Taxi

I'm starting to feel a little burnt out! This year has been quite a strenuous year for me, however very productive, so I can't complain. With the year nearing it's end, I still have a few goals I wish to achieve even though all I want is a long vacay to a tropical island. Ive been watching some of my snapper friends on holiday and I am feeling major envy!

This shoot was quite fun for both Pagiel and I. It was very impromptu as I didn't really have an idea in mind. Even with the look, I just pulled whatever matched and used it. We started off at Point Road, outside The Chairman. The derelict building served as the perfect backdrop for this look as I wanted the juxtaposition of elegant and casual, which is also evident in the look itself. 

After a few shots, as we were heading back to the car - Pagiel suggested I do a hitchhike pose which then lead to his "lets shoot with the taxis" suggestion. I was keen as I have never been in a taxi before (I strongly suggest everyone try it at least once since it is such a big part of our South African culture). So there we were, speaking to the resting taxi driver, with his feet on the dashboard, he agreed to let us take a few snaps after a tiny bit of persuasion. Oddly enough, the taxi driver was quite excited about this shoot. He even helped me out with a few poses and showed me the different signals for each location, not that I remember, but it was amusing nonetheless. I suppose it was worth compromising his afternoon snooze!

Pants - Splash Dubai // Denim Shirt - Forever 21 // Cutout Heels - Schutz // Rose Gold Bangle - Swarovski // Lips - 'Rebel' by Mac

Photography: Pagiel Chetty - www.pagielchetty.co.za

Instagram: @pagielchetty

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

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  

Girls Night Out

Hello ;)

It's been a while since I did a look post, mainly because I haven't been out or gotten dressed up in a while. This past weekend my girlfriends and I met for a late coffee to catch up on the week's events. With the end of year nearing and everyone rushing to complete all that they had set out to, it sometimes becomes difficult to keep track of what's going on in each others' lives. I sometimes get so consumed with work, I forget to come up for air. Our weekly coffee dates are perfect for catching up on the latest in each others' lives and just letting our hair down! 

For my look, I just threw on a bunch of clothes and left the house. I find it easier to put an outfit together when I'm in a hurry as I don't have time to over think things however I have been told my clothes don't match a couple times. But that's life hey, you win some, you lose some!

What do you think of my look? Did I win or lose this time?

Top: Zara

Jeans: Forever 21

Shoes: Zara

Bag: Zara

Necklace: Mr Price

Bracelet: Available from me 

Volo Pop - Up Boutique

Last week I attended the launch for the hottest new pop-up boutique to hit our shores, Volo, which means to desire in Latin, is the brainchild of the fashion - forward duo Nabila Rajab and Aadilah Kathrada, whom I happen to know personally (can I just say that there couldn't be a better team behind the brand). The brand hopes to provide fashionistas with the latest looks from the trendiest fashion houses starting with an exclusive range from River Island. Us gals were treated to the latest in fashion trends at the Hotel On The Park. I had such fun tasting all the delectable treats whilst looking for the perfect something to purchase.

The range was perfect for all types of girls, whether you're looking for a little black dress or a chic leather jacket to cover up this winter, they had it all. I picked up a fabulous white on white beaded jacket which I loved so much, I wore it out the store. I'm quite chuffed about this new boutique as they bring individual pieces so I never have to worry about clashing. 

If you missed the launch of the boutique, don't despair, there will another new exquisite range gracing our shores soon. Follow @voloboutique on Instagram for more updates. 

White Top: Mr price

Denims: Forever 21

Shoes: Zara

Hat: Mr Price

Bag: H&M

Beaded Jacket: River Island

Break The Rules

Who said you can't wear white to a wedding... or a suit? 

I remember when I was a little younger, the thought of wearing white to a wedding was a big no no! Anyone who dare wear white was scandalized for weeks on end. Alas! fashion has evolved and it is now perfectly acceptable to wear white to a wedding. Just don't show up in frock that looks like the wedding gown.

I attended a wedding in Mpumalanga last weekend, the night before I left for my trip I realised that I didn't have anything to wear ( I'm always under the impression that I can just 'wing' it, sometimes it's a winner and sometimes things go horribly wrong but hey that's life). So the night before I searched my cupboard for hidden gems I might have forgotten and came up with this ensemble. I love how some times I pull out the first thing my eyes see and it turns out to be a winner!

My inspiration was Victoria Beckham (all the time), Emma Watson in Saint Laurent for an appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman and lastly, Kendall Jenner in that sky blue suit! I literally died cos I actually couldn't deal! lol

Pantsuit: Forever 21

Bejewelled Top: Payal Singhal

Gold Pointies: Zara

Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

Weekend Getaway

Black and Gold Slippers - Charles and Keith/ Brown Boots - TopShop

This past weekend my sister and I went for a mini-vacation to Johannesburg, now and again we need a small break from the daily pressures of work and life. The trip started off on a not-so-good foot as our flight was delayed by an hour, we boarded only at 11 pm and by the time we reached out hotel we were exhausted, so much for a relaxed start! For my wardrobe, I packed warm. Every time I visit Jo'burg it's cold and miserable and this time was no different! Jo'burg to me is the New York of South Africa. Everything is much more serious and corporate and the same goes for the fashion. High-tops and hoodies aren't ideal choices when covering up, instead, fur coats and knee-length boots are a preferred option. Everyone's always dressed to the nines so I carried slim-fit jackets, my trusted Zara pointies, and my new favourite - my Topshop boots ( I had to bring a little piece of Durban with). Another trend I tried was the pyjama trend however I wasn't entirely happy with the way I styled it. I would have preferred to wear the shirt without a jacket and with barely-there heels instead of boots but there's always next time. I didn't get many snaps of what I wore and had to resort to selfies but here are the few I did manage to take.

Navy Top - River Island/Jacket - Zara

Top - Miss Selfridge/Jacket - Zara/Jeans - Guess/Pumps - Zara/Bag - Furla

T-Shirt - Aeropostale/ Denims - Forever 21/ Blazer - Zara/ Shoes - Steve Madden

#FBMChallenge

Another Birthday, this time it was a braai so I didn't dress up too much...

Top: River Island/ Jeans: Forever 21/Shoes: Zara/ Chain: Forever New/ Bangles: Forever 21

This was a workday look, I didn't have time to do my hair (cover my eyes) and it was SO hot I couldn't manage.

T-shirt: Mango/ Skirt: Unknown/ Bag: Charles and Keith/ Sandals: Accessorize

Don't Hate

T-Shirt: Forever 21

Jeans: Forever 21

Shoes: Topshop

Chain: Mira Mew

Lipstick: MAC Russian Red