BLOOMING

Dress, Forever 21// Shoes, Gifted// Infinity Rings, 4flavour at YDE// Gold Arm candy, The Ramp Store // Earrings, Fashion Express 

My morning routine usually starts with jumping up at 7 'o clock the morning, rushing in the shower, quickly packing my lunch, eating breakfast whilst driving and with the last few minutes I have left,slither to my seat in the staff room before the principal walks in for his morning briefing. This is a Everyday occurrence without any alterations. I am sure that from my morning routine there are one or two things you can relate to. Right? 

In any case, the day when I had a little extra time on my hands, I had an epiphany: I am truly happy with where I am in my life. 

Regardless of the morning rush, I wake up and I think about all the things that I am grateful for like my health, the ability to think, my caring and supportive husband, the beautiful friendships that I have gained through the years as well as the fact that I am FINALLY starting to love my job! Yes, being a teacher is my true calling. I am bursting to tell you about my experience but let me do that in another blog post? 

As my life is blooming, so is my outfit! 

With its dark floral print and fitted ribbing piece in the center I knew that this dress would be the perfect dress that I would be able to wear to various occasions. Whether its for Eid (with a beautiful styled turban) or a comfortable yet classy date night look (as I've done here), this dress screamed all kinds of WOW for me. I complimented it with my favorite cork inspired heel, minimal make-up and accessories from 4Flavour and The Ramp store. 

How pretty are these images though? I always have so much fun with style photographer, Miskaa Price behind Iridescence Photgraphy. She made my dreams a reality because for the longest time now, I wanted to shoot a bohemian look! Yay! Follow to have your life captured through her lens! 

What are your mornings like?

See you soon

Love, 

Iptishaam 

Review | Wet n Wild THINK PINK

Image Captured BY Capturing Concepts photography 

Hey Everyone! This is my first ever beauty review! I'm not really a beauty review kind of person but I LOVE reading them and I actually do go out and purchase and try a certain product when I really wanna try something that works. I think product reviews are a great way for the consumer to decide whether they would like to purchase a product before spending hundreds of rands. For the longest time now, I wanted to try a new lip colour like this one but a more nude shade I suppose?. I always tend to play it safe when selecting a colour. 

When I purchased this particular shade at Clicks I was so excited to get home to try it out (Yikes). And there I was, jabbing a thick amount of pale pink lipstick to my lips. To my embarrassment, I realised that the colour didn't suit me well- AT ALL. I showed my husband and he said HELL NO. The following day, when I did this particular look post, I decided to dab just a little bit on the top and bottom lip to give a slight pink. Then it started to look humanly appropriate. (Thank Goodness). 

And now I'm loving it. 

The texture is matte and easy to apply and does dry out your lips as long as you apply every two hours. Make sure you dab a small amount on both lips before you end up looking like Nicki Minaj on a bad day. 

Thank you for reading today. 

Have you tried the Wet n Wild range from Clicks ? 

Love, 

Iptishaam 

POOFY SLEEVES

Dress Shirt and Hat, MrPrice// Shoes, Fashion Express// Jeggings, Sissy Boy
Hey Everyone!  

 I trust that your work week hasn't been too hectic thus far. I started work on a few Mondays and I've met my new bunch of grade 8's. So I'm still in the memorizing of names phase (which I've become pretty good at since teaching). 

Anyway, when I got in touch with Miskaa Price from Iridescence Design I was quite thrilled when she agreed to do a few shots for the blog. The things that I look for in photographers are those who can give a good sense of direction, one who can make me feel comfortable when taking pics and especially the ones who love pictures to have that natural feel to it. Tip to new bloggers : when taking pics, relax your shoulders and do not be stiff. I think it shows on camera. Yeah, I might be pretty guilty of that too (Laughs). 

 

Lets talk a little about this look. When I spotted this dress at MrPrice a few months back I loved the dress but unfortunately the store didn't have my size. So I was stuck between the letting the dress 'go' emotionally and try to move on and forget about it. Sounds dramatic eh? Then to my luck when I returned last week I saw the same dress shirt (I say 'dress shirt because one can wear it either or) and scored it for a whopping R50! 

The few aspects I adore about the dress shirt is that I love this shade of orange. It gives me such a cool tanned look. The material is slightly sheer and that's why I opted to pair it with my old faithful white Sissy Boy jeggings. What is more eye catching about this shirt dress are the sleeves. I've always loved poofy sleeves but not those huge ugly ones, but the soft delicate ones that can add just enough 'oomph' to an outfit. I love the fact that I feel so 'girly' in this item. The shoes are so so comfortable and versatile and I scored them for under R200 at Fashion Express. 

Want your images to be captured By Iridescence Design? Follow them on Instagram or Email for quotes and packages. 

Have you scored any great purchases lately? I'd love to hear, so drop me a comment below. 

Thank you for reading today

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 

LOOK POST | The Midi-Skirt

Skirt, shoes MrP // Embellished top, Jet // bag, YDE// watch, Guess

When I popped into MrP the other day with absolutely no intention of buying anything, I knew that I was fooling myself. So seeing the RED sticker (you know what I'm talking about?) On one of my LUST haves being on SALE, I knew it was fate telling me to buy it (laughs). 

There's really something about midi skirts that makes me feel pretty. It's definitely the cut of the midi that gives a breath of elegance to any woman and those with any body shape.  I love that the length is just below the knee because there's something about showing your knees at formal events which are just wrong! (my opinion). 

This was perfect for the wedding I attended last week Saturday. The beautiful reception was held at Meerdam Plaas close to Kraaifontein. A little bit of a mission to find, we actually ended up at another wedding. (Laughs). 

On a personal note, it's two weeks until my big day. I am very excited to start this new journey with my soon to be husband and new family. 

Oh, in my previous post I said that this would be my last as a single woman, I guess THIS is my last... (or maybe I shouldn't speak too soon?)

Thank you for reading today! 

Love,  

Iptishaam

LOOK POST | GREY MAXI

Photo Credit: Nur

This is probably one of the last look posts that I'm putting out there as a "SINGLE" Woman! 

This look I wore for an afternoon lunch with Nur. I wanted the pics to be taken before we ate cause my make-up was still fresh and i didn't want any 'melting moments' cause yesterday's heat was kinda intense. We then went to our local park and snapped a few shots while people strolled through the park. Is it only me? Or does that make you feel a little awkward? ! 

I love maxi dresses, especially one as fitted as this one. I also love crop tops. But would not dare to wear it just as is. Therefore, I thought that these two seemingly different pieces could help oneanother out (I love this high slit by the way!)

I hope you have an amazing week and happy Monday!

Love, 

Iptishaam

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 

LOOK POST | The Basics

Hi guys and girls! Happy Spring!
After endless begging, my niece
agreed to snap a few shots of me in this outfit I wore to class at uni on Saturday.

Of course, I didn't wear these killer boots to class because anyone whose anyone knows that one does NOT wear heels to campus! Especially not to UWC and if you want to survive the day. All the other pieces of my outfit is what I ACTUALLY wore. Laughs.

These are my must haves for winter transition to spring:

1. The black leather/pleather biker jacket

2. Great fitted denim jeans

3. A winter hat which shapes your face well

4. Great boots, rider,heels or wedge boots are a must!

5. And of course, a brilliant lip colour!

PS: By the number of pics taken, I am sure you can tell how much I've missed blogging! 

Outfit details

Jeans, shoes, hat & jacket | Mr Price 

Taupe top | Milla for YDE 

Watch | Guess 

Ring & earings | Rebel funk 

Lip color | Revlon scarlet flame

Thank you for reading today!

Love, 

Iptishaam

RANT | 5 REASONS WHY I DIDN'T GIVE UP BLOGGING

I can't even remember the last time I actually sat down and blogged. Some of the reasons include: hectic days at school which completely tires me out, marking endlessly until the early hours of the morning, and with the last bit of energy I actually have left, I use to study and read books for my own assignments. Here and there I'll try to squeeze in an Instagram post or two. Needless to say, blogging has been LAST on my list of things-to-do, which made me reconsider whether or not I still want to blog? Here are five reasons why I decided to continue: 

1. I am no side-line chick  

I am not one to watch from the side lines while others are having a great time at events, launch parties and all that jazz. I love getting involved and being part of the action. 

2. Passion

I realized that even though there wasn't enough time to blog, I still maintained that passion for the things I love the most. While driving to campus, I would think of ideas that I would want to put on the blog. In fact, putting them on the blog was about the only problem, but my passion was still there though. 

3. Creative space

Blogging can be seen as my creative space in which I can just rant,vent and complain about things. Also, it has become a space where I discuss trends, fashion, beauty and lifestyle stuff. It is truly my creative outlet where I can just 'let go' of the week/months build up of creative juices. Blogging also lets me keep my sanity through everything happening around me.

4. My "fans"

This might sound vain, but I do it for the people who enjoy my posts. Sure, I might not have thousands of followers but I am grateful for the ones I do have. 

  

5. Future PR and Marketing princess

If I didn't go into teaching I would've gone into PR. I suppose I went into teaching because it provides you with long term benefits and teaching is my other love and passion. I can say the same for PR, I definitely 'see' myself in the PR environment. I started this blog as a basis of my portfolio for meeting new people and showcasing my creative energy. It is because of this that I didn't give up blogging. 

Hope you enjoyed reading my post! 

Love, 

Iptishaam 

LAUNCH | Love.Milo Botanical Collection Launch

Hi Everyone! I hope the month of August started out great for you as it did for me : I am really starting to enjoy teaching more than I had when I started which is great news for me!

In addition, last week and Thursday I was invited to attend the launch of Love.Milo which took place at the Nap Store in Cape Quarter. The botanical theme struck myself and Nur upon arrival with flower petals accompanying the steps we climbed to meet Lee-Anne and Carey (of whom I was so excited to meet). I then recognized a few familiar blogging faces and some I didn't (Laughs) You know how it is at these events!? 

What is Love Milo? 

Love.Milo was founded by Nicki Ellis in January 2013, love milo is a Cape Town based 

design brand boasting an array of contemporary ceramics, wood pieces, fabric creations and tealight lanterns. Specialising in intricate home ware and décor products, Nicki is passionately dedicated to the use of sustainable materials sourced within South Africa.

Nicki Ellis, founder of  Love Milo

This event was unlike the ones I usually get invited to which- I would say- is more fashion based. I've always been a huge fan of home ware and decor and find myself constantly updating my home with unique and fresh concepts. Therefore it's quite fitting for me to be attending this kind of event which inspired me in terms of what is trending in home and decor.

Lee-Anne from Girl About Town PR & Communication, Oh and I have no idea why I am smiling like this! 

View the awesome products and shopping info after the jump! 

Thank you for reading today! 

Love. 

Iptishaam