Newsbreak: Xolile Tshabalala Is Natural!!!

((((((((BOOOOOM)))))))))))

Can’t touch this!!

So all this time we thought u”Julia Motene”s hair was relaxed neh. She really had us right there.

Xolile Tshabalala is on this month’s True Love cover and amongst other things, she spoke about her hair. Lady has been natural all this time…unbelievable! And what a head full of beautiful, thick, black napps she’s got.

In her interview, Tshabalala says she’s not the type of actress that would get hired for her Barbie doll looks.

“They can shove their deals! I’m beautiful the way I am. I have never gotten a role because someone thought I was pretty”

This is what we ❤ !

More on this natural beauty in the September issue of True Love magazine.

ACCESSORIES!!!

Post by Zama

I am a girl who has always believed that accessories make the outfit and without accessories (correction, without the RIGHT accessories) in your life your outfit can become so blah and mundane. So I thought, why not focus on accessories; the staple of every outfit – what they are, how to wear them and most importantly how to make them work for you, keep you in trend and in style this season.

What are accessories?

When most people think of accessories, what comes to mind is jewelry, which is not wrong but accessories are way more than just jewelry, accessories range from shoes, bags, scarves, hats, pretty much anything that makes a plain Jane outfit stand out and make a mark. But the tricky thing about accessories is knowing how to pair your bag with your shoes; how to layer your jewelry and most importantly (which some people never get) there is a thing called too much accessories. But fear not my dear fashioniStas, I’m here to set you right and looking good. 🙂

The Trends

The big trend right now, as we all know is the leopard print, which hasn’t always been favored in the fashion world.  If one would think of leopard print first thing that would come to mind would be trashy, very tacky and of course lady of the night!  But this once tacky print has totally turned a 360, to being classy and very risky. The thing I love about accessories especially when it comes to an over-powering print such as leopard print, it helps you to ease into the trend without over doing it and looking all tacky with leopard print head to toe.

These are great accessories tools to keep you in trend

Another big trend which I believe is finally being acknowledged and embraced is the natural look (took them long enough), and as proud as we are about our natural locks we all know that there are days when for some reason we just can’t get it right, ruining our whole day. So I’ve come to realize that all one really needs is a great accessory piece to keep our locks in check.

And what’s great about this is that it can be worn, winter, summer or spring.

The Pocahontas look: feathers are a big rage this season, from your hair accessories to earrings, I’m loving the look!

This is my get-up and go. This is a great look for winter, for when you’ve got something to hide; as well as for a stylish, yet lazy look.

Keeping true to your natural hair is surely going to keep you noticed and in style all season long.

Welcome To The New Season!!

Summer has come and gone, time to chuck all your summer gear (short shorts, flip-flops and summer dresses) to the back of your wardrobe  and say hello to the new winter season which is bringing back the retro 60’s and 70’s inspired look.

60’s and 70’s

The 70’s was the year of Faux Fur Gilets, Blouses, and Wide-Legged Trousers, which are all doing a great come back this winter.

(Pair wide-legged pants with killer high heels to create a longer silhouette)

The Maxi Dress is also a 70’s inspired look which isn’t just for summer but a great piece for autumn/ winter.

Pic: http://www.mrprice.co.za

(The maxi dress is best paired with flat ankle boots and a great knitted cardigan singed in the waist) 

The 60’s style is inspired and influenced by the Mad Men’s series which celebrated woman with more of a fuller body, full hips and bountiful bosoms.

They also celebrate the high waisted A-line checked skirt which I’m sure all our mothers had back in the days.

(This look is perfect for someone who loves the vintage look)

My fashion tip for getting this look for cheap: look through your mother’s wardrobe; I’m sure there should be an item or two that could work.

KNITWEAR

 Another great trend this winter is the knitwear revolution, from your simple classic camel to modern grunge, this season’s knitwear ranges from chunky cable-knit to more of a softer texture. Shapes range from a sharp to slouchy and to a more modern mix of cool, clean polo necks and preppy sweaters.

(a great look at the moment is the knitted dress, singed at the waist with a thin belt pared with thick stockings or bare (if your brave enough) and  high-heel hiking boots. For more of a comfortable look pair them with flat ankle  boots –perfect for the winter season)

BRIGHT AND BOLD COLOURS

Gone are the days of a typical grey winter, this new season is all about colour, colour and more Colour!!! Bright colour blocks are a big trend this winter straight from the runway.

So if BRIGHT AND BOLD COLOURS excite you then this trend is ideal for you, its all about combining a clash of different colours, ranging from bold orange, electric blues, neon green and yellow. A perfect trend to bring some light and fun into the winter blues and to stand out from the crowd, of course!

But if you feel a clash of BRIGHT COLOURS are too overwhelming, then you need to ease into this trend by wearing various tones of icy blue, rose and vermilion.

(Perfect trend for people who want to be seen!)

ANIMAL PRINT

But if colour does not do it for you but you still want to stand out this winter, then you can’t go wrong with the animal print (leopard print).

Animal print is not only for the cast of Jerseylicious… Animal print is all the range this season, it has a sense of class yet adventure, this trend is not for the faint hearted but if worn right you will be an A-list fashionister this winter.

If full on animal print is too bold for your taste you could take it easy and wear it as a statement piece for example, leopard printed pumps, scarf or bag. This look will keep you in trend and in style.

(This Leopard maxi dress is perfect for someone who wants to create a bold statement)

(These are perfect for an urban but chic look this winter)

Hope this list will help you find your signature look this winter -happy shopping!

By contributing writer: Zama

Welcome To The New Season!!

Summer has come and gone, time to chuck all your summer gear (short shorts, flip-flops and summer dresses) to the back of your wardrobe  and say hello to the new winter season which is bringing back the retro 60’s and 70’s inspired look.

60’s and 70’s

The 70’s was the year of Faux Fur Gilets, Blouses, and Wide-Legged Trousers, which are all doing a great come back this winter.

(Pair wide-legged pants with killer high heels to create a longer silhouette)

The Maxi Dress is also a 70’s inspired look which isn’t just for summer but a great piece for autumn/ winter.

Pic: http://www.mrprice.co.za

(The maxi dress is best paired with flat ankle boots and a great knitted cardigan singed in the waist) 

The 60’s style is inspired and influenced by the Mad Men’s series which celebrated woman with more of a fuller body, full hips and bountiful bosoms.

They also celebrate the high waisted A-line checked skirt which I’m sure all our mothers had back in the days.

(This look is perfect for someone who loves the vintage look)

My fashion tip for getting this look for cheap: look through your mother’s wardrobe; I’m sure there should be an item or two that could work.

KNITWEAR

 Another great trend this winter is the knitwear revolution, from your simple classic camel to modern grunge, this season’s knitwear ranges from chunky cable-knit to more of a softer texture. Shapes range from a sharp to slouchy and to a more modern mix of cool, clean polo necks and preppy sweaters.

(a great look at the moment is the knitted dress, singed at the waist with a thin belt pared with thick stockings or bare (if your brave enough) and  high-heel hiking boots. For more of a comfortable look pair them with flat ankle  boots –perfect for the winter season)

BRIGHT AND BOLD COLOURS

Gone are the days of a typical grey winter, this new season is all about colour, colour and more Colour!!! Bright colour blocks are a big trend this winter straight from the runway.

So if BRIGHT AND BOLD COLOURS excite you then this trend is ideal for you, its all about combining a clash of different colours, ranging from bold orange, electric blues, neon green and yellow. A perfect trend to bring some light and fun into the winter blues and to stand out from the crowd, of course!

But if you feel a clash of BRIGHT COLOURS are too overwhelming, then you need to ease into this trend by wearing various tones of icy blue, rose and vermilion.

(Perfect trend for people who want to be seen!)

ANIMAL PRINT

But if colour does not do it for you but you still want to stand out this winter, then you can’t go wrong with the animal print (leopard print).

Animal print is not only for the cast of Jerseylicious… Animal print is all the range this season, it has a sense of class yet adventure, this trend is not for the faint hearted but if worn right you will be an A-list fashionister this winter.

If full on animal print is too bold for your taste you could take it easy and wear it as a statement piece for example, leopard printed pumps, scarf or bag. This look will keep you in trend and in style.

(This Leopard maxi dress is perfect for someone who wants to create a bold statement)

(These are perfect for an urban but chic look this winter)

Hope this list will help you find your signature look this winter -happy shopping!

By contributing writer: Zama

Rachel Stewart

Stunning jewelry & hair accessory designer, Rachel Stewart was kind enough to share her hair progress with us.

I have been natural for 20 years, but I always shave my head bald every few years…this time around I’m going to see how long it can get.

My fav style:

May 2009

March 2010

My routine:

• I co-wash everyday; I don’t use shampoo
• I put on some Shea Butter and Cantu moisturizer and let it air dry
• I like to keep it simple

I only blow-dry for photo-shoots and when I go out on the town, so about once a month I blow it out…but on a day to day basis, I wash ‘n go…blow drying weekly would be much too damaging and probably wouldn’t have retained as much length if I did.

I also use a growth aid called Megatek. It makes my hair strong and keeps it from breaking so I can actually retain my length.

I also never trim my hair…that’s defeating the purpose of growing it too long. If it’s healthy, there’s no need to trim. It’s a myth that trimming hair makes it grow. Your hair grows from the inside of your head; trimming does not affect that whatsoever. If you had 10 long strong beautiful nails, would you cut them? No…same goes for hair.

I sell jewelery and would say 40% of my sales are international; from places like England, New Zealand, Spain…even South Africa!hello

Of course we had to ask about her superhot make-up and how we love  that red lip.This is what she had to say:-

• red lip??…well I don’t wear red lipgloss or lipstick (your kidding right?), my lips are pinkish/red color, so I normally wear a clear or nude lip gloss…(some girls are just too blessed)
• I only wear concealer where needed and finish off with a mineral bronzer.
• I like eyeliner and smokey eyes.
• I’d say the best makeup tip is to have good skin…take care of your skin, it’s the best “makeup”.
• I use the oil cleansing method (OCM) on my skin. For the past 3 years I have only cleansed my skin with olive and castor oil; no soap or toner. It turns out when I stopped using soap, my skin stopped breaking out; it cured my cystic acne and gave me skin I didn’t have to cover with foundation like I had to for almost 20 years…here’s more info on the method

You can find more on Rachel’s art and jewelery on:

Rachel Stewart Shop
Rachel Stewart Jewelry
Rachel Stewart Art

First It Was the Nude Lip…Now the Shoe…Cute

…and they go with ANYTHING..IN ANY COLOUR…that’s what I’m talkin about. Who would’ve thought?

Tracee really worked it here with colour. very sexy…not to mention those legs…ahem

…yes gladiator heels not only come it black peepoll!

Everything ms Saldana puts on looks like it was made for her.

Only Ri-Ri baby can work it like this…see they go with ANYTHING.

Now this is my personal favorite…supa-supaChic.

MelB played it safe but managed to look very classy yet sexy…I love the matching shoes & earrings.

Taraji P worked em with navy blue…huh…I’m on my way nude shoe shoppin ya’ll

Yes..even middle aged women like Regina King can work the nude & still look classy.

I love how it complements Serena’s dark skin here..too nice

Okay, happy nude shoes shopping ya’ll.

Thanks to Essence.com for the hot pictures.

Lip Colors We Love…

When I was little, I used to think lip colour was only for Caucasian women only. I thought we were only stuck with the browns, dark purples and all those horrid blacks. Think Lauryn Hill & Grace Jones back in the day. Fortunately, with thick lips like ours, we can get away with pretty much any colour.

Thank God, black women are now experimenting with more colour on our puckers. Even better, there’s lip glosses made with colour in, so if you’re not a “lipstick” type like most of my friends, you have no excuse to go out looking like a plain Jane.

The Nude: This, paired with a smokey or bright eye makeup is timeless.

The Bright Red: Can you say fierce….but be careful & choose one that complements your skin tone to avoid looking like Bonzo the clown.

The Dark Red: Looks good on almost anyone.

The Soft Pink: This one can be tricky as once needs to be extra careful when purchasing. Best thing would be to consult at the beauty counter for a test so you can purchase one that complements your skin tone.

The Fuschia Pink:

The Orange:

” Pictures from Essence.com“

Hair accessories

Ok ladies, don’t we all just love to accessorize? You know you look good in that outfit, but there is just always that one  ‘touch’ missing…mmmhh, yip, a cute necklace, or those eye-catching earrings, or (lately) a figure-hugging belt to accentuate those beautiful African curves.

Well, its not only your clothes that need that extra touch of bling or cuteness…even that beautiful Afro or locs can look uber stylish!

Now since I’ve gone natural, I love  to accessorize my hair in different styles – from wearing headwraps/ headscarves/iduku, to adorning cute clips and headbands, in all sorts of colours and patterns. The only hair accessory I haven’t tried yet, are those gorgeous summer hats, or the poor boy hats that are normally worn in winter. Whenever I’m out shopping, the first place I visit is the accessories aisle, I’m always on the look out for any new and quirky hair accessories that catch my eyes. I must say one of the few places that are quite creative with their hair accessories has to be Foschini and Identity stores! I find they have a wide variety from casual to formal hair accessories. Foschini does tend to be a bit pricey so if you are working with a budget, you can get beautiful accessories for half the price at Identity!

So, I thought I should share with you some of the different types of hair accessories I own and love 🙂 Plus, I will also show you a few I saw from the net and think are just too adorable…

Some of my hair accessories…

My growing stash of hair accessories

A few cute ones I saw on the net… I came across this website and i just fell in love with their accessories…http://www.andreasbeau.com/

Doesn’t she just look gorgeous?!

What’s nice about hair accessories is that you can either dress them up or down, depending on the occasion and the look you want to achieve. So what hair accessories do you love to wear?

We are loving these summer must-haves…

1. Gladiators shoes
   
2. Dresses
   
3. Accessories (Big jewellery, Huge necklaces)
   
4. Pencil skirt with vest + Bling
   
   
5. Nail art
   
6. Frohawk
   
7. Hair Accesories

8.  Jumpsuits/Rompers

9. Skinnies and distressed jeans

10. Wide belts

11. Big Hair (Afrooooo)lol

12.Shoulder tops

13.Hats

14.Colourful shades

And remember ladies, these items can only look hot on you if rocked with CONFIDENCE. Merrryy shopping ya’ll!!!