Best Looks of 2014

Looking back at 2014, it was definitely a defining year for Print on the blog and in the writer’s own personal closet. From a bold striped Henry Holland mini dress that kicked off the year, to the many looks curated under the Ngosikadzi Collabo and a yellow Aztec mini that was a go-to favourite throughout the year – 2014 was a Fabulous year of bold local prints, colours, and patterns. 

Check out the best print ensembles from the blog:

Out of all the above ensembles, i really can't choose one dress. But i will say i had alot of fun experimenting with print looks, styles and the patterns; further pushing the boundaries of my personal style. I'm not sure what 2015 has in store, but i know for sure i will continue to find unique ways to be chic and polished, without breaking the bank!

Wishing you an even MORE Glam forward 2015!

Yours in Glamour.

Highlights of the year 2014

As 2014 comes to a close, it’s that time for the blog to reflect and look back at the year that was. This year was the year of growth. I discovered a new side of myself that wanted to know more, understand more and define myself as a woman. I moved from a stage of being a student to being a graduate. I longed to find recognition and acceptance for my passion in fashion and I filled that void by editing for two online digital magazines; Infinity Magazine and Induna Magazine. I also took a deeper plunge and exercise my power to style in local photoshoots, model in one and start something of my own, from personal challenges I have faced, bringing you Fashion Bloggers Association of Zimbabwe. 2014 has been an interesting and fulfilling year, and I can only imagine what 2015 has in store for Signature Toscie.

Induna Magazine

INDUNA is Ndebele for “Leader”, first of its kind as a pan African Female based magazine in Zimbabwe. Induna was founded by Zanele Mhlaba, a fashion lover, fashion blogger and African feminist. The debut issue introduces you to a summer edition that covers a variety of topics from some of Zimbabwe’s young and influential women, with three Ladies gracing the cover issue; Lorraine “LochNation” Bgoya, Samantha “MisRed” Mussa and Ruvheneko Parirenyatwa – all from ZIFM Stereo. I contributed to the magazine in the Fashion section, where I covered Fast Fashion Retail in Zimbabwe, summer trends feature on this season’s top skirts and an interview with Women’s Couture designer Paidemoyo Chideya-Mazhandu. If you can recall, Paidemoyo launched a RTW collection of her label DeMoyo early in the year which you can read here. Induna magazine was a great opportunity to exercise my power to write and better understand what contexts truly make it into a magazine. The photoshoot alone helped me to better understand what really goes on behind the scenes of a magazine cover shoot. Find INDUNA Magazine online here.

        

Infinity Magazine

Infinity Magazine is an urban culture magazine, aiming at empowering the youth with features on the young and upcoming entertainers in the business. Sharing their stories of growth, success and obstacles they faced whilst going after their dreams. I jumped on board with Infinity Magazine from the get-go and what I love about it is it’s my platform to write about anything fashion related for the young and modern millennia. It also goes further as being that first magazine that gave me a full page column to write just about anything I wanted and desired, which in turn helped to exercise my wording and knowledge of current fashion trends. Infinity magazine’s editor Sophia Chitemere is also a former model, a growing powerhouse in PR Management and a young achiever at heart. Check out Infinity Magazine’s profile on ISSUU here and twitter page here.

                                 

Ngosikadzi/Signature Toscie Collaboration

Ngosikadzi blog and Signature Toscie did an exciting collaboration mid-way through 2014, that gave you six different looks from two Ngosikadzi local dresses. First of it’s kind and first for the blog, the collaboration paved way for the popular African print trend on a smaller blogger scale in Harare. Two of the dresses to mention where a paisley print tent dress and a floral print wrap dress that where given interval looks of day to night, and winter to summer. During that time you may recall the collabo being labelled under The GLAM Project ZW, which has now gradually shifted to Signature Toscie Styling – still the same concept and vision but with a more blog aligned branding. Check out all the Ngosikadzi/Signature Toscie Collabo posts right here.

Fashion Bloggers Association Zimbabwe (FBA ZIM)

I always had a broader vision, and this was one of them. Fashion Bloggers Association Zimbabwe came out of the frustration that there was no proper body to represent the growth of bloggers. Sure there is @ZimFashionBlogs on Twitter, but I felt there was no physical preference, no board that can solve the challenges that bloggers faced in Zimbabwe. Sure there is Blogger of the Year under Zimbabwe Fashion Week, but that’s pretty much it! So with a little thinking, a lot of my frustration and a couple of bloggers on board, we launched FBA ZIM in September 2014 and had an official strategic meeting on 20 December 2014. With FBA ZIM it’s really about growth; growth of the digital sector in Zimbabwe that can accommodate the digital media of fashion! Early 2015 will be the official press conference/seminar launch, and I openly encourage every blogger community in Zimbabwe to engage with us. Find us on Twitter here, with our Tumblr blog here.

Graduation Day

I saved the best for last – my graduation day! When 2014 came I knew this was it! After a good three years of studying, with ample amounts of blogging on the side; I graduated with a BSc Hons in Sociology and Gender Development under the Women’s University in Africa. I love my degree because it answered a lot of the questions onto society that I had which no one around me could really explain or understand. Best part about it is that I’m a scientist, which suits every arena of my current environment in women’s fashion, digital media, FBA ZIM and my feminist advocate. Of course on my graduation day I had to pay homage to the Zimbabwean Fashion industry by wearing a locally designed dress with a pattern I chose. The day couldn’t have been more lovely, as for one day a year I was the centre of attention and my hard work had paid off!

So 2014 was the year of growth – I challenged my fears, conquered my goals and met new friends along the way. Thank you 2014.

xo

Tendai!

White Turtleneck

The rainy season is a very crucial period in Zimbabwe, not only for the crops and the farming season but because the rains bring with it a much cooler and comfortable aroma, which is a breath of fresh air from the much warmer summer sun. Soo cool that sometimes Hararians mistake it for the cold! I however personally favour the cooler rainy weather. It’s a perfect time to stay in, enjoy some movies or catch up with my many stacks of magazines (old and new) for tonnes of inspiration. Staying in doubles up as a method to steer clear of the rain, in a bid not get wet or caught up in it. Another factor I would like to add is the rainy weather is the perfect time for me to pull out some knits, shrugs and cover-ups that are usually tucked away for the winter. This white turtleneck is one of them, a hand me down from a friend that I purchased for close to nothing! It was one of those free closet raids because she was moving to England and wanted to load off some old clothes (old in her terms, but new in my eyes). It maybe summer, but my winter closet is already underway with this snow white, fine knit turtleneck. I love that it is not too chunky or heavy, but lightweight which means it can work both in summer and winter, as well as the autumn season! I paired the turtleneck with basic blue jeans from Wardrobe Mix, a grey chainlink purse (thrifted), grey thick chain neckpiece from MRP Fashion, nude stud pumps from Jet Zimbabwe and Elle Magazine SA pastel sunglasses from their December 2014 issue. I found this ensemble to be perfect for a rainy Sunday morning to church, just to keep cosy but still styled appropriately for the weather. This post officially introduces you to this white piece of decadence, and I cannot wait to curate some looks to dazzle for the A/W 2015 season. As for now, I will let you devour into this look!

Happy Readings!

Tendai Sophia

xo.

Yellow Mellow

On any given sunny day, this dress makes for a perfect pairing with its cut just above the knee length and that bold-tastic print! 2014 was a year of print in Toscie’s Closet and this casual shift dress was a go-to favourite on a good day to run errands. Although I have a very fond attachment to this dress, I must admit there was a time I despised the colour yellow and the thought of buying, let alone owning a piece in this colour was my personal closet’s sin. Fast forward to 2013 I purchased this dress because I admired its versatility and that the print within itself caught my attention from the shop window. The diamond cut detail and its eye catching colour made this dress THAT dress that finished off my college years, because on a busy day it was soo easy to wear and yet still stylish for a long day.

A few weeks back I took out my “yellow mellow” shift dress and paired it with MRP Fashion accessories from head to toe. I always admire a good statement neckpiece so when I came across this thick chain neckpiece by MRP in town, I knew my purchase was inevitable because it just so happens that I was shifting my attention to chainlink accessories for the summer. Part of the inspiration for my purchase came from Dee Kaw Zee’s thick chain neckpiece that was fused with print fabric to create something unique (which you can find in the current summer issue of INDUNA Magazine).

Everything else in this look pretty much falls into place, with accessories centred around the dress; a chainlink bracelet and matching yellow watch. MRP stud clutch from 2010 with bow detail sandals that have a pinch of gold (or yellow in this case) on the buckle and the bow. I believe when creating an ensemble it really comes down to all the details that eventually encompass the whole look! It’s the finer and simpler details that make the most impact; see how the silver studs on my clutch pick up the silver/grey tone of the thick chain neckpiece? Those little details I take into consideration.

Stay Gorgeous,

Tendai!

Signature Toscie LOVES...

I’ve been doing a lot of soul searching and restructuring as of late, trying to synchronize the blog under just one label with Signature Toscie. I always have a tonne of ideas that jump and constantly pop out of my head, that in most cases I just want to apply the idea right there and then! Looking back at#TheGLAMProject and #LocalLovelyFlavour, which I’ve relabelled to ‘Signature Toscie Styling’ and ‘Love This Label’ respectively so that it doesn’t confuse me nor you the reader. I feel more inspired by my growth and maturity that I feel synchronizing the blog in one direction, under one label will make a lot more sense and for a much easier navigation. So Signature Toscie LOVES is a new label that has replaced the trends section on the blog. ST LOVES will become a one label and header that will cover all the current trends that I’ve discovered in Harare and on the global front. 

For this edition of Signature Toscie LOVES I cover five trends that I’m currently coveting over at the moment: the boyfriend denim, thick chain accessories, sleeveless blazer, delicate necklaces and jumpsuit.

1.Boyfriend Denim
Boyfriend denim is the quintessential pair of jeans that have replaced skinny jeans. They are relaxed, with a loose fitting and can have an extra distressed finish. Rocked with a pair of heels, structured blazer and a tote, boyfriend jeans can be chic with an allure of glamour for a smart casual event. For a much more relaxed look, take boyfriend denim with a pair of sleek trainers and a sweater. 

Boyfriend Denim rocked by Ashleigh of The Dailegh.

2.Thick Chain Accessories
Thick chains can be classy and muted in a stylish way. They can also be worn with a formal ensemble, casual and/or edgy with thick silver chains. Usually come in the form of a neckchain or bracelet, thick chains can also be layered with other accessories, to give a chunkier and bolder look, to create a massive arm candy. I love this thick chain accessory by Dee Kaw Zee jewellery in the Summer Edition of INDUNA Magazine. Also check out accessory boutiques in Harare such as Bling Bling, Glamourize (in Avondale and Arundel Village) as well as Sassy & Chic along Cameron street. 

Snippet from INDUNA Magazine.

3.Sleeveless Blazer 
Something I purely love are blazers, because they are an instant pick-me-up piece of clothing that give a polished finish to an ensemble. When I came across a sleeveless blazer, I was utterly intrigued by the sophistication attached to it. I haven’t come across a sleeveless blazer in Harare yet, but rest assured I will share details if I do. In the mean time, having one tailor made is an alternative route at the moment. 

Crystal Kasper of NewHipster.co.za

4.Delicate Necklaces
These little gems are delicate because of their understated glamour. They can be worn under a blouse or with a deep cut V neck to show off the detail in the charms. They are the perfect summer accessory, when two or three different necklaces are layered together. These gems are on point and super trendy. 

5.Jumpsuit 
A very stylish closet piece for the summer is a jumpsuit. Long and sleek paired with a clutch and/or a tote OR with heels and/or flats. A jumpsuit is easy breezy and stylish, perfect for just about any occasion. Quite a few boutiques in Harare stock jumpsuits, having spotted Passport boutique at the Village, Wardrobe Mix, Lotus in Joina City and Just Fab along Second Street extension. 

                       

A Navy blue jumpsuit with embellishments at Passport boutique, Sam Levy Village.

Now, which are your top 5 trends in Harare at the moment? Do share!

 Stay Gorgeous! 

Tendai Sophia.

Photo Credits:
www.thedailegh.com
www.pinterest.com
www.etsy.com
www.newhipster.co.za 
www.indunamag.com

Peg Leg + Stripes

Back on that stripes tip again, this ensemble was worn about a month back when I attended the Zimbabwe Fashion Week 2014 press conference at the Harare City Library. It is also the same look from last year’s “Sailor Inspired” post which I paired with my brand new black ZARA tote at the time. For this second pairing, I switched up a few things with the green pumps from Jet, the blue and green statement neckpiece and the Marie Claire tote from Bata Shoes. I remember I added my tuxedo blazer to this ensemble, to keep it polished and editorial for the press conference (something that I’ve been widely reading on when it comes to nailing the chic but comfortable editorial look. I must say I like the editorial vibe as I’ve been fusing it to my personality with the STS brand). The last bit to this ensemble is the ELLE Magazine sunglasses from way back in 2010 – I love having the ability to cherish one of my favourite accessories, which are sunglasses! Care and maintenance is required with pretty much anything really and since I’m one-quarter a vintage soul; I always feel the need to cherish things so that they last longer.

All the same, summer is strongly upon us in Harare and it just so happens to be a perfect time for fashion weeks and showcases. If you haven’t already read, I managed to attend Zimbabwe Fashion Week, and just recently the Fashion Weekend Zimbabwe press conference on the 21^st of October. Unfortunately I did not attend the 3 day Weekend Fest – running from 24-26 October (and it breaks my heart that I didn’t because FWZ has supported bloggers from the get-go with their highly publicised blogger competition in 2013 and their Meet the Industry in February 2014). The only excuse I can give for this is that God and Family comes first in any situation, so no worries, 2015 will roll around soon enough. With that said, I still plan to cover my own commentary on the fashion shows by picking out my best designers from FWZ 2014!

Here’s to summer and Fashion Weeks in Zimbabwe!

Stay Gorgeous

Tendai Sophia!

Black Snood + Pink Jeans

Remember my previous post on Pink Nostalgia? Well this time around the pink denims are back! With a whole new different pairing and of course for a good cause. This time around I opted to pair them with a grey shirt, black MRP snood and black MRP pumps on a dull and chilly Saturday a few weeks back. Not only that but my whole vibe was centered around October Breast Cancer Awareness, which is something I’ve done before on the blog with the same pair of denims. So wearing pink just became the obvious factor to kickstart the month of October, and the black snood was a longing void that needed to be filled as soon as the weather went dull – so it felt natural to pull it out one more time.

 Stay Gorgeous!

Zimbabwe Fashion Week 2014 Day 3 – ST Favourites

What a spectacle Zimbabwe Fashion Week 2014 was, although yours truly only managed to attend Day 3; there was a lot of buzz and social media engagement to keep anyone informed and at the edge of their seats! From the onset of the ZFW Cocktail party to the Zimbabwe Fashion Awards, every hour of ZFW was documented by avid fashion lovers. So if you missed out, don’t worry just follow #ZFW2014 and @ZFW_Official and you are opened to a portal of Zim’s exciting Fashion Week.

Now with all of the events that were taking place this past weekend (SADC Fashion Week, Fashion Collective Market ZW and Shoko Festival) – ZFW managed to draw in a very strong crowd of loyal fashion lovers and followers who opted to attend every single event from Day 1. Myself however, was found attending Day 3 with my mind ready to be blown away (and blown away it was!). Not only was it a packed hall but the designers brought out their best work, and every show started on time and on point. The schedule for that evening included the following in their timely order:

Chizo by Chisoma Lombe

Moi Amara Couture by Jenika

Zimbabwe Designer Galleria – (Anaia Fashions, Smataz and Haus of Stone)

Faithwear

Taf the Taylor

Zargue’ Sia by Ishmael Tsakatsa

Afrikanus by Rui Lopes

Raaah by Rahima Mohamed

Shirt and Co

Thula Sindi by Thula Sindi

Out of all of the lovely designers, we fell in love with three (3) particular designers who gave us flowing feminine silhouettes, figure hugging contemporary pieces, a new form of appreciation for print and a beautiful colour palette to suit a fashion forward closet; Afrikanus by Rui Lopes, Raaah by Rahima Mohamed and Thula Sindi.

Afrikanus

Afrikanus was by Angolan designer Rui Lopes who showed a stunning 9 piece collection that infused Western fashion with African detailing. African detail in Rui’s designs were found in his incorporation of print – with print detail in two white sheer dresses and a Java print one shoulder shift dress. Afrikanus’ collection gave a nod to the growing international trend of African Fashion on blogs and social media but with a texture of Western characteristics, particularly in the silhouette.

Flirty and cute, with a touch of print and pleated skirt.

Biggest trend on African blogs and social media is Dashiki and Java print, and Afrikanus brought it to us on the runway.

Print detail added to the empire waist and broad collar.

Designer Rui Lopes in his two defining pieces on the runway.

Raaah

Raaah is a label by a Zimbabwean based in the UK. Her collection gave us bold, structured shoulders, a modern and chic take on a women’s safari suit and a flowing but loose asymmetrical dress which had a pop of colour that caught our eye! Rahima’s collection was dubbed the “Fly High Collection” in her look book, and this was her first showing at ZFW 2014 with a very well received applause from the audience. On a personal note, I lusted after every piece in the collection without a doubt of already having events planned in my mind as to where I can rock a Raaah dress or the Mirabelle maxi skirt in a deep plum colour – lusting after this polished label.

Those bold and structured shoulders on a white one piece bodysuit.

 

Modern take on a women's Safari suit called the Heather suit.

Once again, those broad structured shoulders on a shift dress.

Loved the colour and the asymmetrical flow of the Loosen up dress.

Thula Sindi

Special guest of the evening and closing designer on Day 3 was South Africa’s very own Thula Sindi, sponsored by the Cape Town Fashion Council, brought his 27 piece collection to Zimbabwe’s shores. Thula Sindi is a world renowned designer, whose work is not new to any runway, except for Zimbabwe of course. Every piece in Thula’s collection was form fitting, articulate and had an aura of high fashion coming down the runway – there was a piece for every different personality of a woman. From a monochrome giraffe print dress to a bright pink stunner, to short shorts and a maxi long navy blue dress with sequins. Our favourite was a black empire waisted dress made out of lace which was worn by model Tholakele Dlamini.

Our Favourite piece from Thula Sindi

So, with all that encompassed Zimbabwe Fashion Week 2014, this was ST’s favourites which of course gave you an insight of what went down on Day 3 of the event. Although these three designers caught our attention, we still give kudos to all of the designers for their immaculate work and bringing their talent to our attention. And a big round of applause to Priscilla Chigariro and her ZFW Team for producing a smooth show without a single hitch.

All the same I wish to thank everyone who nominated Signature Toscie in the category of Blogger of the year, alongside Zim Fashionista, Zim Fashion Diary and Kicking It with Mimi. Means the world that you guys read ST and my personal fashion adventures. So I thank you!

Stay Gorgeous,

Tendai Sophia

*All photos courtesy of SDR Photo*