Celebrating Youth OOTD

Happy Friday Folks, 

This week marked the 16th birthday of my second born, it brought to mind so many memorable moments of his life.

It brought back memories of a Friday of intense labour, and the day we were gifted this special little charge. The happiest bundle of joy whom we have had the privilege of raising for sixteen years.

I usually make a big fuss about birthdays, so from the beginning of the week, we plan the birthday menu, cakes and desserts he would like and party ideas / themes. Afterall, it is a celebration of entrance into the world and our lives. This year he insisted that he was way too old for the treasure hunt to locate his birthday gifts (I think it’s more because he always struggles with the clues in his sleepy state first thing in the morning). Even the party theme idea was ditched *sad sigh*.

The best part of birthdays is that the kids always reminisce on favourite birthday traditions of prior years, on how funny the treasure hunt was or favourite meals and experiences. It is important to me that they have these memories, that they know they are loved - without the expectation of being showered with material things. Very few memories are centred around the actual material gift, and happy nostalgia instead focuses on how the celebration made them feel. I want them to learn to treasure experiences as these last longer than the material stuff. It also teaches them to value others; and the enriching feeling of making someone else feel special.

The gratitude the birthday boy expressed for my tribute post (read here) yesterday, made me feel a burst of pride. The fact that he valued the intangible, and was thankful for effort that went into putting together the tribute was remarkable. All too often teens get caught up in the consumerism depicted in today’s media and forget about little gestures. It may not be possible to shelter our youth from the effects of society, and we shouldn’t attempt to cut them off from it either. They still need to function in this society and be active participants, but we can teach them the importance of a balanced life. 

We can teach them the significance of valuing an experience, a thought or a gesture over the material.

In light of todays’ theme, my outfit has a youthful feel with an oversized kimono shirt, leather leggings and sneakers. Helpful for when I’m running errands and getting that long list of ingredients for the birthday supper :-)

Outfit details:

Oversized kimonos shirt from Spree.co.za (shop here)

Soviet Leatherette leggings also from Spree.co.za (shop here)

Nike ZA sneakers from Sportscene

Accesorize Clutch

Witchery statement ring

Old Khaki scarf (old)

Forever New Chunky necklace

Caio for now, 

RuBe xoxo

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Winter Flannel

Hi readers, 

I hope everyone has been keeping warm as Cape Town is now officially in the grip of an icy Winter. This past week has been super cold, the kids have commenced exams, a family funeral followed later in the week by a pamper day, has made it an emotional but full week. The plummeting temperatures have brought the coats out of hiding; longer length boots, flannels, faux furs and leather have all made their appearance this week. I love textures and Winter is the perfect example to wear a mix of textures, fabrics and layer them in attempt to keep warm, looking stylish at the same time.

You would have noticed that my last couple of posts have focused on looking stylish without having to shop all the time, which means buying smartly and wearing classic pieces which won't date easily.

I have two teenage sons who are growing at an alarming rate and I find myself constantly updating their wardrobe as they outgrow things in the blink of eye. This has inevitably led to less shopping for me, as used to be the case when they were little babies where money was spent on nappies, wardrobes several times a season and other baby essentials. As they grow into teenagers it's like the cycle has started again, they now consume a LOT more food, grow like weeds and have expensive essential needs (like school and music equipment as well as sports togs and equipment every season!).

Today's look features a fleece lined leather pants and suede studded booties I bought two Winters ago.  I would have stressed the importance of good leather boots in a previous posts, and these babies show how good a quality pair of boots can last a few seasons (even if it is suede!) In this outfit, the only recent purchase is this oversized flannel shirt which I picked up in the men's section (for that oversized look) on a sale table at Mr Price. It's a typical trendy piece, which may or may not see next Winter, but because I picked it up a steal it really isn't a big deal. Even my silver necklace, pearls and earrings are good quality and have been in my jewellery collection for years, the statement ring though has been bought in the last year.

So get into action and start sorting those wardrobes, or building them with good classics, especially for those times when its difficult to shop for entire new wardrobes every season ;-D 

My outfit:

Flannel Shirt  Mr Price (shop here for similar)

Woolworths leather pants (shop here for similar)

Suede boots bought at an online store no longer in existence (non leather similar pair here)

Paul's Boutique Bag from Asos- 5 years old (now available on Takealot)

Old Khaki scarf (shop Old Khaki scarves here)

Giorgio Armani sunglasses from Sunglass Hut

Statement ring from Rebel Funk

Old Pearls and Silver necklace 

Caio for now, 

RuBe xoxo

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Maxidress and leather

Hello again lovely readers!

This has been a whirlwind week, with so much happening and I find myself exhausted beyond belief at the end of the day! I sometimes wonder how I managed to hold it all together with a full time career as well…. and then I realise that I actually didn’t! The stress and burnout eventually caught up with me and my body gave me some warning signs- lesson learnt- listen to your body.

The problem is I cannot be idle, my brain struggles to shut down properly so I can have a good nights sleep, I can’t nap during the day and don’t even know the meaning of the word CHILL. The list of things to do pop into my head at any moment and the anxiety sets in if I missed anything on that ‘list’! I know this may sound crazy, and since going on sabbatical I’ve tried to work really hard to be more relaxed, and to fight the urge to control everything. Needless to say, its still a work in progress, I believe it always will be. I hope one day I will find that place… where I can shut down and have some internal peace.

Today’s look is one that I threw together on the spur of the moment, one where I thought very little about it, and just ran out the door with my jacket in my hand. It’s indicative of a more relaxed and peaceful ME.

My outfit:

Michelle Ludek dress from Zando

Indian Fair leather jacket

Shoes own import

ZARA handbag

Scarf old

River Island earrings

Zuri bracelets

Caio for now, 

RuBe xoxo

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Tropical print & Leather

Hi Beautiful Readers,

When the weather turns this bad just before Spring, it’s time to look forward to days when the sun comes out and warms the soul. Spring brings the hope of renewal, of nature showing us that there is a beautiful stillness after storm. In the same way, after a really dark time, whether it be mental or physical, hold onto the faith that better things are to come. 

The death of funny man Robin Williams, and the reports of his depression just prior to his death, has highlighted the debilitating nature of this disease. The importance is to be aware of the symptoms, to keep an eye out for the signs and offer support. It is such an overlooked disease, affecting all ages, all cultures. As a mum to teenagers, I am particularly alert to this, having heard enough horror stories of teen suicide. 

Its real.

Today’s post is aimed at brightening the mood and clothes can always lift my spirits. Floral is a big trend for Spring, and so are jumpsuits. I’ve paired this one with a lambskin jacket and my metallic heels for a festive feel.

My outfit:

MrP Jumpsuit (last year)

Leather jacket own import

Stylemology heels

Scarf from Bespoke Hijabi

Accessorize necklace

Ted Baker iPad cover (used as a clutch)

Silver earrings and ring old

Ciao for now, 

RuBe xoxo

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Plaid and THAT pop of colour

Hi beautiful readers, 

As we near the end of Ramadaan, I am filled with a wistfulness, knowing full well that life returns to normal pretty soon. The spiritual air will start to fade as the hectic schedules sets in and it will once again be a memory of a beautiful month spent in increased worship and reflecting on all my blessings. I trust all my readers who observe this month have had the opportunity to enjoy and reap the rewards of this auspicious month.

The cold weather also helped, as it fostered the need to stay indoors - also easier to keep the kids from playing their physical sports and rather spend the time in recitation!

Today’s look was from before Ramadaan but also a cold, wet and dreary day. After a few snaps our photo shoot was rained out! 

I have once again worn the leather pants, dressed up this time with some fuschia heels and a blazer.

My outift:

Woolworths leather pants

ZARA Blazer

GCouture plaid shirt (old)

Nine West heels

Pauls Boutique bag from Asos

Woolworths hat

Bracelets ZURI

Forever New Spike earrings 

Woolworths necklace

Elizabeth Arden lips

Ciao for now,

RuBexoxo

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