SA Fashion Girl

Hot velvet

2013-05-22T06:18:00.000+02:00

Velvet dress - Alibi

House of Holland stockings - Topshop

T-bar heels - Call It Spring

Cuff - Chanel

Bag - Wardrobe

Necklace and rings - Sass Diva

Chip 'n dip with stocking rips. I'll be your baby girl today if you give me unlimited french fries. Spinning thrills and ketchup spills. I don't give a fuck. Fries before guys. Take me for a ride, I want to feel the wind in my hair and the love in my veins. There's no reason to pause beautiful moments when there's amazing days awaiting. If you're not having fun, get your hands on some. Speak via love hearts and laugh like crazy. Let the sun burn deep enough to stay with you tomorrow and never look back.

Adriaan Kuiters and Take Care A/W

2013-05-21T02:39:00.000+02:00

Here's a little peek at Take Care and Adriaan Kuiter's winter collection at their shared store. Both brands complement eachother with great tailoring and classic key items. I liked the texture present in Adriaan's collection (more men need fuzzy sweaters if you ask me) as well the utilitarian hooded shirts. My favorite garment was an interesting shirt in his lookbook that was printed with industrial pattern block text.

Skermunkil's jewellery caught my eye with their delicate and minimalist shape necklaces that will garnish any outfit in a chic manner, I'm a big fan! Finally Take Care gives us luxe ready-to-wear with beautiful waterfall cut jackets and their use of silks, cashmere and wool for a warm winter. Check out the Store at 73 on Kloof Street before a cosy dinner. Maybe winter is looking delightful after all.

AnnaJonesApparel x Acid Pony Giveaway

2013-05-15T15:48:00.000+02:00

AnnaJonesApparel.com and Acid Pony are giving my readers the chance to win this cute "Bitches be trippin" tee and Indie-Anna & Jones navy cut out dress. I asked them to tell me about their labels and here's what they said...

Acid Pony has swag for days. We're an edgy street wear label, incorporating contemporary quirky designs and reworked vintage clothing. With a “tongue in cheek” attitude and some retro nostalgia, you’re gonna love to hate us.

Annajonesapparel.com's philosophy is to promote local designers and brands to a local and worldwide audience by giving them online exposure. An integral part of this philosophy is to communicate with local designers and brands the importance of having an online presence in today’s fashion environment.

I'm loving their clothes, if you are too, here's how to win:

Like on Annajonesapparel.com on Facebook

Then

Comment on this post with your full name and email address

Facebook or Tweet me with your full name and email.

The competition closes 29 May. Good luck!

Bring the heat

2013-05-13T23:24:00.002+02:00

Every season, I like to find a way to work trends into my wardrobe in a way that works for my style. I see it more as fashion challenge than fashion victim. I'm not too keen on the colder months so I'd rather find a way to work spring/summer trends into my winter outfits. So, if you're wondering what to wear with your stockings and scarves or what to bring out when the sun comes back, look no further, here's what you need to know about bringing the heat.

Stripes

Stripes are huge this season and are viewed as a timeless classic by many fashionistas. An extremely versatile style that can be worn both on duty and off-duty, make sure you know how to wear this trend.

Past runway shows have revealed a jumble of mod-leaning stripes and skinny styles. This year however, designers are showcasing a thicker pattern. Stripes are the perfect holiday choice and add a hit of instant sophistication to an array of ensembles with everything from skirts, tops, dresses, trousers and shorts being transformed.

If you’re not sure about being so bold with your striped ensemble then opt for striped accessories instead. Canvas wedges and oversized totes are great options for striped patterns and won’t make the look overpowering.

Floral

Once again, floral fashion is blooming for 2013. Regardless of whether the sun is shining or not, floral prints are guaranteed to add instant warmth to your wardrobe. Abstract prints, washed out watercolours and cutesy petal designs are big this season so make the most of the variety.

Leather

Leather looks are having a moment this year, with trench coats, dresses, shorts and skirts all taking centre stage. Pastel shorts and retro leather skinnies are perfect for both day and night and will add an instant edge to your current style.

Denim

The denim-duo was big last season, with models showing off their slim figures in a number of doubled up styles. This season, the look continues to be popular, with high rise flared jeans at the forefront of fashion. Wear these with heels and a crisp white shirt for an off-duty office style or distressed rock tees and trainers for a more casual appeal.

Getting Graphic

The geometric print of the past has been revamped to reveal an assortment of bold, on-trend outfits so get graphic! Think checker-board dresses with matching headbands and silk black and white skirts for a unique look sure to inspire.

Travel diaries: Monte Carlo

2013-05-07T07:54:00.001+02:00

It's getting cold in South Africa so let's escape for a second. I wanted to share some more photos from my trip to Monaco. This affluent anomaly of a country is a gem of a place. I was always scared of venturing anywhere that French is spoken because I talk like a yankee. In fact, a few years ago when I arrived in Toronto, a very friendly guy speaking fluent French offered to help me with my bags. I froze, stared at him with wide eyes and completely (and irrationally) freaked out, thinking for a millisecond that I'd somehow ended up in France and that this man was going to whack me with a baguette for speaking English. Au contraire.

I've never been to France but I have to report that their neighbours in the Principality are extremely polite. They all say "pardon" as they pass, are generous with smiles and patient with tourists...when the young local handed me a bottled water and told me to "have a nice day", I thought, yes. Yes I will have a nice day Pierre. Then I proceeded to eat french fries.

In all seriousness, Monte Carlo is beautiful. Everything looks fresh and clean. The birds are very accustomed to people but there's nary a pigeon in sight, only enormous seagulls which can take on my sausage dog in a fight. I went to the Prince's Palace and admired the super fly traditional guards' uniforms then checked out the church where Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier before heading to the famed Casino de Monte-Carlo. There are beautiful photographs documenting Grace Kelly's life all around Monte Carlo.

Speaking of glamour, everyone dresses so meticulously by donning designer suits and perfectly styled hair in the heat. Men in luxury sports cars slam on the breaks just to glance at women but no matter, they didn't delay the ambulance that quickly arrived to assist a lady who had fainted on my tour. Check out my experiences in the gorgeous photos below.

Where in the world would you love to visit?

Cosmic baby

2013-05-04T01:14:00.001+02:00

Tee - Zara

Skirt - The Lot

Accessories - Sass Diva

Manicure - Dante

Heels - Zara

Fly me to la lune and let me bathe with all the stars. Let me know what Saturn's like while munching on Mars bars. Literal dressing is too much fun. This outfit is perfect for shopping online for circle lenses to make your eyes the size of the moon, reading your monthly horoscope, catching a Cirque Du Soleil performance, dining on Wafer Wizz ice cream sandwiches, reading The Little Prince and then drifting off to dreams of being Gwen Stefani during her pink hair era beside a glowing lava lamp. 30 Seconds To Mars playlist optional.

Music festival mermaid

2013-04-30T02:00:00.001+02:00

Cardigan - Woolworths

Dress - Rampage Paris

Diamond cage necklace - Woolworths

All other accessories - Sass Diva

Manicure - Dante

Boots - Jeffrey Campbell

Putting on my mom's dress from the 80s, I feel like going to a rock show and offering someone cash for the perfect leather jacket. Once upon a time, this bitch lost a gallbladder and gained some Jeffrey Campbells. Don't tell Dad I got a squiff star tattoo but let my family know I'm becoming a mermaid and will Skype them under the sea on my seahorse wi-fi. You coming?

Topshop Cape Town Launch

2013-04-24T20:16:00.000+02:00

Ok you guys, it's taken me a week to post about Topshop because I have been awestruck. AWESTRUCK with the fact that we have a Topshop. There's only 4 in America and we have 3 now! Hell yeah, that's how South Africa rolls. The Cape Town opening at the V & A Waterfront was seriously one of the most anticipated events for me and the people camping outside wouldn't argue with my excitement. I never would have dreamed I would go to the launch of one of my favorite international brands. They have everything a girl could want in a shopping experience; accessories, make up and of course, clothing to die for.

Listen, we're in between seasons right now so I wasn't bowled over with the initial garment stock that they had on display for the night but I know from going to the sale in Johannesburg that they offer exactly the same quality collections as they do in the UK. The pricing can be a little intimidating but I feel that it's a case of getting what you pay for; on-trend key pieces that you can wear again and again. Whenever I shop, I think about how often I would wear an item in question and then decide if it's viable to purchase. So with Topshop, I know I'm getting a good deal and if I'm not sure about a piece, I'll just wait for one of their amazing sales.

Getting back to the media launch night, I loved the cute bralets, amazing accessories and the men's Tumblr-esque sweaters...also, please can someone buy their boyfriend the sugar skull underwear? Long story short; I'm going to be perpetually broke. The store is a fantastic size and the event featured a sweet treats table, delicious drinks and discounts for all of the guests. Topshop also offers a personal shopping service which is very exciting. Check out the evening's festivities, my purchases and the cute gift bag in the photos below and on Facebook. How excited are you for a Topshop trip?!

Tommy Hilfiger Launch

2013-04-23T07:30:00.000+02:00

My initial memory of the Tommy Hilfiger brand was being given one of my first fragrances in the late 90s; the much-loved Tommy Girl. I still have the bottle in my mirrored cabinet opposite my childhood bedroom, haha. So last week Wednesday, the first Tommy Hilfiger store opened at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. Local celebs donning the apparel flocked to the shop near the other luxury boutiques to enjoy the in-store event. The clothes are traditionally preppy and athletic; standard garb for a day on a yacht or at the country club. Sophisticated suits and dresses are available for evening festivities, you'll catch a peek in the photos below - Jen Su was wearing a cute colour block shift while showing me her cute clutch. The classic nautical fashions were paralleled by charming maritime decor. Accessories such as bags, scarves, footwear, sunglasses and watches were enticingly placed. Props to the visual merchandising department!

Fun touches to the launch included an embroiderer sewing initials or names onto guests' Tommy beach blankets, goodie bags of men and women's sunglasses and a photographer snapping away before printing the photos for the attendees to keep. Check out the rest of the launch below and on Facebook. Also check out The Little Black Book's Facebook page for more.

Wear A Smile

2013-04-22T04:15:00.000+02:00

I have something to confess, I wasn't always the biggest fan of my smile but ain't nobody got time for that, I'm going to get over myself and embrace it! I thought you might be interested in a competition Cosmopolitan Magazine and Colgate Optic White are running. I've never promoted outside competitions but I support this campaign because it's all about positivity and confidence, not to mention that the prize is something a fashion girl would enjoy. I want women to feel amazing about themselves and not neglect the self-love we forget to focus on, or need to work on.

We all know that happiness is beautiful so Colgate is offering a girl who knows how to rock her smile the chance to be on their own cover of Cosmo and go on a R20 000 shopping spree. The winner will get to do a cover shoot with the Cosmo styling team and appear on the gate fold of the October issue.

If you're interested, here's how to enter: Snap a pic of yourself showing off your pearly whites, enter on the Optic White website and that's it, your photo will be featured on the blog along with the other entrants. This competition ends on May 22nd, for more info you can check out the latest issue of Cosmopolitan on stands now.

Fur sure

2013-04-20T07:45:00.000+02:00

Faux fur coat - Forever New

Metal eyelet top - Longstreet

Cross leggings - Topshop

Rings - Sass Diva

Heels - Zoom

Put on your big fur coat like a rock star and never look back. The time is now and you are ready for anything. Let's set the world alight with our passions and never apologize for being glam bam thank you ma'am. Forget insults and let kind words stick like honey. It's about time and you deserve it all baby.

Pole Fitness Expresso Appearance

2013-04-18T07:00:00.000+02:00

Last month I filmed another insert for Expresso in association with Deep Heat that aired this Monday. I love working with the team and this time around I got to do some pole dancing. I really enjoy the adrenaline that comes with live appearances so I kind of wish this was live for the lulz so that South Africa could see me falling on my butt haha but they kindly edited that out. I seriously throw myself around when I do pole fitness, one time in class we were cooling down to slow-tempo music (specifically Madonna's Frozen) and I fell into the mirror with my butt...such grace. So anyway, check out the video and then see what I've been up to in the photos below. It's my favorite way to exercise because it's so fun and rewarding. I can't wait to really get back into it! Would you ever try pole fitness?

Call It Spring Launch

2013-04-17T04:24:00.000+02:00

Last Wednesday I attended the Call It Spring launch. There's about seven new standalone stores all over South Africa and the latest is at the V & A Waterfront right next to the hotly anticipated Topshop. It's a Canadian brand and the latest collection has a rock n roll festival vibe featuring studded bags and sexy accessories fit for any road trip or Coachella weekend. I find the prices pretty reasonable (not much more than Zoom) so I bought a pair of shoes and two pairs of earrings on the night - I can't get enough of crosses, it's officially a problem. Anyway I wore the heels last weekend and found them very comfortable.

The launch had the cutest theme with fun finger foods including everything from popcorn to hot dogs. Adrian Culhane gave a great live performance; several guests commented that they kept thinking it was a cd because it was so polished. I even asked him about a song, thinking he was covering a popular indie track, turned out it was his original material so I need to get my hands on that. The Glam Cam photobooth was such a great addition with prints shooting out as soon as the pics were snapped. I had so much fun pretending to be some jilted songstress and hanging with all the girls. Check out the photos below or more on Facebook. Are you gonna swing by the store? If you do, go after today so you can hit up Topshop too!

The selling out debate

2013-04-11T11:56:00.000+02:00

I find it a bit pretentious and crazy to actually blog about blogging (Yo dawg I heard you like cars so I put a car in your car so you can drive while you drive!) but count me in as another girl standing up for herself and all the bloggers I know in real life.

I don't need money or free stuff, I don't get starstruck or easily swayed by things (except chocolates in the impulse buy section). Like pretty much everyone in the entire world I value friendship, laughter, happiness and love. Quite frankly I'm sick of hearing that bloggers are becoming "whores". I don't personally know any bloggers who are trying to take advantage of companies, they're genuinely interested in the brand and are usually getting less out of the collaboration than the company is. This whole selling out misconception is bullshit. I shop at events with my own money, I'm not hard up for cash and I don't want to encourage anyone to buy something I don't think they'll like. What is it going to benefit me or any blogger for that matter to peddle bullshit? Credibility will be completely lost. I know it's not always jealousy but I've heard these selling out accusations from competitors and companies (who I now will not work with), oh and let's not forget the girl who started blogging two weeks ago because she ACTUALLY wants free shit.

My father taught me that putting importance on money is dangerous. He told me money makes people do awful things to each other when I was too young to even care, I was like shut up dad just give me a ride to Boogaloos. My dad told me that chasing money makes it run away from you and that nothing is free because there's always some catch. He told me that there's a difference between hunger and greed - hunger was fine but never be greedy. Well yay, thanks for talking my ear off for 24 years Dad, it worked.

Yes it's fun to go to a party and take pictures in a photobooth or get a goodie bag but everything in life has two sides - the trick is minimizing the bad and maximizing the good, and seriously, people never really talk about the bad - you try to ignore it and get on with your life because you don't want to give negative things your attention. So perhaps an outsider will think everything is awesome from the limited access that they get to the people supposedly "living the life". We have problems and issues, our family members die, our relationships don't work out and companies screw us over. I try to get real when sharing my personal life but obviously I don't enjoy talking or writing about that all the time. Side note: I can't believe I just implied I'm "living the life" to make a point, where is the douchebag jar?

The truth is there's a lot of hype involved but blogging started as a hobby for most people and remains their side project. If you don't like it, don't read it and quit caring about stupid shit and other people when you can rather focus on yourself. I won't apologize for loving fashion and beauty. I won't lie about the products I like. I'm not getting thousands of rands to talk to you about anything. I want to have conversations with girls and guys who are interested in the same stuff as I am and I love connecting with people over our shared joy in things.

I know people might be sick of hearing about brands but every item featured in every magazine is 'paid' for. Bloggers are more transparent than most advertising avenues in the world, isn't that a good thing? What do we get for this, accused of being product prostitutes? There's a scene in Iron Man where Tony Stark wants a "fucking American cheeseburger" after his experiences being held captive and whatnot. Movie goers and critics freak out at the blatant Burger King product placement and partnership. You know what, I loved that movie and I loved that scene because I'd love a fucking Burger King cheeseburger if I was held in captivity too. Hell give me one now, I like them! Yes it can get blatant and we all know both people are benefiting; money is swapping hands but the bottom line is: I like cheeseburgers, you like what you like and it makes sense to Burger King, it makes sense to Paramount Pictures and the way that one was done, makes sense to me. I don't have a problem with talking about brands, they're part of life. I've always loved how unapologetic Times Square is. All of the lights in Times Square were shut off during the Great Depression and years later it became the tourist trap template of the advertising world. I find the history captivating and I find Times Square magical. It is what it is.

Who turns down collaborating with something that aligns with you? Other bloggers and I have turned down offers from dodgy brands, brands that support things we don't and brands that want us to pimp out products that have nothing to do with us. I've gotten approached by scuba gear, bathroom decor, gas masks, cheap handbags, math and science programs, hideous jewellery, sanitary pads, furniture and chewing gum to name a few and who do I promote for free? A girl I don't know who recently graduated from fashion school, an aspiring designer, a girl like you and me who's just trying to follow her passion. And I actually want a gas mask so SHUT THE FUCK UP I don't want to hear it anymore. I'm not a product whore looking for a free lunch, I'm Sheri-Lee Greenway and I like cheeseburgers, fashion and my dachshund. Boyfriend's pretty hot too. Don't tell him he's better looking than me.

Have you ever had someone judge you for something you're not?

Slime and grime

2013-04-09T22:38:00.000+02:00

Tee - random

Accessories - Sass Diva

Skirt - Space Station (fo realz, remember?)

Creepers - Bronx

I bought this top at some random store in Greece and the über legit screen print is already coming off. Obnoxious attitude, not giving a fuck and doing whatever the hell you want. Make me custom glitter rollerskates and I will fall in love with you for a day. Do we have a deal?

I'm right

2013-04-05T00:13:00.000+02:00

Top - Wildfox

Necklace - Sass Diva

Leggings - IDFK H&M

Purse - Chanel

Heels - Woolworths

I hate pants because pants hate me. I'm sure I just need some patience but you must understand that patience is the devil between us. So until I die an ironic death whilst trying on pants, I'll be wearing skirts, dresses and leggings. Yeah I know bitches be trippin that leggings aren't pants or that leggings are pants. Can't we all just, get along?

Anomali Jewellery

2013-04-03T01:27:00.000+02:00

Last month I had the pleasure of visiting the Anomali studio. So here's the deal, Moniek and Marlet met while studying at Stellenbosch and established this delightful brand where they create precious jewellery pieces out of anything that they can find; spoons, trophies...you name it. The pieces are so beautifully intricate and they're all made by hand. Can you imagine the skill and time involved in producing just one item? The girls actually let us try our luck with sawing which I found really addictive, I had such a fun day hanging out. Check out all of the beautiful photos after the jump! More photos can be found on Facebook.

Clicks BB Creams

2013-03-18T22:51:00.001+02:00

So I might be a fashion girl but we all know that make up is very important to the overall look. Ever since I'd read about the wonders of BB Cream and how obsessed the Eastern market was with it, I couldn't wait to try it. I've got sensitive, dry, pale skin and it's been difficult to find a foundation I love. They're either too thick, too orange or they settle in my pores...not a good look. I'm sure you've heard of the several promises of BB Cream, it's an all-in-one product which is supposed to give you coverage, luminosity, sun protection and moisture to name a few.

Well, I tried out Maybelline's BB Cream while I was in the UK and I fell hard for it. Unfortunately, I haven't seen it here and I needed to replace it with the next best thing so I went to Clicks and bought the three brands of BB Cream that they stock and I had a testing session. Who better to share the results with than you guys? Check out the photos and reviews by clicking for more below!

Natural Light

Flash

First I tried out Rimmel's version and I wasn't particularly impressed. I don't know how other people have found it but it coagulates strangely for me. It's basically Jessa from HBO's Girls in BB Cream form - your flaky British friend who you know you shouldn't rely on. Before I could get adequate coverage, I had little flakes forming on the surface after applying it. The colour would have been perfect for me since it caters to those super pale English roses but it also has a definite scent to it and isn't the largest tube. Not for me.

Next I tried out Revlon and I found it much better. The coverage is quite light but I like that because you can always apply more to make it darker. It goes on very smoothly, the packaging is my favorite and the consistency is oilier than Rimmel's but trust me, that's a good thing. It looks warmer than the others but this cooperates with the soft density. Light bounces off of it beautifully and best of all, I couldn't smell any fragrance so that's always good because my boyfriend could always tell when I'd used my Maybelline BB Cream.

Lastly I tried Garnier and I like this as well; the tube is the biggest, it felt very hydrating going on and the coverage was great. I need to use it a few more times to decide between choosing Revlon or Garnier for my go-to cream but I'm quite happy with either. I know that Garnier caters for darker skin tones with their BB Cream which is a huge plus. My best friend has been using Garnier and she said her skin has been unbelievable since starting it. There is a scent to this one but I did the boyfriend test AKA kissing and hounding him to tell me what he thought of the smell and I got no Maybelline reaction with any of the creams.

So which BB Cream do you think you'll be getting? I'm telling you they are life-changing; you get this radiant, healthy glow without having to contour. I never want to use any foundation again!

Street Style - Women of Monaco

2013-03-15T07:23:00.003+02:00

No big deal, just looking effortlessly cute on our way to class. In Monaco. Check out some of the people watching I did while in the Principality after the jump featuring mint green accessories, a lei adorned bicycle and a chic woman in Dolce & Gabbana having lunch while her cute pup lays next to her, awwww!

2013 Fall Collections

2013-03-12T01:07:00.000+02:00

So I've been checking out some of the shows and have fallen in love with Christopher Kane's collection. He was inspired by the human brain, revealing sheer MRI scan tees and details imitating synaptic nerves.

Is it just me or is Jeremy Scott growing up a little bit? Loved the cohesion in his messy, pukey Garbage Pail Kids collection as well as his PVC shoes. Speaking of shoes, creepers are a real winner for another season which I'm delighted about; Rodarte and Moschino Cheap & Chic both featured the punk footwear. I also enjoyed Marc Jacobs' glam metallic sleepwear looks. Finally flowers aren't just for Spring as we know florals for Spring are just groundbreaking...but take a look at Thakoon's charming dandelion print dress, what a lovely flower to be flirting with fall's windy weather, want!

How lovely is it that we can plan our winter wardrobe ahead of time what with being in the Southern Hemisphere? I'm looking forward to velvet fabric and furry coats. What about you? Check out more from the shows below the jump!

Jeremy Scott

Rodarte

Moschino Cheap & Chic

Marc Jacobs

Thakoon

Disposable Camera Diary - Cape Town's Holi One Festival

2013-03-10T22:39:00.000+02:00

If there's one scenario that calls for the use of disposable camera, it's this one! Wow. What can I say? As soon as I saw the Holi One Festival was coming to Cape Town, I couldn't wait to go. I just love the chance to try something different and I remember seeing images of Holi being celebrated in New York so last weekend I threw on a white dress in anticipation of being covered with a kaleidoscope of beautifully pigmented powders.

Having said this, I really respect Indian culture and I understand that people have criticized the event as the commercialization of a religious holiday. I know that this holds weight with traditionalists despite the organizers stating that it is merely inspired by Holi so I offer my apologies if anyone believes the festival was misguided. I prefer to celebrate the positivity and love that permeated the atmosphere and it's encouraged me to learn more because I've always found Eastern philosophy to be intriguing.

I had such an amazing day getting colourful, what an experience!

I make the same mistakes

2013-02-23T02:35:00.000+02:00

I would very much like that by safashiongirl featuring platform wedges

Don't we all though? We'll keep making mistakes no matter how much we learn so we might as well dress chic because that's something we have complete control over, hehe. Lately I've been going to concerts, visiting my cousin/partner in crime in Joburg and making moodboards. Every month I write up a to-do list of personal and work-oriented goals and put it on my fridge. I love crossing things off and it's a great way to keep track of everything. I've already got some new goals for March and I'm looking forward to them.

I recently had the best Valentine's day. I don't believe in putting pressure on a single date but I really had an amazing day. I went to the Grand Daddy Hotel in Long Street and watched Baz Luhrmann's Romeo + Juliet with a picnic of popcorn, french loaf and champagne. If you ever want to do something great for Valentine's then I highly recommend it, it was already booked up when I emailed them but luckily for me they had a cancellation. So book early next year if you remember. Better yet, write it on your long to-do list! Have a great weekend :)

Are you in?

2013-02-22T01:51:00.002+02:00

Knitted Dress - Wardrobe

Belt - Ardene

Stockings - Asos

Boots (seen below) - Vintage

A girl at a club started talking to me and asked for my advice on her boyfriend and it got me thinking. If you're teetering on the edge and wondering if you deserve more then this post is for you.

For as long as I can remember, I always thought that uncertainty was par for the course because in every relationship I'd ever been in, I always had a voice in the back of my head repeating "I'm not sure". See the thing is, this uncertainty really doesn't do favors for either party but before I reached that conclusion, I began to question if this was what 'love' had in store for us all. I began to question if I'd actually ever been in love. I hadn't been single for a very long period of my life so I decided to focus solely on myself with the intention of remaining single for a year...

Well, that didn't work. As life has it, once we stop looking for something, it has a way of finding us. But I have to tell you, before I started dating the guy I'm absolutely crazy about, I found that being alone and cutting out bad energy really kick-starts one's life. My perspective is very different now. Forget about guys, there's never a sad second when you have great friends and family - two areas that most definitely improve when you are single.

So with relationships, sometimes the timing is simply not right. Sometimes there's this nagging feeling that you could find someone better suited to you. Sometimes they're a giant asshole who everyone has been telling you is an asshole but you really don't want to believe it because that means you've wasted your time on some idiot. I've been there, amirite? Whatever the doubt is about, if you aren't sure then find something you are sure about; a hobby, a kick ass project, a series you're obsessed with. I'm serious, focus on something just for you no matter how silly you think it is. You don't have to terminate any relationship but you might start to really enjoy your own company and get a better sense of what you want.

So I had to tell that girl at the club that I had been there. I had wondered if I should break up with my boyfriend which for me, meant I was just delaying the inevitable. Years after my slightly doubtful period, going into my hell-am-i-unsure-but-i-like-his-face phase, I've ended up here. This slightly scary place where heartbreak is real because for the first time in my life, I am sure. I became so sure of things since I started focusing on myself and I think I've been able to spend my time more productively as well as with the right people, because of it.

So if you're really uncertain about things, don't waste your time anymore. You might not meet the perfect person soon but in the meantime, there's always someone who would love to go out and dance with you. Whatever you're looking for, you can find it. Don't spend all of your time on someone who keeps giving you doubts when you can have a fuller life without them, a life full of laughing with friends, singing terrible karaoke and chatting to strangers until the sun comes up. It's all out there waiting for you, without a doubt.

Dance till you die

2013-02-21T04:54:00.000+02:00

From Euro-pop dance hits peaking on American charts to movies like Project X to Tumblr images of alcohol-infused stupidity emblazoned with YOLO in obnoxious glitter; society is stamping its wrists and handing everyone lumo paint as we are lead into the most epic party of our lives.

History was my favorite subject (thanks to a brilliant history teacher) and we were always taught to question everything. I love being young, I love raising hell - I love climbing onto boats in the harbour and then running from security guards when we're discovered. But my skepticism flares up, this mass media onslaught promoting complete surrender of accountability seems like such a distraction. From what? The shitty economy? Governments? Floundering education systems everywhere from USA to home sweet home which can then be blamed on the irreverent nature of the youths themselves? All our fault now, neat and tidy, done and dusted, we are to blame.

Now I know I'm taking the cynical, suspicious and jaded route but I remember when studying the French Revolution, something that forever stuck with me was that the government were weary of the educated philosophers. The smarter your society, the more difficult they are to control and rule. It's no wonder conspiracy theories are so popular in the United States where Uncle Sam has been donning beer hats and mardi gra beads then eating organic vegan food to cure the hangover, choosing everything from a vast array of seemingly limitless options. We are so numb now - always looking for the next thrill from the overload of fast, convenient selections. The excess of food, sex and drugs that we have at our disposal is frankly overwhelming so we barely appreciate anything anymore. Nothing is special because no person or thing seems irreplaceble. If it weren't the US leading us in this direction, it would merely be the next successful capitalist country so I'm not about to demonize a template.

But I do feel that this unabashed era of the Snooki reiterates; the less responsible, skilled or educated we are, the better it is for people in power. There is no threat to Western governments if the majority will unite for dancing flash mobs and the minority for revolutionary protests. Absolute power is never good and being too sure of oneself will always be dangerous for others. I believe we're at a time where there are some clever, delightful changes being used to mask ugly secrets. What archaic horrors will continue behind this feel-good liberal facade? Rich old white men will still oppress this world with their fat wallets. Pharmaceutical companies will still benefit from illness. Someone, somewhere will be paid for their silence and we will all continue being too busy to worry about any of it.

I know a lot of us are actually just tired of the status quo of getting a job and slowly dying in an office so I'm all for exploration and finding happiness but in terms of this post's tone, I digress.

How do you feel about the conspicuous global party culture?

Manish Arora

2013-02-17T23:08:00.001+02:00

I've just been checking out one of my favorite designers so I thought I would share some of his past collections. Manish Arora is an Indian designer who masterfully navigates the use of structure, embellishment and vivid colour to illustrate a refreshing vision. You'd recognize some of his famous pieces on playful celebrities like Katy Perry and Nicki Minaj.

There's just so much to every one of his looks, he's a total slave to detail and I'm completely hooked on his garments. When I see work like this, I can't even imagine what originality I could possibly offer as a designer. My aesthetic is so casual and grunge 101. We shall see what the future brings I guess :)