NGOSIKADZI Wrap Dress Goes from Day to Night

I have been having a lot of fun styling the NGOSIKADZI dresses for the blog, and I’m even more certain that print dresses will be a big trend in Harare pretty soon (I have already spotted quite a few printed frocks, and I’m soo glad the trend is finally taking flight). This post focuses on the NGOSI wrap dress which was a huge highlight for me on Sunday (24 August 2014), as I took the dress from Day to Night; with two looks that I’m going to share in this post. And I will honestly say I was truly a highlight as everyone kept complementing the dress – a lovely feminine print if I must say so myself :).

Pretty in PINK

I love the colour pink, and I’m not ashamed to say I own a few pink pieces in my closet (check out Pink Nostalgia here). So when I had the “AHA” moment of styling this dress in pink, it was a visionary ‘Modern African Princess’ (this is the theme I was going for). I paired the frock with some of my favourite pieces, keeping in mind to match with the colours on the dress:

1. Pink blazer from Truworths Zimbabwe – this is my go-to blazer that doesn’t let me down and looks good with just about anything.

2. Pink head band from Bling Bling – Lost accessory but found right in time for this look.

3. Silver Bubble choker – great solid colour that works with just about anything, and adds a quirky/edgy pizazz to any look.

4. Zara Black tote – I personally think totes are great to carry anything and for an uber stylish feel; bonus points if it’s black because black is a neutral colour that blends in with anything.

5. Black pumps – since I took this look to church, pumps where the preferred shoe choice to keep it neat and polished for the church environment.

6. MrP Sunglasses – I don’t think any outfit is complete without sunglasses, and this particular pair is a go-to favourite, #BigAndBoldSunglasses.

You can't go wrong with Black accessories.

African Themed Wedding

Later in the day I took the dress to an African themed wedding; #NaijaZimWedding – which was absolutely beautiful at the Wild Geese Lodge. Although a lot of the reception party took a modern route to dressing for the ceremony – I was glad I was one of the few who opted to go African. There’s soo much I can describe of Wild Geese Lodge but it will take two good blogposts because I wouldn’t want to leave out any detail. But I will say the lodge is a great recommendation for any wedding, conferences or party – with a 10 km radius out of Harare, if you are coming from Harare drive.

For the evening I switched from pink to black and gold, with a black peplum jacket form Jet, Gold Envelope clutch from Sapatos and black sandals from MrP. I kept the silver neckpiece and the sunglasses, whilst my hair went from sleek pushback in the morning to a low pony tail for the evening. I must say I loved the sunset over the lodge that it was a perfect scenery for a photoshoot by the stairs of one of the buildings – a hazy but golden light as the sun goes down. An “African sunset” it was.

That beautiful African sunset.

Forgive my poor home pedicure but these MrP sandals are too adorable!

Scenes From the Wedding

With that said, I hope this post has inspired you to invest in a print dress this season, because with these two looks in one day – I guarantee you there are a ton of ways to style and rock a printed frock for the summer!

With these two looks, I want know to know which one is your fave NGOSIKADZI Wrap Dress style? Sound off and share your thoughts.

Stay Gorgeous,

Tendai Sophia.

The EcoCash Shopping Revolution

Mobile money transfer or mobile banking is the modern medium to take care of all your expenses and financial figures, straight via your cellphone. You can pay bills, pay for social outings (such as lunch), pay for your groceries and/or shopping, take out items on laybye and even pay school fees! All these benefits straight through your cellphone (makes you wonder if you might need a bank account; which of course you do for transactions outside your cellphone). Mobile payment platforms have become easy, fast, efficient and affordable, with Zimbabwe having mobile networks branching into mobile money transactions. Popular being EcoCash, OneWallet (Netone launched mobile money first before Econet by the way), and just recently TeleCash and NettCash. Now this blogpost isn’t in anyway biased, but I’m more familiar with EcoCash services of mobile money transfer, which has prompted me to write this post.

Why mobile money and shopping? Well to start off we are increasingly living in a materialistic world, with the personal brand, shopping as a plus factor (that can make you gain more), and technological advancements increasingly creating new innovations towards our seriously globalizing world. With that said, shopping has become much more efficient with mobile money transfer; I’ve a scenario where I purchased a jacket straight through EcoCash! No fuss, no queuing and no service connection problems (well service disconnections cannot be entirely ruled out), but my point is if you are obsessed with your phone, and your life rotates around your cellphone then having either EcoCash, TeleCash or OneWallet should be something you should look into (if you haven’t already). Since I’m quite familiar with EcoCash, I’m able to deposit, withdraw and transfer money (send money to a registered or non-registered EcoCash user), and have the option to utilize EcoCash Save - which is a smart money platform to save cash, watch it grow and cut down on loans.

I remember I was quite naïve with the idea of applying let alone having something called mobile banking in my phone; I asked myself what’s the fuss all about? Err…you could still save and put money in a bank account. Another factor was I was a student, why would I want to chuck my pocket money, if my intention was to directly consume it?! But I had my ‘AHA’ moment when a former employer urged me to apply for EcoCash, that’s when I realized its relevance. Heck I can now buy airtime from my phone!

So back to shopping, major retailers in Harare have EcoCash biller codes to make it convenient for their consumers to shop; top of my list being Jet Stores, Edgars, Truworths, Wardrobe Mix, Passport; pretty much any clothing retailer you walk into offers their consumers the facility of mobile payment/mobile money transfer, with the two most popular being EcoCash and TeleCash. EcoCash agents are pretty much scattered around Harare, so making withdrawals and deposits is not limited - although best advice is to make transactions directly to the service provider for personal reasons or if you wish to be safe.

According to TechZim, there is now a EcoCash mobile Android app on Google Play Store.

Mobile money transfer/payment services is one of the many technological advancements we receive and enjoy today to cater for shopping, bill payments, withdrawals and saving. Rounding up the group with bank accounts, credit cards, debit order and laybye services (which is another blogpost in the works). The ability to pay for goods and services in Zimbabwe is increasingly becoming innovative for consumers.

With that said, have you registered for a mobile money transfer service with your service provider? Sound off, and have your say on The EcoCash Shopping Revolution.

Stay Gorg and Glam with,

Tendai Sophia

EcoCash Merchant and Biller at Topics First Street.

EcoCash Biller Code at Truworths Sam Levy.

Mannequins in Topics First street Harare.

DeMOYO launches Winter Collection at Truworths Borrowdale Branch

I’m in the final stages of exam preparation and finalising school (hence my awkward silence), but I had to make one quick fashion event stop at the launch of Paidemoyo Chideya’s DeMOYO new winter collection range at Truworths Sam Levy Village. I’ve only been recently acquainted with the DeMOYO line, and I must say I’m inlove. The brand screams every epitome that is Tendai Sophia, it is feminine, sophisticated, CHIC and above all, it is tailor-made for the uber- sophisticated modern woman with form fitting silhouettes and a neutral colour palette. (I’ve an exclusive with Paidemoyo which is still in the works, but will be shared very soon! Keep on the lookout). For now I will say that Paidemoyo is off international recognition, having spent well over a decade building and crafting her brand abroad; with international liaisons that include Calvin Klein in New York City. Paidemoyo’s opening speech at the launch expressed her love for passion in art, creativity and inspiration. Stating that her stance is and has always been focus on women’s growth and empowerment, which readily shows in her clothing and her personality.

The launch took place on Friday 30 May, at approximately 6pm (yours truly arrived 18.15pm, with my sidekick and sister @ChipoLace). Familiar faces on rotation were @TatRobin, Shamiso Ruzvidzo, Ruvheneko Parirenyatwa and Fungai Tichawangana (the guru behind ZimboJam). Three models worked their stills in DeMOYO creations, first with formal casual attire and the next rotation they donned some of DeMOYO’s best evening couture pieces. And guests were treated to light snacks and bubbly. The launch covered just over two hours, but a lot of pictures, selfies and interactions took place, it’s all about Network Marketing empire!

I thoroughly enjoy how these events and launch parties are increasingly growing to promote local production (and can be super fun!). I’m sure you are well aware about my strong stance and advocating on local fashion, production and consumption. Anything to boost our Fashion industry and put it on the international map, is what Signature Toscie stands for. With that said I hope you will pop by Truworths at Sam Levy Village during the 2014 winter season to purchase a DeMOYO piece, yes Truworths is a bit on the pricier side but I promise you the material, texture and silhouette of the clothing is all worth it.

DeMOYO details:

Facebook; www.facebook.com/DeMOYO

Twitter; www.twitter.com/Ms_DeMOYO

Web; www.demoyocollection.com or www.paidemoyochideya.com

Yours in Glamour and photos from the event below;

Tendai Sophia!

DeMOYO Collection on Display

DeMOYO winter shift dress in this season's winter "white trend".

Model wearing DeMOYO and Entertainment for the evening was provided by Cathy Mhlanga

Models showcasing DeMOYO.



 

Loved this model's make up done by Vault Cosmetics before the Launch Party 

The timeless crotchet dress, which has received its fair share of international recognition was given a demure twist for the Zimbabwean audience.

Beaded Evening gown

The Crowd 

Myself with Paidemoyo and my sister.
Photo courtesy of @TatRobin

Footsies, shoes, heels! Call them what you want but we took a snap!

Have a look at some of these pictures and more on my Instagram account @tendaitoscie

*FIN*

My Weekend Ensemble: Sailor Inspired

This Sunday look was inspired by a combination of nautical and sailor chic fashion; with main emphasis on the stripes as the defining factor. I've always admired the Sailor look a la Mademoiselle Coco Chanel, that i decided to conjure my own version (in Zimbabwe of course). Now the sailor look is a whole combination of boat shoes, double-panelled jacket with the finishing anchor and sailor hat accessories. The colour palette is your whites, reds, dark navy and blush tones such as pink, blue or orange.

I paired my sailor inspired ensemble with a striped shirt (Breton stripes is the fancy name), peg leg pants (or cigarette pants, call ‘em what you like), my pink blazer and pointy studded pumps from jet.  And the tote with the beaded necklace were my only two accessories. I'm pretty sure i made a pretty good impression. I took my look to Sam Levy Village that morning to buy books (i'm obsessed with new stationary for each new semester) and also to check out whats buzzing at the Sunday Fleamarket.

Classy, sophisticated, stylish.

Whilst at The Village, I spotted this new signage by  the Zuuva store, which reads "Signature Closet". I loved it soo much that it was only befitting that i pay homage to that Signature factor!

*Apologies for the poor photo quality*

All of my clothes were local in this post:

Striped shirt, pumps and pants were from Jet

Pink blazer from Truworths

Tote from Safari Shue

Necklace was from The Village fleamarket

Stay Gorg and Glam,
GD