Sports Luxe

The sports wear as everyday wear trend has been surfacing quite a lot this year, and I have admittedly been fighting it. After all, is sports and work out gear not meant to be seen exclusively when you are at the gym or being active? Well my mindset has finally changed, and do you know who changed it? None other than Kylie Jenner. I have always had mixed emotions about the Kardashian clan and their materialistic ways, but there is no denying that one thing King Kylie knows is fashion. Her sports luxe looks as of late are urging me to bring out the spandex!

Image from mailonline.com

Island Getaway: Koh Samed

Of all the holidays and trips I have been on in my life, staying on an island for the first time definitely tops the list of experiences for me. The island of Koh Samed, situated in Rayong province in Thailand, is nothing short of paradise. Spending 4 days there was a moment in time for me, and I just can't wait to go back.

One of the quieter beaches on Koh Samed

Blue and white print

The boho chic fashion trend of summer has brought with it beautiful Grecian inspired tops, pants and blouses with crisp white cottons and blue paisley prints. There are also the D&G inspired china/porcelain prints that take the sophistication to a new level, as well as the mediterranean blue leaf craze. I have seen this print everywhere and it is so in right now! Pair a shirt with a high waist denim skirt or find the print as a flowing shirt dress with lace up sandals. A must-get trend for summer.

Image from lookbook.co

Summer Dress Picks

Sorry to all you lovely South Africans back home enjoying the cold winter (I could actually use a few cold days myself) but it is summer in Thailand for most of the year and I can't help but admire the beautiful dresses that are in fashion at the moment. For me there are not many items of clothing more feminine and fun to wear than a summer dress! Here are my four top picks for the season, and they kind of make you want to dance around and pick flowers in the garden... or whatever.

Pop-over dress

This pop-over dress has two layers which brings a fresh new way of vamping up an otherwise ordinary silhouette. It also covers up problem areas and gives the sense of chic structure. Choose from a high neck cut to a flattering v-line cut with thin straps. I personally prefer a patterned option when it comes to this style, but with a simple white version you can never go wrong!

Image from urbanoutfitters.com

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

How to pack for a beach holiday

There are only 5 sleeps left until I go on holiday to Ponta Malongane in Mozambique! A beach holiday is my type of holiday, and what better beach than Mozambique, which is only a 6 hour drive for us, north west (haha) of South Africa. With white sand beaches and a vast 2500km coastline,  as well as the infamous R&R's and the friendly locals, this holiday destination is popular to say the least. I have been waiting for my long break over the festive season for weeks, and with only a few days remaining my holiday planning begins!

When I say holiday planning, what I actually mean is packing. Us girls know how important this is, especially if you are going away for 2 weeks like I am! I am a fantastic packer, and so often people look in disbelief when I show them how light I pack, whilst still being able to wear something different each day. If packing was a job, I would be an expert in my field! 

I have compiled a list of summer holiday must-haves to pack for a getaway, a local beach, or anywhere hot and sunny. There is no need to pack too much, or pack items that don't actually match anything else. When I am back home next year (how crazy does that sound??) I will make sure to have a post of my holiday photos and Mozambican experience!

Image from whowhatwear.com

All white arrthang

I love white! It is possibly my favourite colour to wear because it is crisp, classy and versatile. The trend of wearing white-on-white comes and goes in the fashion world, but I personally think it should be a consistent staple. The difficulty with wearing two different white pieces in one outfit is that you have to get the correct shade of white for both, or two different textures of white pieces. Lace and linen, for example, is a beautiful combination.

It is a huge fashion faux pas if you wear white with off-white or cream. I know Kim K has tried it but I personally think it looks tacky if you are not wearing designer brands from head to toe. Whether it is a pair of white tailored shorts with a white top or a pair of white skinny jeans with a white blazer, there are many white-on-white variations. When wearing a full white outfit it is best to add simple accessories such as a tan/leather handbag or black strappy heels. A leopard print detail is also very stylish.

Image from fashionsy.com

Slouchy Pants

I don't know if 'slouchy pants' is the correct term for them but that's what I am calling them at least! I can't tell you how comfortable and light-weight these pants are, they are like day time pajamas except no one will give you funny looks. They are light-weight and perfect for summer, and they can sit on your hips or on your waist depending on what look you want to go for.

I personally prefer a simple monochrome pattern on the pants, paired with a solid colour on top, but pretty much anything goes here. If you want to mix one pattern with another on top then choose wisely! They are so versatile, and can be worn with strappy heels or flats (birkenstocks look great paired with them).

Image from rstyle.me

Crop top Crazy

Crop tops are no longer just for teenagers and pop stars, they have evolved to stylish, classy and flattering (yes, it's true). Following from the matchy-matchy trend, teaming crop tops with long skirts and high waist pants or shorts are a fashion do. Well structured crop tops emphasize your waist and create an instant hourglass figure when teamed with hip-skimming skirts and pants.

You can choose to show a bit of skin or combine two items where the top just covers the bottoms. Mix bold colours with patterns, or two shades of pastel for an overall put together look. Add a belt to the bottom half or a statement necklace to add detail. The best types of crop tops are those that look like shortened t-shirts, as they flatter arms and add a casual touch. The latest trend of the cross-over crop top is also a popular choice. Keep it classy ladies, lets not get crazy showing too much skin!

Image from dailynewsfashions.blogspot.com

Body chains for days

Yet again Rihanna has inspired me. She has this way of looking edgy but effortlessly stylish, and I feel that I need to take a leaf out of her fashion book. I love the delicate gold body chains that she wears with everything from bikini's to ball gowns, and I feel that it is only fitting that I get involved with this trend she has started!

Fashionista celebrities such as Kylie Jenner have also been seen wearing them, and it is such a subtle piece of jewelry that it could look good with anything and still be understated. You can even wear it over a plain shirt to add detail. My whole approach is that if you wear it with a bikini it adds that extra glamour to it without looking like you're trying too hard... oh this old thing? Its been on me the whole day.

Image from lamodellamafia.com

Palm tree life

As I have mentioned more than once in my fashion trend updates, summer fashion is extremely literal this season. I'm talking flowers, fruit and palm trees! Pastels and bold colours, monochrome and matchy matchy... its all about making a statement and wearing summer all over us! 

Another popular trend to catch my eye is the palm tree print. It is so feminine and fun, and there are lots of variations from small prints on flip flops to big prints on sun dresses. The palm tree trend is awesome! My personal favourite is the fresh green and white palm leaves, which looks like its straight off the Dolce and Gabanna runway. Here is to a summery outfit full of swaying trees and giant leaves.

Image from etsy.com

Best Bikini Selection

Summmerrrrrr! My most favourite time of year for so many reasons. The comforting feeling of sunshine on my skin, an ice cold coke by the pool, a long swim in the sea, beach sand between my toes, shorts and hats and sunglasses!

One thing I am still hesitant about, however, is squeezing my body (which has been hidden safely under layers of clothing all winter) into a teeny weeny bikini. Seriously guys, bikinis don't cover much do they? We love to hate them, and this summer I am making peace with the bikini. I have collected a few fashionable and unique bikini style inspo's for you all that are so cool this summer. If you want a variation of styles but don't want to spend too much money, buy one plain bikini and one patterned bikini in similar colours and interchange them with one another. Enjoy!

Image from madebydawn.bigcartel.com

Tips for Summer weight loss

It is officially summer time and what better reminder to start looking after yourself than muffin tops and cellulite Sally! I have been on my own lil weight loss journey since putting on weight over December/January a year ago. This was due to a bad reaction to 'the pill' and eating and drinking too much over the festive season (I can't blame it all on the pill you guys).

Shoulders out

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The off the shoulder trend is such a fun way of dressing up or down for summer, plus you get to keep cool and show off some skin! I am loving all the feminine trends coming up for summer and this is definitely one of the more exciting options. I have seen these tops and dresses in stores everywhere! Find a style and cut that suits you and show those shoulders.

Image from shopdailychic.com

The Bubble Ponytail

The bubble ponytail is so hot right now! What is it, you ask? Think back to those days in junior school when tying a whole lot of elastics in your hair was cool. I sometimes have those mornings before work when my hair just isn't cooperating (this actually happens more often than not) and the bubble pony is the perfect way to tame it. The best way to wear this trend is to use a few strands of your own hair to twist around and cover the main elastic band. This style can be worn in a fun relaxed version during the day, paired with a pretty summer dress, or it can be dramatically done up with an LBD for an evening look.

Olivia Wilde killing it with the chic evening version

Image from dirtylooks.com

Eye print

Style forecast: the eye print trend... unusual, eclectic, fashionable? I am yet to see this trend popping up in department stores but my prediction is that we are going to see a lot of it. Creepy or not, the eye trend is super stylish, so why not be ahead of the game and start searching for items now? I know I am! My favourite is the black and white shift dress with the eye print pattern, very modern and artistic if you ask me. Get involved everyone!

Image from bloglovin.com

Things to do in Durban

Oh how I adore Durban! Living there for almost three years allowed me to explore one of the most beautiful and vibrant cities of South Africa. It has so much to offer in terms of fulfilling your every need, whether its a day on the beach or a night on the town. I am very inquisitive when it comes to new places, and so I spent my spare time venturing into the unknown and finding seemingly undiscovered gems, and other very popular places. I am here to be your tour guide through Durban's hot spots and secret spots and tell you exactly how you can make the most of your time there, whether you are a resident or a visitor. Welcome to DBN, my city of choice!

1. The Moses Mabidha big swing

If you're like me, and not so keen on bungee jumping head first off a bridge, but you still want an adrenalin pumping experience you will never forget, then go for the big swing at Moses Mabidha Stadium. First you swing upright above the entire length of the field below you, and then you boast that you went on the worlds tallest swing! This is on my bucket list, and I am going to cross it off before the end of this year. For more information on prices and booking, follow this link:
http://www.mmstadium.com/attractions/big-swing/

Image from mmstadium.com

Monochrome Grid

The monochrome grid trend cannot go unnoticed this season. This is one of my personal favorites because I usually always wear black and white, and the grid pattern is easily incorporated into any wardrobe. Because it is a simple pattern, you can accessorize heavily and add pops of colour (monochrome and pink would be the perfect combination). If you want to go the extra style mile, wear a grid pattern skirt/shorts with a matching blazer or crop top and a neutral coloured top- ultimate fashionista!

Image from alwaysjudging.com

Laced up Heels

Laced up heels are the latest heel trend, as worn by countless celebrities and seen on the runway. They are a very sexy style, and elongate your legs with all that extra skin showing through the laces. Laced up heels are elegant and fashion forward, and a really fun option for those summer nights out. They emphasize your feet by adding detail with the laces, and an edgy finish to any outfit. I would personally go for a beige or black pair, and make sure they are the perfect size because slipping out of them is not an option! Paint your toes a pretty colour and lace up those heels!

Image from whowhatwear.com