#Stylist101

A few weeks ago I attended a three day workshop on fashion styling, with the incredibly talented Cara Lee, Fashion Editor at FairLady mag and style-blogger-in-chief of The Fashion Department. We were hosted at the FEDISA campus, and I am now very bitter over the fact that my tertiary education didn't include a garden terrace and rooftop chill area.

I decided to attend the workshop simply because it was a side of fashion I knew nothing about. I've been on a photoshoot or two but never really paid attention to the details and incredible amount of work that goes into the styling of a shoot. I've grown up on what I like to call the arse-end of fashion, namely design and manufacturing, so to have a crack at the more glamorous end was loads of fun.

We spent day one learning about the basics, and getting a "stylists kit" of our very own. This involved  clamps, pins, tape and much more. You basically are set up to build your own shelving unit, but are actually using all of those tools on a model. The kit stops short of a hammer. Because you are not supposed to hit the models. That being said, if one ever threw a phone at me, I'd go find that hammer. (just kidding)

On day two we got to play. Clothes, shoes and accessories were sponsored by Cotton On and there were rails upon rails to play with. We got to pick our models and style two looks to be photographed by the talented Gavin Van den Berg.
These are some of the shots I got from my two looks that I styled.

On the last day, we recapped and reviewed what we'd learnt and then moved on to personal styling, personal shopping as well as styling for TV and music videos. The charismatic Tracy Lee Rosslind was the guest speaker and she was an absolute treat. She has such an impressive resume and her energy and passion for local design and fashion was incredibly contagious.

A big thanks and congrats to Cara who pulled off a truly informative and fun workshop. It is a must for anyone interested in that side of the fashion industry.

50 day Challenge

I don't often get too personal on here, and I also don't want to become someone who is shoving health and wellness down your throats at every opportunity, but I am asking you today to join me in a little challenge. You see, tomorrow marks 50 days until I leave for a trip to Bali. I am so flipping excited I can barely contain myself, and I have spent more time than I'd care to admit making lists of things to do and also planning outfits so I can pretend that I'll look like one of those style bloggers who wear Dior by the poolside, and Rebecca Minkhoff to the beach. When in reality, I'll probably be in some Cotton On denim cut-offs a t-shirt and a top knot the entire time.

What really is giving me a case of the panics is being in a bikini for two weeks straight. Our last trip was to America, where I sustained myself on donuts and burgers, so I've been playing catch up on the whole "Summer bodies are made in Winter" idea. With minimal success. Living with a triathlete has helped somewhat, as our pantry is a Wellness Warehouse/Woolworths hybrid and there is barely anything fun to eat in the house. But I still reach for chocolate and sweets given half a chance, and my damned portion sizes.....I'm terrible. This Bali adventure is a serious incentive to rectify that situation. Our trip will involve plenty of hiking, cycling, yoga and surf lessons - so being in shape is non-negotiable really.

So here is my game plan. Or lack thereof because I don't really have one. I just want to aim at daily exercise, every day, up until our holiday and I'll use rest days for yoga or walking - because I know rest days are important, yet I really want to be active for the full 50 days. I also want to work on my diet and get that in check as well. I don't know if I want to try juicing or supplements to kick start things along - perhaps you guys can give me some advice there because I don't know anything about it. All I know, is that by sharing this with all of you, I am committing to it publicly. And by encouraging you to join me on a 50 day wellness challenge, perhaps we can stick to it and enjoy the results together.

The areas I struggle with are my thighs, which have never been described as slender in my entire life, and since turning 30, belly jiggle seems to be something that has become harder to shift. So I want to target those two areas (like almost every other woman who is not a Victoria Secret model I guess).

So far, I've entered the Gun Run 21km race in October, and for that I am starting a training program that involves 4 runs a week building up to that distance. The rest I intend to make up with yoga, weight training and maybe some boxing - we'll see.

My mantra is that I need to be inspired by my workout clothes, and PUMA have been very kind and sent me some Pulse XT trainers (currently on sale at Takealot) to use at the gym - which I am loving because they're as light as slippers and the black and charcoal design look great with all my workout gear. Yes that sounds superficial, but even Caroline Worstmann endorses looking hot while you workout as motivation - and that mentality scored her a Comrades win.
Now that Totalsports has gone online, I'll be watching my bank balance get slimmer much quicker than I will (if only I could pay with my inner thighs instead). But alas, all in the name of sports luxe and looking good at gym. I've also bought this fantastic Garmin VivoActive smart watch that tracks my daily movement and calories, my running pace and distance - and the cheeky bugger even vibrates to tell me to move every couple of hours if I am sitting down too long.

So that is as far as I've got with my plan. What do you think? Are you joining me? I'll be posting my progress  on social media, as in what exercise I did for the day, the odd recipe and I hope you'll do the same and copy me in - I need all the community motivation I can get.

50 days guys. Lets go.

Beauty Blitz | Quick reviews

*NEW SERIES*
Because I am constantly sharing different elements of fashion, beauty, travel and my life with you, I don't always get the time to do a full review on everything that I'd like to tell you about. Beauty reviews can take weeks while comparing results and I get quite a lot of product sent my way. I don't review everything - only what I love and what I think you'll love. So what I am going to put together each couple of weeks is a quick "blitz post" summarising some of the amazing products I am enjoying and want to share with you quicker. Some are new launches, and others, while not new to the market, are new to me. Lets get this going, shall we?

Hand Chemistry Dry Hands and Heels Hydration Complex: R300 at Clicks

Its thick but not oily, leaves a light tingle and really works like a charm. I am suffering with horribly dry hands this winter, never mind the forlorn looking feet. I have taken to slathering this on with socks at night and between this and my Schol electronic foot file, I'm keeping the lizard skin at bay. Instead of the traditional focus on peeling/removing tough skin, this brand aims to hydrate and rebalance - and I think it is doing a great job. Would definitely repurchase if the price point wasn't so high. (Product c/o brand PR)

Slim Sonic toothbrush: R299 at www.slimsonic.co.za

Loving this little gadget for travel. Perfect for carry on and the gorgeous case keeps it clean and dry and its also tiny enough to fit in my handbag or cosmetics purse. I wasn't initially sold on the whole "sonic, 22 000 brush strokes per minute" thing, but after using it, I get the hype. My teeth are cleaner than ever, which is great seeing as I'm currently on a 4-cups--of-coffee-a-day phase. Its certainly preserving the last whitening session. I adore the range of colours and prints available - who says the morning ritual needs to be boring?(Product c/o brand PR)

 Darling Jane Sweet Vanilla Scrub: R35 at www.darlingjane.com

Come Christmas time, all my girls are getting a tub of this stuff in their stocking. At R35, it is a steal for a massive tub of sugary sweet lip scrub that will last weeks. I've tried a few other products like the coffee scrub and the peppermint scrub, and both are wonderful too. This is new local brand, so show them some love. I will definitely be buying again. (Product bought at discount offered by brand)

Rapid Lash Eyelash and Eyebrow Renewal Serum: R850 at www.rapidlash.co.za

I am probably the only person on earth who hadn't tried this stuff yet. A bunch of the girls have tried it with roaring success. Lash extensions being the tedious eyeball caterpillars that they are, I am finding I prefer this idea. My lashes are getting ticker by the week and once they've got where I want them to be, I'll be trying out the new Eyelash Lift at Wembley Square. Can't wait to show off the results. (Product c/o brand PR)

Maybelline Blushed Nudes eyeshadow palette: $9,99 at various USA drugstores. No word yet on when or if it will be available in SA.

This was on my American Beauty wishlist that I write about here  and I am a very happy little beauty girl that I managed to snap one up. The pigment is great and all of the colours are perfect for my green eyes and paler colouring. The palette consists of 12 shades, cleverly broken down into quads, trios and duos of shades that play well together and it very handy when putting together a look. While not a 100% dupe for the Urban Decay Naked 3 palette, its pretty close at around a fifth of the price.
Holding thumbs and crossing the other fingers and toes that this comes to South Africa soon because I think you'll all love it. (Product bought myself)

Sorbet Salon Skin Daily Skin Polish Powder: R220 at Clicks & Sorbet Salons

I love this product very much. At a smidgeon of the price of the Dermalogica version, it suits my pocket. I've used it with plain water for an intense exfoliation, but prefer it with my cream face wash for something more gentle. (Product bought myself)

The Body Shop Tea Tree Cool & Creamy Wash: R70 at Clicks and The Body Shop

I previously wrote about this products here and even though my skin is clearing up nicely, I am still using this daily to keep the nasties at bay. Love the tingle. I've also been mixing a bot of the Sorbet Skin Polish Powder with it and enjoying a creamy exfoliation once a week. (Product bought myself)