My Weekend Ensemble: Print Skirt + Ankle Booties

I wrapped up with the school in the past week, exams finished, now I wait for the fate that my results will bring but I surely hope for the best. In the past week and during the weekend, I have been using my time to read up on some of my favourite SA blogs (Superficial Girls, Baked The Blog and Mr Price’s In The Fashion Loop), trying to find ways to inspire myself to give you and the blog the best content relatable to Harare (I think I’ve succeeded in keeping the blog tres local and talking about Zim fashion, and making my outfits also relatable). So my main focus is to make the blog better especially with the photos. It’s been two years on and still my main goal is to give you high definition photos; which I’m still working on – cellphone photos aren’t making the cut for me anymore (hence I’ve opted to slow it down on the outfit posts). So I’ll keep you posted on that endeavour.

So my student life is temporarily over (Although I miss it already), but I guess it means more time to work on the blog. I’ve quite a few posts already lined up, one which is way overdue on Mafikizolo’s Nhlanhla recent fashion (did you see her evening gown on the MTV MAMA’s 2014 show?! Gorg, right!). Anyway onto the business of the day, is a style post with my vintage print skirt (that I believe is a 2 in 1 because it’s a midi skirt on which I altered the hem into somewhat a circle skirt, but still looks like a midi..) and ankle boots. I pretty much broke a fashion rule with the wedge ankle booties, because apparently tiny girls can’t rock a thick shoe due to our tiny calf, but I still went for it because I love this boot. I bought this boot in Sapatos at @JoinaCityZW, and I love it for its classic black colour and the fabric detail in the front and extra points on its comfort.

For Sunday’s look I paired the boots with the print midi skirt, nude blouse and caramel-inspired (brown) blazer finished off with a Mr Price woven belt. Sunglasses are from a FAIRLADY issue back in November 2013. The boots were a part of my Winter Preparation kit, where I acquired myself with three distinct and must have pieces this winter; the statement coat, knit scarf and ankle boots. Now we all know Sapatos Footwear and Luggage is a part of the Signature Toscie fam (big fan we are), and it’s exciting to note that Sapatos in collaboration with “With Love Foundation” are bringing you Fashion Forward ZW. One winter night of a fashion show at @JoinaCityZW on Saturday 5 July 2014, which launches my good friend Blaque Excellence’s S/S 2014 collection. Tickets start at $20, for any more information do contact @Fashion4wardZW or info@nailamanagement.com.

Now as noted, this blogpost is entirely about #MyWeekendEnsemble, which is another good inspiration to help you rock print skirts this winter. Yes, the weather is taking a turn for the cold in Harare.

With that said, I leave you with pictures of my weekend look.

Yours in New booties and Vintage prints!

Tendai Sophia!

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

My Weekend Ensemble: Floral Maxi Dress

“Go Forth and GlamouRIZE” is the closing statement by my favourite South African magazine editor for Glamour SA Pnina Fenster. It may not have much of a relevance to this post but I started this week off on a pretty good note. For starters, my styling venture “The GLAM Project”, had an official launch in the 4^th issue of Infinity Magazine (released Saturday), where I’m currently the Fashion and Styling contributing writer. I’m lending a hand to my good friend and Editor of the mag Sophia Michelle Chitemere (our line of friendship stems from our little sisters’ friendship). So its pretty exciting to say I'm broadening my horizon. I plan to do a blogpost very soon to let you in on my current fashion projects (which is besides school).  

So onto this week's Weekend Ensemble, which is my very floral strapless Mr. Price summer maxi dress that I purchased way back in 2010. I have had this sunny yummy dress for a while now but had not posted about it, and well Sunday, was a good day to give it that opportunity. I paired my maxi dress with my pink blazer, my favourite signature studded clutch (as always) from Mr. Price, bobble neckpiece from Bling Bling stores, topped off with blue summer sandals that I have featured here. I chose to channel a side swept hairstyle with my braids that I plaited into a braid and tucked in at the back.

My whole vibe right now is to embrace a lot of feminine pieces and that exciting essence of summer by wearing lots of skirts and dresses. I wish I had discovered the beauty of all of this a little bit earlier on in my life, because I will admit I might have spent half my life in denim and pants. But alas, it’s never too late to embrace just about anything, and right now is the perfect time for me.

I hope you love this ensemble as much as I enjoyed flaunting it during the weekend.

Yours in Glamour,

ST

A clutch adds an understated glam.

You could take this look to a braai or a girls day out.

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: 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

My Weekend Ensemble: Laid Back Look

Winter has definitely hit Harare now and I’m pretty sure quite a few of our delicious socialites are keeping the party indoors on the weekend just to avoid the cold chill outside. I did just that this past weekend by bringing out my favourite colour out of my closet; Black. In my pics I’m rocking black head to toe with a black blouse that I raided from my Mum’s closet from the 80’s, black skinnies from Zim Edgars, black high heels by Cupid (scouted) and my beige cardi with my grey scarf both scouted in H-town. I was just Sunday Chilling.

As always my lovlies….

Stay Gorg and Glam

GD

I’m Proudly African

The past weekend on Saturday 25 May, was Africa Day. This year was particularly special because it was the golden jubilee (50 years) of the African Unity (AU) former (OAU). So it was quite exciting and at the same time liberating! I hadn’t thought about writing something for Africa Day but I owe it all to my fave local blogger Miss Robyn who wrote a lovely piece on Saturday. I loved her piece so much that I was more than inspired to write something of my own. It got me thinking about so much more about Africa that most of our young generation isn’t very proud of nor knowledged about. Sure, we may not be in the forefront of the massive globalization but have you stopped to realize just how cool we are?

First and foremost we are the only continent with a diversity of people, culture and languages all 54 countries! Secondly I actually think us Africans are creative when you equate our different cultures to fashion! Our different ethnic groups and cultures have a designated cultural/traditional dress that sets us part from our fellow countrymen. Case in point is the African attire that has West African origins from Ghana and Nigeria. Our Ndebele from here in the south who rock a mean pack of colourful beads and up North we have the Egyptians who are world renowned for their exquisite history and fine textiles of silk and gold. There is so much to be Proudly African about that you just need to see the bigger picture!

Now unfortunately I didn’t get the opportunity to celebrate Africa Day (I’m in the middle of exam preparation) but my younger sister did. They had an African themed celebration at school and this was her African attire of choice:

Now, there is so much to love about Africa and to learn about. So here are my top 5 favourite locations in Africa. I havent’ really travelled a lot especially outside Southern Africa, so here is just a list of some of the places I’ve been to in my lifetime:

1.Botswana

The Republic of Botswana is literally my second home. Most people don’t know this but I grew up there. I did my primary education and the first two years of high school in Gaborone. This is where I first learned French from a Congolese teacher called Mr. Samy. I moved back to Zimbabwe in 2005 just before I turned 15. I call this my second home because all of my fondest memories are based there. Some day I plan to go back, just to visit :)

Aerial View of Gaborone

Gamecity Mall. My weekends were characteristic of this.

2.Victoria Falls

I went to Vic Falls for the first time in 2002! And lemme just say it was awesome! I was quite young but I’ll never forget the scenery of the waterfall and the statue of David Livingstone, not forgetting the sunset boat rides over looking Zambia.

3.Swakopmund, Namibia

In one word; Namibia was Divine. I remember going there on the long Heroes/Defence Forces weekend in August (cant remember the year) with the fam. I love to travel and so road trips are my thing (literally). Namibia was my favourite place because I got to see the beach for the first time in Swakopmund. It was the best thing ever because I was young and excited to see a massive body of water with lots of boats hanging around the harbour and the sleeping seals.

I remember Swakopmund looked like a quinty little town

4.Johannesburg

My first trip to Joburg was in December 2010. I had only known joburg from the TV and from friends who would travel there back and forth, so when I went there in ’10 I was beyond thrilled. Of course I was jittery in the bus but the early morning view of Joburg city at 8am took my breath away. I fell in love with the hugeness of Joburg just when your coming in from Pretoria (those who have been there know what I’m talking about). I saw Joburg as Southern Africa’s fashion capital because I had seen more malls and clothing than I did back home. Furthermore the people are so confident, they are comfortable in their own skin and their fashion and I admired that.

This is literally The fashion hub of Southern Africa

5.Harare

I’m inlove with this city, I’m. I’m learning so much about Harare and what’s even great is that we’re growing in terms of fashion. When I envision Harare in 10 years we’ll be massive if we keep up our pace and dedication. My obvious favorite place in Harare is Sam Levy Village (yes, the mall) and my suburb is Mount Pleasant (I love MP). I would like to think of myself as a “Harare Fashionista”, it’s crazy but possible. I wont lie, when I came back home (at 15) I was abit unsure but now I know where my heart is. I might go to Paris some day, but somehow home is best. There is so much potential here, you can feel it in the aroma :)

The Village

In a nutshell Africa is my home and I cant imagine it any other way. There are so many beautiful things to look into and to look at such as our serene locations, our beautiful people, our variety of tribes, our selection in divine food and our growing economies. In celebration I’m looking at Africa as a potential, as a diamond. And we’re only still just shining.

In my own distinct manner, I’M PROUDLY AFRICAN!

Stay Gorg and Glam,

GD

 

Lessons Learnt From FWZ 2013

So, Fashion Weekend Zimbabwe 2013 has come and gone. The event had been a popular fixture on social media for months leading up to the actual event. I, for one, was glad that i attended the gala, as i learn a lot from these events and apply my knowledge for future reference. So, what did i learn from attending FWZ that evening? Well, other than meeting the lads and a few ladies by the media table; i took a few cues from their photography as well as some of the things mentioned below;

What To Wear?

The venue for the gala was at Borrowdale Race Course, with the open air and a pond just outside the entrance. As anyone would know, it gets a bit chilly in the evening during the rainy season and that evening was no exception. It was windy and chilly and anyone who wasn't expecting this sort of weather got goosebumps! Lucky for me i had a blazer jacket on; not something that i had planned to wear but i'm sensitive to any cold really. So, for evening outings like these i would suggest carrying a chic blazer jacket; one that is your personal staple and one that also works around all your clothes. Another tip is a bodycon dress, preferably one with long sleeves. Why i say this? The bodycon dress hugs your figure keeping you snug and warm; further more it is more stylish with one solid colour or just two contrasting colours as the print. But i would suggest it be a Little Black Dress (LBD), as worn by Zim Fashionista's assistant that evening. But be reminded to wear what suits YOU best, after all the function was all indoors, so the activity within the room does create some heat.

And The Shoes?

Since i was media, i was up and down a lot that evening! And the my choice of shoes didn't work with my constant movement. I give tops to my sister for wearing wedge heels that evening because she was effortless and comfortable. "Comfort is key" on such an evening especially if you know you are like me and want to take pictures and interview models, you will be on your feet the whole night. The lesson i learnt is to wear a wedge heel or a closed pretty court shoe to balance out your strut and to keep it neat! I don't know how many times my heel sunk into the mud that evening and got caught in the gravel whilst walking. Lets just say i sprained my little knee by the time 11pm came around. So high heels and peep toe sandals are a no go for me for outside evening functions.

What about the pictures?

If you are like me and appreciate good, if not great photography AND further like photos taken by yourself; then invest in a camera! I really enjoy taking photos, its no secret that i push myself to take something different and from my own point of view, and then i describe to you, whether through my blog, twitter, facebook or even word of mouth. I believe a picture says a thousand words. So, for that evening i didn't have a camera; but that didn't stop me from taking pictures (silly me because i should have thought twice about this). The only problem is they were taken by my cellphone (which has had better days, but now its telling me otherwise). So you can imagine my frustration when 60% if not 75% of my photos came out unsatisfactory and not up to the standards i require myself for my blog. What i learned that evening was from the media table; YOU CAN'T USE YOUR PHONE TO TAKE PICTURES! Why i say this? The lighting that evening was a bit dim and further switched between dark and light when the models came in or when the hosts came in. During that time you spent a bit amount of minutes trying to switch your phone camera settings to suit the lighting so that your photo comes out right! Its a lot of hustle and bustle and only further disappoints you and wastes your time because you miss every shot! My advice is rather invest in a digital camera or a trusted tablet such as an ipad or galaxy tab to take your photos.

From the media bench

And don't forget your make-up!

It really wasn't hot that evening to say you needed touch ups or your makeup was melting off. But what i did notice is that a lot of the ladies make-up was glowing (including the models); kind of a shiny look going on. I'm not so much of a make up marvel but i did take note of this and want to inquire on how they do it. My lesson learnt here is keep your make-up glowy and subtle for an evening event. Nothing too overdone, because trust me the lighting and the camera can actually show your make-up in the photos. I trust that the Black Opal Team did a fab job on the models and the hosts.

From my opinion, I think FWZ lived up to its notion of Fashion, Food and Music fiesta. The fashion to begin with was something new, which were our emerging designers who were given a centre stage to launch themselves. The Food was catered for by a chefs who created a full buffet from start to finish. The Music was definitely on point, with two local artists being Audius Mutawarira and Shingi Mangoma, with our opening act courtesy of the dance group High Definition. 

Although the tickets were above reach for many (US$65 for general entry and US$75 for VIP which included a pre-cocktail gathering, the after party and the goodie bag that had a piece from The Ndau Collection); the experience was something to indulge in and one that i learned ALOT from. I'm pretty sure i left out a few details, but as mentioned from my first post; so much was going on that evening and one can only take in so much.

Here's to Fashion Weekend Zimbabwe 2014.

Yours truly in Glamour...

Stay Gorg and Glam,

GD

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: Henry Holland Poppy Dress

This blogpost is exciting for me because of two factors;

1. I got my Signature hairstyle back! Tiny micro-braids that are super functional for me, they look great on me which makes them my fave. The braids are actually a weave by the name of Nubian Lock for Outre hair products, which goes for $7.oo per pack.

2. I wore my Henry Holland Poppy Dress for Mr. Price South Africa to Meet The Industry networking on Saturday 22 February at the Queen of Hearts cafe in Highlands, Harare.

I spotted the Henry Holland Dress on a mannequin in a new store corner Herbert Chitepo and Second street extension/Sam Nujoma street. I admire Henry Holland's designs and i'm a huge fan of his material and graphics, so when i spotted this dress in Zimbabwe, it was just meant to be. Interestingly enough the little store (with the name of Just Fab) sells only Mr. Price Apparel, so i'm guessing the owner is trying to diversify (not sure how though).

So this dress was worn by Kelly Osbourne in the Mr. Price Nov/Dec 2013 lookbook in collaboration with the Red Cap Foundation in South-Africa. Out of all of the Henry Holland Exclusive pieces, the Poppy dress was the highlight for me (I know its just a lookbook but there's alot that goes on in my mind when i go through them). The details in the stripes is my favourite thing about this dress, i love stripes and have only worn Breton stripes (black and white tiny stripes), so a multi-coloured dress with a horizontal pitch was a first for me. Second of all this dress is cute and short, which makes it pretty great for summer with the length and the vibrant colours.

I paired my Poppy dress with a black Peplum jacket, chunky necklace, black tote and nude pumps; keeping everything else neutral whilst letting the dress be the highlight for the whole ensemble. I wore this dress to the perfect occasion which was the Meet The Industry networking organised by Shamiso Ruzvidzo of Catherine Ruze modelling agency and Fashion Weekend Zimbabwe 2014. A separate post will be done for the networking event, but it was a small brunch, so to say, that brought together some of professionals in the Fashion Industry in Zimbabwe, that included photographers, designers, stylists, fashion bloggers (just myself), retailers and models.

My hair was in a top-knot bun, fuss free and out of my face so that i can easily network.

So...this is how i styled a multi-coloured dress; a little illustration of my styling strategy which is The GLAM Project.

Signing out with lots of love and chic fashion...

Yours in Glamour,

Mademoiselle Signature Toscie

The Poppy Delevigne dress, as worn by Kelly Osbourne for Henry Holland Mr. Price SA.
Photo from stylescoop.co.za