The Budget Babe Chronicles (Part 1)

Keeping up to trend and fabulous is pretty much a challenge in Harare. I love my city but I will be deathly honest; international fashion and the latest clothing are vastly scarce in Harare and creating your own look is just as a challenge! Chances are you will be rocking the same outfit as the next girl and that where my dilemma is; creating something which is original and unique.  And it is sadly depressing that some of the major stores in my city sell cheap imported clothing at unfair prices, but I will say if you have a good eye, some of these clothing’s are really actually not so bad. My secret is don’t buy everything, but buy something you can already ADD to your closet. Since I’ve recently just started working again, I rotate around five stores in Harare that I use to scout for some on trend pieces. These being Great Gear, Wardrobe Mix, SK2, Medal Merits and Powersales. Keep in mind most of the clothing in these stores carry the same labels, popularly being; New Feeling, Miss Eva denim and Olive de olive (which I’ve actually seen in Fashion World and PQ stores in Joburg).

I do believe there’s nothing wrong shopping in these stores just so you don’t overdue. Bear in mind my closet consists of so many other labels from other retailers such as Edgars, various boutiques as well as the fleamarket.

I specifically wanted to blog about this because I believe fashion shouldn’t sometimes break your bank, it should be you just so long you know who you are no matter where you shop!

Great Gear

Great gear consists mainly of casual clothing and business casual clothing. It has 3 branches in Harare; with the branch by NocZim building being my fave. I prefer Great Gear for its variety in denim in most shapes and sizes fetching from $10 a pair. The other two branches are one in First street across the road from Meikles Dept Store and another across the street from Ximex mall.

Great Gear by the NocZim building close to the Copacabana bus rank area

Wardrobe Mix

Wardrobe mix is a mixture of casual, business casual and casual formal. It also has 3 branches in the city but my favourite being corner First Street and Jason Moyo Avenue. I mainly shop in here for some of the cardigans and sometimes dresses (I love long cardis) fetching from $15.

Wardrobe Mix along Jason Moyo cnr First Street

SK2

SK2 is probably the most popular fashion store with the younger generation ladies’ as it carries all the trendy casual wear pieces at reasonable prices. It’s also got three stores in Harare but my favourite being in Chisipite which is close to home and in my honest opinion has more variety as compared to the other two.

SK2 in Karigamombe centre.

Medal Merits

Medal merits also carries a lot of the casual wear having two branches in the city; one at Sam Levy village and the other in the heart of town adjacent to Meikles hotel. I like to come here for the distinctive pieces (with some reasonable pricing) that you won’t find in many of the other stores such as for example a grey blazer with leopard print lining. I also adore the branch at Sam Levy for its variety in ladies heels and bags!

Powersales

If you are a Zimbabwean at heart and lived in Zim around the 90s like I did then you must have known and at least owned a thing or two from Powersales Zimbabwe. Yes the chainlink stores of Powersales had gotten into a rut during the 2000s but now it seems to be picking up some pace. Last time I checked I spotted clothing pieces from PEP South-Africa and some really cute summer sandals and tees. It’s not a bad way to revive themselves I think. Hopefully soon enough they will produce their own clothing instead of importing.

Case in point here fashion is shouldn’t kill your budget. You can look good without the hefty price tag, just as long as you take care of your clothing and follow the washing instructions. Also invest in shoes and handbags like I do, they will last you longer!  Remember fashion trends do have a short lifecycle, so if you are going to spend, spend wisely unless you are Kim Kardashian or you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth!

BIG NOTE: shop according to your lifestyle; if you use public transport like I do then parading around town in heels isn't aa good idea. You will hurt your shoes and eventually your feet, so carry flats.

Remember to be an original version of yourself; shop with a distinctive eye, don’t follow each and every trend!

Stay Gorg and Glam

GD

In My Style Journal: Victoria Beckham

"In My Style Journal" is a new monthly article that I wanted to start, showcasing women in the entertainment industry whose fashion and style I admire. I dont want this to be another blog post bombarded with celebrity pictures, but more of an understanding of my personal style and who i'm inspired by.
I love the essence of being a modern, sophisticated 21st century lady with a mixture of the 50s era and a twist of boho-chic. Most of the female celebrities in these posts are individuals who carry a body shape such as my own; which is tall, slim and leggy hence the body of your average model.
I feel fashion is catered for every body type and hence i believe not to squeeze myself where i dont fit.
As Rachel Zoe once said "Its not bad to copy a celebrity-that's what they are there for!

My first ultimate inspiration is non-other than fashion designer, musician, mother and fashionista rolled into one; Victoria Beckham.
I admire VB because from the airport to the red carpet she always looks fabulous. One of the few celebs who stays true to herself and her love for fashion. You cant go wrong with Louboutins and an Hermes tote.

Always stunning and always polished; True Fashion.

Victoria Beckham at her NYFW 2014

In her Signature pose

Little do people know that VB actually started the short hair craze that was later labelled "the Rihanna Cut". I did my research,

Stay Gorg and Glam
GD

*Updated 11 February 2014. I will not take credit for the photos*

My New Adventure

So it's been a while since i've blogged. I've been super busy with a few new projects that i've been working on, personal ones to the least. As a young lady i don't want to be about fashion or just be a girl that loves and blogs about fashion, i want to be more; to represent fashion. So now i feel more than befitting to share my new adventure. Not only am i my own fashion blogger, JEWEL magazine contributor and juggling my BSc degree in Sociology but you are also now looking at the new assistant for Runway Productions! Yep, I wanted to go a step higher in Zim Fashion and be an individual who speaks fashion and to be honest i feel this is a perfect start for me. Even more I have been a big fan of Zim Fashionista wayback into my french days by Alliance Francaise Harare and Hello Harare/Zimbo Jam was nextdoor. I dont know how i'll be able to juggle school and work but i'm more than excited to find out. So far i've been having soo much fun going to photoshoots and meeting innovative Zimbabwean individuals. Although i've had my fair share in slip-ups and wardrobe malfunctions, i only plan to grow bigger and more gorgeous. (I chuckle as i write this). My style still has a long way to go! I believe in chasing my dream and my road has just started, wish me all the Blessings!

Stay Gorg and Glam
GD

That Signature Statement

In my school years I wasn't really the popular pretty girl who was always on trend with fashion and the latest looks, although I loved fashion, my look was somewhat a thing of my own for a quirky little geek. I had always admired my mother’s scarves and got inspired by Legally blonde and shiny magazines. I knew my trends but at times I wasn’t at par with them. But I will tell you this, I had a love for fashion in an original context! I experimented a lot with bold and crazy looks from my accessories to my clothing and creative hairstyles, and at some point I can safely say I was a somewhat trendsetter. I may have been the quite girl, but my quietness was no form of submission to shyness, just my own form of domination and context of original. My biggest statement in high school was my hair since I was always in a uniform, my hair was my best accessory. I also had a thing for bags and I actually didn’t have a backpack but a side bag (which was my Legally Blonde inspiration).

My point here is I had a signature statement one which I’ve carried on into my twenties. I wanted to be original and have a strong feature that defined ME! When you look up ‘Signature’ in the dictionary it goes as follows:

1.       The name of a person or a MARK or a sign representing his name

2.       A DISTINCTIVE MARK or CHARACTERISTIC

Signature Toscie is my distinctive look, my signature sparkle and my signature look. It is my character and I’ve chosen to share it. ST is that one thing that sets me off from the rest and makes me stand out. Hence Signature look is true style that you learn to make it your own without always following fashion. Case in point is Gwen Stefani; the musician and L.A.M.B designer always rocks her red lipstick and bleached blonde hair no matter what the occasion. That’s her Signature Style. Another Signature look is by Victoria Beckham who is always (always) in high heels whether on the football pitch or strutting on the sidewalk, you will find her in heels.

My case in point here is have a SIGNATURE YOU! Don’t always follow trends or follow celebrities because they’ve found their true inner self and they share it with the world. Yes, do take cues and inspirations from them especially for your body type but don’t die to become them but be inspired by them.

To have a Signature isn’t a lot of work or break your bank. A signature look/style can be in the form of a Signature fragrance (one that you always wear), your signature confidence, a Signature scarf, a signature hairstyle or a signature fashion era that you love to rock and relate to such as the 80s or 90s denim. Just be Fiercely Signature YOU! And you would be surprised how many people will be inspired by you.

This year in 2013, be a signature you. Have a Signature Statement that screams who you are no matter where you go. Have a bold trademark that people will never forget.

I love to be inspired and be inspired!

Be Gorgeous and Glamourous

Stay Gorg and Glam
GD

Vogue USA's Editor in Chief, Anna Wintour has been rocking the same blonde bob for the last 30years making it her Signature Statement

Gwen Stefani is never caught dead without her Signature Red Lips.

Rihanna's best accessory over the years has been her hair. She switches it so often to match with the theme of her new albums.


VB is never caught dead without a pair of Christian Louboutin. Even on the streets.

Ashley Olsen is famous for her bohemian look with oversized clothing thats two sizes bigger than her size.

Take a cue from these fab celebrities and make your own Signature Sparkle. Mine is my growing Scarf Collection.

Highlights of the year 2012

2012 was an unbelievable year for a big dreamer like me. Even though everyday adventures in life have their highs and lows, 2012 was different for me; I took charge of what I wanted and only dreamt of. And to be honest it’s a pretty great feeling breaking out of your shell and leaving your comfort zone. I’ve learnt soo much about the Zimbabwe fashion industry in the past year all through my blog and from the awesome people who read it! I’ve been sharing quite alot of me and the Zimbabwe fashion on my blog but here are my top 10 highlights of 2012:

My blog-Signature Toscie

I started officially blogging in May with my then brand new grey scarf being the first post. I’ve always liked writing and reading not only about fashion but with also motivational and inspirational pieces that I like to share every now and then. My blog is a platform of all things Toscie (My nickname and who I’m) and the world around me (Fashion and Zimbabwe).

The Love and Support

I’ve received so much love and support for my blog from Zimbabweans as well as quite a few South Africans. The appreciation for my work cannot half express my gratitude. I’ve met so many people who enjoy what I do and who I can also say, enjoy my vision. It means so much to me especially for a simple and normal girl such as myself who wants to change the world one Gorgeousness at a time.

Passport Store

My undying love from Passport fashion stores will not die! I posted about this fab boutique 3 times (yes THREE!). And I had hoped they would award me with an awesome gift card. But nevertheless, I adore this store to bits; from the decor to the clothing to the atmosphere; I just love this store especially the Sam Levy branch. It’s my favourite.

School!

I’m a big book geek so naturally school is important to me. I’m not a straight ‘A’ student, but I strive to do my best. In my second year now in university, got one more year to go and so far so good.

Mercy Mushaninga

Mercy Mushaninga is my modelling agent (yes, I’m a geeky model) who is also a great mentor. I’ve put her as one of my highlights because I took grooming lessons with her which really helped me to see myself in a different light and boost my confidence. And she’s also very nice.

Shop and Sip with Farai Simoyi

My first fashion event of the year as a blogger. It was a Friday evening and I went from school to this event in two hours. I enjoyed it so much cause I got to meet celebrities (if I can say so myself), bloggers and designer Farai Simoyi herself. It was perfect because Passport boutique in Groombridge was hosting it as well as fashion magazine JEWEL ZIMBABWE and Catherine Ruze modelling agency.

Styled By Africa Pop Up Garden Party

The best Sunday afternoon shin-dig I’ve ever had. It was close to home with lots of beautiful people and awesome music. It was all for a great cause with local fashion as the theme. I had such a lovely time. And this was my second fashion event of the year!

JEWEL magazine ZIMBABWE

I’ve always avidly admired magazines, their shinyness and pack of glossy pictures! So when I saw that JEWEL was looking for a Glam Squad, I thought perfect I will try this. I tried it and now I write for a local fashion magazine part time. My next mission is to raid their offices!

My grey blazer.

My grey blazer is no designer label piece but I love it anyway. It’s in a classy and stylish grey colour with leopard print lining, and I take it everywhere with me. I’ve posted it on my blog’s Facebook page soo many times. It s one of those pieces of clothing that defines you! So you overemphasize by wearing it. Gotta rock it.

My Photo shoot

I did my first model photo shoot early in December 2012 but I’ve decided to use the pictures for my blog. I’ll officially launch them in 2013 and I hope they will be lovely! Mercy Mushaninga was my director.

Here’s to a fabulous and great 2013 with lots of Fashion, Glamour and Gorgeousness. These highlights will forever mark my 2012. Here’s to awesome discoveries in 2013!

Stay Gorg and Glam

GD