Picnics and Tulle

Going on a picnic? Wondering what to wear? My clothing items of choice are summer dresses. To me, no picnic is complete without one! On our picnic trip to Boschendal Wine Estate in Cape Town, I wore a tulle bottomed dress, navy in color, with a stripped top. I quite like the nautical feel of the dress, reminds me of ships and sailors! I loooove picnics, one of my favorite things to do in the summer! So go on! Frock up and get those picnic blankets and baskets out! 

Check out this DIY tulle skirt tutorial and get creative http://www.cottonandcurls.com/2012/12/diy-tulle-skirt-tutorial/

Something old

Found myself in Nelson Mandela Square today at an the Antique Fair. The items on display were amazing! I've always had a love for that "something old", like the blouse that I'm wearing. It has a vintage feel with rose detail. I bought it ages ago and rediscovered it in my wardrobe. Lucky me! I paired it with turquoise jewelry and kept the rest of the look simple with leather pumps and dark washed skinny jeans. Have a look at your wardrobe and try out things that you haven't worn in ages and breathe new life into them! If it doesn't work anymore remember to share it with those less fortunate.  This post is dedicated to Madiba, although we miss him dearly, we will never forget his memory and all he stood for... "Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity, it is an act of justice. Like Slavery and Apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings. Sometimes it falls on a generation to be great. YOU can be that great generation. Let your greatness blossom." Nelson Mandela. I am proud to be African.

Color your bottoms

I absolutely love bright colored pants! No summer is complete without it! It's so versatile and adds immediate interest to your outfit. Today I paired my cerise pink pants with a black and cream top and blazer from my label Zeenat Arieff. When wearing bright pants, remember to keep the rest of your look simple with with black/white/cream. You could, however, add more zest with color blocking or a bright patterned blouse or shoes. If you do chose bright pattern, try chose a pattern that compliments the color of your pants. If you fear color pants go for darker shades and wear it with a longer length or peplum blouse, but don't miss out! Color those bottoms!

Open day at Truly Truly Sewing School

Today was open day at Truly Truly sewing school. Nikki runs the school and is a great teacher with over 20 years experience in the industry. I've had a lovely time this year with great people! Thank you for the fun experience @TrulyTrulySewingSchool. If you're interested in attending classes in Johannesburg or Cape Town, contact Nikki on 083 373 1563.

Preppy denim

I quite like the preppy look, mainly the pants, shirt and jersey sweater combo with the optional blazer/coat. I decided to go preppy denim with a light blue jeans, a lighter blue shirt and a pastel jersey. If the jersey you want to wear has a sleeve length shorter than your shirt, simply roll up the sleeve of your shirt to meet it. This hides the difference in sleeve length and also gives the look a more relaxed feel. Make the preppy look your own and add your personal touch with accessories. My favourite accessories are interesting shoes and bulky necklaces that rest just under the shirt collar, top shirt button tied or not. Remember, no preppy look is complete without a stylish handbag and sunglasses, so make sure not to leave the house without them!

White pants

Great for every season! I paired mine this Spring with a turquoise chiffon blouse, black blazer, spotted pumps and accessorized with a black and white scarf with yellow edging. I love doing black and white with pops of color. If you are a bit bottom conscious when trying white pants, as many of us are, pair it with lengthy light weight tops like chiffon or linen. Do try peplum blouses and layering as well. White pants are too fresh and chic to miss out on, so shop for a pair that compliments your body type and fits well. Have fun, play around with it and see what works for you! Oh! Psst...one last thing...don't forget to wear seamless nude undies!

Blazer ready

Blazer ready. Be blazer ready all year round. I love light linen blazers as a throw over for spring/summer and cashmere and leather blazers for autumn/winter. Today I wore a black and cream patterned cotton dress with black hosiery and black lace up suede flats. Quite a basic outfit. To add some polish, I whipped on a cream blazer. It highlighted the pattern and elevated the look. Blazers smarten any outfit. Put it to the test! In a basic wardrobe we'll usually find  only black blazers. I encourage you to explore alternatives! My must have's for any wardrobe includes a black blazer, a white/cream blazer and a blazer with an element of interest, either patterned, bright colored or both. Remember that with any blazer you buy the fit must be perfect! #putyourbestblazerforward

Easy style

On days that you're not up for getting dressed but still need to leave the house, I recommend "no fuss and a dash of Wow"! My dark blue denim jeggings, grey v-neck and neutral suede ankle boots = my "no fuss". My blue patterned jacket with a vintage feel = my "dash of Wow"! I kept my accessories quiet with stud earrings, simple silver ring and bangle and leather postman sling bag. The key to easy style is to wear simple tops, bottoms and shoes and then to add one "Wow" piece. This is a great way to feel put together on lazy days or to experiment with trends. Remember that a "Wow" piece can also be a fun accessory like an interesting scarf, a loud bag or a bold item of jewelry. Wear what works for you!

Snake skin

I've rediscovered snake skin this season. It's a statement print and very classy if not overdone. I chose a white and grey pair of snake skin jeans to add to my wardrobe. It's timeless and versatile. Today, I paired it with a simple grey jersey and dressed it up with tan heels and grey cashmere and tan leather blazer from my label, Zeenat Arieff. On warmer days, pair with a white, grey, black or yellow blouse and neutral or metallic sandals. Remember, when wearing a loud print keep the rest of your outfit simple!

Jumpsuit lovin'

I'm loving jumpsuits rite now, especially with fun prints. So versatile and comfortable, it's a great travel piece. Dress it up with heels or go casual with pumps. If you have a fuller figure and feel that it's not for you, try it in plain black or in a dark print with a cross over top like the one I'm wearing. Also try a cowl or V neckline as opposed to a round neckline. Be adventurous and try different jumpsuits, you may be pleasantly surprised!

Time for colour

Find the two brightest colours in your wardrobe and wear them together! For day time, pair with a neutral pair of sandals and accessorise with a complimentary but simple necklace and bracelet. Add a fedora for a more relaxed summer feel. I'm loving hats this summer, they are stylish and practical! If your day out continues into night, lose the fedora, slip into a pair of sexy bright heals, throw on a black blazer and you're ready to go! Outside your comfort zone? Go bold with accessories and replace the bright pants with jeans.

A cold start to spring

A cold start to spring inspired me to try layering with a dress. If you have loose fitting sleeveless dresses in your wardrobe make them work for colder days. I wore a black jersey top and grey printed vest under my dress and topped it off with a fun print scarf. I kept my legs warm with woolen grey stockings (matching the vest) and paired it with cute red pumps for a colour pop. Layer subtle colors with one bright or patterned piece at a time to avoid your items competing with each other!

Go androgynous

Mix colors and add a patterned piece to rev up an androgynous look. Stick to two colors and one pattern. Keep shirts neutral with white, black or nude shades and pair with cute pumps for day time. For evenings out, pair with heels, bold jewelry and make-up. Have fun with this look, it's comfortable, flexible and easy to put together!

Dresses in the outdoors

Going on an "outdoorsy" road trip? Pack a dress! I spent some time in the Kruger National Park and found wearing a dress cool and comfortable in the African sun! It's a nice change from the usual jeans and shorts we wear on these trips and it's easy to pack. Stick to easy fabrics like cotton and steer clear from easily creased fabrics like linen, unless you have time and space for an iron! However, if you have trail walks and hikes planned, stick to shorts!

Wearing leopard to a wedding

Leopard may be a bit too loud when attending a wedding ceremony. Tone it down with a cream coat and pair with pearls, black hosiery and patent pumps to dress up the look. This is perfect for those brrrrr winter weddings. Later, when celebrations start, simply take off your coat and Voilà!...a perfect dress for the party!

Slim fit jeans for men

If you're not the skinny jeans type, try the slim fit. Dress it up with a coat and martino's or dress it down with a comfortable track top. Love this look for men!

Smart in tracksuit pants

 

Go for comfort.There's no reason why you can't wear tracksuit pants out to dinner. If you go for this option, make sure that the fit is not baggy and pair it with other pieces that are more formal to dress up the look. I went for patterned tracksuit pants and wore a cutesy grey jersey with a black jewelled collar, black coat and flats. There is room for comfort and style on those easy days!

Summer dresses in winter

Enjoy summer dresses all year round. I wore my summer dress on a warmer winter's day and paired it with a cardigan, warm woolen stockings and long boots. For extra warmth on cooler winter days, add a woolen scarf and warm coat. I love a little summer dress in winter, it adds color and femininity to winter wear!

Busssy pants

When wearing pants with a loud print, allow it to be the centre of attention and pair it with softer shades. Because my pants have a loud gold and charcoal pattern, I paired it with a champaigne colored blazer, pastel grey jersey and pumps and white tee. The aim is to accentuate the pants by wearing lighter colors of the pants print. This principle may not work with pants with a bright colored pattern. Rather opt for a black or white tee or choose one of the bright colors in the pattern. If you choose to wear a bright tee, choose a second color from the pattern for shoes, otherwise stick to black or nude. Remember these few rules and have fun experimenting!

Print on print

I love mixing prints. I paired leopard on leopard and tied it in with black hosery and black boots. The dress is a soft knit, a Zeenat Arieff original, designed and made by me. It's easy to dress up or down and very comfortable. When doing print on print, limit it to two at a time and ground the look with plain shades.

Love birds...for your ears

Unconventional accessories can really add personality to any look. These dove shaped earrings are made of wood and decorated in pastel colors. It's great for summer and the texture of the earring makes it great for winter as well. Sweep your hair off your face to place these proudly South African pieces in full view. For warm days, pair it with a summer dress or a shorts and tee. For cold days, pair it with a  jersey dress or coat and jeans. Keep it casual, fun and flirty.

Pastel fresh

Layer pastels this winter. Layering a shirt, jersey and coat with a simple color choice gives an interesting look that's easy on the eye. Pair items of a similar shade with jeans and a neutral boot. Add two subtle statement pieces for some flare - bold earrings, boots, bag or bold hair. I went with bold earrings and hair! Try keep the statement piece of your choice bold in design and not in color to keep it pastel chic. I love pastel shades in cool weather, it keeps winter fresh!

The stylish man

This stylish navy blue suit with silver embellished blazer redefines "black tie" events for men. A white wingtip shirt and metallic bow tie is chic with this lux look. Young, fresh but elegant. Perfect for the confident man with a unique bold style. The key to a suit is fit. Make sure the fit is perfect when making this style statement.

Winter brights

Don't save bright colors for summer. Sport them in cooler temperatures too. I love this royal blue trench for winter. To warm up the look, wear it with dark skinny pants or jeans, rider boots and a stylish woolen scarf. When you're doing a bold trench in winter, ground the rest of the outfit with subtle tones.

Black and white

Always timeless in black and white. Remember this all-season color combo. Do mix two white and black patterned pieces together. If you're planning on mixing plain black and white pieces, be mindful of looking "waitressy". White nails add extra sass to this look.  If you're craving a pop of color, pair with a bright handbag or shoes. 

Suit up...in Denim

Suit up street style in denim. A pastel shirt and coral lip makes this look more feminine. Wear simple stud earrings and top it off with funky sneakers for a cool flare.

Accessorise your legs

Yes ladies, it's time to pattern those legs! Add interest to your outfit and make a stepping statement by making your hosiery an accessory. Remember, if you choose to have bold legs, keep the rest of your outfit simple and chic. Watch this space for more hosiery style ideas.

Quick styling

5 minutes to get ready? Brush your cheeks and eyelids with a dash of blush and pair with a bright lip! Throw on an interesting scarf and finish off with a classic trench coat and skinny jeans. Heels, pumps or rider boots compliment this outfit nicely. Make sure you aren't wearing your pj's under the trench coat in case it gets warmer...

Black nail polish

Black nail polish. Effortlessly chic for winter. Compliments any complexion, great for work and play. You've got to try it! Once you go black...