Caped & pleated

 Dress from Richard Nicoll. Shoes from Christian Louboutin. Silver cuffs from Lindex

This pink, pleated cape dress is very cool & interesting - Don't you think pairing it with cuffs on both arms gives it a stylish "superhero" feel? (I must admit, i'd definitely feel the urge to wear this outfit when I go watch the new X-men movie *winks*)

photo found over here

Happy Weekend!

“Keep your face always toward the sunshine,  

and shadows will fall behind you.” - Walt Whitman

Have a wonderful Friday and a happy weekend x

- image from here -

Follow the ringing

This morning I got in my car, put my cellphone on my lap (I had just been babbling on it) and drove off for work. As I was zooming along,  I took a sharp corner and my cellphone went flying across the car. At the time I was trying hard not to knock over idiotic pedestrians, so I didn't notice where it landed....

When i finally made it to my work parking spot I looked for my phone - I looked under the seats, under the mats, in all my bags....but alas, no phone. I  climbed out my car, and for a split second I contemplated leaving my phone in the car to fend for itself,  Then I climbed quickly back into the car and began madly searching (I may suffer from phone seperation anxiety). Just then I had a brilliant thought: I need another phone, so I can call my phone. I scanned the parking lot for signs of life. Then, as I was about to give up hope, I spotted the parking lot manager dude and quickly trotted over to him .....

Me: Hi there..helloooo! *waving* Can i pleeeaaase use your phone?
Parking dude: ummm, ok. Why?
Me: I have to call my phone
Parking dude: your phone?
Me: Yes, my phone. you see, I lost it in my car
Parking dude: In your own car?
Me: Yes, in my own car. You see, I was drivng along, it went flying and now it's just vanished into thin air.
Parking dude: ok...*raises an eyebrow at me*
Me: I'll be back with your phone in just a minute
Parking dude: ok *grins and hands me phone*


I went to my car and called my phone. I tried to follow the ringing - but the ringing sounded like it was coming from everywhere (weird, i know). After a few minutes the parking dude arrived and proceeded to try help me....

We called my phone about three or four times before we actually found the phone, which was was super well hidden under one of my seats like a sneaky ninja (true story). By the time we found it the nice parking dude was laughing so much (at me, i'm sure) and I was very late.

Darlings, the moral of the story is - don't drive fast with your phone on your lap ;)

Bow jewellery giveaway

Today I am happy to announce the start of a fabulous giveaway sponsored by Lola & Cash Jewellery (which is based in Cape Town)

The winner will receive a bow necklace & bow studs (so pretty!):

Description: The pendant measures 2cm high & 3cm across and is made of sterling silver. The bow earrings measure around 2cm wide & 1.5cm high and are made from 0.9mm sterling silver wire & soldered to sturdy ear pins. Both pieces are handmade.

HOW TO ENTER:

1. Be a follower of this blog (FB or twitter, etc), THEN please go look at Lola & Cash's Etsy store HERE and let me know (in the comments section) what you like best.

2. For an extra entry, go and "like" the Lola & Cash facebook group HERE (& please let me know that you did)

Please note: *Anyone may enter this giveaway * the winner will be chosen randomly *This giveaway will end on Monday, 13 June and the winner will be announced on Tuesday, 14 June. Good luck, darlings ;)



And the winner is...

The winner of the fabulous Vintage Lifestyle Magazine giveaway is.... *drum roll*... Heartstop! Congrats lady, please contact me soon :)

Note: a fabulous new giveaway will be starting sometime today.

Pretty, tiny apartment

The above apartment is only 40 square metres in size and is totally adorable (awesome bachelorette pad, huh?).

I am loving the velvet couch, the sliding door that seperates the lounge from the bedroom and the wall of shelves. 

To see more images of this apartment, trot over HERE

Celeb style: Kirsten Dunst

Kirtsten Dunst has been looking lovely during the Cannes Film Festival. She wore these two, fabulous outfits recently...

Left: Gorgeous Chanel dress, hot pink lips and embellished clutch

Right: Sunny Chloe dress and Jimmy Choo shoes

Happy Birthday to....

..... ME!

Note: A massive thank you to everyone who has sent me birthday love on twitter, facebook and via e-mail. I wish I could give you all a big hug x

The time I posed as a dinosaur in a magazine...

click image to enlarge

This month I am in the June 2011 issue of Fair Lady magazine, rambling about random things that I like and doing my best T-rex dinosaur impersonation.

If you don't have a copy yet, you should run out and buy one or subscribe to the digital edition - Other than the fact that I am in it, this month's issue is also full of pretty fashion, great beauty advice and interesting articles (as always)

On my bucket list... by Julia

Julia is part computer nerd (website here), part blogger (see her blog posts here), part baker extraordinaire, part couch potato and part shopaholic. She has an unhealthy obsession with spelling, cheesy pop music and her two, very rad (soon to be three) nieces. Today she will be sharing a few things from her bucket list. Enjoy...

In thinking about what it was I wanted to do over the course of my life, I realised that most of those things involved travel, which I'm sure most people can relate to. So instead of getting shmalzy and listing the obvious bucket list stuff like getting married and having babies (which is totally still true!) I thought I'd list the top ten essential destinations and experiences that I haven't yet been lucky enough to do....
(
1. Take a road trip from Miami to San Francisco, preferably in a classic car.
2. Watch the sun rise over the Serengeti while enjoying one of those amazing luxury safaris
3. Visit the Taj Mahal on a cultural and culinary tour of India
4. Spend a summer on the beach in a clapboard house in the Hamptons
5. See the Aurora Borealis while holding hands with my love
6. Travel between Bangkok and Singapore on the Eastern & Oriental Express
7. Ice skate at Rockefeller Centre in the falling snow at Christmas time in New York
8. Marvel first-hand at the beauty and scale of the Pyramids of Giza
9. Go to Hong Kong and shop 'til I drop
10. Learn to surf in Hawaii, drink cocktails on the beach and live island style.

Note: "On my bucket list..." is my current guest blogger series. Most weeks a lovely blogger will share things from their bucket list. to read other bucket lists, go HERE

Happy weekend!

"The very least you can do in your life is to figure out what you hope for. And the most you can do is live inside that hope. Not admire it from a distance but live right in it, under its roof. "

- Barbara Kingsolver (writer)

Hope you have a great Friday and a very happy weekend!

image from Vogue.com

Lovely & local

Here are some lovely, local things that have caught my eye recently...

1. Mohair woven throws - from Mohair Collection

2.  Cute necklaces - by Collect Jewellery

3. Pretty, white topaz silver ring  - by  Thula

4. Perspex and silver earrings - by Quench

5. Table napkins - by Skinny LaMinx

6. Black leather "Rita" bag - from Missibaba

7. Ceramic teddy bear - from Clementina

Street style inspiration

1. Cute, girly look 

2. 70's vibe - liking those jeans with the shirt & cardigan

  3. Biker chic - nice jacket (unsure about shiney legging though)

4.  Casual layering - nice

* All photos from Stockholm Street Style

Fabulous vintage giveaway

Today I am happy to announce the start of a fabulous giveaway sponsored by Vintage Lifestyle Magazine.

The lucky winner will receive ALL of these pretty things (very nice!)

Description of prizes: A Once-loved ( aka second-hand) beige Lacoste shopper, in perfect condition. A new, vintage styled, beaded burgundy clutch, a vintage pearl brooch (perfect for a coat or cape this winter) and a vintage gold heart necklace. All matching and all perfect for the winter ahead.

Note: Being South Africa's first ever vintage magazine, Vintage Lifestyle feels it is important to give back as well as to promote vintage/recycled in today's society.

HOW TO ENTER:

1. Be a follower of  this blog/twitter, THEN please trot over to Vintage Lifestyle Magazine HERE and tell me (in the comments section)which article you enjoyed most.
2. For an extra entry, "like" TheVintage Lifestyle facebook group HERE & comment on the wall "I love Vintage Lifestyle Mag" OR  tweet the following phrase: I just entered the fabulous @vintageLMag giveaway on @beingbrazen over here http://bit.ly/mROdoI -you should too.

Giveaway notes: *Anyone may enter this giveaway * the winner will be chosen randomly *This giveaway will end on Wednesday, 25 May and the winner will be announced on Thursday,  26 May. Good luck, darlings

 - THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED -

And the winner is...

The winner of the stunning, Edyn Collection giveaway is... *drum roll*... Batty Bake! Congrats lovely lady - Please e-mail me soon :)

Please note: Today I have another really fabulous giveaway starting on my blog - so please check back here for more details.

Me, today

Today I ...

(

... could use a few more hours of sleep and a manicure
... don't feel like doing my usual "10 things I learnt" post
... plan to go for a little jog tonight
... discovered that Chanel quilted bags even look good in lime green
... ate a bagel with cream cheese for lunch
... am thinking about my mother alot - She is off to Spain  today to do the Camino walk, again, for over a month (good luck mommy - miss you already x)
... wish I was having a better hair day
... am in a Florence & the Machine kinda mood
... would not mind living in Keri Russel's, stunning Manhatten duplex
... wore boots over jeans and a warm scarf
... may be addicted to using Whatsapp on my phone
... intend to drink a copious amount of tea

How are you today?

Good advice

Found via Tumblr

On my bucket list... by Jeannie

Today, Cape Town copywriter and new blogger, Jeannie  - from Heartstop - will be sharing a few things from her bucket list - Enjoy...

1. Marry the person who’s made me happy for the last 4.5 years on 17 December. Planning my wedding has been a completely dreamy experience. My hope for the day is that I can just let go and relish each moment, because moments are precious and fleeting, like shooting stars.


2. Have a library in my house. My love affair with books began early. I adore bookstores, second-hand bookstores, pretty much any written material I can get my hands on. I’d like a library with a ladder that swings from side to side à la Beauty and the Beast.

3. Have a place for my boots - One of my grievances in life is not having the space to hang all tops and display all boots. I think Carrie has set the bar for women the world over.

4. Visit the Taj Mahal - The only real architectural symbol of eternal ©, built by a tenacious man for the love of his life. I am so taken by this story, it makes me believe in romance and forever, and we all need a little romance. I need to see India at least once in this lifetime, to catch a glimpse of the tigers, walk the markets and tap into the pulse of this colourful place.

5. Have at least 1 child - And teach them kindness. And teach them to love books as much as I do.

6. Look at bubbles with different eyes - I want to be able to look at something like I’m looking at it for the first time.

7. Master Yoga - Just once I’d like to do a headstand for longer than a few seconds. Without images of serious injury going through my mind.

8. Watch old movies - This is a secret pleasure of mine. Best enjoyed with buttery, salty popcorn.

9. Wear a Brazilian bikini - I’m going to Thailand at the end of the year (YAY!) and my aim is shake what my mama gave me in a Brazilian bikini. I’m usually self-conscious, but not this time.

10. Put energy into Heartstop - I love blogging, I hope that my blog brings happiness to people. I wanted to create a site that you enjoy reading whilst drinking your morning coffee. My rule: no negativity, only loveliness.

Note: "On my bucket list..." is a weekly series. Each week a lovely blogger will share a few things from their bucket list. to read other bucket lists, go HERE

Celeb style: Rachel Bilson

This week Rachel Bilson rocked a mini and maxi look -

Left: Wearing head to toe Chanel with Christian Louboutin heels.

Right: Wearing a Derek Lam maxi dress and clutch

Which look do you like best?

Currently I am loving...

Here are just a few things I am loving at the the moment -

1. Churros -  I first discovered churros, which are a type of spanish donut, when I lived in California years ago. Now I have found that some local restaurants have them on the menu (the best place to try them in Cape Town is at French Toast). I absolutely love them, preferably  with chococlate dipping sauce.

(
2. Fleetwood Mac - When I was a a  teenager, I remember often being woken up by the sound of Fleetwood Mac being blasted on the downstairs stereo (yup, my mom was cool like that). For a while "my mothers music" really annoyed me, but over time I really grew to love Fleetwood Mac (though I can't be sure if its just a result of brainwashing - hehe). Recently I started listening to Fleetwood Mac again and I am absolutely loving it -  Stevie Nicks voice is so unique and their music is so timeless. My favourite album is "Rumours"

(Note: I heard that Glee recently covered Fleetwood Mac songs - I need to watch that and see if they rocked or ruined them)

3. Braided hair - During winter my hair does not behave as much as I would like, so I often turn to good 'ol braiding to get my hair to look neat - Doing a side braid is my favourite.

4. Over decorated wrists - I adore very decorated wrists and I also really like the way the jewellery  sounds when it jingle jangles together (i try not to think about the jewellery getting scratched as it knocks toegther...happy thoughts) *winks*

5. Celebrating stuff - May is full of personal celebrations for me: It's my birthday month, the month I met my boyfriend (5 years ago) and the month I wrote my first blog post (which was three years ago now).... So, I intend to eat alot of good food and drink plenty of champagne this month.

6. A good, frothy cappucino - yes please. yum, yum.

7. My new cookbook - Since Im trying hard not to repeat myself these days, I will direct you over here - which is where I rambled about it yesterday.

8. Hot pink lips - I had a serious case of lipstick envy when I saw Emma Stone's hot, pink lipcolour at this years Met Gala - sooo pretty.

9. Adjustable and pretty bedside lamps  - I like to read in bed, and sometimes it annoys me that I can't adjust the lighting and have a pretty bedside lamp (am i alone here?)  - Then I spotted the above lamp and thought  "ooooh, a pretty bedside reading lamp". Love it.

What are you currently loving?

* To read my last "Currently I am loving.." post , trot over here *

10 things I learnt this weekend

1. Chanel's Rouge Coco Shine lipstick in "boy"is pretty and subtle (see pic of it  here)
2. I am really good at celebrity spotting
3. In real life, Jonathan Rhys Meyers looks just like he does on screen - only shorter
4. Some of my fears are highly irrational and totally unwarranted
5. Sailing around at sunset, while drinking champagne, is wonderfully romantic and so much fun (I took the above photo on my sunset cruise)
6. I  love Fossil watches so much, especially my new one (thank you, Boyf)
7. The Boyf is really good at planning a memorable evening out ;)
8. Sevruga, at the Cape Town waterfront, is my new favourite restaurant
9. Protea flowers are pretty, except when they have beetles living in them
10. Stepping out of your comfort zone is sometimes the best idea ever :)

What have you learnt lately?

Happy Weekend!

“The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, 

you gotta put up with the rain.” - Dolly Parton

Hope you have a truly fabulous weekend

Celeb style: Jessica Stam

Jessica Stam looked gorgeous at the Met Gala this year. I  absolutely loved her Tommy Hilfiger dress and her soft curly hairstyle.

Say hello to my Sigma brush set

I have never had a full set of make-up brushes (strange, but true)- So, when Sigma Makeup kindly offered to send me a set of brushes, I happily accepted.

My lovely Sigma make-up brushes arrived surprisingly quick and wonderfully packaged (see first image, above). The brush set comes with cleaning instructions, brief explanation of what brushes are for and comes in a handy container/holder. All in all I am super impressed with the quality and look of the brushes.... now I just have to learn how to use them properly *winks*

I had a choice of four colours, but decided to go for the classic black, "Make Me Classy" set. The other brush set colours available are: aqua (aka "Make Me Cool"), Coral (aka "Make Me Blush") and purple (aka "Make Me Crazy") - each priced at $99.

Trot over HERE to check out other Sigma products or to buy a set of these brushes.

- photos taken by my boyf -

It's for you...

Darlings, lately I have been so behind on my blog posts and too sidetracked to have a little catch up with y'all (how rude of me) -  So, I thought today would be a good time for a random Q & A post...

How it always works (in case you forgot): I will answer the below random questions - then you answer the questions as a comment. Why? cause sharing is caring *winks*

1. Today I feel... optimistic
2. Right now I am wearing... my heart on my sleeve and alot of black
3. Last night... I made a chicken roast for The Boyf, watched The Big Bang Theory and decided that I am  only going to buy good Italian ice-cream from now on
4. Currently I want... the willpower to go to gym in the mornings , a new hair colour and a much bigger closet for my clothes
5. Last film you saw and enjoyed? Thor - it was really cool
6. Four beauty products you would struggle to live without? moisturiser with a spf, lipstick, dermologica micro exfoliant and perfume.
7. Would you rather have: super powers or be a "super"model? super powers
8. If you could use a time machine for one return trip, would you go back to the 20's or to the year 2080? thats a difficult one - I guess I'd pick the future. I'm curious to see if we have flying cars and if robots take over ;)

Pretty duplex apartment

 I am loving the mix of modern with Moroccan touches- very pretty.

This lovely apartment is located in Madrid and designed by architect, Charlie Diaz.

To see more photos of this home, click over HERE

Edyn Collection jewellery giveaway

Today I am happy to announce the start of a lovely giveaway sponsored by the Edyn Collection, a locally based online jewellery store.

The winner will receive this pretty necklcace and earrings:

Description: The prize consists of a Pilgrim Collection necklace with matching earrings. Delicate but eye catching, these dappled grey and silver teardrop earrings are zinged up by silver crystals dotting the globes. This stunning silver charm necklace is just the thing you need to spice up your work wardrobe.

HOW TO ENTER:

1. Be a follower of this blog or twitter, THEN please trot over to The Edyn Collection's website HERE and tell me (in the comments section) what you like the best.

2. For an extra entry, join The Edyn Collection's facebook group HERE and say something on the wall ;)

Giveaway notes: *Anyone may enter this giveaway * the winner will be chosen randomly *This giveaway will end on Monday, 16 May and the winner will be announced on Tuesday, 17 May. Good luck, darlings
((

The Edyn Collection is an online jewellery boutique with a fabulous selection of jewellery from emerging and established jewellery designers, both South African and internationally. The jewellery offered is curated to reflect current trends with eclectic selections to appeal to different styles with a range of prices and to match any occasion. The Edyn Collection is proud to present Pilgrim jewellery exclusively to South Africa - Danish designed fashion jewellery, Pilgrim aims at making customers feel special and stand out from the crowd.

UPDATE: THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED - THANK YOU

Happy May and the giveaway winner is...

Happy May, everybody - hope this month is absolutely wonderful for you. It's my birthday month and I've recovered from my flu attack, so I am sure that May is going to be a good one for me....

For one lucky reader, May is going to start off really nicely -  The winner of the stunning Thula ring and earrings giveaway is.... *drum roll* .... Bailey! Congrats lady, please e-mail me super soon.

Note: I will have a  brand new giveaway starting in just a few minutes ;)

On my bucklet list... by Victoria

Today the lovely, Cape Town based blogger Victoria (from Kiss, Blush and Tell ) will be sharing a few things from her bucket list - Enjoy...

1. Own a pug and a bulldog – I am a dog lover through and through, not a cat person at all. Pugs and bulldogs are my favourite breed and have been forever - as soon as I move into a home with a garden and know that I am settled for good I will get both and live happily ever after...

2. Live abroad – I lived in London for 2 years and loved every second of it. My heart is now set on New York, Amsterdam or Barcelona. I love travelling and exploring beautiful places and hope to do a lot more of that!

3. Wardrobe – I want to have a wardrobe that gives me reason to be excited each morning as I can pick and choose from the best of the best that I’ve collected over the years J Amongst my collection will be a Chanel  2.55, many a pair of Jeffrey Campbell booties and plenty a Chloe frock!

4. Career - I want to be the best I can be in my career. Being a beauty editor for an amazing magazine like Vogue would be too good to be true; I wouldn’t turn my nose up to being a fulltime blogger either! Whatever I end up doing I will be sure to combine my love for beautiful things and writing!

5. Opera - I have watched Les Miserables three times already and each time it gets better. Being brought up with this music it definitely is my all-time favourite. I have seen Phantom of the Opera once and hope to see it again too. Best sing along music ever!

6. Run half marathons – I did the half Two Oceans on Saturday and let’s just say there is definitely room for improvement! I plan to run many more and slowly get better. If I could run in other cities around the world that would be amazing!

7. Have my dream wedding – I want to have a wedding to-die-for (as most girls do). I have been collecting ideas for a few years now – not what your average 23 year old does, I know! But it gets me over excited...

8. Work at more Fashion Weeks – I got to do make-up and nails at London Fashion Week and it was an amazing experience. I’d love to do this at many more fashion weeks around the world.

9. See Christ the Redeemer Statue – Rio is a place I can’t wait to visit, and standing and looking over the city from the Christ the Redeemer statue is something I have to do, preferably be there while the carnival is happening too!

10. Cook, Cook, Cook – I love nothing more than entertaining. I plan to carry on improving my cooking skills by trying new, exotic recipes from beautiful cook books that I will collect over time. I will host the best dinner parties in town in my home that will be built to entertain all my special friends and family!

Note: "On my bucket list..." is a weekly series. Each week a fabulous blogger will share a few things from their bucket list. To read other bucket lists, go HERE