Bespoke by WH OOTD

 Happy Friday readers!

I trust everyone had a wonderful week, and to those who took time off during the school holidays, I hope you found the time for some R&R. The weather has been lovely, and my lighter layers and colours are front in the closet again. Last weekend I participated as a stylist in a pop up store hosted by House of Bespoke by WH and had such fun spending time with some amazing, strong women. Waseefa is truly an inspiration, with her bubbly personality and great business sense. She has a keen eye for detail, prides herself on quality and which is apparent when one meets her in person. She exudes grace and carries herself with quiet elegance. 

We first met via the blogging platform about a year or so ago, and even though she resides in Johannesburg, it’s a special friendship that has blossomed; and when we see each other it feels like we’re just resuming a conversation. Another special soul, Fatima, from Few and Far Collections, also exhibited at the pop up store and we took the opportunity to catch up in between shoppers. Since meeting Fatima, a few months ago, we have forged a friendship which is easy and comfortable. Every time we get together we discover a little more we have in common, a little more that strengthens the bonds of friendship. 

As I have mentioned in previous posts, I have been on a journey, which has been internally focused for a while now. It has brought peace, a sense of direction and healing to my life, but along with that I  have inadvertently found myself surround by strong, selfless and inspiring women. There’s an underlying kinship that has sprung up, without much having to be said and even less needing to be done. I am so grateful to have found these gems, these kindred spirits and that our paths have crossed at just the right time.

The aim of the pop up store was to showcase and introduce Waseefa’s collection to Cape Town, and I am really impressed; I cannot wait for these pieces to be readily available in our city. The latest collection is on trend with strong a seventies, bohemian feel. Her pieces sport fringe, suede fabrics and shift dresses which are beautiful and modest. Check out the latest collection here and they’re also available at The Space in Rosebank.

Her Parisian Winter collection was on sale as well, and I grabbed this beautiful burgundy pencil skirt in the most luxurious fabric. I paired it with a textured crop (since its a high waisted skirt, the crop worked perfectly) and my Witchery First Edition cape. I added some sneakers for an everyday casual look, which the soft drapes of the cape just reinforces. This look demonstrates how one can dress a pencil skirt down for every day; add a pair of heels, a blazer and shirt and it’s ready for the office.

Outfit:

Witchery First Edition Cape

Spree Embossed crop top (shop here - now on SALE!)

House of Bespoke by WH pencil skirt

Stan Smith Adidas sneakers

Scarf old

Vogue sunglasses from Sunglass Hut (shop similar here)

Necklace old

Swarovski bracelet from Spilhaus (shop here)

Warehouse Sling bag from Asos (old) (shop similar here)

Caio for now, 

RuBe xoxo

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Spring Jumpsuit Eid

Hello again readers, 

It seems like this year has just started and in a flash we're in October. Even Eid seems like ages ago and my Eid OOTD feels a tad late hehe!

This time of the year, I can really feel the fatigue and this year is no exception. It has been an extremely eventful year for me (in the very best way) and I look back to a year ago with the realisation that our personal growth never stops. Finding purpose and inner peace is a journey that one travels along throughout life. I have really made some huge strides this year personally, and I aim to use what I've learnt to inspire and assist others. Most importantly, these lessons I have learnt will help me be a better person, better parent and more accepting of who I am. 

When we open ourselves up to learning and improving ourselves we certainly set the best example for our kids. We teach them by example, the example that one is never done learning, that enriching and broadening our minds is the key to living life as the best version of you. 

By the time Eid arrived, I had just experienced a trying week, which ended (post Eid) with a very good friend's passing the Saturday. So I had not given my outfit much thought, until I had finished my baking ritual with my youngest and food preparation towards our Eid feast. By 10h30 I was finally free to pick something out of the closet, and I had this white jumpsuit in mind which hadn't been worn. (Another Spree.co.za online sale find.) Luckily the weather was perfect for this Spring outfit, and paired with these sandals I found on sale at ZARA some time ago.

When the evening chill set in, I threw my A Sense of Style sequinned cardigan for that light Spring coverage. 

Morning Eid family photo 

First opportunity to take a couple photo... 

The sequinned cardigan worked well over the jumpsuit

Outfit details:

A-List jumpsuit (with embellishment) from Spree.co.za (buy here)

A Sense of Style sequinned cardigan
Fabulous in Hijab Mesh top 

ZARA heels

Accessorize clutch

River Island scarf

Forever New Earrings

Desray diamante bracelet

Caio for now, 

RuBe xoxo

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SS15 with Human Image & RuBe's Closet

Hello readers, 

I hope this short week has been a good one, it has been another rollercoaster for me. Just when I find myself on an even keel, a few more things come hurling at me and derails emotional progress. This week has taken a lot of energy to try and stay focused on each day. My challenge has been to address issues effectively with the final goal of feeling safe. 

Safe. 

A word that carries so much meaning, and is sometimes just as difficult to obtain. Nonetheless, I choose to focus on positive things and people; people who inspire and support.

Last week, I was invited to participate in the launch of the Spring Summer '15 range of Human Image - as wardrobe consultant and stylist for RuBe's Closet. Aysha Allie, the designer behind Human Image, is someone whom I've met along this journey, embodies empowerment- not just because she does great work, but also because she is selfless, and eager to empower and assist others. 

Her range includes some beautiful, light maxi dresses and shirt dresses, longer length structured white shirts and structured tailored pants. All of these are manufactured using quality fabrics, with the aim that it will last and look good for a while to come. 

Her philosophy ties in closely with mine- mindful, smart shopping- which means investing in really good basic pieces (which can be found at her home studio). The great part of her range is that pieces can be tailor made to fit your exact measurements. 

The Launch took place at her home studio, themed as a Spring brunch. 

Aysha told us about her new range, her collaboration with Gadija Khan; and the fabrics she's introduced and embraced, with the idea of making items affordable as well as classic. 

I then introduced my wardrobe consulting, getting a tad emotional whilst doing it- since it was the first official introduction of my 'baby'! Thank you to all the wonderful souls for their encouragement and kind words, it restores my faith in human kindness. (I guess corporate can sometimes make one cynical). Thank you Aysha, Lamees, Gadija, Leila, Natalie, Roshan, Namreen and Imrah for the support on the day!

Doctor Leila then touched on the importance of sunscreen, and recommended Heliocare, a range which really impressed me. A sunscreen, suitable for all skin types, which is also available in a tinted formulation... She even spoke about a tablet/ capsule which can be ingested for skin protection! 

Overall it was a beautiful morning spent with stunning ladies. 

To purchase any pieces from The Human Image Range, please get in touch with Aysha on 0723711695 or visit her studio at 65 4th Avenue Rondebosch East.

The suncreen will also be available to purchase from Ayesha for a limited period. 

Alternatively visit Leila's practice  for the recommended sunscreen at 16 Forest Drive, Pinelands, Tel: 021 8242170.

The only photo I have of myself... and it's a selfie with the gorgeous Namreen! 

Caio for now,

RuBe xoxo

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Glam the Dress24 Way

Happy Friday Dear Readers!

Yesterday I participated in a launch were I introduced my wardrobe consulting with a local designer and it was quite an emotional moment for me. The idea that amazing women- the designer (more about this will be shared in another post) and marketer were open to promoting me selflessly was really heartwarming. 

The fact that they welcomed me without question and trusted that I had the same vision as them is special and so rare to find that I am really grateful to have met such inspiring women. It brings to mind the importance of empowering fellow female entrepreneurs, as it is with a combined sense of purpose that we can rejoice in one another's successes. 

Celebrate each others successes. 

Help each other out in times of need.

And be there as a shoulder to cry on when things get rough.

With Eid less than a week away, matric balls on the horizon and wedding season fast approaching , I introduce Dress24. A business owned by a fellow female entrepreneur who imports the most exquisite evening gowns. After having had difficulty sourcing a dress for a family wedding she decided to bring in these  evening dresses, which cater for everyone, from the "pint-sized" fashionista to expectant mommies. The gowns are all runway inspired, by the likes of Valentino, Naeem Khan and Zuhair Murad. The detail is gorgeous, bead work the best quality and they can even add that sleeve or slip to make it more modest.  You are able to browse the online store from the comfort of your home and measurements of the dresses are readily available to ensure the perfect fit.

Today's featured dress is one I've been coveting since seeing it on Instagram and the actual dress is every bit as beautiful as I imagined it. Give them a follow as she runs specials and discounts on the Instagram page.  Regular readers will know my love for sequins, and this column dress is covered in sequins, with a beaded mesh overlay. For an extra dramatic effect, it has a flowing train (mine has been shortened quite a bit). Since the mesh was a bit transparent at the top, I added a mesh undergarment for added coverage, it worked perfectly!

Dress24 has generously offered a 10% discount to all RuBe's Closet readers, just enter the code "RUBERELOADED" on checkout. So, if you have that family wedding you just have to look drop dead gorgeous for, your own engagement, or an upcoming matric ball of a family member, share this deal! 

My Outfit:

Dress24 Evening gown

Nine West heels

Clutch purchased on a cruise ship

Honey earrings

Silk scarf (old)

Country Road ring

Wimsy scarf pin

Caio for now, 

RuBe xoxo

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