Summer toes **

It's been the longest minute and for that I must apologise. No worries, though, I'll be posting once a week from now on (entering 2016 efficiently). 

So here's a little something to give you a taste of what's been poppin' in my closet this holiday season. I'm a simpleton (hahaha), so my season fave has been these gold Mary Jane sandals from Woolies.

 So...what's keeping your toes pretty?

The September Issue**

Remember Miranda Priestly sarcastically saying; "Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking." Well that's what I think every time retail outlets put out their Spring/Summer stock and still try to herald florals as the signature look for this season year after year. I notice the September issues of fashion publications always try veer away from the garden cliche, but it can't help but creep out every now and then. Of course we cannot negate the golden rules, like 1. always add a pop of colour to your outfit, 2. a good pair of sunnies is the ultimate accessory and 3. the classic white Tee/shirt/blazer.

 I own very few floral items and the few I do own I try to wear subtly, so I thought why not actually be groundbreaking without the florals this season?
 This is my September Issue - keeping it conventionally unconventional (yeah, I'm referring to the proverbial flower crown featured here).

Who said you can't wear your sparkle during the day? There are so many ways to wear "glitzy" items while the sun's out without looking overdone or confused. Kendall did this so well by pairing her dress with sneakers and a black leather satchel. Hell, I'm on a bicycle and barefoot in my 2012 res formal gown! I'm not quite brave enough to leave the confines of my house in this ensemble, though, but when I do daytime sparkle I usually wear my disco ball blazer with a pair of blue distressed jeans, sneakers and a white tee - a look that says, "I'm chilled, but look at me." 

The tule skirt and heels: For the girl who likes to play dress up for no reason at all. The sunnies give away that it's a daytime look, but what makes this ensemble really groundbreaking is that when you transition from mall to evening soiree, all you have to do is change your top and ditch the sunnies. The tule skirts pictured here are in neutral shades, but do go HAM and get yourself a pink or yellow skirt if you so desire.

September is still a bit nippy, so...Why not borrow from the men? No, I don't mean boyfriend items, but rather a feminine take on a men's wear catalogue.  E.g. Where he's wearing the belt through the loops of his pants, you wear it as a cinch around your waist. It's easy to adapt a male look without even borrowing from your brother's or boyfriend's cupboard.

I did it first, Selena: The hypersexual red top (crop or bodysuit) and the ripped denim sans a belt is another head turning look. On the left, I'm wearing it with canvas platforms and Miss Gomez opted for ankle boots - it all depends on which shoe won't have you walking with slightly bent knees by the end of the day, really.

You absolutely CANNOT complete this season without a white blazer. Plain as it seems, it makes the statement in your outfit and adds that final touch of finesse. Michael Kors agrees. If you still don't own a white blazer, stores that often have white blazers in stock are Zara, Forever New, Woolworths and Hilton Weiner.

Keep on the look out for more groundbreaking Spring/Summer looks this month and let me know which you shall be dabbling in. 

Chats On The Hanger**

Once golden**

So let me be honest with you: I'm not much of an accessoriser. I can go for weeks without earrings, something that was once my staple accessory for years. Besides the basics I wear daily: my watch, my Nomination and Icon bracelets (all silver); I very seldom accessorize to the extent that even the one accessory I have always loved found itself neglected by me for two weeks before I realised it had only been correct twice a day for about 10 days: at 7:40 am and again 7:40 pm. Don't worry, I got this sorted out and I do love my watch.

This is not to say that I have something against accessories or that I do not have an eye for them, but rather I focus so much on purchasing statement garments that I forget that a necklace can also be the center of an outfit. I do own a few stellar pieces of jewelry, but I guess I just tend to forget to visit the jewelry corner when I go shopping. 

But...yes,I have a thing for gold plated rings that eventually go bronze and rustic with wear and tare - I don't know, it just feels like pieces like that always have a story. There's something sentimental about possessions that were not necessarily pricey, but are just perhaps a little more indispensable than the rest. My favourite piece(s) of jewelry are thus these two slim rings I bought from ALDO on impulse. They were gold plated initially, but lost their twinkle the more they encountered water and hand creams. My sister keeps telling me to buy new rings...I guess she doesn't get it like I do.

These feature in almost every Instagram post where my hands are doing the modelling. This (above) was on my birthday; I had painted my nails gold for the occasion (and to almost match the rings).

Bronze and Braids.

The perfect close-up on leather: one is a simple band and the other a bit more detailed.

Now that I look at this last image, I remember the wedding band my gran had when I was a kid and although her ring was pure gold, it was also slim and also had this rustic worn out look, as a result of laboring all day. Every time I observed it closely I would ask her questions about marriage and my deceased grandfather (kids don't care how sensitive the topic is, they ask anyway). She has since changed that ring to mark her acceptance and because every lady deserves new bling from time to time.

 I guess this now explains my attachment to these rings. Perhaps one day I'll post again with a new favourite ring on the finger next to the middle finger (wink-wink).

Let's talk height**

So some of you may know I work on radio, so a fellow presenter got me to chat with him about what girls can wear to look taller. it was very impromptu, so I couldn't squeeze in all I know, but I will add that anything midi-length is probably not best for us short folk and a slight turn-up of the jeans is always a good idea. I do hope you enjoy.

Red my closet**

"When in doubt, wear red." Bill Blass

Although I don't wear it often (well this past week I wore red twice), when I do wear red I feel like a vixen - as though I can sign contracts, shake hands and kiss babies.

 Experts say this colour is an instant confidence booster and adding a touch of red to any outfit immediately draws people to you...well theoretically speaking. 

I recently wore a red crop top on a night out where well-known musicians were performing and happened to spend some time with them the next afternoon. While at this "hang-out", one of the artists asked if I had gone out the previous night and I confirmed. His eager response? "Oh yes, of course, you were wearing that red number."  **Boom**

So apparently when you wear red you don't even need to speak to someone for them to remember how much of a flame you are.

Workin' it on Worker's day: Red collared blouse (paired with black leather pants) - Radio Days Vintage Closet

For the frost bite: Red bomber jacket (paired with plain black Woolies sweater) - Sissy Boy (notice their "love yourself" heart on the zipper)
Dark jeggings - Ronald Sassoon
+
Nike Air Maxes
#SportsLuxe
[as seen on Instagram: @lulo_acups]

Finer Details**

You should know by now that my fashion mantra is "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistcation," which is why I don't beieve in over-accessorising or throwing in too many trends in one ensemble. Now add to that the old adage, "the devil is in the details," - I always find that it's usually one item that arouses conversation/compliments and that ultimately makes the look a winner. 

In the look below it was the gold "leather" pants that made the statement; hence I paired it with neutrals. 
What would you pair yours with? #GoldBottoms

Neutrals: Fringed Bolero - FATE @ Stuttafords
White Tee - Supre @ Cotton On
Gold leather pants - Sissy Boy
Reflectors - Mr Price

More finer details: The fringed bolero added a boho feel to this look, so I found it appropriate to plait my braids. Yes, hair can contribute a great deal to how you say, "This is who I am today."

Blogging: trial & error

Advice for fashion and lifestyle bloggers

I’m no expert blogger with a large following, but looking at (and editing) past blog posts has revealed a lot to me in the form of growth, social media skills and a better camera. Yes, a good quality, high resolution camera can really make or break your blog. Learning from my previous faux pas and experience then, I have compiled a list of factors I deem crucial for a better blogging experience.

Pictures:

As fashion and lifestyle bloggers we communicate in pictures and if these pictures are not immaculately edited, let alone, our own original work, we stand to lose some of our audience. What I am saying here is that steer clear of pictures taken from the internet (unless you are making particular reference to it), as that makes you seem lazy or look like you are plagiarising another blogger’s work.

When it comes to editing, do not edit so much that the digital version of a white top in real life now looks beige. Editing is for enhancing not transforming. If you take well lit pictures, there is no need to do so much filtering anyway.

Consistency:

If you want to keep your followers interested do not have extra long gaps between your posts. If you post once a week, make sure you keep at it every week (I'm still struggling with this because varsity). Furthermore, be consistent in your content – if you promise your followers that you will post shoes on Friday, make sure that you do so on said day. With consistency always bear in mind that it is better to post fewer high quality posts rather than several average posts.

Monitor traffic:

Some bloggers say they do not find it necessary to monitor how much traffic each blog post generated, as it either puts too much pressure on them or discourages them. However, if you have not quite established yourself as a blogger, monitoring your traffic will help you suss out what kind of content interests people and you can therefore build on that and produce more of that or improve on what didn’t quite excite people.

Don’t try too hard:

It is always easy to tell when someone is not being themselves online because they are busy trying too hard to be this person they think they ought to be online. Don’t be that person. Write in a tone that you are comfortable with and wear clothes you are comfortable in.

Don’t use it as a substitute for Instagram:

Sometimes as bloggers we take great pictures, but that are not necessarily in line with what our blog is about. This is where Instagram comes in – rather post these pictures on your Insta account and then you may hashtag your blog in the post if you wish. Use your Instagram account as an extension of your blog, where you may post pictures of what you wore that day (followed by your blog name as a hashtag) rather than posting what you wore that day (OOTD) on your blog when you don’t actually have an OOTD feature on your blog. This is why I only do this once in a while on my blog.

Tone:

I touched on this in the “don’t try too hard” subheading – it is often best to use a conversational tone, as online audiences prefer something that is quick and easy to read. Do not be condescending in your tone – it is very easy to pick that up in any writer’s work. If you are using jargon, do explain it in layman’s terms as well. If you are writing a longer piece and you want to be formal, maintain that formality throughout the post.

Mentioning brands is not bragging:

In our style posts we like to mention where we bought what we are wearing and that is totally okay. Feel free to even @ the brand when you share the post on social media, but this should not be misconstrued as a means of bragging – it is a means of giving credit where it is due and sharing information with fellow stylistas who may want to purchase the same item.

Editing editing editing:

Remember how in high school they used to constantly encourage us to check our tests and exams thoroughly before declaring ourselves finished? Well that is a habit you should carry through from your social media posts to your blog posts. An online blooper is not easy to recover from, especially when you are trying to establish yourself as a brand. Check spelling. Check grammar. Check that the right caption is under the right picture and ensure that you have cropped your picture in such a way that nothing unsavoury is visible. I type extremely fast, so typos often creep up on me and I used to only realise this after I had published the post, so I cannot stress enough how important editing yourself is.

Avoid using bad puns for your post titles:

There is nothing worse than a bad, misleading pun for a post title. It is always better to get to the point with the title and use as little words as possible, much like you would see in a magazine.

Know your strengths:

This one is self-explanatory. If you are a better photographer than you are a writer, make the focus of your blog the pictures you take and vice versa. Do not try to be a master of everything or try to cover issues you are not that clued up on. I hate to quote from a High School Musical song or was it Hairspray? anyway, point is when it comes to blogging “stick to the things you knooow!”

Emotional stability?

You are probably wondering how emotional stability is relevant here, but unless your blog is of a more personal nature, then you have to be emotionally stable. David Tlale said not too long ago that “you have to be emotionally stable or else it shows in the way you dress.” I agree with him and I apply this to blogging as well – if you are not having the greatest day/week, rather avoid posting because it will show in your work.

All the best. Keep blogging.

Wear a sartorial heart on your sleeve

So you have somewhat romantical plans this Saturday, but you just can't seem to get the perfectly balanced ensemble together. Look no further - I have sourced and put together a few chic looks for you (with French titles because well...they say French is the language of looove) ; whether you're going on a saucy date, girls' night out, picnic or just being about you.

La jolie femme (pretty woman)

A day time look that can easily take you into the night. It's simple, yet glamorous.

Beaded romantic lace top: Forever New

Blue jeans: Ronald Sassoon

Nude heels (not stiletto, but high enough to make you saunter sexily into any room): ALDO

Gold detailed clutch: Foschini

Gold nail polish: Catrice (available at Dis-Chem)

Lipstick: "all heart" by Clinique

 

Le blanc amour (white cupid)

Going for lunch, a picnic or a less clichéd afternoon date? Here's your girl. Erring on boho chic, but also incredibly flirtatious - simply wear a nude/off-white bra under this crocheted top (any other bra will look tacky).

Top: Cotton On

Shorts: Woolworths

Tan gladiator sandals: Mr Price

Tan leather handbag: Trenery

Lipstick: "coral cove" by Yardley

Fragrance: Daisy by Marc Jacobs (floral scents are best worn during the day)

 

Coeur d'or (heart of gold)

Steal the show (and maybe a few hearts) on Saturday night in this scintillating ensemble.

Chadlyn gold sequinned top with open back: Sissy Boy

White skinny pants with gold side-zip detail: Country Road

Heels: Luellla

Beige wallet: Nine West

Nail Polish: "off to Miami" by Essence

Fragrance: Gucci Premiere (a strong scent won't be lost in the midst of surrounding scents and club smoke)

 

 Diva noire (black diva)

This last one is all about making a statement - a sexy statement. This should make you feel extra enough to seize the bae! The heels are for the big city girls who don't have to walk to their V-day destination and the kicks are for the student who wants to dabble in the sports luxe trend.

 

Lace bodysuit: Sissy Boy

Perforated Leather high-waisted shorts: RE from Woolworths

Leather clutch: vintage

Black stilettos: Christian Louboutin / Sneakers: Nike Air Max

Nail Polish: "Facets of Fuschia" by Revlon

Lipstick: Neon Fuschia Pink by Ralo Cosmetics

Fragrance: Jimmy Choo (again a strong scent for a night out)

 

 

 

 Have a lovely Valentines Day. Do you. Feel loved. From me :)

Online care label

Wearing my favourite Sissy Boy (Ramone) "marble wash" jeans

 

We all have that one pair of denims that we love and have had for years even though it is not as tight or as dark as it was the first year we had it.

You've had those jeans for a year or two, but like most of us, have not paid much attention to that little white tag on the inside of your clothes with that iron, triangle, circle thingy and microscopic font. Care labels tell us all the right things, but we just don't read them.

Well I'm here to tell you that your dark (or black) denims can remain darker for longer and tight even after wearing them three times before a wash by adding my own tip to those care labels.

Forget all those washing powder commercials, I'm all about natural home remedies (as you might have picked up by now). Certain soaps discolour dark colours and gradually wash out the dye. No, I'm not saying don't use soap, I'm just advising that you soak your jeans in salt water (2 tablespoons salt) for about an hour before throwing them in the washing machine. When you wash your dark jeans in the washing machine, turn them inside-out so as to not directly expose them to the detergent you are using and use a gentle cycle.

Don't forget to use cold water, dry inside-out (away from direct sunlight) and always add fabric softener.

Hope this was handy:)
love from an online care label by A-cups

A vintage storyboard: by me

I come from a family of sentimental hoarders, so it should come as no surprise that a few of my favourite things are some of the oldest things we've kept. Upon this realisation, I decided to create this vintage storyboard which pretty much sums me up:

 1. The little white dresses and white cape are what I got christened in.
 These have never left my mom's cupboard and serve as testament to the fact that perhaps style chose me. Even at this age my white dresses are my most treasured clothing items. I just need one more white dress or should I say gown? *winks*

 2. The antique phone: yes, it works! This phone reminds me of how intrigued I used to be by phones as a little one and how imperative it was that our landline worked so that I could receive daily calls from my parents, who lived in another town at the time.

3. Small black&white 3-channel TV with white noise showing on the screen: Well that's been around for 20-something odd years now (obviously not much use now). Why it's featured in this storyboard? One answer. Media and entertainment - all things media, I'm in. The journo in me never sleeps, but if it so happens that the journo sleeps, the white noise wakes me up, I search for the best programme and I watch it and direct it in HD.

4. Gold 21st key: Golden key society...Ha!just kidding, this is a mere reminder that I am not getting any younger, so I should always strive to live my best life. Also, I like things simple and precious.

5. Piano: "Music keeps me here, by far, the main thing." -Dash Snow-

(mainly in our house as an aesthetic feature, but I swear I'll find the time to learn how to play eventually)

love: A-cups author, Afika Lulo :)

Keeping it natural and straight

So I posted a picture of my newly relaxed hair on Instagram a day or two ago and a mate of mine asked me how I did it? "Did what," you may ask. Well, how did my hair get so long since my lunch-box days?

I often have braids or a weave in, but I never forget to take care of my real hair beneath the Indian/Brazilian/Malaysian (take your pick) lady's locks.

What I do is, I base my scalp with plain castor oil (or you an mix it with coconut oil if you wish) in between the tracks or rows of braids at least once a week. My problem areas are my temples, so I apply it more regularly there and that's worked out pretty well for me thus far.

I don't use any of the other 'hair foods' or oil moisturisers even at the hairdresser - when I go get my hair relaxed, I take my castor oil and Betadine medicated dandruff shampoo with me and my hairdresser knows exactly what to do with these.(Tip: having a sound relationship with your hairdresser helps too, as some may be offended and think you're trying to get them to charge you less.)

Also, using Mizani as my product of choice has had its perks too.

My hair is on "extension" leave now for the next 2 weeks just to relieve it from the symptoms of traction alopecia that are induced by constantly having our hair in up-do's, braids and weaves.

Hope this was handy :)