Fashion Lookbook : Day 10 - Dress-ing it Down

A few weeks ago my mom got the invite to her end of year function. It turned out a little lame because she had borrowed a stunning brown dress to wear for the occasion, and the invite stated the theme as 'black and bling'. It took all my powers to convince her that she could DEFINITELY not wear the brown dress, and soon we were off to the mall. Granny and I convinced her to buy the younger-styled, prettier, more expensive LBD at Foschini.

BEST DECISION EVER.

Some things in life you just can't compromise on, and this was one of them. The dress looked stunning on, and it definitely had wear-again potential (yay me!).

Yesterday morning was Rijk's dad's birthday breakfast, so I decided to dress the dress down and wear it as a maxi dress. A lot of the maxi dresses in the shops are being sold with a loose-ish top over them, so I decided to try it out.

I first tried an orange tee similar to the ones that come with the dresses, but you could see the bling through the material. Then I tried a sheer button-up collared top and tied it at the waist instead of buttoning it up. Perfect!

Here you can see my rendition, and below is my mom wearing the same dress for her do. 

The bling on the dress adds to the formalness, so the shirt over helped hide it a little, wothout covering it completely. It also added a nice pop of colour.

Once again, the moral of the story is that there are lots of possibilities, we just need to open our eyes and mix and match until we find them!

Have a grand week

Roxy X

Cotton On - Stellies ; plus cheaper alternatives

Firstly, apologies for neglecting my blog for the past month. Secondly, if you're a 'student sonder sente' like me, don't even bother reading this post. Today I was reminded, yet again, why I only buy things on sale at Cotton On.

The shop itself is absolutely beautiful: well-lit with pretty pictures and attention to detail. Very modern and chic compared to boring old Woolies and Edgars. Downstairs (the female section) is very full, but upstairs (male) is spacious and cool. 

There is a large variety, because it is a large store. I'm not even joking when I say it's probably ten times the size of our sad little Somerset West shoppie. There are both winter clothes and summer clothes available, as well as a large range of shoes.

There are some 2-for-1 specials, which aren't that bad:

2x leggings = R180
2x tops = R250
2x high wasted skirts = R250

There are also nice colourful elasticated headbands for R50 that I definitely recommend,  especially if you don't want to spend so much money. 

The only sale item I spied was mens' hoddies that were R250 on 50% off sale, and R125 for a hoody these days is a steal. 

Even though everything else is super pricey, I would advise you to still stop by every time you get the chance. I bought a pair of beautiful dark green skinnies on sale for R100, and my friend got red ones for a crazy R50 just last week. When Cotton On has old stock they need to get rid of, they put the items out front and mark them down ridiculously. It is because of these sales that I am still a fan of Cotton On.

A birdy told me that there is going to be a sale tomorrow, so head on down to check it out. Feel free to let me know if you hit the jackpot!

On the contrary, dresses identical to the plain ones on sale at Cotton On for R120 can be found 2-for-1 for R140 at Fashion Express. I have to also mention that Pick 'n Pay Clothing has THEE most beautiful formal-ish dresses for under R150 - to the extent that I literally want to buy one of each! Factorie also has high wasted skirts for under R150 if I'm not mistaken. So just a reminder that before you get caught up in the Cotton On excitement, first consider if it's worth it to spend so much on a single item of clothing. 

In other sale news in Eikestad Mall, Edgars is having a 33% off all jeans sale, and Fashion Express is having a 33% off all shoes sale. Typo (even though it's not really fashion) is also having a 33% off everything sale as well.

Here is an example of the dresses also available at Fashion Express (this is a picture of a top but the dresses are just a bit longer)

The black dress is but one of the beauties being sold at Pick 'n Pay clothing at the moment. 


Have a great Friday, and happy shopping!
Roxy X

SALES !

Short and sweet. There are sales at Factorie and JayJays. I'm very broke, so because I can't buy anything, someone else has to take full advantage of this opportunity for me!

The knitwear at Factorie is on sale for under R130, as well as pants for under R200, and t-shirts and tanks for cheap as well. There are some long sleeve tops great for spring because they're thin but still long. The high-waisted skirts are R80 (not on sale) and they have really pretty patterns on. If you didn't know, a Factorie opened literally next door to JayJays in the Somerset Mall recently. 

JayJays has sale on almost everything, and at Stellies you get student discount if you show your student card! The sales are crazy with really pretty blouses for under R100!

I definitely recommend going to check it out, to keep updated like their Facebook pages here: JayJays and Factorie. 

If you buy anything, let me know so I can be jealous!
Roxy X

Plan Ahead for Summer

From looking at online bloggers' fashion trends, headgear seems to be big this season. Blommies are great right now seen as that it's spring, but handkerchief headwraps and headbands in general are sprouting up everywhere as well.

I know that bandannas are being sold at The Lot in Stellenbosch, but the variety is very small. If you have any inside scoop on where nice bandannas or flower crowns are available, please let me know!

I put together a few pics as ideas, feel free to use them as inspiration. 

These pics I got off a site called Urban Outfits.

These pics are from one of my favourite blogs, She Wears Fashion.

These pics are from weheartit.

These pics are from LookBook.

Here you can see that celebrities such as Rihanna and 

Lana Del Rey are also wearing bandannas and flower crowns.

If one doesn't work, try the other. If you don't like either, start your own new trend! Don't be afraid to go big this summer. 

If you're studying, enjoy your holiday! If you're still at school, don't worry yours is around the corner! :)

Roxy X

Fashion Lookbook : Day 9 - The Inspiration of the Granny Boots + Wearing a Dress as a Top

As I said in a previous post, my famous Gangsta boots have been sent in for repairs. I got 2 pairs of Tommy takkies in compensation to wear to varsity seen as that I have no other 'winter' shoes - and didn't want to spend a lot of money. Of course both pairs' size 8 is too small for this giant over here. For short spans of time I can live, but after a 4 hour mall sesh my feet were broken! What's a girl to do? Why, go visit Granny, of course.

My dearest Granny lent me her brown ugg boots that have a proper thick sole and white woolly stuff on the inside. Perfect for rainy varsity days! Unfortunately the boots are a size 7 so my feet STILL break, but hey at least they warm! Only when I had to plan my outfit for the next day did I realize what the REAL problem was ... I own nothing brown!

Whilst searching high and low through my (and my mom's) cupboard, I came across the leopard print dress I wore to my matric dance after party. My stocking are laddered, so that was a no-go. I decided that this was my best option, and that I'd just have to make it work.

I first tried tucking the skirt in to my jeans, but it was too long. Then I tried pulling the skirt up and laying it flat over my tummy with the top part over, but that was awkward. Eventually I found the solution. I pulled the skirt part properly over my jeans and then folded it over twice. The end product looked like I was just wearing a longer-length black top underneath! Result! 

I ended up happy with the result, and hey, I found a new top! Even though sending my boots in forced me to make this discovery, I got them back yesterday and am VERY happy that my babies have come home.

Have a great week

Roxy X

Strappy Ankle Sandals for Summer

While browsing around Mr Price the other day, I noticed how many sandals and heels have an ankle strap. I immediately thought of one of my favourite fashion blogs, Song of Style.

Here are a few of the options available at Mr Price (I got the pictures and prices off their page) and then I also included a few examples of how they were worn on Song of Style, and also an example from Le Fashion Monster blog.

These stiletto heels are almost identical to the ones seen on the blog. The black and white pair is R130 and the red is R160.

These ones have a thicker heel, but still have the sandal strap over the toes and the strap around the ankle. The black and white ones are R160 and the blue ones are R130.





 If you're not into heels, you can also create this look with flat sandals with the same style. All of these sandals are under R100.

 

Taking note on a small thing like this can help you get the look before everyone else. Keep an eye open on the trends overseas and you won't regret it.

Have a great Wednesday!

Roxy X

Fashion LookBook : Day 8 - fashion inspiration

Hey guys, long time no post! Sincerest apologies, I've just been really busy (and lazy...) LOL. Nothing much has changed since my last few posts really, except that I've started gyming again and have come down from 63.7kg to 62.6kg. On the 26th of June 2013 when I completed my Wednesday a Week weight challenge I weighed that in the morning, and this evening I weighed 62.6kg - if I had have weighed in the morning it would've been even less. So that's at least one positive - losing anything is better than gaining. I've also been trying to eat more healthily with less cheats and less carbs. On the days that I have cereal for breakfast, I have a salad and fruit for lunch; the days I have pasta salad and fruit for lunch, my mom makes me a smoothie for breakfast. Either way I try to have minimum to no carbs at supper. 

It's really great to know that I have inspired quite a few of my friends to change their lifestyles and start eating healthily as well, because it's much easier to do together. My friends also inspire me though. Two of my best friends I met this year, who have become a huge part of my life, inspired today's outfit.

My famous Gangsta boots broke this week, so I had to take them in to be re-soled. This sucked a whole lot more than you think, because I have NO other warm, winter shoes! I ended up pulling the "I'm going to gym" thing for two days in a row and wore a tracksuit with takkies all day. Today thankfully had no rain forecast, so I could wear my Tommys.

A while ago I asked my gran to donate all her jerseys that she doesn't wear anymore to me. One of them is a dusty blue colour with random patterns around the neck going down in really bright colours. I never really liked it because it reminded me of a clown, but Jodi gushed over it so much that it inspired me to wear it and see what response I would get from everyone else. Sula often wears collared tops with big, knitted jerseys with Tommy takkies. I borrowed this look of Sula's and paired my jersey with my white collared top to match my white Tommys.

I'm still slightly skeptical and feel like a clown, but let me know what you think!

Fashion inspiration can really come from anywhere. Sitting at a coffee shop watching people go by is a great way to get ideas. Movies and celebrities are great too. A friend introduced me to a site called Lookbook: "The #1 source for fashion inspiration from real people around the world." 

Looking at bloggers from over seas puts you in the know for upcoming fashion trends. I noticed one of my favourite American bloggers wearing boyfriend jeans about a month ago, and they're only starting to pick up here now.

If you have an idea for an outfit (inspired by someone else or not) go for it and wait to see what people say. If it's a hit, great. If it's a miss, just don't wear it again! Go with your gut, and at the end of the day it's you who must be happy with your look anyway, not anyone else. Use inspiration from others to conjure up your own unique style. You never know who might be inspired by YOU!

Have a fanTAStic Friday
Roxy X

Official RazeAstro Fashion Launch

Would you believe me if I told you that I bought a long sleeved top from TopShop for R70? . . . I wouldn't believe me either! 
But as of this Saturday past, I am the (very) proud owner of a beautiful yet simple maroon sweatshirt from TopShop! 

Let me explain.

Reza-Astrid Fourie, a Rhenish 2012 matriculant, started her own business. Not just any business, mind you. Reza has been in her hometown of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, for the past few months during her gap year. While the rest of us have been studying our butts off (sometimes), Reza has been shopping up an absolute STORM.

Remember the name 'RazeAstro' in the years to come, because I'm telling you, it's going to be BIG. RazeAstro distributes some of the best branded clothing in the business to us lucky Capetonians. The summer and winter sales overseas are absolutely CRAZY, and Reza GOES crazy at ALL the sales! TopShop, H&M, Forever21 and Zara are but a few names that are commonplace in her vocabulary. 

A usual day at work for Reza is to go to a (usually) expensive shop of her choice, and find the best bargains on the planet. And it doesn't stop at clothes! Bikinis, jewelry, shoes, scarves, even face masks are hot buys for RazeAstro. 

On the 27th of July 2013, Reza decided to launch her business in South Africa. Of course we were all set for the roadtrip with pockets a-bulging (and tummies a-grumbling). Who wouldn't want to buy the best brands in the business' latest fashions for a mere fraction of the cost?!

We arrived with minutes to spare, and dashed for the nearest entrance in excitement. We were greeted by a cool, calm, and absolutely fabulously dressed Reza. With lipgloss tickling our cheeks and champagne tickling our tonsils, we breathlessly entered what can only be described as heaven.

The most amazing colours, textures, shapes and sizes filled every corner of the room. I wanted to rugby tackle the jerseys rail and just hug them all for a few minutes... but at the same time I was in complete awe, and was too scared to even blink in case I missed something. 

Quite a few people were already there when we arrived, and we politely smiled at each other whilst secretly declaring war over our favourite spied pieces. Reza called our attention and we all shared a toast. 
And then, all hell broke loose.

Just kidding. 

After we had each chosen numerous items, we were shown to a bedroom to try them on. The one wall was filled with cupboards, so we were easily able to hang up all our items. There was also a lovely full length mirror which we used to its full potential.

Everyone was extremely sweet and helpful, and we felt like celebrities with the fancy eats that were made and distributed by Salt & Pepper Catering. From mini hamburgers to duck springrolls, crumbed mushroom balls to sushi, peanut butter chicken to mini pizzas - we really were spoilt rotten. 

As you can imagine, way too much money was spent by us over-excited customers, but it's always worth it when you have a lot to show for your money. The great news is though, lots of stunning things are still available! Keep your eyes peeled to Reza's Facebook page, RazeAstro. She also takes special requests!

Thank you so much to Reza and her family for making this possible, because I wouldn't be the same person without my amazing pastel blue skinnies. It was the greatest day, and we are ALL looking forward to (and saving for!) the next one! 

Thanks also to my stunning friends for coming with me and making the drive as fun as it was (ie. singing Baby Tjoklits at the top of your lungs with me). Thank you for supporting RazeAstro, and thank you for posing for countless photos that will be featured in a follow-up post. 
Cherwin, Jodi, Sula and Chante - thank you. 

I hope this review has more than convinced you to like RazeAstro's page. I hope that you are as excited as we are for the next event! 

Just let this sink in one more time... R70 for a top from TopShop. That's all I have left to say. 

Have a great weekend!
Roxy X

Versatile Scarves - cheap way to mix up your wardrobe

It really has been great getting back into the swing of things this past week. I missed the noisy Neelsie at lunchtime, I missed all my friends, and I missed the yummy lunches my mom packs me every day! One thing I definitely didn't miss is the freezing cold Stellenbosch early mornings. Another thing I didn't miss is deciding what to wear each day.

A few nights ago, my mom came home with this beautiful scarf she had bought for R60 at Jet. Immediately I noticed that it would match with all three pairs of coloured skinnies I own. In one minute, I went from having zero idea what to wear the next day, to having to decide between three!

The pastel orange, dark purple and lilac jeans each brought out those respective colours in the scarf. All I had to do was add a neutral coloured top and my black leather jacket and I was A for away!

If you're clean out of outfit ideas, here's an experiment I did. 

I took a scarf that has more than one colour. Then I went through my tops and jerseys, and took out all the ones that matched the scarf. Tops that I would never even have considered wearing with that scarf ended up matching perfectly, and again, so many different colours and shades to choose from. With half the outfit sorted, all I had to do was grab a pair of jeans and a jacket to complete the look.

 

Suddenly, choosing an outfit at 5:30AM isn't all that difficult anymore, as I now have so many options to choose from. Scarves really aren't that expensive, and they can definitely make a difference in your wardrobe.

Here's an example. If I wore the first scarf (which is orange and purple) with my dark purple pants, and the next day wore it again, but with my orange pants, not many people would notice that I wore the same scarf twice in a row. If I bought an orange and purple top and wore it two days in a row, people would definitely notice. 

In winter, a pretty scarf can be the statement piece of your outfit: dark boots, dark jeans, dark top, dark jacket, and boom - pretty colourful scarf. In this case, recycle everything in your outfit except the scarf. 

Scarves are essentials in chilly Stellenbosch.

Scarves are essentials in my cupboard.

Have a good weekend!

Roxy X

Back into routine - easy, healthy snack ideas

Varsity started again today, and it couldn't have come sooner. Although I obviously love holidays, I am extremely glad to get back into routine. Not only do holidays steal my money, they steal my healthy-eating weight-losing progress.

When you're in routine, it is much easier to plan your meals and make sure that you are eating healthily. Because you wake up at the same time everyday, you can have breakfast at the same time everyday. In the holidays I sometimes only have breakfast at lunchtime because I wake up so late!

My friends used to make fun of me in high school (and they still do now, too) about how many lunch boxes fill up my bag. Has nobody heard that it's better to eat lots of small meals than 3 big meals per day?! Here are some quick and easy ideas for a snack at school.

Fruit
Taking an apple, banana or naartjie to school is great when you want something small and sweet - and they don't take up a lot of space! 
I don't know if it's just me, but eating an apple that has been cut into pieces just tastes different. Put some lemon juice on the apple slices before you put them in a lunch box, as this keeps them from going brown.
Don't forget about the other fruits hey! There are few things that compare to a soft, sweet, juicy pear. My mom also cuts up fresh pineapple for me, as well as kiwis when they're in season. Don't forget about fruits such as strawberries, litchis, grapes, guavas, nectarines, peaches, apricots, watermelon, sweet melon, spanspek, the list goes on.

Nuts
Peanuts and raisins are always good, but there are lots of other yummy nuts out there as well! Have you ever tried pistachio nuts? My word, are they divine. Cashews are a bit sweeter, and macadamias are nice and salty. Most Pick 'n Pays have a stand where you can choose the nuts you want yourself and scoop them into a bakkie.

Dippers
Carrots, baby tomatos, cucumber sticks, baby mielies, peppers - all of these veggies make super yummy dippers. You can dip them in cream cheese, a mixture of mayo and sweet chilli sauce, humus, or anything else your heart desires.

Fingers
This is basically a salad that you can eat with your fingers. All of the veggies I mentioned before, as well as gherkins, mushrooms, olives, fetta, blocks of cheese, cut up pieces of sausage, chicken nuggets, pieces of ham or salami - basically anything that's bite sized and not messy.

Provitas
My dear friend Zina got me addicted to Provitas spread with peanut butter. It really is such a fab teatime treat! 
Slices of cheese are also great on Provitas, as well as cream cheese or any other spread.
You can basically use Provitas as a piece of toast and pile on the ham, cheese, tomato - the works. The more, the yummier! 
Another favourite of mine is tuna mayo with raw onion mixed in. This spread on a Provita really is top notch. If you like green pepper, throw a few pieces of that in too.

Biltong
Who doesn't love biltong?! (my mom... haha - more for me!) Biltong comes in lots of different forms. You can have droewors, sticks, or just normal, plain old, heavenly biltong. Becuase it's a bit expensive, when I do get biltong I only get a few pieces, but it really is an amazing snack.

Remember to pace yourself, because eating all your food by first break and having to watch your friends eat sucks - and leads to you thinking you're hungry again (but probably are just lus) and you end up asking them for some. Eat when you're hungry, not when you're bored. 

Please feel free to send me your snacking ideas as well, I'd love to try them out and share them. 
Here's to a happy, healthy week of snacking! 
Roxy X

Fashion LookBook : Day 7 - sun's out, guns out

This outfit I wore last week when I went out for tea with my mom and gran - back when it was still summer! I absolutely love warm weather, so I try to take advantage of it every opportunity I get. 

This top I bought in Spain when I was on tour a few years ago, and I never really know how to wear it because it's over-sized which isn't usually my style. 

 I paired it with my favourite light jean shorts that my mom and I cut a few months back. I chose these shorts because if I wore navy coloured ones, the top wouldn't have stood out so much. I especially love the threads hanging from the edges of the shorts where we cut them!

To make the top more fitted at the bottom, I took the top between two fingers where the bottom seam and side seam met and twisted it (on both sides). The more I twisted it, the tighter the top became along the bottom. When I was happy with how it looked, I tucked the two twisted pieces neatly into my front pockets. Because the top is so big and loose, it hung over the pockets a bit and you didn't even notice the tucked in bits.

My summer statement is always white Tommy tekkies. I have decided to spend my next pay on new white and black Tommys because they are so practical and match with everything. White Tommys make your legs look more tanned! In these pictures though, I am very NOT tanned... bring on the summer! 

If you're back at school, all the best. If it's your last week of holidays, make the most of it!
Roxy X

Fashion LookBook : Day 6 - optical illusion

This outfit I actually wore on Monday, when two of my oldest friends and I went out for coffee. The outfit started off with me deciding to wear this super cute blue zigzag top that I haven't really worn before.

I bought this top on sale at Jet for R30. Because the patterns are so quirky, and of course the low price, I couldn't resist. Unfortunately, influences like these sometimes cloud our judgement. This top is a lot shorter than any top I'd usually wear. Because I'm tall, my torso is too - surprise surprise! If I lift up my arms, the top lifts up over my tummy. 

I have tried to wear this top numerous times, but to no avail. This time, I paired it with loose, cotton pants as it was a nice sunny day. Because the top is short, I first attempted wearing a longer length jersey. This had the opposite effect of what I intended. The long jersey just made the top look even shorter and more awkward. The shorter jersey made it look normal, and you don't even realize how short the top is. 

Another trick - which I clearly forgot to do before taking the photos - is to pull/roll your sleeves up to make them three quarter length. This makes my arms look shorter. In these photos, the jersey is pulled up a few inches above my wrists, making the jersey seem too short, and my arms look even longer.

I took the time out to mix and match, and because I did that, I found an outfit I loved. I was able to wear my too-short-top, and I felt comfortable whilst wearing it. Coolest of all, I learnt a new trick!

Here's to all the tall kids out there who feel my pain

Roxy X

Quickie #3

If you were considering going shopping anytime in the near future, I definitely recommend doing it soon! Here is a quickie about sales in Somerset and Tygervalley Mall.

Diva : up to 75% off selected jewelry, definitely worth going to see what's cheap and pretty.

Pick 'n Pay Clothing : mad sale on, and it's like a scratch patch. The deeper you scratch and the more time and effort you put into it, the more rewarding it will be.

YDE : up to 50% off, my best friend got a great pair of earrings at half price.

Truworths : jeans in all colours on sale, as well as lots of other clothes. Although they're on sale, they're still pretty pricey. 

Foschini : basically the same as Truworths.

Edgars : 50% off all knitwear, which makes them actually affordable! Also has sale racks like in Pick 'n Pay. There's also sale on Forever New jewelry.

Woolworths : I never went in, but I saw a sign in the window saying 25% off.

Cotton On : Somerset West has lots of 2 for the price of 1, and lots of summer shorts and skirts on sale. Tygervalley has lots of t-shirts on sale for R50. Some infinity scarves / snoods are on sale for R40. Most small items like jewelry and sun glasses are on sale.

Rather buy on sale and get 2 or 3 items for the price you would've paid for 1! Happy shopping
Roxy X

Fashion LookBook : Day 5 - Lend From a Friend #2 / leather biker jacket

Like just about any girl in the world, I have hundreds of clothes but can never find anything to wear. Thus, I have started raiding my friends and family's cupboards. I particularly like doing this because I don't like wearing the same outfit twice. By borrowing something, you return it after use and never have to see it again! 

I have a few 'statement pieces' in my cupboard. By this, I mean an item of clothing that stands out and is memorable. For example, I have this stunning burnt orange top I bought on sale at Edgars that I wore to my 19th birthday party. Because we took a trillion photos that night, I have only worn it once since then because it feels like everyone has already seen it. If you borrow something from someone, this problem is eliminated. I'm working on new ways to wear that top though, because I really do love it!

Yesterday, we had a girls coffee date in Stellies. I bought this top from Barcelona for my cousin a few years ago, and found it in her cupboard recently. I only buy things for other people that I like, so naturally I asked to borrow the top. Because we are different sizes, the top sits weird on me. It's too long to be a top and too short to be a dress. If I tuck it in to pants it looks weird, and if I fold the bottom up to make it shorter, it looks frumpy.

I didn't give up, though. I borrowed this top about a month ago, and have tried to wear it about three times. Yesterday though, I thought I'd try it as a dress. Besides being too short, it's too big around the bottom and looks retarded. My go-to with anything that's too short is wear it over a high waisted skirt. This didn't help the problem, so I decided to tuck it in. Jackpot!

I paired the look with my trusty gangsta boots, and my new leather biker jacket. I've been wanting one of them since the beginning of winter, but they're just SO expensive. To be honest, I almost gave up hope eventually because I couldn't find one I liked for under R500. 

We went out for lunch with my gran at the Smiley Oven at Gants Centre in Somerset West this week, and of course we had to pop in at the famous little clothing shop next door. It isn't exactly a Chinese shop, but it's not like a normal shop either. It sells old lady clothes that are super flowy and super lacy, but it also sells inexpensive jerseys, scarves and jewelry. 

The one rack had leather jackets in all colours, so I was just absent-mindedly browsing through them. My mom actually noticed the style of one in particular that she knew I'd like. The label said Forever21 but it was only R260. Therefore, I really doubt it is really a Forever21 jacket, but who gives, I got a jacket that I really like for half the price I would've paid.

If I had've just given up with the teal top, I wouldn't have had a cute outfit for our coffee date. If I had've given up looking for a leather jacket, I would've wasted over R250. 
Lesson of the week : wait it out, and try again! Have a good one
Roxy X