Monday, January 20, 2014

PREGNANT? HOW TO STYLE YOUR BUMP AND STILL STAY FASHIONABLE EVEN POST-BABY

Fashion is not limited when a woman falls pregnant. Being pregnant is not an excuse to look frumpy and out of shape because your body has taken a new shape. It is not also a call to clear your wardrobe for preggy wear or big size clothes because you are only pregnant for 9 months and will most likely go back to your normal weight after baby has come into the physical world.

For me being pregnant had been a challenge for me baecause I have become a weight and size I have never been before. From 48kg to 65kg and size 30 to a size 34 in just 6months. I look at my jeans and tight drresses now and they look like they belong to my 10 years old niece. Well my advantage is that I my bump only started showing in Spring as I am expecting a summer baby so I can get away with summer dresses like Maxi dresses, empire waist dresses and leggings. Being pregnant is also  not an excuse to wear extra small tops that show your belly button and tight fitting shorts or pants. Dress to be comfortable.

Put your high heels on a break if you are a heel funutic like me and swap them for pumps or low rise wedges. Here a 10 other garments to have for pregnancy and post baby.

10 things to wear before, during, and after pregnancy (taken from www.babycenter.com)

1.

Leggings

You can never go wrong with a good pair (or four) of dark, stretchy leggings. Comfortable on your most bloated days, they can also give a streamlined look when tucked into boots. While there are special "maternity" leggings on the market, many moms say there's really no need. You can size up regular leggings for a bit more give, and you'll be able to get more use out of them for those post-baby days when your pooch may still be in effect. When your bump is big, just slouch the waistband below for more comfort.


2.

Tunic

It's hard to say enough fabulous things about these oversize tops that hit below the hip. (Many stop at mid-thigh, but it depends on your height.) They hide and flatter a multitude of body issues and bumps, but often have lovely, slimming details like bracelet-length sleeves, vented sides, and deep V-necklines. Before pregnancy, you may be able to wear one as a dress; as you go through your pregnancy, pair it with leggings or wear it over skinny jeans. After baby, you'll appreciate the extra room – plus, the added fabric can provide a discreet cover while nursing.


3.

Maxi dress

They have become oh so trendy with women of all ages – and with good reasons. To start: Empire waists, flowing skirts, a focus on your collarbone, shoulders, and décolletage! Choose a soft jersey fabric that can drape easily over your changing body. This is another item you probably don't need to buy in the maternity department, say experts. So long as you find one in a forgiving fabric, these supersize dresses will take you through every stage.



4.

Long tank top

You can never have enough of these staples, but when seeking a tank with staying power and the ability to make the most of your figure, do consider investing in the best one you can find. Look for stretchy microfiber blends, ruching on the sides, and thick straps that can hide a bra (regular or nursing) and accommodate the ebb and flow of your chest. Subtle ruching will give you shape during the first trimester, then whittle your middle after delivery. Wear under everything or alone. The longer length will accommodate a belly and give some coverage to your rear – especially helpful if you're pairing the tank with leggings or skinny jeans.

5.

Unstructured, chunky cardigan

While the classic cardigan will never go out of style, a more unstructured option gives you more flexibility when you're expecting. No buttons to fuss with or strain against, no tissue-thin material revealing more ripples than you'd like. Instead, an unstructured cardigan – perhaps one with an asymmetrical front and a simple one-button or toggle closure near the neckline – allows you to wear it open or loosely closed. You're left with a slouchy, casual elegance that can work season after season. A thicker knit can do double duty as a light coat in fall or spring.



6. 

Shift dress

A classic shift dress with a slight A-line (meaning body skimming around the upper body and then flared out just a smidge at the bottom) has a youthful, deconstructed silhouette that's flattering on nearly everyone, and especially so for new or expectant moms. When you're not pregnant, a shift will lightly skim your curves but have plenty of sass and swing. As you grow, there's still space for your belly to burgeon and your legs to take center stage. A dress with a scoop neck or even spaghetti straps is a particularly great option. Once you've had the baby, you'll be able to shimmy back into a shift right away!



7. 

A great scarf

Sure, they aren't necessarily items of clothing, per se, but experts are united in their love for this most versatile accessory to amp up a variety of looks, add flair to an otherwise monochromatic outfit, or simply stretch a wardrobe you may be quickly growing tired of! It's accessories like silky, patterned scarves – as well as long, chunky necklaces or statement earrings or whatever you love – that help you make each outfit extraordinary. Plus, draping a long necklace over a slightly billowy blouse or tunic before you're pregnant helps rein in the fabric for a leaner look. Another scarf bonus: Once the baby comes, a scarf can morph into an impromptu nursing cover, a blanket for a quick rest in the park, or a makeshift shade for your stroller.

8.

Wrap dress

When baby is not yet on board, a classic wrap dress is elegant and easy. Once your body starts to change, readjust the fit by securing the dress's ties a bit higher (right under your bust) to play up the smallest part of your slowly disappearing waistline. Look for jersey and other stretchy, blended fabrics that will grow with you but snap right back into shape. If dresses aren't your thing, wrap-style tops are a great choice for any stage.
  
9.

Fold-over yoga pants

A pair of black boot-cut yoga pants will be another workhorse of your wardrobe. Wear them from the gym to the store, to a casual lunch with friends, or even to see a midday movie. Find a pair with a wide fold-over waistband, which allows you to either fold it down beneath your belly or extend it up over the bump, when the extra cradling of your belly might feel nice. If you have a c-section, you'll probably live in these pants after delivery, since they won't irritate the incision while it's healing.

10.

Dark, stretchy "skinny jeans"

First things first: The term "skinny jeans" has little to do with how, um, skinny you actually are. Rather, it has become a shorthand that manufacturers use to describe a range of jeans that have one major thing in common – a slim, curve- hugging fit that gives a smooth, elongated look. Go for a dark denim, which is universally flattering, and you can dress it up or down with flats, heels, or knee-high boots. Look for a pair with at least 2 percent Lycra or other stretchy material so it can withstand the growth spurt ahead, as well as spring back once you're in the "fourth trimester" and beyond. A well-sized pair can last you well into your second (and for some women, third) trimester, if you push the waistband beneath your bump, leave the top button undone, and top it with a long stretchy tank.




HOW TO STAY FASHIONABLE DURING PREGNANCY

As the saying goes, a woman looks beautiful when she bears her baby in her womb. The blush and glow out of happiness makes her gorgeous even without make up. However, the sudden bump on the belly make a lot of women conscious. If you are one of them then let me tell you, even during maternity phase you can stay stylish and wear trendy outfit and look amazing. The celebrities have taught us that staying fashionable is not impossible during pregnancy. So, in this coming 9 months get ready to give your best appearance.



Pregnancy Fashion Trends 2013

Pregnancy Fashion Trends 2013

  • If you think, every pregnant woman has the same size, then rephrase your thought. As your body has a shape, along with the baby bump your size further varies. So when you are shopping try out different styles to get the perfect size. Just because your body shape is changing that does not mean you need to transform your wardrobe. If you are thinking of borrowing the maternity dresses of a friend who has recently been through the same phase, then you may be wrong. Buy new dresses and sync with the new flow. Moreover, there are always chances that the outfits may not suit you nature.

  • To spend excessively on maternity outfit is baseless because your shape will be changing with every month. Moreover, after delivery you will be back to your original form. Hence, be speculative while buying any garments. Maxi dresses are a great option in this time. It is comfortable and helps you to move easily. Even lycra dresses can be another option. You can show your baby bump and share the joy of your future motherhood with everyone. If you want to give a taller appearance then simple, single-block colors will the ideal choice. Solid colors, on the other hand, helps you to cover your weight.

  • On many occasion, women face issues like increasing body temperature and their skin become sensitive. It is better to avoid synthetic material rather organic fibers are the best choice for the moment. A lot of women prefer to opt for A-line or empire-waist shirts and dresses. These are breathable and cool; gives plenty of space allowing you to wear it even when your bump has expanded. There are some shirts, which have longer hemlines that gives space to your belly and enough room to support your upper body part.

  • Do not forget to get your belly band. It supports your tummy and at the same time gives you the opportunity to try out stylish wear, trimming your enlarged appearance. This is a stretchy fabric band especially designed to take the strain from your lower back. 


Pregnancy Fashion Trends 2013


Add colors to your life and choose accessories that can enhance your grace and elegance. Along with bright colors, try long earring and necklaces that goes with your appearance. Its better to avoid heels but if you can be careful while walking then go for it. You can even opt for open-toe sandals or sling-backs. Welcome your change and get ready for your motherhood with style and fashion.

Thursday, January 24, 2013

A 100% ZULU WEDDING- ALL TRADITIANAL FASHION

Since I had been blogging about South Africa's beautiful tradition, I came across a blog by Aquahlekkergarla on this link: http://aquahlekkergarla.wordpress.com/2012/05/25/traditional-wedding/

I will post what she blogged but do check out her blogs:


Traditional wedding

Published May 25, 2012 by aquahlekkergarla
My cousin was getting married to a zulu*South African Tribe* man in South Africa and i thought i would share with you  a bit on our clothing,accessories decor and all in a traditional wedding…enjoy…

Shoes                                                                                           accessories

African made bangles

Am carrying the Shoe…its decorated with these beads after purchasing them from the shop

The skirt and the knee accesories

My Little Cousin in a complete outfit

Another kind of outfit

My beautiful mama

Men outfits…jeans patched with prints

My lil men and me…patching work and these are original animal skin

My lil African Qeens..(My lil sisters)

Me in My full pieces

Iam an African Qeen

More outfits..women singing
                                                                                 Beautiful African women
                                                                                           Future African Qeens

Decoration inspired by African prints and hand made crafts
                            Decor..all tables are written clan names and every clan seats where its name is written

Decor
                                                                                                     African dishes
                                                                          Modernly inspired decorated food
A great event indeed,i just cant wait for more weddings in ma family..hope you will like them..:)

Friday, January 18, 2013

CULTURALLY FASHIONABLE- I AM PROUD OF MY SOTHO CULTURE


In the last blog I wrote about the Zulu, Xhosa, Venda and Tsonga/Shangaan cultural wear or should I call it traditional fashion. I am a fashion designer, stylist,  writer and have been hosted a Fashion Expert on a radio show. I love anything that is clothes, shoes, accessories, hats and all that adds to how a person looks. Oh ya I also love interior decor.

Yesterday at our church, Grace Bible Church in Soweto we were celebrating the Sotho (Basotho and Bapedi) and Tswana (Batswana) cultures. All these weeks we have been wearing and celebrating all other South African cultures. This day we had the privilege in showing off our Basotho traditional wear. I saw more people as compared to the past weeks dressed up in the full gear. What a beautiful blessing we have as South Africans. How I wish we could just embrace wearing tradition not only for occasions such as weddings or Heritage month. Me and my hubby are making traditional clothes part of our wardrobe. Watch this space and follow the trend as I post our pictures in coming months.

The Sotho consists of Bapedi and Basotho. These three ladies are wearing the Bapedi dresses:





DRESSING FOR THAT JOB INTERVIEW

You might say you have no challenge when it comes to putting together an outfit for a job interview. But sometimes it might happen that you have gotten accustomed to your relaxed way of dressing in your current job or maybe you have stayed at home from the employment industry you need to be reminded on what to and not wear to a job interview.

When you are dressing for a job interview, image really is everything (or most of it). The image you present to a potential employer is the first thing they are going to notice about you - before you even have a chance to say a word or shake a hand.
In order to make a good first impression you need to dress professionally and separate your social image (if it's more casual, and it probably is) from your professional presence.
 
How to Dress for an Interview

Why it's always important to dress professionally for a job interview and what to wear.
What Not to Wear on a Job Interview
  • Flip-flops or sneakers.
  • Underwear (bras, bra straps, briefs, boxers, etc.) that is visible. Don't wear any underwear that shows - even if your bra straps match your top.
  • Shorts.
  • Jeans.
  • Skirts that are too short.
  • Pants that are too low-rise or too tight.
  • Blouses that are too low-cut or too short - don't show your cleavage or your belly.
  • More on underwear and low-rise pants - make sure the top of your thong, if you wear one, doesn't show above your pants.
Trendy vs. Classic
  • A classic interview suit that will last for years is a better investment than the latest trendy attire that will only last a season.
  • Your idea of trendy might not match the interviewer's perspective on what's fashionable, so err on the side of dressing conservatively when you interview.
  • Shop Wisely - Visit outlets, shop sales
  • Plan Ahead - If you have that one classic interview suit in your closet, you'll be prepared for an unexpected interview, regardless of when it occurs.
Your Professional Presence

  • Your Social vs. Your Professional Presence - What you wear off-the-job and socially doesn't have to be what you wear interviewing or at work. In fact, your professional presence may be very different from personal presence, and that's fine. They don't have to mesh - you can have a closet full of fun clothes and a wardrobe of work clothes.
  • Perfume and Cologne - Your scent (even if you smell good) can be an issue. I once worked for some who wouldn't hire anyone he could smell from across the room. Also, scent is one of the strongest senses and your favorite perfume or cologne might be the same scent the interviewer's ex-girlfriend or ex-husband wore. That subliminal negative impact could squash your chances of getting a job offer. With any type of scent, less, or none, is better.
  • Pantyhose - The question of whether women should wear pantyhose to a job interview  is always asked and the answer is overwhelmingly yes. Depending on where you are interviewing, you may want to consider covering your tattoos and taking out your rings. There are companies that have policies which limit both.
  • Starting Your New Job - If you're not sure what to wear on the job, ask the hiring manager before you start. You can also visit the workplace to see what the people coming in and out of the building are wearing. There is no better way to make a bad impression than to show up for your first day because you're underdressed or overdressed. 

Thursday, January 17, 2013

TOP TEN FASHION NO, NO’S FOR WEDDING GUESTS




10: Black

Black is traditionally a no-go color at weddings -- especially for women.
Black dresses connote mourning and death for many people, but there's a difference between showing up to your best friend's nuptials in funeral garb and wearing a sleek, little black number to an evening wedding. As long as the dress feels fun and light, regardless of how dark it is, you should be fine. Sequins usually work, as do black cocktail dresses for formal ceremonies. However, if there's even the slightest chance it could fit into a procession for the deceased, put it back on the rack and slip into something more colorful.

9: Something Skimpy

Nothing screams "look at me" like a skimpy outfit.
There's nothing wrong with showing off a little leg or décolleté every once in a while, but there's a time and place for such things, and weddings aren't one of them.
No, you're not exactly showing up the bride, but showing off your assets is a surefire way to take away from her big day, so don't do it.
Besides a skimpy dress at a respected function as a wedding, whispers “desperately looking for a man”. And what kind of a man are you attracting in a show it all dress? Or rather what are you saying about yourself?

8: Cleavage All-Out

I must say there’s nothing attractive about a woman’s cleavage showing. It is disturbing seriously.
Women who have it think those who don’t have it are jealous. No really it communicates a bad message. It is the same as a woman wearing low cut jeans sitting down and bending and shows what I do not really have to mention.  If most of your dresses are low cut, invest in chiffon and satin scarves for spring and summer.
Ladies we do not live in a woman’s only world. Men are visually enticed so if you were not intending to do that relook your wardrobe.

7. Jeans and T-Shirt

We don't care how casual the wedding is and how laid-back the bride in question might be, attending in jeans and a T-shirt is not an option.
It doesn't matter if it's in your mom's backyard, or even if you don't know the couple very well. If you're bothering to show up, the least you can do is throw on a dress or a pair of khakis and a button-up shirt -- again, assuming it's a casual ceremony.
Also, just to be clear, don't even think about slipping on a pair of flip-flops. Pumps, heels, flats, loafers and sandals are a go, but plastic footwear is a huge wedding no-no.

6. A Tuxedo/ Shiny Suit

For the guys: Ladies please tell your dates or partners. There's only one guy in a penguin suit here today, and it's not him (unless, of course, the ceremony is a  black-tie affair, in which case your date, the  groom, and every other male in attendance is bowtied out).
However, just as it's in bad taste to upstage the bride, he shouldn't go out of his way to one-up the groom.
Ladies, please advice your male friends or companions to stay away from the Vaseline suits. They don’t just look cheap they are cheap. There are proper ones but not as shiny and creasy as the ones we see around. Rather advice them to save over a couple of months and get a proper suit or get one tailor-made with a proper fabric. That should cost between R1 200- R4 000.

5. A Tiara

You are probably thinking “What a tiara? Who wears a tiara to a wedding?”
Well there are those who’ve done it and someone might do it as well. You'd be surprised by what attention-seeking guests have tried to pull off.
Do not, under any circumstances, wear a tiara to any wedding other than your own. Not only is it disrespectful to the bride, it'll just make you look desperate and ridiculous.
This rule, of course, extends to crowns, ornamental headbands or anything else that could be mistaken for a tiara or any other headpiece the bride may choose to wear.

4. Prom Dress/ Matric Ball Dress

Prom is like a pre-wedding for teenage girls. Also like weddings, it's not out of the ordinary for a well-to-do young lady to spend R1 000 or more on a dress she'll wear only once.
So, if you still have your prom dress and it's not out of style or too juvenile, slipping it on again for a formal affair might be awfully tempting, even if you're a decade or more out of high school. But you have to be careful, as there's a fine line between donning a vibrantly colored formal evening gown and a white, champagne or blush dress that'll make you look too much like a bride. Use discretion and err on the side of caution. If you're at all unsure, leave the flashy dress for the high school kids and wear something more elegant and adult.

3. Pant Suit/ Corporate Suit

You're going to a wedding, not a meeting at the office!
Drop the business persona and show your style in a skirt or dress. This is a celebration of two people choosing to unite their lives together forever, so the least you can do is find something that isn't overly stuffy and businessy to wear. We're not just talking about your standard black or charcoal suit. This rule also applies to pretty pastel skirt-jacket combos. They might work for a dinner event, but they just set the wrong tone for weddings.
Yes, we know some very powerful women frequently wear pantsuits, but even Hillary Clinton wore a vibrant dress on her daughter, Chelsea's big day, and if she can do it, you can, too.

2. Anything Loud or Garish

People are there to look at the bride, not your obnoxious hat/dress/purse/shoes/eye shadow/hairdo. Donning loud or garish apparel and accessories is a surprisingly common method of wedding-crashing women use to upstage the bride. Your outlandish choices might not be directly comparable to the bride's traditional white garb, but everyone -- including the new Mrs. -- will likely take them as a sign of extremely poor taste or a desperate call for attention. You'll get people talking, but you probably won't like what they have to say!

1. ANYTHING WHITE

It's never a good idea to wear anything that could conceivably be mistaken for a wedding dress. But, just like the tradition against wearing black to on the big day, we think this rule can be broken -- if you go about it the right way.
A simple, off-white dress or skirt should be fine, and if you want to be absolutely sure you're not stepping on any perfectly manicured toes, make sure your white outfit of choice is dramatically different, so if she's wearing a full-skirted gown, your slender, white evening gown shouldn't pose much of a problem. If she's wearing a simple number, though, pick another color.
CLOSING

·        If you are the kind that likes to out-dress people with your style make the day special for the bride and tone down. By toning down I don’t mean dress like you are going to the shops or for a jog. Maintain the finesse and elegance in you by wearing a gorgeous dress.

·        This new punk, hair off the sides, net stockings or leggings, blood red hair, and looking like you are in a rock band is not a look for a wedding. Be a girl or lady for someone’s special day.

·        Big dramatic, Durban July Hats…NO NO NO!!! Leave that for the mother of the bride and groom.

·        If you get an outfit made, get a reputable, experienced fashion designer and don’t leave it for the last minute or else your dress will come apart (not pointing at you Zandi)

Whatever you  do always think of the scripture that says: Do not cause another to stumble in Romans 8:13 which in full says:

13  Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.

I always say let what you are wearing not cause others to sin. If its men let it not get their minds out of focus, if it’s everyone else let not it cause them to gossip about you and for the bride and groom let it not make them regret inviting you. Remember it is their day to shine, be seen and celebrated not yours!!

 


HOW DRESS IS HOW YOU SELL YOURSELF

I love fashion or rather let me say I love clothes and how they look on people. I love how people dress up to suit their body, to suit the kind of event they are going to. I also love how venues, offices and event decor looks. The first thing that strikes my mind when I see a person, walk into a premises (office, house, retail shop, hotel, etc) or an event is how they are styled, how things like colour, fabric, accessories, furniture are put together. So I found this to be my passion.



Passion

My passion is not really just fashion but my passion is what appeals to the eye. What people tend to take lightly is that image is everything. Image is a selling tool. Everything you buy these days is packaged in something that can either attract you, make you think twice or put you off. In marketing and advertising I learned about AIDA which is acronym for Attention, Interest, Desire and Action. Most people are not aware that daily we are selling ourselves to people around us. As you dress up and go out, whether to work, play, church or just to go have fun you are actually packaging yourself as a Product that would either sell or not.

Your image can either sell you as high value, priceless or cheap. Your image communicates the kind of person you are. It can say professional, eloquent, decent, crazy, lazy, careless, etc. If you are the kind of person who says: “I do not really care about clothes, fashion or style.” you might be shortchanging yourself in many ways. Say for example you work in a corporate environment but you go to work in jeans and T-shirts. I understand, you might say you work in a relaxed and chilled environment but are you going to look like a student at varsity or a teenager hanging at your mom’s or dad’s office for the rest of your life? This than poses a challenge for you the day you want to change jobs. Firstly you need to look professional to go for an interview and all your shoes are takkies and sneakers (man) or pumps and sandals (lady).

However there must also be a balance in how you look. Some people invest so much time in their looks it makes you wonder what time they wake up. This is common in ladies. There is nothing wrong ladies but tone down a bit so that your image does not scream: “High maintenance!!!” Your make up must not look like you spend your whole foundation on your face.  If you have fake eyelashes, be minimal on the lipstick or choose your colours properly to suit where you are going. As a former recruitment specialist I would be weary of a: “30 cm long fake eyelashes, red lips, 4 layer foundation and pink-blushed face with the longest red or other colour with glitter nails wearing a short skirt, or extremely tight pants. The word says “Do not cause another to fall” and the image I just described can make one fall by judging you.

When you dress up to go to church, remember that as much as God is your Father we are not going on a picnic with Him or going to wash the car with him. Ladies and gentlemen, the same way you dress up to go to a wedding or a party, honour God by dressing up for Him. Dress appropriately. Hear me well I am not saying dress expensively, I am saying dress appropriately. We are willing to dress up for people saying you are dressed to kill but you take God for granted and dress as if you are going to the shops or a club. Honor God with your dressing. I miss those days when women used to wear dresses or two piece suits with hats and men were never allowed to come to church without a jacket.
If you have trouble dressing yourself up, contact me and let us find an image that best communicates who you are.  If your business premises look like an office when it is actually a salon or clothing shop you might be loosing business.  Let me help you with your image.