this year, I decided to simplify things a bit, and make a list that's sensible enough to stick to...for all twelve months of 2012.

*P.S   Check out the travel guest post I did on the lovely Vanisha's blog here. 

The Wonders Of My World

My monthly musings...

• South African fashion brand Urban Glamour have just launched their Spring handbag line, which has a trendy colour-block theme. This stunning high-fashion range is all made locally, and is also available in the US (New York), Germany and Italy. See the Urban Glamour website for more details. The designers have given me an exclusive sneak peek into what we can expect from the upcoming collection. 

• I'm thrilled to be featured on two lovely blogs this month. Makeup-loving Rakhshan asked me a few questions on her adorable beauty blog here. 


• Boston-based South African blogger Kbd asked me to share my favourite places to visit for her 'Tour South Africa' series. It's in 3 parts, which you can read on her inspiring travel blog here.


• I have discovered the cure for insomnia! It is completely safe and there is no hypnosis or pills involved. I can't believe no one has thought of this before! The key is...reading mind-numblingly boring business textbooks before you go to bed - it works like a charm. I guarantee that after the first 2 pages, you will be dazed into a deep slumber. I really should patent this idea...I could even lend out my books to start ;)


• I've noticed that you can tell within the first half an hour of meeting someone new whether you're going to like them or not and whether or not you would want to pursue a friendship with them. 


• It's always uplifting to see an outfit you've already bought in an 'exclusive' boutique for R500, when you've only paid R100 for the same thing somewhere else.


• I've been seriously addicted to Chai Lattes lately; so much so, that I've learnt to make it myself. It requires some effort but the end result is delicious. Try out this easy recipe, which has step-by-step instructions & photographs in case you get lost along the way. A good tip: you can replace the sugar with honey if you prefer.


• I read an interesting newspaper article this week that characterized Facebook users into 5 different categories. It gave me some insight into the social networking site, seeing that I am not a member of it. The political editor and author, Mr J Sikhakhane divided the groups into: 

1. Alpha-socialisers: men under 25 who use the network for short periods of time, to meet new people, flirt and for entertainment purposes.


2. Attention-seekers: mostly teen girls and women who constantly post provocative photographs of themselves with friends and 'customize their profiles'.


3. Followers: who join the network to keep up with their friends.


4. Faithfuls: men and woman who are content with their own lives and social surroundings. Being more settled, they do not crave attention and use the site to reignite friendships from school or university.


5. Functionals: who use Facebook for a particular reason (ex. work-related), and who are unconcerned with socializing, meeting their soulmate or viewing comments and photos.

• Studying in a creative field, I've been wondering how university lecturers grade exams and assignments for art and design subjects. How does one measure 'creativity', when the concept of what it is differs so vastly from one person to the next? My idea of a beautiful piece of art/writing/prose/poem/architectural or advert design could be substandard to someone else. 
  
  

I would love to hear your thoughts on the last two.

Sunshine Blog Award

Thanks so much to the lovely Aurelia for presenting me with the Sunshine Blog Award. 

I am so thrilled, you made my week :)

The Rules

1. Thank the blogger that gave you the award and mention it on your blog.

2. Answer the list of questions that follow.

3. Pass the award on to ten other fantastic bloggers.

Q & A

Favourite Colour: Cerise pink and black

Favourite Animal: Cats and jellyfish

Favourite Number: 2

Favourite Drink: Café au Lait and Strawberry Daiquiris

Facebook or Twitter: I am not a member of either networks.

Your Passion: Fashion, writing, family and friends.

Giving or Getting Presents: There is nothing quite like the joy of giving gifts.

Favourite Pattern: Stripes for clothes and damask for decor.

Favourite Day: Good hair days and Sundays.

Favourite Flowers: Pink Daffodils - although this could be a myth ;)

I am passing on the Sunshine Award to these ten fabulous bloggers:

Cinderella Alert

Fashion Ave

Love Italian Fashion

Mary and Dyer

Ghita is Here

Vanilla Blonde

Fashion Oxygen

Annaeva

My Philosophie

Being Brazen

I hope that each of amazing bloggers will continue to spread the sunshine :)

Ciao for now!

The Wonders Of My World

A collection of random thoughts...

• I would like to thank the lovely Anna Louise for featuring me on her inspiring blog this week. She had asked me a few fun questions for her interview series called "A Piece of..." You can read it here. 


• Although it's Spring and everyone else is filled with glee - I actually miss winter. I miss the warm chunky knits that hide the effects of too much good comfort food. I miss the excitement of a snow day. I miss the winter boots that I bought but never wore. I miss cozying up next to the fireplace and most of all, I miss drinking all those cups of coffee to keep warm. 


• This is a good year for SA Idols, the talent has been the best we've ever seen in all seven seasons. My two favourite contestants, Freddie and Dave are still in the running for the grand prize. It would be a travesty if neither of these two rockers won. See them sing here. P.S Don't forget to check out Freddie's brilliant rendition of "Seven Nation Army" while you're there. 


• Masterchef is coming to South Africa! As a huge fan of the reality cooking competition, I am very excited. I was seriously considering entering, but my inability to multitask, perilous knife skills and fussy food habits will probably not see me past the Audition room door. If you are a passionate amateur South African cook (without any of my above-mentioned impediments), I hope that you will enter.


• The curse of my lost camera is finally over! No, I didn't find the mysteriously misplaced camera, but my dearest brother did get me a splendid new one as a gift. Thanks bro! I can now get back to taking photos, as soon as I figure out how to work this gadget. 


• Ghd in association with Cansa will be styling hair for a charitable purpose on 1 October 2011. The style-A-thon events will be held in 4 shopping malls in 3 cities around the country, where you can have your hair professionally styled for R50 (R20 for kids), which will go towards raising funds for cancer. This worthy cause brings a new meaning to "beauty with a purpose". 


• If you're considering long-distance learning in South Africa - please don't. As a victim of this failed system, I wouldn't advise it to anyone. The country's three major correspondence colleges - Unisa, Damelin & Intec, were all under fire on a Carte Blanche exposé. Intec is by far the worst. Study material hasn't been delivered on time or at all, assignments haven't been marked, money has been embezzled and it only gets worse with more than a thousand complaints on Hellopeter.  


• In view of the previous point, I am starting to think that my streak of bad luck has turned into a recurring role in Lemony Snicket's "Series of Unfortunate Events". That did turn out well in the end though?


• It so happens that just as you get used to a great new hairdresser or beauty therapist, either they will move away, or you will. Then you will have to suffer many bad hair cuts and brow waxes before you find a stylist you can trust again. And it probably won't be long until they move too. It's a vicious circle.


• I wish there were a simpler way of knowing when to take a plunge into the deep end, and when to wade in shallow waters.

Happy Spring Day!

To mark the start of Spring, I am thrilled to be featured on the lovely blog, Becoming You. Blogging supermum Kathryn asked me a few interesting things about myself for her interview series called "What I..." You can read it here. I must admit that I hadn't really thought of any of these until she asked. It actually got me to philosophize a bit. Thanks Kathryn!

Wishing everyone on the south side of the globe a Happy Spring Day! 

"I have always been delighted at the prospect of a new day, 

a fresh try, one more start, with perhaps a bit of magic

 waiting somewhere behind the morning."

John Boyton Priestley

One Lovely Blog Award

What an exciting way to start the week. I was presented with the 'One Lovely Blog Award', by the very sweet Aurelia, from the blog, Discovering La Campagne. Thank you for this 'lovely' honour. I've seen this series floating around the blogosphere for a while now and I'm delighted to be a part of it. It aims to applaud all the wonderful bloggers out there.

The Rules Are:

1. Mention and link back the blogger that nominated you.

2. Copy and paste the logo below onto your blog.

2. Write down 7 random facts about yourself.

3. Award 15 other great bloggers and notify them about it.

7 Random Things About Me

1. All the coffee in Columbia will not make me a morning person.

2. I didn't know I wanted to study Journalism until I accidentally walked into the wrong lecture hall on my first day of campus. I was so captivated by what I heard, that I decided to stay...for the next three years.

3. I absolutely hate dots. With a passion.

4. The meaning of my name is 'Storyteller'. It is a mere coincidence that this ties in with my career choice at point Nr 2.

5. I am a semi-vegetarian with a weakness for carbs. I could survive solely on pasta.

6. The most fascinating cities I've been to are New York, Las Vegas, Beirut and Istanbul.

7. One way to torment me is to take me to the beach. Sea sand and I are sworn enemies.

My Picks for 'One Lovely Blog Award'

Glossary

Cupcake Couture

Star en Rojo

Indieberries

Your Princess Is In Another Castle

Being Brazen

Fashion Jazz

Peas in a Blog

Simply Just Lovely

Lanalou Style

Lila Y Gris

EmmaJane Nation

Glamour & Glacé

Kiss, Blush & Tell

Vanilla Blonde

I hope each of these amazing bloggers will continue with this awards series, and "Make the circle bigger," as we South Africans would say  ;)

The Wonders Of My World

• Some things are just not fair. Like how Durban experiences 29 degree Autumn days, while the rest of us in Small Town, SA shiver in the 10 degree cold.


• I can't believe that I hadn't discovered the joys of red velvet cupcakes before this weekend. If you've never had one before, try making them with this easy recipe. You can thank me later by sending a batch ;)


• This post was meant to feature the pics I took of the beautiful boutiques and shopping havens at the coast. But sadly my camera mysteriously disappeared in one of the malls, (probably because I was too distracted by all the pretty clothes). It freaks me out that some stranger may have found it and is now holding my photos ransom somewhere on the internet. 


• I've never been scared of watching horror movies, I find them to be laughable and far-fetched. What I am afraid of watching is gory episodes of Doctor 90210, Joburg drivers and anything that Lady Gaga wears and does.


• While some people use hair extensions and expensive medicated hair growth formulas to get thicker, fuller hair - farmtown folk use horse shampoo. Yes, for humans. Strange thing is, it actually works. Don't ask how I know this.


• On a recent family road trip, I found out that it takes about 10 people to change a tyre. One to hold the spanner, another to hold the jack, one to delegate, two who pretend to do the work, three who actually do all the work and a few glamour boys who stand around, refusing to get their designer clothes dirty.


• I used to make fun of people who speak in SMS abbreviations...but now, as hard as it is to admit - I have now become one of them. OMG!  


• I don't get why people wear their sunglasses indoors, at night. Are they afraid that the fluorescent lighting in malls are going to emit harmful UV rays?


• Last night I caught the new Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler movie, Just Go With It. It was really funny and enjoyable, with stunning views of Hawaii. Definitely worth a watch for the Hula dance off between Jen and Nicole Kidman. 


• I'd like to thank Megan from Second Floor Living, who asked me to do a guest post for her blog on Autumn and Winter fashion trends. You can read it here

The Wonders of My World

• It is said that many inventions are created by accident. If this is true, I have 'invented' the coffee scented handbag, by accidentally dropping an entire cup of expresso across a table and onto my LV Bellevue handbag. The bag is slightly ruined but it does smell delicious.


• I don't get why some people use sweeteners instead of sugar in their drinks to 'cut calories' - but then have a giant slice of chocolate ganache cake with their tea or coffee. What is the logic behind this?


• My neighbour seems to moonlights as a DJ, blaring Kurt Darren, Katy Perry, Roxette and Tiesto from his professionally loud stereo. He hosts rowdy parties every Monday to Thursday. It must be a Small Town thing - drunken partying on work nights and peaceful, sobered up weekends.


• I don't have a sweet tooth, but after hearing great reviews about the Lindt Chocolate Brownies at Melrose Arch, my BFF and I decided to try it out. We were served three huge pieces of stale dry brownies, smothered in a warm dark chocolate sauce, served with a scoop of not-so-nice vanilla ice-cream. I could only endure one spoonful, it was ridiculously rich to the point of nausea. My chocolate quota for the year is up.


• The creator of The Vampire Diaries, L.J Smith, has written her last book in this popular series, called 'The Return - Midnight'. This is the final installment in The Return trilogy. Expect an extremely interesting twist for Damon and a hellish rescue mission for Elena and Stephan. Buy your copy online from Amazon.


• I really need to learn the art of using chopsticks properly. People are starting to stare (not in a good way) at my misuse of these ancient Chinese utensils.


• Whoever said that women are the best multi-taskers has not met me yet. I can't type and talk at the same time. I can barely even walk and talk at the same, in fear of striding straight into a lamppost. 


• If your mascara dries out, the last thing you should do is try to melt it in the microwave. (I know, I should have known better, but I did it anyway). It will explode and you will have to buy a new tube of Maybelline and a new microwave.


• Your true friends will gladly spend 75 cents to send you an sms and won't pressurize you to buy a Blackberry just so that they can chat to you for free. Yup, I am still on my Anti-BB Campaign.


• If you live in KZN, you can read my interview in the April issue of Get It magazine. This is a great community based publication featuring best fashion and beauty buys, décor and recipe ideas, interesting personalities and exciting places to visit. I would like to thank the magazine editor, Rachel Thomas for taking the time to drive up and meet with me and Danica for taking the photographs.