Sunday Style sweethearts

Hi Lovelies

I trust everyone has been having a good weekend so far and if not, you can only go up from here right. I spent my weekend lounging about with friends and family and of course my amazing little boy. This is just a quick post on looks I have been obsessed with this week. I hope you enjoy them and that you have a productive, happy week ahead.

Ashley Madekwe is HOT in all white!

Slight departure from all the black and white she is usually in and I am pleasantly surprised.

Oh come on Blake, you look amazing even with a baby on the way

Yes Riri forgot her pants and bra at home but hey, this something only she can get away with!

Do you like any of these looks?

                                                      TILL LATER, LAUREN!

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

Beauty on a budget #3

I could probably write a couple of books about the many ways I have changed since becoming pregnant almost 5 years ago. Physical changes, emotional changes and mental changes all took place.  While my body was the most obvious change, I was somewhat prepared for that. What I was not prepared for was the way in which I perceived myself after giving birth. I became a lot less of a risk taker and way more conservative. My confidence was at the lowest it has ever been my whole life.

Even now that I almost completely back to my old self I find my confidence wavering from time to time.  I have realized, however, that being confident will always be a work in progress and that there are little things I can do to improve my self esteem daily. Lipstick is definitely one of those things. I feel like lipstick is something that pushes you to be a little surer of yourself. Adding some colour to your lips forces you to step out of your comfort zone and embrace something new.

Since this was the first time I was going to wear lipstick (can you believe that) these two cuties from AVON were the perfect picks to ease me into it. I couldn’t decide whether I wanted Foxy Fuchsia or All Fired Up so I got both. I definitely made the right choice. First of all they look like lip crayons which I love. I like to call it the dressed down version of the traditional lipstick tube. I think for a lipstick virgin like me it makes it less intimidating to use.

The slim design makes it easy to pop into a clutch or make up bag and the lid shuts and stays on tightly.  The colour pay off is incredible and it has such a smooth finish which really surprised me. I still chose to wear a little lip balm underneath because my lips are super dry lately. I had to reapply once or twice throughout the day but I really didn't mind because I got both of these at such a steal. I have to say that the Foxy Fuchsia definitely suites me better but I’ll be wearing both frequently this season.  These AVON lippies are currently available for R34, 95 each in brochure 13 and you can also visit www.avon.co.za

Left: Foxy Fuchsia and right: All Fired Up

Which lipstick are you wearing at the moment? Any recommendations for a lipstick newbie like me?

                                                       TILL LATER, LAUREN!

STYLE CRUSH: GWEN STEFANI

Some of my favourite things in life include fashion and music, so you can imagine my excitement when Gwen Stefani joined the judging panel on The Voice and added a little fashion flare to the show.

 Gwen is the quintessential cool girl. With her platinum blonde mane and signature red pout, she embodies glam rock.  Not even the baggy pants she is frequently spotted in can make Gwen look scruffy. I am in AWE! Because she is a mom and seems so easy going on television, I am sure you can see where my fascination with her stems from.

 Whether she is dropping her children of at school or doing interviews, Gwen always looks so effortlessly put together. I can’t even begin to imagine how sickeningly stunning her shoe closet must be. Just goes to show that moms can be cool too!

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

What do you think of Gwen's style?

                                                                TILL LATER, LAUREN!

Coveting: YSL's Black Opium

Don’t you love it when you buy your favourite magazine and you get an amazing freebie with (yes I am cheap like that); especially if it’s an opportunity for you to experience something that you have been coveting for a while. That was certainly the case recently when I purchased the November issue of Glamour SA and received a sample of YSL’s new perfume Black Opium. I was elated.

image source

Words I would use to describe the scent are mysterious, sexy, sensual, edgy and alluring. I have never used the original Opium fragrance but I have read that the bottle is similar to the new one. The difference with the Black Opium bottle is that it’s this black and sparkly creation that screams glam rock. Even before using then scent I was already a huge fan because of the advert featuring Edie Campbell and that catchy “My head is a jungle” song.

Whenever I wear it I get major compliments so it is safe to say that I am infatuated. This is definitely going on my Christmas wish list (hint, hint). Some of the notes in the fragrance include jasmine, vanilla, coffee, pink pepper, orange blossom and patchouli. I love that it’s a scent that is so difficult not to notice, but it’s not too overwhelming for day time and lingers all day.

What fragrance are you using or coveting right now?

Image source

TILL LATER, LAUREN!

Skirting the issue

It’s no secret that I am a “jeans girl”. If it was realistic I would wear my jeans every day, throughout all four seasons. To be frank, for me, it is somewhat of a security blanket.  They make my butt look amazing and they hide my legs (which I am not too fond off). BUT this post is not about jeans.

Somewhere, somehow during these last couple of months I fell in love with skirts; all skirts. I think what I love most is the fact that you can inhabit a different personality with every skirt you wear. You can be serious or flirty; sexy and even whimsical.  With each street style snap I have seen this year I seem to be and more besotted with skirts.

What won me over even more is the fact that, just like with jeans, the possibilities are endless and you can inject your own personality. You can dress down a pencil skirt with a t shirt and some loafers or dress up a leather skirt with a white button up shirt and jewel tone accessories. There is such freedom. I feel really sexy in the few skirts that I have bought so far because it is certainly out of my comfort zone. I feel rather brave. So in this post, in celebration of me letting go a little, I have rounded up a few of my favourite skirt looks. Which style do you prefer?  

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

                                                               TILL LATER, LAUREN!

Words on Wednesday:Happy Birthday Xylon Kenzo

In honour of my beautiful son’s  birthday (22 October) I thought it would only be fitting to share some of the lessons motherhood has taught me. Being a mother has certainly been an interesting journey to say the least and no two days are exactly the same.  You have to be beyond patient and a sense of humour is essential. Here are a few other things I have learned from being a mother.

·         With motherhood comes a whole set of new uncertainties. From what formula to use; to are you being strict enough as a parent? You’ll worry every second that your child is out of your sight and at times it will become so scary/ frustrating /tiring that you’ll probably want to cry several times a day. You can’t do it all on your own. It’s ok to need and accept help from people you trust.

·         Going to the toilet will become a sacred, cherished affair. Enjoy going alone while you can. Children have absolutely no problem hanging out with you while you do your business.

·         You will have to learn and remember the names of all Dora’s friends (plus the meaning of a few Spanish words). Questions will be asked and if you don’t want your credibility doubted in the future, you better know the answers.

·         It’s perfectly fine to bribe your child every now and then to get them to do something. Yes, you always want to be in charge but sometimes it’s just not worth the struggle. You have to choose your battles wisely.

·       There comes a time when they don’t listen to you at all, about anything. Don’t take it personally; it has nothing to do with who you are as a parent.

·       Having conversations about poop will become completely acceptable and not at all cringe worthy.

·         Children are undoubtedly like sponges. They observe and copy so much of who we are as parents. Be careful how you talk to and react to your child. This is how they will eventually talk to and treat others.

·        There is no right or wrong way to parent. What works for you, other parents might find unorthodox. That’s all right; we all want our children to be confident individuals so we can’t possibly use someone else’s blueprint for parenting.

·         This one I learned the hard way. You will spend a ton of money on expensive toys and your child ends up enjoying tupperware and empty boxes more. Sometimes I tend to go overboard with buying things that my son couldn’t care less about.

·         Don’t worry about whether you are doing things right. The most important thing you can do is be present. Life passes us by so fast and the last thing you want is to regret not living in the moment and treasuring the little things.

Motherhood is the most fun I have had all my life and I look forward to making new discoveries and learning new lessons as the years go by. Happy Birthday Xylon. You are the love of my life and the reason I smile every day.

TILL LATER, LAUREN!

The issue with my hair

After suffering from major hair damage and loss, I am happy to report that my hair is finally looking better. It has grown a great deal and it just looks so much fuller and healthier. Thing is; now it’s at that awkward length where you can’t really do much with and it is slightly dull looking. Don’t get me wrong. I am elated that I finally don’t have to be embarrassed by the state of my hair any more, but I feel the need to do something badass with it.

I have been playing around with a few ideas in my head. At first I thought an edgy short hair cut would fit my personality, but the thought of having to cut off all my hard work scares me. And I am not brave enough to do the undercut thing. Let me leave that to Rihanna. Also, I would love to have an afro , but with my straight locks, that dream looks like it will stay just that, a dream. So while I try to make up my mind I have started adding hair accessories to my everyday looks and looking for inspiration online.  Who is your hair crush?

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

TILL LATER, LAUREN!

I love STREETSTYLE

 When it comes to fashion, we are all stimulated by different things. Be it blogs, magazines or runway shows; we all have that one thing that inspires us beyond measure. For me, that feeling comes from street style images. I cannot wait for the various fashion weeks every year solely because I love to gawk at regular (ridiculously stylish) people on the streets.

Seeing how people express themselves so unapologetically unsettles me slightly, but in a good way. It’s that feeling of “wow I could totally see myself doing that”or“jeez why I didn't think of that”. It makes me want to get up every morning and express myself in that same way, regardless of what other people would think.  Personally, street style seems like such a celebration of who you are as a person and it’s a celebration I would very much like to be a part of. I am definitely working towards taking a few more risks when it comes to fashion and not being so constricted by the fashion “rules” in my head.

 In my last post [read it here] I spoke about refreshing my wardrobe by making sure I have the basics. I look forward to adding my own flair with accessories and a whole new perception of style. In this post I have assembled some of the street style images that inspire me immensely. Some are quirky, some are flamboyant and some looks are downright genius. Naturally, we all have different tastes so these images might not inspire you, but I’m hoping that you enjoy them nevertheless.

Where does your fashion inspiration come from?

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

TILL LATER, LAUREN!