Shopgirl Find: Golden Arm Candy

Woolworths W. Studio Gold-Coloured Bangles, R79,95 (shop here)

I love the simplicity of these super stylish bangles from Woolworths. They would look equally good worn on their own or when paired with your arm candy collection. I can’t wait until I get my hands on them.

Beauty Colour Inspiration: Pink & Mint

Eventhough it is winter, I’ve been drawn to this combination of pretty summery colours. They seem to work so well together, like best friends! It leave me yearning for a lovely beach vacation. So for everyone lucky enough to be or to be going somewhere where it is summer, here are my top picks to incorporate the colours into your beauty routine:

1. Woolworths Lipstick Hydro Lips in Fuschia, R99,95 (shop online here)
2. Revlon Colour Burst Lip Butter in Raspberry Pie, R115
3. Estee Lauder in Startlit Pink, R265 (shop online here)
4. Essie in Turquoise and Caicos, R100
5. Revlon in Mint Candy Apple, R100
6. Estee Lauder Nail Laquer in Dilettante, R215 (shop online here)

 

Mother’s Day Gifting Ideas

I haven’t abandoned my blog, I’ve just been super busy with finals. Give it a few more weeks or so and I will be back to my regular posting schedule. In the meantime I thought I’ll compose a list of basic, affordable Mother’s day gifts. I don’t believe in giving big gifts for superficial holidays and prefer to spoil the person by spending quality time with them. Nonetheless the act of gift giving is so satisfying, so here goes:

1. Poetry Tuberose Scented Candle in a Box (R120): Such a beautiful gift that can make bath time so much more special. I know my own mother would love this.
2. Woolworths Animal Print Belt (R69,95): For the fashion conscious mother  I would recommend buying an accessory that you’ll be certain will fit. This cute animal print belt fits the bill as it will also suit any personal style.
3. Woolworths Turkish Delight (R79,95): An alternative to the predictable chocolate, treat your sweet toothed mother to her favourite sweets, whatever it may be. Bonus points goes to this as it features a cute tin to use afterwards.
4. Mr Price Small Frame (R59,95): Create a personal gift by printing a special photo of the two of you or of your entire family and frame it so that it is always there to appreciate.
5. Woolworths Potted Plant (R34,95): Plants really are the gift that keeps on giving (avoid orchids for this reason). If your mother has green fingers why not spoil her with flowers that won’t wilt after a week.
6. Woolworths Pretty Handcream (R49,95): The scent and packaging of this hand cream really does distinguish it from the rest. A pretty gift that is useful will always be valued.

Happy shopping!

Minted Stationery Competition

untitled 1 board by Astrid. See more Minted.com

untitled 2 board by Astrid. See more Minted wedding invitations

Minted.com is running an awesome competition where you stand a chance to win $4600 to spend at their online store by simply creating a mood board surrounding your favourite invitation of theirs. One of my best friends is getting married later this year and I thought I would enter for her seeing as that I love Pinterest so much and because Minted wedding invitations would make such an beautiful gift. I hope you enjoy my style boards. The first one is based on charm and romance. I tried to convey this theme with a neutral palette, feminine touches and understated elegance. My second board is obviously based on Paris and includes a feminine palette of gold and blush with touches of grey, proving you don’t have to get married in the French capitol to get the feeling. For more information on how you can enter this competition visit their site here. Holding thumbs!

Homemade Hamburger Patties

This is an incredibly basic recipe with endless possibilities. Add all your favourite trimmings and finish with the freshest buns available- I find seeded soft buns work best.  Serve with crispy potato wedges and you might never crave fast food again!

Ingredients:

• 500g low fat beef mince
• 5 ml salt
• ground pepper
• 10 ml Steak & Chop Spice
• 2 parsley sprigs, finely chopped
• 1 tbs Worcester Sauce
• 1 egg, beaten
• 30 ml bread crumbs
• 1 tbs oil

Steps:

1. Start by mixing the mince and flavouring in a large bowl.
2. Add the egg and mix before adding the bread crumbs. Ensure that everything is properly mixed.
3. If you find that the mixture is too sticky, add a little more bread crumbs. You should be able to form a ball of meat that doesn’t stick to your hands or breaks when flattened.
4. Make 5-6 even sized balls of meat. Gently press each flat in the palm of your hands to about 1,5 cm.
5. Fry on medium heat for about 3 min on each side or until cooked through.

Makes 5 to 6 large patties.

DIY Floral Headband

Inspired by some the floral headgear worn at the summer music festivals, I decided to share my easy to achieve floral headband. It has become somewhat corny to wear a floral crown at a festival, but it still makes a pretty picture. This could also be great for weddings or just because…

What you’ll need:

• Paper craft roses, about 10
• Plain, flat Alice band
• Scissors
• 1 m Thin Sateen Ribbon, in a matching colour
• Clear Drying Glue, such as Bostik

What to do:

1. Starting at the center of the band, wrap the each flower’s wire around the band as tightly as possible. Trim any excess wire not necessary to keep the flower in place.
2. When done wrapping the flowers, make sure that they are evenly spaced and that each flower is facing upright.
3. Place a little glue under each flower head and gently press the flower onto the band. Let dry.
4. Starting at one end of the band, tightly wrap the ribbon around it taking care to cover all the wire and leaving gaps for the flowers.
5. Glue each end of the ribbon on to the band and leave to dry.
6. Check that there are no exposed wires from the roses before wearing.

P.S. Don’t worry about the wire from the flowers as it is super flexible and covered so it won’t hurt.

New Shop: Topshop

Topshop has finally opened its doors in Cape Town today so I thought I would share a few of my favourite items from their online store. I have not yet visited their store at the Waterfront but it appears  that they still have summer stock but as were moving into winter I have selected trans-seasonal items except for the shoes which I couldn’t resist! Let me know if you’ve been to the new store and what it is like. I can’t wait to see it on Saturday!

Style Icon: Marina Larroudé

Being a market director at style.com means that Marina is constantly surrounded by fashion. Working in the industry creates the expectation that she would be dresses in the latest trends and designer wear. Instead I find Marina’s style refreshingly simplistic, fresh and inspirational. She sticks to the basics yet somehow manages to make them look modern and relevant.

Even though she is in charge of accessories at style.com she keeps them limited, instead letting the outfit speak for itself. My favourite outfits include the camel cape look and denim and tee outfit. She proves that looking polished is equal part great clothes and confidence. Amazingly healthy looking hair doesn’t hurt either! Which of these is your favourite outfit?

Get The Look: Olivia Palermo’s Collar Jewels

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There is so much to admire about Olivia’s looks, that sometimes I don’t notice the details. I have however noticed that she has been wearing collar brooches exceedingly more often. I think they are a great accessory as they can add glamour and detail to any outfit. The look is also incredibly easy to copy. Studs earrings can easily be modified to work just as well as clip on earrings and brooches to achieve this look. It does seem to word best on a round neckline or a coat, but play around and see what works for you. Here are some of my favourite items to get the look:

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5 Easy Ways To Update Your Home

Here are my five easy ways to update your home that won’t break the bank.

1. GRAPHIC PRINTS

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Include the latest trend in home decor in your home by adding a geographical printed carpet. It instantly updates any room. Alternatively you can incorporate the look with a few geographical cushions.

2. BOOKCASE ARRANGEMENTS

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This is probably the easiest way to update your home. Spend time arranging your bookcase by colour to create a striking image. If screwing with your Dewy system isn’t your thing, why not turn few books on their sides like the last picture.

3. ART WALL

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Create a focal wall to display your art. It doesn’t have to be expensive either. Buy ready made frames and frame magazine cuttings, kid’s art and your favourite quotes. The more personal, the better.

4. LARGE METALLIC LAMPS

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If you can only buy one item, make sure that is a large scale metallic lamp. It adds the perfect glamorous touch and won’t go out of fashion any time soon.

5. FLOATING SHELVES

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Finally, installing a few floating shelves can become the perfect display area for smaller accessories. Liven up a dead corner or dead wall with this nifty space saving storage idea. It can help eliminate clutter and create a more streamlined look.