speed dial #2: lip-maintainance

yes yes yes...it is the colourful beauty season.

for this post i did a very daring thing

i actuali went out to source various lipcolours from various beauty-houses just to give a comprehensive cover on this topic. *watch this space for what Black-Up has on offer*

i've been following a  lot of what
@NthatoMashishi has been advising us on some of his amazing beauty tips.

and you know something...they actually work!!!

we use lipsticks and lipglosses daily - how about we take a bit of extra care of our lips.

the best advise i've received thus far is lipexfoliating - yep, and the beauty of it, excuse the pun, it can be done with what you have right at home. Just use your normal facial exfoliator and exfoliate those lips. it might sound a bit dodgy but it works wonders. you know when your lips feel a bit sandy - right, exactly that - no more sandy lips if you do this little trick.

Anyway below are a few shades belonging to the  family of 'red'.
I managed to pull a friend's leg to help me show you exactly what i mean when i shout
YaY to Lipsticks
 Thank you YS - much appreciated :)

COLOUR-UP THOSE LIPS FASHIONISTAS

RayLoves...

The HashTagGen #CTEW ---> Let's!!!

I've neglected this space for quite a while now

it kinda explains the space i've been in of late

the busy cluttered one that i've found myself laying in

mid 20's crisis is what they call it, i think

trying to find answers to questions i'm unclear of

but that being said..i'm back with a "Let's" attitude.

This past weekend has been amazing

from career inspiration right down to musical appreciation.

met quite a few amazing individuals as well.

i've learned so much and i am more than fired up to "Let's" again.

so, here's a bit of info i've managed to collect from the Cape Town Entrepeneurship Week.

"love what you do and do what you love" - this line might ring a bell to some music lovers right?!?

Absolutely no need to be in a rut and depress yourself day in day out

Find that passion, Get that drive and just "Let's"

Step one: Think It

Step two: Write It

Step three: Do It

Step always: Time it

"Without order, planning, predictability, accountancy, obedience, discipline - without these, nothing fruitful can happen, because everything disintergrates.

And yet, without the magnanimity of disorder, happy abandon, the entrepneurship of venturing into the unknown and incalculable, without the risk and the gamble, the creative imagination rushing in where bureaucratic angels fear to tread - without this, life is a mockery and a disgrace."

EF Schumacher: 'Small is Beautiful'

Anyway, that's my Monday two cents worth!!!

SHINE ON FASHIONISTAS

RayLoves...

sites to checkout:

www.getsmarter.co.za

www.thebigidea.com

www.unbrandedtruth.com

www.angelhub.co.za

www.pigeonpie.com

www.instantgrass.com

www.blackumbrellas.org

www.foundersatwork.co.za
www.thesocialskinny.com

www.tia.org.za
www.thedti.gov.za




 

Happppyyyyy Birthday T....

This is a special HAPPY BIRTHDAY post for my monkey

Antonia!!!!!!!

We got mad love for you monkey 

From the rest of the clan

HAPPY

FABULOUS FRIDAY FASHIONISTAS

RayLoves...

 

cos we forward like that!!!!

A little Sum'Sum' for the Men...

Was browsing through one of my all time favourite sites - WWD.com ... and I came across some of the menswear styles spotted outside of the New York Fashion WeeK :)

Have a look at my best looks...

Nothing more sexy than a man in a well thought-of outfit...ooooooh, yummy

HAPPY

FABULOUS FRIDAY FASHIONISTAS

RayLoves...

Take note of how aaaaaaaaaaall the pants (except the red ones) sit just above the ankles, just to show-off the shoe

Guys you better get on with it

This is how we ladies like it

*wink*

all S P A C E D out...

I'm looking at the new trend of this whole GALAXY invasion and im thinking to myself, do i like it???

 I think I kinda do *smiles*

Obviously not wearing it aaaall all at once...putting on one item is PERFECTLY fine...chose between a top, dress, skirt, sneaker or something as simple as nail art.

WARNING: not everything together please now ladies, that's a screaming NO NO - be careful of being mistaken for an alien that just landed from SATURN.

Anyway I don't know, have a look and decide for yourselves whether it's a YaY or a NaY...

Njoy

RayLoves...

Floral Love...

All I keep seeing around me is FLORAL FLORAL and more FLORAL

Tights, blazers, tops, bags you name it.

For me what is a definate must have are the FLORAL or PRINT SANDALS/WEDGES ... you can never go wrong with adding a bit of flower to your feet...at least with shoes there's minimal chance of you being followed by a bee rather than from putting on a floral top or blazer.lol *just a random thought*

Below are some of the floral sandals I found and which caught my eye...some of these are found locally from ZOOM & RAGE retail outlets ..and they are all reasonably priced from R289 to R499 - aint too bad right!?!

I'm definately getting myself a pair no doubt J

KEEP YOUR TOES SPRINGING  LADIES!!!

HAPPY

FABULOUS FRIDAY FASHIONISTAS

RayLoves

Note from me to you...

via YSL ...

No matter what No matter who No matter where - always remember this beautiful quote.

HAPPY

FABULOUS FRIDAY FASHIONISTAS

RayLoves

 

All things bright and beautiful...

Spring Spring Spring

What a lovely season

It's all about Colour Colour and more Colour

Loving the colour palet ... not too bold but the use soft tones instead.

Another pattern to be hitting the stores like mad this spring, is definately the Florals

Pants, Jackets, Tops and Sandals too - how exciting!!!

This is a season to flaunt colour

So make the most of this spring and have fun mixing the colours around!!!

RayLoves

Diamond collars to collar it up...

Yet another trend that im currently loving

as most have seen that going chunky with collar neck pieces is the new YES - correct YES not No

I must say that this accessory item is written classy elegant and packaged all in one diamond box.

Again - to stress this point further, finding the correct match to your top is not all that important.

Match the collar necklace to any colour outfit  - Pearls can be worn with casual denim, Gold with striking pinks, Stones of any colour with prints of any shapes.

So be bold ladies and get that collar piece. Be a bit more daring and wear it with a boob tube

Strike and Engage to make your mark Heard!!!!!!!

HAPPY
FABULOUS FRIDAY FASHIONISTAS

RayLoves

Looks that just keep winning...

Here are a few looks that just keep winning each time... this time I've used a friend (Memo - thanx for the pix sweet-face J) to display these looks as I feel that the average person on the street should be able to associate herself with what is seen on fashion pages/sites/ramps and in-store...let's bring it back home to the average lady sitting at home gazing at the Fashion chanel feeling she can also pull a Heidi Klum!!!

Hope a few ideas will pop in mind when putting your weekend look together - this weekend.lol

HAPPY
FABULOUS FRIDAY FASHIONISTAS

RayLoves

Yellow - Mellow - Hellow

 Lovely Colour that looks good on any skin colour

Why not enjoy the attention and put on THAAAAAT YELLOW DRESS

Wedding season is upon us so make that right choice when you go hunting for THAT dress ladies...know your colour *winks*

RayLoves

dressing it down a lil but definately scrap out those boots - aint gonna crack it!

I did my bit - did you? #MandelaDay67min

For many South Africans it's been a "Mandela Week" .... it was all about giving your TIME, not money but time...we all complain about not having enouhg time to do anything. So this was the perfect oppportunity for South Africans to just spare 67minutes of their time and give back to those in need. Many were involved in various projects, from visiting old age homes to planting trees at schools to feeding the needy to blanket drives to soup kitchens to play day for kids and the list goes on and on.

I am very pleased to say that i was involved in painting classrooms at a school out in Delft - Cape Town  (Vergenoed Primary School) where one teacher put in an intiative to have his classroom painted with donations coming from his own pocket because he believed that the scholars should not face the same environment at school as they do at home. They should look forward to coming into the schoolgrounds and deem the school as a place of comfort.

We managed to get through painting 5 classrooms as a team of 9 (5 ladies and 4 gents) - I can say we did a very pleasing job indeed *Hi5's* !!! The scholars were excited and happy to see their newly revamped classrooms and so were the teachers...There's a lot that can still be done but it's the start that makes all the difference, we will definately be visiting that school again to help in other ways were we can as there is a list of issues that still need to be attended to.

But again - Im proud to say that I was part of the greater SA audience that made a child smile this week :)

Happy Fabulous Friday Fashionistas

RayLoves

Zabalazaa making waves in the design industry...

South Africa is just booming with talent - each and every day i wake up to a mind blowing story of an artist making a remarkable stamp in the industry with merely and just only born talent...i ran across with amazing guy in one of my many trips to Jozi only to find that he's an amazing artist. He was on his way back to CpT from an expo that took place in Jozi where he was showing off his amazing work, and as expected, managed to crack some good business deals whilst at it as well :)

Sooo...me being my stalker self when it comes to artists - i kept in contact with him and grew even closer to his work. I just had to write something about him so here goes:

Atang Tshikare is an ou'tjie born in Bloem and studied graphic design and is now a fully fledged graphic artist J. His talent has been showcased in many cities and countries and continues to exhibit phenominal work. i am just taken aback by this artist as he is growing at an exceedingly exponential rate and is even making colabo's with the likes of the well known furniture designer Laurie Wiid van Heerden (review on VISI magazine) ...He's recently put together the bench shown below, which just goes to show how his graphic skills can be greatly interperated in furniture design as well. If i list all of what this young artist has been involved in i wouldn't have space to post the below pics ... that's how much he's done!!!

All im saying is BIG UP TO SA TALENT...we keep rising and soaring to greater heights...let's stick behind these artists and show them that we are proud of them and may they continue to fly SA's flag sky high.

Atang has also been giving back to the community by working in the Cape Town Iziko Museum, teaching children how to draw, customize and make booklets. He has done the same with the Reach for a Dream project as well.

If you are interested in finding out more about this artist as well as getting in contact with him, then you can check him and his work on http://www.zabalazaa.com/

RayLoves

Looks Pretty in Peplum right...

what a cute design...it's been there for yonks but i see its slowly making its way back....so ladies, grab this opportunity and get yourselves a couple of  peplum styled garments.

*pause* i might be getting a bit overhead of myself here... *stepsback* You are probably asking yourself - 'what the BeeeeP is peplum?".

Peplum defintion as per the english dictionary: A short flared, gathered, or pleated strip of fabric attached at the waist of a woman's jacket, dress, or blouse.

Peplum definition as per Ray's fashion talk: sexxy flared material that gives definition to your waist making your figure look a tad bit extra curvascious ... i think i like my definition better :)

this design can also be found in skirts these days...i've put together a few looks of pics from the net so you mays see what i'm talking about...as seen, it can be worn day and night or even at the office and not forgetting church...so have a look and decide which you like best - Top, Skirt or Dress.

dont be afraid to wear it if you are fuller figured - just chose one that sits above your belly to take away the attention of looking too frilled-up and over layered - n don't forget to show off some cleavage *looksamazingeachtime*.

skinny gals - dresses and tops suite you guys more than what jackets and blouses do, so its best you stick to dresses to avoid looking like you've just been taken off the washingline.

hope this bit of advice helps

HAPPY FABULOUS FRIDAY

RayLoves

Who said the Denim Shirt is old school???...

Some say the denim shirt is soooo 19's and we are soooo 20's...now who said that's true.?????

me im loving myself the old style denim shirt...it's a casual look saver and looks particularly HOT during the day...wear it when you going shopping, afternoon catch-up session with a mate..or relaxed evening with a lover :)

My favourite look is rocking it with a leather pants - WoWeeee!!!
and the fragrances that go best with this look is for him: Issey Miyake (original - keep it simple)
and for her: definately Elie Saab

this time i have not neglected the BOYZ *smiles*...look how stunning this look suites the 'ouens' ladies...check out the different looks below, from formal to casual.

oh and i've added a bit of local flavour as well, just to show that we too wear the denim shirt *winks*

HAPPY FABULOUS FRIDAY

RayLoves

Dra 'n doek meisie...

Me Rocking the doek look :)

It's yet another Fabulous Friday Fashionistas...



Just to put into context the title of this post:

"Dra 'n doek meisie" directly translates to - "Wear a headscarf girl"

I'd like to share my new found love of the 'doek' also known as a 'headscarf'

it has become an easy solution which falls part of your accessories.

you can wear it on a rainy day, summers night or even on a dinner date.

it looks hot hotter hottest...especially when worn with the right attitude.

So check out the pics i found on the net to view the different styles and colours that can match with any of your outfits.

Remember - pattern matching aint NB no more so go wild :)

Langa Soup Kitchen - help feed SA's future leaders

Winter is no time for jokes when living in freezing Cape Town. So my friends and I have put together a Soup Kitchen in place to aid those that are less fortunate. This booming project is currently run from our own pockets.We would love to see this initiative grow and help feed as many mouths as possible.

Im proud to say we have so far fed as many as 350 kids over the past two weekends and have grown to three feeding stations as well!!!

Yipee to that and thank you to all that came through to helpJ 

But...the trick is getting as many hands involved as possible. Anyone is able to help from wherever they are through either electronic transfers, food donations or by being present in Langa Township - Cape Town each and every Sat up until the 1st Sept 2012 from 12 -2pm.

Please see details below of how you too can make a difference

Let's help feed SA's future leaders :)

LoveAlways

Ray

Volunteers:

The Duties for each Station would be the following:

1. Pouring soup

2. Handing out bread

3. Handing out cups of soup

4. Walking and drawing people closer to ‘soup stations’

5. Handing out sandwiches

6. Collecting cups

Donations: Funding

(Any amount from R20)

Acc Name: Naledi Skomolo

Bank: FNB

Account number: 62361831756

Branch: Claremont

Branch Code: 250655

Donations: Food

Please note: it is advisable to choose from the non perishable list

Non Perishable	Perishable
Polystyrene Cups	Onions
Black plastic bags	Green, red, yellow pepper
Barley	Carrots
Salt/pepper	Potatoes
Lentils	Tomatoes
Split peas	Celery
Canned Peas	Parsley
Canned tomatoes & onions	Soup bones
Pasta	Bread
Soup – brown onion, beef and veggie	Butter
Stock cubes - chicken	Polony

Donation: Clothes and blankets

As an additional component, the Langa Soup Kitchen will also collect and donate clothes and blankets to charity organizations etc.

Contact Info:

fatimacandy@gmail.com

antoniaskomolo@yahoo.com

bukiwe@mtn.blackberry.com

ratop@webmail.co.za

or tweet us:

@faddygal @bukiwe_n @antoniaskomolo @ratophala

A Little Weekend Look and Feel

It's a Friday again my Fabulous Fashionistas

I just thought i should put together a look that will sure make you look fab this weekend!

we all wanna look GooD and to die for by absolutely putting minimal effort right!?!

so here goes:

1. a pair of heels (preferably a colour that draws attention to your feet especially now that it's winter - dull colours are sooo last year!)
2. a small hand bag (again, i cannot emphasis the importance of colour, dont be shy about the colour ladies.)
3. a light fabric (not material - thinking of you Suga.lol) shirt/top (yet again, colour it up gals)
4. a pair of butt hugging jeans - we all love that perfect fitted jeans right!?!
5. chunky jewelery to complete your look

So...that's it for me ladies :)

Put on that girl swag and walk tall!!!