Life is filled with magical moments

 TGIF darlings!

Today marks the end of another emotional week, it seems that it's been the case for a while now. I suppose it is largely due to the fact that my first born is in his 18th year, a year I have dubbed as his "Year of Firsts". And along with those 'first' experiences, I have a little bit of a wobble and a sniff for days gone by. 

Yesterday was his Valedictory, a bittersweet day for all parents, and I was especially struck by the speech the head boy delivered. It is astounding to hear these young adults deliver such profound words, filled with a wisdom that is not always evident. His message: (very loosely quoted as I was too emotional myself to get the words just right, but these are such appropriate words )

"I would not want my high school years to be the best years of my life, 

I would want every year to be the best year of my life, and so it should continue into the future." 

These words are so impactful and I can only hope that his message will resonate with his classmates for years to come. For high school may seem like the best years of your life, work at making every single year a phenomenal one. And phenomenal can mean so any different things to different people - it's all about priorities and what brings you joy. 

As I sat through the ceremony yesterday, I reflected on my own high school years, which were  relatively OK. But it was also pretty dreadful and filled with trauma, and my coping mechanisms allowed me to find joy at school while it was constantly being drained at home. So while I can say I enjoyed high school, it was not necessarily the best years of my life. However, I have learnt and grown from the distress - so I wouldn't change a minute of my teen years, for it has shaped who I am today. And like the young man delivering his speech, I made a conscious decision to savour each day for the moments it presented. In this way I was able to live the best years of my life each day, and even with the turmoils of general life, find a way to savour and be grateful,despite occasional heartache. It is a difficult thing to master, and yet for me it has been a coping mechanism to get me through some of my life's more anguishing times. The daily grind gets to everyone, and we wish so hard for the week to go by and for Friday to come or for our kids to be older, that we often miss the magic in each moment. And because I know sadness and have felt desolation, it has become an intrinsic part of my being to look for the magic in the moments. These joyful, magical moments have spurred me on when nothing else could.  

And so my motto in life is to cherish each day for the joy it brings. 

There will be moments of frustration, anxiety, anger and fear, but if we look for it we can find the magic underneath it all. 

So go and find your magic ❤️

With Spring upon us, and being blessed with such a beautiful day, my OOTD features another Human Image design. A light maxidress, with striking blue print and customised for me with gold hand painted detail. This dress makes me feel ethereal, happy and filled with magic. Aysha is indeed an artist, and each garment she has made reflects a bit of me. I paired this maxi dress with a vintage bag, and blue suede shoes.

For more exclusive, consciously sourced and manufactured pieces contact Aysha Allie, the designer behind the Human Image label:

Studio: 65 4th Avenue, Rondebosch East

Call Aysha to arrange viewing or shopping times at the studio: 0723711695. 

Outfit details:

Human Image maxi dress

Ted Baker heels from Stuttafords

Vintage LV handbag

Trenery Scarf

Lovisa neckpiece

Caio for now, 

RuBe xoxo

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Our Roles as Women

Dear Readers, 

What a wonderfully short week, a perfect way to celebrate Women's Day with a delightful long weekend. 

Even though I don't necessarily subscribe to specific days to celebrate women, it certainly puts the spotlight on the role of women in our society. We fulfil roles as mothers, mentors, home makers, nurturers, teachers, cooks, housekeepers and career women. And whatever role we fulfil, it is significant, as anything we do as human beings, will impact someone somewhere. 

This week has been very special for me, not because of Women's Day, but because the day made me reflect on the roles I play in society and the impact I have on those around me. I always try to be mindful of having a positive impact when interacting, to be kind without compromising myself. After last weeks post on frenemies and toxic relationships, I felt it was important to highlight how I constantly ensure that I am not causing hurt or harm wherever I go. This speaks to authenticity and integrity, and I will always strive to be the best version of me. It would be pointless to expunge toxic interactions and relationships when one walks around with negativity, this then filters into all aspects of life.

The best version of me is what I present to the world every single day, as it centres me, just by being myself, unapologetically true to my soul. I have learnt that by being true to myself and exercising kindness on myself, it naturally follows into my behaviours with others. Every day is an opportunity to improve and to make a difference to others. If I focus on this, without the expectation of anything in return, it creates the space for great things to enter your life. I can honestly say that I have had amazing beings, experiences, relationships and business connections just happen and appear in my space, as if the universe has aligned with my philosophy of 'live and let live'.

So as women and leaders, we set an example to children we nurture; showing them how to be the best version of themselves. We show them how to be strong beings, not swayed by the opinions of others and able to withstand the pressures of their peers. Women may be celebrated on certain days of the year, but we engage our little ones every single day, teach them every single day and shape young minds and personalities, every single day.

"I'm very proud of being a woman, and as a woman, 

I don't even like the word 'feminism' because when I hear that word, 

I associate it with women trying to pretend to be men, 

and I'm not interested in trying to pretend to be a man. 

I don't want to embrace manhood; 

I want to embrace my womanhood."

- Evangeline Lilly

Today's outfit is one worn on Woman's Day, a day I chose to dress up a bit, join some ladies for breakfast before spending a relaxing day with my teens and hubby. I absolutely adore this Human Image sleeveless coat to dress up any outfit, even a t-shirt dress and tights, as can be seen below,

My outift:

Human Image sleeveless coat

H&M t-shirt dress

Hermes belt purchased abroad

Country Road leggings

Witchery scarf

Mimco boots

Chanel bag purchased abroad

Vogue sunglasses by Sunglass Hut

Sterns earrings

Bracelets various, cuff by Raphaella Booz

Caio for now, 

RuBe xoxo

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A heart filled with gratitude and love

Happy Friday lovelies, 

Today is the last Jumuah of the Ramadaan and its come around unbelievbly quickly. And I have themed each week for the fast in terms of embracing the tone of this month. I have started off with setting the tone for inspiration for the soul, then being appreciative of our country and looking after it by teaching out youth the same. Last week I chatted about becoming a better version of oneself, all of these are part of becoming a better person for yourself as well as those around you. 

This weeks theme is gratitude, I am grateful for my loved ones, for being able to be myself, my health and so much more. Having spent this week working on my acknowledgements for my thesis, it brought appreciation glaringly into my consciousness. I am particularly grateful for my partner in life, my other half and all his little acts of love. My heart is full with love and gratitude Algamdulilah.

 It is so important to be free with loved ones, to be able to love without reserve. This means not holding back, not hiding vulnerabilities to protect from hurt. Loving completely is liberating and brings so much joy and light, that it is worth putting your heart on the line. It takes courage to live with love, and strength to accept it in it purest form. 

We do this with our kids, unconditional love and acceptance without judgement. I strive to do this with my hubby as well, the one with whom I share everything, who supports me warts and all. He embodies the role model example for my sons, and he has been blessed to celebrate his birthday and Father's Day during this auspicious month. So it is fitting to end off this month by honouring him as a husband, provider, father, friend and source of laughter and occassional fights with the boys ;-) With his sense of fun, he teases, and loves them, and fills the gaps when I am unable to.

The little acts of love, such as making sure my car is clean, my food is ready and waiting when I'm out late and getting up out of bed to make my tea or get a drink of water do not go unappreciated. 

Thank you for being the special father, husband, friend and support.

And with that onto a lookpost, with photos shot by hubby of course. It features a Max Mara inspired sleeveless coat made by friend and designer, Aysha Allie from Human Image. This is a once off piece, so naturally I am totally in my element, supporting local and owning an exclusive fashionable piece. Human Image specialises in exclusive classic pieces, and bespoke items made to order. She encompasses love without reserve, and exudes a special kind of humanity in all she does. 

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.

My outfit:

Human Image Sleeveless coat 

Forever 21 knit top (old)

Woolworths ripped boyfriend jeans (old)

Mimco boots

Rebecca Minkhoff fringe bag

Scarf purchased overseas

Zibastyles necklace

Various bracelets

Gifted earrings

Caio for now, 

RuBe xoxo

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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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