The last of the trench

Hello again lovely readers, 

I am back in blogging mode, although this week is not much faring better than last week. This week I am reflective, questioning and trying to make sense of things. The school holidays have started and in a way I am thankful for the mundane routine of caring for the boys as it fills the moments, offering some form of distraction. I am not a morose person by nature, and gloomy dispositions do not usually last long nor do they suit my nature. I am very capable of finding something to be grateful for, something to celebrate or just finding the joy in little things. 

Today dawned cheerless and overcast, so I decided to turn this dismal day into a positive one, and spent some quiet time earlier this morning working in the garden. I was hopeful to be able to go out and spend some time with the kids, but you know, life (aka contractors keeping me stuck at home). The chirping of the birds, dew on the grass and smell of fresh earth gave me a renewed sense of peace, a sense that ultimately there is always sun around the corner. 

Moments of sadness are all  part of the journey of life….

Today’s lookpost is one taken a few weeks ago, when we still had heavy rain. I thought it would be appropriate to share today, I probably won’t be wearing this 4 year old trench soon anyways.

Outfit details:

Mishah Trench (old)

Country Road sweatshirt and tights (old)

Trenery ponti skirt (old)

Woolworths booties

Lovely Legit necklace

KissMyHeels handbag

Beaded necklace by Lovisa

Honey ring

Scarf overseas purchase

Caio for now, 

RuBe xoxo

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Reflections on loss

Hi beautiful readers,

These past two weeks have been a real emotional roller coaster, so much that I have often been in a really sombre mood. Dealing with illness of a parent, mortality and the death of a relative puts everyday things in perspective. I have not been in the frame of mind for fashion blogging or anything of the sort, I felt the need to purge these sober thoughts by penning them, so to speak.

Illness of a parent brings scary visions to mind, you see them as mortals and prone to the effects of the passing of time. The reality is that illness can strike at anytime and we are all vulnerable.
This is the time one reflects on things, life goes by so fast and is filled with so many ‘obligations’ that it is important to remember to be present. 
Life is transient, savour it.

After a week of tumultous hospital visits, Dad came home to recuperate, and even though we were relieved, the fear does not fade entirely. Its like the picture you had of your parent has been permanently altered and your world along with it.

Death of a relative, whom you have spent a fair amount of time with is hard, your grief is  unacknowledged as you are not the child, sibling or parent. Your sense of loss is different, it’s an internal sadness for the family, it’s a solemn reminder that we should do all we can for the ill and elderly. At times I think of her and smile at the memories, grateful that I could say a prayer at her bedside hours before she passed.

My belief is that one should enjoy every moment, every experience, every day - I try to live this way. And I have found that when I tend to stray from this code, there’s always a reminder to bring me back onto this path.

My message today:

LIVE every moment
LAUGH every day
LOVE beyond words

Ciao 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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Spree Spring/Summer 2014 Lookboard event

Just over a week ago I attended the Spree Spring/ Summer Lookboard event which was held at the Brundyn Gallery in Central Town.

Upon entering the event, one could feel the tangible excitement of fashionistas from all over Cape Town. The guests included, press, celebrities, bloggers and photographers who all blended together in an array of dazzling fashion. People were mingling, chatting animatedly, taking selfies, posing for photographers and enjoying the cocktails and food on offer.

“Fashion producer Deon Redman and Spree’s Fashion Director Chris Viljoen worked their magic to create a fashion experience that few will forget. Striking models posed on raised plinths against a backdrop of magnificent illuminate white paper flowers- a refreshing departure from traditional runway shows. Guests assumed the role of fashion photographers- forming a paparazzi style crowd around the installation.”

The Spree Boutique was also launched at this Lookboard event, and aims at making designer wear accessible via an online portal. This boutique will carry designs of Marianne Fassler, Gert-Johan Coetzee, Kluk CGDT, Thula Sindi and Clive Rundle. I am particularly drawn to Thula Sindi’s & Kluk CGDT designs, with its beautiful fusion of design and colour with unbelievable fabrics.

My favourite KluK CGDT creation

A Thula Sindi design I can definitely  see myself in

All photos courtesy of Spree

And then some more:

Taking a moment with Yumna and Iptishaam

With Twala N’Gambi, Angel, and Fatima

Thanks to Spree for the great evening and delivering on awesome fashion as always!

Ciao for now,

RuBe xoxo

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