Karate Belt it up

Obi belts are no longer just for karate lessons, they are the biggest accessory trend of the season. Not only do these belts accentuate your waist, they are stylish and fun to wear. Tie it in a simple knot at the front or wrap around your waist twice to create that obi belt look. You can pair this belt over a summer dress, with a top and wide leg pants, or any other loose fitting garment that could do with a bit of structure. Whether you choose a white belt or a black belt (get it) or any colour in-between, this is the trend to look out for this summer!

Image from whowhatwear.com

The 90's Denim Skirt

Yay! I have been awaiting the revival of the denim skirt, especially since everything else made of denim has become so popular. I am done with dungarees, give me skirts! Not the mini skirts from 10 years ago, but rather the high-waisted button up variation that our mothers wore in the 90's. They are flattering and so cute, and go with pretty much anything (my favourite kind of trend). I urge you to all go grab one of these skirts, and pair it with a laid back t-shirt and sandals for summer, or stockings and a jacket for winter. 

Image from bohocheeck.tumblr.com

The Chelsea Boot

Not only is this style of boots named after one of my best friends, it is the most stylish winter shoe for the upcoming cold season. I know South African seasons are pretty much opposite to most of the world, but that doesn't mean to say you can't pair these boots with a cute pair of shorts or a summer dress if you live elsewhere. 

The Chelsea boot is known for its small block heel and pull tab at the back, and it was notably designed by Queen Victoria's shoemaker-how much more convincing do you need? I have already seen them advertised on mrp.com, which means there are affordable options too! Get them in black, tan or dark maroon for that edgy winter look, and pair them with tights or skinny jeans tucked in/ folded above. Alexa Chung wears them, so should you.

Image from oughtonlimited.com

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

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

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.

The Camel Trench Coat

So it is still blazing hot here in South Africa but I cant help but pick up the camel trench coat trend. It is classy, stylish and effortless, yet can make any outfit look good simply by draping it over your shoulders. I am strangely envious that I don't have the opportunity to wear one until winter, but I am most definitely on the hunt for one of these coats as soon as they hit the stores.

Image from rstyle.me

Hit the ground running

I had a very successful year last year in terms of reaching my fitness goals, taking part in competitive races and becoming a better runner. How crazy is it that just 3 weeks of holiday can nearly destroy a years progress? Ok that could be slightly dramatic, but I know that I have a lot of catching up to do this year. My new goal is the Maritzburg half marathon in February (soon I know).