Splurge vs Steal | Beauty Edition

I normally compare fancy pants shoes, bags and investment item clothing in this segment, but this week I want to share some little gems that I've found lately.

Lets start with the eyeshadow palettes.
I own the Naked 3 palette and I love it. It is my favourite of the three by Urban Decay by a mile, because I am a sucker for blush and nude shades. But it is a mission to get your hands on it in South Africa, and if you do, you'll be forking up between R800 and R1500 for it, which is stupidly expensive. (I got mine on sale while on holiday overseas)

Dischem stocks a brand called L.A. Girl and it is ridiculously cheap. I mean, it really and truly is going for a steal. Not all of the products are winners, but I can honestly recommend their concealer, and now their eyeshadow palettes as well. I picked up three, seeing as they were ONLY R69,95 each. I bought the Nudes, Smoky and Ultra and still had change for a sneaky chocolate bar at the till.
I rushed home to compare the Nudes to my Naked 3 palette and was shocked at how close the shades are - its virtually a direct copycat. And it works almost as well. While you aren't going to get the soft, buttery luxury of the Naked range, the colour payoff is as good and for that price, you may as well go for it. If nothing else, it makes for a perfect travel companion.

Now for the brush cleaners. It is quite simple. It is a job we all hate doing, and quite honestly, these products all do the same job. So why pay R180 when you can pay R69,95 at Rubybox? I also prefer the spritz bottle.

So for R200, you can grab a new eyeshadow palette and a brush cleaner, and still have some change for a cocktail with your girls. Perfect.

Winter 2015 | Old Khaki

I know that yesterday I had you thinking about Autumn and you were probably rolling your eyes at me.
On the hottest day in recent history. I know, I know.

But I love Winter, and I won't be dissuaded. So to carry on with that train of thought, I have some more to add to your shopping list. Yes, I am an enabler. But the change of season is so exciting and I have just left the Old Khaki Autumn/Winter '15 collection preview and it is fantastic and I just needed to share it with you. Each year I stock up on their basics like their chambray shirts, cotton vests and casual knits. I also keep promising myself that I'll splurge on their buttery soft leather biker jacket. I am still upset I didn't get the navy blue one last year - so the old saying goes, nothing haunts you like the things you didn't buy...

Here is a tiny preview of some of my favourites from the new season's range. All items will be dropping in stores between this month and June. So keep popping in to see whats new.

Love all of it, and the items that are definitely coming home with me (leather jacket remains on the wish list) are the black pencil skirt, tassel knitted snood, and that adorable beanie with the faux fur pompom.

xx

March Edit | 9 must-have Autumn wardrobe updates

I love this time of year. The stores are changing up their windows to feature comfy layers, as well as some teasers of what we can expect this Winter. Each year I use Autumn as a chance to invest in some great quality basics, that will see me through the season and on to colder days. So instead of latching on to whatever colour/print is on trend, I stick to black, camel, white and beige, and just about anything with stripes.
I have been searching for weeks for the perfect tailored navy blazer, which I found in Zara (another great option here). And that Mango coat is too beautiful - although you may want to take a size smaller as I thought it looked a bit boxy in my normal size.

As much as we are all so tired of hearing it, Cape Town really does surprise you with four seasons in one day, so you really don't need the chunky knits just yet. A coat over a t-shirt will do. And ballet pumps and statement sneakers will easily see you through to June before you need to whip out the knee-high boots.

Here are nine beautiful and effortlessly chic items to get you started.

Stripe scoop neck t-shirt: R199, Cotton On
American Apparel floppy hat: R699, Superbalist
White ribbed knit: R999, Country Road
Studded clutch bag: R199 at Spree
Camel coat: R1799 at Mango
Beige leather ballet pumps: R750, Cinnamon
PUMA Trinomic sneakers, R1500, PUMA Select
Olivia Burton double strap watch: R1299, Superbalist
Navy Blazer: R899, Zara