Fashion & A Cup of Tea - THE EVENT

Hi lovely readers, 

It’s been two weeks since we hosted our high tea, and I’d like to start off by first saying thank you. 

Our guests, speakers, spouses, kids, sponsors and models made the day a huge success. It really was a fun afternoon filled with all things girly, from make up, to health, hair and fashion, and not forgetting the amazing food and accessories on display. 

Leading up to the day, things were rather busy and there were so many last minute ticket orders; and un/fortunately we sold out - but hopefully if you missed out on this one, you’ll make the next. 

I kind of put all my boys to work for this event!

Setting up 

Music setup in background by my eldest, as I said all hands on deck

Some of the beautiful guests and speakers

The afternoon kicked off with a health and wellness chat from Roshan Isaacs, MD of Style Africa who is also a health and wellness coach. She imparted some helpful (and important) tips on staying healthy, the ideal weight and lifestyle. She was followed by Qaanita Abrahams from OnQ Makeup who performed a make up demonstration on a light Summer make up look. She also touched on contouring and strobing - the latest make up trends. If you’re keen on attending one of her workshops, it would absolutely be money well spent- read more about that here.

Qaanita 0746027485

Roshan is an amazing woman who inspires everywhere she goes

Qaanita makes makeup application look effortless

We then had the charismatic, Yaaseen Cader chatting about hair care, and the best way to blowdry your hair. I have to admit that I followed his instructions on how to blowdry, ie roughly, using your fingers to comb through and end of with an upside down flip and dry. It really works, especially if your hair is as fine as mine. When faced with the question of addressing hijabi hair problems, he recommended ensuring your hair receives sufficient airing! He had our guests laughing out loud at some of his outrageous language, but that just added a fun edge to the afternoon. Even when he declared that the Brazilian is actually just a fancy word for a relaxer! With some added to chemicals to alter the smell, but anything which changes the natural composition of the hair has to be a relaxer, one might as well use Wella, he says. 

Guests were gifted with vouchers to redeem at his salon in the lifestyle centre, The Palms, in Sir Lowry Road.

Yaaseen 0729875373

Of course no event is complete without some giveaways. 

Sponsored by:

1. Rebel Funk Accessories (accessories hamper)
2. Carribean Tan (products)
3. RuBe’s Closet (3 hour wardrobe consultation)
4. Protea Hotel Breakwater Lodge (one nights accommodation and breakfast for two)

Happy Prize Winners

I then proceeded to do the live styling demo on one of our models, Imrah. I used three key pieces (i.e pieces I would recommend as a necessary injection into the wardrobe for SS15/16) from A Sense of Style’s collection, demonstrated and chatted on how to wear them in various ways. 

We styled the white shirtdress, which Imrah first wore with flat tan sandals for a daytime look. I then changed her flats for heels and an exquisite neckpiece from Rebelfunk for a Summer evening look, add a clutch and voila! For more modest coverage I added the white slim jeans (not too tight, although it would work with a white jegging too), rolled back sleeves and sneakers for a modest casual look.

I did the same with the kimono and chatted through various ways to wear this essential piece. The bright colours and light flowy fabrics ensures its an easy layering piece to make a statement. 

And finally, my favourite piece of the collection was the black belted kimono, which I urged Aaliah (designer behind A Sense of Style) despite her protestations, to model for me- and even though she was not wearing a preferable base to layer this piece we made it work. We then illustrated the versatility of this piece, which could also be worn in various ways. The white contrast belt and light fabric really makes this item a must have.

And then… Onto the fashion show, introducing A Sense of Style’s SS15/16 collection

A tender moment between Aaliah and her seamstress, Bonita

And then it was shopping, more eating, catching up with old friends and meeting all the lovely ladies who actually read my blog!

Bottom Left: Aaliah and I with our guys- who by the way worked just as hard behind the scenes!
Hubby ensured I had loads of photos to share, Faeez was the resident errand guy :-D 

All the divine eats were catered and presented by Annie’s Kitchen, you may contact Aneeqah Kilshaw-Dollie on 0789672140.

Or 

Check out her Instagram account here

All neck pieces used on models in the fashion show, sponsored by Rebel Funk 

Contact Farah Ariefdien on 0833578452 

Or 

Check out her Facebook page here 

List of Goodie Bag Sponsors to whom I would like to extend a special thanks: 

Associated Media

RAIN Africa

Cader Hair Salon

A Sense of Style

Annie’s Kitchen

The Key Boutique

The lovely ladies from Woolworths V & A  Beauty Counters:

Asco Fragrances - Gucci (Nazley)

Smash Box (Shameegah)

Gatineau (Shandre)

Prestige Fragrances -Elie Saab (Warda)

Sampar (Crena)

Lancome (Kyla)

Clarins (Roxy)

Ciao 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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Hijab Fashion Week SA Day One

Calling all modest fashionistas!

Sunday was the first day of Hijab Fashion Week, and I posted previously in the lead up to the event here.

Timed perfectly with Ramadaan coming up, the event gives all the attendees a chance to browse the designer rails for some Eid outfits, or even just daily outfit pieces. Have a lovely cup of tea and biscuits whilst eyeing the hijab pins and beaded accessories courtesy of Wimsy.

Or just relax on the bespoke designer furniture manufactured by DAG Exclusive Furniture enjoying the atmosphere or having a quiet chat with buddies before the fashion show.

Mushrah Hartley, editor of Modest Muse online magazine was the beautiful MC, keeping the crowd entertained and doing lucky draws and handing out spot prizes.

The models then started strutting down the aisle (rather than a runway), as Mushrah says more of a fashion experience than a fashion show. Ladies were encouraged to touch and feel the fabric, they could see the designs up close and chat to the designers after the show. Overall, it was a very ‘intimate’ kind of fashion show with fashion to suit every modest fashionistas taste.

I’d like to extend a huge thank yo to Abashiya Achilles, from Fabulous in Hijab for being the driving force behind this amazing initiative. 

So if you’ve missed out, there will be another show this weekend, head on down to DAG Exclusive Furniture if you need some Eid inspiration or just need to shop - its also perfectly timed to immediately after payday!

Without sharing too much of the designs, you’d need to there this weekend to see the real deal, I thought I’d share some photos of the event to inspire you to support the designers.

Stunning showroom at DAG Exclusive Furniture

Getting ready for the show

Adding some prettiness to her hijab

Our eloquent MC, Mushrah Hartley

Opportunity to do some shopping prior to the show

Some beautiful Wimsy accessories on sale

Hijab pins also by Wimsy

Of course, no event is complete without tea and butter biscuits

Some ladies just relaxed in the stunning setting

Tickets are available at the door, if you’re unsure but hurry as this is the last weekend that Hijab Fashion Week will showcase these designs in one convenient location!

Ciao for now, 

RuBe xoxo

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