{OOTD} | Pink Pashmina

Pashmina – Dubai | Denims – Salsa | Shoes – Sissy Boy | Glasses – Versace | Bracelets – Swarovski

Hi my lovelies! I’m back from my Ramadan hiatus ;) If you observed the month I hope it was spiritually fulfilling and that you had a fabulous Eid.

It’s still full on Winter here in Johannesburg and so all the warm clothing still has some time in the spotlight. I’ve mentioned before that pashminas are one of my favourite pieces for the cold weather. They look so chic and are so versatile. I wear them with jeans, dresses, skirts and even to cover my hair when I need to.

Nothing beats an accessorized jeans and tee combo. It’s the perfect blank canvas and you can accessorize it with unique pieces. This pashmina is pure wool with a bit of hand embroidery and the deep pink colour makes it the perfect statement accessory. With something like this you don’t have to go too glitzy with the rest of your outfit but you still look glam.

I originally wanted to wear my black ankle boots with this outfit but when I opened my shoe closet these heels just screamed, “WE MATCH!” and I had to wear them. I love the oddly shaped heel even though I struggle a bit to walk in it.

I love how this quick outfit came together and it’s the perfect post to get me back into blogging. I hope you missed me because there is so much more to come!

Until next time

“Mediocrity knows nothing higher than itself, but talent instantly recognizes genius.” – Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Love and sparkles

Zaakira xox

{OOTD} | Brunching

Jeans – Salsa Denim | Coat – Forever New | Silk and Wool Pashmina – Kashmir (Mom’s) | Shoes – Bershka @ 32 Clothing | Snakeskin Clutch – Vintage | Sunglasses – DKNY @ Sunglass Hut

Hi lovelies. Winter is here! Today I am sharing a full on winter outfit with you. I took these photos at my new favourite brunch spot, Industry Bakery in Greenside. Not only are they halal but they also have the most scrumptious food and baked goods. I recommend the stuffed croissants or flapjacks for breakfast and the almond croissants and cupcakes if you’re just looking for a sweet pick me up.  

I really love dressing up and layering in winter because there is so much you can play around with. I recently raided my Mom’s closet and “borrowed” a few of her pashminas. She has so many different ones, made with diverse fabrics and embellished with so many different types of embroidery. She’s gotten them from so many parts of the world including Kashmir, Dubai, Argentina, China and Pakistan to name a few. I love how a statement pashmina can bring an outfit together and it keeps you warm too!

The pashmina I’m wearing here is from Kashmir and it’s a blend of silk and wool. I wore it with my favourite Salsa Colette denims and a cream coat. Denims and a coat make the perfect canvas for pops of colour and accessories. I love these ridiculously high Bershka heels which I scored at a bargain price at 32 Clothing. They also go perfectly with the pashmina. The orange accents in this outfit are enough to brighten up the dreariest of winter days.

The clutch also belonged to my Mom and its genuine snakeskin. The feel creeped me out a bit at first but it’s really a statement piece that I always get complimented on. Sunglasses are also a must in winter because the sun gets pretty harsh. Keep warm and don’t forget the sunblock!

Until next time

“Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face.” – Victor Hugo

Love and sparkles

Zaakira xox

P.S Congratulations to Quathar who won the Nicci Loves You giveaway!

{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

My Winter Beauty Essentials

Winter is coming… The days are shrinking, the air is getting chilly and humidity is a distant memory.  The blankets, radiators, coats, scarves and boots come out of storage and we’re shopping for beanies and gloves. Along with these changes, we have to switch out our beauty products. These are my absolute essentials for the cold, dry months of Winter.

Philosophia Botanica Multivitamin Face Cream (ZAR168)

I’ve had this cream for a while but only started using it recently. It’s made in South Africa and is paraben and artificial fragrance free. It contains Vitamin E, Beta Carotene, Rooibos, Evening Primrose, Neroli and Tangerine. I use it every night before bed and it really feels like its feeding my skin with goodness. It absorbs into the face and keeps my skin hydrated all night. I cannot go to bed without it! It also really helped with soothing and healing a reaction I had after having my eyebrows waxed.

Aussie Miracle Moist Shampoo and Conditioner and 3 Minute Miracle Frizz Control (±ZAR59.95)

The dry Winter air can be very harsh on hair and can totally sap all its moisture. The damage goes further when using heated styling tools as I tend to use a hair dryer more often in Winter than the other seasons. Every Winter I change to a moisture restoring shampoo and conditioner and the Aussie brand is my favourite. It contains aloe and Jojoba oil for moisture and smells like bubblegum. I also use the 3 Minute Miracle Frizz Control once a week because my hair gets extremely static in Winter and I have flyaways everywhere. This quick treatment helps to tame them and keeps my hair healthy and shiny.

The Body Shop Brazil Nut Beautifying Oil (ZAR120)

The Johannesburg air is totally dry in Winter and along with this, I am constantly around heaters which dry out the air even more. I use this oil to add the moisture back to my skin and keep it healthy. It smells amazing and it just absorbs into the skin without leaving a greasy residue so you can even use it on your face. I generally use this oil on my body after a shower when my skin is still slightly moist.

INOAR Argan Oil

Hair needs a special treat every now and then and this oil is perfect for that. Although it’s a multi-purpose product, I use about a 20c size amount once every two weeks, the night before I am to wash my hair as a treatment. It contains 9% Argan Oil as well as olive, jojoba and cinnamon essential oils. It really gives me luscious locks!

Greenland Lime-Vanilla Hand Cream (ZAR95)

For me, dry hands are the worst. I keep this lovely hand cream in my handbag and apply it after I wash my hands. It contains a blend of essential oils, glycerine, shea butter and Vitamin B5 so it’s really hydrating. It absorbs into the skin quickly and has a long-lasting hydrating effect. It also smells amazing and contains no parabens or artificial colorants.

Maybelline Baby Lips (ZAR25)

My lips get so so dry during Winter so I keep these babies in each of my handbags and on my desk. Not only are they affordable, but they look so adorable, really moisturize my lips and smell divine.

What are your Winter essentials?

Until next time

Love and sparkles

Zaakira xox