LETS TALK: BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU POST!

Wow! It's been a while since I've written. Well, I've written but just haven't had the courage to click publish yet. I keep on re-reading, re-editing even deleting 'cause at times, I have doubts about whether you'd like my content. And then other times, like today, I'm in that what-the-hell-mood and I basically have word vomit and do whatever the hell I want to do with no filter. It's weird, I have those days. 

Photo by Capturing Concepts Photography

Anyway, so the other day I'm in Masjied for Jumuah (Friday) prayers and on my way out I'm greeted by one of my blog readers. At first, I try and recognize the face (yes, I stalk your profiles) but my cognitive recognition was a bit low. With my eyes squinting and mind wandering, she notices, laughs and she introduces herself and then came the 'oohs and aahs..'. 

She then asks me "When are you going back...?", confusingly I ask her "Where to?...". With a grin on her face she exclaims "Riyadh..". Haaha! Truthfully, the first thing that came to mind was "Wait, how does she know this?". Our exchanges was brief and off I went to have Jumuah lunch. 

Later, I didn't realize that for a good five seconds I felt imposed upon and almost invaded. But how can I feel this way if I post things on my Social Media for the world to see and for them to judge? How can I not expect someone to exclaim that they loved what I had for lunch last week at 2 'o clock?! Or wishing my mom a Happy Birthday. Don't get me wrong, in no way am I bashing my blog reader, I am actually so thankful for that encounter as she was a catalyst for this thought process to occur. 

I've come to realize, that Social Media is like a room with a bunch of people in the sense that everyone knows everybody and when I say KNOW, they really know your life. And when you post your life on SM, how can one not expect people to ask seemingly personal questions? or to make a judgement for that matter? (I've been pretty judged lately, especially through SM). The truth is, if you going to post something on SM, you absolutely need to be open to criticism and judgement. Unfortunately, people are entitled to their own opinions. No matter how bitter it may be or how bitter they may be. 

Lesson: Caution yourself on what you post on sites like Instagram AND Snap. 

That's it from me. Have an awesome weekend ahead guys! I know I am. 

Oh, and if you want to follow my life (Hahah) you can do so on Instagram & Facebook. 

Love, 

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, 

HATS, SCARVES & BLOGGING

Photo By Capturing Concepts Photography

I've received such a positive response from everyone on my previous look (here!). Judging from so many emails I've received, I found that dressing modestly is in fact s struggle for those wanting to go that route. So I'm glad when I received an email from one of my readers saying that she found the tips given quite helpful. (You welcome!)

Life of a blogger is never easy when you constantly have to think of something fresh and relevant so that your content can appeal to audiences alike. My source of inspiration are often than not, things happening in society, international Fashion Bloggers and also my personal 'struggles'. Being on a three week holiday from work, allows me to cram! I am cramming all my content into these 3 weeks in the hopes of having content for the next few months! 

I often get asked about blogging and mostly where I get the time to do it in the midst of being a 21st century teacher. Here is some idea of the behind-the-scenes drama that unfolds. We have all been given 24 hours in a day to reach our full potential. Make the most of your 24 hours.

1. Firstly, you have to schedule an appointment with the photographer (use someone who captures your style perfectly and who you are comfortable with).  

2. Select a great outfit.

3. Choose a location to suit the outfit and then obviously write a blog post about it. 

4. Select your pictures carefully by making sure you're happy with what you're going to put out there then write and EDIT your post. 

5. Having your audience know about it by publishing it on all SM networks by using a teaser shot! 

It's a little easier after that and you can decide to post Throw backs using some of the pictures you have never used to write life related posts or even to run a competition! You'll have PLENTY of unused images after a shoot! 

Go ahead and start planning your next outfit in the hopes that everything is still relevant. Through its madness (at times). It's all worth it 'cause it helps me inspire those who need a little push. And I'd like to think that this is why I blog. 

About this look... 

In case you haven't noticed: this is the same outfit, although a little more casual and laid back, as worn here. You know that I love showing you ladies various ways to pull off the seemingly classic look. You'll see that by changing a few details of your outfit, you can create a completely different lookie! 

My love for brogues is eternal. I love them in heels, flats and tasseled! I adore the relax ending it gives to an outfit. Speaking about Tassels, these Tasseled earrings are said to look like parts of a curtain (according to Nur) but I pretty much like the playful nature it gives to the outfit. The scarf and hat combo is just something I thought I'll give a shot and screams high fashion! 

Hat, shoes & shirt/Mr Price, Pants/ Woolworths, Necklace & ring /4flavour YDE, Scarf/ HnM, Watch & Bag/Guess 

Keep a look out for my Eid look coming soon! Yay! 

More on this outfit after the jump! 

ALL IMAGES CAPTURED BY CAPTURING CONCEPTS PHOTOGRAPHY.

XO
Iptishaam  

MODESTE

Photo By Capturing Concepts Photography

Modesty for me may not be the same as what it is for everyone else. For some, it may be something more internal and emotional like lowering ones voice when speaking, humbling oneself in front of others. For others, a more external and physical picture comes to mind: wearing over sized clothing, avoiding unnecessary prowling eyes;  basically covering your butt. 

To me, I am naturally extroverted (being a teacher and all) so in some respects the idea of emotional modesty doesn't come easily for me 'cause I constantly have to raise my voice in class and sometimes I present that to the world as well. In fact, Nur has to constantly remind me that I am not at school and that I need to remove my teacher hat! (laughs). 

So while I'm trying my darnest to work on my inner modesty, surprisingly, it seems that my outta modesty comes a little more easily. Some may comment that often dressing modestly may be boring and often mundane. I am here to dispute by saying "ABSOLUTELY NOT"!. One thing I love about dressing modestly, is that it does not imply wearing a head scarf the way I did here. You can do hats or even style your scarf into a Turban style which is usually my go-to style of late!

Here are Some of my tips for shopping modest wear: 

Whenever I shop around for clothing like basic shirts and dresses (dresses I tend to make it Bohemian), I purchase it slightly over-sized, with the exception of jeans and shoes of course. If I feel that jeans are too tight for me and I need to make my outfit a little more modest-y, I'll opt for a pants like this one. But if you are a more jeans Kind of Girl, you can totally wear this Shirt with a light colored jeans or Indigo if that floats your boat! 

When I say purchase slightly over-sized, I don't mean granny or to make you look like you wearing fat Amy's clothing, but rather to the point where you are still looking reasonably presentable. If you struggling to trudge the line between Fat Amy and Granny, take a trusted friend along to help you with this. Usually a sales consultants' opinion will also help you cross that river!

About this look...

Much of this look has been inspired by one of my favorite modest Fashion Bloggers, Saufeeya, from feeeeya.com. 

 I wanted to show you ladies how you can take seemingly loose fitted pants and shirt without looking like you are drowning in your clothing! I find that cuffed pants is key to achieving this look. In addition, making sure that my shirt is mid-length (depending on your height) also gives a great variation. Also, because I know it's still a little bit chilly, pairing this coat from Maya Maya just gives me life! In fact, I've decided to pair this with my Eid outfit InshA-Allah! 

On a final note, don't be afraid to shop around; that is heading into thrift stores and rummaging through the sale section. Sometimes expensive designer wear can make you look tacky and takes a toll on your pocket. 

Cuffed Pants/ Woolworths, Mid-Length white shirt / Mr Price, Grey Strappy Pointed heels / Zoom , Bag & Watch / Guess , Fringe Scarf in LOLA/ the Scarf company.

About my photographer...

Capturing Concepts will be having a Crazy Winter special!

Book a family, couples, pre-wedding/engagement, kids or an individual shoot and get a 20% discount. One Hour location based shoot in and around Cape Town (25km-30km) radius or even a studio set up at your home. You can have unlimited amount of looks and outfits with an unlimited amount of people. Limited to one Hour and a MAX of 30 edited High Def images supplied on a DVD disc for ONLY R280. 

Contact Abdul/ Rasheeqoh on 082 9920 703/4. 

SPECIAL RUNNING FROM JUNE-AUGUST 

Happy Shopping and be a doll and let me know what you thought of this outfit on my SM platforms or below!  

Love, 

Iptishaam   

A Prelude

Skirt, Top, Moustache Ring, Sunnies Mr Price // Bag YDE // Shoes DC // Lips Think Pink By Wet n Wild // Make a wish necklace by The Ramp online store 

Hi everyone! finally back at work and back to blogging! Oh, and a Happy New Year to you and your loved ones. 

The year 2014 has honestly been the toughest and often the most academically exhausting year as well as an emotional roller coaster. 2014 has seen me graduate and become a qualified high school teacher and pursue my honours in Educational Psychology. There were times when I used to give up internally and just end up crying because studying and working at the same time used to be really really difficult. When I look back, it is all worth it. 

On the flip side, 2014 couldn't have ended on a more beautiful note: I tied the knot with someone who makes me extraordinary happy by just being in the same room as me. (wink!) 

Now 2015 is here, and those are memories that I shall treasure but I have this huge urge to want to expand. So this look post is a prelude (hence the title) to that urge.  So from here on you can expect things to be a little more- for a lack of a better term- 'professional looking'. 

  In case you haven't noticed: this page looks slightly different doesn't it? 

YUP! that's me starting fresh. 

In the year 2015 I hope to grow as a unique individual, work harder at building a visually appealing blog as well a blog with great content. I hope to make time to look after myself (changed my hair a little) and my body and be accountable for the way it looks at the end of the day. I also aim to be the best that I can be to my husband as well as my family. On a business note, I recently sold beautiful kimonos on the side, this was just to spread my creative juices and they turned out to be a KILLER success (algamdulielah)! 
It is for this reason that I am looking in the direction of selling them again, perhaps in different styles, prints and textures so that it can appeal to everyone. 

This look was taken by the Amazing couple behind Capturing Concepts Photography. I love working with photographers especially Rasheeqoh and Abdul-Wahab. While Rasheeqoh was  taming my hair from the wind, Abdul was busy rolling on the grass depicting how I should lie to get 'the perfect pic'. Amazingly creative and super friendly, this is definitely a couple you would enjoy working with. You can Like them on Facebook and Follow them on Instagram .  

What would you like to see more of on the blog? 

Love, 

Iptishaam