Your H&M shopping list

H&M launches this weekend on the 17th of October. The store is staying open until midnight on Saturday and Sunday to allow you to shop up a storm.

They also have their products listed online - you can't shop online just yet, but it is still great to peruse all the clothes and homeware and make a little wishlist. I am so happy that the price point is on par with everywhere else I've been - and in the last year I've racked up a few H&M hauls in London, Chicago and Singapore. So I am thrilled we aren't being penalised with import duties and ripped off like some other foreign retailers have done.

I got to attend the media event last night where we were allowed to do some shopping. I picked up basics mostly and I plan to go back when the Balmain for H&M collection launches in November. They have also recently launched a beauty line which is getting great reviews abroad, so I'll be stalking that situation here.

I thought I'd put together a little post to give you some shopping ideas and to get an idea of the price point. Here are some of my favourites from the stock in store at the moment.

R749

R499

R349

R499

R899

R499

R399

R349

R229

R749

R399

R399

Insta Life

March so far has been fantastic. I have been flitting between product launches and new-season collection viewings, and I couldn't be happier. I took some time out before relaunching the blog to decide if it was something I really wanted, and boy did I miss it all. I love being the first to see collections and try trends, or to play with new products, especially makeup. And I love sharing it all with you guys. I leave an event with a million ideas and thoughts on what to tell you first.

Of course, with all of these seasonal events, comes a lot of sweet treats. The constant lure of macarons and cupcakes is around every corner so it has become a constant battle of willpower. When it comes to sweet things, I have a "once you pop, you just can't stop" approach. So I am fighting a mild case of blogger bulge at the moment.

March also brings with it a rather busy sale season. All my favourite retailers have been having massive markdowns so it has been a good time to snap up some basics. But at the same time, these same retailers are starting to put their Autumn/Winter collections out - so my wallet is currently suffering from the exact opposite of blogger bulge and is feeling rather lean. I'm not even a little bit sorry though.

It is so great to be back, reading your comments and sharing all things pretty with you again. You have all been so kind about the new look and I am thrilled that you love it as much as I do.

xx

10 things to do in Cape Town

I'm going on holiday today, so while I'll be freezing cold and rapidly losing my tan (I'll be in Paris so I think I'll cope), I've made a list of 10 things to try in Cape Town this month to keep you busy.

See you in 10 days!

xx


1) See a movie under the stars

This is by far one of my favourite things to enjoy on days when Cape Town's notorious wind isn't blowing. I always book a ticket with a chair (trust me on this one) and then take my own blankets and picnic basket. You've got great company, a gorgeous view, wine, snacks and your favourite movie - all while under the stars on a perfect summer's eve. Does life get any better?
Galileo outdoor cinemas have three venues now. You can enjoy a date night under the stars at Kirstenbosch, V&A Waterfront  and Hillcrest Wine Estate. They've also branched out into the winelands. To find out more about each venue as well as the movie lineup, click here.


2) Get some froyo

Wakaberry is still my favourite froyo spot in Cape Town. I am a sucker for their massive range of toppings and the ever changing flavours. And normally I am not a fan of branded merchandise but their iPhone covers are just the sweetest things ever.

3) Party with 4th street wine

Tonight and next Thursday are the last two events in the KFM Summer Sessions series. Local live acts and plenty of drinks flowing from 4th Street Wines. Tickets won't be easy to come by so check out how to get your hands on some here

4) Perfect your downward dog

Hot Dog yoga in Sea Point is relaxed, and not yet overrun like the other studios. It is also over the road from Nu and a hop, skip and a jump away from the promenade so after yoga class you can pick up a green juice and take a walk by the sea. How very Cape Town of you. Namaste.


5) Reward your efforts with a vegan cupcake

Cupcake Richard (seriously, who wouldn't trust that name?) has managed to take most of the sin out of dessert, while still keeping all the decadence. Vegan cupcakes, with fresh, organic ingredients. Try the lemon cupcakes, those are my favorite.


6) Support local at Fabricate

Locally designed and made clothing, decor, jewellery and more all under one roof. It is dangerous for your wallet, but your home and wardrobe will thank you for it. To find out about opening times, click here.


7) Get festive in your bathtub

Lush has a Christmas range out that is second to none. I've done most of my festive gift shopping here because they make it so easy, and its all so cheerful. Think glittery bath bombs, penguin shaped bubble bath bars, gooey snowman jelly soap, and the usual pretty stuff too. If you're converting a friend to the Lush cult this Christmas, I would suggest the Rose Jam shower gel, the Buffy bar exfoliating bar, The Comforter bubble bath bar, the Popcorn lip scrub and the Ocean Salt face and body scrub. Oh and also Big Hair shampoo. Oh hell, buy the whole store. I always do.
Even better, shop online here.

8) Sip on alcoholic ginger beer

Dragons Fiery Ginger = Summer. We discovered them by chance at a market a while back and they've been a staple at braais, picnics and parties ever since. Ginger beer, with a little of the good stuff in it - tell me you aren't already sold? You can find out more about where to find them here.

9) Get your nails done

Sorbet are just about everywhere, and they're expanding even more with their DryBars. So if you're getting those toes painted or your hair blown out - they've got your back. For your closet salon, click here.

10) Give back

The whole festive season is spent buying gifts or receiving gifts, and we seldom think about those less fortunate. So seeing as you've probably updated your summer wardrobe and you'll probably get a few items on your wish list this Christmas, perhaps consider clearing out the older things in your closet and donate to The StreetStore, a free clothing store for the homeless. The concept has done so well that it is now operating right across the globe. To find out how you can help, click here.

Event: Forever 21 Opening

I mentioned in my last post that Forever 21 is opening this week, and that they were having a media launch this week. Sadly I didn't win the competition for that shopping voucher - next time.
It didn't matter much though, because the store itself brought enough joy and delight, and I shopped to my heart's content.
It was a blast to get a preview of what you girls can expect on Saturday. There is quite literally, something for everyone. The store is divided into subsections such as denim, lingerie, accessories, basics, shoes etc. The clothes are also divided into sections according to the type of girl that section appeals to - so rocker chick, bohemian babe, workwear, and so much more.

I quite honestly lost my mind, and frequently caught myself standing, mouth open, gaping at the rails of clothing. After about 2 hours of making my way through every single rail, I walked out with my selection. I spent more than I intended, but I'm not even sorry.
By the way, just like their American stores, you are given a giant black shopping bag to use while you peruse the store. It makes it all too easy to pile masses of items into it, and therefore very hard to pick just one or two things to buy. You just end up doing a defeated shoulder shrug and saying "F**k it, I'll take it all". And so my life on the streets begins...

Price-wise, they're on par with Cotton On I'd say. It is more expensive than in the USA, but with import duties and such, that is expected. It is still very affordable high-fashion, and with stock that changed daily, you'll never run out of options. Or reasons to bankrupt yourself in my case.

So pop down on Saturday. Here are some pictures of what you have to look forward to.

5 For Change - Cape Town's chicest annual fundraiser

I am going to go on and say it, 5 For Change is THE must-do Cape Town gala event of the year. It is the one night that Capetonians actually pull finger and attempt to actually adhere to a black-tie dress code and pull out their finery for a good cause.

Sadly, I was unable to make it this year as I was away that weekend for another celebration, so I sent my bestie, blog correspondent, and total hottie Tarryn and the fab Claire from The Studio Group to check it out in my place. This is what went down. Word and photos from Tdog.

I personally look forward to 5 for Change every year as it’s the one time that you get to really go all out and dress to the nines. We're talking black tie here, proper "New York Charity Ball" Black tie, long gorgeous dresses for the ladies and penguin suits for the guys. Now some people in Cape Town get this perfectly right, others clearly didn’t read the memo, which is a little disappointing, but this year most people seemed to make a wonderful effort and it was truly an event to remember.

5 for Change is an annual black tie fundraiser dedicated to raising awareness about five inspiring social enterprises which are changing the way Cape Town gives back.

This year the 5 Beneficiaries involved truly tugged at the heart strings, each one unique in their own way and using the resources and people around them to encourage development through various ways of skill providing and interaction. Everyone deserves a helping hand along the way! Do yourself a favour and check them out.

Milkshed

http://www.milkshed.co.za

I Am Somebody

www.iamsomebody.co.za

Earthchild Project

http://www.earthchildproject.org

Girls and Football SA

www.girlsandfootball.org

Rock Girl

http://www.rockgirlsa.org

The night involved getting to know some of the beneficiaries a bit better and then it was onto the gorgeous canapes and some great entertainment from Louise Day and The Kiffness, the bubbles flowed and the auctioneer spoke too fast for me to understand a word he was saying, but the bids kept coming, I even had a friend who bid on his own bid, he beat himself in the end and took home some amazing wine ;)

All in all 5 for Change 2014 was an amazing night, I danced until the lights came on and the heels came off! I will definitely be back next year!

 

Save the Date: 5 for Change Charity Ball

Who doesn't love going to a ball? And when said event helps raise funds and awareness for 5 inspiring social enterprises, then you get to have a party and be a good citizen at the same time. The event is black-tie so you can bring out your finery and hit the red carpet for a good cause.

 5 for Change was founded in 2012 by 3 passionate professionals who find unique and innovative ways of giving back. This year, on 31 May, 5 for Change will host over 500 of this country's most influential young professionals looking to make a difference - and that had better include you!

It is being hosted at The Lookout in the V&A Waterfront and the night includes welcome drinks, canapés and entertainment by various leading SA bands. The MC for the night is the hilarious, and highly acclaimed Siv Ngesi. Tickets are R400 an will go on sale at the start of May. Check out www.5forchange.co.za for more info.

This year is all about girl power, and I am so excited to get involved with these amazing causes. All 5 organisations are founded and run by women. The 5 charities are Earthchild Project, Girls and Football SA, Milkshed, Rockgirl and IamSomebody.

For more info on these charities, their websites are below:

http://www.earthchildproject.org
http://www.girlsandfootballsa.com

http://www.rockgirlsa.org

www.milkshed.co.za
http://yesiamsomebody.blogspot.com

For further press info, event details and sponsorship opportunities contact Kirsten Hopwood on kirsten@prestigecommunications.co.za or Callie Ambler-Smith on callie@the-collective.co.za / info@5forchange.co.za

Website: www.5forchange.co.za
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/5forchange
Twitter: @5ForChange

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