Safarafly: Urban Eclectic

A few of my favorite frames

2010-11-24T10:22:00.001+02:00

Recently I've collected a couple eclectic picture frames that I just adore. Now, I just need to get the pictures printed, I guess that's the trouble with the age of the digital camera...frames but no pictures.

A carved wooden frame from Poetry

A bronze die-cut metal frame from @Home believe it or not.

A sliver Kashmir inspired picture frame from Life Unplugged in Parkhurst, a must visit boutique when your in the neighborhood.

and a mother of pearl mosaic frame from Mr.Price.

A few of my favorite things: Fringe Purses

2010-11-22T22:38:00.008+02:00

I'm into fringe, so when I saw this fringe over the shoulder bag at the ZOOM Outlet in Woodmead I had to have it the price was right R100 and it converted into a clutch. 2 purses in 1, what's not to love? I was sold at first sight. Although it's not an everyday handbag it's nice for when you are going out on the town or just hanging out on the weekend, it forces you to pack light. Not to mention the it's a perfect addition to my eclectic Safarafly wardrobe.

Check out my fringe purse round up:

Cleobella available from Free People - they ship to South Africa now!!


Amazing Gaucho Aztec pattern leather fringe bag from South African brand Missibaba

Missibaba Aztec appliqued clutch bag

These other two are just decadent:

Tory Burch Sawla Fringe Clutch

Rothko fringe clutch Via ShopStyle

J J Winters - Brown Suede Tassel Handbag

When in Jozi | Cafe Del Sol

2010-10-05T13:15:00.001+02:00

If you love authentic Italian food, you have to take a trip out to Olivedale to visit Cafe Del Sol one of the best Italian restaurants in Jozi, an urban oasis in the most random strip mall off of President Fouche.

I was so distracted by the yumminess of my food that I completely forgot to take pics, but the dessert: a gold dusted pavlova with seasonal fruit was so beautiful, it looks like a fairytale.

Unfortunately, something so sweet can't last forever.

num num num...

Cafe Del Sol is so worth the trek and the trouble of getting out there...they are extending the restaurant in coming months to have a bar & event space.

Style Diary: I heart my outfit

2010-10-04T11:00:00.001+02:00

Let's get carried away....

Frilly Shift Dress: Forever New, Skinny Belt: Country Road, Shoes: ZOOM, Handbag & Necklace: ALDO Gold Cuff: Vintage from my Mom

friends are gifts

2010-09-28T11:00:00.000+02:00

I celebrated my birthday a couple weeks ago. I have to admit I had a slight case of the birthday blues it's just crazy how time passes, you blink and it's gone. When you once had nothing but time, you now realize you actually don't have that much time at all. Its so important to make the most of my time and do my best to enjoy and appreciate the people who are in my life now... because with time you can never tell, everything changes.

Friends are gifts, it's just an extra bonus when they give you nice things.

handmade cushion from Karoo Star


A beautiful book on interiors in Bahia

“Remember, the greatest gift is not found in a store nor under a tree,

but in the hearts of true friends.”

“I have learned that to have a good friend is the purest of all God's gifts, for it is a love that has no exchange of payment”

My baobab jewelry tree

sweet sandals

A flirty and femme shift dress from Forever New

Happy Spring Day

2010-09-01T09:35:00.001+02:00

Hey everyone it looks like we've got sunny skies and warm nights ahead of us and I'm so relieved. I'm really not into winter at all.

I'm so looking forward to all the fun social events and the general happy people vibe that will slowly build momentum as we approach the official "festive season"- as you South Africans like to say.

Anyways, thought I would share my favorite Gypset inspired accessory for spring with you guys, I found it last week at ALDO on sale and I just fell in love, I know it's just a necklace but it's a spark of fashion inspiration.

Oh and they also have some nice non-killer heels (i.e. not 6 inches) in bright springy color combos.

Decorex Decor Finds | Furnish

2010-08-26T11:00:00.012+02:00

On my recent trip to Decorex I came across a Cape Town furniture company aptly named Furnish. Zanele and I were amazed at their affordable prices for pretty decent pieces, their tag line is fitting "Making Elegance Easy"...and they really do.

This bookshelf is on my list but in American Walnut.

On whim I entered into their competition to win R3000 voucher... and guess what I won. I really couldn't believe it. Considering their prices that R3,000 will go a long way.

I love this 2-tone sever, but unfortunately don't have a space for it at the moment.

They are opening a showroom in Joburg soon, so I will keep you posted. In the meantime, they are now shipping to Gauteng for less than you think.

I'm getting this coffee table:

All of the furniture is available myriad of finishes. My favorites are American Walnut, Zebrano and Black Cherry.

Check out the Furnish range of chairs:

BMW Polo Match | Real People Real Fashion

2010-08-25T11:00:00.003+02:00

This Sunday I went to my first polo match, Chile vs South Africa and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. It was great day in the sun hanging with friends, eating yummy food, sipping on bubbly drinks ( maybe a bit too much)...people watching...oh and watching the polo.

There were so many cute outfits and stylish folks that I didn't get to capture all of them. I have to apologize for some of the pics, bare with me, next year I'll be better prepared.

So here goes my day at the BMW International Polo Match, mixed with some real fashion from real people.

This is Mishka, I love her outfit it was my fave of the day, come to find out she has a boutique in Victory Park called Harem.

Decorex Decor Finds | Karoo Star

2010-08-16T13:15:00.000+02:00

I went to Decorex with my pal Za last weekend for FREE courtesy @kimgray & @iwanthatnow and it turned out be so worth my while. I even won R3000 worth of furniture from Cape Town decor store (Joburg showroom opening soon) Furnish... I know unbelievable more to come on that.

To say the least, Decorex completely exceeded our expectations. The Handmade collections have really elevated the level of design and I am so excited for

South African handmade design.

One of my most precious finds was from Western Cape artist Sally Arnold at Karoo Star. Karoo Star creates handmade custom decor pieces, such as floor cushions, ottomans, rugs & carpets from woven mohair. All of Karoo Star's products are made from natural fibers and are created using an eco-friendly process.

The floor cushions come in a bold and rich range of color and geometric patterns

If you are looking for a special piece for your space you should definitely keep Karoo Star in mind. Local and splendidly crafted and you can order from their online shop.

I fell in love with this succulent inspired cushion and will hopefully be receiving this for my birthday... wink wink...hint hint

Check out Karoo Star's beautiful selection of mohair ottomans.

all images via www.sallyarnold.com

FASHION HUNT | TIMBUKTU TEES

2010-08-04T13:41:00.000+02:00

Every other year I go home to see my family for the holidays. Last time I was in LA I went to a flea market and came across my now favorite printed tee's by TIMBUKTU STATE and I can't wait to go back and see what new printed tee's are on offer. TIMBUKTU STATE also has an Etsy shop.

Aly Kourouma aka Dj Ndebele the designer is from Guinea and is also a painter and has some really beautiful prints on offer as well at the Aly Kourouma Etsy Shop

Here I am in one of his awesome tees inspired by African scarification rituals.

All TIMBUKTU STATE tees are printed on heathered American Apparel tees. Along with the print technique the heathered texture of the fabric creates a vintage already worn in feel.

These can all be purchased at the TIMBUKTU STATE Etsy Shop

Decor Hunt | Silk & Cotton Sale

2010-07-30T11:00:00.001+02:00

Thursday was a good day for me, I did a little shopping early in the morning and got a great deal on this Rapture and Wright hand printed linen to cover my sad little ottoman, soon to be amazingly awesome just to look at.

Check it out

I'm thinking a little mustard yellow piping will make it just perfect. Can't wait till it's done. Anyone know any good upholsterers in JHB?

The sale was unfortunately for one day but give Silk & Cotton a call anyway. You never know. 011 448 2578

Some highlights:

These ottomans were on sale for R1200 if you're in the market I loved the fabric

There was a nice selection of skinnylaminx prints, totes and tea towels

When in Jozi | Randlords Braamfontein..or maybe not

2010-07-26T10:30:00.012+02:00

For about 2 weeks now I have been hearing about this amazing mythical new club in Braamfontein that charges R250 entrance fee ...(uh yeah and I'm sure that doesn't include a welcome drink) by the name of Randlords.

I would like to confirm that the Joburg night spot does exist and it is as mythically beautiful as everyone in the twittersphere has been saying... it's like the urban version of Avatar's "Pandora" but before y'all go out an "pop dem bottles" have you wondered where the name "Randlords" came from?

Well if you didn't...I did.

"Randlord is a term used to denote the entrepreneurs who controlled the diamond gold mining industries in South Africa in its pioneer phase from the 1870s up to World War I."

A small number of European adventurers and financiers, largely of the same generation, gained control of the diamond mining industry at Kimberley, Northern Cape. They set up an infrastructure of financing and industrial consolidation which they then applied to exploit the discoveries of gold from 1886 in Transvaal at Witwatersrand — the "Rand". Many of the Randlords received baronetcies from Queen Victoria in recognition of their contributions.

{Blank Stare}

Okay, so the institutionalized rape and plunder of South Africa's resources and the oppression of the indigenous African majority to benefit the wealth and means of the elite foreign minority is C-O-O-L.

Oppression is timeless, it never goes out of style.

Here are the pics of this beautiful new party oasis interspersed with some conscientious Black Star and Kayne lyrics that came to mind...sorry couldn't help it my PSA...
"but ya'll don't hear me tho"

"Be a lot goin on beneath the empty smile
Most cats in my area be lovin the hysteria
Synthesized surface conceals the interior"

"Lookin gassed with them imported designer shades on
Stars shine bright, but the light -- rarely stays on
Same song, just remixed, different arrangement
Put you on a yacht but they won't call it a slaveship"

"Strangeness, you don't control this, you barely hold this
Screamin brand new, when they just sanitized the old shit"

"Suppose it's, just another clever Jedi mind trick
That they been runnin across stars through all the time with"

-Black Star | Thieves in the Night

"Man I promise, I'm so self conscious
That's why you always see me with at least one of my watches
Rollies and Pasha's done drove me crazy"

"I can't even pronounce nothing, pass that versace!
Then I spent 400 bucks on this
Just to be like nigga you ain't up on this!"

"It seems we living the American dream
But the people highest up got the lowest self esteem"

"The prettiest people do the ugliest things
For the road to riches and diamond rings"

"We shine because they hate us, floss cause they degrade us
We trying to buy back our 40 acres"

"And for that paper, look how low we a'stoop
Even if you in a Benz, you still a nigga in a coop/coupe"

-All Falls Down | Kanye

I'm sure you all want to go found this on

http://littlemissconceptions.tumblr.com/post/866506501/randlords

Tuesday to Saturday from 12 Noon till 2am.
22nd Floor of South Point Towers in Braamfontein within walking distance of Inc.
http://www.randlords.co.za/ 011 489 1900
Underground Parking. Make sure you call ahead

Africa Fashion Week 2010 Round Up

2010-07-19T10:30:00.001+02:00

I was really excited for Africa Fashion Week because last years Arise sponsored Fashion week was so refreshing. This year I was a bit underwhelmed with the whole event, maybe because soccer fever had completely overshadow every aspect of our lives, but I was expecting to see a bit of marriage between soccer and fashion. I didn't see much of that, or hardly any of the shows because they were always occurring too early or way past my bedtime.

Here are some of my Safarafly picks from Africa Fashion Week...first up I l

Christie Brown by Ghanaian designer Aisha Obuobi:

Reminds me of candy...yum. Rich color and texture.

From Nigeria Ituen Basi:

Also from Nigeria the very sexy and slinky collection from Deola Sagoe

Futuristic glamour with a touch of other worldly sex appeal.

Ugandan Designer Gloria Wavamunno's collection was funky and flirty

All photos via SDR Photo

Real People Real Fashion | African Fashion Week 2010

2010-07-15T13:35:00.001+02:00

It's probably old news by now but I went to African Fashion Week launch party about a week ago, and I was also lucky enough to get tickets to many of the shows that took place during the week but unfortunately all the shows ran soooo late that I really couldn't hang. I know I'm getting old but I think David Tlale's show was scheduled for midnight but only really started at 1 in the morning. I'm all for fashion but we all need our beauty rest.

One up side of the lateness is I got to people watch one of my favorite past times and in the process I met some really cool peeps with great personalities and style to match it. After all, what good is it being fashionable if it doesn't come from within.

One of my favorite looks of night and once of my fave new people Jerryanne.

Ugandan Designer Gloria Wavamunno and her team Tess and Melanie. They were so sweet and I hope we get to meet again next time they are in Joburg. I'll be doing a spotlight on her show soon.

Fashion writer Shalwah Evans a recent transplant to Joburg from my home state California was also amongst some of the people I had the pleasure to meet. Loving the look and those shoes.

My friend Tabitha did some shopping, she's always so effortlessly chic & classic.

Maria from Rage is always so cool and love how she accessorises,she sells the best earrings every last Saturday of the month @ Deer Hunter in Greenside.

Much more than just models Nathan and Emely visiting from Jamaica were such cool real peeps and I hope they find a good reason to return to Joburg soon.

And what would fashion week be without amazingly striking models.

I was kidnapped by "Phillip"!

2010-07-13T07:49:00.004+02:00

Otherwise known as "Feel it. It's here" Or aka "World Cup Soccer Fever" for the non South African readers.

Okay... I know that's not a good enough excuse considering I haven't posted since April, but consider it an unexpected hibernation/hiatus that kind of just came upon me.

But I'm back and ready to start posting again. I just hope I can regain the trust and confidence of my small readership and bring new visitors to the fold. So here we go....

Here's my World Cup in pictures:

Soccer City, The Calabash...a majestic sight. Organic, African but urban and structural it echos Johannesburg cityscape.

I'm the last person to be into sports but I have to admit like so many of us I was completely swept and away by the energy and unity of South Africa. It was such an exciting and proud time to be in the country; and as an American living in South Africa, it was a privilege to share in the anticipation, joy, heartache & commiseration with South Africans as the events of the world cup transpired. I can see now how an event like the World Cup can truly alter the cultural psyche of a nation.

Now to get back to the real world...sigh...

These Color's Don't Run!!

When in Jozi | What I'm up to this weekend.

2010-04-01T11:00:00.002+02:00

So what's everyone doing this long weekend? At the last minute I tried to find a nature reserve to go to, but alas they were all booked up. So I have resigned myself to a long weekend in JObusy

For those of you in the city this weekend, here is what I may get into this weekend.

27 Dinner with a talk from the PAYPAL Dude.
Do some much needed catch up on some of my fave series: Gossip Girl, Vampire Diaries and Project Runway.
Possibily head by Nice in Parkhurst for some EGG BASKETS...YUM!
Check out the new store Forever New that just opened @ Eastgate.
My 3G just renewed so I'll be hanging around the internets a bit more.
Head to The WOODs on Saturday to check out the DJ Steve Aoki...probably the most hipster thing I'll do all weekend.

Not the most extravagant of plans...last but not least spend quality time with my loved ones with food and drink mixed in, you really can't go wrong.

What are you peeps up to...any ideas? Leave me some Comments

Have a Swinging Weekend!

2010-03-19T13:00:00.004+02:00

So what's everyone doing this weekend? I for one don't have anything planned at all. Weekends with no plans are actually the best. Who knows what will happen?

So here's to 3 days of freedom, to celebrate check out the 40's inspired Vogue shoot by fashion photographer Arthur Elgort with Super Model Liya Kebede and Andre 3000 of Outkast. Supreme Style.

Have a swinging weekend and whatever you do, do it with class & style.

pics via AfroChic

When in Jozi | MiBar Rosebank

2010-03-12T07:22:00.000+02:00

Looking for something to do this weekend? Check out Mibar Jozi's First interactive bar in Rosebank. The only thing is you need to register with a secret code @ www.mi-world.co.za to get in. Sorry I can't be of much help with the code. But if you're
resourceful you'll figure it out.

Check out the the touchscreen tables where u can order drinks, see who else has logged into the bar & also chat with other tables.

Cocktails by liquid chefs

Hang out for a bit.

Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Made in South Africa

2010-03-11T11:30:00.000+02:00

Was pleasantly surprised to find that my new Mr. Price shoes are Made in South Africa.

They come in black & silver too

Style Hunt: A Sale Shopping Safari

2010-03-11T10:21:00.003+02:00

This past week my friends & I embarked on an impromptu shopping spree & found some cute stuff for decent prices. Take a look a what we found.

First at the Melrose Arch @Home, Za finally found a that chandelier she had been looking for on sale...even better:

Then we headed over to the Edgars, I have to say the Melrose Arch Edgar's store is one of the best we have both seen. One of the managers there walked up to us with a handful of purses that were on sale and just wanted to show them to us... talk about service and it payed off. Za ended up purchasing the Nine West metallic leather clutch for like R129.00, not bad.

Afterall, every girl needs a little shiny clutch.

We both got this useful grey top in preparation for winter....yes it's coming :(
I wore it today and it is such a nice fabric.

On my lonesome I went by Zoom and ran into some nice girls Felicity & Zanele who assured me

that these shoes I tried on were hot, not that I needed any assurance. It's just nice when you get it from cute strangers.

Finally over the weekend my friend Mary and I ventured out to World Wear. The only shops worth going to there is The Space and the ALDO Outlet.

However we did discover a new shop, (can't remember the name) that has discounted MANGO, ESPRIT & NINE WEST Shoes. Check it out. Definitely worth the trip if you are in the mood for some hit or miss shopping.

Style Hunt: Navajo Dreams

2010-03-10T10:00:00.008+02:00

Just discovered a new blog Wolf Eyebrows and spotted these Native American inspired flats by Cynthia Vincent. I think these may be my new Minnetonka moccasin's.

I got these last year in Lake Tahoe and fell in L-O-V-E.

Check out my new obsession, Navajo inspired looks below. Wish I had something like these to keep me warm and lookin hot this winter.

Jacket = Safarafly Hotness

pics via Refinery29.

Ohh & a little over the top vintage look for fun...if I lived in the snow I would definitely want that jacket.

UPDATE: A Cinderella Story | The End Result

2010-03-09T09:15:00.002+02:00

So that's me on the right with my girl Gops in the middle, plus the awesome chick who trumped everyone and wore a tux inspired ensemble.

Thanks guys for all your feedback, I think I made the right choice too.

Check out the gold strappy heels I found last minute at the Zoom Outlet at Woodmead Value Mart for only R75...yes R75 that's like $10.00. If you're in the area definitely stop by.

Here are some other pics of the the birthday girl (the one in polka dots) and some other fab ladies from the evening. Sorry for the lack of quality pics the flash on my camera is lame.

A little bit of FRINGE never hurt anyone

2010-03-04T11:07:00.002+02:00

If you have checked out my wist on the left side of the blog you will see that I've got a pic of this awesome fringe top/dress ( on the right figure of course definitely not mine) from American Apparel. I got lucky and my Mother in Law was nice enough to pick me up one when she was in London.

This is me in my awesome new fringe top doing a rain dance on top the Arts on Main building in town.

A Cinderella Story | A belle but no gown

2010-03-04T09:15:00.001+02:00

Okay, so a couple days ago a friend of mine asked me to be accompany her to Masquerade theme birthday party that is happening tonight.

I take a look at the invite...Dress Code: BALL GOWN!!! Yeah... that makes two of us.

I won't get into how ridiculous I think the dress code is, especially for a Thursday night and the location of the event (I won't mention, just think Rosebank). Cocktail/Formal would have been just as appropriate. I can't wait to see what other peeps come up with

I obviously don't fit the demographic of a girl who has a few ball gowns hidden in the back of her closet.

So what is a girl to do, when the belle ain't got no gown for the ball? Time to do a serious recon of what is in my closet. So here goes, excuse the pics. But you'll get the idea.

OPTION 1

A go against the grain option, short and cute with ruffled shoulders and some backless action. However a bit more cocktail than ball gown and not too sure of the color. It's just okay.

OPTION 2

A long black assymetrical dress with a lace top with ruffled sleeves.I've had this top for ages going on almost 10 years. Geez I'm getting old. This option could work but I'm not excited when I have it on a bit blah and I feel very covered up.

OPTION 3

With both Options 1 and 2 my biggest problem was the accessorie and shoe issue. I had nothing that really pulled the looks together. I've learned choice of jewelry and shoes can make or break any cute outfit and can also elevate a very bland look.

This final option came to me last night after it was milling around in my head for a bit and I think it's a "Winner Wena". Let me know what you think in the comments.

With Option 3 I was able to a pair a simple black dress with some tasteful gold statement accessories, a belt and cuff and big gold earrings All together they create a cohesive and classy look. I think I'm ready for the ball.

I do need some shoes and maybe a little gold purse would finish the look off perfectly.

Decor Hunt | Hadeda - A touch of Mexicho in Jozi

2010-02-26T10:00:00.002+02:00

Hadeda is one of stores I have seen and known of for ages, but never had a chance to check it out. I finally got a chance to check out the store when my friend invited me out for a day on the town.

Hadeda 151 Jan Smuts Ave, Parkwood

Hadeda has a treasure trove of central and south american imports, beautiful mirrors, intricate iron works and lanterns.

This one is my fave.

If you are looking for Frida Kahlo pieces no need to look further.

The actual space is bright and beautiful with a bit of a hacienda style, it really transports you to South America, we walked out of there craving a bit Cafe Mexicho. There are so many nooks and crannies and there is an endless supply of latin decor inspiration waiting in every room. They also carry and range of Mexican Kitsch cool accessories and fabrics. Sacred Heart wall art and vintage Corona platters, hand painted frames and tiles. Tons O stuff.

And it goes on and on...well worth the visit and the perfect place to find that unique gift.