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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Fearless Faux Fur Coat

Welcome Back readers and a Hello to new readers, 

This has been a short week, but one filled with so many good things and I sincerely hope its been equally rewarding for everyone else. I believe in the power of positive thinking, of dreams and goals; and working to make that a reality. In the spirit of Women's Month, I urge every woman out there to take that inner strength and turn all your sorrows into lessons, step on those obstacles in your life and move into a place where your tomorrows are filled with promise. 

This past weekend I attended the First Lady Affair, an event aimed at empowering women and highlighting the importance of taking time out to care for yourself. As women we are all caretakers and nurturing in various roles, as dutiful and loving daughters, as overloaded mums, caring spouses and hardworking employees and business owners. The message I walked away with was that there are times in life when you are beaten down, and we have all had those experiences, yet we carry on with poise and purpose. And despite our own baggage, we have no idea what the woman next to you on the bus, in front of you in the queue or driving that luxury car is dealing with. So be kind, always and try to reserve judgement - it's actually really therapeutic, to walk through life with this positivity.

Let's be strong women and make a concerted effort to uplift one another instead of adding to those life lessons beating us down.

Today's OOTD features a vintage fur coat, from Human Image, an outfit I put together for a mid week coffee date. I think its so important to dress for yourself, fearlessly, so even though this coat is just glam personified- I decided to make it work for a morning meeting. I paired it with part leather leggings, boots and a long length tunic white shirt (Few and Far Collection) under a knit. Living in Cape Town  means layering to account for season changes in one day. All items except the coat and shirt are recycled from previous seasons, of course! 

Outfit details:

Vintage Fur Coat from Human Image

Mango Sequin embellished knit

Spree.co.za Leggings (shop similar here)

Few and Far Collections shirt

Woolworths leather boots

Cotton On on beanie

Stance sequin socks from Spree.co.za (shop here)

Pauls Boutique shopper

Mimco bracelet

Colette Hayman necklace

Caio for now, 

RuBe xoxo

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Leather, lace and Stripes

Hi again readers,

And so the end of the fast has come to an end and I can't help but feel sad, for the tranquillity this month has afforded me. Sad for the moments of reflection, the rewarding feeling of being mindful of and participating in the increased charity this month and the special times spent in prayer with my family. With each year that passes I feel as if I have made great progress on my path to a better me and Ramadaan is the time that I make the most progress. So before I get back on the roller coaster of normal life, where the schedule is crazy and the pace chaotic, I'd like to pause and appreciate the time I have been gifted. I trust that everyone has found that inner peace, and had a rewarding and blessed month, culminating in a wonderful celebration of Eid tomorrow.

Eid Mubarak!

I feel as if I have been in hibernation, venturing out on essential errands only and keeping up to date with news via occasional visits to social media. By next week I will be longing for this time holed up at home with nothing to do but spend time with the kids and cook and in prayer. The cold weather seems to be encroaching and I will be back on the frosty soccer field every Saturday morning ... So by next week, I will feel as if this past month has been little more than a dream, or I may not even have the time to think of it with the return to being busy mom. 

One thing, I'm really happy to be returning to normal, healthy eating patterns...

And onto today's look, typical relaxed look and perfect to run that quick errand. This dress is actually a Forever New summer piece, which I chose to layer with leather look leggings and a leather jacket. I absolutely love leather jackets and have quite a collection to choose from, the great thing is that they have all been good buys from diverse stores. My gifted handbag, Mango flats and the formerly Bespoke Hijabi scarf finish the look.

Outfit details:

Forever New Dress

Leather jacket from Indian Fair

Country Road handbag

MrP leather look leggings

Mango (Dubai) flats

Hse of Bespoke by WH scarf

Old bracelet, pearl earrings and necklaces

Caio for now, 

RuBe xoxo

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Sentimentality and some Animal Print

Hi again readers, 

As you may have noticed, my blog has been really quiet. It’s an intentional decision, for my blog has to go on a break too, and so posts will come when they come. Since its December, and kids are winding down and sport is winding down, I thought it a good idea to wind down myself before heading off on holiday. 

I feel as if this year has been an exceptionally draining one, and whilst  I took measures to take care of myself, things happen and health issues arose. And thus, I feel deserving of my 10 days uninterrupted break with husby- no kids and hopefully no work mails and calls (for him). 

We celebrate our anniversary tomorrow and it has been 19 whirlwind years of friendship, love, occasional fights, new experiences and literally growing up together as a couple. I am so grateful to have spent this time with my best friend, who understands me completely, knows my imperfections and accepts me as I am. What more could I ask for? And the best I can offer in return is exactly the same…..

Marriage is a merger 

Of souls, of lives, 

To forge new paths

With your partner 

By your side,

At your back 

Protecting each other from the hurts

of the World.

Thank you, my love, for sharing this rollercoaster journey with me.

This look was worn on a most enjoyable night out. I have paired a lightweight coat with skinnies and sneakers for a casual twist.

Outfit details:

Kapsule Boutique coat

Guess jeans

Mango Disney t-shirt

Asos peak cap

Adidas sneakers

Leather Bag overseas purchase

Chunky Mimco bracelet 

White Rabbit handmade earrings (stocked at Vintage and the City)

Caio for now, 

RuBe xoxo

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Beach Print

Hi beautiful readers, 

Having been confined to a bed for the past week, I have been suffering from a serious case of cabin fever. And seeing the lovely weather and everybodys “Summer” pics made me long for the outdoors even more…

Being so ill really makes one thankful for so many things, since you have nothing but time to reflect. I must admit, that I generally try and live each day to the fullest since regret is really a wasted emotion. I’d rather have tried and failed, than not to have tried at all, and if I yearn to do something, I’ll make a plan to do it at the earliest opportunity. Afterall, that bucket (list) will become pretty heavy if you don’t start emptying it, right?

I stumbled across this beach look which I haven’t posted yet, and I reminisced on this lovely day spent in Hermanus town. As good as it’s going to get for now…

Outfit details:

Mango Jersey with gold knit 

Old denim shirt

Topshop print pants

Silver Country Road socks

Nike sneakers

Mr Price Beanie

Ring and necklace from Collette Hayman

Forever New Earrings 

Mango Sling bag

D&G sunglasses

Ciao for now, 

RuBe xoxo

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