Onyx By Aneesa Solomon Summer 2016

Hi everyone. Last year I flew to Cape Town for the Summer 2016 Range for Onyx by Aneesa Solomon. I documented it on my Snapchat as well as wrote a post about the Brand. If you missed the post, you can view it here

I'm excited to announce that the collection is finally available! Please visit the website (www.aneesasolomon.com) or the Facebook Page (Onyx) to view the entire collection as well as purchase. Also, for all the European and Middle Eastern followers, the garments are exclusively available to you via www.haute-elan.com

Onyx By Aneesa Solomon X Cape Town

Last week I spent a few days in the city my heart truly belongs to - Cape Town. As you all know, I have been associated with the Onyx brand for the past two seasons. Naturally, I was on board when Aneesa briefed me on the itinerary for the this season's shoot. I feel it is important to bring fresh ideas and influences to a brand whilst maintaining the brand's identity. Aneesa's aesthetic is simple but timeless and this translates clearly in her work. Onyx isn't a trend oriented-brand, in my opinion, but rather the brand you would go to for a timeless piece that is going to stay in your closet for seasons to come and still be relevant. Maybe this is why I resonate with the brand. I find myself gravitating more towards classic, versatile pieces than trendy items. Onyx is, for lack of a better word, Old Money! 

We started off the morning getting to know each other. I'm sure the rest of the team where well acquainted as they're all from the beautiful Cape. Nabilah Kariem the other model who is infact a modest - wear blogger was such a delight to work with. I had been following her for a while so I was glad to have met her. Razana Omar, the talented makeup artist who worked magic on my face. If you don't believe me, the pictures speak for themselves. Nuraan - the beautiful lady responsible for my curly tresses and Shezan and her sidekick Ederees who made me feel so comfortable in front of the camera.

As per usual the food spread was nothing short of amazing! Special mention must be made of the most delectable doughnuts from Save Supermarket. Aneesa transported them all the way from Pietermaritzburg but it was well worth the effort! I'm craving one now while writing about it. I'm sure there are many flavours - we had the chance to taste the nutella-filled doughnut enrobed in a rich and creamy chocolate with a generous sprinkle of crushed oreo biscuit and a drizzle of white chocolate to top it off. How moreish does that sound? If you get the chance to pop into the bakery in one of their many stores... Definitely try it out and let me know what you think!

The new collection will be available for purchase from early next year. Please visit the website www.aneesasolomon.com for more details or to place an online order. Alternatively visit the Onyx page on Facebook.

My Year of Firsts

Hi lovely readers. How was your vacation? My vacation was one of my favourite, most fun holidays yet. I didn't go overseas this year but just for a mini break to Cape Town. What made my holiday so great was my company, I couldn't have asked for better company to spend the break with.

For my first post of the year, I've decided to write about 'firsts'. Maybe that's why this post took so long, I've already started with my resolution. I didn't want to be like everyone else who wrote about resolutions and starting afresh this year blah blah... so I've decided to make only one resolution this year, to experience as many new things as possible. It doesn't have to be anything outrageous either, as long as it makes my heart skip a beat!

I have given this some thought, I really want to live this year, move away from the monotony of life. To start my year of firsts I've decided to get in touch with nature. A few years back I was the type of girl who preferred the mall to the beach, I actually spent every day in the mall (due to work). Fast forward a few years later and I'd pick the beach over shopping any day. There's a certain joy I feel when running on the promenade or hiking up a mountain that I haven't experienced otherwise. I finally understand what those fitness maniacs are chasing when they're scaling the highest peaks or diving the deepest oceans, however I am yet to experience runners high, but I'm so looking forward to it.

Thus far on my list of 'firsts' is hiking up Lion's Head and doing an incredible jump that could have ended badly but thankfully didn't. I've also indulged in a bit of scuba diving which was exhilarating to say the least. Furthermore, I went hiking and swam in a waterfall. There are a few more 'firsts' that I wish to experience before the first quarter of the year is up but I will tell you about it once I have ticked it off my list.

Have you set any goals for the year, and have you started them yet? tweet me (@zaida_omar) or write on my Facebook page (Fashioned by me) and let me know.

Here's to a thrilling year of 'firsts' ahead!

T-shirt: Forever 21

Denims: Topshop

Espadrilles: Factorie

Jacket: Zara

Handbag: Charles and keith

Sunglasses: Rayban

Necklace: Lovisa

Bracelet: Purchased Overseas

Tights in Jumping Picture: Adidas

Africa Bracelet: Purchased at the Hout Bay Market