{OOTD}| La Belle Muse

Skirt – Hse of Bespoke by WH | Top – Brett Robson | Shoes – Zara | Gloves – Ziba Styles (no longer in stock) | Sunglasses – Zara | Bracelets – Swarovski | Necklace - Old

Images by Layla ShaikPhotography

Hi lovelies! If you follow me on the socials you probably saw a while back that I attended the launch of the Parisian Collection by Hse of Bespoke by WH. I really adored the collection so I was super excited when the Hse of Bespoke chose me as part of their ‘Love It, Rock It, Style It’ campaign. There were no rules and we were encouraged to style the piece however we’d like. I was currently re-reading Anna and the French Kiss so the skirt arrived at the perfect time!

Hse of Bespoke is a fashion brand created by the sweet Waseefa Hutton. Waseefa aims to provide moderately modest clothing and classic pieces that can stay in your closet forever.

The ‘Midi Embossed Jupe Evasee” was picked for me and I was delighted as it was one of the pieces that stood out for me at the launch. It is high-waisted and a lovely midi length that grazes the lower calves. The fabric is beautifully embossed with flowers and it is delicate but not thin and flimsy.  It’s the type of skirt you can dress up or down. If you want that extra drama I recommend investing in a tulle under-skirt. It will give you that poufy, runway effect and you can use it under almost any skirt.

I decided to keep it Parisian but with a more quirky feel. I really love a monochrome palette so I kept the colours very neutral with a pop of pink lipstick.

This top is from the Brett Robson collection. Brett is a dear friend of mine and has served as a guide and an inspiration to me in my blogging so I was extremely excited when I heard she was designing a collection. The pieces are really stylish and so well made. Brett handpicked all the fabrics and was very involved in the production process so you can be assured that you’re not just getting something that’s just thrown together. This crop top is my favourite piece from the collection. ‘La Belle Muse’ or ‘the beautiful muse’ refers to Brett’s tattoo and it is printed on the top exactly how it appears on her skin. The fabric is really thick so as a crop top it sits perfectly. 

Because it’s chilly I wore stockings with these strappy Zara heels. I kept the accessories cute and quirky with gloves and oversized sunglasses.

You can shop the Parisian Collection at www.hseofbespokebyWH.com

Until next time

“In Paris, you learn wit, in London you learn to crush your social rivals, and in Florence you learn poise. “ – Virgil Thomson

Love and sparkles

Zaakira xox

{OOTD} | Tempered Bollywood

T-shirt – Edgars | Sari Pants – Sewn (vintage fabric) | Shoes - Lalla Hirayama x Legit | Ring – Mauritius (Gift from Mom) | Midi Rings – It’s a Bling Thing | Necklace – ZARA | Earrings and Cuff – Zuri | Bag – Forever New (Old) | Nails by Midori Eco Salon

I wore this outfit for the first day I went to SA Fashion Week last month. Unfortunately Johannesburg experienced a crazy sandstorm and none of the shows went ahead so the outfit was wasted. Luckily I snapped a few photos so I can still share it with you.

The pants is really special because it’s made from a sari that my Gran gave to me. It was bought for her in India in 1974 so its 40 years old! She wore it for a wedding and I was to wear it for a wedding too but I felt a bit restricted wearing a sari and I told my Mom I wouldn’t be able to walk and I’ll fall and die (I was 16 and dramatic! Okay fine I am still dramatic…). She ingeniously suggested we get this pants made. We also got a matching top made from the sari matching top but it doesn't fit me too well now.

I really love this sari fabric. It is French chiffon and hand embellished. The colours remind me of a majestic peacock and the gold sequins are just enough to not look tacky. If you’re getting an outfit sewn and you’re looking for beaded fabric saris are a great option. They are so beautiful and come in such a variety from really bling to soft and pretty.  You get about 6 metres of fabric per sari so it almost always works out cheaper than buying beaded fabric per metre.

I chose a simple white tee to temper the look and so that I could accessorize like crazy. The outfit was calling for a lovely neckpiece so I chose these pearls from ZARA. I love that it’s quite big and dramatic but the pearls soften it and keep it from becoming too much. I added more drama with the gold cuff and ring which matches perfectly with the pants. I was struggling to find a shoe that would work with the outfit when I saw these white and gold Lalla x Legit shoes. Bright pink (Kelly Yum Yum) lips and nails finished off the look.

I hope you’re having a good month. Rainy Johannesburg is really throwing me off my OOTD game! :/

Until next time

“Satisfaction lies in the effort, not in the attainment, full effort is full victory.” – Mahatma Ghandi

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} | Homecoming

Top – Moon by Maxine Tromp | Skirt – Sewn | Pearls – Gift from my Aunt | Shoes – Cotton On

Over the past weekend I went back to my hometown (Ladysmith, KZN) to attend the wedding of my two dear friends. It was a beautiful wedding and a lovely relaxing weekend. This is the outfit I wore to the wedding.

I simply adore this MOON Collection top. It’s so versatile and the sleeves are just so cute. This skirt was sewn for me at least 5 years ago when my cousin got married and I originally wore it with a velvet jacket. I am seriously obsessed with this colour. It’s really unusual. This pairing was actually quite last minute because I originally planned to wear a tulle skirt but when I opened my closet and saw this skirt I just had to wear it.

Being at my parents’ place and just in my hometown was extremely refreshing. I must admit though that seeing the people I went to school with after many years was quite weird. It was really exciting to hear that lots of them read my blog and it really helped put things into perspective for me. I have been struggling with lots of things over the past few months and it just reminded me how important roots are. I might claim to be the” Princess of Jozi” but at heart I’m still a small town girl!

I hope you enjoy this short week, but keep your eyes on the blog because I have a little giveaway coming up ;)

Until next time

“Deep roots are not reached by the frost” – JRR Tolkien

Love and sparkles

Zaakira xox

{OOTD} | PARDON MOI!

Leggings – Cotton On | Top – RE:_ @ Woolworths | Cardigan(old) – Jay Jays | Necklace(old) – MSC Boutique | Heels – Iron Fist | Ring – Swarovski

Woohoo! This is my 100^th post and definitely one of my favourite outfits! I literally just threw it together and it really highlights elements of my personality. I love skulls but I am a girly girl. I can a bit (ok quite) rude at times, hence the PARDON MOI! And I LOVE Hello Kitty… I just got my prescription lenses put in these glasses and I doubt I will be taking them off anytime soon. I didn’t quite bother with my hair and I was honestly just happy with the way I looked :)

I really like t-shirts with little phrases on them and this is not quite a tee which I really love. The shape and cut is perfect to layer over leggings.  Leather look pieces are quite in this Winter and these leggings were 2 for R400 at Cotton On. There are lots of other styles to choose from but they’re selling out quick so hurry!  If you are embracing the leather trend, do be careful not to wear too many pieces together. Leather is a tricky fabric and there’s a fine line between fashionable and trashy. Lace is also pretty big for Winter and I also find it is more effective in smaller doses. This necklace from My Sister’s Closet is the perfect way to add a bit of lace to your outfit.

I really am learning to stop trying to fit in and just let who I am shine through in my outfits. I am so grateful to every single one of my readers and followers for playing the biggest and sweetest role in this process. You really are awesome!

Until next time

“Fashion can be bought. Style one must possess” – Edna Woolman Chase

Love and sparkles

Zaakira xox