New Beginnings

It's been ages! I was in hibernation for the past month mainly due to Ramadan - the fasting month. I paused certain aspects of my daily routine to focus on my spiritual side. It was such a beautiful and spiritually uplifting period for me. I'm hoping to remain steadfast in my attempts. 

It's been so long I feel like I forgot how to write. I've been so lazy recently. I suppose it happens to everyone during Ramadan, however it is time to get back to my routine and start exercising again! I'm going to be following the fitness e-books by Rushda Moosajee of Glow Women's Physique in Cape Town. I've been following Rushda for some time now, especially on the Snap (I love her snaps), and she is a real inspiration! Her exercise routines are simple but effective - perfect for gym novice's or those who aren't confident to workout alone. I'm starting on Monday so catch me on Snapchat @zaida_omar I'll be documenting my fitness journey on the snap (hopefully this will motivate me to stick to a diet and workout plan). You can find more information on www.rushtush.co.za for online e-books or if you're in Cape Town pop on over to her studio and Get Yo' Life!!!!   

What I'm Wearing: For this look I actually recycled some classics. My boots were a birthday gift to myself about two years ago. These Aldo boots are genuine leather which looks better as it wears in.  The black beaded jersey, from H&M is actually an open-front cardigan which I wore back to front - I like personalise my pieces or wear them in unconventional ways. This faux fur gilet, from Legit was purchased for a styling job but I ended up keeping it for myself. 

Hair by Sawleha Hansa | Photography by Hanna Mahomed

Fur Gilet - Legit // Beaded Cardigan - H&M // Belt - Guess // Jeans - Stradivarius // Boots - Aldo

 

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

Thank God It's Almost Friday

Happy June everyone. I can't believe we've already reached mid year! I feel like I still have so much I want to achieve before the year ends, but time is going way too fast. I suppose the best thing to do is not to focus on the future, rather make the most of the present.

 I usually document my monthly facials at Skinsation because my skin is such a problem! I suffer from sensitivity which leads to breakouts and thus, my hibernation. My skin looked amazing about a month ago but I wear so much makeup so often that it really takes its toll! On my first day off I booked myself a facial and boy did my therapist have her work cut out for her! My skin was red and itchy which is partly due to sensitivity as well as the change in weather. Furthermore, it was so congested from all the makeup I wear! This month, due to breakouts and blackheads, Lutfiya did a deep cleanse with clay-based products which draws out impurities from within. Thereafter, she used a menthol mask to purify and decongest my skin. We focused on working to cleanse and soothe my troubled skin as well as extract all impurities. It's been a few days since the facial and I'm happy that my skin still feels great and looks brighter and healthier! 

If you wear a lot of makeup or as often as I do, it is imperative that you remove it properly! Also, facials once a month and regular exfoliation is a must! 

What I'm Wearing:

I wanted to be a bit playful with this look so I paired this dirndl skirt with a bomber jacket and a pair of high tops. The skirt was purchased from a Nigerian shop in the CBD, that I happened to come across. I haven't worn it out yet but I have a few more ways to style it in mind. I just have to find the time to go out. The pink high-tops are from Adidas which I purchased some time back on holiday and the floral bomber jacket is from Stradivarius, which was also purchased on holiday. The gold top is from my sister's closet but actually from Forever New. I'm so grateful for my sisters and their closets. I don't know what I'd do without them! 

Skirt - Nigerian Store | Gold Top - Forever New | Floral Bomber Jacket - Stradivarius | High Tops - Adidas | Hair - Sawleha Hansa | Photography - Hanna Mahomed

Have a blessed weekend 

xxx