Trending: Underwear As Outerwear

I've been meaning to do a trend post for some time now, but I've been debating between the whole sneakers thing and underwear as outerwear. Sneakers seemed a little tired, not that I don't love them - I've totally 110% jumped on that train - but underwear seemed a little fresher, as it's inspired both the 2014 runways (ie. Jason Wu and Stella McCartney) and high-street fashion brands (ie. Topshop and Zara). Now it's not a bare it all fun fair, but rather a classy layering of lingerie inspired tops (lace, silk, spaghetti straps), slip dresses, knicker shorts and other barely there pieces.

This trend is really easy to incorporate into your outfit, because it's been translated into dresses, tops, and even shoes. Seeing as it's so understated, this is not the kind of trend that makes you look a someone and think, ah, she's wearing the trend, but rather, gee, she has really great style - unless you're at Coachella and wearing this head-to-toe, then you're most definitely wearing the trend. Below I've compiled a few pieces inspired by this trend, from lace camis, crochet and slip dresses, to mesh, bralets and knicker shorts.

1) Mesh and Crochet

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8

2) Cami Tops

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9

3) Knicker Shorts

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

4) Slip Dresses

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

I really love this trend! Slip dresses in particular have been on my lust list for a while now, but I haven't really been able to find one I'm obsessed with that doesn't cost a ridiculous amount of money. I'd really like one similar to this one worn by Lena of Frockled (unfortunately, she got it from a market). When I do find it, you'll be the first to know!

Yay or nay for this trend?

xo,

Lust List | 002

Gold pumps | Ankle boots | Cut out buckle boots | Windsor Smith Gillie heels | Timberlands | Slip-on sneakers

You know that feeling when you see a certain item, and you really like it, but you sort of let it go... Only to see it in your dreams, and when you're shopping for other things you're still thinking about it, and you're constantly bothered by that nudging pain in your heart still lusting over that item, reminding you that you haven't really let it go and you just have to have it? Well, lately my heart's been hurting over a number of shoes. I'm the kind of person whose more likely to empty my wallet for shoes over any other item, because I think you get so much more wear from them. They're not like shirts, for example, that can't be worn twice in a row ya know... I think it's a pretty practical reason, but mother dear thinks it's just an excuse to buy more shoes. Not true!

So, let's get to it. The first beauties are the gold pumps, which I think are so cute and simple, while being a little extra due to their colour. Second are the ankle boots which are great for the approaching winter, and short enough for me to wear to school. Thirdly, we have the cut out boots. These have been everywhere in street style for a while, and I do already have a high-heeled pair, but these would be a nice addition to my closet. Fourth in line are the Timbs! I've been wanting these forever, and on the day I'd finally convinced my mom to get them for me, we couldn't find a size! My heart won't let go... Then we have the slip on sneakers which are so sporty chic, and comfortable too. I have no idea why I love these so much, but I'm obsessed. (The heart wants what the heart wants.) Lastly, we have my absolutely favourite of the bunch - Windsor Smith Gillie heels. These babies are absolutely everything, and cost about an arm and a leg for a pair. I'm still fighting the great fight of whether or not to get them, but my oh my, they're beautiful.

Tell me which are your favourite pairs and what's on your lust list!

OUTFIT | Streaky Stripes

GIFTED shirt / COTTON ON jeans / TOPSHOP sneakers / ALDO bracelet / CARTIER (mom's) watch

I got back from my Girl's Only Easter getaway in the midlands (with mom, mom's BFF and my sisters) on Monday night, so my dad booked a date with us yesterday morning for breakfast at Tashas Rosebank - their Eggs Benedict (substitute spinach for asparagus) and chai lattes are all I need in this life. Your steps to happiness: go there, try it out, thank me later.

I wore my trusty skinny jeans from Cotton On which are beyond comfortable and so stretchy and have been worn far too much as a result. It was really nice out, so I wore this sleeveless striped shirt which was a gift from said mom's BFF. The bag is a Céline mini luggage tote bag. Yup, that's right. I finally bagged one of these babies (eeeek!) I got this last week as a major surprise from my parents. I swear, I had tears in my eyes. My mom's got great taste because I would have chosen a black one had I been given the choice, but this two tone is everything and more. I'm so so happy!

I hope you all had a great Easter weekend, and enjoyed eating your weight in all kinds of chocolatey goodness. According to the scale this morning, I'm definitely suffering the consequences, but instead of moaning about it to you all, let me get my butt to the gym!

xo,

Music Monday | Tinashe

who: Tinashe

what: Hip-Hop/RnB/Pop

when: 2007 - present

As you may or may not know, I have a bit of an obsession with the Kardashian/Jenner clan. They come up in my conversations as if I know them, like, "You know Ky did this, and Khlo did that." I don't know, but it's hard not be a tab bit obsessed with such fabulous people? My love for them goes to the extent of stalking them (and all their friends) on social media, Instagram, Twitter, Vine, Keek, Shots, you name it, and occasionally downloading songs they've mentioned. Kylie in particular has really good taste in music, so when she posted a video of herself singing a particular song with such sass, I just had to have it.

It turned out to be 2 On by Tinashe feat. ScHoolboy Q, which I've embedded above. This song has a really great beat and a sort of old-school-cool feel about it. The lyrics can be pretty vulgar, but so are most hip-hop songs these days (what are you gonna do?). Despite this, I have literally not stopped listening to this song, and neither should you - it's so great! You should also make sure to listen to Boss and That from her In Case We Die mixtape.

PS. am I the only one loving the increase in well-known female hip hop artists over the past few years? (ie. Nicki Minaj, Iggy Azalea etc.) Ladies for the win, keep 'em coming!

Tinashe's links:
website | twitter | facebook | instagram | tumblr
(image source: noisey.vice.com)
xo,

Personal | Neighbourgoods

left to right: Khensani, Josh, Jodie, Manana, Alicia, me

On Saturday I went to Neighbourgoods (73 Juta Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg) with my friends Alicia, Jodie, Josh, Manana and Khensani. I'd never been there before, but I was expecting something similar to Arts on Main. It was pretty much the same, apart from the wider and more expensive range of food and drinks, which are so yummy, and the rooftop area filled with the vibiest people. 'Vibiest' isn't a word, I know. It's open every Saturday from 9AM to 3PM , and it's just a cool, chilled place to hang out with friends or family.

I wore my ripped boyfriend jeans from Factorie, which I bought during my trip to Cape Town in December, and hadn't worn until now because I bought them a size too big, and that sort of put me off. Anyway, I think I made them work as well as they could have. I also used my Topshop bag for the first time, and felt like a little lady, contrary to the boyish look I was going for, because I've never carried a bag big enough to fit in my wallet, make-up, and jacket together at one time! Apart from all that, the day was a really good start to the holidays. Good food, good weather and good friends... What more could you ask for?

tank top: Mr. Price / jeans: Factorie / shoes: Rage / bag and necklace: Topshop / watch: Swatch

xo,

Lust List | 001

River Island Jumper | House of Fraser Quilted Skirt | River Island Boots | Daily Look Bucket Bag | Etsy Beanie

Overstock Watch | Guess Bracelet | Pret-a-Beaute Stockings

Polyvore will be the death of me, or more so, my heart. It's pretty difficult not to want for all these ridiculously expensive items, especially when they're set out so beautifully and plentifully before you, practically begging to be put together. I styled this Autumn-y outfit, inspired by the change in weather and the newest items on my lust list: chelsea boots and a quilted leather pencil skirt. (And a black bucket bag, and a 'Coco Made Me Do It' beanie, and everything! *sigh*) Seriously though, these slip-on sneakers are calling my name.)

P.S. It's my gorgeous mom's birthday today, so happy happy birthday to her! Also, I reached 1000 views this weekend. Now it's not the most accurate reading, considering that these stats are from a site I started using about 3 months after I started the blog, and it's also a not a big number, but it's still something (i.e. a perfectly rounded number). Yay for that!

xo,

Personal | Newbie!

A couple of days ago, I went out for dinner at the Hard Rock Café in Sandton City with my friend Sophie. It was my first time there, and it turned out to be a really great time - whether that was due to the company I had, or the restaurant itself, I can't say. I had a black bean burger, which seemed to be the only vegetarian burger option, and was very tasty, albeit a little dry. It did come with the most incredible potato wedges though - I ate about half of the crispy little devils before I'd even touched my burger! Our potato wedges, along with the Oreo cheesecake we shared for dessert completely made up for any slight letdowns. The service faired miles better, as the waiters in their sporty white trainers were all very friendly, constantly checking on how we were. The overall experience ticked all the boxes I'd expected: fun, rock 'n roll, and boastfully American.

Once we'd stuffed our faces enough to motivate us to hit a session or two (or three) of Sweat 1000, we took a walk around Sandton City. Along the way, I had a little beauty splurge at Edgars, where I restocked my M.A.C Ruby Woo lipstick and spoilt myself with new nail polish from Revlon (Winter Mist) and Maybelline New York Color Show (150 Mauve Kiss). I love these colours because they're neutral, and for the same reason, I'm allowed to wear them to school. I also bought a handbag from Topshop, which I've been searching for for some months now, after seeing this Givenchy Lucrezia bag sported by Queen Kendall. I don't think there's a better feeling than getting home from a bit of shopping, and unpacking and in a way, re-living your purchases. It's such a thrill! Probably the only thing better is using/wearing your new items for the first time!

M.A.C Ruby Woo Lipstick
Obviously one of the most (if not the most) well known reds out there. Apart from the colour, which lasts for hours, it's vanilla scented <3

Topshop Double Zip Holdall Bag - R699 (Also comes in white, grey, orange and chartreuse)

left: Revlon Winter Mist, right: Maybelline New York Color Show 150 Mauve Kiss
Two very neutral colours; the left one has a sort of turquoise undertone. The best way I could describe it that it's the same colour as overcast sky. It's very thin, so 2 or 3 coats are a must. The one on the right is more tan, with a salmon pink undertone. Very thick, so one coating is more than enough.

Oreo cheesecake from Hard Rock Café (out of this world with goodness, but ridiculously rich - we couldn't finish half)

Now on a completely unrelated note, this morning I woke up thinking, I wonder when my blog's birthday is... I then scrolled through my archive and found my first post, which was published with much fervor and enthusiasm on this very day last year! I have no idea what pushed me to look into it the exact date, but with my luck, the timing was just right. Happy 1st birthday Oh, Kenzo, and thanks to all my (probably, like, four) readers for being so cool. Here's to many, many more :)

xo,