2017…

I shot these quick images sometime last year (before I cut my hair obvs.) and I completely forgot to use them except for the 2 I posted on Instagram. I’m wearing a skirt from local brand Dear Makena Apparel which is run by the lovely Karen and houses the quaintest selection of handmade cotton skirts. Find them on Instagram here.

2016 had been a real challenge of a year. Not only was it one giant dumpster fire for the entire planet, but I also experienced some real challenges in my personal life. I generally don't really do resolutions because I believe I am always a work in progress and there is always room to learn and evolve at any point in time in the year. However, with everything that I went through; I don't think I've been taught as much as I have last year than in any other year. I thought it would be a nice way to begin my blogging year by sharing some of what I am taking with me into 2017 and beyond.

Don't be a hypocrite. This one is so important. If you don't like things being done to you (e.g. lying) then why would you do them to anyone else?

Self-care and self-love are tremendously important. No one is going to care for you as much as you should care for yourself. It's okay to be selfish sometimes and take care of your own needs. Try not to hurt anyone in the process but also don't over think especially if you are uncomfortable or hurting. Be unapologetic in your need to maintain your own sanity and contentment.

Don't let anyone make you feel like you are worthy of anything less than respect and don't let anyone make you feel inferior. We are all trying.

It is okay to ask for help but it's not okay to hold that help over someone if it is given. Remember that even the left hand should not know what the right hand gives.

Advise the ones you love but try to support them too if they don’t take your advice. You were obviously asked to weigh in because your opinion matters and that should be enough. They do know what they're doing most of the time and you will be so surprised at what they can achieve.

Leave old prejudices and thought processes behind. Be open to new things as long as they don't compromise your beliefs.

Spirituality is so significant. I know that some of you reading this perhaps do not follow any religion or maybe don’t believe in God but I just want to share what I personally experienced here. Waking up before dawn to pray has literally changed my life in ways I cannot even explain. Reflecting and unloading on the prayer mat has gotten me through the bad times and even helped to guide me through the good ones.

Do not allow people to get away with treating you badly because of their position in your life or relation to you. Relation is no excuse for garbage behaviour toward someone!

Respect people and their choices and their ability to make these choices. So simple but so important.

Don’t be afraid to love the things you love. It’s so difficult in the age of social media but try not to live for others. You only have to fit in with yourself.

Respect the things that people love and their beliefs too. For example, a celebrity death may mean nothing to you but it can mean something to someone and you will never know why. Your views and opinions aren't the only ones out there.

When people insult and disrespect you it says more about them than it does about you.

And finally, it begins with YOU! Don't become complacent because something does not affect you directly. (E.g. Donald Trump, I've seen so many just brush it off because they won't be the ones suffering through his ridiculous and dangerous ideas). Fact check that thing that you post first. Evaluate your ethics. Familiarize yourself with your preferences (we all have them) and asses them. THINK about racism, THINK about rape culture. Do not just brush it off or share that meme because likes. There is so much more I can say here but I’ll stop and just say once again, IT BEGINS WITH YOU!

I really hope that you all have a fantastic year. I want you to be happy, healthy and to never ever feel like you are alone.

I’d love to hear what you’ve learnt and what you will be taking with you into 2017. Pop a comment below or tweet me @LadyZaa

Until next time

Love and sparkles

Zaakira xox

{OUTFIT} | Oui C’Est Moi + Frayed Denim DIY

Hi dolls! Frayed bottom denims have been very much on trend lately. I’ve seen them in countless different shades and shapes in street style at the various fashion weeks and I think they’re just so chic.

Fortunately this is a trend that won’t scare your bank account. You can revive an old pair of jeans with a simple DIY that I am sharing today.

What You Need

- A really sharp pair of scissors. Fabric scissors are ideal but you can use any pair you are comfortable with as long as they’re extra sharp.

- Ruler

- Chalk

- Clean Tweezers

- An old pair of denims, still in wearable condition. Any pair will do here, but for the specific look in this outfit you will want to go with a skinny fit or slim fit.

Step 1

Make sure the denims are clean and ironed. Put them on and decide where you’d like them to sit once they’re cut. Be 100% sure because you are going to cut the jeans. Make a small mark with the chalk.

Step 2

Remove the jeans, measure (for accuracy) and mark off where you’d like the new length with the chalk. Make sure that it’s fairly even on both sides of the leg.

Step 3

Cut straight across the line you just drew. Try to cut in one motion so that the cut is straight and even. It doesn’t have to be perfect but you also don’t want it to be completely uneven or unmatched. Repeat this on the other leg.

Step 4

You will see lots of loose threads at the point where you cut the denims. Using the tweezers, pull at the threads horizontally. Do this until you’re happy with the level of fraying. It does help to see the frays better if you fold up the bottom of the denim.

Step 5

Remove all the stray threads and dust off the denims. Try the jeans on again to make sure you’ve got the look you’ve desired.

Step 6

Wear your new frayed denims and join the chic club ;)

About the Outfit:

Denims – Koton (Customised as above) | Shirt – ZARA | Shoes – ZARA | Sunglasses – Guess

I bought these denims at Koton when I was in Istanbul last year and even though they are incredibly comfortable I hadn’t worn them that often. It is a very classic blue skinny cut and I thought that they could do with a little trendy update. Now I can’t stop wearing them!

In this look I wore my newly customised denims with this chic high-low cotton shirt from Zara. I love the shape and the cute embroidery! I complimented the shirt with these exquisite red heels and a swipe of red lipstick. Naturally, a pair of sunnies finished the look!

Have you done any DIY and customising with your denims? Let me know in the comments or tweet me @LadyZaa

Until next time

"We must never confuse elegance with snobbery." —Yves Saint Laurent

Love and sparkles

Zaakira xox

{OOTD} | POW!

On Saturday, after my brothers and the husband got home from rAge, we were having a chat about the revolting culture of misogyny in gaming. This went on to the general culture of misogyny. They were all pretty appalled and disgusted at how a presidential candidate could brag about sexual assault. They were very much insulted by the fact that he chalked it up to “locker room talk” because that is not a normal way for men or boys to talk. What is even worse is that the only defence in last night’s debate was basically just like, “Well, at least I’m not as bad as ISIS.”  (!!!!!!!!!!)

The fact that I feel  ”happy” and “lucky” to be married to someone who is so vocal about the rights of women says a lot about the choices we have. The fact that a 12 and 13 year old think that they have a thing or 2 to teach grown men about how to respect and treat women should tell you everything you need to know about the world we live in.

It has never really been “easy” or “comfortable” to be a girl or woman on this planet. Despite this, women and girls have gone through life displaying great amounts of bad-assery and awesomeness in absolutely everything they do! Pow! You go girl!

About the Outfit:

Tulle Skirt – ZARA | T-Shirt – ZARA | Boots – ZARA | Sunglasses – Thrift Store | Choker – Custom | Ring – Pandora

I absolutely love tulle skirts; they are just so extra and filled with drama! ;) Needless to say, I couldn’t resist getting my hands on this one from ZARA. It’s a little more casual than a full-on tulle tutu but the glitter gives it a nice finish. Be warned though, this skirt sheds and the glitter goes EVERYWHERE. I’ve been sweeping up glitter since I got it!

In this look I wore it with a sequinned t-shirt and boots for a cute but edgier look. Of course, the theme is monochrome! I saw a similar choker on Gigi Hadid (let's also not forget about how yet another man who thought he could grab a woman without her consent. You go Gigi!) during Fashion Week and I really wanted to replicate it so I tied some net fabric around my neck. If you'd like some ready-made options, you can find some really exquisite chokers on www.shopbrettrobson.com 

I finished the look with a swipe of MAC’s Viva Glam Ariana II which is a lovely, vibrant matte mauve colour. You can still pick one up at MAC and remember that EVERY CENT of the selling price is donated to the MAC AIDS Fund which assists children and adults living with HIV and AIDS.

Until next time

“There are still many causes worth sacrificing for, so much history yet to be made.” – Michelle Obama

Love and sparkles

Zaakira xox

{OOTD} | 1980

Jeans – Jet | Bodysuit – ZARA | Jacket – MrP | Choker – Shop Brett Robson | Necklace – Forever 21 | Tote Bag – Pigments SA | Boots – ZARA | Sunglasses – Thrift Store

Lipstick – Urban Decay Vice Lipstick in Heartless

Hi dolls! Today I’m sharing yet another black and white outfit with you. I LOVE monochrome and I wear it so much that the husband has starting calling me MSDOS. (Developer joke?)

We snapped this look really quickly before a launch I was attending. It was that time of the day when the sun was just disappearing between the buildings, hence that hazy look.

I was still recovering from a bad bout of the flu and I don’t even know how I managed to put a whole outfit together that didn’t involve a fluffy dressing gown and panda pyjama pants. Even more surprising was that I didn’t smell of Vicks for the first time in a week!

I’m really excited at how my style is changing and evolving into something less gimmicky and more classic and wearable. I still love those quirky and edgy elements though!

Until next time

Be kind!

“History is a relentless master. It has no present, only the past rushing into the future. To try to hold fast is to be swept aside.”  - John F. Kennedy

Love and sparkles

Zaakira xox                                                            

{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

{TRAVEL} | Be Comfy and Stress-Free at the Airport

Hi lovelies! As you know I recently travelled to the UK for a vacation. Travel is extremely rewarding but it can also be quite a stressful undertaking. Today I’m teaming up with Lipault to share some of the tips and tricks I picked up that made my experience in the airports a little more comfortable.

My trip involved 2 flights each on departure and return and a stop-over in Dubai. The stop-overs were short at 2 hours and 5 hours each and with each flight being 7-8 hours it can end up being taxing and tiring if you don’t plan well. Here is what made my life a little easier.

Invest In Good Luggage

Good-quality, durable luggage might be a bit of an investment but it will last you a lifetime. When choosing luggage, make sure that it is lightweight, made from sturdy material and has a decent set of zips and finishes. I personally use Samsonite luggage because the bags are of stellar quality and are really lightweight and spacious. I’d also advise you to get a colour other than black or to add some colourful ribbons or a slip cover on your luggage so that you can identify it easily.

Make sure your carry-on bag fits the requirement for the airline you are flying. The Lipault Plume Spinner is created to fit the dimension requirements for most airlines. It is also made from water-resistant, durable nylon fabric and is finished off with robust but extremely lightweight hardware. It weighs ±7.7 pounds without anything inside and the spinner wheels make moving around really easy. The bag comes in loads of delightful colours too, from black and brown to sultry red and calming blue to pretty pink like mine.

Pack Smart

When preparing your carry-on I suggest packing 2 sets of extra clothes and 3 sets of extra underwear. Nobody wants to think about their luggage getting lost and even though it only happens a small percentage of the time, you don’t want to be stuck without clothes. I pack in items like leggings, t-shirts and clothing that I can fold and fit into a big Ziplock bag. That way I can pack one outfit + underwear together. The Ziplock bags compact the clothing and allow you to pack the clothes in neatly, allowing enough room for some duty free shopping. ;)

Also buy items like extra hair-ties, bobby pins, gum, wet wipes and band aids and pack them in your carry-on. Small things like these can get very expensive and eat into your budget.

Pack your carry-on liquids (below 100mL) and your medication in a clear Ziplock bag and remember to include your liquid/gel liner, mascara and lip glosses because some airports will make you remove them from your makeup bag. Have this Ziplock bag and your electronics (Laptop/iPad/Hair iron etc.) in an easily accessible compartment or in your handbag so that you’re not fumbling around at Security. Take an extra little Ziplock bag and remove your glasses, belt, jewellery etc. and put them in there and in your handbag before queuing up for Security. This keeps them together so you can put them on again after clearing Security.

Familiarise Yourself with the Airport

Check out the website beforehand and locate your terminal and check-in counter if possible. Get acquainted with the restaurants and stores that you can find in the airport especially if you only have a few hours (in transit) and want to do some shopping. Apps like Zomato (available in some countries) list all the restaurants available in and around airports and in the different terminals.

Get There Early

Even if you have checked in online, try to get to the airport right when the check-in for your flight opens. Queues can get pretty long and Security and Passport Control, depending on the business of the airport and time of the day/year, can also take up lots of time. You don’t want to rush through your duty-free shopping do you?

Budget

Apart from duty-free, budget an amount for snacks, food, magazines etc. and stick to it. Even if it means withdrawing that amount in cash. Everything looks so tempting when you are travelling especially if its restaurants and snacks that aren’t available in your country and food can end up getting really expensive. Zomato allows you to look at menus beforehand so you can get an idea of prices at various restaurants to help you budget.

Be Comfortable

This means what is comfortable for YOU. Don’t let anyone or a website tell you what to wear because only you know what works for you. I’ve seen girls breeze through airports in heels! Personally I prefer a pair of sneakers and a pair of slip-ons from Flossy packed into my Lipault carry-on. For clothing I like leggings or joggers.

Make sure your carry-on and handbag are easy to carry and move around. I love my Lipault Lady Plume Tote Bag because it’s lightweight, durable and easy to carry. The nylon fabric means that if I spill that cup of coffee I can wipe it up without any permanent damage.

Layer up! Temperatures can change all the time. The airplane can get really warm or really cold and airports are usually air conditioned.  Instead of one heavy, gigantic coat wear a few lightweight items. I usually wear a tank, a long-sleeved tee, a light bomber jacket and a pashmina. Don’t forget to leave some space in your carry-on for your layers!

Be Calm and Polite

Flights get delayed or you might have to get searched at Security; things like this happen and there’s no use getting worked up. Everyone in the airport is literally just doing their job and trying to make the experience as efficient and comfortable as possible for everyone. 

Don’t forget your Pleases and Thank Yous! Being polite costs nothing and means everything! Smiles are free too and can make someone’s day.

What makes your airport experience easier? Let me know by commenting below!

Until next time

Love and sparkles

Zaakira xox