{TRENDING} | The Bomber Jacket

 

Street style has been flooded with bomber jackets recently and I can’t say that I am complaining! Bomber jackets are really versatile and comfy but can also be incredibly chic.

They can be worn over ripped jeans and a plain tee, a sultry dress; honestly anything your heart desires. I’m actually really keen to throw one over a huge silk or satin skirt for SA Fashion Week.

What’s really cool about the bomber jacket trend is that they come in so many different types and styles so they’re aren’t committed to one type of look. I’ve seen soft metallics, lace fabrics, pretty delicate flower patterns, graffiti, fierce prints and embroidery and tons of phrases and sayings. I must mention that there’s also a lot of Japanese inspiration floating around, especially at Zara, and it’s absolutely stunning!

I invested in 3 different jackets so far (all from Zara), 2 of which are pictured here. I’ve worn the silver one over my jeans and a pair of black culottes and the red one over velvet leggings. I’m really excited to play around some more though.

Bomber jackets are perfect for transitional weather and that little Spring chill. Check out Zara and Mr Price who both currently have some really ace options!

Would you wear the bomber jacket? Which one is your favourite? Comment below or tweet me a photo @LadyZaa

Until next time

Love and sparkles

Zaakira xxo

{OUT AND ABOUT} | Talking Trends with Veet

Hi lovelies! I hope you are all having a fantastic weekend! Mine started off on a really glam note.  I spent Friday morning at 54 on Bath hotel and Rosebank brunching and talking trends with the fashion and Veet families.

Miss Veet SA 2015 Odirile was looking for some solid, honest advice for her Spring/Summer wardrobe.

Over tea, coffee and a scrumptious breakfast we discussed some key trends for SS15. Here are some of the trends we talked about

Gender Neutral

Think subtle androgyny with comfortable and stylish pieces. Jumpsuits, caps and high tops are key pieces

Safari

Chic tailoring is key here. Buckled dresses, wide brimmed hats and camel and khaki pieces

70s and Festival

Embrace the 70s trend but try not to look to costume-y. Wide legged pants, feathers, fringes, hair accessories and kimonos are all fabulous but be careful not to wear them all together.

Prints, Prints, Prints

Need I say more?!

After brunch we walked over to the mall to put some of what we discussed into practice. Odi and Melinda tried on a few handpicked outfits, shoes and accessories. At the end of the morning we all concluded that these lovely ladies would even look stunning in a plastic bag! ;)

To catch-up on our conversation search the hashtag #VeetTalksTrends on Twitter and Instagram.

Whatever you choose to wear this summer, make sure your legs are silky smooth with Veet!

Until next time

Love and sparkles

Zaakira xox

Alan of Alan and Krishen about to tuck in to some eggs benedict

{Trending} | Loom Bands

So the freshest trend among primary school and middle school kids is not a video game, a TV show or a movie. It’s not an app, a song with an accompanying silly dance or a boy band. The latest thing that kids are crazy about is a crafting phenomenon called LOOM BANDS.

So basically, loom bands are these colourful rubber bracelets that you make by weaving these little rubber bands together with a hook. I can’t make them myself because I have two left hands but my 10 year old brother is a pro. He is so into making these bracelets that he passed on a Guardians of the Galaxy Lego set and chose to get tons of those rubber bands instead at a toy store over the weekend.

What I love about this trend is not only that it encourages kids to use their hands and get creative but it also has aesthetic and fashion value. You can stack a few for some unique arm candy or add an edgy charm. Even Kate Middleton was spotted wearing a few so they are definitely on-trend in the fashion world.

Here is some "loomspiration" for you. ;) The packs of rubber bands cost anything from R15-R40 and come in tons of different colours. There are also various videos online that will teach you how to loom but I suggest you go to your nearest little sibling, cousin, niece or nephew and ask them to make you a few. You can pay them (R5 per band is the going rate I think but you should pay extra for the more intricate ones) for their effort, give them a huge confidence boost and be on trend all at the same time!

How do you feel about loom bands?

Until next time

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

{FASHION TIPS} | Shopping For Faux Leather

There are many reasons why people don’t wear leather. For some it’s ethical, others practice veganism and some cannot afford to pay that much for an item amongst many other reasons. I personally think it’s an incredible, classic material but I am unfortunately allergic to it. Even sitting in our cars makes my throat go dry, scratchy and uncomfortable. Leather is a huge trend for Winter and I will be sharing some tips I follow when shopping for and wearing faux leather pieces.

§  Make sure the material is good quality – The material must not be too thin or too shiny (I’ve seen some ridiculous ‘liquid leggings’). Genuine leather is usually quite textured and grainy, so don’t look for something that’s quite smooth. When going faux, good quality makes all the difference

§  Make sure the stitching and work is done well – The amount of care and attention to detail that goes in to crafting from genuine leather is incredibly high. When purchasing faux leather items the stitching and quality of work can be quite shoddy. Make sure you pick out pieces that are tailored and well-made. You want to fake it, not look like a fake.

§  Don’t overspend on faux leather – Faux leather was invented by humans in a lab so it’s probably not going to last too long. While a genuine leather jacket will last you forever, a faux leather one will probably last you three seasons if you’re lucky. I’ve seen faux leather items that cost almost as much as real leather ones but this is just a no-no. Faux leather ages horridly.

§  Go for pieces with faux leather accents – Collars on shirts and dresses, panelled leggings, sleeves; these are all ways to add a bit of leather to your outfit. Accents make faux leather look well, less faux. Faux leather goes well with wool, cotton plaid and denim.  Do make sure that the other fabrics on the piece are of good quality too, though. I once bought panelled leggings and the fabric was so thin… it was a total disaster!

§  Try patent – Patent is fabulous and the point of it is to look plasticky. Faux patent leather will look less faux in patent. You barely can tell the difference between faux and real patent. There are some lovely faux patent shoes in the stores right now.

§  Keep it simple – Try not to do too many faux leather items together. You want to look classy and put together.

   Here are some faux leather items that are in stores now.

Until next time

Love and sparkles

Zaakira xox