Monday 29 June 2015

Hope for the Orphans WAR Benefit Dinner

Happy Monday lovelies! 

We're heading towards the halfway mark of Ramadaan, and I have been reflecting on issues which were foremost in my mind last year this time. And whilst social media has settled down somewhat and the atrocities of war does not face one at every page refresh, the reminders are still there, lurking. Read my post on the inhumanities of war here. Whilst the news called the escalation of war in Palestine last year, the 51 day war, its still continuing with very little sign of slowing down.

It is with this in mind that I feel the need to highlight the wonderful things still being done by locals to raise funds for worthy causes. This event may have happened a few weeks ago, I'd still like to raise awareness of the inspiring individuals who make the effort to make a difference. 



Fatima Wise (memrsme & Chroma Creative) the force behind this initiative along with Little Big Events Planners hosted a dinner at Baran's Restaurant in the CBD. All proceeds from the dinner were to be donated to the innocent victims of war, the orphans from the Syrian civil war.

The beautiful (inside and out) Fatima Wise



It was enjoyable evening filled with some entertaining moments, thanks to Yaaseen Barnes, Roeshdien Jaz and Siphokazi Jonas. Due to the purpose of the evening, it was essential that it be interspersed with sombre moments. We were given some background to the Al-Imdaad Foundation, the charity organisation who works with Syria, and have set up orphanages for those guilt-free souls. They also provide housing and food apart from other aid for the displaced victims of war in many other countries. A Syrian Freedom Activist, Nassar Erkurdi, also highlighted the dire situation Syria finds it self in; while speaking from a personal perspective, as someone who has lost family and his home in this crisis.

Nassur Erkurdi, Syrian Freedom Activist

There were so many sponsors, and guests were lucky enough to win spot prizes and donated paintings  and artwork were auctioned- all with great spirit. The evening ended off with some talented youngsters from Khanya Performing Arts Group showcasing their amazing musical talent.

Very proud he managed to buy the Nisa Gaibie artwork
My painting (Sponsored by Nisa Gabie) which hubby bought via auction
Farah Ariefdien (Rebelfunk and one of the prize sponsors) with hubby



As a community we should be so proud and appreciative of every single person, sponsor, organiser who made this evening possible. 
An overall amount of R20,000 was raised and handed over earlier this month.
Well Done ladies!!







Photos courtesy of Little Big Events Planners

Caio for now, 
RuBe xoxo

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Friday 26 June 2015

Layering Sweats OOTD

Hello again Readers!

Ramadaan is now in full swing and I find myself busy with so many rewarding activities, I really feel at peace. This past week the Muslim community has been in an uproar over a certain blog post, and I feel that there has been a lot of energy wasted by getting enraged, which could have been channelled into good deeds instead. And that's all I have to say about that.
Rather, I'd like to say that for me this month is all about tranquillity -aside for the mad rush at Iftar (time we break fast) because my kids still have quite a few activities in the afternoons. I use this opportunity to not worry about food and mealtimes; which is something any mom to teenage boys can attest takes a lot of time in a normal day; and use the time for introspection and working on my own self. 

Life gets so busy we forget to take a long hard look at ourselves, being so caught up in the world around us, in unneccesary scandals and what other people are getting up to. If we are to set an example for the next generation, lets set a standard of trying to better ourselves instead of focussing on the ills of others. Everyone is struggling with their own baggage and demons, of which we are not aware.... 
This world will really be a better place if we all just took the time out to help just one person- something I have repeated to my sons more often this month. I can only hope that they take the message forward...

And onto today's lookpost- with the cold weather upon us, I have taken to layering as a means of keeping warm. Especially since I find myself running around from meetings in really warm, heated offices, my warm car, to cold crisp walks when parking far from your destination. I am trying to slow down on meetings this month, and so have gotten used to my sweats, but when I need to run out, I throw on a coat and a pair of boots... and voila! my casual look is transformed. I bought this coat in Dubai in December (in the kids section) and of course the MK handbag has obviously become a favourite.












My outifit:
New Look Coat (Dubai) find similar here
Spree Sweatpants (buy similar here)
PnP sweat top
Mimco boots
Michael Kors Handbag
Various old necklaces
Freebie Sunglasses 

Caio for now, 
RuBe xoxo

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Monday 22 June 2015

Ramadaan Scarf Drive 2015

Hello again readers and

Assalaamu Alaykum (Peace Be Upon You),


بِسْمِ اللّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيْمِ


On welcoming the Holy Month of Ramadaan, the month where ones charitable deeds are increased through our focussed acts of worship, I would like to draw attention to the Ramadaan Scarf Drive. 



The #ScarfDrive2015 is a social network campaign in celebration of all the amazing Muslim women out there who inspire us, especially locally like Wadea Jappie, female farmer in Phillipi, and Khadija Patel from the Daily Maverick.
The drive is aimed to encourage every woman to donate or gift a scarf this Ramadaan, with the intention of promoting sharing and charity, thereby decreasing the amount we personally need. In this month we abstain from food and drink to elevate us to a state where we have a heightened awareness, ensuring the best of intentions with every charitable action. The scarf alone does not make you a good Muslim, but by sharing we build relationships which itself can be seen as an act of charity. 
Please support this intiative, May Allah (SWT) accept all our efforts Insha Allah.


If you would like to participate, you are welcome to contact the following:

Cape Town
Fatima Toefy (0825360395) who does dawah work in the townships.
Mariam Baderoon (0715060943) Muslims for Justice

Port Elizabeth
Rifqah Tifloen (0784351876)

Johannesburg
Aarifah Kathrada (0836300605)


وَ السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ


Rushda xoxo





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Friday 19 June 2015

Sunset Shirtdress

Hi again readers!
And a Ramadan Kareem to those readers observing the holy month.

Ramadan is a special time for all Muslims around the world, and particularly for me as I reflect on so many things and engage in activities which make me feel closer to Allah (God). It is a time when I withdraw in a sense, focused on the purpose of this month and share important lessons with the kids. We sacrifice more than just food and drink from dawn to dusk, this is merely a state of being to bring us to realisations of worldly things which unnecessarily consume our time. I love the peace and tranquillity of this month, made so much more special by the fact that I am home. I am able to fulfil many of my objectives I set for myself in this month; and it is even better with the kids home on school holidays. 
I wish that all those fasting experience the month in a blessed manner, absorbed with all the good that this month has to offer. 

In the spirit of Ramadan, where sunset is very important (when we break fast) my OOTD lookpost has been timed to just before sunset. The outfit was chosen for an early breakfast date, turned out to be appropriately timed for today's post. Also in line with my current Winter theme of using existing piece to look stylish, at the same time bearing in mind the theme of charity in this month. If it hasn't been worn in more than a year, time to donate to those less fortunate. 

This Shirtdress has been in my wardrobe for a couple of seasons, a tribute to classic lines offered by Trenery, despite the high price tag. Shirtdresses are bang on trend at the moment and can be worn dressed up, and even with sneakers for a more laid back look. A truly versatile piece in any wardrobe, and perfect for a modest or hijabi fashionista. 

رمضان كريم

















My outfit:
Trenery Shirtdress
Country Road leather boots (old)
Urban quilted leather jacket from Asos
Cotton on snood (available this season again)
Michael Kors bag
Scarf from a Style Society stall 
Various stacked bracelets
Dolce & Gabanna Sunglasses from Sunglass Hut

Caio for now, 
RuBe xoxo


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Friday 12 June 2015

The Cape Trend





Happy Friday readers!

We're fast approaching the middle of June, it's really unbelievable that we are half through 2015! I hope this year has gone by as planned for everyone and that you've attained those goals, I have certainly had an interesting first half and am hopeful that the rest of the year will as productive as I intend. All that aside, let's focus on the latest trend that I am totally loving. The Cape Trend or Shawl Trend, whichever item you'd like to use. It's the perfect accompaniment to complete a modest outfit, it's loose fitting (so hides some of those Winter evils), warm and so easy and comfortable to wear. It would suit most body types and can be worn casually, everyday as I have paired it here or belted over a shift with heels.

This particular shawl was bought at Monserrate, Bogota Colombia during one of hubby's business trips. It has been in my wardrobe for about 7 years and I've worn it occasionally, it's obviously been kept in good condition because of the sentimental value it has. It reminds me of hubby's trip to Bogota, and how petrified I was (for his safety), having only heard horror stories of what happens to tourists over there. I was back home, with three boys (all under the age of 10) and constantly in a state of anxiety - the time difference was inconvenient, and Skype only possible occasionally between his daytime meetings. Thinking back on it now, it's amazing how small the world has actually become, with FaceTime possible on mobile phones, WiFi available anywhere and of course social media. One can have a quick face to face chat wherever you have Internet access.

I love individual pieces which have a story attached to it, so that when I wear it there's some meaning behind the outfit and memories to go with it. Two key pieces in this outfit are from a few seasons ago, namely the denim shirt dress (about 5 years old) and the shawl. The Timberland boots were bought during my December holiday to Dubai for an amazing price- their sales are an absolute must for any bargain loving fashionista!













My outfit:

Shawl Gifted
Country Road Chambray shirt dress
Spree Ponti and faux leather leggings
Timberland boots
Leather clutch (old)
Beanie (old)
Rebel Funk Neckpiece

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Friday 5 June 2015

Winter Flannel


Hi readers, 

I hope everyone has been keeping warm as Cape Town is now officially in the grip of an icy Winter. This past week has been super cold, the kids have commenced exams, a family funeral followed later in the week by a pamper day, has made it an emotional but full week. The plummeting temperatures have brought the coats out of hiding; longer length boots, flannels, faux furs and leather have all made their appearance this week. I love textures and Winter is the perfect example to wear a mix of textures, fabrics and layer them in attempt to keep warm, looking stylish at the same time.

You would have noticed that my last couple of posts have focused on looking stylish without having to shop all the time, which means buying smartly and wearing classic pieces which won't date easily.
I have two teenage sons who are growing at an alarming rate and I find myself constantly updating their wardrobe as they outgrow things in the blink of eye. This has inevitably led to less shopping for me, as used to be the case when they were little babies where money was spent on nappies, wardrobes several times a season and other baby essentials. As they grow into teenagers it's like the cycle has started again, they now consume a LOT more food, grow like weeds and have expensive essential needs (like school and music equipment as well as sports togs and equipment every season!).
Today's look features a fleece lined leather pants and suede studded booties I bought two Winters ago.  I would have stressed the importance of good leather boots in a previous posts, and these babies show how good a quality pair of boots can last a few seasons (even if it is suede!) In this outfit, the only recent purchase is this oversized flannel shirt which I picked up in the men's section (for that oversized look) on a sale table at Mr Price. It's a typical trendy piece, which may or may not see next Winter, but because I picked it up a steal it really isn't a big deal. Even my silver necklace, pearls and earrings are good quality and have been in my jewellery collection for years, the statement ring though has been bought in the last year.

So get into action and start sorting those wardrobes, or building them with good classics, especially for those times when its difficult to shop for entire new wardrobes every season ;-D 















My outfit:

Flannel Shirt  Mr Price (shop here for similar)
Woolworths leather pants (shop here for similar)
Suede boots bought at an online store no longer in existence (non leather similar pair here)
Paul's Boutique Bag from Asos- 5 years old (now available on Takealot)
Old Khaki scarf (shop Old Khaki scarves here)
Giorgio Armani sunglasses from Sunglass Hut
Statement ring from Rebel Funk
Old Pearls and Silver necklace 

Caio for now, 
RuBe xoxo

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