The RMfashionary Clothing Line

Even before I went to fashion school, it was always a dream of mine to have my own fashion label.

Don't let the stereotype fool you though, I may have gone to fashion school but I've never even learned how to stitch a hem. Between you and me, my husband sews on my fallen buttons. There you have it folks, reasons why I blog and don't sew.

An official clothing and shoe line is something I would like to invest my time in, in the new future. In the meanwhile I have started dabbling on the design side of things, while attempting to use the right fabrics and getting someone more masterful than myself to bring my designs to life.

Here's what came of the first attempt, the RMfashionary track suit:

(If the image appears blur due to the high resolution quality, click on it to see it clearly.)

Shoes: Melissa's at Stuttafords

What do you think? With the right feedback I will begin putting some designs into production, which will be available to purchase in limited quantities.

Fingers crossed, this may be the start of something exciting.

Puffer Jackets

The puffer jacket alongside pink, velvet and trumpet sleeves is one of the biggest trends of this season. A some-what utility jacket, generally used for the most practical reasons like keeping warm  -owing to all the fabric padding, is now more than that. It’s trending.

Filtering down from runway shows like DKNY, Balenciaga and Stella McCartney to South African retailers; here is the list of places for you to get your puffer fix at bargain worthy prices:

1)   TopShop - R1499 

2)   H&M – R899

3)   Mr. Price – R249

4)   Zando – R1099

5)   Cotton On – R674

The key to the puffer jacket trend is that it should be OVERSIZED. After all my shopping research I opted for the bubblegum pink puffer from Cotton On. Mainly because my goal was to achieve a marshmallow chic look. :p

(Click on the image to see it clearly if it appears blur due to the large size/high resolution quality.)

A word to the penny wise shopper; all puffers at Cotton On are on sale at 25% off - amongst other things like the knit and beanie I am wearing below.

There are longer length puffers available at Cotton On as well but they aren’t as padded which make them less exaggerative.  The shorter ones come in a range of colours like green, navy and black. 

Happy shopping!

Photography by Ahmed Moola

How to Achieve Your Full Beauty Look on a Budget:

'essence' cosmetics had always been one of my go to brands when I was a student because it was affordable. In fact, I still use their products now. The products are available at all Clicks stores and are the best dupes for make-up brands like MAC and Bobbi Brown that would otherwise put a hole through your pocket.

If you’re a make-up beginner (you've been watching make up bloggers apply fancy things like fixers and correctors to their faces, wanting to test it yourself) or if you'd just like to save a buck or two; buy these essence products.

Below is my go-to beginners list of make-up essentials that you should be using. The total cost of all the products mentioned below is, wait for it, R670! That could easily be the price of just one foundation from Chanel.

1) Concealer - Soft Touch Mousse R65

If you're like me and you want to hide you under eye dark circles or any unwanted blemishes, the essence cream concealer is exactly what you need.

2) Foundation - Stay all day long 16h long lasting make up - R85

I only ever use liquid foundation, my make-up lecturer used to tell us 'newbies' that liquid foundation is much better on younger skin. A powder foundation tends to be used on people with more mature skins.

3) Lipstick - matt matt matt lipgloss 05 simply be an icon -R50

Lately with the popularity of Huda Beauty liquid matte lipsticks and Kylie Jenner Liquid matte lip kits, I am always on the prowl for good dupes. Alas! The matt matt matt lipgloss is just that.

4) Eyeshadow - All about eyeshadow palette R90

I never buy single eyeshadows, I much rather prefer eyeshadow palettes because you can have fun with mixing and matching different combinations of colour on your eyes. I especially prefer an affordable palette like this one that's extreme value for money.

5) Blush - Cinnamon Ball R65

I go through phases with make-up essentials, before I'd never leave the house without Mascara and now I refuse to leave the house without a bit of rouge. I love the colour effect this blush has.

6) Fix Spray - R65

This isn't necessary for day to day make up but for events it works wonders for keeping your make up on that much longer. Spray a puff of it onto your face after you're done with your full make-up look.

7) Mascara - Rock 'n Doll R60

There are very few Mascaras that I feel give my lashes the added volume that it needs. The Balm 'Cheater' mascara from Stuttafords priced at a few hundred more than the essence one is on par in terms of giving off the dramatic lash effect that I love.

8) Eyeliner - 04 nighttime in the jungle - R45

What's better than an eyeliner that’s long-lasting and waterproof? Not much.

9) Brow pen - make me brow pen R55

This is probably the coolest product from the essence pack. The powder brow pen has a soft brow brush at its tip, for that delicate natural brow look that a pencil won't create.

10) Highlighter/Contour - light up your face luminizer palette 10 ready, set glow R90

This palette is such a treat because it comes with different shades of luminizer's for all skin types. I actually use the darkest colour to contour and create a 3-D effect with my highlighter.