There’s no need! There’s absolutely no need! I’m obviously anti-groove in the winter because there’s no need to go shiver all night in these streets- but if you must, here goes:
Always up!
For my ladies who SHOW UP! The ones who completely disregard the weather when deciding what to wear because in this short life, why allow something that doesn’t talk dictate how you look?! Amadela kufa! Absolutely love these pants, the stretch, the thickness, the fit- a wardrobe fave! Also a very versatile piece- can easily be used as a substitute for jeans.
Peng black girls in my area code!
Here, another look for the ladies who don’t fear death but are tactical about it. Please man, if you’re not gonna fear death, sacrifice your legs, at least. I believe they can tolerate the cold better than the upper body. So layer up underneath your dress and if it’s really cold, opaque stockings also work with this outfit.
Landed.
Similar to the above, with this look you can also layer up underneath your poloneck but not too much to avoid the discomfort that comes with wearing too many layers under a tight item. The jacket really is just there for ambiance but if it gets too cold, it’s there to save the night!
Easy does it!
For my ladies who just refuse to rest. The “it’s cold but I have FOMO” gang. If I had a bone in me that wanted to groove, this is definitely how I’d show up, covered up because me and the cold aren’t a duo. Also I’m not one to cheat myself so underneath that sweater are layers of t-shirts.
I must say, I struggled with these looks because I’m such a homebody in winter and I also haven’t created content in a while! So getting back into it was tough! One day I’ll get this consistency thing right, but till then, thank you always stopping by when I finally post. I hope you enjoyed this.
Hey loves, we’re back and we’ve rebranded! (Inserts cheering effect”) I’m so excited about this rebrand because I was not too happy with my garage-door content 🤣. But you guys received it so well everytime and for that, I thank you, I hope you’ll receive this new set up just as well!
Today, we’re styling my favourite style of jeans right now- Balloon jeans. I have, with no doubt, abused the few pairs I have because of how easy they are to work with. Today I’m gonna take you through a few of the looks I’ve rocked wearing these jeans. So sit back, grab your bev of choice and take notes, I kid- ENJOY 😂.
Look 1
Lunch with the girls
“Cute but make it look easy”- that’s the energy I’m getting from this outfit. These jeans are super highwaisted and if you visit my blog often you’ll know that in this house we only feel comfortable in crop tops when they’re paired with high waisted items.
Side: this bag? I’m OBSESSED!!!
Look 2
Alright cutie, let’s go grab a few cold ones! Sundowners with the girls is where we’re headed in this outfit. Not overdressed, not underdressed, so no matter where the night takes us, we won’t feel “out of place” in this look. We love a flexible outfit!
Look 3
“You’ve been cordially invited to…” From grad lunch, birthday lunch to year end functions- this is my fighter. Even here, we don’t have to worry about what happens after the event, we don’t have to worry about changing, wherever the wind blows…😂.
Look 4
One thing about errands? They won’t run themselves! This is how we’re showing up to our errands run. Everything about this outfit is chilled and it’s definitely my go to outfit when I don’t feel like dressing up.
Look 5
Dressed down but looking “put together”. Also great for running errands, breakfast dates and any other life activity that requires you to show up looking chilled.
When flexible items are being discussed, these balloon jeans are my biggest fighter. We’re fast approaching our colder seasons and these jeans will definitely make it to my winter essentials list, I’ll be wearing them through and through!
Side: I’m honestly so tired of being here today, gone tomorrow. And I hope that this rebrand will bring an end to that. Thank you for taking your time to stop by given how inconsistent I am.
I hope ya’ll enjoyed this- Till next time, be safe and may the universe be kind to you.
After all that 2020 has put us through, while browsing through my socials today, there was some light. I came across so many posts of people who were starting new jobs and this really warmed my heart given the number of people that had lost their jobs last year because of this virus.
Indeed God restores and what better time to receive this reminder than at the beginning of the year because it really leaves one hopeful that even though we’re living through a pandemic, there will be some moments of light. So I for one was left hopeful this morning and also inspired to put together this look book.
A week in outfits (work edition)
MONDAY
I’m very big on: if you look good, you feel good. If you feel good, you do good. So in an attempt to dodge Blue Mondays, maybe looking good is a good place to start.
Pants: Legit
Top: Foschini
Shoes: Legit
Bag: Foschini
TUESDAY
Ready for whatever the day decides to throw our way.
Dress: Rage
Bag: Rage
Shoes: Cotton On
WEDNESDAY
The middle of the week and a good time to smile because if you can make it through the first half of the week then what could possibly stop you from getting to the end of the week?!
Skirt: Mr Price
Top: Rage
Shoes: Marabastad
Bag: Foschini
THURSDAY
Pants: Legit
Top: Legit
Shoes: Legit
Bag: Legit
FRIDAY!
Are casual Fridays a thing in real life or is it just on TV where such exist? I’m not sure if it really matters because the weekend is finally here and a big smile with a dash of happiness should be the tone of the day!
Pants: My Price
Top: My price
Shoes: Mr price
Bag: Takealot (Camera bag)
As this lookbook comes to an end, I really hope that it was somewhat useful. Congratulations to everyone who started their first job today. I hope your first day was well enjoyed and wish you all the best for the future.
To those still job hunting and/ or awaiting their season of restoration: may we all find light in the words “the sun will rise and we will try again”. May we never tire of putting ourselves out there and knocking on those doors till one opens.
As for me and my blog, I hope this year is as enjoyable as the last on this platform. For reading my posts, for engaging, for liking and for sharing- THANK YOU. Happy new year, I hope it will be kinder to us all ❤️
Are we back or ARE WE BACK?! Before I go on about how excited I am to be back I want to apologise for my hiatus. Life was life’ing- but none of that matters now because, WE ARE BACK, and dare I say, WE ARE BETTER?!
I had the most fun putting together these looks because 1) I missed blogging and 2) we have entered my favourite seasons! Hot girl summer is forever and here are a few items I can’t enter the warm seasons without.
JOGGERS
Sweatpants carried me through winter and their comfort has truly grown on me so I had to go hunt for a similar piece that is summer friendly to replace sweatpants and I found my winner. I’ve already abused this pair and I don’t plan on letting it rest anytime soon. Very versatile piece and I’ve shown a dressed up variation of this and a casual one.
Dressed up
As far as this look-book is concerned, here is my winner! All I have to say here is, I’ll be rocking this look soon.
Dressed down
Felt like an angel in this. [haha] but this look is very chilled, very laid back, great for running errands and you’re guaranteed to look like you put in an effort in how you look. Monochrome will not fail you, ever!
SHORTS
Recently fell in love with this piece bc I recently fell in love my body. So every once in a while when I’m okay with getting my legs grilled, I pull out a pair and look snatched!
Dressed up
I love love these shorts! I’m sure there’s a way to dress them down but their design gave me “semi formal” vibes so I went with that. If there’s one thing we’re doing this summer- it’s playing with colours. These soft colours really work well together, this is definitely another look I’ll be rocking soon! Side: This look gives me Barbie doll vibes! [HAHA]
Dressed down
Denim shorts! Listen, this piece is timeless. My favourite thing to style denim shorts with is an oversized t-shirt and kicks. Always keep it clean and simple.
BOYFRIEND JEANS
Recently copped my first pair ever and it was worth every cent! I’m so glad I finally hopped onto this piece because there are so many ways to style it! (Maybe my next post will be this). Anyway, sophistication, cool kid, ALL OF! WE ARE THERE!
Dressed up
I think the minute I put on a bodysuit or any tight top under boyfriend jeans then I’m likely to be going for a more dressed up look.
Dressed down
Had to unleash the cool kid in me. When in doubt, wear denim and white! You won’t go wrong. Y’all already know the secret with oversized T-shirts is how you tuck them in. I prefer this tuck in but it doesn’t always work so play around with it till you get the perfect tuck in for your look.
I have so many more pieces I want to style for summer so there’ll definitely be another lookbook. Thank you so much for your love when I was away, I truly appreciate it. I don’t know how summer is going to treat us but one thing’s for sure, WE’RE GOING IN HOT!!!
The last time I was in Queenstown for this long was when I was a scholar and it’s become clear that I’ll be here for a bit longer than I initially thought. With that, I’ve decided to start living and make the most of my time here. I say this to say that this is the introduction of a new segment to my blog, a compilation of places I’ve visited and those I still hope to visit just to show that Queenstown is really not the dry place we make it out to be.
Places I’ve loved before- The coffee shop
Last visited in 2017, most memorable to me for it’s vintage aesthetic, is the perfect place to have informal business meetings, catch up with a friend or even have a solo date just to experience the solitude and beauty of this place.
A lover and friend.
Today I went with this beaut and the experience was nothing short of the expected. Calm and peaceful as always, we had a great catch up session over lunch. Also, we were today years old when we realised that coffee dates are actually essential.
The menu offers a variety of hot and cold beverages, typical light lunch time meals and an array of cakes and pastries. I ordered a burger (it’s been a while since I’ve had one) and Iyanda, as expected ordered Pasta. Portions? Your moneys worth, really. A solid 7/10 for what we ordered.
Traditional beef burger
Chicken, Bacon& Pesto Pasta
At this point we were super full but had convinced ourselves that we had left enough space for cake so what did we do? We got cake!
Chocolate cake
After months of lockdown, every time we get to step out of the house is an opportunity to look cute. This date wouldn’t have made sense without a cute outfit. So here, outfit of the day.
Pants- Legit
Top- Identity
Bag- Legit
Hat- Mr Price
This is probably one of my favourite spots in this town- Top 3. A place I’ll keep going back to. If you’re wondering about their prices, we didn’t spend more than R200 each, and that, my friends, is how affordable the Coffee shop is. My overall experience rating would be a 7,5/10. Definitely would recommend.
I thought I’d get away with wearing my transitional pieces right through winter but after the cold front we had, I had to go back and rethink all of that and act fast. So I pulled out essential pieces that I trust will carry me through what is left of this horrible season.
Black Poloneck
I don’t think there is a fashion post of mine without this piece and at this point I’m judging you if you still don’t have one. This literally goes with EVERYTHING! I really can’t stress enough how vital this piece is. Good for layering, works with casual looks, works with more formal looks, everything.
For those who are working, this piece really makes you look put together while also providing you the warmth you need. Pair it with pants of your choice and you’re set to go.
Pants- Marabastad
Poloneck- Choice clothing
Boots- Exact
Doek- Woolworths
Layering? You’re good to go. Throw over a jacket or coat on bitterly cold days. I paired this with sweatpants because on extremely cold days they’re my trusted piece when it comes to providing warmth.
Poloneck- Choice clothing
Sweatpants- Pep Stores
Coat- Jumbo
Boots- Rage
Sweater
Another essential piece that is guaranteed to save you during this season. I prefer oversized ones because you can layer up underneath without feeling any discomfort. Again, it works alone, it works layered, really an essential hun
Paired with sweatpants, it gives you a really laid back look that you can step out of the house in.
Sweater- Identity
Sweatpants- Pep stores
Shoes- Nike
This has been my go to look for years now. Even though I am not big on jeans in winter, when I pair them with a sweater and a jacket they somehow seem to work, I don’t feel the cold that much.
Sweater- Identity
Jeans- Ze Africa
Jacket- Exact (mens section)
Shoes- Mr price
Sweatpants
We’re here again. I won’t say much about sweatpants because I have a WHOLE post on them (I’ll link it below if you haven’t checked it out). Only thing I’ll add is, this item has carried me through this season. Great for lounging, running errands and looking cute. Warmth? Guaranteed!
Here we’re running errands. You can layer up as much as you want under this windbreaker jacket. Also I buy all my sweatpants from the mens section.
Sweatpants- Total sports
Windbreaker- Thrift
Shoes- Nike
These totalsports sweatpants, based on my experience, are top of my recommendation list because you don’t have to worry much about lint balls.(oontshontshi in IsiXhosa). I was going for a monochromatic look here but I failed. I still look put together though, which is all that matters.
This item is forever. That’s really all there is to say about it. My only piece of advice would be to get a basic colour first before getting all the other colours they have out there.
Denim and white? You’ll never go wrong. Throw your jacket over and go.
Jacket- Choice clothing
Jeans- Jumbo
Top- Mr Price
Shoes- Mr Price
Winter doesn’t have to be bland and boring all the time and that’s why every now and again I pull out the pants I’d naturally wear on warmer days. I layer up underneath them with tights to match the season. Throw over a puffer jacket for both warmth and style. This look? My fighter.
Jacket- Choice clothing
Pants- Cotton on
Top- Mr Price
Boots- Exact
These items are all so interchangeable and really are the core of my winter wardrobe. Items I couldn’t include here because this lookbook would’ve ended up being too long- Hoodies and Long sleeve t shirts. It’s also okay for our essential pieces to differ because we have different styles but I hope that this was somewhat useful to you.
After the longest, unplanned break, I am back with another fashion post. I noticed that bell bottom jeans are making a come back so I decided to go pull out my bell bottom pants and see what I can do with them. Seeing that restaurants have now opened, I bring to you a bell bottoms: date edition post.
Breakfast date
I’m sure we all know how these make us look like we’re in shape and have been squatting for years. LOVE THEM. Being the minimalist I am, if I’m in anything as colourful as this, I make it the center of my look, so whatever I style it with has to be basic and simple to avoid looking “busy”. Breakfast dates really don’t need you to look all dressed up, a cute, well put together look will do.
Pants: The Fix
Lunch date
Now we’re putting in more effort. Bell sleeves and bell bottoms- brought all the bells to the party and it worked. Lunch dates scream “fun” and so we had to bring in colour. Honestly, all your pieces are as versatile as you allow them to be, believe it. You can dress these kind of pants up for a semi to formal look and also take them down for a casual fit. Here we go… semi formal? I think so.
Pants: Mr Price
Dinner date
You’d better go all the way here! Bring all the heat and sass! Man, I liked these pants so much that I had to get them in different colours. Took this look up a bit by pairing these pants with a tight fitting top and I think it’s my fighter.
Pants: Mr Price
Those who said they’d take you out when restaurants open? Call them, It’s time! Plus, you know what to wear now, haha. Just a side, bell bottom pants are definitely not something I deem as an essential piece, they just add to the variety of pants I have since I don’t really want to look the same everytime I go out… Anyway, it feels so good to be back, I hope you enjoyed this post!
Finally tapping into the lifestyle side of my blog and what better way to do so than with a food post?! Those who know me know that I’m not crazy about everything food. The only food that has my heart is the kind that is said to make one gain weight but never really does with me. The kind that makes people look forward to cheat days. The kind of food that, when I don’t have enough money for retail therapy will do the trick. FOOD THAT TASTES LIKE EVERYTHING WILL BE ALRIGHT!
Are you salivating yet?
If 3 months, or even 3 weeks ago someone had asked me what my preferred “on a budget” comfort food is, a Kota wouldn’t have even crossed my mind. I’ve had Kotas before and the experience was never worth writing home about. But before overlooking them completely, I decided to try out the ones made in my hometown, Komani and all I can say is, WHAT AN ELITE KOTA!
Tantalizing, flavourful, delicious and affordable. You really get more than your moneys worth – What a Kota, Kota Kweens truly did something here!
Meet the Kota Kweens
Meet Noloyiso and Lina, young entrepreneurs currently based in Komani. The brains and hands behind Kota Kweens. Having battled with a lot of self doubt and many unanswered questions such as “how will people receive our Kotas” the Kota Kweens gave courage a fighting chance and finally started their business.
Small as it is still, they are happy with how people have received their kotas. “The feedback from customers is something that keeps us going” they said. They also admitted that “starting your own business is no child’s play, it comes with a lot of sacrifices but we keep finding ways to make it enjoyable and easier for ourselves.”
Contact them today.
There’s not much left for me to say about these Kotas except for the fact that, life is short, don’t deprive yourself of nice things. If you’re on a diet, one kota won’t hurt you, let your cheat day be tomorrow. Komani, do try out this Kota. You won’t regret it. Tell the Kweens I sent you.
With the ladies of the moment!
From the Kota Kweens to young entrepreneurs and creatives: don’t let ideas live in your head for too long- just start. Blocking all voices of negativity and putting yourself out there is not easy, but you have nothing to lose. So, JUST START.
As every Winter approaches I always wonder how I made it through the previous one because I’m never confident that my wardrobe will carry me through the coldness that is to come. This year was no different till I invested in sweatpants- Undoubtedly the best thing I’ve done for my wardrobe.
If someone had told me about the comfort, convenience and versatility of sweatpants earlier, I wouldn’t have spent the previous winters wearing tights under my jeans in an attempt to combat the cold. But we’re here now which is all that matters. Just as the fit of sweatpants, this post will be a very chilled and laidback one. Here goes: Styling my sweatpants…
Grey
Long sleeve tshirts will work on warmer days and for my loose fitting ones, I always play around and tuck it in in different ways depending on which tuck in I believe works for that particular look.
On colder days I’ll layer up with a hoody and if I don’t want the whole “tracksuit” look I’ll switch it up by adding an oversized denim jacket.
Black
All black is really timeless. There’s literally no room for one to go wrong here. Remember when I said go get yourselves black polonecks? This beaut can be paired with almost anything and everything. And here, I’ve paired it with black sweatpants and I love how “put together” it makes me look.
A touch of colour. I love love this fur coat. It’s able to take my outfits from a 6 to a 7 and I’m definitely abusing it this winter! A queen that’s good looking and also serves a purpose as it is super warm. I have to stan!
Oatmeal
Crops- I find a lot of comfort in crops that meet the waist of my pants, leaving little to no skin showing. Another look that is for the warmer days, won’t leave you in too much trouble when the weather switches up.
Maybe the whole thing of looking put together is not just limited to the colour black. Another monochromatic look I enjoy. I prefer crop hoodies to regular hoodies because they look more stylish and just as with regular hoodies, you’re still able to layer up.
If you’re starting your collection, as I am, get yourself basic neutral colours and then build from that. Also, I can’t speak on the quality of these because I’ve not worn them enough times, yet.
Tough times seem to be lasting but man, we can’t look like our problems. Dont get caught slipping. Let’s try to stay safe and try even harder to look cute! Okay I kid, just… stay safe!
For as long as I can remember I have never been excited by the idea of colder days and longer nights, but that has never stopped them from coming. With Autumn being upon us already and with the lockdown not making matters any better, I have decided to focus my energy on something that brings me happiness and enjoyment- fashion.
I really wish my relationship with fashion was always this healthy. But what a big wish considering the fact that my relationship with my own self was not healthy. “Comfort is always key in an outfit” but how could I possibly find comfort in clothes when I was not comfortable with the body that would wear these clothes?
See, what I did not fully grasp then is that ones personal style is one that is centered around looking at oneself in the mirror and being content with the reflection. I wish I had learnt earlier that no amount of statement pieces or even compliments could save me because this had far less to do with clothes than it did with me and the journey of love and acceptance HAD TO START WITH ME.
As I put together this Autumn/Winter transitional lookbook, I’m still not excited about the cold weather but I’m incredibly excited to rock these outfits!
Look 1- Suns out, legs out- Playtime with my girls.
Man, I’m a summer girl. If I can throw in my summer pieces into a look, best believe that I will. This black poloneck is an essential piece in your wardrobe. You can easily layer up underneath it on colder days. Honestly, if you don’t have one of these then you really have no business going into the colder seasons. Go buy a black poloneck, in fact, buy 2! Black midcalf boots, another essential!
Look 2- Alright, it’s a date!
Oh baby! GIVE ME CLASS, GIVE ME ELEGANCE, COME ALL THE WAY THROUGH WITH THAT HEAT! Again please don’t disqualify your summer pieces. If you feel your pants are a thin material, black seamless tights (ankle length) will save your day. Tucking in your jersey into your bra will give you this cropped jersey look, always works like a charm when paired with high waisted pants. Note- Oversized jerseys are your best friend!
Look 3- Lockdown’s over? I don’t know where we’re going but I’M READY
If you’re going to go for a monochrome outfit, then please try to play around with different textures. Faux leather jackets (in this household we are big on affordable clothing) are forever! Get yourself one! Did I mention black boots?!
I hope you enjoyed this lookbook as much as I enjoyed putting it together. I have put together these looks knowing that the lockdown will end we’ll be able to go outside again. Maybe we won’t be transitioning into Autumn and Winter then and these outfits may not be season appropriate but I hope you take something from this. And that is- while we wait, learn to accept, love and be kinder to yourself.
Lutho Bleki 