I *heart* Solange Knowles #StyleCrush

Solange Knowles, is not only famous for being Beyonce's sister. She is an Actress, DJ, Mother and also a budding Style icon in her own right.

Her style is Fabulous Boho-chic, unique and eye-catching. She experiments a lot with Fearless Print Patterns, Colour and Bold accessories.

She dares to be different... and it's working beautifully for her. Loving her Afro...#winning!

Check out a few of my favorite looks by Solange :

Solange wows in a Black and White Turban... So Boho-chic*  Love it !

For the love of Colour ! Solange shows her daring side.

Miss Knowles takes Boho-chic to the next level. Love how she experiments with print on print...

I love everything about Solange Knowles style...  Daring, Bold and Care-free... My Style inspiration.

;-) TrendyTravelBug

Gap Year abroad... Taking the leap.

A gap year is an expression associated with taking time out to travel between life stages. It is also known as a sabbatical, time off, time out and a year out, referring to a period of time (not necessarily 12 months) in which people disengage from curricular education and/or work and undertake activities such as travelling, volunteering or working abroad.

My Gap Year Experience:

In the beginning of 2009 I packed my bags and moved to the UK. I had always dreamt of living and working abroad and felt the time had come for me to take that leap. I obtained a Two Year Working Holiday Visa and was fired up for my new adventure.

Before boarding my flight to Heathrow London, I was filled with so much excitement, I knew my life would never be the same again. I was stepping out of my comfort zone and ready to take on the world, it felt like a rebirth.

Travelling is my passion, I love meeting new people and experiencing different places. As exciting as it was, I must admit stepping out on my own and leaving everything that I knew was a bit nerve wrecking, but I wanted the experience so bad I didn't look back.

Living in a first world country was amazing, the infrastructure developments, the ease of getting around. I got to do alot of travelling when I was in the UK. Trips into Europe were a breeze...
I did a few odd jobs here and there and was earning in Pounds. I could get to finance my way around the UK and Europe quite easily that way.

I got to watch my favorite team play live at Old Trafford... Glory Glory Man United !!!

I had the time of my life abroad and would really reccommend taking a Gap year or some Time off to anybody. We get so caught in the Rat-race...and living life as we think it ought to be. Set-out your own game plan, Do You. Life is too short to not pay attention to your deepest desires. Take that Sabbatical, It will be the best gift you ever give to yourself.

I made some life-long friends and memories in my year and a half in the UK. If I could do it again, I absolutely would !

Live Your Best Life...

;-) TrendyTravelBug

Vertical Stripes Trending...

Stripes, whether Vertical or Horizontal are a Timeless and Classic fashion trend. Each year we are re-introduced to stripes with a fab and different twist.

We all know Horizontal Stripes are known to create a wide silhouette to the eye, where as Vertical Stripes are said to create a more elongated and slimmer silhouette. So it's no train smash which stripes will all be rocking Post-Winter...

I am attracted to Bold Statement Prints and Vertical Stripes happen to be my latest obsession. I am loving Stripes everything...Striped Blazers, Tops, Pants.... even Striped Furniture.

Find your stripes :

Coloured Stripes :

Stripes in the Home :   by Jean Paul Gaultier

Gaga about Stripes.

;-) TrendyTravelBug

Durban July Fever***... Fascinators by Zabi

Fascinators and Hats by Zabi

Reabetswe Tshwagong aka Zabi, is a talented MGI Fashion Design Graduate.

Zabi is a creative, funky and colourful young woman with a great eye for fashion.

She made me a beautiful Turquoise and Blue Fascinator for last years July which I absolutely loved. She makes Customised Hats and accessories for weddings, Showers etc...

Check out some of her beautiful pieces attached (see left).


Reabetswe is a great stylist as well, keep her in mind for your next big occassion. ;-)





Contact: Reabetswe Tshwagong
http://www.facebook.com/messages/reabetswe.tshwagong






;-) TrendyTravelBug

Durban July Race Day is upon us again...Here's a checklist

The Vodacom Durban July is undoubtably Africa's Greatest Horseracing Event. It is a prestigious event that attracts thousands of people down to Durban Greyille Race course year after year. The July has been known to attract not only horceracing fans but a large number of fashionistas as well.

"A Material World", that is the theme for this years Race Day, hope you'll be getting creative and dressing accordingly. ;-)

If you are like most of my friends and still without  a ticket, an outfit or accommodation then read further on. There's Hope.



Where to get tickets :  Visit Computicket or http://www.vodacomdurbanjuly.co.za/

What to wear :   Most designers depending on their schedules can still whip up a decent outfit with about 4 days to go...alternatively you can always Hire an outfit.

I know RUBICON Clothing has a "Runway Collections for Hire ". The collection is a stunning range of dresses to hire which would be very appropriate for the occassion.  Visit "Rubicon Clothing'' on Facebook.

Fascinators and Hats: Whats the July without a Fascinator ?

You can not do the July without a Fascinator or without a hat. It's that one day that you get to dress up with no limitations, so go the whole nine yards... hats, gloves, sunnies...

A good friend of mine, Reabetswe, makes gorgeous Fascinators and Hats. If you are still without one get in touch with her asap so she can add that finishing touch to your outfit.

Contact: http://www.facebook.com/messages/reabetswe.tshwagong

Where to Party :

Pre-Drinks : Luna Rosa, Gateway.

Post the race its afterparty time : Florida Road, Florida Road, Florida Road...!!! 

Check out De La Sol... get there early, they have the Coolest parties so get Pre-tickets if  you can.

Where to Stay :

I was down in Durban this past weekend and happened to stay at 'Docklands' a Funky, Trendy, Charming Boutique Hotel by the Waterfront. It is stunning, comfortable and clean with great staff at your service. I loved the fact that they were affordable and delivered a prestine service...Value for money.

Check out their July weekend Special

There you go, a short guide to surviving the July ;-)

Taxi service :  0860 MOZZIE (0860 669943)  If you end up having a little too much fun, they are a reliable taxi service to make use of.

;-) TrendyTravelBug

Top 10 things To Do Before i turn 30...

"Why do tomorrow what you can do today ?"

I am one of those people that love being Out and About, I love exploring and trying out new things.

I have been hearing a lot of YOLO this, YOLO that... Yes, You Only Live Once...We get it. Question is, 'What are you going to do about it ?'

Live... Live your best life... Dream, Plan and Live a life of No regrets.

Your 20's are your Young, Wild and Free years. By 30, you kind of need to start getting your life together and onto the next level... Marriage, Babies, Mortgages...etc.  So wrap up the Wild 20's with a bang, because the 30's are a whole nother journey altogether !

Here's my Top 10 To Do List : B4 30

1.) Go on a Hot Air Balloon Ride 



2.) Visit the Big Apple, NEW YORK City !!!! Sip on Manhattan Cosmos and Shop 'Sex n The City' style baby !



3.) Karaoke    - Singing is Not my thing, I DON'T sing...i'm not vocally gifted and i know it. So this would be very interesting to witness. (I'd have to be majorly hammered of course.) *hides* but i Shall be done.

4.) Make atleast 3 wearable garments... eeeek !



5.) Garden Route Drive

6.) Volunteer, Charity work not just for a day, but a Long-term 'Giving-back' program.

7.) Visit JAMAICA... Go see Bob Marleys Resting Place. Anybody who knows me knows I looove me some Bob.

8.) Finish my Post-Grad Qualifications

9.) Drive to Malawi through Zimbabwe and Zambia.

10.) Go Camping   Proper Bundu-Bashing... Tents, Sleeping bags, Roasted marsh mallows, the works.

So that's my To Do before 30 List. I turned 26 this year so... I've got 4 years to check-off my list... With my camera in hand, I'm living out my dreams.

What's on your To Do Before list ? Get planning, writing it out is the first step.

;-) TrendyTravelBug

Lira rocks at the 2012 BET Awards

Lira, who is one of South Africa's top Music Divas, looked stunning at the 2012 BET Awards. She stood out in a beautiful Sylvester Falata dress paired with a gorgeous Maria McCloy Printed Clutch... Bam !  *Printed Clutches going Global !*

Look out for Sylvester Falata. He is an amazing up and coming designer who is taking S.A by storm. His garments are gorgeous and glamorous with a notable African inspiration.

Follow : @sylvesterfalata on twitter ;-)

As for the Clutches, these have been on my *hot-list* for a while. "Maria McCloy" can be found at Market on Main every Sunday. Alternatively you can Facebook her for orders.

;-) TrendyTravelBug

Bag Lady... : ZARA Plaited Shopper Bag

I know the "Plaited Zara Shopper Bag" has been out on the market since late last year... but for some reason I can't seem to get over these gorgeous bags... Ooohwee !

Zara South Africa opened it's first store in Sandton late in 2011... Hallelujah ! With a second store to follow in Gateway Mall Durban. *Music to S.A Fashoin Lovers Ears*  Zara offers a variety of Mens and Ladies wear, Accessories and Shoes

Bag Lady...

I am one of those women that carry a bit more than I should be carrying at all times... don't ask me why, but I do. So naturally, a Big Beautiful Bag would catch my eye, but this one has made it's way into my heart. I Looove the Zara Plaited Shopper !

Fiest your eyes on the beautiful array of colours available...

The Plaited Shopper is made of 100% Buffalo Leather, which feels amazing against the skin !

I also came across the Mini-Shopper Bag, how hot are these ? *Winning !*

A few celebrities have been spotted rocking these trendy bags, an absolute Must Have for every woman who is like me... always too much to carry.

Zara Plaited Buffalo Shopper in Tan :

For all my Bag Ladies ;-) 

P.s, these bags make for such great gifts... Show me a woman that won't go gaga for these beauties...

Zara offers a variety of  Mens and Ladies Clothes, Shoes and Accessories. Check it out !

;-) TrendyTravelBug

Wardrobe Essentials: "Classic Trench Coat"

A Classic Trench Coat is a Wardrobe Essential for both men and women. Honestly, is there anything hotter than a well put together man wrapped-up in a well fitted Trench ?....uhm... I think, not !

The Trench Coat is a timeless outerwear piece that adds a touch of style, class and elegance to round of any winter look. Trench Coats date very far back in the history of fashion. They were initially made as Military Coats for soldiers during the 1st World War, but have since been refined for retail purposes... thanks to Burberry ! ;-)

Rocking my Classic Trench :

South African winters are hardly below zero kind of winters, but a Classic Trench is still a 'Must Have' non the less, for those Nippy mornings and Chilli nights out.

See how some celebrities wear this timeless style... Differently but still so Chic.

Mens Trench Coats... "HotStuff" ! :

Burberry do it best :

If you are not a fan of the classic Tan coloured Trench, then there are several other colours that look just as trendy and classy. I particularly love this Burnt-Orange version... Winning !

Wardrobe Essential... it doesn't have to be a Burberry, but a Classic Trench Coat like a Crisp White Shirt or Little Black Dress is a Must Have in every wardrobe.  You've been told !

;-) TrendyTravelBug

more on Brogues and Oxfords...

Brogues or "Boyfriend Shoes" as they are sometimes known, are tops on my "Hot-List" for this winter. This Vintage style of shoes is not for everyone, but those that Do love them...Loooove them. Feast your eyes on the various styles and colours... find your match. ;-)

Dress them up, Dress them down...

See how some Celebrities are rocking this trend.

Heeled Brogues are more formal and I think would work beautifully with a pencil skirt... worth trying out for the office ;-)
                         
Check Out Mr Price or Legit for affordable Brogues and Oxfords.

;-) TrendyTravelBug

Brogue Lovin....

I am absolutely loving my brogues right now... I particularly love the vintage and edgy element they add to my outfits, with the added value of comfort of course.

Ladies brogues have taken the fashion world by storm... Look out for them.

More on Brogues to follow ;-)

;-) TrendyTravelBug

LCA Store launch... 10 days to go !

Loin Cloth & Ashes, by Anisa Mpungwe:

LCA designs exute all of what Miss Anisa is, Beautiful, Stylish, Graceful and oh so Daring.

Anisa brought back my love for African print at the past Mecerdes Benz Fashion Week. (pics below). Her showcase was absolutely stunning ! Bright daring prints and colours with designs aimed at the average woman silhouette... (yay !) Anisa had the gorgeous, Anele Mdoda as the face of her Alma Collection which I feel showcases just how LCA caters for real women in their every day lives.

Store opening on Kruger Street, Maboneng Precinct, July 1st from 11:30 AM to 16:00 PM. Save the date  !...

Congratulations Anisa ! Can't Wait !

Follow : @OfficialLCA on twitter

;-) TrendyTravelBug