Online Shopping:

Apparently online shopping is meant for the generation of 

"millennials" or rather the "net generation" that have always 

had access to the internet. I wonder if I can truly call myself a 

millennial If it took me 21 and something years to make my 

first online purchase? Or maybe just maybe this is the start of 

many more online purchases.

I wonder if you can relate to some of the following lists that 

you make up in your head - like I do- when considering an 

online purchase?

Things that scare me about online shopping: 

(Picture a scary man-eating computer with green skin)

1) Purchasing something that looks picture perfect and

    receiving something that um, isn't. 

2) Sizing. Sure we can buy and S, M , L but what if it doesn't fit?

    What are we supposed to do? Fit it on in our minds?

3) Delivery. Postal service strikes are a real thing in SA and so 

    getting your item on time or at all is probably one of the 

    most stressful things you can encounter.  

Things that made me shop online on Superbalist: 

(Picture an angelic Mac Book)

1) The ease and efficiency of the site.

2) I can literally shop anytime and at any place - confessions of

    a shopaholic.

3) The delivery system is private and does not go through a 

    postal service - my package arrived at my doorstep within 

    72 hours.

4) Lets face it, not everything can be found in physical stores.

5) Avoiding queues and incompetent store staff.

In conclusion I had the best online store experience with 

Superbalist where they countered everything that was a 

concern to me. The picture I saw and package I received 

was just the same standard I expected, which was 

great! Sizing was perfect as if I tried it on in store so that 

guarantees that I will buy the same size from them in future 

and be pleased with it. Delivery was super efficient. 

What do you guys think? I bought the perfect raincoat that can

be worn with any outfit. Truth be told I am so happy with my 

purchase that I keep hoping each day is rainy. 

Also, I think I have officially earned the title of millennial now 

and for that I am most pleased.

Raincoat: Superbalist - Hunter

Dress: River Island

Rain Boots: Gift

Umbrella: Forever 21 

Photography by Lydia Wessels

Mall of Africa

The much anticipated opening of Mall of Africa happened today in Midrand. H&M was the first launch of the day with the media opening scheduled at 7am. A day started by watching the sunrise is always a good one and that it was!

The new H&M store is an impressive two floors with an H&M home section as well. We arrived in store, welcomed by the PR team, dancing employees and a fun media breakfast. After that, Mr Price's store launch happened with an array of gift vouchers, stylist sessions, a braid bar, doughnut stand and a make up artist station. 

Tenants unique to Mall of Africa are stores like Zara Home (one of my favourite stores, the scent alone is to die for); Women's Secret (an underwear and pyjama brand for ladies) ; the second Starbucks in Johannesburg and well fast fashion retailers that are bigger(2 floors) and better than ever before like Cotton On - extended to Cotton On Beats, Mr Price and H&M. If you're looking for opening specials Dion wired , Game, Checkers Hyper, Legit and H&M should be top of your list for the best deals. Overall however, I'd wait until the buzz settles before visiting the mall because the traffic is CRAZY.

Besides the unique stores you can also find unique merchandise within the stores like
the outfit from todays look post. This jacket can be found at the Zara in Mall of Africa along with some of the matching badges. I most definitely didn't regret going because of the amazing launches and I look forward to visiting again one day soon.

Jacket: Zara

Metal badges: Zara

Scissor badge: Boutique at 44 Stanley

Boots: Cotton On

 

All photos by: Lydia Wessels

Fun with Zando:

I've always been sceptical about online shopping. I've never been sure if I'd get the goods on time or if they would be the same quality in person, because let's face it clothing pictures can be deceiving.

Zando approached me about wearing their brand for SA Fashion Week and I thought I'd get out of my comfort zone of being the traditional shopper for a change; and so decided to wear their clothing for one night.

Zando is one of south Africa's leading online shopping platforms that stocks brands like Aldo , Jeffrey Campbell , Adam & Eve and many more. 

Zando so kindly gave me a shopping voucher to the value of R2500 with which I used to purchased a black and white Adam and Eve coat and the below clothing items. 

Dress: Adam & Eve (Zando)

Shoes: Zoom (Zando)

Sunglasses: My own

 I love the wrap detailing at the waist-line of the dress!

I was so happy with my online shopping experience I can't wait to shop from their site again! The quality of the goods was better than expected, the sizing was perfect and the delivery was instant. If that's not enough to be excited about, Zando has also given me the opportunity to gift one lucky follower a R1000 gift voucher. 

Rules of entry:

1) Follow myself and Zando on Instagram

2) Comment on my Instagram about my Zando outfit 

3)Tag a friend to do the same

The winner will be chosen at random in one week from today. All the best! It will be well worth it.

AKEDO:

I feel strongly about supporting local talent, which is why I like to dedicate most of my posts to those talented local designers and brands. My dad is a local menswear supplier of mens formal wear. Little did I know when I was growing up that seeing him deal with clients and come up with creative styles and designs for clothing, it would influence me so much.

When I was born my dad took a risk and followed his dream to pursue something he loved, clothing. This is the reason I feel so strongly about supporting local fashion businesses. My family wasn't doing well before my Dad started his business but the minute he pursued something he was passionate about everything started falling into place. He always says to me that I was the lucky charm, that everything started to go his way after I was born, I realise now that it wasn't luck but his hard work. I admire him and my brother who also works in the business just as I admire the many other individuals who make up the South African fashion industry.

One of whom is, Eleni, a talented designer from the brand Akedo. She has been someone who I wanted to feature on my blog for a while. She is a creative that isn't afraid to take a risk by designing arbitrary and beautiful designer clothing. Akedo showcased at the recent Mercedes Benz Fashion Week and I was highly impressed by every design in the collection,  the phrase "local is lekker," is the most fitting description.

To see more you can follow this direct link: Akedo

These are some of the unique garments from her collection which I found highly versatile, you'll see why below.

I wore the Akedo skirt in two ways:

  I also wore the Akedo dress in two ways:

Now to get ready for SA Fashion Week next week, I have some exciting give aways coming up during the week so keep your eyes peeled!

Photo's by: Layla Shaik Photography
Akedo social media: Instagram - @akedo_official
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Inkaturah Jewellery:

I may be a fashion blogger but I have never been much of a jewellery person. Unless the item is a completely unique statement piece, I won't be in a hurry to purchase or wear it. During Fashion Week 2016, I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to wear Inkaturah jewellery and it definitely was the kind of jewellery that made a statement, which is why I dedicated a blog post to it.

The name of the brand originates from the designer Phati’s second name which means perfume. “The analogy of a person’s scent to their character is often used,” Inkaturah is thus aimed at representing the character of the person.

The essence of the brand is for the jewellery to be able to tell unique African stories. The wearer is able to tell their own unique story by choosing an accessory that best represents their character and taste. These were some of my favourite pieces:

  

You can place your orders with Phati via email: info@inkaturah.co.za

Find the brand on Instagram:Inkaturah

Hair by Raeesa E

All photos by:Layla Shaik Photography

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week 2016

This past week was Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in association with AFI. The event was held in Nelson Mandela Square where everybody came to show off their best fashion whether it was spectators or designers.

This was my first Fashion Week working for the Sunday Times. My days started at 9am till 3pm, after the office I would rush to get done for the events and huridly make it to Sandton in time to meet the street style photographer Chris. The rest of the evening would include me running into fashion shows and afterwards running backstage to source clothing for my editor that we are going to be using in a photo shoot for Sunday Times Fashion Weekly on Monday. Let's just say I managed to get my fair share of cardio in for the week. The next day would include pretty much the same routine as well as me writing an article on the round up of the previous nights event that would be due in the office at 10 am.

I've been going to Fashion week since I was 17 and I've always done Street style and written "round up" articles as a hobby. Little did I know that a few years later I'd be doing it as my job. Having to meet deadlines and run around during Fashion Week can be tiring (especially when work days end at 11pm)but it's taught me so much and for that I'm grateful. Everyday I'm getting a little closer to where I want to be.

Here is my round up of the three days of Fashion Week. I wore Kisua (available online and in Hyde Park) for the first two days and for the last day I wore The Skirt Couturier (Find her on Instagram for more) with a Kisua coat. 
 

Day 1:

 Myself and the Sunday Times team.

 

Day 2:

 

Day 3:

 

 

 

 

...and that's a wrap.

 

Photo 1 by: Chris Saunders

All other photos by: Layla Shaik Photography

Hair by: Raeesa E