Bags are for free expression

 Gone are the days when a bag was merely a way of transporting all your junk around. Nowadays, a bag speaks volumes about the person who is carrying it. Inspired by my feature on City Girl Vibe blog (read it here ), I realised that the bag has become just as important as the rest of the outfit and is undoubtedly a manner of expressing whatever it is you want the world to know about who you are. Some bags say “I am carefree and couldn’t be bothered”; others say “I am a serious business woman with edge”. Some say “I am a mom with a love for fashion”, while others say “I am a blogger with my finger on the pulse of fashion world”. 

I love the fact that a bag has the power to transform a very plain outfit into an ensemble that looks like it has been carefully thought out. A bag certainly has the power to complete any look. So the next time I  go bag shopping I'll put more thought into what it is that I want my bag to express about me and not make use of my usual “how many things will I be able to fit into it" method. What do you think your bag says about you?

* I do not take credit for the images in this post.

Please follow my blog if you like reading it and connect with me on twitter @CkoBlog or facebook CKO cool kids only- blog.

TILL LATER,LAUREN!

For the love of decor

I don't know about you but, I am as much stimulated by beautiful decor as I am by fashion.  I feel like the spaces you find yourself in everyday can inspire you in ways you couldn't have imagined.

I gravitate more towards simple, monochromatic styles but, every now and then something lavish and over the top catches my eye. The kind of environment you find yourself in has the power to transport you to a completely different world (albeit only in your mind). It also has the power to instantly change your mood. Great decor puts me in a relaxed, content mood.

In this post you will find some of my favourite decor ideas. I hope they inspire you as much as they did me. Where do you get your decor inspiration from?


*I do not take credit for the images in this post

TILL LATER, LAUREN! 

Old faithful

I am a big fan of the humble white t-shirt. It reminds of a long lasting friendship. The kind where you are comfortable enough to be yourself unapologetically but, also have enough room to flourish and express yourself in any kind of manner you feel like.

The white t-shirt is also what I consider the perfect blank canvas to start with when planning an outfit. It is unpretentious and has a definite cool factor. Also, it is uncomplicated enough to wear with practically anything your heart desires. I love the idea of getting to juxtapose it with elaborate accessories, killer heels and even striking skirts.

I try to wear my white t-shirts in as many ways as I possibly can and while, it can get tricky at times, it’s a challenge that allows you to stretch your wardrobe a little more and save some cash. And I am all for fashion on a budget. This post is dedicated to old faithful, the white t-shirt and the many ways you can wear it. I hope you guys enjoy the images!

*I do not take credit for the images in this post.

TILL LATER,LAUREN!

Review: Maybelline's Define -A-Lash mascara

Happy Friday everyone!

I have spent the whole week trying to adjust to and survive the cold. As much as I love the idea of winter; the reality of it seems less ideal to me. Nevertheless, I did discover a new favourite mascara this week and I am extremely keen to share a short review with you.

After purchasing Maybelline's Define-A-Lash mascara quite a while ago, I decided to give it a try this week. I have to admit, this mascara ticks all the boxes for me. From the packaging  to the texture: and most importantly the brush.

Since my lashes are on the short side, I prefer a shorter brush. The thin, flexible brush is perfect. The bristles grab even the shortest lashes and lengthen it to the point where they look like false lashes (I have been asked). The non clump texture makes for an easy application. Even the packaging gets my vote. The green tube looks modern. Overall, I am delighted by this mascara. I'm definitely repurchasing.

What about you? What is your favourite mascara at the moment?

TILL LATER, LAUREN!

Motherhood: The flip side.

On a normal day it's not easy being a 20 something year old woman  as it is. Throw in being a single, working mom in a country where so many children lose their lives to hideous crimes and I'd say you have the perfect recipe for a cocktail of nerves,anger and frustration.

You see, people are quick to tell you about the joys of motherhood. And believe me, 90 percent of being a mother is beyond amazing. Experiencing an almost out of body love for the little person you brought into this world makes you feel like you want to be the best person you can be. Yes, motherhood is all of the wonderful things (and more) that women tell you about.

But when my son is safely tucked in at night, an innocent scroll through facebook turns me into a ball of panic. I wonder why no one has ever mentioned this side of motherhood to me. The part where I would lie awake at night and wonder how I can keep my son safe at all costs. The part where suspicion creeps up on me everytime my child is around new people. The way a piece of my heart dies every single time I watch the news and I hear about little lives being taken in senseless crimes. It kills me because I feel furious and hopeless at the same time. My son is the love of my life.

The only thing that keeps me sane is prayer. I pray for my son, I pray for myself, my family and the countless children around the world who have no one praying for them. I have come to realise that in life there are no guarantees and instead of using my time to worry I use it to love and pray even more. Staying positive in current times is just about the hardest thing to do but it is a choice I have made.

I wrote this post because I wanted other mothers to know that they are not alone. We all share the same fears. However, there is power in prayer. Let us pray for peace. Not only in the world but, also within ourselves.

TILL LATER, LAUREN!

Sunday Style Sweethearts

There is just something about Sunday's that puts me in a really relaxed mood. The late morning's spent having breakfast with the family and the lazy afternoons spent reading melodramatic novels. Yes, Sunday's are blissful.

Every Sunday I like to reflect on the week that has passed and plan for the week ahead. While my work uniform is  rather conservative; I also like to gather inspiration from celebs.  This is where my Sunday Style Sweethearts posts come in. Even though we won't be taking too many style risks this week: who's to say we can't all be inspired.

*I do not take credit for the images in this post. 

I wish you a wonderful, productive week ahead.

TILL LATER , LAUREN! 

Life Lately : 15-06-16

It's been a week of adjusting for me. I have recently been promoted to a new position and with that came treading outside of my comfort zone. I had to adjust to a new set of colleagues and rules. On the up side: constantly learning new things are exciting.

For a minute or two I doubted that I would fit in and I wondered if someone else was perhaps better suited for the position. That got me thinking. Why is that frequently  pray for new opportunities; but hesitate when God hands them to us? Why do we doubt ourselves, but readily applaud others?

I have decided to push all notions of doubt aside. These things do not happen merely by chance. If an obstacle or opportunity happens to come your way, God has already decided you can handle it. End of story. With my little rant out of the way, let me welcome you to my newest "Life Lately" post.

For those of you who haven't read these posts on my blog let me explain. "Life Lately" posts usually consists of a collection of images depicting what is happening in my life...lately.

Please enjoy the post and feel free to leave your url in the comment section if you have a blog as well. I'm always keen on discovering new blogs.

Quotes are life savers for me.

Squad goals! 

Supporting a good cause with the love of my life.

I love doing reviews for my blog.

My brother is the most  fun person I know.

Inspiration  (I do not take credit for this image)

He loves taking pictures.

Sleep overs with the people I love the most.

And that's it. I look forward to hearing from you...

TILL LATER, LAUREN! 

Trend post: Bomber jackets

I have it on good authority that bomber jackets are super hot right now. ( By good authority I may or may not be referring to a Kardashian or two). With the colder months rolling around; I am spying them literally everywhere. I have to admit, its nice to have an alternative to the basic coat for winter. My winter uniform of coats and boots is getting a little boring to be honest.

I especially love the olive and floral options. The really great thing about a bomber jacket is that you can basically wear it with anything under the sun. They edge up pretty dresses and tone down more grungy looks. They don't only look amazing but, are also perfect for the colder days. So you don't have to suffer for the sake of fashion. I have gathered a few of my favourite bomber jacket looks just to inspire all us even more. I hope you enjoy this post.

*I do not take credit for the images in this post.

How would you style your bomber jacket?

TILL LATER, LAUREN!