6 Things I wish actually existed

The 6 things I wish actually existed on earth...this is what I daydream about when I am staring blankly into the distance. I have an outrageous imagination as you can see, but I am pretty sure most of you can agree with my non-existent inventions. In a perfect world all of the following would exist.

1. A Reggies Rush 'Zara Edition'

There is nothing I would love more than to relive my childhood dream inside the walls of Zara, the epitome of a girls fantasy wardrobe in one single shop. The fact that the store changes every 2 weeks makes me genuinely sad sometimes. Like where do all those clothes go? Give them to me! I would have a whole strategy as to how I would navigate the shop to grab as many items in my size that I possibly could in the short amount of time that I am given. I forget whether it was a even a minute, but that is enough for me. My black belt in shopping would aid me well I think!

Image from projectcasting.com

9 Things Real Housewives has taught me

The women from the reality show 'Real Housewives' have really opened my mind up to what its like to have so much money that you develop an alter ego. This elite group of females may seem aggressive and intimidating, but you have to admit they can teach us normal middle-class folk a thing or two about life.

Its all about reading between the lines and finding the poems among the swear words, and the wisdom among the insults. Ladies get out your notebook and pen because here is what the Real Housewives can teach you about being feisty, rich and fabulous.

1. Sharing is caring

Neutrals from head to toe

There has been a huge transition from colour blocking and bright accessories to entirely neutral outfits consisting of greys, beige tones, light pink, black and white. The trick is to combine these neutrals in a way that you don't look boring or washed out, which can so easily happen without a pop of colour. Neutrals always look classy and expensive, and if you don't believe me then have a look at Sandra Bullock's wardrobe from The Blind Side (I have NEVER been so inspired by a wardrobe from a movie).

My favourite colour of the moment is that light dusty pink, which is surprising since I have never really been drawn to this colour before. Either pair a pink top with a pair of white pants or shorts, and beige heels or a monochrome grey and black combo with gold or silver jewellery and you can't go wrong. Any kind of animal print (leopard, snakeskin) works well too, and could be included as a neutral since all the colours are subtle basic tones. Along with Sandy B, let me share with you a few of my favourite neutral inspired outfits.

Image from exploregeorgia.org

7 Signs you are no longer that young

I am 23 years old, that's young right? Obviously to any one older than me it is considered young, but I have had a few situations with various teenagers that has proven otherwise. I can remember my teenage years like they were yesterday, but again and again I am reminded of how much I have changed and 'aged' since then. I know how ridiculous it sounds, but I genuinely had a moment of acceptance that I am no longer as cool, young and carefree as I was when I was 16 (or 18). Here is how I came to this conclusion.

So Yesterday Volume 4

Here is another instalment of 'So Yesterday', just to remind ya'll about what is no longer in fashion (at least as far as I'm concerned). We have all been victims of the fashion industry at some point or another, so I am here to maybe assist those that have trouble letting go of old trends, or simply refuse to. Fashion evolves over time and so should we! It is easy when you know your personal style basics and add fashionable pieces to it as you go along, instead of being trend obsessed and looking like you try too hard from head to toe- don't be that girl.

Upside down Crosses

The only place you should be wearing a cross is around your neck as far as I am concerned. Apart from upside down crosses on a crop top being equally blasphemous and offensive, they are not even cool anymore so please I beg of you to stop wearing them. This includes scarves, pants and anywhere else you want to spread your non-Christian ideals. That's all!

Image from gojane.com

Italian dreaming: Let's stay in Roma

Before my trip to Europe, I have to admit I was more interested in seeing Rome than any other city. I was a biased tourist on all counts and I didn't care. Call me a dreamer, but all I could think of was sitting at a Roman restaurant eating pasta and sipping on red wine whilst street musicians stood on the cobbled street playing Italian music with a saxophone in the background. The funny thing is that one night this all actually happened.

Italian performers outside a restaurant in central Rome

An evening at Madame Zingara

My mom went to Madame Zingara with a group of her friends a while back, and I can remember how insanely envious I was watching her dress up, feather boa and all, to watch a performance that can only be described as a South African Cirque du soleil.

So naturally, when I was offered a ticket to attend this years production of Madame Zingara at Suncoast Casino in Durban, I had to stop myself from screaming it from the rooftops and doing a cartwheel in true Zingara style. FINALLY I would get to experience this weird and wonderful show!

Dress: Urban Shoes: Zoom Belt: Country Road Necklace: Woolworths

My 100th blog post!

Aaaaaah hello blog post number 100 on She Thinks Like Me you beauty! This is a personal milestone for me, as I have been in the blog game for a year but I have been writing short stories, poems and 'articles' since way back. Yes, I was the nerd in English class that read every single assigned book (and more), and always had my hand up in class. I fell in love with words and how they could be put together to form meaning, to captivate and to inspire.

I have always been particularly obsessed with magazine articles and how they are set out. Simple, to the point and easy to understand. I would always think 'I want to write for a magazine and have people relate to what I am saying', but it just seemed like a pipe dream at the time. I didn't know what to do with my pieces of writing because the blogging world was foreign to me, so I would just keep them as documents saved on my computer.

When I look back I could kick myself that I hadn't started sooner, because the satisfaction that blogging gives me is something I can't really explain (but lets not get into that for fear of boring you all to death). It is like this community of people who get to share certain parts of their lives, empower others to keep writing, capture life in beautiful photo's and use social media as a tool to be heard. That is barely scratching the surface.

To all you bloggers out there, I respect you for what you do, whether you have 5 views a day or 5000. Remind yourself why you are writing and stay true to who you are. Blogs may highlight only the fun and beautiful parts of our lives but everyone has their bad days and hardships. All I can say is be original, keep it simple. x

4 Things I Learnt in the Bush

Something I really appreciate about my relationship with my boyfriend Trav is that we are so different in the way we see the world, but we get to learn and appreciate these differences together. When it comes to holidays for example, I am all for any place with the sun and the sea, and he prefers camping and the bush. When I go to a restaurant I always order the same kinds of food, and he will order the strangest meal no one has ever tried. I am impulsive when it comes to making a decision and he thinks it through first. These are some of the factors that allow each other to expand our minds and our perspectives, especially when it comes to holidays and traveling.

Our recent holiday to the private game reserve Kube Yini in Mkuze, Zululand proves no different. We had been in hot and tropical Mozambique over the Christmas holidays, and now it was Trav's turn to do what he loves best: be in the bush. Here is what I learnt...

Trav and I at the lookout point

Block Heels

Okay so Im going to be honest here, I was not a huge fan of block heels to begin with. I have always loved the feminine stiletto, and a block heel just seemed to give that unappealing sense that you are about to do some long distance walking to work. However, seeing these shoes literally EVERYWHERE kind of made me love them after a while. Fashion does this to people-it's brainwashing!

Block heels of all kinds are a huge fashion trend for both summer and winter. They add instant sophistication to any outfit, whether it is casual or evening wear. I love shoes like this that are versatile and can be worn with anything, because you really do get your moneys worth in terms of usage. They are also really really comfortable, and the thick heel prevents getting stuck in the grass or getting that heel wobble (been there). My personal favourite is wearing them with a pair of ripped boyfriend jeans and a white shirt, which is just my favourite go-to look at the moment.

Image from shopstyle.com

Choker Trend

As a true 90's girl, I can see how the decade of casual and grunge is coming back in so many ways with mom jeans, black lipstick, denim on denim and crop tops... and now most recently chokers. Remember those necklaces that hugged our throats? With jewels and velvet straps or those plastic lace looking versions? It's all coming back to me now, and I think I like it!

Rihanna has recently started yet another fashion movement of her own, wearing chokers of all kinds. Her effortless way of pulling off unusual trends simply makes us want to copy her time and time again. Other choker trend-setters are Alexa Chung, Miranda Kerr, Kylie Jenner and Iggy Azalea.

Whether it is simple with a gemstone, fully bedazzled or thick and gold, decide which choker style suits you. You can easily layer them with a cool t-shirt for a day time look, or wear one thick band with dark lipstick and a ballgown for an evening look. Don't say I didn't warn you!

Image from instyle.com

When I'm gone

As some of you may know, I have only 2 months left in South Africa before I leave to teach English in Thailand, and thereafter travel around Asia as I have always wanted. Having this brief time left with my family and friends has really made me think about my priorities, and how they could inevitably change while I am in a foreign and unfamiliar country.

I didn't write out a list of resolutions for the new year as most do, its not really my style. I thought I would instead make a list of priorities to remind myself of whilst I am in Thailand.

Fashion Week Inspiration Spring 2015

Spring Fashion Week 2015 has recently taken place, and even though us South Africans are heading towards the end of summer soon, I have picked out some of the main forecasts that can suit any season. I don't think I have been this excited about the emerging trends since stretch skinny jeans, and I feel like each one can suit my personal style. As I have said a thousand times, I prefer the minimal look and I don't often take crazy risks, but this time around I might go slightly out of my comfort zone and be more adventurous with fashion. Here is my SFW 2015 summary of inspring trends:

The Shirt Dress

The shirt dress is another classic that made its mark on the spring runway. Chloe included the shirt dress with their signature knee length lace up sandals (which are becoming a trend in themselves), and A.F Vandevorst took on a more masculine approach with sharp lines and darker colours. One of the most versatile trends, it can be worn in many variations and suits all body shapes. For street style, pair with a belt at the waist and a pair of ballet pumps.

Image from harpers bazaar.com

8 Ways that you know you are having a good day

There are those bad days where everything goes wrong and you just want to crawl into the foetal position, and then there are those glorious days where the sun shines just a lil brighter, and the birds chirp a lil louder. These are the days that I live for, and they aren't necessarily dramatic or full of excitement. It's all the small things that add up to one big happy day, and you get to revel in the complete bliss that is life. This is how you know you're having a good day.

The Perfect Valentines Date

As some of you may already know, my name is Sarah and I am a hopeless romantic. At the same time, I personally don't think that love and romance requires tons of money spent on me or materialistic gifts. I prefer thought, affection and a mushy well-written card.

I am so over the same old thing each year when it comes to Valentines Day. Giving each other big fluffy teddies and silly gifts emblazoned with hearts that go into the back of closets, and spending ridiculous amounts of money on fancy dinners at that fully-booked restaurant is just not my idea of a good time. Not being able to have a nice conversation and worrying about what to order or if you chose the right outfit can easily make you forget what Valentines Day is actually about.

Italian dreaming: Pisa to Florence

The journey into Italy was painted with luscious greenery, aged tunnels and farms that went for miles. The humidity suddenly became evident as we got out of the bus at a service station. I swallowed warm air along with my first proper piece of Italian pizza there- it was cheesy and delicious and I ordered another. The system of buying anything in Italy is very odd. You first pay for your items, and then you collect them, or you get a ticket for the items and then pay for them... okay I might not be explaining the system too well but all I can say is that it is complicated and very much based on honesty.

Then it was time for the Leaning Tower of Pisa, in Pisa. This architectural mystery was obviously on my list of things to see, so I was embarrrasingly thrilled about the whole experience. What do you do when you come face to face with the famous tower? You pose in a ridiculous manner of course. Whether you are holding the whole thing up with your bare hands or  giving it a lick with your tongue outstretched, you have to seize the opportunity.  

Me holding up the Leaning Tower of Pisa

Going Gingham

A well-known favourite has returned to the fashion world, and that is gingham print. For any of you that are not familiar with gingham, it is the double-check square pattern (think Italian restaurant tablecloth but much classier). This print is easy to style if you keep it simple, whether you pair a gingham shirt with baggy boyfriend jeans or a gingham skirt with a tucked in tank top. The matching trend is still going strong, and if you pair two gingham pieces together you are on point. To start off with, try a navy and white gingham, or the seasonal light pink and white. Loving this trend!

Image from refinery29.com

Create the life you want

Any individual can choose the life that they want by having the right mindset and a positive attitude. 'Lifestyle design' is a concept made famous by Timothy Ferris, who delves into a world where you do not have to sit in front of a computer screen in a white-walled office everyday of your life to be successful. I could not agree more, and since finishing my degree and dipping my toe into the corporate world, I realised that I want anything but that office bound life, and I will do anything to avoid it.

Here is my point. You work 40+ hours, 5 days a week with only 2 weeks leave in a year where you can actually look forward to having a break or going on holiday. Weekends are usually spent running errands, cooking and finishing work you couldn't get done during the week. Before you know it, it's Monday again and you are back at your desk, with the only ambiance being telephones ringing and the smell of cheap coffee. A promotion or a salary boost is nowhere in site, and you feel that your hard work goes unnoticed the majority of the time. All you are really waiting for, and saving up for, and longing for is the moment you can retire at the age of 60 or so and take your life back. Sound familiar? What kind of life is that?

If you are one of those lucky few that actually enjoy their chosen career, take pride in their work and gain fulfilment through their contribution to society...this post is not for you.