Do Denim Joggers (Part 3)

Do Denim Joggers (Part 3)

Last but certainly not least to the “Do Denim Joggers” series is this casual attire that has comfort written ALLOVER it! This ensemble is perfect for running errands on a dull day with the plimsolls and the tote. The turtleneck will keep you warm, whilst the headwrap is a stylish accessory to the entire look.

Jogger Denim – Great Gear (Noczim Building)

White Turtleneck - Gifted

Black and Blue choker - Gifted

Black tote - Zara

Sunglasses - MRP Fashion

Denim Plimsolls - PEP South Africa

Headwrap - From my closet

The purpose of this whole series was to find a constructive way and budget friendly approach to wear denim joggers. Not only that, but as the writer I felt frustrated that I couldn't find lookbooks online or outfit posts on how to style denim joggers, so the best resolution was for me to create something for the blog. Not only that, but I also had a fun time experimenting with looks and potential ideas for the upcoming A/W season! I hope these series have inspired you in some way to work with denim joggers without wearing them once. Whether sporty, edgy, chic or just laid back; denim joggers can have the same effect that silk/drawstring joggers can do, but with just a different fabric texture.

For just a quick recap, here is a look back at the first two series HERE and HERE.

Do Denim Joggers (Part 2)

Do Denim Joggers (Part 2)

This ensemble borderlines an African rendition with a contemporary twist. The print headwrap with the black and gold choker resemble the “African” rendition at the back of my mind. Whilst the vintage safari shirt stands out between an African outback experience or your modern recall of a vintage shirt; whichever suits your fancy. The contemporary twist lies in the pastel sunglasses, red heels, AndEdgy white stud clutch and the studded belt that provides the cinched-in waist.

Simplicity is KEY! and not much jewellery is required to state the obvious. I could see this look being the perfect excuse to edge up an evening with the girls or a fun outdoor-tsy event (minus the heels of course). Whichever way you interpret this look, one or two pieces can be removed to suit your persona, without compromising the construction it has to the jogger denim.

Vintage Safari Shirt – Vintage Thrift

Black and Gold woven choker – Bling Bling

White tank – SK2

Studded belt – From my sister’s closet

Jogger Denim – Great Gear (Noczim Building)

Red Heels – Wardrobe Mix

Sunglasses – Elle Magazine SA

White Stud Clutch – AndEdgy

Headwrap – From my closet

Stay Gorgeous! 

Do Denim Joggers

I will begin by saying I have thrown a lot of names around to describe this particular pair of denims. In the beginning the label was “Cuffed Denim”, and it worked quite well back then because at the time everyone was using that term. Then came along the “Elastic Cuff”, but this was just the generalized term we used at college. Only recently have I discovered that this denim tucked away strategically in my closet is actually a “Jogger Denim”! Amazed and a little bit embarrassed, I did my research to find the correct term to label them without having my head all over the place. Making the link between jogger sweatpants, leather joggers and denim joggers was an AHA moment made in my fashion diary.

You might remember these denims from 2012; they had a moment on the blog with a casual attire suited for that time. Fast forward to 2015 and they have been given a much more chic revival to suit. I have been consuming myself as of late into finding a way to style these particular joggers, and soon enough this post will spread over 3 looks and ideas centred around them. Part of the reason is to find combining ways to make the most out of old trendy clothes without chucking them away completely (especially in my case where they still fit).

Denim is always a stylish alternative for a casual attire or a dolled up look. The best part about denim is the classic fixture in which it carries without being outdated or scratched out completely.

Black Peplum Blazer – Jet Stores Zimbabwe

Silver Grey Bauble choker – Bling Bling

Black tank – Edgars Stores Zimbabwe

Black belt – Thrift store

Jogger Denim – Great Gear (Noczim Building)

Red Heels – Wardrobe Mix

Sunglasses – Elle Magazine SA
Lipgloss - Sleek Lipglass Rose

In other news, I have been closely monitoring the progress of my #NaturalHairMovement. It’s a bit tedious; with the combing of the afro and twist outs every evening, but I have found relief in detangler, olive oil and a blow dryer to keep my afro smooth and manageable. Head scarfs and Head wraps are my best friend to tie up my hair on bad hair days, and bonus points because it’s a chic style alternative.

Don’t forget to find my blog and many style adventures on Instagram - @tendaitoscie!

As Always, Stay Gorgeous!

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.

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

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!

My Weekend Ensemble - Pink Nostalgia

I have been going through a lot of forgotten pieces in my closet as of late, primarily due to my annual spring cleaning fest where I push all the winter clothing at the back of the closet and push the summer ones forward – for easy accessibility. Whilst doing that I came across my good ol’ blush pink sling purse and pink denims I bought for my birthday when I turned 19! I remember it was just around the time colour blocking was picking up on the international front and Pink was an obvious choice for me. So I went for bright pink denims! I wore these beginning August on a Sunday and decided to stick to two tones – nudes and pink with a nude blouse, scotch jacket (with brown highlights) and of course the blush pink purse topped off with black boots. I’m sure a lot of nostalgia is in order on the blog this coming Summer season as I keep finding pieces that have been tucked away for ages!

I always love a bit of Nostalgia – (something old, something new and something borrowed), in my life because all these pieces have a story behind them resonating at some particular point in time. Goes to show that fashion just runs through my system.

Whilst we are at it, my good friends from Deck Magazine picked up “Is #ZimFashion late on Fashion trends”, in their fashion and style section – another good discussion article that delves into what’s happening on the #ZimFashion arena. What’s a community of fashion without a little debate right? Do sound off and share your thoughts.

All the same, find me on Instagram @tendaitoscie and let’s get snapping!

Stay Gorgeous,

Tendai Sophia.

I'm into these @womanandhome_sa Go Golden sunglasses from their August issue.

My Weekend Ensemble – Tux + Denim

Tuxedo Blazer
Jeans from Wardrobe Mix
Flowing black blouse - Vintage
Black & Gold MRP pumps
Black MRP snood
ELLE magazine SA sunglasses
Sling bag
Stone beads
BEST ACCESSORY - New Hair.

Happy Sunday Empire!

I surely hope the past week has been smooth, with the Heroes and Defence Forces long weekend and jumping right back to work! As for the blog, well I’m sure you are well aware of the on-going Ngosikadzi collaboration that’s been bringing FUN-tastic styles to rock with print dresses! All in the preparation of SUMMER!

As for my look today – it’s pretty casual and laid back, encompassing some of my favourite closet pieces and of course a NEW HAIRDO. The tuxedo jacket has had a cameo on the blog before, whilst the jeans are a go-to favourite. As of late I’ve been feeling nostalgic – pulling out tucked away pieces from the closet, and giving them a fixer upper! One of the pieces is this blush pink sling bag from December 2011, which I have been embracing as of late and these stone beads that I bought way back in high school. I have another post in the works that also includes the sling bag and a little something working around pumps! I find comfort in wearing pumps a lot of the times as I maintain my heels for events or outings – and my lifestyle revolves around public transport so heels aren’t always a go-to factor.

Other than that, I sure hope you are relaxing this weekend in preparation for another busy week ahead. Don’t forget to check out my styling venture with the Ngosikadzi dresses on the blog. The main emphasis is to create awareness on locally made and affordable #ZimFashion – and some of the styling tips I share are curated along those lines; which is Chic and Affordable! If you are an up and coming brand/designer and want exposure for your work, please do not hesitate to contact me as I’m always looking to emulate local and fresh designs on the blog.

Stay Gorgeous Empire!

Tendai Sophia.

My Weekend Ensemble: Edgy + Chic

This week it’s a second round with the ankle boots from Sapatos. I’m always looking for something that complements my character, and these wedge boots completely fit the bill. I wore this look on Sunday, which was also Father’s Day; due to internet connectivity and load shedding I couldn’t post anything on Instagram for my dad, but I will honour him in this post by saying he is the BEST dad ever! A lot of the times there is more emphasis on women’s groups, organisations and celebratory holidays, but if you take a closer only one day a year is set aside just for the men, which is Father’s Day. To which some men out there are pretty cool dads! Kudos to them!

So my ensemble this week is Edgy + Chic; I was thinking of black and accents of grey, something fun and warm yet still chic to wear to church. I paired a black cape peacoat, with ankle boots and a vintage black and grey pullover from my mom’s closet. The original idea to this look was to add a black scarf, but instead I switched it for a bullet grey neck piece from bling bling, and finished off my accessories with a yellow watch and matching gold chain bracelet. These jeans are my favourite pair of denims right now because they have a loose fitting to them, which comprehends the boyfriend jean trend (which I adore). I absolutely love the faded hue detail over the overall blue shade of the denims, and they are super comfortable too.

Quick tip: you can accomplish the faded hue bit by scrapping an old pair of denims with sand paper. Best trick in the book!

So Sunday’s look embodied an edgy-chic persona with the blue jeans, black detail, choker neckpiece, pullover stripes and wedge ankles that complete the chic look I was going for.

Still on the topic of Chic, myself with #TheGLAMProject have teamed with Concrete Jungle Ngosikadzi to style two African pieces for your fashionable convenience. One a tent dress and the other a classic wrap dress in African print. These style posts will be rolling out all of June and July, so I’m excited to experiment with some of my closet styling tips, and get you in on personal blogger fashion!

But all the same, do remain Gorgeous,

Yours in a Cape coat and choker neck piece;

Tendai Sophia

My Weekend Ensemble: Just Casual

The weather has been pretty dull as of late, with a lot more cloud, wind and rain (super dull if you ask me because it's supposed to be summer! With warmth and sunshine). The weather nowadays makes me determine what to wear which is quite hard for me because i'm trying to embrace skirts, summer dresses and easy-breezy frocks.

So this was yesterday's ensemble on a Sunday morning. I hadn't planned a blogpost, but the response to the 3 dimensional photo via Facebook was soo lovely that it honestly felt right to share it with everyone else. This was my first attempt at a 3 dimensional photo using an Android app called Photo Grid; which to me looks more like a phone game app! But i'm getting the hang of it.

So my ensemble was pretty simple and casual; i worked with neutrals with the beige blouse and matching cardi (which you might probably remember from here), black jeans and the grey purse, then added a pop of colour with the red heels. To be honest the weather isn't helping me to flourish because i'm not one who enjoys being cold.

Yours in Glamour,

Tendai Sophia

         

Signature Toscie on Pinterest

Like any other girl, my love for photography, glitzy photos and pictures is no secret; since I avidly enjoy reading magazines and taking my own pictures. So in this case Pinterest is no new secret for any social media loving fashionista! You get to create exciting boards with all your favourite pictures and inspirations. There’s nothing new about my Pinterest account except that it expresses all that is me, what I love, like, lust and adore about fashion, food and anything else inbetween. But my most particular attention is on my personal board “Toscie’s Closet” which I started earlier in the year. This board is where I share my clothing and accessories straight from my wardrobe and experiment with some looks (some of which are not on the blog).

So hop on over to Signature Toscie’s Pinterest page and take a look at Toscie’s Closet. Whilst your at it, you are more than welcome to follow me!

Some of my looks from the past few weeks of July;

Happy Pinning!

Stay Gorg and Glam,

GD