Wardrobe balance - Where to spend (Part 1)

Staying stylish is an expensive act if you're not sure where to spend and where to save! The key is to balance good quality items with inexpensive ones. I have what I call my "money items", the four items I spend money on and build my wardrobe around - the classic shirt, coats, handbags, and shoes! They have the ability to upscale any outfit and cannot be skimped on. The aim of achieving wardrobe balance is to build your wardrobe with a couple of items in each category and here's how:

1. The classic shirt - Make sure that you have at least one timeless, crisp white shirt. Fit and quality is non-negotiable! White shirts are so fresh for summer and so classic in winter. It can be quite challenging to find the perfect white shirt, but when you do, buy it! A classic black shirt will also take you a long way and it's great to wear at the office or with a fun flirty skirt on evenings out.

2. Coats - If you only have room in your budget for one coat, the trench coat is it! Everyone needs a great trench! It's classy and sexy and can be thrown over virtually anything! If you must have another, like every woman lol invest in a knee length black coat. It's the most versatile length and color and great for any occasion. Ultimately, the style you choose should make you feel and look great!

3. Handbags - It's the hard truth ladies, but one handbag is enough. You have to go neutral (black or tan) if you want it to compliment every outfit. Let's face it, we do really only need one, it's hard enough to find our keys, we don't need more handbags to look for them in! That said, however, we do need a clutch for smarter occasions, but we can totally get away with spending less here!

4. Shoes - A bit more complicated...all women have a private love affair with shoes and it's a bit hard to cut down, I totally get it! So here's where the balance is really important. Do not skimp on these three basics - black heels (open or close toe), black/brown boots and a classic pair of pumps. These are the shoes that would take you from season to season so make sure it's comfortable, timeless and worth the price! Feel free to hide your pennies when buying trendy shoes or casual summer sandals, their life will sadly end with the season.

Remember, when shopping for money items, keep the styles you choose simple and timeless especially with shoes! No chunky or platform heels, no shiny or loud prints. You should be able to wear your money items with anything else in your wardrobe. If you can't, it's probably not a money item. The price would far outweigh the wear and it should probably be left alone. Last but not least, fit fit fit! Make sure all your items have great fit!

The key is to buy a few treasure items and take good care of them. Make sure that you love every item, you're going to have to wear it for a while. This way you can stay stylish season to season without breaking the bank!

Once you have your money items you can use it to compliment more inexpensive pieces and really have fun mixing and matching and creating your own style!

I've always been a sucker for a bargain and I've gotten most of my compliments on items that I spend the least money on! Can't wait to share my tips with you on getting more bang for your buck in my next blog post - Wardrobe balance - How to save (Part 2)!

Photo credit - Shop online at Spree.

The Factory on Grant

Being new to Johannesburg, I'm still in the exploration phase.  While roaming around, I stumbled across this cosy gem called The Factory on Grant in Norwood. Many Joburgers may know about it, but for me it was a pleasant surprise! Here are a few of the things you can look forward to!

A great cup of coffee at Vevo Telo. It's known as a lovely bakery and cafe, perfect to fill up your empty tummy!

The Somerset Jane boutique! I was lucky enough to meet the designer herself, Melissa! She has shown at South African Fashion Week and mentioned by Elle magazine SA to design easy and effortless clothing! Pay a visit to her boutique or look out for her designs on Spree (coming soon)!
Connect with her on the Somerset Jane Facebook page or on Twitter @somersetjane and Instagram @somerset_jane.

I was also happy to find a cool textile studio called Mesaw. If you're looking for beautifully unique hand printed textiles and custom made homeware, do check out this studio! I struck it lucky again
and met the owner, Mayuri! Not only does she sell her designs, but she also does printing workshops! So if you're looking for a new creative outlet, consider putting this on your to do list! I definitely am! Catch Mayuri on Facebook and Twitter @mesawstudio and on Instagram @iammesaw.

The last store I want to introduce you to is an inspiring one called, The Factory Shop! It sells amazing accessories for you and your home and all products in the store are strictly, proudly South African! Apart from the amazing candles, designer towels and the most incredible tea leaves, it also stocks some of the most stylish Simon and Mary designer hats! I absolutely want one! Visit their Facebook page and check out their cool items!

The Factory on Grant goes from a cozy afternoon chillout space to a vibey night market every Friday! So pop over tomorrow evening for some shopping and let your hair down at their roof top chill out spot! Check them out on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/thefactoryongrant for more info.

Hope to see you there!

Growing pains

Feeling adventurous? I did in July last year when I decided to chop off my long locks! I've always been obsessed with long hair and clung to mine for dear life! Lord forbid the hairdresser cut more than 1cm at my regular trim! Somehow I took the leap and went for the short do I saw on the series Suits! If you're thinking about going short, here are some tips to ease the growing pains:

1. If you know it's going to be a once-off short do, have it cut with longer lengths on the top and sides. It makes it easier to grow into a bob later on. (Photo grid - top left)

2. Go for a trim less often, perhaps wait 3-4 months (as opposed to the usual 8 weeks) before a trim. When you do go for a trim, keep the length on the tops and sides. (Photo grid - top right)

3. Keep growing it, wait another 3-4 months to trim your hair. At this point, you may start getting annoyed with it, but it will be the perfect length to pin. Experiment and see what you prefer. I wore my fringe in a "poof" and pinned the sides back. (Photo grid - bottom left)

4. Within a few months of pinning, you'll have a mini ponytail (Photo grid - bottom right)! You'll be ecstatic and will probably send pics of it to all of your friends lol At this stage you'll be ready to see your stylist and get that first bob!

Us females have an emotional attachment to our hair. When we've gone through something significant in our lives and we're looking for a change, the first thing we think about is changing our hair! Let's face it, good hair makes us feel brand new and empowers us to take on the world! I must admit, I never miss my long locks but I'm glad I'm at the bob stage. It's basically free flow from here! That said, I'de probably do short short again, it's a breathe of fresh air...