STYLE TRAVELS

TWENTY FOUR HOURS AT BABYLONSTOREN

What has only been a week since our overnight stay at one of our country’s most renowned farms, now feels like a distant memory; a memory that I’ve clung to since we arrived back to our flat some 60+km away from Babylonstoren’s charming yet vast expanse. My husband and I were gifted an overnight stay to commemorate what some have termed a “babymoon” (our last little holiday as just the two of us before our little one arrives). It should be noted, my being 37 weeks pregnant during our stay did not (and, quite frankly, could not) stop me from enjoying most of the farm’s delights. We swam, ate too many of the seasonal fresh fruits, walked for several kilometres to escape to a green house unlike any we’ve experienced before, laughing under slight deliriousness from the harsh summer sun; all the while truly indulging in the serenity and natural wonders that only farm life can offer.

… TWENTY FOUR HOURS AT BABYLONSTOREN
STYLE

THE WARDROBE CLEAROUT

If spring wasn’t thee beckoning call for a wardrobe clear-out, then the expectant arrival of our little boy in a few months most definitely is. I’ve said many times before, a Spartan approach to getting rid of clutter and excess is, personally, the best way for me to keep only the items I will wear often and those which will last for seasons to come. Since I currently have limited options on what I can wear, what with my growing belly and changing body, I knew I’d be less sentimental about my clothes and able to adopt that Spartan approach once again. I wanted to phase out this unique period in my life cycle by starting fresh with a “new” wardrobe to step in to. It’s funny how excited I now am about the pieces in my wardrobe, even though they’re all pieces I’ve had for months, and even years. The culling process almost always calls for notes to be made along the way, and since I get so many questions about curating my wardrobe, it seemed fitting to share some of what’s made the cut and staying in my collection. Herewith, an aftermath of the wardrobe clear-out.

… THE WARDROBE CLEAROUT
STYLE

JUMPSUITS SS19 | MANGO

W ith Superbalist’s curated lineup, one-pieces have never been so accessible. Playsuits and jumpsuits can exude an effortless sartorial refinement, unmatched when styled with consideration. Superbalist’s selection seasaws between relaxed styles akin to French it-girl Jane Birkin’s unassuming denim overalls and woven basket bag, contrasted by more polished workwear-inspired jumpsuits.

“Playsuits and jumpsuits can exude an effortless sartorial refinement, unmatched when styled with consideration.”


Superbalist’s Jumpsuits for Women

… JUMPSUITS SS19 | MANGO

BEAUTY

ROUGE

M uch like the scent of freshly baked bread brings back memories of childhood outings with my dad, the scent of Narciso Rodriguez “for her” – as the line of fragrances is commonly referred to – takes me back to earlier years when I’d borrow some of my mother’s fragrances.

Her collection included all of the for her fragrances to date, but there was one bottle in particular that stood out to me – it was  … ROUGE

STYLE

INTRODUCING MANGO | AW18

This editorial is in collaboration with womenswear brand, Mango.

A recent reintroduction to Mango had me head over heels in a matter of minutes. Scrolling the online store, then later actually physically visiting a store, the brand’s impeccable attention to detail and craftsmanship in womenswear was instantly evident.

The first look I debuted in collaboration with Mango features … INTRODUCING MANGO | AW18

STYLE

H&M | FORETHOUGHT FOR INNOVATIVE FASHION

I n under a decade, H&M have successfully produced 7 conscious collections, which, for the uninitiated, is an exclusive selection of garments and accessories, sourced and produced from sustainable materials. The gist of these capsule collections is to combine the latest in sustainable fabric innovation with designs inspired by an ever-changing landscape of creative and artistic directions.

Over the last 2 decades, the need for sustainable fashion has increased substantially; according to an article cited on Forbes.com, 2.8 million tons of clothing are sent to landfills in the US every year, and still, that only takes in to account the output of one country. Globally, the effects of fast fashion are steadily increasing and the pressure this puts on the environment is catastrophic. Indeed, on its own, one collection cannot attempt to combat unsustainable fashion production, however, it creates a global awareness on both the issue, while promoting a culture of people and business who are more inclined to viable responsible fashion consumption.

Simply put: the H&M Conscious Collection initiative promotes an ethical code of design we should all be working toward.

… H&M | FORETHOUGHT FOR INNOVATIVE FASHION

STYLE

AUTUMN FAVORITES

A s an introduction to a new series which I hope at least one person might find insightful, it’s crucial that I preface it with a sentence or two about consumption and it’s controversial role in fashion.  This series comes about from a need to feel constantly inspired and visually stimulated, however, it’s important to consume things that outlive one use, and where possible, for us to consume things without leaving any significant carbon footprint. The favorites listed below bears this in mind, and at every corner, acquired as collectible to be kept for years to come. … AUTUMN FAVORITES

STYLE

SHADES OF CHANGE

A year ago, the thought of wearing color, particularly in such a head-to-toe statement way, would have seemed so very unnatural for me. Comfortably nestled in a wardrobe of perpetual grey, white and black, I never felt a pull to color – not even navy or beige, the most muted of the lot. With 2017 in its final quarter, and me somewhere between wanting to emulate the colorful looks that had surged throughout last year, and not alienating the online community I’d started to form, I began to re-imagine what minimalism could mean outside of a color palette; I began questioning how minimalism could outlive the longevity of an Instagram aesthetic.

And while I’ve never been one to prescribe fashion fixes,

I think with 7 years of fashion retail experience, I’m inclined to recognize the importance of reflecting who we are at any given stage or phase of our lives, through our personal style.

The journey of manifesting change in something as seemingly insignificant as my wardrobe, even on a small-scale, has been rewarding; I’ve overcome  insecurities of being noticed by others for my personal style (because color gets you noticed, I’ve learned). I came to the realization that if I was true to my message of anti-excess, continuing my attempts to living intentionally and making informed purchases, I was still living off less, and doing more with it than most. … SHADES OF CHANGE

MINIMALIST STYLE STYLE

AW18 CAPSULE

T exture, layering and proportions are my absolute favorite aspects when it comes to assembling my winter wardrobe. The basics, like neutral turtlenecks and knitted sweaters, structured button downs, an oversize chunky scarf, and at least 2 variations of black trousers, all make up the fundamental building blocks each year, with one or two newer pieces incorporated, whilst old lesser-worn pieces get donated.

In terms of function and practicality, this boils down to … AW18 CAPSULE