A Guide to My City, Johannesburg

The best thing about travelling is the exciting new people you meet along the way. What's even more exciting is when people travel and specifically ask to meet you. This past weekend I got a lovely surprise when 'Neyla,' a Paris based blogger reached out to me and wanted to meet up.

My dream team and I took her to the San Deck in Sandton for virgin cocktails and a fun shoot at sunset.

 

Neyla mentioned that she wanted to experience Johannesburg to the fullest in three days and to be honest I was caught off guard and had to think deeply about what she could do. She laughed and asked me to write a guide on my next blog post about the best things to do in Johannesburg and that's exactly what I'm going to do. Little did I realise that it would be hard to keep the list short.

My top list of things to do in Johannesburg:

1) Visit Neighbourgoods market in Braamfontein (Saturday's only)/ Arts On Main market (Sunday's only) for a unique food and clothing experience with lots of local flair.
2) Picnic at Hyundai Mushroom Farm Park in Sandton and go for a mini hot air balloon ride for just R95 (Adults).
3) Take the Red City Bus sightseeing tour to learn more about Johannesburg History (Highly recommend for locals to do as well, stops include: The Carlton Centre (Tallest building in Africa, The Apartheid Museum, Newtown Precinct, constitutional hill and Gold Reef City - to name a few.)
4) Visit Bounce for a unique trampoline experience/ Rolling Cherry for a retro hour of roller skating fun!
5) Take a drive up Northcliff Hill at sunrise where you can see a spectacular view of the city.
6) Enjoy breakfast/ High tea at the Four Seasons Hotel,The Westcliff .
7) Visit The Bioscope for artsy outdoor movie screenings.
8) Visit the Sunday Market at Rosebank Mall (Sundays only)
9) Go bungee jumping off the Soweto Towers for those who are daring/ For those that are more in tune with wildlife and nature, visit The Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve
10) Go to the San Deck at sunset for drinks.

You can follow Neyla on Instagram by clicking here.

Top: H&M

Skirt: Pengelly

Shoes: River Island

Bag: Mango

The lovely and friendly Neyla was only around for a few short days before jetting back to Paris which is why I kept the list limited to ten things. Trust me, even if you're a local, Jozi has a lot to offer . This is just the tip of the iceberg.

All photos were taken by Layla Shaik Photography 

Style evolution:

It's uncanny for your style not to change as the years go by, with the change in trends and your own personality. I for one have evolved from a little tom-boy - believe it or not - into a diverse fashion lover.

Not everyone knows this about me, but I enjoy playing football a lot and so my 'style', if you can call it that,  from a young age involved several Manchester United soccer tops and jeans. Luckily there's a concept called "style evolution"... I may still be a fan of United but lets just say I don't show my support as much as I used to!

The biggest thing that allowed me to evolve in my dressing was that I no longer listened to what others told me to wear. "You're too pale to wear this colour; You're too short to wear that; You're not busty enough for that look; That shoe is too ugly." Once you stop listening to the opinions of other people who probably need to take a look at their own dressing before they look at others, then only, will you find your true style. I don't believe in colours or styles not suiting a person. If you're confident in what you're wearing I can guarantee that you'll look great! Bare in mind that not sticking to limited styles and colours of clothing DOES NOT mean disregarding your body type. Your body type should be the only factor that changes your mind about your outfit.

My style has changed so much in the past few years that I hardly wear jeans, I love jumpsuits but my absolute favourite items to wear are lady-like skirts and dresses. I wouldn't say I follow trends tremendously but I am influenced by them.

Some trends I can't shy away from at the moment are: 'incorporating sneakers into everyday wear' and 'tailored work wear,' which inspired this outfit post. I suppose I've switched to tailored work wear outfits because I've started working in a more corporate setting, but the nice thing about working in the fashion industry is that there are no limits in terms of what you wear. I'm wearing what I like because I want to.

Shirt: Zara

 Pants: Zara

 

 Blazer: Asseblief Vintage (Neighbourgoods Market)

 Shoes: Call It Spring

To end off this article, my ultimate style tip to you is: don't limit yourself and you will be amazed.

Photography done by: Layla Shaik Photography

Hair done by: https://www.instagram.com/rae_ebrahim/

Make up done by me.