{FASHION NEWS} | The Kooples Opens in Mall of Africa

The Mall of Africa is an exciting new shopping space in Midrand, Johannesburg. Boasting loads of fashion stores; it’s already become a favourite for the style addict in me. It’s also the home to the very first branch of The Kooples in Africa!

In an impressive and dazzling launch on the 3^rd of May, we welcomed The Kooples to South Africa. The space outside the 240m² concept store was turned into a glamorous red carpet event. Zebra Square did not disappoint (they never do!) and over delicious food, hundreds of colourful roses and rose petals and the sounds of Micasa; we welcomed The Kooples to South Africa.

In 2008; after 3 years of hard work, The Kooples was instituted by the Elicha brothers. From their head offices in Vendome, Paris; The Kooples crafts luxury clothing and accessories that is inspired by a mixture of vintage, rock ‘n roll and punk.

The Kooples embraces leathers, denim and a multitude of exquisite fabrics in its luxury collection. Using meticulous English tailoring to put together the clothes; the effect is luxurious yet edgy.

In 2012 The Kooples launched Kooples Sport which adopts the same methods as the luxury collection but has a more relaxed aesthetic. The Mall of Africa store also stocks the Kooples Sport Range.

The price points for The Kooples fall under luxury. You can pick up a pair of shoes for ZAR5000 and a coat for around ZAR8000.

Joining 330 stores worldwide; you can find The Kooples in the Crystal Court at The Mall of Africa.

Until next time

Love and sparkles

Zaakira xox

Valentine’s Day with Spring

As you all know by all the red, white and pink that’s been thrown up all over everywhere, Valentine’s Day is coming! I’m not a gigantic celebrator but hey, who doesn’t like getting gifts?! Now, usually I’m okay with just a hug and a kiss or a cookie or cupcake. A really delicious well-made sandwich or some spicy chicken wings also do the trick. Today though, my wishlist is very glam as I’m picking out my top 3 gifts from Spring.

As I’ve mentioned before, Spring is a lovely little idea. It is an online shopping destination inspired by all the delightful boutiques that line Spring Street in SoHo, New York City. The brand was created around capturing the experience of shopping in this trendy, iconic street. You can browse through tons of products and accessories from different brands and designers and then buy them all in one place!

So here are my top 3 picks off Spring. I’d love to get these pieces for Valentine’s Day or just because ;)

Flower Sunglasses by Westward Learning ($225)

Seriously, how insanely cool is this pair of sunnies?! It’s a pretty and subtle gold with neon pink lenses. I really love the shape too!

Jean Mrs. Clutch by Edie Parker ($1295)

How cute is this?! The Mr will probably think it’s a bit silly but he will humour me anyway. Edie Parker is known for their dreamy hand-poured acrylic clutches adorned with words and sayings. This lovely pearlescent one features gorgeous glitter text and gold hardware on a pearlescent bag. I. Must. Have!

Miss Havisham Ring byAlexis Bittar ($101.50)

Jewels make the best gifts! This Swarovski crystal adorned ring has such an opulent and antique feel to it. It also happens to look slightly like a crown! How fitting!

What do you think of these pieces? Will any of them make it onto your wishlist? Check out Spring and their accessories department to make a list of your own!

Until next time

Love and sparkles

Zaakira xox

My Spring Treat Yo’Self Wishlist

Hello lovelies! The shopaholic in me recently discovered a fabulous little online shopping destination! Spring is inspired by all the delightful boutiques that line Spring Street in SoHo, New York City. The brand was created around capturing the experience of shopping in this trendy, iconic street. You can browse through tons of products and accessories from different brands and designers and then buy them all in one place! The only thing missing is some Lombardi’s pizza!

Today I’m sharing my Spring wishlist with you. When it comes to the holidays I always tend to want gimmicky, impractical festive things. This year I’ve decided to think  pick lust-worthy items that can keep me happy all year round. There’s a theme (obviously!) because nothing makes me happier than a pop of pink!

Laura Mercier Ambre VanillèHoney Bath

What’s more indulgent than this? With Sweet Almond Proteins, Hydrolyzed Rice, and Oat Proteins along with Pro-Vitamin B-5 it is the ultimate bath experience.

Yumi Kim Pink Clutch

This gorgeous hand beaded clutch makes the perfect statement accessory. I absolutely love the shocking pink beading over the black background.

Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet

A subtle an elegant fragrance made up of Peony, Sicilian mandarin, peach and apricot zest and rose essence all blended together with a base of white musk. It’s then put into a beautiful bottle with a bow. What’s not to love?!

Brian Atwood Satin Pumps

My wardrobe is 99% monochrome. I think these to-die-for heels will add a very welcome pop of colour and glamour.

DanniJo Belinda Earrings

I love classic, beautiful pieces of jewellery like this. This pair is personally handmade to order in New York using Swarovski Crystals and vintage distressed pearls.

Herbivore Botanicals Pink Clay Mask

A weekly mask is an essential. This one contains French pink clay, rose petals, rosehip powder and calming chamomile flowers. It’s perfect for that crazy busy week; like last week. Or the week before. Or the week before that. 

Kate Spade Louisa Glitter Bow Suede Pumps

I saved the best for last. This is the dream shoe!

Spring offers free delivery no matter how many items you buy! Browse shopspring.com and share your wish products with me!

Until next time

Love and sparkles

Zaakira xox

{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} | That Monochrome Feeling

Pants – Shop Brett Robson | Vest – Woolworths | Shoes – ZARA | Sunglasses – Mahmutpasa Street, Istanbul | Necklace –Istanbul | Scarf – Jay Jays | Clutch – Religion | Bracelets – Pandora and Swarovski

Hair – Boyd at Carlton Hair

Hi lovelies!  If you haven’t already heard, my friend and blogger Brett released her own line of clothing earlier this year. These sublime, faux leather joggers are from the first collection and now there are some new pieces available on Zando. She’s got some really fantastic stuff coming so keep your fashion eyes out!

Pants like this can be styled in so many different ways. For this look I decided to keep it simple slightly edgy. 

I really love my monochrome and I feel a white tee or vest is a wardrobe essential and provides a great canvas for any look. Add some cute sunnies and strappy heels and you are good to go!

I’m sure that everyone goes through that “monochrome” stage every now and then. Sometimes I go through a phase where my life just feels so flat and dull. 

One of the things that really cheers me up is this piece of graffiti. It was commissioned in memory of the late Brenda Fassie and really brightens me up. It takes me back to long Saturday drives, belting out Weekend Special and it’s also a reminder of the incredible artistry and talent we have in this country. There is so much colour and so much to be grateful for!

What makes you feel better when your world is a little “monochrome”?

Until next time

“Be soft. Do not let the world make you hard. Do not let the pain make you hate. Do not let the bitterness steal your sweetness. Take pride that even though the rest of the world may disagree, you still believe it to be a beautiful place” - Iain Thomas, I Wrote This For You

Love and sparkles

Zaakira x

Photography by Layla Shaik 

SHOPPING NEWS | Thula Sindi Goes Online!

When it comes to local designers… actually all designers, Thula Sindi is up there with my favourites. His timeless designs are sophisticated, luxurious, elegant and simply beautiful. When pieces of clothing look like his do, you can see that someone’s love and soul has gone into creating them.

Thula originally hails from Klerksdorp and studied at LISOF after which he worked as head designer for a Dutch textile company with which he showed a collection at SA Fashion Week in 2005. In 2006 he showed his own range at SA Fashion Week and his since become a treasured and respected designer. He has won many accolades like the SA Tourism South African Designer of the Year in 2012 and has featured in many lists such as the Mail & Guardians top 200 young South Africans and the Forbes 30 Under 30: Africa’s Best Young Entrepreneurs in 2013. Thula also met designer Valentino who, after seeing his designs, invited him to his private atelier. He has dressed inspirational women such as Jena Dover and Terry Pheto and the Williams sisters are rumoured to have had a slight sibling squabble over a Thula Sindi skirt during one of their trips to South Africa.

Thulasindi.com launched recently and it gives your fingertips access to Thula’s beautiful designs. Delivery is free(within South Africa) and there are a number of secure payment methods. The price-range is quite reasonable too considering its designer. I have spent hours on the site already, just admiring the clothes. I currently have my eye on the silver baroque tulle skirt priced at ZAR2799. It is perfection!

I’m glad that pieces from local designers are becoming so accessible. It’s taking baby steps, but the local fashion industry is really growing and that makes my heart warm!

Until next time            

                                      

Love and sparkles

Zaakira xox

(Images from thulasindi.com)

The Zando #ShowLab

On Friday I was invited to the Zando #ShowLab event hosted at the Protea Fire and Ice hotel in Melrose Arch. I am sure you’ve all heard of www.zando.co.za, one of the first local online shopping destinations, launched in 2012. It boasts an easy to navigate site, filled with wide-ranging products from both local and international brands, secure shopping, fast shipping and personal service.

As the shopaholic I am, you would imagine that I spend most of my free hours clicking ‘add to cart’. Well, I actually am quite apprehensive when it comes to online shopping. I like to feel the product, judge its fabric, materials, manufacturing and then decide if I want to purchase it. My online buys are usually re-purchases, a product I already know that I’ve managed to find online cheaper or impulse sale buys. That’s why Zando’s #ShowLab was a stroke of sheer genius.

On arrival, we were given a R300 voucher to use on the site before we left. I quickly fell in love with a clutch-bag (it had a CROWN on it!) and clicked ‘Checkout’. We were then taken through the trends for the next few seasons by Zak from Zando. I am particularly keen for the ‘Glam Rocker’ trend, which I have to wait until next Fall/Winter for. We were shown what Zando buyers have acquired in all their various departments to keep us trendy. Grunge, 90s and Sports Luxe seem to be transcending through the seasons so stock up!

We were then taken up to The Apartments which were basically a few hotel rooms which the Zando team had set up with items available on their site according to themes. This was perfect for me and I spent a while going through all the items. 

It was a lovely afternoon and I left with a trunk full of goodies. It was great meeting the team behind Zando(Especially Zak who I have been wanting to meet for ages!). They truly put a load of effort in making sure we stay trendy.

Thanks to Gennaro and the Zando team for having me!

Until next time

Love and sparkles

Zaakira xox

P.S The bag I ordered on Friday arrived yesterday afternoon. Impeccable service

P.P.S Zando is launching their own blog called #FindYourStyle !!! Stay tuned!

NEW IN | Victoria’s Secret Beauty

When I was in the UAE, one of the stores I really wanted to visit was Victoria’s Secret. I’m always hearing amazing stuff about them and online their products look irresistible.

 

 Despite the exorbitant prices, I was truly not disappointed and amongst what I got from there was a few beauty products. Brace yourselves for a VERY pink post ;)

From the Supermodel Approved range (I think that’s what it’s called) I got; the primer and setting spray, double-ended face brush and hand cream. The brush has a fluffy end and an angled end and is superb! I want to kick myself for not getting the double-ended eyeshadow brush but the store was really busy and it was a bit of a pain to shop. I haven’t tried the primer/setting spray yet but the hand cream smells divine and is perfect for the dry Johannesburg winter.

I had wanted the bronzing shimmer powder and it worked out cheaper to get the whole Glow Anywhere kit. It comes with a shimmer-nude lipgloss, the bronzing powder and a self-tan. I’ve heard great stuff about their self-tan and I’m keen to try it out once my natural Arabian sun tan fades.

It took me ages to decide which perfume I wanted and I narrowed it down to Bombshell and Gorgeous. Eventually I settled for Gorgeous mainly because I LOVE sweet perfumes and fell in love with the adorable bottle. It has notes of Italian mandarin, strawberry, jasmine, sandalwood and musk. I also invested in a makeup mirror for my handbag because I really could not resist the hot-pink.

 Here are some snapshots of the Victoria’s Secret at the Mall of the Emirates in Dubai.

Until next time

Love and (pink) sparkles

Zaakira xoxo