An Eid Look Reinvented

 Hello Lovely Readers, 

It's been a minute and this post has been in draft for a while... 

Ramadaan has flown by, and as always it has been a profound month for me. This year has been very different to recent years (although in some ways much the same), yet I am very clear that it just means I continue to grow with all the challenges presented along my path. This past month has been a fruitful one, it has been a spiritually rewarding one, where I have focused on my Divine connection whilst working at being the best version of me.

Ramadaan is a time of spiritual rejuvenation, where my soul feels renewed and my faith strengthened for whatever lie ahead. And with all of these amazing experiences this month, I have literally been snowed under with work. I have found myself working toward tight deadlines, having to manage many roles and still be centred enough to find my quiet and solitude I yearn for in the fast. And with all the extra demands on my time, I chose to cut back on cooking time to allow for this, which meant that we had relatively simple iftaar meals. I'd cook soup in bulk and freeze, prepare batter for fritters or pancakes for two days, and cook enough supper so my family can have it for suhoor as well. I have repurposed left overs, oven-cooked and airfried to ease the burden. 

I was conscious of not making it difficult for myself, especially since I spent longer days at our office than I had anticipated. The wonderful thing is that my family just rolled with it, without grumble, and stepped in to assist where they could. My boys already have fixed chores during the fast, and assisted over and above when they were able. There were days where I'd be running extremely late, and would rush into the kitchen in a huff, only to find bodies drawn to the kitchen earlier than normal to pitch in. I am thankful for this support, and know that it is hugely due to the fact that I have not had 1 day off from working this Ramadaan. I have been working non-stop as a result of taking my introspection time in between the crazy deadlines. After all, the reward of this month comes around only once a year, so my priorities had to be re-organised so I'd be able to spend time in supplication. Having said that, I am really looking forward to some rest time (or at the very least, weekend time) after the fast when our dinner times are not cast in stone. 

This brings me to the aim of today's post... 

I have clearly not been able to shop, and merely popped into the Islamia market to stock up on my collagen. Other than that, I have had zero time to shop, and zero inclination to even consider what to wear this Eid. Although, I must admit I have dear designer friends who usually help me out, so I may just be sorted! If you've also been too busy to even consider an Eid outfit, perhaps reinventing a previous Eid look would be the way to go? I didn't blog last Eid's look (due to the babies I was care-taking at the time), and realised that it would work perfectly for another Eid. A timeless classic printed silk dress, with various textures to add to the autumn feel, makes for a simple and easy Eid look. 

I'd wear this again, and possibly change it up by losing the fur, adding a bulkier neckpiece and dainty earrings. I'd even wear this dress casually with sneakers, of course, but that's not the point of today's Eid look.😛 This printed silk will transcend seasons, the faux fur will remain a constant and the velvet is still a key texture this season. The heels have been in my wardrobe for years, and the gold fishnet stockings adds some glitz and pulls the look together seamlessly.

PS: the velvet scarf is in stock again with RifWrapped if you're keen to grab one for yourself, even as the only piece you'd purchase for Eid.

Last year I repurposed an Eid look, and thought I'd carry on the tradition, since the idea was so well received. What are your thoughts on reinventing previous Eid looks?

 

Outfit Details:

A Sense of Style Silk Dress

Faux Fur stole from Huemine Image

Velvet Scarf from Rifwrapped

Heels (old)

Clutch (Old)

Earrings & Pearls (Old)

Gold Fishnet Stockings from H & M (last year)

Ciao for now, 

RuBe xoxo

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Ending 2016

Happy holidays lovelies!

Even if you're not on leave, or leaving town, the holiday fever has descended. With long weekends, sweltering hot days, Christmas carols blaring in shopping malls and insane traffic. The festive cheer (and crazy throngs of tourists) have arrived to remind you that the year is almost over. 

I always reflect on the year, what I've achieved, how much I have grown and what I have given back. For me growth is a constant, and I cannot thrive when I'm stagnant, it is in my DNA to be in constant reflection, introspection and learning - resulting in personal progress.

Last week was my 21st anniversary, and every year we sit back and  contemplate our life together. We take a little bit of time away from the kids, even if it is for an hour or a few, just to connect on this special day, which invariably sparked a change our lives and set us on a certain path. We celebrate the day, for the significance it played in our individual growth, for the precious blessings in the form of our kids, for the trials from which we have grown stronger, together; and for the joyous moments which we experienced together. 

I would not have survived 2016 without the guidance, support and unconditional love bestowed by my husband, my rock, my constant companion and partner in crime. During this year I had to confront many demons, I had to excavate inner parts of myself which were not always pretty- and yet he was still my constant companion. Whether he was quietly assisting from the sidelines, or cheering me in his spirited manner, he was by my side; always supported by my army of angels, my boys. This year has been a great journey for all of us, there have been traumas, losses, sadness and there have also been special gifts, precious moments, tough challenges and immense growth for each of us in this nuclear family. This year has brought an expansiveness into our home in a way that nurtures every individual in the space. 

In the spirit of the phenomenal transformation this year has brought, we've decided to embark on a phenomenal vacation to celebrate. Whilst I will miss my Wilderness break, I will soak up the European experience with my kids. I will revel in seeing their reactions to some of my favourite spots in the world. I will bask in the special memories we'll create for a lifetime, and return for another year of  trying to be the best version of me.

This is for you, my constant companion:

I could not envision a day without your presence, 

I would not want to experience a day without your smile,

And I hope to always bring sunshine into our space. 

You have gifted me a special place in your heart, 

A lodging I have taken up and I pray have made jubilant. 

I have planted seeds of joy in the space you inhabit in mine.

For joy is a constantly evolving state, 

It blossoms at times, 

It sheds at times, 

And requires work to ensure it stays.

Our army we have raised is more than a blessing,

They're versions of us we send into the world.

And I know, 

If they absorb just a fraction of who we are, 

They will walk with love and compassion for always. 

They will strive to be better, 

Yet know they are always enough...

Always treasured, always loved,

Always supported.

Just like our bond.

Happy 21st!!💝💝💝💝

Today's look features a sequin pants with a Human Image tropical parka to dress it down for a light glam look. Perfect for a night out at the theatre or dinner date. It perfectly represents 2016, filled with so many areas of growth (like a rapidly sprouting tropical forest) and some really amazing achievements (the sparkling moments).

Have a great Festive Season, and see you all in 2017!

Outift details:

Human Image tropical lightweight parka (website launching soon)

H&M t-shirt and sequin pants

Country Road Scarf

Studio W sandals from Woolworths (shop similar here)

Lovisa neckpiece

Mango quilted slingbag

Earrings purchased abroad

Caio for now, 

RuBe xoxo

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Reality check

Happy Friday everyone!

This week I was faced with the experience of matric ball planning. It’s generally less of a headache when you have a son in terms of the oufit and hair etc, but the reality of realising your baby has grown up hits home. We’ve been discussing studies and future plans, talking about important dates like a learners appointment and final exams, but it all seems really intangible until I saw him fit his suit. 

And shirt. 

And tie. 

That’s when it hit me, my firstborn will be going into the world to fulfil his destiny pretty soon. 

In retrospect, it hasn’t happened in a flash, but in little bits over the years…

 It starts when he doesn’t need you to :

… Read his bedtime story

… or tuck him in at night

… Choose his outfits

… or buy his clothes

… Accompany him to sports matches

…or watch his matches.

The list goes on and on, and in a blink of an eye he is on the brink of entering the adult world.

Being a mother is one of my most rewarding roles, I enjoy watching my kids grow from little people into individuals with their own ideas and opinions. It gets hard at times dealing with all these personalities, yet knowing that I am contributing to future leaders and generations makes the stress worthwhile.

At this point in his school career I reflect on his first day of primary school, his first day of high school and they are as clear as crystal in my memory. Being the firstborn, I navigated my way through milestones and the rocky road of parenthood with trepidation, unsure if my choice for him was the best one. Whether they were the right choices or not, they were the best I knew at the time, and even though mistakes were made, kids quickly let you know when things aren’t suitable for them. 

When I look at this young man, preparing to attend a celebration which marks the end of a primary and secondary school career - all my instincts kick in and I want to hold him near. I want to protect him from the world which I know will hurt him, challenge him and not love him like I do. I have to remind myself that it’s a path I cannot change; he will grow as a result of these hurts, challenges and live up to the amazing potential he has as an individual. 

This milestone fills me with pride, nostalgia and anxiety for what lies ahead. Letting go is the one aspect of parenthood that hinders the spirit and cuts like a knife. 

But I shall weather it with grace, not falling apart on the outside containing a turbulence of emotion on the inside.

Today’s OOTD is a typical outfit worn to run errands, playing taxi mum and catching a coffee with a buddy. These are all previous pieces, which can transcend trends and remain trendy for while to come. The boyfriend jeans is still a favourite since it offers comfort and modesty at the same time.

Outfit:

ZARA t-shirt 

Gap jeans

Converse sneakers (old)

Kimono (old)

Woolworths scarf

Country Road cuff

Accessorize bag

Caio for now, 

RuBe xoxo 

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Timeless trendy shirt dress

Welcome Readers!

After a wonderful week break to recharge the batteries, I feel restored and geared up for the rest of this year which promises to be a roller coaster in so many respects. This break was a timeout for my little family to reconnect and be removed from external influences. We spent a lot of time together, which is something we don’t always have the opportunity to do in our home space. Each family member has so many activities and obligations which take us away from the shared space, so it is a rare occasion to have everyone in one place (apart from the daily family dinner). 

It was an added bonus, depending on one’s perception of the situation, to have no cellphone reception or wifi. It essentially meant having to keep busy without the constant social media interactions and communication from all and sundry. Work and friends were on the back burner for a few days, with nothing but activities on board the ship and sun and sea to enjoy. My boys had some withdrawal symptoms, but adjusted quickly to absorb all the experience had to offer, whether it was an activity or a stroll on the deck or just taking a nap. There were no TV games, social media, social gatherings; and instead, physical games, swimming, listening to music, reading and time for some well deserved relaxation. 

These breaks from the routine are essential for us to touch base which our busy daily schedules do not allow. I try to stress the importance of family bonding time, and when we’re on vacation the boys are compelled to share a room, instead of all heading off to their own rooms the moment they get home. It is neccessary to take them out of their comfort zones as a reminder of their privileges they enjoy each day. It is enriching for them to see how other cultures live and how the less fortunate need to toil to make ends meet.

We arrived back home, so delighted with our creature comforts and appreciative of the blessings we enjoy daily. My kids have been ’shaken’ out of oblivion; albeit for a limited time, after which they will most likely return to their comfort zones. But the experience of travel will remain with them, will expand their horizons and open their minds. 

“Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.” - Gustave Flaubert

Today’s lookpost features a quality shirt dress bought years ago and is still on trend. Paired with sporty leggings and sneakers for a laid back casual look. My H & M fringe bag completes the look.

To take this dress to the office, pair with plain leggings, heels and a slim belt which instantly transforms the whole outfit.

Outfit details:

Trenery shirt dress

Adidas ZA leggings

Old Khaki scarf

Adidas Superstar sneakers

H&M bag

Giorgio Armani sunglasses from Sunglass Hut

Swarovski and various other bracelets

Rebelfunk necklace

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