Modest Oversized OOTD

Hello again lovelies, 

The crop top has been the rage all summer and since I'm more of a modest fashionista I haven't really followed the crop top trend. Until I found this oversize boxy embossed top on one of my favourite online stores, Spree. The main thing that caught my eye with this top, was not really the fact that it was a crop, but more the beautiful embossed fabric. I am a huge fan of prints, beautiful fabrics and the way they drape, so it's important to me what the fabric composition is. Which brings me to a few tips I feel will be helpful for those contemplating online shopping (locally or internationally).

One of the significant factors (for me personally) when buying online is to check the care guide to determine the quality and durability of the fabric. Since I cannot touch and feel it, I need to ensure that it is of good quality and will retain its shape after washing- its also very important that light coloured items are not only dry cleanable. This just works out way too pricey!

An additional tip, is to know your measurements in cm's, as brands sizes vary, Australian and American brands are usually bigger, and try to familiarise yourself with European vs South African sizes. I even take it a step further and measure my foot dimensions too, in the case of purchasing shoes from overseas online stores, ensuring a perfect fit. 

As a fashionista, I love new trends and fashions, but I will bypass certain ones, comfortable in the fact that it will not suit me, my  body type or my personality. I tend to frequent international online stores as they are usually ahead of the trend curve. In doing so I have learnt some important lessons such as the importance of knowing your exact measurements, asking questions about the fabric, delivery lead times and whether customs is paid upfront (this is a very important question as customs duties are exceptionally high! A maximum of 54% including VAT).

A very important aspect of buying from international online stores is to ensure the reliability of the store and that you have a money back guarantee. Whilst it may very hard to return an international parcel, the reputable online stores offer a full refund and this generally will put my mind at ease when needing to make payment.

This outfit features my online purchase, which I was very impressed with since it was very well priced and the quality of the fabric was really good. It also washes and retains the shape perfectly!

I paired it with a grungy boyfriend jeans, silver sandals and a striped tank to add interest to the embossed fabric.

My outfit:

Oversized crop by Spree

Woolworths boyfriend jeans (buy similar styles here)

Mimco Sandals (shop here)

Chanel handbag bought abroad

Silk Scarf old

Ziba Styles necklace

Witchery statement ring (shop here)

Caio for now, 

RuBe xoxo

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Some scary realisations & Jumpsuit print

Hi Readers, 

This has been quite a week, I have come to the realisation that my first born is growing into a young adult. I’ve spent the greater part of the week recovering from the flu, ensuring he goes to physio to heal his ankle (sprained for the 5th time in a year) and taking him to rehab fitness training in an attempt to get him ready for his Holland tour in just over a month. We have been on separate continents before, but he has always been the one at home with family taking care of him. This time, I will be home and he will be abroad - without either parent - which is a first. It means my boy will be thousands of kilometres away playing hockey,  and I won’t be there to watch him… *cue silent sobbing*

As babies they go through separation anxiety, and I now find myself on the verge of it myself. My baby is growing up and going into the big world on his own for the very first time. I know he will have teachers, chaperones and coaches, but he won’t have ME! We have roughly a month to calm me down, and for me to get used to the idea…. Wish me luck!

Today’s lookpost was taken on a scorcher of a day, one where we had to get dressed up for a very fancy dinner.  I was not keen on something stiff so this was the perfect alternative to a dress. It’s no secret that I have been sucked in by the jumpsuit trend, and this one is made of silk, is very loose (thus modest) and the print so pretty. Of course, I paired it with my favourite heels of the moment- I realise I’m going to have to give them a break soon- I’ve been wearing them to death!

Outfit details:

Jumpsuit by Spree

ZARA Heels own import

Jo Borkett scarf

Accesorize clutch

Victoria Secret angel wings necklace

Lips by Dior

Bracelets by Tiffany and Guess

Caio for now, 

RuBe xoxo

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Tropical Midi

Dear readers, 

Exams are finally over! And I feel so relieved one would swear I had been writing these past few weeks. I am grateful to have made it through and now my home can resume its normal routine.

November has been a whirlwind, with the year starting to shut down and preparations for the new school year begin. In the same way, life starts to wind down in all aspects, people start to feel the burn of the year - that inevitable pause looming upon the horizon. Even if there is no leave, at least the public holidays provide a respite from the work routine.

Cape Town is already getting into the holiday mode. The moment the lights are up, malls are adorned in all their festive glory and the beaches start to fill, you know that vacation time has arrived! So let us all start winding down to the end of the year - enjoying the staff parties, the secret Santa exchanges and Christmas carols blaring in the stores. To those needing to do gift shopping- good luck! To those needing to entertain kids - GOOD LUCK!

Today’s look was an outfit worn to a launch and it was a real scorcher of a day although rather windy (in true Cape Town style). I was feeling summery and whimsical, so decided to pair a hat and braid with my tropical skirt and my chunky Forever New pretties.

My outfit:

Michelle Ludek top from Zando

Skirt from Legit

Woolworths hat

Forever new heels

MrP neckpiece

Gifted cuff

Ted Baker bag from Stuttafords

Giorgio Armani sunglasses from Sunglass Hut

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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