Do The Twist - The Butterfly Twist

I adore things that come in small packages. When I got this as a gift I was so excited to find out what was in the bag. Butterfly Twists?? Don't you just love not knowing what you are going to get? I very rarely get surprised, and this was such a pleasant one.

So I opened up my little black bag and there inside, were a pair of pumps, folded into themselves.

The whole idea with these beauties is that you carry them in your handbag and when you need a break from your heels - Voila!!! Wear them at the office and keep your heels for your boardroom meetings or for when you go out to meet your clients. I keep them in my gym bag, and after my Wednesday runs, which are followed by an hour of yoga, I swop my sneakers for my butterfly twists :-) 

The wonderful thing about this range of ballet pumps is that they are so so fashionable. Check out https://www.facebook.com/ButterflyTwistsSouthAfrica . I'm a sucker for all things comfortable, and the feeling I get wearing these is the closest to foot heaven as I'll get whilst I'm still alive! And the plus on these flexy pumps is that I get to look cute whilst being comfortable - Now that's fab! 

Have a lovely weekend everyone!

Fab Finds at Steve Madden

I picked up this gorgeous dress with gold stud detail at Mango whilst on my Nigeria trip. I must say that I was pleasantly surprised by Lagos. As much as it may not be Johannesburg, there's just so much to love. 

Embelished clothing is a hot trend right now. These embelished loafers are by Steve Madden. The combo above is a demo of how you can wear the dress a little more casually than say, if you were pairing it with a gold detailed platform heel. These loafers are versatile and can work with different outfits. That's definitely one thing to consider when you're buying a pricey pair of shoes - Can you incorporate them with your other wardrobe items? If the answer is 'No', maybe consider buying something that's less costly.

Steve Madeen has a sale at the moment - Buy one pair and pay 50% for the second pair. I had initially gone in to find Wellington boots as they come handy in Lagos during the rainy season, especially when you go to the market. Here are the Welly's I found. Also available in Black  and Silver. The Zip detail at the back is what had me sold. Super hot!!!

Details:

Sleeveless dress with gold stud detail: Mango

Embelished Loafers: Steve Madden

Wellingtons: Steve Madden

What I wore in Lagos

I was in Lagos for a four day stay to visit my hubby. The best thing was that the weather was fabulously warm, aside from a bit of rain. I was so glad to temporarily escape from the Johannesburg winter.  It was a very relaxed trip so my wardrobe was mostly smart/casual. Here's what I wore...

Details ~ L to R:   1. Striped sleeveless top - Forever New; Faded jeans - Edgars; Loafers with studded crown detail  - Jet. 2. Floral dress - Mr Price; Patent nude sandals - Woolworths. 3. Hounds tooth patterned sheer blouse - Edgars; Coral stretch skinny's - Woolworths. 4. Black tank - Edgars; Black and white pants - Mr Price; Patent black sandals with diamante detail - Woolworths.

It's probably a good idea to start preparing for your spring wardrobe now, especially since this winter is not so cold. The two new items I bought prior to my trip were the striped black and white sleeveless top from Forever New. It has some sublte black embelishment detail which  reflects light, so the top is great for evenings too. The back of the top is sheer.

This sheer houndstooth blouse is from Edgars. Its quite s trendy item at the moment so you will most likely find it in most clothing stores now. I spotted a similar one at Woolies the other day.

And the pyjamas? I wore my cotton Hello Kitty cotton pjays which are so tiny, I could fold them them into my handbag if I wanted to. I have been obsessed with Hello Kitty since I was a child and thank God I have three girls I can live through vicariously! When people ask me, 'Do you like Hello Kitty?' I always respond - 'I don't like Hello Kitty - I am Hello Kitty!'

As for the toiletries, most of them were travel size which is great because you can leave them in a toilet bag thats ready to grab whenever you need to go on a trip.

All in all Lagos was different, but great. From September onwards Lagos will be my home base. I realised that there will be lots to discover in terms of fashion, fabrics and accessories. 

A whole new world awaits!

Fab Hair - The Side Braid

I'm growing my hair naturally and what better way to do this than to have it braided. Occasionally I wear a lace front wig, but braids are far more functional, especially since I'm in the gym five days a week. Braids can get boring though, so I tried out something different - a side braid.

I've taken pics from different angles so that you can redo this look if you like it. Its quick, easy and different. You can even rock it with your weave or your own natural hair if its long enough. Have a fun time experimenting :)

Post-Partum Depression - Seek Help for a Better Mind

I’ve been having a lazy day at home. Yay! Yay! And more Yay!!! My four munchkins are in Gaborone with my mom and dad for the school hols, and Hubby is in West Africa for work, so I stayed at home and did absolutely NOTHING!

Now you know if you are in front of the telly and you are watching your fav channel, you will watch the same thing over and over again thanks to the repeat patterns on DSTV! But alas, nothing in this world is in vain. Everything happens for a reason. I'm watching Tia and Tamera and Tia is going on and on about post-partum depression. Right now I’m watching the same episode for the third time and it's hitting home. It’s very easy to think that you go through things alone and that’s because when things happen to you it can be so intense you forget that your’re really not that special and it might affect millions of women in the world. 

I just saw a scene where Lisa Rina tells Tia that when she had post-natal depression, she was suicidal and she remembers asking her husband to hide all the knives in the house so that there was no possibility of harming herself or her child. I got goose bumps listening to this, because it was so similar what I have been through. At the time I didn’t just feel like I was sad or weepy. I really felt like I was going insane and I wasn't able to control the horrible and harmful thoughts that came to my mind.

So yes, I have had post natal depression and it’s something that can take you to a very dark place. I remember seeing a psychologist and crying my eyes out. She gave me some mind excercises to do at home, but that helped me in no way. She was against medication because I would probably have to stop breast feeding and she was personally against this. I went back home and was extremely frustrated. After a week I went for a second opinion and my doc prescribed me an anti-depressant. And I lie to you not, in three days I was back to my old self because my hormones balanced out. I got so much flack from everyone because I had to stop breastfeeding. A friend of my parents even went to the extent of going on the net and printing me info on why it’s important to breast feed your child. I actually get sad thinking about that because everyone considered the baby, but no-one cared to think about what I was going through. And let it be known, that although my children have only been breast fed for a month (because I have re-occuring depression, especially when my hormones get imbalanced due to pregnancy) ,there is absolutely nothing wrong with any of them!! I have four strong, healthy children, and that’s because I fought for a healthy mind.

So listen, if you are going through this, I know that everyone expects something from you and you don’t want to disappoint anyone, and you also don’t want to under-perform as a mom. I just want to tell you that if you are not okay, then your baby is not okay. You have to be real with yourself, stand your ground, and throw other peoples’ expectations out the door because admitting that you have post-natal drepression and getting help does not make you a lesser mom than any other mom out there.

When it comes to your own welfare and that of your child’s you have the right to make the decisions and do what’s right. As a woman and as a mom, the power is yours. Believe that and own it!

Here are the contacts for the Postnatal Depression Support Association South Africa (PNDSA) – you can go to http://www.pndsa.org.za or call 082 882 0072. Remember, you hardly regret the things that you do, but usually the things that you don’t do. You can also contact your GP to get help and for referral to a psychologist or psychotherapist.

One for the Weekend: Casual-Chic

Hello Fab EDG’sJ TGIF!!! Winter’s chill has been whispering the past couple of month and now She's here! Yes the REAL winter is here and the mornings and evenings are Freeeeeeeezing! Our heaters are on, our electic blankets and humidifiers are plugged in and our coats and bomber jackets are back in our closets!

I’ve put together three looks with bomber of puffer jackets, which usually prove to be the warmest cover for the outdoors. Sometimes though, it can be challenging to wear a bomber or a puffer and not look overly casual. Here are some chic ways to do it. It’s imperative for Fab EDG’s to combine functionality and style!  Hope you all love the weekend looks J

Details ~ Belted quilted jacket: Foschini

Basic Poloneck: Fashion Express

Camo Skinny: Fashion Express

Pump with Toe Cap & Metal Hardware: Charles and Keith

Colourblock Tote: Charles and Keith

Gloves: Foshini

Details ~ Nutmeg cord bomber:  Jacket Foschini

Cowl tunic jumper: Fashion Express

Cobalt cord Jegging : Foschini

Quilted Knee Length Boot: Charles and Keith

Medium shoulder bag : Charles and Keith

Details ~ Puffer jacket:  Fashion Express

Grey and white top with stud detail: Fashion Express

Denim skinnys: Foschini

Faux suede buckled ankle boot: Charles and Keith

Blue handbag with strap detail: Charles and Keith

Coulour block snood: Fashion Express

 Have a fabulous weekend!

Mulligan xx

Wednesday for the Working Girl - Bring your Wild Side to Work

I’m sure many of you have never thought of leopard prints as ‘work appropriate’, but as I said  in my post yesterday, it really does depend on the treatment of the outfit. There’s a time and place for everything and there's no-one who knows your work dress code better than yourself J

 If you are thinking about wearing animal prints to the workplace for the first time you might want to consider the following tips:

©       If you are in a very conservative and strictly professional environment try to keep animal prints for social occasions.

©       If your work environment encourages creativity, but you still need to keep some level of professionalism, go for animal prints in more muted colours or wear smaller pieces, for example, a thin leopard print belt or a python print scarf.

©       Always remember to stick to one item of animal print per outfit.

Here are some ideas on how to rock your animal prints to work.

Details ~ L to R:  Black ponti short blazer- Fashion Express; Animal blouse- Fashion Express; Poni pencil skirt- Foschini; Black heels with gold toe cap- Luella; Black blazer with animal print lining- Fashion Express; Grey cowl top- Fashion Express; Skinny trousers- Foschini; Pointed court shoe with toe cap & cut out detail- Charles and Keith.

Sometimes all you need to do is accessorise, especially if you're a bit fearful of wearing prints to work. Animal print accessories could be just what you need to add some pizzazz to your ensemble.

Details~ L to R: Pony Skin belt- Fashion Express; Pointy pony skin and leather pump- Luella;Burnt Orange choc animal print scarf- Donna-Claire;  Black and grey animal stole- Fashion Express; Cut out court shoe- Charles and Keith; Pumpkin leopard woven scarf- Donna-Claire; Skinny grey snake print belt- Foschini; 

Fab EDG Quote

Taking Time out for my Fabulous Everyday Kids

What a hectic time it has been. When I don't post so often, know that the heat is on!!  I've had to focus on my family lately. My hubby's been away and I have had to be a single mommy to four children aged seven, five (twins) and three. If you think for four people it means your one mind needs to have the capacity to host five minds (yes, mine is included too!), and that is some hectic stuff! I think for everyone, but I wouldn't have it any other way!

So please my Fab EDG's, askies! I will come with some fab content for you very soon. Below is a pic of my fabulous kids. I love them, love them, love them:-)

I have to take care of sniffles, homeworks, ballet exams, swimming lessons and other extra murals, school fun days, etc, first and foremost so that they can be happy. After all, fabulous everyday girls should have fabulous everyday kids - that is a definite MUST!


Details:
All clothing - Earth Child

Gym and Motivation

I found a wonderful blog site - Gym and Motivation. One of the best motivation sites EVER if you need motivation to geti in shape or to stay fit! The image below is the reason why I decided to follow them. I just love it!

You too can be a follower. Check them out on http://gymandmotivation.tumblr.com/ . 

Gym Wear meets the Boardroom

I've been taking some time off the blog to focus on my studies as well as the preparation of the fun day at my children's school. What a hectic two weeks it has been. Along with a travelling hubby, I can honestly say that I am one tired mommy! 

As much as I do like to dress up sometimes, on some days I needed to be super comfortable, especially when I'm studying - Can anybody say 'running shoes!' ?

This is what I wore a week ago when I met with my MBA syndicate group my Nike running shoes and Mr Price leggings. I still wanted to feel cute, so I threw on a DH jacket and a black, lilac and pink scarf. The white Tee from cotton on was loose fitting and comfy.

My syndicate team and I were in the boardroom for six hours, so this was the perfect gear. So much needs to be said for placing less concern on how we look in our clothes as opposed to how good we feel when we are wearing them :-) 

**As you can see I've been getting creative with Samsung paper Artist. A great way to pass time whilst my girls are having their ballet lessons ;-) Absolutely loving it!

Details:

Jacket: Daniel Hechter

Top: Cotton On

Leggings: Mr Price

Sneakers: Nike

Scarf: Edgars

Torn Jeans the Smart Way

What a lovely start to winter! I trully believe that Africa has the best weather ever!I found this lovely navy blue jacket at Woolworths. A perfect add-on to an outfit, especially when it gets a little nippy. The gold zips add a luxe factor and also give the illusion of a smaller waist. The jacket is available in other colours as well, so you can choose your fav colour or one that you know will go with a number of items in your closet.

If you aren't in to flat shoes like me, switch them for ankle boots or closed platform heels. The jacket is pretty versatile and can be worn formally as well. My favourite piece on this outfit is the scarf. I also love the bows on the loafers because they give the look a vintage feel.

I wore this ensemble out to Clear Water Mall and got a lot of stares. I don't think they were attributed to the jacket, but rather to the state of my jeans! For some reason I thought that because it was 2013, torn jeans were considered just another fashion item, but clearly not. 

I found it funny though!

Details:

Jacket: Woolworths
Top: Cotton On
Jeans: Lee Cooper
Loafers: Rage
Scarf: Kelso @ Edgars
Watch: Fossil

Fab EDG Quote

Wear your Stripes

The cold is here, but not quite! I really don't know what to make of the weather - all four seasons in one! As I mentioned two weeks ago, the monochromatic look is big this season. I purchased this black and white blazer last week. 

I paired it with white jeans and a white top. You can wear it at work or do a smart casual like I did. Wear this jacket with any colour as long as its a solid colour. It will also go well with all types of denim. The stripes are mainly what everyone will be drawn to look at. Adding too much detail on other pieces of your outfit might be too distracting.

 I love the gold buttons, and that it's double breasted. It's also quite warm, but light weight as well. The blazer has been around since the nineteenth century, but used to only be worn by men. This is why blazers are usually worn in business or sporting environments and can be considered as a power-piece.

I'm really feeling the monochrome look. Simple and classic. This statement piece will never go out of fashion. You'll be wearing it for years and years to come :-)

Detail:

Black and white striped blazer : Kelso@ Edgars

White jeans: Kelso @Edgars

Clip on earrings: Honey Jewelery

One from the Weekend!

I've been looking for a denim jacket for sometime. I'd even asked my hubby to be on the lookout. So it was all excitement when he got back from his Cape Town trip with this gift...

How gorgeous is it! I've come across a number of denim jackets, but I wanted something simple that would go with practically everything - and this is it [Michael Jackson]! I am so sure I'll be wearing this one for years to come.

I wore it this past weekend. I have no clue what is going on with the weather, but when it did become a little nippy this denim number provided the light cover I needed.

My favourite thing is the detail. The floral lining and the baroque-like button detail gives the denim that feminine edge which is very necessary for the Fab EDG!

And lastly, I love the fact that it doesn't look new. Its not stiff or perfect, 

and its slightly, but not too distressed. 

Its most definitely my latest love affair ;-)

Thank you Martin xx

Details:

Denim Jacket: Koukla Collection @ YDE

Wednesday for the Working Girl - Jo Borkett Stunners

Jo Borkett recently sent me some pics from their winter shoot. The whole collection is just to die for! I have selected some pics of gear that is great for the work place.

This gorgeos dress fits in with the flower power theme I posted two weeks ago. Throw on a white tux jacket with a black collar and you're good to go!

Also loving this ensemble. A clean, crisp white shirt can be paired with almost any detailed skirt or trouser. Nude platform heels are a must this winter. They elongate  the leg making it look longer and leaner! Tell me which Girl that doesn't appeal to!

More flowers! The little cardi is for those relaxed work days. Go for a tailored jacket or blazer in the nude colours if you are going into the boardroom for an important meeting. A collar usually gives an outfit a more professional or serious appeal.

This little red dress is striking yet sbubtle because of the simplicity in its tailoring. Be daring and wear it with leopard print heels and a matching scarf like in the pic. If you don't have that animal instinct, stay safe with black or nude heels which will work just as well. 

How about some polkadots! This is so chic and elegant.There is a sleeveless version as well. A white blazer or chanel style jacket would look great with this timeless classic. 

The most important thing with all of these looks is to remember:

1. Fashion is about trends and there are similar pieces everywhere to suit your budget.
2. Own your look: Adapt the look and make it your own.We all have different style personalities. You can use various accessories to do this.
3. Always go into your closet and see whats in there first before you go shopping. There are pieces that I have had for ages that are back in trend now. Some I can wear as they are, and others may need to go to the tailor to make them look on point with this particular season of trends.
4. Have fun with your fashion! Don't take it so seriously. Creativity can never be forced coz if you do, it will show!

Happy Wednesday to all the Working Girls out there!

xx

Fashion...It Starts Inside

Fashion. Its a billion dollar industry. And we should take it seriously. Fashion lines are not haphazard. Everything is well thought out, strategised and executed. And all of this to make you and I feel good!

I'm all for feeling good and looking after oneself, but we should never forget about other pertinent issues that go deeper than whats on the outside. As much as I may be an advocate of fashion and the idea of looking and feeling good, I do want you to understand that loving yourself comes from within. So when you're looking wonderful, with your hot get-up, hair all done, nails painted and them killer shoes on, think about this...when was the last time you got a full medical test? Actually, even simpler than a full medical, when was the last time you got a pap smear?

I got this message on my facebook page yesterday from http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cervical-Cancer-Awareness/214780014184 and I shared it on the Fabulous Everyday Girl facebook page. Then I though to myself, I'd be doing a disservice to you all if I didn't share it on this blog.

I then did some research and found these stats:

"Cervical cancer remains one of South Africa’s biggest women’s health problems, affecting one out of 41 South African women. It is estimated that this disease kills approximately 8 women in the country every day, and World Health Organization projections are that this number will increase to about 12 deaths per day in 2025. These alarming statistics should be seen in the context of cervical cancer as a preventable disease."

http://www.sajog.org.za/index.php/SAJOG/article/view/651/336

12 deaths per day!!!!!!!!! If these stats aren't enough to shock you into action then I don't know!! We usually don't regret the things we do, but rather regret the things we don't do. Educate yourselves and get yourself tested. Fab EDG's, this could save your life. 

At the end of the day, your outfit doesn't really matter if you aren't right inside.

Wednesday for the Working Girl - The Yin-Yang Effect

Here's a short and sweet Working Girl post. I just want you to see how a simple white shirt can be transformed into a fab piece through the use of only one other colour (well, black really isn't a colour!). I'd like to think of it as 'the yin-yang effect!'

Try this look with a variety of black/white combos. It could be a polkadot or striped skirt, and it doesn't have to be a peplum skirt - try out different styles until you find the perfect harmony. If you already have a white shirt, wear it when you go shoping so that you can try it out with different skirts and accessories, rather than making a purchace and suffering from buyers remorse once you get home!

Details:
All pieces - Jo Borkett

Trendy Tuesdays: Monochrome

Opposites attract on a major scale this winter. The classic combo- black and white- is back. The question really is, did it ever leave?! Either way, the monochrome trend is big. I love the trend because it's so easy to put together an outfit. You don't really need to do a whole lot of shopping for this one. I'm quite sure that you already have items in your closet which you can combine. If you do want to jack-up your closet with one or two items you might like some of my fab finds :-)

This top is in line with the peplum trend which was ablaze all summer and will still be present in fashion lines throughout the winter season. I love the way it synches in the waist. If you have a smaller bust, the horizontal lines on the upper part of the top will add volume to the chest area. I like this look with a black pencil skirt for the office. Wear it with leather pants on a night out.

Add glints of gold to your black and white outfit to luxe it up.This zip on this gorgeous jacket goes all round and you can unzip the bottom half off to change-up the length. 

This tux jacket is a great investment piece. It will work perfectly for work. Try it with a crisp white collared shirt neatly tucked into a pair of black slacks. Wear it on a night out with a pair of black skinnys or a mini.  

Give this black and white off-the-shoulder top a bit of edge by wearing it with a biker-style jacket. I like the gold zips and studs on this jacket. Gold jewelry usually looks great with black and white because silver sometimes does not stand-out against the white. If you do go for silver try something with super-shine or go for accessories with diamante so that it shines out to give your outfit some bling.

When you go monochromatic, its a good idea to wear black in different textures so that your look is not one dimensional. So accessorise with, for example, a black patent leather belt. Combine cottons, silks, satins, lace and leather. Also pair plain black or white pieces with patterned black and white items. At the end of the day you don't want to look like a waiter, unless you really are one!  

Details:

Striped peplum top - Woolworths

Wite cotton top - Forever New

Tux jacket - Forever New

Bodysuit with lace detail - Forever New

Off-the-shoulder zig-zag patterned top - Woolworths

White leatherette jacket - Woolworth

Black jeans - model's own

Let's Get Social!

Hey Fab EDG's! Let's get social and connect! Here are links to Fabulous Everyday Girl social sites. Click on the links below and let's meet on the social sites... 

Pintrest: http://pinterest.com/fabedg/

Instagram: http://instagram.com/fab_edg

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Fabulouseverydaygirl

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Fab_EDG

Once you get onto the Fabulous Everyday Girl Facebook page, find the like icon and click on it. This will ensure that you get notifications everytime blog posts go up.

On  Pintrest you will find other ideas on themes of the week and other fashion and lifestyle pins on topics that I cover in the blog. It serves as a great idea book and also as a handy reference to other sites you might be interested in.

The Instagram page is a mish-mash of me, my life and my routine. I do sometimes post pics of fashion items but very rarely. Just think of it as a way of getting to know your blogger :-)

I'm on Twitter, but I don't tweet (well at least no yet!). I will follow you though, so connect with me by following me and I'll get right back to you in the same way ;-)

See you on the social sites!

xx

Fab EDG Quote

Weekend Special - Sizzle and Shine

How about adding some  glimmer and glitz to your night out this weekend? Gold is molten hot this season, especially when you pair it with black. Whether it's your outfit, your shoes or your accessories, sizzle amd shine with gold this winter. 

This gold peplum top is so-so glam it hurts! Wear it with a jacket on your way to wherever the party's at and remove the jacket once things have started heating up.

Also loving this black, gold-studded mini skirt from Edgars. At first glance it might look like its only for the younger Fab E.D.G, but older girls can wear it too. Mini skirts can be a big tricky, and there is no consensus on how old's too old to wear one, but I think this look is for the under- 40's. However, if you do have the confidence, there's nothing stoping you! To give the skirt a more mature appeal combine it with a structured, good quality jacket like the one above. If you feel its too short, maybe dress the mini up with black opaque black stockings.

For a more relaxed weekend afternoon look, pair the studded skirt with a light knit in either black or gold like the one above.

...And lets not forget the shoes!

Wishing you a fabulous weekend!
xx

Details:

Black jacket with wrap around gold zip- Forever New

Gold peplum top - Sissy Boy 
Skirt - Free 2 b u @ Edgars

Light knitted top - Forever New
Satin and black close platforms - Aldo
Gold, silver and bronze heels - Nine West
Golda nd black pointed flats - Rage
Black loafers with gold buckle details - Aldo

Fab Find - Stylish Red Trench

I am totally maaaaaaad over this bright red trench coat which I spotted at Woolworths! Inject a some fire to your winter wardrobe with this number.Wear it now as we transition from autumn to winter, and keep it for later when winter turns into spring.

The colour red symbilises love, passion, power, energy, strength and desire. You will definitely turn heads with this one. I'm saving up for it as we speak *cheeky grin*! Also loving the leopard print lining and the button and buckle tint. 

...And if this one's too daring for you, Woolworths has it in classic black as well :-)

Wishing you a fabulous Friday!
xx

Fab E.D.G Quote

Tied and Twisted

One of my favourite things about going from autumn into winter is that I get to be creative with scarves. Its amazing how a strip of fabric can transform the simplest of outfits into chic and stylish ones. Scarves are also perfect now, as the weather proves to be quite unpredictable.

Tie and twist your scarf in different ways to add a creative twist to your ensemble. 

Here are some ideas...

Have fun experimenting! I'll also try to come up with more ideas for you.

Hope your day is a fab as you are xx

Time for Some Light Cover

It's that time of the year when we need a little light cover. Nippy mornings, warm afternoons and chilly evenings require light knits that we can pull over our look for the day. We're not quite at winter stage, so what you don't want is to be sweating it up in a heavy poloneck when the sun is blazing at midday!

I'm with the kids and in casual mode today. I got this light knit from Edgars this weekend. Here's how I'm wearing it today:

Here is something similar from Forever New:

For the workplace, these will go great with trousers, pencil and A-line skirts of any colour. Wear your ight knit over tight T's and fitted shirts and blouses. A lovely must-have as we gear-up for winter :-)