3 GORGEOUS WAYS TO WEAR DENIM- PART 2 | SATURDAY INSPIRATION

Images by Capturing Concepts Photography

Welcome to the second part of my Denim series! A huge thank you for all the love I received from you on my social media platforms w.r.t my previous look (view here!). It really warms my heart when I am supported, it motivates me to continue doing what I love. And makes me feel amazing that my voice is acknowledged. 

I haven't done 'Random' babbling for some time now and I thought HEY why not 'cause I've had crazy random epiphanies of late that I managed to place into five points. Here goes: 

Random... 

1. We often invest ourselves in people who don't value us or our time. Break free. 

2. Some people may have 1 or 2 outta "flaws" while others have a 1000 inner. Just because yours are inner doesn't give you the leverage to judge others. (Know your place?)

3. A weak man can't love a strong woman. He wouldn't know what do with her. 

4. Some 'older' folk use their age to impose power onto those seemingly 'younger'.Being in a position of 'power' as a young teacher, I've never made my students to feel 'less' than I. I didn't demand this highty tighty shitty respect, but earned it. It was through this that I became a warrior teacher. #Fearless 

5. What you allow is what will continue. 

About this look... 

For this particular denim look I wanted to create a chic and comfortable Saturday (out with the girls) kind of outfit. I've opted to show you how I would wear the classic knee length denim dress.I like that this dress buttons all the way down so it gives the freedom to wear it open as a longer length denim shirt over fitted jeggings and a tee. Also, it's flattering for almost all body types (win!!). 

To compliment my outfit 4flavour Accessories was kind enough to send over this really cool fedora inspired hat. I really love wearing hats in summer as it saves me so much time with hair styling and on top of that it gives such a chic look to a 'boring' outfit. If you a bit weary about wearing a hat try pairing it with boyfriend jeans, a statement tee, a stylish handbag and you ready for lunch with the girls. These laced heels are such an easy walk though. That's why I thought it a great idea to pair it with this Saturday outfit. You can view more of this shoe story over here! 

Denim Dress//HnM, Necklace//Iconic, Watch//Fossil, Tan Tote Bag//Old Navy, Hat// 4Flavour available at YDE, Shoes// Mr Price online 

Thank you for taking the time to read today. Be sure to follow and like me on Instagram & Facebook! 

3 GORGEOUS WAYS TO WEAR DENIM THIS SUMMER - PART 1

Images by: Capturing concepts photography

Welcome to part one of my denim series. I created this series based on the fact that I know for sure each and every one of us has at least one, two or three denim items in our closet. It may be in the form of a denim jeans (skinny, straight cut or bootlegged), a denim shirt (cropped, rustic in color or the traditional Levi strauss one) and of course the edgy denim dress that transcends through the seasons: In summer with sandals or pretty heels and Autumn with leggings and boots. 

For this look I decided to bring the 70's inspired bell-bottom jeans back in style! I remember when this made a come back a few years back, I'd often wear it to work dressed slightly down for a more formal look and so that I could be taken 'seriously' by my students (laughs). Needless to say the ones who had an eye for style thought that it was pretty dope.  For this look I decided to pair it with this beautiful chiffon blouse from Zara which I purchased in Riyadh when they had their end of season summer sale (score!!). If you're a shorty, these jeans give you the opportunity to wear pretty heels that will give the appearance of longer legs. The Diamante choker from 4flavour Accessories is a piece I selected from their summer range. I love chokers. So by adding this diamante one to my collection was a no brainer. It's perfect for a night out on the town with the girls or a seriously decked out event at a luxurious hotel. 

I hope you've enjoyed reading my post today and keep a look out for the next two parts of my denim series that'll inspire you to wear denim-gorgeously-this summer! Want to keep up with me? Follow me on Instagram and Like me on Facebook. 

Top//Zara, Jeans//Mr Price, Shoes//Aldo, Bag// YSL, Watch//Fossil, Rings & Choker//4Flavour Accessories available at YDE

Love, 

DATE NIGHT GLAM MAKE UP LOOK

Photo BY:Capturing Concepts Photography 

Diamante choker and earrings: 4Flavour Accessories

As much as I take pride in great skin care products (read it here), similarly, I take pride in caking my face with 'good' make-up. On average, I spend about 30-40 min to apply full face make-up and the rest of the time when I am not caking my canvas, I am bare faced giving my pores a chance to breathe. I am currently doing this "thing" that if I ain't posing for photo's for my blog, seeing someone relatively 'important' then NO I will not be caking face. And I have to admit, my skin is loving it. 

 I created this romantic look as part of my "Denim" series which is supposed to hit this week. The look was captured through the lens of Capturing Concepts photography so watch this space eh? Below I list some of the products I used to achieve this sultry Date night glam post V-day make-up look. 

As cheesy as this MAY sound. Valentines day is certainly everyday (Awwww!!). How pretty are the images down below though? I managed to re-arrange my lounge table to make a pretty back drop for this make-up post! Comment below and let me know what you think of it? 

To keep up to date with me and my blog follow us on Instagram and Like us on Facebook

The eyes 

Morphe Palette in 35N 

Essence "I love extreme Mascara" 

'Colors'by Foschini Eyeliner  

Red Cherry Lashes in #202 

MAC brushes for eye shadow application in #252 and #275 

The Face 

Benefit Pore Professional Primer 

Catrice Prime & Fine color corrector 

MAC concealer in NC 35

MAC Water weight liquid foundation in NC 30 

MAC studio fix powder foundation in NC 30 

Essence "Shape your face" contouring palette 

Garnier Pure Active Micellar cleansing water make-up remover 

The Cheeks

MAC blush in the color 'Sunbasque' 

Anastasia Beverley Hills highlighter 

MAC fan brush for highlighter application in 494 SE 

The lips 

MAC in the shade 'Ruby Woo'

MAC lip liner pencil in the shade 'Cherry' 

Kylie Jenner lip kit in the shade 'Mary Jo K'

Love, 

FIGHTING ACNE : SKIN CARE PRODUCTS THAT ACTUALLY HELPED

Photo BY : Stitched The Blog 

Hello Everyone! Happy belated Valentine's day, I hope you received all the love you know you deserve from those who are special to your heart and if you're not "involved", self-love is key. (Big hugs) 
Today I'm sharing my skin care products routine that I have implemented since writing 'My acne story' which you can read over HERE! 
Like every other person out there suffering from a little bit of this and that, I have tried almost every product on the commercial market with limited results. Some may work for a few months and then it would seem that my skin became sort of 'use to' the product and it just stops working ... and on to the next! The products that I will list below are those that actually made some kind of difference to the appearance of my acne. This post ain't sponsored so what I'll be sharing is completely truthful and genuine (just how I like it!). The products that I use are a combination of Dermafix ,The Body Shop, Epiduo and ZO by Skin health.  

The Dermafix Active Cleansing Gel 

Why it's good . . . 

This deep cleansing formula thoroughly removes excess oil and surface impurities and what makes it different to other cleansers is that it is a Alpha and Beta Hydroxy cleanser which is pretty good for Acne prone skin. 

The results  . . .

I use this cleanser in the morning and evening. I make sure it lathers up pretty well so that the formula really gets into the pores! Once towel dried, my skin feels supple and cleansed. And not tight and dried up (if you know what I mean..!)  

The Dermafix Vitamin B cream 

Why it's good . . . 

This product is recommended for normal to blemished and oily skin. A complex of natural Botanical extracts, vitamins and amino acids help to moisturize and balance the skin, while natural Vitamin B complex helps to regulate the oil gland to reduce the possibility of clogged pores, inflammation and break outs. 

The results  . . .

After the cleanser and TE-Pad I apply a pea size to my face focusing on my T-zone areas. The texture is not oily but rather velvety and smooth. The only thing with this product is that I wish it had some sort of sweet scent and not very medicine-ish. Maybe that's just the girl in me talking. (Laughs). 

The Dermafix Dermashield SPF 40 

Why it's good . . .

The Dermashield SPF 40 sunscreen provides UVA/ UVB protection . This product contains Z-Cote which protects skin from damaging UVA rays proven to be responsible for premature signs of ageing. 

The results  . . .

Without a doubt, I use this product daily. Even when I don't intend heading out in the sun, I feel its important that I have a layer of sun protection. In addition, applying sunscreen also assists with pigmentation and dark marks caused by pimples. 

The Dermafix Vitamin Therapy Masque 

Why it's good . . .

The Vitamin Therapy Masque is a light weight, Nutrient rich, intensive treatment masque, utilizing anti-oxidants to protect the skin and prevent premature aging. This masque visibly reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles whilst increasing the skin elasticity and boosting collagen production for healthy cell regeneration. 


The results  . . .

I purchased this product based on the premise that I will be out of the country for a few months and wouldn't be able to go for my regular treatments. Since then I used it less than 10 times and have seen slow results. Perhaps it's because I wasn't consistent with the use of the product. The results that I have seen with this product is that it leaves my skin feeling even more supple and cleansed. Personally, I prefer a scrub that's more pore cleansing than 'surface' cleansing. 

The Body Shop- Drops of Youth-Youth Cream 

Why it's good . . .

This product is derived from the Edelweiss plant from the Italian Alps known for its protective, renewing and restructuring properties. Working together, they are infused in a smooth velvety cream to help enhance skin renewal and trigger visibly fresh, youthful looking skin at the surface. 

The results  . . .

This product was recommended to me by my good friend Zaneb after talking about ways that we can maintain youthful looking skin. As the product suggests , after applying, it leaves your skin with a velvety texture. I would apply this before applying my make-up or in the evening after cleansing and using the T-pads. Again, I haven't used the product consistently to see any magical results but according to Z, it works and is definitely  a product that worked for her. 

The Body Shop- Drops of Youth-Youth Eye Concentrate 

Why it's good . . .

The youth eye concentrate promises skin around the eyes to be instantly firmer. 

The results  . . .

When I purchased the Youth cream, I decided to add the youth eye concentrate to my basket as well! Especially because the quickest signs of aging appears around the eye area. It is recommended that if you 25 and above, you should invest in a good eye serum. The Youth Eye concentrate has visibly reduced the fine lines under my eye area and brightens my complexion. So for a 'start out Product'. It's pretty good. 

ZO Skin health TE-Pads acne pore treatment 

Why it's good . . .

Reduces sebum production, removes dead skin cells & deep-cleanses

congested pores using 2% salicylic acid. Botanical extracts calm & soothe for healthy skin.

The results  . . .

After suffering from a crazy stretch of hormonal acne. I was left with deep dark marks and pigmentation on areas of my chin and the side of my face. I was getting pretty fed up with my complexion that I decided I wanted to do a pretty invasive chemical peel. I then headed over to Legs Eleven and inquired about these treatments. I was advised to purchase the TE-Pad acne pore treatment. "Another product.." I thought. But let me just say that this product is BOMB. After 3 weeks of use on my chin area, the dark marks has visibly reduced and the break outs is controlled and very minimal. This product is a bit on the pricey side, but really worth the money! 

Epiduo 

Why it's good . . .

Epiduo Gel is the only antibiotic-free topical acne treatment with a fixed dose combination of 0.1% adapalene and 2.5% benzoyl peroxide. It helps clear up the breakouts you have now and helps prevent future pimples from forming. Adapalene is a type of retinoid, and the other medicine in Epiduo Gel. It unclogs blocked pores, helping to stop acne from forming under the skin's surface and decreasing the redness, swelling and inflammation associated with pimples.

The results  . . .

I bought this product a few months ago in Riyadh. I needed something urgently because my break outs were getting pretty out of hand. This I bought at your local pharmacy in Riyadh. Although in South Africa, one may need a prescription from your dermatologist. When I see a pimple forming, I apply a pea size to the affected areas. Over the next few days, the pimple will begin to dry out and reduce in size and color. I am happy with this product and is definitely a must-buy. 

And that's it! I hope you found this post helpful and informative and that it assists you in choosing the best product for your skin. 

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Love,  

THREE WAYS TO STYLE A SCARF / NO PINS, NO FUSS!

Hi ladies, just thought that I'd share some of my favourite scarf styles! No pins, No fuss! Happy Monday! 

Would you like to see more tutorials? Drop me a comment below and don't forget to subscribe on the right! 

Love

Iptishaam 

       #1 The Side Braid 

                 #2 The Front Bun 

                                                                                                                         #3 The Front Twist 

Photo Credit  

Capturing Concepts Photography

The End

LIFESTYLE | 23, Twenty-three

Photo Credit: Fatima Khan-Wise

A few days ago I turned 23. Twenty three sounds like a "big girls" age. So let me do a "big girls" thing and say what I've leaned about life thus far. 

1. Your moms ALWAYS right (about guys,clothing, anything!) 

2. Never be afraid of hard work. 

3 . Love whole-heartedly 

4. Stay away from jealous people. They're only there to make your life more difficult.  

5. Show kindness to everyone. It's true, it comes back to you. 

6. Not everyone can be your friend. 

7. Think before you speak, stop acting like an ass and know that words HURT. 

8. Give hugs, show affection. Show you care. 

9. Go for your dreams and goals but not at the expense of walking over others. 

10. Always do things with class. 

11. I know how to push-start my car after MANY "push-starting" moments. 

12. Accept things that you cannot change. 

13. Stand up for yourself, if someone is being rude towards you, show that you're a woman of integrity. 

14. Always WANT to learn new things, read books, watch the animal planet. (There is a life more exciting than sitting on twitter all day long.)

15. Loving is not easy. But do so anyway. Receiving that love back is so worthwhile. 

16. When you see your loved ones after a very long time, hug them and tell them you really glad they're there. I mean, life is so short. 

17. You get nasty bloggers.  

18. Demand respect and give it.

19. As a teacher, I've learned that all children need is for you to show them respect and love and they'll return it. 

20. My dad has so much wisdom.

21. Sometimes its best to walk away from a situation. You're not defeated, you just bigger than that drama. 

22. Often what comes out of people's mouths is a reflection of whats in their hearts. 

23. A dry eye is an indication of a hard heart. Cry. It's okay. You are not weak. 

What are some of the things you've learned about life? I would love to hear. 

Thank you for reading today! 

Love, 

Iptishaam

NOW TRENDING | The Kimono

Last week sometime I got invited to the Forever 21 event and received a R 1000 shopping voucher! (Lucky me).  The Kimono is just one of the items I bought and is definitely on my list as one of my Summer must-haves. 

What I LOVE about this Kimono is that it's a light weight fabric with a longer back and layered front. Also, the Aztec like print gives your entire outfit a perfect Bohemian (link!) twist.  

Needless to say I cannot wait to wear it on scorching hot summer nights over flowing dresses and fitted jeans. 

This look post was taken after an interview with AnNur. Myself and Fatima wanted to do a look post for the longest time now and we decided that seeing that I am "dressed" up, why not take a few pics with her super cool camera. Honestly, it was tough selecting the pics for the blog 'cos all of them are SO cool.

PS: Check this look out on AN-NUR in November sometime which airs every Saturday morning at 11 AM. 

 

 

 

 

 

Kimono|Forever 21

Canary yellow blouse| Milla By YDE

Shoes| Foschini 

Boyfriend Jeans,Ring| Woolworths

Scarf| China Town 

A huge shukran to my girl Fatima Khan-Wise for taking these stunning pics! 

Love,

Iptishaam 

TRENDS | COTTON ON COMES TO THE V & A

Today I received the most exciting news! Yes, Cotton On is coming to the V & A waterfront! Finally there's something that I can afford at the Waterfront (lol) without breaking the bank. Here are some details on their press release:

COTTON ON TO HIT THE SHORES OF THE V&A WATERFRONT    

In a move set to excite the people of South Africa, leading Australian retail brand, Cotton On, is thrilled to announce their new store opening at the V&A Waterfront on 30 May 2014.  The launch will mark the Group’s 100^th store in South Africa.

At 1500 square metres, the new Cotton On store will be the largest in the Western Cape and will offer collections from Cotton On, Cotton On Body, Free and Rubi Shoes. The stable of Cotton On Group brands will deliver on-trend basics and fun, affordable fashion which South Africans have come to know and love.

Since opening their first store in 1991 in Australia, the Cotton On Group has been rapidly growing with no plans to slow down. Now with over 1300 stores in 16 countries, the Cotton On Group maintains its commitment to reach more people across the globe.  The Australian retail giant has been operating in South Africa since 2011.

Free by Cotton On, which launched in South Africa in 2013, will be available at the new V&A store catering to the free-spirited, independent minded boys and girls (9-14 yrs) who have outgrown the kids range and are too young for adults, but want to wear a brand that allows them to express their individuality and have fun with their fashion. Free by Cotton On makes it easier for South African parents who struggle to make a transition from Cotton On Kids to finding a brand that they feel is appropriate for their “tweens” to wear.

“We pride ourselves on the notion that there is something in our stores that absolutely everyone will love. Our aim at every turn is to ensure that whenever our customers walk into any one of our stores, they will leave happy,” explains Cotton On Group Country Manager, Johan van Wyk. The new Cotton On store will open its doors on 30 May 2014, operating daily from 9am – 9pm, and will be located at Shop 146B V&A Waterfront, Victoria Wharf.

See you there :) 

xoxo

Iptishaam