{OOTD} | Cool for the Summer

Jeans – Salsa Denim | T-shirt – Divided @ H&M | Shoes – MrP | Bag – Steve Madden | Necklaces – Istanbul | Sunglasses – Mahmutpasa Street Istanbul | Bracelets – Istanbul and Swarovski

Hi lovelies! Today I’m sharing an outfit that I put together with very basic pieces. My hair is quite long here because I shot this look a while back.

In summer it’s quite difficult to put together stylish outfits because of the intense heat. I’ve learned that you can’t really go wrong with a great pair of denims and a white tee. Invest in good quality basics and build your outfit from there.

Accessorising is key because you can turn something really simple into a something stylish with the right accessories. For this outfit I chose statement sunglasses, a snakeskin box clutch (because snakeskin is in!) and simple jewellery.

I finished with white heels to give the outfit a cool clean look.

How do you wear your basics?

Until next time

“Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability.” - Sam Keen

Love and sparkles

Zaakira xox

{OOTD} | Not Today!

Leggings – Cotton On | Top – MrP | Shoes – ZARA | Clutch – Steve Madden (Gift from Zakiyya) | Sunglasses – ZARA

Images – Layla Shaik Photography

Hair – Boyd @ Carlton Hair

Hi lovelies! Hope you all had a fantastic weekend!

Do you know that feeling when you’re just not up for anything? You know, that urge to just say NOPE to everything? Well, that was me for the last 2 weeks! Blame the retrograde, the heat, … I really just wasn’t up for much so when I saw this top at Mr Price I just had to have it!

Thankfully there is very little like a great, fun shoot to get you back on track. Layla works so well with me and I absolutely love these photos.

I’m not going to talk too much today though. It’s just a simple, casual outfit with some glam shoes and matching sunnies. Also, it’s Monday and you know, “Nope, not today!”

#NotAFlatlay

Have a wonderful week!

Until next time

“When something is important enough, you do it even if the odds are not in your favor.” – Elon Musk

 Love and sparkles

Zaakira x

{OOTD} | French Fried

 Sleeveless Coat – MrP Project | T-shirt – Soda Bloc | Leggings – Woolworths | Boots – ZARA | Quilted Bag – Chinatown | Necklace – 32 Clothing | Sunglasses – ZARA

Hi lovelies! As you can see, today I took my Furfrou out for a walk ;) Furfrou is a Pokemon based on a huge French poodle. If you manage to catch one, you can take it and have it styled in many different ways. They’re usually quite large in size, sometimes bigger than the trainer!

The transitioning of seasons is my favourite dress up time of the year. Unfortunately this year we went straight from icy Winter to scorching Summer. That didn’t stop me from wearing the clothes though and this is one of pre-summer looks.

As you probably already know, I love monochrome. It’s really chic and it works for any season but it is especially perfect for the in between.

Because of this adorable t-shirt I decided to go a little bit French with the outfit. The tee is from Soda Bloc which is new store by the Foschini Group. They actually cater for teens but they have the cutest pieces and the size 30 or 32 fits me perfectly. Statement tees are fun and quirky and you can work them on their own or under cardigans and jackets too.

Leggings and boots are also key pieces for the seasonal transition. These boots have really gotten some great wear over Winter and I think they’re going to be on my feet until the very last cool day.

Sleeveless coats like this one are really in right now and they’re perfect if you just aren’t ready to bare your shoulders yet. It’s also a really chic piece to finish off an outfit.

Add some statement sunnies, a pretty quilted bag and your straight out of the grooming parlour Furfrou and you are good to go! ;)

Until next time

“Bad days are best forgotten over French fries” - Unknown

Love and sparkles

Zaakira xox

{OOTD} | Stilwater, Michigan

Hooded Top – Mr Price | Leggings – Cotton On | Boots – ZARA | Necklace – Vintage | Sunglasses – Thrift Store | Spiral Ring – Swarovski

Hi lovelies! I hope you are all doing fantastic! I had a fairly crazy week and yesterday I flew to Cape Town for M·A·C’s SS15 trends class. I will be sharing those trends as well as some insider tips with you closer to SS15. I also got to shoot with Zeenat from Pursuing Pictorialism while I was in the Mother City and I am so ecstatic to share those photos with you. Today I am sharing a quick street look that I wore a few weeks back.

I have never played Saints Row despite the reference of the title in the post. I spotted this graffiti while driving around and thought it was a pretty good backdrop for what I was wearing. I love how video gaming culture bleeds into real life and I am always inspired by it (in an artistic way, don’t go thinking I’ll be stealing cars after playing Grand Theft Auto!). I really love this hooded top from Mr Price. Worn with leather look leggings and boots looks pretty kick-ass but you can also wear it with jeans, sneakers or up the glam with a pair of heels.

I’ve featured these boots in a previous look and I’m going to be featuring them over and over. Not only do they look killer but they are so surprisingly comfortable. I wore them through cobblestoned Cape Town sidewalks, down 7 flights of stairs and in 2 airports yesterday and my feet didn’t even take a beating. I hope that with the next few outfits I can show you how one key item can take you through many different looks.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Until next time

“[Video game] Players are artists who create their own reality within the game” – Shigeru Miyamoto

Love and sparkles

Zaakira xox

{OOTD} | Harajuku Lite

Crop Top – Mr Price | Skirt – Mr Price | Shoes – Clearance Sale (Very Old) | Rings – Swarovski, Claire’s, Sass Diva | Hair Clip – Fashion Market | Sunglasses – Mr Price

Hello from chilly Johannesburg! Tokyo is one of the cities on my travel bucket list. I have been intrigued by the city and its culture from a very young age and I am especially interested in the Harajuku district. This is the area around the Harajuku station in the Shibuya ward of Tokyo. Harajuku is often deemed the “fashion capital of the world” as it is known for its unique street fashion.

Harajuku is also a term for the distinctive way in which girls in the area dress. The girls wear everything from candy coloured wigs, huge baby doll skirts and pop culture inspired pieces to gothic makeup, pigtails and kimonos. Metallics, neons and plaids also feature quite prominently.  It is such a rich and expressive form of style that really celebrates the individual so naturally it really speaks to me.

 Today I am sharing my very diluted take on Harajuku style. I chose to wear this top that is currently in stores at Mr Price with a cute skirt and printed heels.  I added this cute handmade clip that I found at a market a few years back. I can’t even remember the name of the store but how I wish I did because the pieces were so cute! You can find a close- up of the clip on my Instagram. Some cute matching rings and red lipstick finished off the look. It isn’t full on Harajuku of course but it is my take.

I hope you’re all having a wonderful week! There’s just one day left to win tickets to One Direction in Johannesburg. Find the giveaway here.

Until next time

“Because even the smallest of words can be the ones to hurt you, or save you” - Natsuki Takaya

Love and sparkles

Zaakira xox

{OOTD} | 90s Socialite

Skirt – Vintage | Crop Top – MrP | Boots – Christofoli | Clutch, Flower Necklace – Vintage |Bangles – Legit | Layered Chain – Woolworths | Choker – DIY | Sunglasses – DKNY @ Sunglass Hut

There’s a lot of 90s inspired fashion in the stores right now so I decided to do an outfit with pieces that are actually from the 90s. I chose the wine coloured skirt and gold accessories for a little bit of a festive vibe.

The skirt was sewn by my grandmother’s sister for one of her daughters around 20 years ago. It was passed onto me but I never bothered to wear it before. I recently rediscovered it in my closet and totally fell in love. Apart from the colour and shape, the tailoring is simply amazing. You just don’t get stuff like this in the shops anymore! I teamed it with this cute statement crop top from MrP and Christofoli leather boots which were a lucky find at the last Skip Fashion Exchange.

My father purchased the flower necklace for my mother in Singapore around 1997 and the clutch was bought by my Mom in Saudi in 1993. I’ve been after a 90s inspired choker but I haven’t been able to find one I reeealllly like so I just used a strip of chiffon ribbon for a quick DIY version. I added the layered chains for some extra drama. MAC Roxo lipstick and my DKNY sunnies finished off the look.

Before I go I’d just like to wish all my readers a happy and fabulous festive season. Hope it’s filled with bliss, divine food, numerous jars of Nutella and lots and lots of love!

Until next time

“Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” – John F Kennedy

Love and sparkles
Zaakira xox
 

{OOTD} | There Has Been an Awakening

T-shirt – Shuaib’s(MrP I think)| Jeans – Lucky Brand | Shoes – ZARA | Necklace – Lovisa | Spiral Ring and Bracelet – Swarovski | Sunglasses - MrP

In wouldn’t call myself a full on Star Wars nerd but I do really enjoy the franchise and the culture that it has produced. I of course would love to own a light saber (black? Could I get a black one?) and my favourite character is Han Solo (obvs!). My dilemma however, is that I don’t actually know which side I’d be on. Rebellion sounds so me but the Dark Side really intrigues me.

The recently released teaser trailer has got me pretty excited for Episode VII (that light saber though!) and so I thought I would have some fun with this outfit and the photos. It was a pretty last minute idea since I was wearing the t-shirt and we found this awesome empty plot to shoot in while driving around. This is why my jeans are so annoyingly creased! I must mention that these Lucky Brand (Charlie Super Skinnys) jeans are the most comfortable pair of skinnys I own. The fabric is extremely soft and breathable so it’s a perfect pair for those hot days and balmy nights in summer.  I had these recently purchased heels in the car which really brought the outfit together. What really got me though was that I am wearing M.A.C Rebel lipstick! Maybe I do belong in the Rebellion after all! ;)

Oh yes! I also got my hair cut today! Its quite a plunge because its way shorter and pretty asymmetrical. Perfect for the summer although I hope I can manage to maintain it as time passes.

Are you a fan of Star Wars? How do you feel about the new teaser?

Until next time

“Sorry about the mess” – Han Solo (Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope)

Love and sparkles

Zaakira xox

{OOTD} | Pink Panda

Top – Mr Price | Silk Skirt – Sewn | Shoes – ZARA | Clutch – Religion | Spiral Ring, Bracelet, Earrings – Swarovski | Sunglasses – Thrift Shop | Pearls – Gift from Mom

I thought I’d share with you the outfit I wore when I attended SA Fashion Week. Because I attended the very last 2 shows I decided to go with a bit of drama and quirk. I had originally worn a different outfit on Thursday but there was an insane sandstorm in Johannesburg and the shows were moved. This was quite a last minute put together but I was really happy with the outfit.

I had this silk skirt made years go for a wedding. I originally had a velvet top with it but it is so versatile and has taken me through the years and through many different events. It’s definitely a wardrobe essential! I kept the rest of the outfit monochrome to let the skirt pop.

Attending Fashion Week is always sort of a mini rebirth for me. By October I am pretty much losing inspiration and seeing the designs on the catwalk and the people who are there for the love of fashion just injects me with inspiration. Yes, you can tell who is in it just for the attention, but there are those who truly love the fashion and can appreciate the little things like the fabric, stitching and the way the light catches the details in the knits (Clive Rundle anyone?!).

Until next time

“And we were dressed from head to toe in love... the only label that never goes out of style” – Carrie Bradshaw

Love and sparkles

Zaakira xox

{OOTD} | Pandas in the City

Top, Pleated Skirt, Sunglasses & Shoes – Mr Price | Clutch – Religion Clothing | Spiral Ring, Stretch Crystal Bracelet – Swarovski | Rings – Lovisa | Pearl Faberge Egg Bracelet – Russia (Gift from Mom) | Pearls – Gift from Mom

Okay so this is probably the girliest outfit I have worn on here. It is so out of my comfort zone that I it feels like I might be wearing a costume. Nevertheless I really loved wearing it and this outfit is a nod to my love for pearls and monochrome.

I’ve been following all the street style from New York Fashion Week and there are still loads of monochrome outfits so I’m definitely going to be continuing with my monochromes through Spring. I love the panda print because it brings some quirk into an otherwise very polished outfit. I have just one question Mr Price, why why why are all your animals the wrong way up on your clothing?! (See my previous outfit with the cat joggers)

I used to really hate crop tops but now I think that if you style them well, they can be pretty cute and they don’t have to show any flesh. Check out my friend Shaheeda’s trend post on crop tops here. This is the first time I’m wearing a pleated midi skirt and I really love how it looks. I’m definitely going to invest in a few more!

My Mom has given me so many strings of pearls over the years and we are both clearly obsessed. If you invest in anything this Spring, make sure it’s some genuine pearls! They will carry you through every season for the rest of forever. I finished off the look with some MAC Rebel lipstick. The deep berry is a final ode to the colder, darker months.

Until next time

“In the Spring, I have counted 136 different kinds of weather inside of 24 hours” – Mark Twain

Love and sparkles

Zaakira xox

{OOTD} | Comfy Cats and Laurent

Slogan T-shirt – Stylistique Designs | Joggers and Sunglasses – Mr Price | Shoes – ZARA | Crystal Necklace – Vintage (My Gran) | Cloisonné and Pearl Necklace – Gift from Mom | Spiral Ring – Swarovski | Watch – DKNY

I know that it’s September and technically Spring is here but I’m not quite ready to give up my monochromes yet! I think that joggers and a slogan tee are a good way to slowly ease into the warmer months. If you keep the outfit fairly simple, you can go a little crazy with the jewellery as you can see I’ve done here.

This is one of the tees that Jacqueline from Stylistique gave me to style. It’s one I’ve been after for a while now and I love that it feels a little oversized because that just adds to whole comfy chic feel of the outfit.

When I saw these joggers at Mr Price I just could not resist. The cat print is adorable (at least these ARE cats, I’m looking at you HELLO KITTY!!!!!) and they are comfy as heck. I want to give an award to the person that invented joggers because they have saved me from being an absolute grouchy pants on many an occasion. You can pair your joggers with flats, ankle straps or courts for a chic look or wedge sneakers or high tops for something a little more street. I chose these sweet Zara heels because and I hadn’t worn them yet and Spring called for something pastel.

Although I personally feel that pearls will never go out, they seem to be very in right now. I have lots of different strings of pearls and I love layering them together with my other necklaces for something unique. Check out Zara and Zuri for some stunning faux pearls. I finished the look with some MAC St Germain lipstick for a little more pastel detail.

What will you be wearing this Spring?

Until next time

“I dress to kill, but tastefully.” – Freddie Mercury (Happy Birthday!)

Love and sparkles

Zaakira xox

{OOTD} | Tangerine Eid

Skirt – Mr Price | Jacket – ZARA (overseas) | Flats – Legit | Sunglasses – DKNY @ Sunglass Hut | Clutch – Blackcherry Bags | Rings – Dansk Smykkenkunst Denmark | Bracelet – Vintage | Bangles – Legit | Necklace – Legit

As you probably know, the holy month of Ramadaan ended on Sunday evening and we celebrated with the festival of Eid. It is a day filled with decadent food, family and lots of prayer and reflection. We also spare a thought and prayer to those who are less fortunate. For the day, we get new clothes (and pyjamas for the night before when you’re younger) and most of us girls take the opportunity to dress to the nines.

I originally had a lovely dress from YDE to wear on the day but the zip broke on Eid morning! I was really disheartened but a nice lady from YDE (Lynne) said they will take back the dress and either repair or replace it. I will keep you updated on how all of that goes.

I had to quickly improvise so I decided to add some brightness to my glum mood with this orange skirt. The jacket, clutch and jewellery were part of my original outfit plan so I made sure I could still wear them. My Mom chose the jacket on a recent trip overseas. I added some M.A.C ROXO lipstick to finish the look... I am totally obsessed with this colour!

Although it wasn’t the first choice outfit, I am quite glad with how it all came together. It was a lovely Eid but now I can barely move from all the food I ate!

Hope you had a wonderful Eid if you celebrated and a lovely week ahead!

Until next time

"Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light" – Albus Dumbledore

Love and sparkles

Zaakira xox

{OOTD} | NY Hates You

Vest – The Lot | Shirt – Mr Price | Leggings – Cotton On | Shoes – Topshop | Necklace – Metropolis | Ring – Dansk Smykkenkunst Denmark

Hey there rockstars! Okay so don’t get me wrong, I LOVE New York even though I have never been. It’s a stunning city that I’ve always dreamed of visiting and is the home to my (And Shaheeda’s) favourite show ever… Gossip Girl. In fact Dr Ahmed Kathrada told me that it is his most favourite city in the world (apart from Johannesburg of course!) and that I should definitely visit it sometime. It’s just that I also love being a little cheeky and rebellious so I couldn’t resist this vest when I saw it in the window at The Lot.

In this look I gave the vest a very grungy pairing with leather leggings, chunky shoes and a plaid shirt. Plaid is almost on its way out so I’m trying to get as much wear out of my plaid pieces as possible. I had to add some Ruby Woo to the mix and the red lips finished off the outfit really nicely.

It’s going to be a crazy and cold week! Stay warm… and sane! ;)

Until next time

“A lot of the time when I write about the person that I love, I feel like I'm writing about New York.” – Lana Del Rey

Love and sparkles

Zaakira xox

{OOTD} | Fierce Fuchsia

Leggings – Cotton On | Blazer – Mr Price | Snood – Gift from Mom | Shoes – Sissy Boy | Hello Kitty Ring – Sanrio | Leather and Crystal Ring – Dansk Smykkenkunst Denmark

I just realized how serious I look in all these photos! It was totally cold the other day and I went into my stored away collection of knits, scarves, shawls, pashminas and wraps and I found this beautiful snood my Mom had bought me a few years back. I love the vibrant fuchsia detail in it because I tend to wear a lot of blacks and greys in Winter and it’s always a good idea to brighten it up with a little colour.

A black blazer is a classic piece that every wardrobe should have. This one from Mr Price was a total bargain and the cut, shape and fit is incredible! Leigh from Pretty Mint Blog featured it on her Splurge vs Steal post recently.

The snood also matches perfectly with these stunning Sissy Boy shoes. I love the unique shape of the heel and it’s pretty comfy. As I like to say, the colour of the shoes are the colour of MAC’s Girl About Town lipstick which one of my go-to shades. I had the lipstick on my birthday wishlist last year and since I got it, I use it all the time and get tons of compliments. It’s an ‘Amplified’ finish which is one of my favourite finishes. If the amount of lipstick formulas and finishes from MAC confuses you, click here for a guide. I am wearing Girl About Town on my lips in these photos. And yes, I kind of planned the outfit to match my lipstick… I do that ;)

Have a fabulous weekend!

Until next time

Beauty is how you feel inside, and it reflects in your eyes. It is not something physical. – Sophia Loren

Love and sparkles

Zaakira xox