A Winter stock take

Happy Friday readers! (And it’s a gorgeous one too)

We have had such a beautiful week weather wise that it’s hard to believe we had a brief encounter with Winter last week! It has prompted me to start to start the seasonal stock take of my wardrobe, as I find myself at a loss in terms of co-ordinating warmer outfits. It feels as if my brain did not grasp the sudden onset of Winter after being on vacation in tropical heat. 

In an attempt to make getting dressed easier, I usually do a seasonal stock take. This helps to pack away summer wear and evaluate what I’ve worn this past summer and what hasn’t been worn. I also know what is in my wardrobe for winter, and if required, what I need (would like) to purchase. 

So if you’re struggling to find outfits generally, a stock take is what you need. 

Since I do this each season, it’s easy for me to swap my seasonal pieces around. This ‘swap’ involves moving last season (Summer) clothes to the higher shelves and bringing the upcoming/ current seasons clothes to eye level. The idea is to be able to see whats in the closet. If you’re low on space, pack them into storage (usually transparent plastic storage boxes work in case you need anything).

Here’s my process:

1. Unpack everything in the closet with the winter pieces top of mind.
2. Evaluate your summer pieces, in terms of the following:
• Have I worn it this season? 
• Will it transcend into next summer? i.e. still be trendy / relevant
• Is it a classic (valuable) piece?
• Check that all items are clean and in wearable condition before storing.
3. Evaluate the winter pieces in terms of the following:
• Is it still relevant this winter?
• Does it still fit?
• Is it still in good condition?
• Do I still love it?
4. When I pack it back into the closet I usually separate my pieces into work wear and leisurewear, but since leaving the corporate world they are interchangeable now. 
5. I hang all coats co-ordinated by colour and one per hanger.
6. Knits are folded and packed onto shelves as hanging them may cause them to be come misshaped.
7. Sandals are packed away (with dust overs if you have them) into boxes; and boots, sneakers and pumps are packed where they are visible. (This works with a walk in, but a shelved cupboard will work just as well).
8. I tackle underwear, socks and PJ drawers in the same way, this helps to get rid of pieces which have reached the end of their lifespan and look tatty.
9. Once all the pieces have been packed away and stored, my wardrobe is now done. I then take notes of what I need (want) for the upcoming season. 
10. Now when I shop, I know what is in the wardrobe and what I need to co-ordinate outfits. This helps to avoid buying similar pieces which I may have forgotten about.

Good luck! 

And if you’ve tried my suggestions, I would love to hear your thoughts.

Today’s lookpost is one for cooler weather, with pieces from previous seasons. I have bought some pieces for Winter abroad, so I haven’t really been shopping for winter yet. This cotton knit from ZARA is lightweight for Autumn, and pairs well with the boyfriend jeans. The heels add a sophisticated finish to an oversize outfit to prevent it from looking sloppy. 

Outfit details:

ZARA knit

Woolworths boyfriend jeans

Scarf gifted

Snakeskin Witchery heels

Michael Kors bag

Ralph Lauren sunglasses

Pearl cuff bracelet (old)

Caio for now,
RuBe xoxo

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Layering Sweats OOTD

Hello again Readers!

Ramadaan is now in full swing and I find myself busy with so many rewarding activities, I really feel at peace. This past week the Muslim community has been in an uproar over a certain blog post, and I feel that there has been a lot of energy wasted by getting enraged, which could have been channelled into good deeds instead. And that's all I have to say about that.

Rather, I'd like to say that for me this month is all about tranquillity -aside for the mad rush at Iftar (time we break fast) because my kids still have quite a few activities in the afternoons. I use this opportunity to not worry about food and mealtimes; which is something any mom to teenage boys can attest takes a lot of time in a normal day; and use the time for introspection and working on my own self. 

Life gets so busy we forget to take a long hard look at ourselves, being so caught up in the world around us, in unneccesary scandals and what other people are getting up to. If we are to set an example for the next generation, lets set a standard of trying to better ourselves instead of focussing on the ills of others. Everyone is struggling with their own baggage and demons, of which we are not aware.... 

This world will really be a better place if we all just took the time out to help just one person- something I have repeated to my sons more often this month. I can only hope that they take the message forward...

And onto today's lookpost- with the cold weather upon us, I have taken to layering as a means of keeping warm. Especially since I find myself running around from meetings in really warm, heated offices, my warm car, to cold crisp walks when parking far from your destination. I am trying to slow down on meetings this month, and so have gotten used to my sweats, but when I need to run out, I throw on a coat and a pair of boots... and voila! my casual look is transformed. I bought this coat in Dubai in December (in the kids section) and of course the MK handbag has obviously become a favourite.

My outifit:

New Look Coat (Dubai) find similar here

Spree Sweatpants (buy similar here)

PnP sweat top

Mimco boots

Michael Kors Handbag

Rebelfunk Scarf

Various old necklaces

Freebie Sunglasses 

Caio for now, 

RuBe xoxo

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Sunset Shirtdress

Hi again readers!

And a Ramadan Kareem to those readers observing the holy month.

Ramadan is a special time for all Muslims around the world, and particularly for me as I reflect on so many things and engage in activities which make me feel closer to Allah (God). It is a time when I withdraw in a sense, focused on the purpose of this month and share important lessons with the kids. We sacrifice more than just food and drink from dawn to dusk, this is merely a state of being to bring us to realisations of worldly things which unnecessarily consume our time. I love the peace and tranquillity of this month, made so much more special by the fact that I am home. I am able to fulfil many of my objectives I set for myself in this month; and it is even better with the kids home on school holidays. 

I wish that all those fasting experience the month in a blessed manner, absorbed with all the good that this month has to offer. 

In the spirit of Ramadan, where sunset is very important (when we break fast) my OOTD lookpost has been timed to just before sunset. The outfit was chosen for an early breakfast date, turned out to be appropriately timed for today's post. Also in line with my current Winter theme of using existing piece to look stylish, at the same time bearing in mind the theme of charity in this month. If it hasn't been worn in more than a year, time to donate to those less fortunate. 

This Shirtdress has been in my wardrobe for a couple of seasons, a tribute to classic lines offered by Trenery, despite the high price tag. Shirtdresses are bang on trend at the moment and can be worn dressed up, and even with sneakers for a more laid back look. A truly versatile piece in any wardrobe, and perfect for a modest or hijabi fashionista. 

رمضان كريم

My outfit:

Trenery Shirtdress

Country Road leather boots (old)

Urban quilted leather jacket from Asos

Cotton on snood (available this season again)

Michael Kors bag

Scarf from a Style Society stall 

Various stacked bracelets

Dolce & Gabanna Sunglasses from Sunglass Hut

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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Farewell to Winter with a detox

Hi beautiful readers, 

Winter is finally behind us, and it’s time to get ready for Summer and vacations, yay!

Today marks the end of a serious 10 day detox programme that I’ve been on and I have to say it has been hard, but I can really feel a difference. 

This detox exercise started some time ago with a detox of the mind, last months focus on yoga and meditation really cleansed my mind. It helped me focus on what’s important, especially after an illness, one does tend to take stock of things. Thereafter a detox of life, cleaning up things which don’t add value and issues which are not worth expending energy on. 

Finally, a physical detox which involved a 10 day cleanse and eliminating caffeine, sugar, wheat, red meat, poultry, dairy, all gluten products from my diet and consuming mostly fresh fruit and vegetables- preferably all organic. Initially I thought it would be really hard, but it was actually bearable aside from missing my morning coffee :-( A few essentials from the Wellness Warehouse helped me along the way and I have emerged!

From tomorrow, I will slowly start introducing a few of these back into my diet, but I feels loads better- lighter and unburdened in a way.

So today’s lookpost is the last of my winter looks… with this coat which I foresee will continue being active next winter.

My outfit:

Jacket own import

Pnp Jeggings

Adidas Grazelle sneakers

Guess Striped knit

Cotton On beanie

Rings various

Aldo earrings

Ciao for now, 

RuBe xoxo

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Hello cooler weather

I love the cooler weather, the chill in the air brings with it ,thoughts of fleece lined blankets, hot chocolate and duvet days. Time to bring out the layers, long boots, chunky knits, woollen scarves and beanies.

The reality of winter is, my kids play winter soccer (aargh), which actually means layers and layers of warm clothing. It actually means rising really early in the cold , the duvet day/ weekend nothing but a dream, and cheering from the sidelines. I unfortunately have to settle for that hot chocolate in the rain, wearing waterproof clothing, gloves....and scarves...and beanies and anything to keep out the chill. And of course the umbrella and Wellies are never too far off. We've been spending our Saturday mornings in this fashion for almost 10 years, so its already a way of life.

So I've started to haul out some winter warmers... By the way, there are amazing deals on boots right now its hard making a choice...Pity I can't have it all! I also have so many from previous seasons, which will fit in perfectly with latest trends.

Here I have paired a Woolworths boyfriend cardi, with leather look pockets with a skinny jeans and Country Road boots bought a few winters ago.

I am wearing:

Beanie, Jeans, Cardigan all from Woolworths

T-Shirt by Linx (Zando)

Boots Country Road

Louis Vuitton scarf

Suede bag by Country Road

Ciao for now,

RuBexoxo

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