Friday, 25 September 2015

SS15 with Human Image & RuBe's Closet

Hello readers, 

I hope this short week has been a good one, it has been another rollercoaster for me. Just when I find myself on an even keel, a few more things come hurling at me and derails emotional progress. This week has taken a lot of energy to try and stay focused on each day. My challenge has been to address issues effectively with the final goal of feeling safe. 
Safe. 
A word that carries so much meaning, and is sometimes just as difficult to obtain. Nonetheless, I choose to focus on positive things and people; people who inspire and support.

Last week, I was invited to participate in the launch of the Spring Summer '15 range of Human Image - as wardrobe consultant and stylist for RuBe's Closet. Aysha Allie, the designer behind Human Image, is someone whom I've met along this journey, embodies empowerment- not just because she does great work, but also because she is selfless, and eager to empower and assist others. 
Her range includes some beautiful, light maxi dresses and shirt dresses, longer length structured white shirts and structured tailored pants. All of these are manufactured using quality fabrics, with the aim that it will last and look good for a while to come. 
Her philosophy ties in closely with mine- mindful, smart shopping- which means investing in really good basic pieces (which can be found at her home studio). The great part of her range is that pieces can be tailor made to fit your exact measurements. 
The Launch took place at her home studio, themed as a Spring brunch. 
Aysha told us about her new range, her collaboration with Gadija Khan; and the fabrics she's introduced and embraced, with the idea of making items affordable as well as classic. 
I then introduced my wardrobe consulting, getting a tad emotional whilst doing it- since it was the first official introduction of my 'baby'! Thank you to all the wonderful souls for their encouragement and kind words, it restores my faith in human kindness. (I guess corporate can sometimes make one cynical). Thank you Aysha, Lamees, Gadija, Leila, Natalie, Roshan, Namreen and Imrah for the support on the day!

Doctor Leila then touched on the importance of sunscreen, and recommended Heliocare, a range which really impressed me. A sunscreen, suitable for all skin types, which is also available in a tinted formulation... She even spoke about a tablet/ capsule which can be ingested for skin protection! 

Overall it was a beautiful morning spent with stunning ladies. 
To purchase any pieces from The Human Image Range, please get in touch with Aysha on 0723711695 or visit her studio at 65 4th Avenue Rondebosch East.

The suncreen will also be available to purchase from Ayesha for a limited period. 
Alternatively visit Leila's practice  for the recommended sunscreen at 16 Forest Drive, Pinelands, Tel: 021 8242170.
































The only photo I have of myself... and it's a selfie with the gorgeous Namreen! 

Caio for now,
RuBe xoxo

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Thursday, 17 September 2015

Glam the Dress24 Way

Happy Friday Dear Readers!

Yesterday I participated in a launch were I introduced my wardrobe consulting with a local designer and it was quite an emotional moment for me. The idea that amazing women- the designer (more about this will be shared in another post) and marketer were open to promoting me selflessly was really heartwarming. 
The fact that they welcomed me without question and trusted that I had the same vision as them is special and so rare to find that I am really grateful to have met such inspiring women. It brings to mind the importance of empowering fellow female entrepreneurs, as it is with a combined sense of purpose that we can rejoice in one another's successes. 
Celebrate each others successes. 
Help each other out in times of need.
And be there as a shoulder to cry on when things get rough.

With Eid less than a week away, matric balls on the horizon and wedding season fast approaching , I introduce Dress24. A business owned by a fellow female entrepreneur who imports the most exquisite evening gowns. After having had difficulty sourcing a dress for a family wedding she decided to bring in these  evening dresses, which cater for everyone, from the "pint-sized" fashionista to expectant mommies. The gowns are all runway inspired, by the likes of Valentino, Naeem Khan and Zuhair Murad. The detail is gorgeous, bead work the best quality and they can even add that sleeve or slip to make it more modest.  You are able to browse the online store from the comfort of your home and measurements of the dresses are readily available to ensure the perfect fit.
Today's featured dress is one I've been coveting since seeing it on Instagram and the actual dress is every bit as beautiful as I imagined it. Give them a follow as she runs specials and discounts on the Instagram page.  Regular readers will know my love for sequins, and this column dress is covered in sequins, with a beaded mesh overlay. For an extra dramatic effect, it has a flowing train (mine has been shortened quite a bit). Since the mesh was a bit transparent at the top, I added a mesh undergarment for added coverage, it worked perfectly!

Dress24 has generously offered a 10% discount to all RuBe's Closet readers, just enter the code "RUBERELOADED" on checkout. So, if you have that family wedding you just have to look drop dead gorgeous for, your own engagement, or an upcoming matric ball of a family member, share this deal! 












My Outfit:
Dress24 Evening gown
Nine West heels
Clutch purchased on a cruise ship
Honey earrings
Silk scarf (old)
Country Road ring
Wimsy scarf pin

Caio for now, 
RuBe xoxo



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Friday, 11 September 2015

Stars & Stripes & freedom

Hello dear readers, 

This has a been a week of highs and lows, in equal proportions. It started off really well with my radio interview on Voice Of the Cape with Roshan on her new show, Cover Mode. (Listen here). I had the opportunity of talking about blogging, modesty and wardrobe consulting. My eldest son also started his week of job shadowing in anticipation of applying to universities.

This is bittersweet for me, as it is an indicator of my firstborn baby taking his first steps into the BIG WIDE world, as an adult! However, it is such an exciting time as I can remember taking my first steps into the world and it really doesn't seem that long ago. It's like I'm reliving those teen years again, except with the anguish of being the parent, and wondering if their choices are the right ones... Trying to protect them from the world of hurts, disappointments and materialism....

I have recently embarked on an emotional journey to heal myself from the inside and deal with childhood issues which affect my daily life... This week my emotions took a real knock, and just like that - I find myself off kilter in the middle of a week of meetings, clients, seminars and mommy life. But the reality is that we all need to heal from the inside, so that togetherness we portray on the outside matches the inside. It's a work in progress and it's not always easy...*sigh*

To end off my week, my middle son, suffered a sports injury (story of my life) and mommy mode needs to kick in. It's amazing how nurturing and caring for others helps to restore emotional equilibrium, and voila(!) I felt a little less emotional. And not discounting the constant love and support from my hubby and sons cheering me on along the way.
It makes me a little more able to continue daily life... as exhausting as it may be!

Today's lookpost is reflective of my choice to walk away from traumatic incidences and their power over my mental state. I choose to deal with inner demons, face them, fight them and heal. My  stars and stripes theme is freedom and matching the outer calm with the inner, not to use our outfits as armour against the world and rather a mirror to the world.

These pieces are all from previous seasons, except the gorgeous Vince Camuto leather iridiscent heels. I absolutely love this pump, bought recently on sale and picked up for a steal! 
It appears purple and then blue and sometimes black.. depending on the light. These changeable
colours represent the various aspects of ourselves we show to the world when placed in different situations. 
Peace. Love. Light. 













Outfit:
Stylemology blazer (old)
Foschini skirt (old)
Forever New lace top (last season)
Vince Camuto iridiscent courts
Country Road handbag
Woolworths necklace (old)
Scarf (old)
Ray Ban sunglasses from Sunglass Hut (old)

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Friday, 4 September 2015

New Beginnings as Spring arrives!

Welcome readers!
Spring has sprung in Cape Town and it brings with it a festive, happy mood for most... It brings the promise of new beginnings, rejuvenation, clearing the cobwebs (from the mind as well), flowers and sunshine. This week started off really chilly, and Spring Day was pretty dreary, but in true Cape Town style we end the week with high temperatures and sunshine. 
I had a great opportunity yesterday to be interviewed on a local radio station, more about that once the host announces the new program and airing time, and I officially introduced whats been keeping me feverishly busy. For the past couple of weeks, I have been setting up a business consultancy and in the midst of this my wardrobe consulting has just taken flight. 
It's called the Wardrobe Audit (read more about it here) and is aimed at streamlining the wardrobe, so that one has really good quality investment pieces, which will transcend a few seasons. Its a physical "Spring Clean" of the wardrobe, and a mini workshop around what works for you, your style, job, body type and skin tone. 
Most of my lookposts include investment pieces which have been in my wardrobe for a while, and I wear them all the time, paired with recent more trendier or high fashion pieces. If you're struggling to get dressed in the mornings, or have the "I don't have anything to wear" syndrome regularly; or find that your clothes are in such chaos that you don't know how to co-ordinate them or even find them, with a wardrobe thats bursting with clothes, give me a shout...

Today's post features really good basics which are from previous seasons, except the quilted leather skirt. Inspired by Fashion Week streetstyles, I usually commission a designer to make me a high fashion item which I may not find in the stores. This skirt was custom made for me by Abashiya Achilles (Fabulous in Hijab), who usually knows exactly what I want. She keeps my measurements on hand (so I need to make sure they stay the same!) and voila, she's sorted my piece.

Have a wonderful weekend darlings, hopefully this gorgeous weather holds up!















My outfit:
Guess denim jacket (really old)
Mango mohair knit (last season)
Bespoke Leather skirt by Fabulous in Hijab
Suede booties (several seasons ago)
Ted Baker bag (last season)
Scarf (old)
Country Road leggings
Guess silver earrings
Giorgio Armani sunglasses by Sunglass Hut

Caio for now, 
RuBe xoxo

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