50 Shades of Tan

Fasting has commenced and I am all sorts of lazy - which is driving me crazy! I was under the impression that hunger allows for greater productivity and better decisions. Clearly I missed that boat...

I was going for smart/casual with a bit of warmth for this look. It is finally cold in Durban - something I'm rather pleased about. I'm all for layers but with our humidity, that's not always possible. The not-so-warm coat was a purchase made under the influence of Neil. It was my first day working with him. I remember being so nervous I couldn't tell a concealer brush from a lip brush! Neil was so patient with me that day - all I did was pass him a few products (after getting it wrong the first time) and watch him work his magic! After work he took me shopping to try to get me to loosen up a little and complimented me on my great effort  - I'm pretty sure that wasn't the case but he did a great job of assuring me! We walked into Cotton On and both of us gravitated towards this item - I think I even got him to try it on! So there we were, having a mini fashion show in the store, accessorising it with whatever caught our eyes. Needless to say, I purchased it. However he, sadly, did not. 

I wanted to photograph this coat, so it is the hero piece in this look, everything else was paired to complement the coat. The top is so old I was about to give it away. It was one of those tops you just keep in your cupboard but never wear it. My sister and I go to Johannesburg every winter for the sales - she finds the bargains and I buy the same thing as soon as she shows me her finds. This particular 'luck' as she calls it is from Hilton Weiner. The shoes (from Castello) are also from one of my winter shopping trips - the first time I walked around in them I nearly broke an ankle, then I thought to myself " this is exactly the kind of shoe I need in my life", so I got them however, I wear them when I know I'll be seated for the duration of my outing.

I didn't accessorise this look with jewellery because I forgot to carry it with me but if I remembered, I would have worn a watch and diamond studs. I like to let the clothes speak for themselves sometimes...

Coat - Cotton On | Beaded Vest - Hilton Weiner | Hat - Gifted To Me | Denims - Zara | Belt - Diesel Shoes - Castello | Bag - Gucci | Lips - Russian Red from Mac

Hair - Sawleha Hansa 0825088414 

Photography - Hanna Mahomed

Hats Off

Hello :) Apologies for my absence, I have been so busy with work and not a moment to spare to put together a post for you. I'm sure most of you have seen my Instagram account- lately I have been doing a lot of work with my good friend, makeup artist Neil Ramautar of Drama Queen Studios. Makeup has always been an interest of mine and I've wanted to study it for quite some time but I never got around to doing it. So when the opportunity to shadow my friend Neil presented itself I leaped for it. This provided me with the chance to learn the tricks of the trade as well as gain first-hand experience. If I'm going to learn about makeup I might as well learn from the best, right? 

The past couple weeks have been hectic to say the least but I'm really enjoying not having a lot of time at my disposal. I feel I perform better under pressure. Furthermore, my social life has taken a nose dive but I actually enjoy spending my Saturday nights on the couch (mo' money = no life). I know I will need a holiday soon enough but for now I'm enjoying juggling work and life. 

What I'm Wearing:

I wore this to a photoshoot I styled recently, which was at the Waterfront Hotel at the point. I needed something I could be comfortable in and for me, comfort means a good pair of denim jeans. Comfort is of utmost importance especially at a photoshoot as I am always kneeling to fix a hemline or straighten out a crease so I have to be able to move in my clothes. However, comfort aside, as a stylist I obviously have to look the part as I am a representation of my work. I have to find a balance between comfort and trendy hence the denims and loose top with the fedora hat to add a bit of 'trendiness' to the look.

Hat: Gifted to me

Tank Top: Topshop

Floral waterfall Jacket: New Look

Denims: Forever 21

Jewelled Slippers: Steve Madden
Choker: River Island
Lipstick: Russian Red by Mac

Birthday Month

It's the First of February, my birthday month! Birthdays have always been a big deal for me more-so because my birthday falls on the most romantic day of the year - Valentines Day, which has its pros and cons however I prefer to look at the pros. I'm a firm believer of "love thyself" because if you can't be happy with yourself and spoil yourself once in a while, no one will. Every year I plan a little something for myself so this year my friends and I have planned a relaxing week away including luxurious spa days, dazzling sunrises, breathtaking sunsets and lots of cake! There's nothing better than spending your special day with those dear to you. I always say 'it's not what you do, it's who you do it with'.

What I Wore:

I wore this to a casual lunch out with friends. It was a gorgeous sunny day so I chose a cerise top which I purchased from Forever New and paired it with these ripped Zara Jeans. I can't understand why they made the tears below the knee, and the wash is darker from the calves down. I took the price tag off before I noticed it so I'm wearing it, but it just doesn't look as cool! The army studded pumps are from Stradivarius and the neck piece is from Mr Price. I've recently gotten over wearing lots of jewellery so I'm usually wearing the same stuff or no jewellery at all. It's all part of this minimalistic state of mind that I seem to have contracted. 

Do you also feel like jewellery sometimes complicates an outfit? tweet me @zaida_omar or leave a comment below.
 

LOVE PINK

I don't know what to say... Nothing interesting has happened recently except work, work, work. I'm unusually uninspired. For my look this week I chose comfort and well, modesty. When I go shopping I always keep an eye out for good 'Friday Tops'. I'm sure a lot of you know what I'm referring to but for those who don't, 'Friday Tops' are the long, loose-fitting, usually below the elbow tops that we wear to our Friday lunches with the family because the elders are always complaining that we don't dress decent enough therefore we wear these to avoid any such remarks (and to knock back a couple plates of Gran's cooking whilst cleverly disguising the bulge). So thats how the 'Friday Tops' came into existence. I paired my 'Friday Top' with a jeans and some high-tops cos it just seemed like the right thing to do.

P.S Please like my Facebook page Fashioned By Me, I'd really appreciate it. Thank youuu 

Have a Great Weekend

xxx

Zaida

Top: Zara

Denims: Guess

High-Tops: Adidas

Lip: Estee Lauder - Raspberry

Necklace: Foschini