Summer Lovin'

Last week I was invited to take part in a summer dress campaign for 36Boutiques by Robyn Cooke. If you do not know who she is, do not pass go, do not collect R200. Seriously, though, get a clue and take a walk over here.

I was asked to choose two dresses which I thought would be ideal for summer. I chose the two dresses below:

This is a 50s style dress from Morphe.

This bird print dress from Jo Borkett.

I was invited down to 36B HQ to take part in the shoot featuring other fabulous bloggers such as the girls from I Heart Your Outfit, Vicki from I Want That, Kamini from What The Strut and Thaya from Beatnik Bazaar.

We got to model both dresses after getting made-up by Nathaline Renaud and photographed by Anton Robert.

And here are the results:

 

 Massive thanks to everyone at 36Boutiques, esp Robyn, and all those involved for making me look so awesome.

The campaign is now live on the site, you can check out me and all the other bloggers.

Ex-Oh! Ex-Oh!

In the Past Two Weeks...

Things have been unusually busy in my life recently. Some of it for fabulous reasons and some for not-so-fabulous reasons. As a result my Twitter and blog have suffered. There have been many blog-worthy moments happening, just no time to actually document them. So to catch everyone up, here is what I’ve been up to:

…I’ve gone to our office year-end parties where I dressed up as an angel, stayed out till 4.30 am, kissed a boy with an accent and still woke up with no hangover.

…I’ve received an awesome hamper courtesy of NoMu. Along with Samma Designs, we entered their Aficionado pin-up competition and managed to win with our Mad Men-esque photoshoot.


…I’ve doubled my cinema visits of the past four months by going to watch The Chronicles of Narnia and Harry Potter.

…I’ve been to two fabulous events. Including the intimate launch of Vintage Lifestyle online magazine at Starlings coffee shop in Rondebosch and the press day at Press Stick’s new Press Room. I got a preview of the autumn collections for Witchery, Sissy Boy and Sunglass Hut. I also got a media pack which included a voucher for a free massage. Much-needed after this crazy time.

…I was one of three fashion bloggers to take part in a O Magazine photo shoot along with Dimi from Style Scoop and Miss Milli. I’ll be featured in the March issue talking all about Cape Town style.

…I’ve managed to put up the Christmas tree in the flat, decorated the fireplace and bookcase with holly and hung our stockings. I even know what I’ll be contributing to my family’s Christmas lunch. But I have yet to buy one present for a friend or family member. In fact, the thought of going to the shops scares me.

…no matter how full the diary is looking or how low the bank balance is dropping, this is definitely my favourite time of year. Things I’m looking forward to are going on leave later this week, hanging out with my gay best friends at Mother City Queer Project, tanning on the beach, singing carols by candlelight and welcoming my best friend to Cape Town.

What have you guys been up to?

Ex-Oh! Ex-Oh!

Monday's Mantra

This week I'm challenging myself not to spend any money.
I believe you're never too old to get dressed up.
I’m addicted to mint chocolate ice-cream, MIA's XXXO and Weeds season 6.
I wish I could rock short shorts.
It's sucky that summer is around the corner and I'm out of shape.
Soundtrack/Mantra for the week Save Tonight

Image from here.

Monday's Mantra

This week is the start of exciting new things.
I believe no decision is the right one.
I’m addicted to English toffee frozen yoghurt, So You Think You Can Dance and nachos.
I wish I could jump ahead one month.
It’s sucky that yesterday’s gorgeous day was not spent at the beach.
Soundtrack/Mantra for the week Cruel Summer

Image from here.

Monday's Mantra

Dreaming of Summer

This week I need to de-clutter my life.
I believe in the healing powers of hot chocolate.
I’m addicted to sleeping; just can’t get enough.
I wish it was summer.
It’s sucky when you have less than R100 in your bank acount.
Soundtrack/Mantra for the Week You gotta have faith faith faith!

Image from here.

For the Love of Shoes

As everyone knows, you cannot be a Skinny Bitch without some fancy footwear. Manolos, Choos and Louboutins will all be part and parcel of the lifestyle once you can say “I’ve made it”.

Unfortunately as we are only Skinny Bitches in the making we’ve had to downgrade our shoe dreams. While we will not compromise on style, we do love shoe brands that agree with our current bank balances.

Right now, the brand that combines both fabulosity and fits into our budgets are Bronx Ladies. A brand which has completely revamped its image from what I remember from my younger days. The new styles could easily be mistaken for the high end stuff yet the prices remind you it’s a real person’s brand.

I recently opened up my inbox to find their latest summer range has landed and it’s definitely something to look forward to.

Below are my personal favourites from the range. If you’re like me and heart the below, then you can head on over to their website or call Jordan Footwear on 021 590 7000 for your nearest stockist.

I’ve got my eye on a pair of the Hero heels. I can already see myself rocking them with kaftan dress. I’m thinking something gold or neutral. I just love this shrimp colour and think the shoes are ultra sexy.

These shoes are so freakin’ hawt. But have to be honest not something I think a short girl like myself could pull off. I may have to convince the roomie to rock them. Can you imagine these with a white shirt and some leggings. I’m thinking dramatic makeup and messy hair and tada! Sexiness!

Ah, the good ol’ wedge. For someone who wears heels every day, wedges are the perfect antidote for a day off when I still need some height. And they look great with summer dresses. I have the perfect maxi dress for these shoes.



For those who prefer some flats, there are days when even I do, have a look at this beauty.

These snakeskin heels are totally going to be my go-to work shoes. You could pull off a LBD or even just a pair of skinnies with these heels and they'll still look super chip. Yes please!

Any favourites?

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Weekend Highlights

Friday…it was my younger brother’s birthday so we all went out for din dins at Royale. Had the most amazing burger with pepperdews and mustard sauce. And of course, the sweet potato chips. They are reason enough to go there.

Saturday…Skinny Bitches got treated to brekkie by the older brother at Viola! at Cape Quarter. Had a fabulous omelette, a skinny latte and then did some walking around. It was also Pride so we watched the floats and cheered the gays on! A little later we went to the spa. Blue Eyes was lucky enough to get a hot stone massage. I was not as lucky as my appointment was for a bit of waxing. A quick cocktail at Primi – drinking in the afternoon is soooo much fun - and then we had to get ready for Decodance. We had an awesome time dancing to the 80s and 90s. And there are lots of nice boys too. Definitely going to be one of our regular haunts. Also discovered Bohemian Rhapsody is one of the few songs everyone knows the words too…Mama I just killed a man.

Sunday…aka the hottest day ever. We were invited to a friend’s birthday party which consisted of pizza, drinks, ice-cream and a pool. In 38 degree heat, I don’t think I need to go on.

What was your weekend like?

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Monday's Mantra

This week is all about surviving the heat.
I believe the soccer World Cup will be GREAT.
I'm addicted to frozen cocktails. Mmmm, daiquiris.
I wish I had an internal cooling system that wasn't sweat.
I'm jealous I'm not poolside.
Soundtrack/Mantra for the week Ice, Ice, Baby.

Monday's Mantra

This week I need to sort out my room, it's messy.
I believe Cape Town needs more easy-to-access swimming pools.
I'm addicted to friends cooking you supper.
I wish I got more sleep. The hear kept me awake. Luckily had The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo to get me through.
I'm jealous of people vacationing it up.
Soundtrack/Mantra for the week Feeling hot hot hot!

Woe Is Me

Sorry for the lack of updates, I’m not feeling very motivated lately. I am feeling kinda down but I don’t want to hang all those upsets on you. So I decided rather not post the “I have a cold sore and look like Elephant Man’s sister” entry. That last part is true. Not only have I learned how superficial I am (very by the way) but I have been avoiding all good looking men and social events.

The weather lately has been absolutely fantastic. Even a hint of sun makes things better. I have never been able to distinguish on whether I’m a winter or summer person. I love dressing up in boots and stockings in winter but nothing beats a sundress and kaftan. Right now I’m a total summer person. Let’s hope the fabulous weather continues.

In other news I have come to terms with the fact that I will never be mistaken for Kate Moss or Sienna Miller. Boho chic and lithe-looking will never be my forte. I have decided to embrace my body shape. My new idol is Joan from Mad Men. If you haven’t watched it yet you need to, just for her quips. She is totally rocking the curves and shows you can still be a skinny bitch with boobs.

I also feel I need a change. I’m thinking something safe along the lines of a haircut but maybe will include a colour. That is if my bank balance allows it. I’m not sure what happened this month but I think I was robbed. I’m so broke, I feel like a student all over again. Anything else, cost-effective I could try that could be life-changing?

Enjoy the rest of your week. Almost Friday!

Ex-Oh! Ex-Oh!

Monday's Mantra

This week, the sun is in the sky. Hurrah!
I believe as long as there are reasons for dresses and sunglasses, things will be okay.
I'm addicted to full-fate, sugar-loaded coke. Much better than the diet version.
I wish I could eat like a guy, not caring about calories and not putting on kilos.
I'm jealous of the two ladies in my office jetting off to Zanzibar soon.
Soundtrack/Mantra for the week Sun is in the sky, why oh why would I want to be anywhere else.

This Was Not The Way I Planned...

I love men. A lot. I love looking at them. I love talking to them and most of all I like doing other stuff with them. Saying that I have to admit I have a huge girl crush.

One of my favourite blogs is Style Guide Cape Town run by the fabulous Robyn Cooke. Profession, Stylist. Given my love for all these beautiful particularly fashion, if I was that way inclined, I would be hanging outside her window with a boombox playing a cheesy 80s love song.

Apart from my love for her blog and her fashion-related tweets, I also have a goal to be photographed by the fabulous Ms Cooke. Her blog is the Cape Town version of The Sartorialist without the pictures of Anna Dello Russo, who bugs me for some reason. It is because of her blog and also Glamour’s Do and Don’ts that I make a huge effort whenever I leave the house. It is a very superficial dream but one day I hope to appear on her blog with her gushing over my outfit.

This past Tuesday was when it almost happened. Myself, Dexter and the Social Butterfly descended upon Woolworths Cavendish for a preview of the summer fashions. Travelling with two coiffed, well-dressed, nice-smelling gays is the one way to do it. The Best of Summer Preview was hosted By Ms Cooke and someone from Egoli, my mom would have been so mad I didn’t get a picture with her. Towards the end of the evening (white dresses, hats and feminine blouses are going to be all the rage, orange too) I had an opportunity to have an audience with my girl crush. Unfortunately she turned the other way and the moment was gone. That was when Dexter pushed me towards her and by chance she turned around and commented on my dress*. I almost fainted. Unfortunately she didn’t have a camera with her but I still gushed about my love for her. She didn’t seem scared which was a good thing. Nothing kills a party like security throwing you out. She also invited me to be her stalker. What an honour! I can see it now, she is taking pictures of stylish people, I am taking pictures of her from the bushes.

I know I sound like a crazy person. But that is only because I am. Crazy in love :)

Ex-Oh! Ex-Oh!

*I was rocking a blue Marion and Linde jersey dress with chocolate brown boots, neutral makeup and glossy lips.

Monday's Mantra

This week needs to move fast. I want another weeked.
I believe that my roommate has the best fashion sense; I look & feel fab today all because of what I am wearing. (Isn't Blue Eyes a charmer!)
I'm addicted to the new Stefania Morland collection. Fashion Week was amazing!
I wish summer was in full swing.
I'm jealous of all those people sat in the front row at Fashion Week.
Soundtrack/Mantra for the week It's a small world after all.

Summer Loving

The weather in Cape Town has been funny lately. On Saturday we had that fabulous sunny day where we could all wear dresses, drink wine in the sun and wear sunnies. On Sunday I also wore a dress, with a cardi but still the weather was pleasant. Since Monday however, it has been nipples cold and we’re all forced to wear dozens of layers. As I cannot do anything but dream of summer, I thought I’d better start preparing for it. This is when all the overseas fashion websites are tres helpful as they are coming out of summer and we’re going into it. Lots of summer outfit inspiration. I’ve been viewing Polyvore like it’s my job.

Here’s what I’ve come up with:

After Sunset Cocktails

I am in love with this purple Marchesa dress I found on Net-A-Porter. I would rock it with champagne pink peep-toes, black corsage on my hand, dark, smokey eye make-up and a cosmopolitan.

City Strolling

Considering I now live in the hipster hood of Kloof Street, I have to keep up with the cool kids. This cool yet stylish ensemble is how I'm going to do it. The dress and shoes are all me, and the fedora is just a touch of hip. The Chanel sunnies are of course out of reach but they would bring a touch of class to the look.

Working 9-5

I work in an office that's very casual. People can wear outfits two days in a row and walk around sans shoes. I am not one of those people. Because I always dress for the job I want rather than the one I have, I make an effort. This look is so effortlessly chic. The blue Louboutins are of course a rather large pipe dream but they are just fabulous.

Now all I need is the moolah to go shopping.

Ex-Oh! Ex-Oh!