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 The best part about denim is the classic fixture in which it carries without being outdated or scratched out completely.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!

Highlights Of The Year 2013

2013 was a year filled with a lot more downs than ups, but with some negative energy, there’s always something positive to remember. So for 2013, here’s my list of top highlights;

My Pixie Cut 
Greatest decision I have made was finally getting an edgier shorter crop. I had always admired Halle Berry and Pink’s hair, not forgetting South-Africa’s Gail Mabalane (nee Nkoane). So this year in March I took my Glamour magazine and last bit of my salary for that month and went to the Scandals salon by the Travel Plaza along Mazowe street in Harare and chopped off my locks! Best moment for me for just those two months and I got the most overwhelming response because I found a look that I really liked. Unfortunately after just two months, I chopped off all my hair and since then I’ve been planning a comeback (crosses fingers it happens in 2014).

Deck Magazine Feature 
Second best highlight for me was the feature of my blog post on “There’s just something about African Print and Pink Lips”, on the online magazine Deck Magazine. That awesome feeling lasted for about two weeks for me because my usual platform was on JEWEL magazine, so it was a lovely experience branching out on a new platform. A big thanks to the Deck magazine team and their founder Gilmore T Moyo @GilmoreTee.

Fashion weekend Zimbabwe 2013 
Fashion Weekend Zimbabwe 2013 was the most anticipated fashion event for the year alongside Zimbabwe Fashion Week 2013. Having started its promotional preparation in January 2013 with the notion of a 3 day weekend fiesta in October; it moved along during the year with Designer competitions and a press conference breakfast that saw the date changing to a one day evening event with luxe gala tickets and a fab dinner. As any new event it had it glitches and flaws but on my part I think it went absolutely well, especially for a first timer and a newcomer for Shamiso Ruzvidzo. It brought new design innovations to the table and opened our eyes to new designers. The theme was also intact with that fusion of fashion, food and music, with the fashion being centrally focused on local proudly Zimbabwean designs. Unfortunately I didn’t have the buffet dinner since I was media, but from my view it looked quite scrumptious and well-executed. Not only that but I also thank FWZ for the new friendships I have brewed with the designers. Here’s to looking forward to a big and fab FWZ 2014 (I hear preparations are already underway).

Zimbabwe Fashion Week 2013 
2013 was the year I attend my first shows to Zimbabwe Fashion Week 2013. Unfortunately ZFW did not live up to its “premier fashion show” expectation. Most of the fashion shows were behind schedule by two hours to the least and there were quite a few slip ups on the runway by the models. Furthermore the designer capsule outside the tent was poorly exhibited. The brighter side though was that the designers brought their designs to life and I particularly enjoyed the Young Designers Programme and Znorzi Adby. Furthermore Gavin Rajah’s collection stole the show and I also heard Tamara Dey and her band, The Flash Republic gave a stunning performance that evening (I still kick myself till this day for not getting that photo op with her!! Dear, God!!!). I’m hoping ZFW switches it up and brings their ‘A’ game in 2014 because I still believe in them. Every now and then we all stumble and fall, and for ZFW it happened in 2013; so here’s to crossing my fingers for a stellar performance planned for 2014.

My Pink and Tuxedo blazers 
How can yours truly end this list without the one thing that dominates my closet and the one trend that I have traditionally followed as  a young woman?! Oh yes, I LOVE my blazer jackets and my collection continues to grow. Last year it was all about my grey blazer with the leopard print lining (love it to bits), this year I flooded my blog with my blush pink blazer from Truworths; and just recently I purchased my very first tuxedo blazer in green for Christmas (which I wore before Christmas by the way). I think blazers will always be timeless, they work with anything and everything and you can shift them from day to night, from the office to the happy hour! In 2014 I must save for an African print blazer.

So there you have it! Signature Toscie’s annual year-end Highlights for the year. 2013 showed some testing times but I still raise my glass to new awesome and memorable discoveries for 2014.

Yours in Glamour,

ST

Shortening It Out!

So one of the things i love to do every few months is to do a blogpost on my hair and showcase the latest hairstyle I would be rocking. My hair is my vessel that i constantly switch up, change and play with. My favourite post so far has been My CuteLittle Pixie Cut that I did back in March. It was the first time I had cut my hair in 14 years! And to be honest since then, I have fallen in love with short hair. It’s fun, quirky, liberating and unique, because most women aren’t keen on going short; it’s either a preference to a weave or braids. So I was inspired to showcase a little about short hair on my blog; since it’s the new look I’m rocking right now, as well as emulate local women with short ‘dos.

What I adore about short hair is that it’s fuss-free, different, neat, versatile and pocket-friendly (I will not lie, I’ve saved a lot of money since having cut my hair). I also believe that all you need to do with short hair is to find a look that works best with your personality, your look and your lifestyle as well as loads of confidence, just so you can stand out. I for example, have a little edge which is why I opted for a fun pixie cut earlier on in the year. 

So as daunting as it is to chop off all your hair and go short, there are actually so many cool ways to make it work for you. Some of them include keeping it natural a la Mrs Tsitsi Mutendi of JEWEL mag, there’s the s-curl (mind my spelling) that Miss Pokello does so well (this girl is fierce because I’ve only ever seen her in short hair and at some point in 2010/2011 she had a pixie going on), there’s the red dye look that Miss Makosi did so well and looks lovely on her; and last but not least there’s Harare Mbama’s Angie who rocks a bald head so well, it almost looks and feels natural.

Furthermore I’ve only spotted two hair salons in Harare so far that do a great job in catering for ladies short hair; that is Scandals hair salon by the Travel Plaza and Divine Touch Hair salon at Sam Levy Village (nothing beats having your hair done by a guy; they are really good and super neat and tops to the fact that they cater to the customer’s needs!).

So whichever way you wanna go, either short locks, natural, s-curl, dye/tint or bald, there’s actually quite a lot of short hairstyles to choose from. I mean if Solange Knowles can cut her hair, then why cant you, besides you have the opportunity to start over and experiment and grow it back too!

And a quick fashion tip is to incorporate a lot of headgear especially during this winter season in the likes of hats such as felt hats, fedoras and trilbys; scarves are also a really great alternative to style your head and keep warm, invest in a doek (via africanhairblog.com and myfroandi.com) or a turban. Read on here for The Turban Movement to get inspired.

Another quick hair tip I like to do is to wash my hair and condition it with either Dark and Lovely Moisture Seal Deep Conditioner or Luster’s Pink Hot oil treatment, so as to just get rid of dandruff and it promotes a little shine and healthy growth.

My hair is undoubtedly my best accessory and my kaleidoscope playground; right now I’m rocking a short curly ‘do but it’s only a matter of time that I go back to my lovely little pixie cut (when everything around me has settled in a good space).

So don’t be afraid to shy away from the norm and go a little short, besides your hair will always grow back. Take a cue from these fabulous modern local ladies that are rocking short ‘dos:

Pokello

Harare Mbama

Socialite Makosi

Jewel Editor Tsitsi Mutendi

Moi, in my current 'do. Crazy aint i..

Be bold, be sassy and be fierce!

Stay Gorg and Glam,

GD

My New Hair: Cute Little Pixie Cut

I'm excited to say I finally cut my hair! I've always wanted to be fierce and rock the sassy little pixie cut à la Halle Berry, and i finally got around to do it. The response from all my family and friends has been astounding! I had no idea i would look this good with short hair. Loving my new hair, i feel so bold and sophisticated, somewhat a ROCKSTAR! I owe my fab new hair to the awesome gentlemen at Scandals Unisex hair salon at the Travel Plaza. They relaxed, washed, moussed, cut and styled my new hair to its lovely perfection. I felt like a princess in the salon chair (I even shared the details on "The Salon Chair Chronicles" via Facebook). I mean who knew men are awesome hairdressers! I'm in love <3. Although my new 'do cost $50, it was more than worth it. I love my new hair, it completely brings out the Toscie in me!

Stay Gorg and Glam

GD

P.S. S/O to Vongai from Defined Wear at Sam Levy Village for the Heads up! :)