New in | Surviving Summer

Surviving this heatwave in style is proving near impossible. I saw someone on Twitter refer to the constant sweating above her lip as a "sweat snor" and pretty much wet myself. A "snor" for my overseas readers, is a moustache in Afrikaans. And right now I have a salty, dewy one perched above my upper lip almost constantly. I feel like I want to ditch the outdoors in favour of being a mall-rat and watching movies all day - which I know is a sin in summer. But I can only take so many consecutive days of constant heat. I caught myself lurking aimlessly in the Woolies frozen food section this weekend and I've eaten my weight in ice cream and chilled watermelon.

I'll stop whinging now and get on with it. It is summer and it is the season to wear all things floaty and floral - but also things that are not polyester. I require soft cotton based fabrics that move and breathe with me. I also don't need any half-moon action showing up either so quick-drying and non-creasing fabrics are whats getting me through this heatwave without looking and smelling like a hot mess.

I spotted Emma's camis when I popped in to her salon in Wynberg to get my lashes done. I had a quick peruse around her showroom next door and immediately fell in love with the soft cotton and beautiful colours. I completely forgot about it until my Dubai trip with my girlfriends in December when Kirst wore this gorgeous strapless playsuit on our desert safari, and I had serious outfit envy. (Yes, I know I've been pretty shoddy with my travel posts and I will be telling you all about Dubai, Bali and Singapore very soon!).
We were hurled through the dunes in a Land Cruiser in the desert heat, followed by dinner in the middle of nowhere, sitting cross-legged on carpets on the floor and eating with our hands. In between all of this we were getting henna designs painted on our hands and feet and riding camels and smoking hookah (not all at the same time just to clarify) - and my jeans and kaftan weren't fairing as well in the style department as K and her lovely little ensemble.
So I made a mission to stalk Emma Brink and see what is new and show you a few favourites that I found. She has a perfect range of summer staples to see you through balmy days at work, the beach, cocktail hour and for your summer getaways too. I'm a big fan of the playsuits and maxi dresses - they're sexy as hell without flashing too much flesh. And they keep a girl cool and comfy.

So other than that inevitable 'sweat snor', you're stylishly sorted.

You can find out more about Emma and her pretty designs here: http://www.emmabrinkdesigns.com

Bronx Woman #StyleDiary

It is that crazy time of year again. You know, the one where you're supposed to be buying gifts for others - but because there are so many year-end functions, Christmas parties and general merriment, that you end up spending a fortune on outfits for yourself.

This year, I needed to think smart. I wanted to find items that I could use again and again, and even after party season has come and gone, I'd still be able to use them for life in general.
Big call isn't it?

Well, I teamed up for a little Christmas Party look with Bronx Woman and Miss Port form YDE. They challenged me to do a little StyleDiary post using some of their shoes and clothes and I turned it into a little Christmas themed bash of my own.
Instead of choosing a dress, I went for a big white lace midi-skirt that flatters every shape and helps us short girls look a little longer. I paired it with a sleeveless, structured white shirt that looks great with this silhouette - but is also perfect to use again and again after party season.
The white skirt can be dressed down too - or paired with other tops for a completely different look. So all in all, mission accomplished.

I paired the all-white look with some seriously out there tropical print pumps from Bronx Woman. It is summer and I felt like this added some colour and a whole lot of fun to the ensemble. I am involve with the gold stiletto heel!
Plus, in sticking to my versatility theme, these babies are going to look killer with skinny jeans and a black came for more casual summer soirees.

My accessories are from Tessa at YDE and my hair was done at Sorbet Dry Bar - a perfect option to level up your regular blow out. My makeup is all from Benefit - how amazing are the  lashes? Its the They're Real mascara - I am obsessed.

Now for the fun bit - you can score a massive prize in time for Christmas! A hamper consisting of an outfit form Miss Port or X&O of YDE fame, a pair of Bronx Woman shoes, some Benefit Cosmetics makeup and a blow wave form Sorbet Dry Bar.

You just need to vote for my look on the Bronx Woman page over here:
https://www.facebook.com/BronxWoman/?fref=ts
Just comment and vote for the look you prefer - which obviously better be my one!
You have until 14 December so hurry on up! Voters who pick me will also go into a draw run my me on the side for a little something extra. You know, I'm all about incentives ;)