Leather Pants

 Zara peplum top (similar) |Legit leather panelled pants (similar)| Aldo heels | Mr Price clutch| Sass Diva & Forever New bracelets | Michael Kors watch | Legit sunnies (love these) | Forever New necklace

I can’t help but feel like Sandy from Grease in these awesome leather panelled pants.  It took every ounce of restraint not to burst out singing “You better shape up, ‘cos I need a man” and the rest of the soundtrack, and give away the truth that I’m an absolute nutter. 

Anyway, they were an absolute steal from Legit for only R190!  What a bargain. 

Xxx

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Faux Fur Vest

 Zara jeans | Pick ‘n Pay blouse | Mr Price sweater & shoes | Longchamp tote | Faux Fur vest (love this one)| Michael Kors watch | Legit sunnies (similar) | Mr Price necklace & bracelets

I’m in the middle of a deep love affair with Autumn.  I find myself completely distracted while I drive around town as I’m trying to take in the beauty of all the colours of the leaves.  Deep reds, gold, bronze and green can be found in every inch of my suburb and it’s mesmerising.  I find this season to be like a triumphant blaze of glory before surrendering to the crispness of winter.  I try to treat each day as a decadent indulgence, storing pictures in my mind (and iPhone) because, blink, and the gold has turned to grey, and the moment has passed until next year.

Xxx

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Accessories

 Forever New necklaces and gold bracelet | Sass Diva chevron bracelet | Michael Kors watch

I’ve added a couple beauties to my accessory collection.  I really love this bold bright pink one and the peachy collar too.  Which is your favourite?  My cousin, Ana, was staying with me this past weekend and she always prefers earrings to statement necklaces.  What it the item of jewellery that you instinctively reach for?

For all you South African ladies, Forever New is having a sale on their accessories so make sure to stop by for some gorgeous pieces. 

Xxx

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How to Style Chambray

 Mr Price skirt | Foschini blouse (love this one)| Aldo shoes | Mr Price bag | Sass Diva bracelets | Michael Kors watch | Ray-Ban sunnies

Today I’m dressing my chambray shirt up just a little.  I love the versatility of these shirts (in case you hadn’t already noticed).  This time round I paired it with a skirt and a vintage pearl collar pin.  It’s so much fun playing around with this shirt that it’s pretty much been on rotation since I bought it.

And in other news I’m guest posting on Amy’s blog, Cupcakes & Couture today while she’s away in Antigua, lucky fish.  If you haven't visited her blog, you will love it,  so pop past!  Thanks so much Amy for allowing me to take the reins on your darling blog.  She's so adorable, isn't she?  

Xxx

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Jasmine

 Future Miss South Africa {my sister} is taking centre stage on my blog today.  It was this glamorous creature’s matric dance on the weekend.  Don’t you think she looked beautiful?

Dear Jasmine

You are my best friend, my soul mate, my chief advisor and my pillar of strength.  You are as beautiful on the outside as you are on the inside and you make us all so incredibly proud of the lady you have become.  I love you.

Xxx

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Military Objective

Foschini blouse (love this one)| Jet sweater | bag borrowed from my sister | Sass Diva necklace & bracelet

 | Michael Kors watch | Mr Price skirt & booties

I’m loving all the military styles floating around at the moment.  Just because they’re masculine doesn’t mean that can’t be glam too.  Just because I’m studying humanitarian law doesn’t mean I can’t partake either.  I’m all for world peace (pity I’ll never be using that phrase at a Miss Universe final because its true) and all for shoulder-pad detailing too.

Xxx

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Arum Lilea meets Chambray

 Mr Price jeans | Foschini blouse (love this one)| Cotton On shoes | Forever New bag | 
Sass Diva bracelets | Michael Kors watch | Ray-Ban sunnies | Mr Price necklace

So I’m really late on the chambray train.  I don’t know why.  At first I thought it was too cowboy for me.  Then I couldn’t find a shirt that I loved.  Then yesterday happened… And Arum Lilea now meets chambray.  Ooh la la. Prepare to see a lot more of this - as I was late to the party, I’ve got plenty catching up to do. 

Things I’ve noticed lately: 1)  I’m not a cowboy 2) I am, however, a huge fan of America (note to self, book next trip ASAP) 3) There’s a new cutie in town (stay tuned for more on that) 4) Making pajama dance videos to Will.i.am & Britney’s “Scream and shout” with my sister brings the house down… yeah… cos we’re cool like that.

As a side note, please take a moment to stop by Johlet’s blog, she’s just started selling a clothing line called Georgie B.

Xxx

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Moral Support

 Factorie dress worn as a skirt | Forever 21 sweater | Zara blazer| Mr Price bag and booties

                                      | Sass Diva bracelets | Michael Kors watch | Woolworth tights | scarf c/o my Gran

I would like to start off by saying a huge thank you to all you amazing girls for your heart warming, touching, beautiful moving words that you shared with me on my last post.  Thank you for sharing your stories with me and for all your encouragement.  You girls really make me proud to walk among you as bloggers and, more importantly, as women.  I wrote in my last post that there is a special place in this world for women that support other women and I truly believe it.  You are incredible, each and every one of you.

Thank you so much for your inspiration and for your motivation.  It means the world to me.

Xxx

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Mint Weekend Casual

 Zara jeans | Mr Price shirt, sweater and shoes | Forever New bag | Sass Diva bracelets | Michael Kors watch | Ray-Ban sunnies

Hello pretty ladies!

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.  This is what I wore yesterday for a causal Sunday with friends at Katy’s Palace Bar.  It’s the second time we’ve been and, while a lot busier than last time, it is still so wonderful to sit and take in the atmosphere, great food and live music.

I have something I wish to share with you all.  This past weekend I received a comment on my blog staying that in all my photos my mouth looks odd.  Something I have never mentioned is that I had braces put on my teeth in September.  I’ve been so self-conscious since they’ve been on and I’m aware I might look a little odd but very soon, they will be off and my big smile will be back.  My point is that there is a practical reason for it, but what if there wasn’t.  What if that was my natural look?  There’s no reason for harsh criticism in this environment.  I see the blogging world as a way of women supporting other women – something I think is so precious in life.  I really believe we all have something to share and we all deserve encouragement.  Let us create a support system we can all lean on and positivity that we can play forward.

Xxx

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Outfit Round-Up

Time seems to be flying.  I wish I could just bottle it for a second.  April was amazing.  My baby sister celebrated her 18^th birthday and one of my closest friend’s 23rd.  We had family come and visit so I gave them a tour of my favourite parts of the city.  I went away with friends to Blyde River Canyon for the weekend which was wonderful.  I made my favourite kind of discoveries; amazing restaurants.  For all those interested, Katy’s Palace Bar in Kramerville is open this Sunday.  I’m sure I’ll be there because it’s the best kind of vibe (and food, obviously) around. 

May is going to be a little chaotic for me as my Masters’ course progresses. I’m currently working on my human rights dissertation.  I’ve got a couple awards evenings coming up so I’m sure I’ll be posting on how to plan outfits for those kind of occasions.  My sister’s matric dance is in 10 days so stay tuned for that, she’s going to have jaws dropping that’s guaranteed. 

This coming month I’m going to be expanding Arum Lilea a little bit.  I’ve never really discussed how much I love cooking – it’s actually my favourite way to unwind after a busy day.  So to begin the expansion, I’ll be posting tried and tested recipes that I’ve worked through.  I hope you like this idea, do let me know what you think!  I’d also love any suggestions you might have.

Xxx

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