Blue peplum and a statement necklace

Oooh, looking serious while dodging the setting afternoon sun and keeping an eye on my lively photographer, Jarod.



Accessorize Necklace                                                                                                        Makro Shoes

 

WHEN:  October 3, 2013 : Thursday

THE MAIN ATTRACTIONS:
Peplum : Mr Price (Last season)
Skirt : Jet (Last season)
Necklace : Accessorize

THE BASICS :
Shoes : Makro

THE DAY PLAN : I had nothing beyond pc and studio work planned but really felt like dressing up a little more than usual. 

THE VERDICT : Schatz liked this look a lot and said I looked classy ... I aim to please the man.  You may remember that I took his shock at the striped dress quite badly and was in fact surprised by his reaction ... today I got the total opposite, the only thing that may have surprised him more would have been a ball gown, or maybe a dominatrix outfit ;-).

Thankfully peplums are still on trend this season.  One of the things about living in the southern hemisphere and watching the styles in the North, is that you know if what's in your closet is still on trend by the time the season changes.

 

I only wore this peplum about two or three times last summer, but cannot seem to find a photo of myself in it, so I'm happy to get a bit more wear out of.  I decided to pair it with this black and white skirt of mine, which I also wore but a handful of times and that I love.

Here's to Happy Spring and Autumn days.

ITEMS SEEN PREVIOUSLY : Skirt worn previously here and here.

Sunday Stuff

Stripes on Monday

What makes your heart melt?

My thirteen year old son still thinks I'm pretty awesome!  Bless his little soul.  He's an observant, happy, positive soul and those are of the qualities I admire most in people.

 

We were doing his party invitations and he could not get the printer to work, so I came up and did some fiddling and got them printed.  As he passed me he stops and says one of the reasons why he loves me is that I have "mad" skills.  Ah, I fear when it all fades, but bask in it right now.   But, it just melts my heart.

 

~::~ ~::~ ~::~

 

So I've been editing my little heart out and am about done and have promised myself to have it all delivered by the end of the week as next week I'll be concentrating on my course work.  I'm eager to get more done.  Every little bit of acknowledge I acquire, although initially sends me reeling, helps me become better and hone my skills.

 

I'm still around, just finding that the hours pass so quickly and before I know it, I'm cooking dinner and then there's little chance I'll do the photos then.  But then, Spring is on the way - so maybe I'll pick up my game then with the longer hours of daylight.

 

I'm due for a haircut and colour and need a pedicure before the sandal weather arrives and a little bit of colour wouldn't go amiss either. 

 

I'm loving all the stripes that are in abundance in the stores and can't wait for the warmer weather to show off a new striped dress and t-shirt that I bought last month and the shirt dress I finally found at an awesome price.

 

I bought this dress in black as the branch I went into only had only had one green dress which was too small and I was leaving saw one hanging in their window, so I raided their window display to get the black one.  At least the black will be more versatile in my opinion than the green.   I'm also quite happy that peplums are still in for the coming season.  I did not wear them quite as often as I feel I should have last Summer.

 

Well folks, its time to get dinner started ... hope you're had a wonderful Hump Day.

 

 

 

 

Yesterday was Sunday

I started the morning helping Schatz spread lawn dressing in anticipation of Spring.  I love a thick green lawn so we've started watering and feeding and the dressing is the last of it - except for the continual watering.

I then spent some time puttering around on the pc and then my little guy Liam and I had a coffee date.  We went down to M&B and ended up sharing a caramel chocolate cake and milkshakes. 

It was pretty warm yesterday so I wore my high-low dress, boots and a cardigan. 

Details : Dress : Mr Price | Boots : Rage | Belt : Woolworths | Cardigan : Truworths | Necklace : Woolworths

My cute boy was also wearing purple and we had a pleasant hour or so alone having our cake and eating it and then we did some shopping.

I do so love this dress and I think once the high-low hem is totally a 'no-no' I'll cut it into a straight hem.  I just love the comfy t-shirt material and print of it.

My Friday Fab List

Black and white has always been a winning combination.  From casual to night wear, if you can't decide on a colour, you can't go wrong with the combo.

 

I found these gorgeous two items via the Spree site which I would have no problem adding to my own closet.

 

Pencil Dress with Lace Applique

Adam & Eve

R640.00

Blake Colourblock Bag 

ZOOM

R370.00

 

... and then to add some sparkle, I found this at American Swiss

 

Triple twist ring from American Swiss

R1 299

   

Rows of black, berry and white cubic zirconia twist on themselves to

form this beautiful sterling silver ring.

 

Painted nails by Essence

I have an interview tomorrow and decided to paint my nails.  To keep it simple and polished (still need to do a little tidying of the edges) I decided to go with a nude shade which is Modern Romance by Essence.   I read that the nude shades make your fingers look longer - not that I need mine to look longer as I'm lucky that I have thin-ish fingers.  I tend to go through stages where I paint regularly, then I feel unenthusiastic and just keep them covered with Nailtique Formula 2.

 

Modern Romance by Essence

I think its neat and neutral and a little more classy than plain clear polish.

 

I'm a little undecided on what to wear tomorrow.  Maybe I'll wear this outfit or possibly a plain black skirt and shirt.  I do believe in keeping the overall look simple as very bright nails, over done makeup and crazy shoes can look a little garish.  Any suggestions?

 

Wish me luck.

Polka dot hose

Red black and cream with polka dot hose

I have not worn this skirt in ages.  I started off wanting to wear my white and black polka dot shirt, but it did not look too great together, which had me back at the wardrobe trying to find something else.  I then thought the cream and black cardigan would go well. Overall I'm satisfied with this look, but I don't think the necklace was the best choice.  Although I'd like this skirt to be a little shorter, the length is not negotiable as there is a pleated design in the back and it would look silly in the back if it were shorter.

 

I got to say goodbye to two gents from our client - a little bit of reality settling in.  Tomorrow may be interesting.

 

Today we were chatting about alternate forms of employment.  This has my head whirling at this point.  There are possibilities and opportunities, its just to hunt them down.  I'll let you know what happens one way or the other, but as off tomorrow, I'm on a little bit of break while I search and plot and plan.

Red statement necklace

The Details : Skirt and Cardigan : Truworths | Tank : Pick 'n Pay | Shoes : Foschini | Necklace : Woolworths | Watch : Diva

Chanel style cardigan

Diamante accessories

Black, white, grey and a dash of coral blue.

 

Feeling emotionally stuck in the doldrums, I had to about drag myself out of bed today to get ready for work.  I believe the days that you feel the most challenged is when you put o  something that you love and that makes you feel confident.  So, I paired my favourite lace skirt with a coral cami and this Chanel style cardigan.  This is a potential interview outfit.  Not too stuffy, but with a little bit of pizzazz and edge.  I think I could get away with this look instead of a suit - what are your thoughts?

 

 The deets : Cardigan : Identity | Cami : Chinese Store | Skirt & earrings : Truworths | Heels : Legit | Watch : La Diva | Ring : American Swiss |



No excuses?

Being very close to fifty I have, much to my surprise found my body changing quicker than I could ever have imagined and me feeling like a race house stuck in the starting stalk unable to catch up with the changes.

Last week I got home feeling horrid and commented to Courteney that I felt awfully chubby and that the skirt I  was wearing used to hang loosely on my hips, but is now fitted in my waist.   She kindly said I should try getting to gym and hit the treadmill even if only once a month ... right there and then I told her I was going to gym and she chose to come with.

source

I did a session on the treadmill,  followed by leg, stomach and an arm workout.   I felt better about me but I know it is going to take a lot more to get into the shape I dream of.

If I don't do the work, I'm not going to get any results and I'm a little tired of making excuses to myself.

Sadly, on Friday I was given 30 days notice at work.  With the economy in the state it is and the mining sector under particular strain, contractors are being let go in order for permanent staff to keep their positions.  This is going to be a big challenge for me and I'll need to keep H.A.L.T. in mind. 

Hope your weekend was fabulous.

A dress?!

And a straight dress at that.   

Wearing a dress!

Not just a dress, but oh dear, its way above my knee.  I felt a little awkward because I had not realised just how short it is when I tried it on the first time.  But, I went with it instead of whipping it off as I initially felt like doing.  Wearing tights makes me feel a little less naked.  

The Deets : Dress : Foschini | Shoes : Truworths | Cardigan : ??? | Necklace : Legit | Bracelets & Ring : Truworths

Looking at the pattern in this dress, I do wish the light bit had been across the tummy instead of above and below it.  Next time I wear this dress, I do intend wearing something bright with it ... maybe my red blazer.

I had tried a few different belts but I did not like how it caused the dress to bulk over my hips.  I even tried the belts over the dress and cardigan. I am considering having the dress altered to be a little more fitted, but not skin tight, just too give it a little more shape.

I choose silver accessories.  The necklace cost me all of about R15- and I think I picked it up at Legit.  Its the first time I've worn it despite having it for at least 3 months.  I really like the cut out design of it, it reminds me a little of the necklace that Schatz bought me for Christmas.  I added three bangles, which did drive me a little batty by the end of the day because they clunked it a lot ... lol.

Considering all the aspects, I quite liked this look and don't think the legs looked too bad.  A previous comment by Annette had me thinking about why I wear most of my skirts at the length I do and the reason goes way back to around 1997 when a lady I loved and respected very much said that women should not wear their skirts above their knees because no one has pretty knees.  I think that has stuck with me and whenever I see my knees I wonder if they're the ugliest on the planet. 

That's all for now folks ... thanks for visiting, reading and leaving me your thoughts.

 And there another weekend has flown by ... my boys are jetting their way to visit their Dad for a summer holiday.  We just have Courteney at home and I do hope she does get to spend tons of time with her friends before her move.

 

My ring and bracelet were given to me by my daughter Taryn when she came home to visit.

 
 
I so love the colour mustard and I don't know why I've never worn it with my leopard print skirt.

 

Schatz gave me this handbag as part of my Christmas gift last year and this is the first time I used it. I'm pretty bad about changing my handbags to match each outfit.



 



Nothing but neutrals

The Deets : Skirt, Tank and Shoes : Truworths | Cardigan : Legit | Necklace : Accessorize | Bracelets : Contempo

Todays look took shape at the last minute - I had not quite planned what to wear, but this outfit came together around the skirt, followed by the cardigan and then the tank was added.

In all honesty I almost felt as thought I were dressed my age and a little more professional and a little less trendy than usual.  Its a safe, practical outfit.

I bought this cardigan a few weeks back from Legit - I liked the 'chain' details on the trim and the faux pockets.

Yesterday I saw another women in my age group wearing the same cardigan and I was quite impressed by how great it looked on her.  This range of clothing by Toya Delazy is marketed at a younger age group, but there are a few items that I feel are totally appropriate for the more mature trendy ladies.

I would like to get a necklace and arm chains that are more like the trim, but with the little gold sequins in the cardigan, I think the pearl and gold accessories picked up nicely.

Black and White stripes frills and a little yellow

 The deets : Skirt and booties : Jet | Top : Edgars | Cardi : Truworths | Arm candy : Contempo | Earrings : Sass Diva

I enjoyed this outfit - I just don't like the booties with this all that much.  I saw some gorgeous ankle boots which have more of a slit in the front, which I'm sure would give a better 'shape' to my leg and I'm contemplating buying them, but they are super high and I'm beginning to battle a little with the really high shoes ... but don't you dare call me old.  I had to do a little walking this afternoon so I wanted to wear comfy shoes and these booties fit the bill.

Miss Boo's Immigration Visa was ready for collection, so I headed off to Sandton to collect it.  Since you cannot park in the Consulate, you need to park nearby and walk ... which for me is Sandton City - and of course, its an excuse to walk through TopShop, Trenery, Zara and more on your way back to the car.  Oh dear, oh dear ... its difficult to behave - I kinda sorta got it right.

Hope your Monday - oh I mean Tuesday (mine was a Monday on Tuesday because yesterday was a holiday for us) was fabulous.

Black, pearls and denim on denim

A quick comfortable Sunday outfit to run to the stores.

Add caption

Details : Jeans : Woolworths  Knit : Legit

One of the furry little criminals, namely Marshy ... with the look she gave me in the previous photo, I simply had to grab her up and take a picture with her.  She's a rather unaffectionate kitty, but we do love her all the same.

Schatz and I dropped the troupe off at their Gran for a visit and headed on out to buy new cat litter trays and a baby bath for baby Joshua.  We ended up getting him quite a bit more than a bath.  When we called Felicia, she said she was starving, so we headed to the hospital with food.  While Graeme was dropping off, they said she's be able to leave soon - it ended up being almost 4 hours later, but the little sweetie is snuggled up safe and sound in his home with his Gogo staying with for the night.

Hope your Sunday was great.

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Zama and me in stripes

My colleague Zama, who is a serious shoe, clothing and handbag addict,  much like myself,  stepped into the lift I was in this morning and I had a good giggle when I saw how similar our tops are.

Coral and grey







Faux wrap skirt and coral knit

Another quick and simple remixed outfit that I wore last week Wednesday.  I have not worn this skirt as many times as I had initially thought I had.  All items have been seen before.  I do love grey and coral together.  Considering that I have not had these boots very long, I've already worn them quite a few times, which means they are worth every cent I spent on them already.


Deets : Skirt : Ackermans | Knit : Couture | Boots : Fannie & Angelo | Necklace : Truworths | Bracelets : Contempo

Pearl and gold bracelet : Contempo





Pearl Statement Necklace : Truworths

Casual Friday

Skinny jeans, boots, grey t-shirt and red statement necklace

Fridays look featured my new statement necklace.  I love it.

I bought this jacket at Fashion Express last weekend and was so eager to wear it.  I love how this look came together as it looked casual but polished.

Deets : T-shirt, necklace & skinny jeans : Woolworths | Jacket : Fashion Express | Boots : Fannie & Angelo

At the zoo

Graeme bought a Groupon voucher for a visit to the Pretoria Zoo.

We saw a white tiger, the bear having fun in water, we saw reptiles, monkeys, gorillas, cheetahs, snakes, sharks (something I remember from when I was a kid and we visited the Zoo with our headmaster, who happened to be our moms boyfriend for a time) reptiles, birds, deers, seals, a parrot that said 'hello' and more.

 

Courteney, Jarod, Liam and Me.







Loving Flamingoes



Comparing their arms length to the wingspan of a Cape Vulture, Verreauxs Eagle, Black Kite and Black-shouldered Kite



 Courteneys outfit : T-shirt : Mr. Price | Shorts, cardigan and bag : Edgars | Pumps : Jet |

My look : Camo T-shirt - Mr. Price | Shorts : Fashion Express : Parka : Edgars | Pumps : Truworths | Shades : Ray Ban

This morning my legs are sore - I can't remember when last I walked so darn much, but I sure realised how unfit I am.  I'm considering following the USN 12 week body makeover.  I will include the eating plan from Weigh-Less as I can't imagine myself eating the three meal options for dinner for a straight 12 weeks!

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