Beauty Boutique: Vault Cosmetics

Upscale, adorable and super Chic is how best I can describe the interior decor of the beauty boutique that is Vault Cosmetics, the brain-child by Zimbabwean born and American based make-up artist Jackie Mgido. Jackie Mgido resides between Zimbabwe and America (where in Zimbabwe is her Vault Studio and America is her work-station). Vault Cosmetics has been a hot commodity make-up studio and make up line for quite some time now having launched sometime in early 2012. Their make-up artistry has been featured in a lot of local fashion projects, that include red carpet for Tsitsi Mutendi (whom they work closely with for the shoots for Jewel Magazine, and they did Lochnation's make-up for her cover shoot back in 2013).

Recently, Vault Cosmetics launched a lipstick line with Big Brother 2013 winner Dillish Matthews at an evening soiree hosted on the 13th of February. The Dillish Lipstick range covers Lipglosses for $12 and Matte Lipstick for $15. The full event and an interview with Dillish is covered in the March online issue of Infinity Magazine (where you will find yours truly in the Fashion and Style section with The GLAM Project).

Last week Thursday was my first visit to the studio with @TatRobin on our first hangout as bloggers (which was fun if I must say), and their studio is based upstairs. Originally the studio was based in Avondale along King George road under the Emirates Building complex, and they moved to Arundel Village in late 2013, to a much more accessible and epi-centre shopping location. You wont miss the studio because its a wide open entrance, with make-up displayed on compartments on each side.

I however didn't get a makeover but I was more than glad to watch @TatRobin getting glammed up or "vaulted" by the Vault Cosmetics team, with a make-up session and threading afterwards. I'm no make-up marvel, so on that particular day I learned and picked up quite a few tit-bits on applying make-up and the process of keeping it on for the whole day. My make-up is usually basic, which is your eye shadow, mascara and lipgloss. So its safe to say that I cannot wait for the day to come when I get my vaulted look.

Vault Cosmetics is open from Tuesday to Saturday (not on Mondays), from 10am-5pm. Address is 1 Quorn Avenue, Arundel Village Suite 25. Some of their products include foundations, powders, lipstick, concealers, liners, lashes, mascara, threading and of course a Signature Vault makeover for $25 (bonus if you purchase something during your makeover tutorial).

Vault Social Media Platforms;
Facebook; www.facebook.com/vaultcosmetics
Twitter; www.twitter.com/VaultCosmetics

Thanks to the Vault Team and TatRobin, I've a new found appreciation for makeup (I'm starting to save for my very own Vault lipgloss).

Yours in Absolute Glam!
ST

Tatenda having her make up done by Make-up artist Doreen.

Vault Cosmetics logo

Dillish Lipstick Launch party back in February. Evening decor was done by VIP Hostings Zim

Harare Store Review: Tag And Bow Boutique

Ladies handbags from $60

Everytime i have the opportunity to take the car to school (which i love because no combis for me and i get to listen to ZiFM stereo!), i try in my best of my abilities to make good use of it and 2 weeks ago on Tuesday, 23 April 2013 i made that stance by visiting the Tag and Bow boutique in the Mount Pleasant suburb  Now i only knew Tag and Bow via Facebook and word of mouth, so i was more than excited to check it out myself. The boutique is actually quite close to my varsity, so it was a quick 5 minute drive from campus.The store is relatively quite small, being situated at 11 College Road within The Olive Branch restaurant. Now the boutique is owned by a lawyer and entrepreneur by the name of Fadzai Mamvura (who i would love to meet someday).

Now for those of you who don't know Tag and Bow, it is actually quite well known in the fashion pages and advertorials of JEWEL magazine Zimbabwe. I noticed the boutique hosts a mixture of international clothing labels with the likes of Aldo and Plum shoes, and a local label which is Mucha (Original African Couture) by JEWEL Editor Tsitsi Mutendi ( which is also featured in the fashion pages of JEWEL).

I particularly quite liked the variety within in the store, but not so much the space and furthermore, it is quite hidden and not easily accessible. But overall i admired the host of labels ( i spotted a boohoo dress, which is a European label) and the variety of shoes.

Stay Gorg and Glam,
GD

Mucha Couture jackets

A rack of Mucha clothing

The assortment of winter boots by Plum and Aldo, just to name a few.
Boots started at $60

Harare Store Review: Sapatos Footwear & Luggage Boutique

Sapatos is just the most divine, elegant and uptown boutique with elegant decor in the city’s Joina City. It hosts a range of South-African and UK Label ladies shoes (Yes, I spotted a BCBG shoe and ZOOM shoes!) as well as handbags and accessories. The boutique is relatively new having been operating well over a month now. It’s got some really up to trend handbags such as the envelope clutch and satchel purse (which I’m obsessed about and will one day own!). I also spotted some really lovely ladies loafers and boat shoes and some really stylish shoes for the little ones. ZOOM shoes were fetching from $45, which for non-locally produced shoes; it’s a really good price. I was even happier when I saw the handbags and purses were fetching from $25 starting with the oversized envelope clutches (which were just divine!). The satchel purse (that I truly adore fetches from $50; the one that I liked was $60 which isn’t bad for an international label being sold in Zim.) The store also hosts shoes and bags for the gentlemen who love class and sophistication and appreciate man elegance. (To be quite honest I think every man, whether your Hip-Hop fab should have a Man purse, Yes one of those Man purses!). Not to forget the store also hosts athletic gear and some school shoes!

I’m very proud to say Zimbabwe is definitely catching along with fashion standards in terms of the sprouting of shoes and handbags boutiques around the city. More so these boutiques are doing their level best in offering some really lovely and satisfying shoes (although they are not locally made and some of these boutiques charge crazy expensive prices, I’m glad that they are giving it a try). Thumbs up to these peeps who are catering for a Quality shoe fetish gap!

Stay Gorg and Glam

GD

I'm more of a Bag-lady, so forgive me for the bias.

The Satchel purse

I'm pretty sure this was a ZOOM shoe...

An array of Envelope cluthes....I die

This one was my favourite

How cute are these satchel purses?

I cannot forget Gentlemen...

Harare Store Review: Nicia Shoe Boutique

 Calling all shoe lovers in H-town! Over the weekend I spotted a brand new shoe boutique called Nicia, (with divine decor to match) at Sam Levy Village at the old clicks building opposite old Barbours Department Store, which has top of the range, South African label shoes and accessories! Labels such as Plum shoes, Sissy Boy and Sass Diva jewellery all at a pretty price tag (bear in mind these shoes are from South Africa and are featured in headlining fashion magazine editorials and photo spreads), if you are a fashionista with a shoe fetish (who loves a good heel) and has a limitless credit card in tow, then this store has your name written all over it! OR if you want to invest in a fabulous pair of heels that will be your personal prized possession, then pop by Nicia and have a look. They have a lay-bye procedure with a 50% on the original cost and remainder to be paid within 30 days.

They have some fabulous pairs of high heels!

Stay Gorg and Glam,

GD

How divine is this two-toned shoe?!

 The boutique Decor;

Sass Diva Jewellery;