Modesty doesn't confine me

Welcome Spring!

We have once again had several seasons this week, even today started out very gloomy and right now the sun has come and made a guest appearance. 

With the warmer weather approaching, I thought I'd touch on what modesty embodies for me. Warmer weather usually signals the shedding of layers and showing more skin and for some it proves to be a challenge in trying to dress modestly without feeling hot and bothered. 

 I am part of a dynamic group of women who feel passionately about modesty, and who believe it should be embraced and celebrated. These #iFashSouthAfrica ladies are all different, in character, personality, age and occupation. The aim is to inspire women of all backgrounds and ages to be proudly modest and not to let it inhibit their style or individuality.

To me, modesty is more than the clothes one wears, it is the way a woman carries herself and conducts herself each day. It is in the way she speaks, in her daily interactions with others; I would call it an inner grace. I believe that modesty shines through the clothes, it can be seen and felt, tangibly a part of the individual. 

While dressing demurely is a big part of modesty, it is NOT modesty. Clothes enhance the character of a person, and can be seen in the different style each person possesses. 

Our iFash photoshoot clearly represents that we are all very different individuals and yet we are all modest in our own way. However, we have the same belief systems and grace which shines through when interacting with others, it is even highlighted and visible in the photos.

Being modest does not inhibit me, instead I am comfortable to be myself, the best version each and every day. 

Being modest does not confine me, instead it gives me the confidence to fearlessly work towards my goals. 

Being modest does not oppress me, instead I feel empowered, knowing that I am valued for who I am.

Being modest has not changed me in any way, instead I have found the true essence of who I am. 

Keep an eye out for more to come from our fierce, modest iFash South Africa team! 

Our photographer @MohammadRawootCouture did an amazing job with the photos, wouldn't you agree?

iFash South Africa representatives:

Rushda Behardien aka RuBe's Closet

Roshan Isaacs aka Chic Turban Styling

Fatima Wise aka MeMrsMe

Laaiqah Isaacs aka SouthernHijaabian

Check us out on Instagram!

Group Selfie!

Behind the scenes

My outfit:

Coat from AllthingsGlam

Banana Republic shirt from Stuttafords

ZARA jeans

Vince Camuto heels

Lovisa earrings

River Island scarf

Caio for now, 

RuBe xoxo

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The Cape Trend

Happy Friday readers!

We're fast approaching the middle of June, it's really unbelievable that we are half through 2015! I hope this year has gone by as planned for everyone and that you've attained those goals, I have certainly had an interesting first half and am hopeful that the rest of the year will as productive as I intend. All that aside, let's focus on the latest trend that I am totally loving. The Cape Trend or Shawl Trend, whichever item you'd like to use. It's the perfect accompaniment to complete a modest outfit, it's loose fitting (so hides some of those Winter evils), warm and so easy and comfortable to wear. It would suit most body types and can be worn casually, everyday as I have paired it here or belted over a shift with heels.

This particular shawl was bought at Monserrate, Bogota Colombia during one of hubby's business trips. It has been in my wardrobe for about 7 years and I've worn it occasionally, it's obviously been kept in good condition because of the sentimental value it has. It reminds me of hubby's trip to Bogota, and how petrified I was (for his safety), having only heard horror stories of what happens to tourists over there. I was back home, with three boys (all under the age of 10) and constantly in a state of anxiety - the time difference was inconvenient, and Skype only possible occasionally between his daytime meetings. Thinking back on it now, it's amazing how small the world has actually become, with FaceTime possible on mobile phones, WiFi available anywhere and of course social media. One can have a quick face to face chat wherever you have Internet access.

I love individual pieces which have a story attached to it, so that when I wear it there's some meaning behind the outfit and memories to go with it. Two key pieces in this outfit are from a few seasons ago, namely the denim shirt dress (about 5 years old) and the shawl. The Timberland boots were bought during my December holiday to Dubai for an amazing price- their sales are an absolute must for any bargain loving fashionista!

My outfit:

Shawl Gifted

Country Road Chambray shirt dress

Spree Ponti and faux leather leggings

Timberland boots

Leather clutch (old)

Beanie (old)

Rebel Funk Neckpiece

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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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