All that glitters

When I was about 11 or 12 I bought the most hideous sequined blouse and found a million inappropriate ways to wear it. First with some baggy jeans, then with shorts and even with cargo pants. You see, back then everyone wasn't as accepting of sequins during the daytime as they are now. Even now, it blows my mind that I had the nerve to be that bold.

While we can all learn from my mistakes, the fashion world and street style sweethearts have found a way to cement the idea of sequins and glitters as more than just for princess parties and Vegas show girls. They have found ways to incorporate it into their everyday wardrobes without looking ridiculously over the top. Even work wear has gotten a sparkly injection.

In the spirit of remedying the horrendous mistakes I made when I was young and unwise I have decided to dedicate this post to giving all of us some tips and tricks to master the art of wearing sequins/sparkles/glitter at any time of the day or year.

*Balance

Try pairing your sequined items with masculine or tailored items to create a balance. For example, if you are wearing a sequined skirt, add a tailored blazer or a pair of brogues .

*Keep it simple

Sequins or sparkly pieces can be toned down by pairing it with simple fabrics, uncomplicated shapes and neutral colours. If you are not ready to go full on sparkly try introducing the trend into your wardrobe in small dosages. Accessories are a great way to do this.

*Choose on focal point

Because sequins and glitters are such statement makers you shouldn't pair them with anything that's equally over the top. Chose one item to be your focal point and work around it. The rest of your look should compliment your sequins and not try to compete with it.

How do you wear your sequined pieces? I would love to hear from you! 

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

TILL LATER, LAUREN!

Coco Kisses

I have never been a lipgloss person. Everyone who knows me ( or reads my blog ) knows that I prefer eye make up over everything. On a whim,  I bought this Yardley Stayfast Supershine  lipgloss a few weeks ago and I haven't stop using it since.

Over the years lipgloss has gotten a bit of a bad reputation for either being too messy or too sticky which is probably why I steered clear of it. However, I am not one to pass up a sale, especially not on make up. (This lipgloss cost me under R40). Let me tell you why I love it.

The formula is creamy and not sticky.  It feels really comfortable on my lips. It shines like a gloss but, my mouth does not look like I just ate a pork chop. It lasts longer than the average lipgloss which I appreciate. Having to reapply every few hours would put me off the gloss permanently. I decided to get it in Coco Kisses because its a hue I can wear to work and on a night out. I'm looking forward to trying the other shades.

Have you tried this lipgloss? What's your current favourite lipgloss? I would love to hear from you.

TILL LATER, LAUREN!

Life lately : 25-08-2016

I happy to report that life lately has been nothing but pleasant. It has been stress and drama free (by choice). It has also been a time for travelling, learning new skills and meeting new people.

My family and I recently went on a mini road trip to Grahamstown and it was super relaxing. It felt amazing to be away from the hustle and bustle of work and to enjoy some downtime with the people I love the most.

Ofcourse, there were a few bumps in the road. I found out some rather disappointing (and unexpected ) news but, I see now that that was just God's way of preparing me for something much better. I'm planning a little giveaway on my blog soon and I'm very excited. Keep an eye on my pages for the details. That's  it for now. I hope you enjoy this post.

Xylon and I had the best time in Grahamstown!

Always time for a selfie. Love this dress!

My favourite people!

I  am always looking for ways to spice up my work uniform.

Literally glowing with my family. 

Sourcing inspiration for my blog.

I love testing new products.

What I am currently reading. 

Hope you enjoyed this post. I would love to hear from you.

TILL LATER, LAUREN!

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!