My First Genuine #Corset from Arwen Garmentry

“Arwen Garmentry uses a fusion of old world and cutting edge techniques and influences to create clothing and corsetry that is edgy and entirely modern while retaining a unique elegance.”

I drove up onto the Parkhurst driveway and was met by an incredibly alluring wall that got my heart racing and pulse quickening as it dawned on me that I was entering a world that usually intimidates me due to my limited knowledge of culture and art. I have not been blogging for very long but when I paged through the latest Woman and Home magazine, I came across an almost ethereal silver haired model that caught my eye and I knew I wanted to write a post and experience this exquisite woman first hand. Arwen Swan of Arwen Garmentry is a local corsetiere originally from East London. Arwan left behind a career in graphic design to pursue her dream to work in fashion. A self-taught sewer and corsetiere  who encapsulates true beauty and art in the form of cutting edge couture garments, corsets, custom made pieces and bridal wear.

 I have always loved the idea of corsets and in fact, my wedding gown has a built in corset. I love the era that these beautiful pieces stem from and I am not ashamed to admit that one of my favorite films is Titanic, not because of Leo as many would believe but rather because of the elegance and beauty that is reflected in the on screen apparel.

Arwan Garmentry are no stranger to the media , I probably should not have looked at all the media Arwan Garmentry has been featured in because now I feel awfully inexperienced and overwhelmed by the task that lies ahead of me. To try to capture in words, an experience that tantalized and teased my inner creativity and enveloped me with textures and adventure, I am worried my writing will not do justice to this exquisite experience.  As I explained to Arwan, I write to remember my experiences on my blog and what an experience this journey has been so far.

Arwan’s home, store, factory and place of business is effervescing with antique, unique pieces of furniture infused with love and style, surrounded by 36 birds that for some reason brings Alice in Wonderland to mind. Just visiting the store and being welcomed into this wonderful space was an adventure like none other. I had no intention of purchasing a garment as I have a limited budget but once I sat down on the original 19  something dentistry chair enveloped in the soft light of the refurbished dentistry X-Ray machine above; I very soon realised I could not wait another second to discover the beauty of owning my very own corset.  My very own “big hug all over” that will make me a better version of myself as Arwan describes.

What many of us today think are corsets are indeed not corsets at all but are rather lingerie and as Arwan explained, a corset is a specialised item that takes superb artisanship to create as well as extensive anatomical knowledge. As I have mentioned in previous posts, I have a large bust line and apple shaped figure and so the idea that a garment can be made to help lift my bosom and smooth my lines while offering comfortable support and help with my posture seems almost too good to be true but that is exactly what one can expect from a well made corset. I am proud of my curves and can’t wait to feel the femininity, elegance and poise that comes with wearing such a truly awesome undergarment.

I eagerly signed the waiver form and assured Arwen that I have no internal medical issues that may be exacerbated by the corset and Arwen then measured me for my fitting next week and we chose the colour that best suits my skin tone.  I fear that my photographs do not do justice to this incredible place and so I have shared with you the link to the Arwen Garmentry Pinterest board, which of course I’m following now as well. Seriously, take a look at the Pinterest board and you will get a much better idea of how incredible the work is that Arwen Garmentry do.

I will hopefully have some more professional photographs to share after my fitting next week and will then write about the big reveal which I will be wearing an original dress from Elegance Appeal over my new custom made Merry Widow sweetheart corset from Arwen Garmentry to the most fitting event of all, the Queen of Ballet on the 12 April.

Merry Widow Sweetheart Corset – Image courtesy of Arwen Garmentry

Some may wrongly think that a starting price of R1500 is expensive for an undergarment but don’t take my word for it, come and experience this for yourself and you will see that this is truly an investment garment that I fear I may just become an addict of. If for nothing else, come and enjoy a visual adventure whilst sipping on the best cappuccino you will ever have (if made by Ben) from an original La San Marco Type 80 coffee machine while relaxing in a period piece dentistry chair.

La San Marco Type 80 Coffee Machine

 

Both Arwen Garmentry and Elegance Appeal will be displaying their work at the Face Value #WithMyGirls event on the 10 May and this would be the perfect time for you to interact with these incredibly talented people and let them answer all your questions you may have. I must warn you though; you may very well fall in love in which case I suggest you start saving now, you won’t regret it.

Till next time

Stay Elegant and Gorgeous

xoxo

 

Why Leaders Get Better With Age

This article makes me excited that as I get older I will be able to offer more and more to the business community.

Late Blooming Entrepreneurs

Companies prize young talent. And rightly so. In an era of instant communication, they need young, tech-savvy leaders who can help them to get things done faster.

Still, speed by itself doesn’t equate to business success. Sydney Finkelstein wrote about this in a recent BBC article. In it, he recalls the classic Aesop’s fable about the tortoise and the hare. It’s the plodding tortoise, and not the speedy hare, that crossed the finish line first.

Experience may not bring speed – but it does bring wisdom and other traits/abilities. Among them:

Perspective – Age brings a greater ability to reflect and put into context what is happening around you.

Deeper compassion – This extends to the people in your life, both at work and at home.

A dose of reality – The illusion of perfection has long gone.

Empathy – “Once you’ve live a little, it becomes harder to go…

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@ElegantAppealZA Fashion Part One: My Consultation

Elegant Appeal is a new up and coming fashion duet that will blow your mind with their creative raw talent they have with clothes. These two ladies are not your ordinary designers. Bongi and Samantha met last year October through a chance meeting at the Gym and have since then started living their dreams to become a household fashion house.

I was fortunate enough to see their clothes first hand at the International Inspiring Women event at the Michael Angelo on Sunday afternoon. I thought I would be writing about the venue or the divine Lindt chocolate fountain and food but I found myself in awe of what these ladies presented. Beautifully hand sewn garments that are ready to wear pieces for any type of figure. Bongi and Sam travel to their clients and offer personal consultations to create one of kind pieces for their clients.

I was eager to try out their service as they are very reasonably priced. The ladies will make any kind of garment for the office, evening wear, events or functions. There is no limit to what this team can do. They visited me yesterday evening for my consultation where we chatted and spoke about my various likes and dislikes in clothing and styles I am attracted to. They then took my measurements and assured me that they can make clothes for all figure types. They make clothes for real women. Their aim is to make their clients feel elegant and beautiful in what they wear. The consultation lasted about an hour just because I couldn’t stop telling them how much I admired what they did. I was even more impressed with the fact that Bongi works from raw talent and started creating clothes from her early years with a rusty machine her Mom had and has never had any professional training. These ladies are extremely naturally talented and you will see what I mean when we reveal their photos from the event.

Watch this space as these ladies take the fashion world by storm offering something special for all women from all walks of life. As soon as the pictures are ready from Sunday, I will be sure to splash them across the blog. In the meantime though if you would like to have a garment made especially for you that you will treasure as they create timeless pieces that are chic and classic, you can contact Bongi or Sam on their email addresses below:

Bongi@elegantappeal.co.za or Samantha@elegantappeal.co.za

@SamsungSA #SamsungAC Launch with @MelindaBam & @Youbabyandi

The wind beneath my wings. Literally, the new Samsung Triangle is all about the air. A new revolutionary product that in true Samsung style has surpassed innovation and is more than just an Air Conditioner.

Photo Courtesy of Vimage Media

At the SAMSUNG SA #SamsungAC launch  we were wined and  dined and introduced to the new Samsung Triangle Air Conditioner. This is no ordinary air conditioner. Historical trend setters such as Thomas Edison, Alexander Bell, The Wright Brothers would be proud of Samsung for striving to make the world an easier and better place for us. Samsung see the world from a different angle and have developed a product that takes the ordinary to the extraordinary using a simple shape, a streamlined shape that gives you so much more than the age old traditional shapes, the triangle.

Photo Courtesy of Vimage Media

Photo Courtesy of Vimage Media

Photo Courtesy of Vimage Media

This product adds value and fulfillment to our ever evolving lifestyles and in a modern world we are looking for energy efficient technology that is easy to use and seamlessly compliments our daily lifestyles. Samsung are on a journey to become one of the top five brands in 2020 globally and are well on their way there. In true revolutionary style that is Samung, they have revealed the latest technology in air conditioning.

I love the fact that the Triangle has smart wi-fi capability to control  from either inside or outside as well as a two step cooling that adjusts the air comfortably. I love the virus doctor that is built in the new air conditioner. The Triangle also allows the user the ability to control the amount of air according to how many people are in the room making it energy saving and efficient. More durability and reliability. Basically this air con is the “Optimus Prime” of all air cons. Its got silent technology that allows it to operate at only 16db which is a huge plus for me. The look is sleek and beautiful, no wonder Samsung asked Melinda Bam to MC the event. I also love the fact that this machine has a 10 year warranty.

Photo Courtesy of Vimage Media

Photo Courtesy of Vimage Media

Although Autumn is upon us, this little baby can cool and heat the air and with the built in virus doctor (hello clean air) and noise reduction technology (night night baby), this is the perfect home or office appliance to invest in. I certainly would.

All the guests were able to play an interactive quiz game on a Samsung slate and every guest walked a way with a prize. Thank you Samsung for introducing us to world class “airsome” technology. I suspect the Triangle might make a guest appearance in the next Transformers film, well my girl geek side of me surely hopes so. Wink wink!

Photo Courtesy of Vimage Media

Till Next Time

Stay Cool

xoxo

Fashion at the annual South African Theater @NalediAwardsSA for 2013 Productions

Theater runs deep in my family. My Father met my Mother on stage at a City Of Johannesburg Theater production. I love going to the Theater, the costume jewelry, the lights, the stage sets, the music, the costumes, the energy that only theater can create never fail to capture a part of my heart and soul. I love everything about theater and perhaps one of these days I may revisit my child hood years and perform again onstage.

Theater in South Africa contributes 14% of the countries National GDP. Spending a night at  such an awe inspiring gala event will not easily be forgotten. Not only were the people gracious and elegant, there was something special that captured my heart and all my love for the arts has reignited the stage loving school girl inside of me.

The stage performances were incredible and the acceptance speeches were genuine and heart felt. I am proud to be South African and this will be the first of many posts about our South African stage. Today I bring you a few pictures of my favourite outfits that were worn last night.All the ladies looked breathtakingly beautiful. I loved every second of the night including the tears that came with the life time achievers award and the community theater awards.

Taryn Louch wearing Gavin Rajah

Alyssa Harrisoan wearing a Quiz dress with Sarah Malherbe wearing YDE

Samantha Peo wearing Just Tonight Josephine

Dorothy Anne Gould wearing Great Weddings

Angela Kilian wearing Just Tonight Josephine from the French Circuit

Jaci Devilliers wearing a LBD and Carly Graeme wearing Just Tonight Josephine

Vici Maud Fourie wearing YDE

Judge Lakin Morgan wearing local designer ZEE

Thembisa Kani wearing Dainty Frocks

Diani Gernandt loving and wearing her twin sisters wardrobe

Thembisa Kani rocking a Nicci Boutique Jacket

Thembisa Kani kicking ass and taking names in awesome heels

Zariaa wearing Fairy Girls

Tumi Lesejane wearing Truworths

Tumi Lesejane wearing Truworths Heels

Dawn Lindberg wearing The Wedding Shop with Zuraida Jardine wearing Gert Johan

Till Next Time

Lights, Curtain, Action

xoxo

My Liebster Award Nominations

I recently wrote about why I love Twitter so much and yes, it was Twitter that introduced me to the blogging world. Now, I have become addicted to blogging for so many reasons as well. I feel incredibly honored and excited that my post was read by some super awesome international blogger and the doll nominated me for a Liebster award, you should check out her amazing answers here. Feel like I have a new bestie across the seas.  So much fun! And yet again, this social media universe is expanding.

1.What’s the best thing you’ve ever given up?

I want to say chocolate but I couldn’t possibly ever give that up. When I was 12 I gave up ballet just before I was about to start dancing in the point shoes. Ballet is an incredibly graceful and beautiful dance discipline and I miss being able to do the splits. I loved Ballet so much and when I went to boarding school I gave it up. Sad face

2.How many times have you used profanity in the past 48 hours lol.

About three times in the car. I have a bad habit with road rage. I am working on it.

3. In your opinion what makes a woman beautiful?

Confidence and an open friendly nature. I truly believe that a confident woman who knows who she is and is kind to herself and others is the most beautiful woman in the world.

4.What’s the last thing you laughed at?

I laughed at a really sweet joke a new twitter sister’s husband made at an aircon launch. He said that the aircon was “cool”. It took me a second to get and then I just packed out laughing. I love laughing, it is one of my favorite kinds of medicine.

5.What is your all time favorite food?

Chocolate. Did I mention chocolate? Cookies are a close second so I guess Chocolate chip cookies would be my favourite food.

6.What color are your nails?

Dark Dahlia from CND Shellac

7.Will you be swinging with the trends and trying an orange lipstick this Spring?

I’m a red head, so probably not. Some makeup trends are just not for me. I would however love to try this on a client.

8.What’s one thing you hate about makeup?

Cleaning my makeup brushes. I hate having to clean them and I have to do it often with my makeup clients. In fact if I could invent one thing, it would be a makeup brush dish washer except specifically made for makeup tools and brushes.

9.With all the technology today do you still have times that you prefer a good ol’ pen and paper?

I love making lists. Lists on a piece of paper are my favorite. Actually, anything to do with stationary gets me excited.

10. When someone hurts your feelings, how do you usually bounce back?

I try and understand where they are coming from, feel the hurt and then let it go and move on. 9 out of 10 times, the person is not aware that they have done something to hurt me and I will often tell them when they have, let it go and we go from there. Let bygones  be bygones.

11. What’s your definition of success?

When you can look at all the components of your life and genuinely say you are happy with what you have. Too often we worry about what we don’t have instead of focusing on all the good things we do have.

11 Random Facts about Me

1. My biological Mom was a 5FM news presenter before she passed away
2. My husband and I call each other Pie
3. My geyser is too small to fill my bath- we have a massive bath
4. I cheer for the person behind me who passes through an orange robot
5. I know how to make a honey comb souffle
6. I don’t pluck my eyebrows
7. I have a trampoline and tree house in my garden
8. I had a pet racoon called Rocky when I was growing up
9. I have done sky diving twice (Without tandem)
10. When I was younger, I battled to spell “Orange”
11. I love giving gifts, it is one of my favourite things to do

I would like to nominate the follow 11 Blogs for a Liebster Award

1. Thea / @Madness_Nails / Madness Nails 
2. Luzanne / @PinkPeonies / Pink Peonies
3. Shaney / @youbabyandi / You Baby and I
4. Chicara / @lipgloss_kisses / Lipgloss Kisses
5. Fawn / @Fawn_Rodgers / Deer Delights
6. Leanne / @arumlilea / Arum Lilea
7. Tash / @tandserendipity / tandserendipity
8. Irina / @irinadoman / I’ll Take It All
9. Leigh / @le1ghlo / Le1ghlo.com
10. Loren/ Minkys Blog
11. Heather / @HeatherDeBruin / Femme Lifestyle

My Questions for my Nominees 

1. What is the furtherest place you have travelled to?
2. If you could invent anything, what would it be and why?
3. What is your favourite colour nail polish?
4. Jen or Angelina? Why
5. What is the funniest gift you have ever received?
6. What is one thing that people wouldn’t expect about you?
7. What is your porn star name? (Your first pets name and your Mom’s maiden name)
8. Whats the weirdest thing you have ever eaten?
9. What is your one makeup hate?
10. What is your favorite restaurant and why?
11. How many times did it take you to get your drivers license?

RULES!

Remember this award is all about showing love and getting attention to the blogs/bloggers who have under 200 followers and deserve to be noticed. IF you choose to accept this award make a post with the following to keep the love going:

1. Your acceptance speech lol which includes the name and the link of the person(s) who nominated you. -They need love too!

2. Answer the 11 questions listed by the person who nominated you

3.List 11 Random facts about yourself

4.Nominate 11 of your favorite blogs (add the links)

5.Last but not least, ask 11 questions of your nominees.

Until next time

Spread the love

xoxo

@PFCosmetics Awesome PH MatchMaker Powered Lip Gloss Review

If you have not yet had the opportunity to try the Physicians Formula make up range, now is the time. I recently acquired the PH Matchmaker Powered Lip Gloss and the Eye Booster  2-In-1 lash Boosting Eyeliner + Serum  which I will review after I have used it for a bit longer. Since I am a professional free lance makeup artist, you can imagine my excitement in the cosmetic isles and stores. I can literally spend hours going through each brand looking at new unknown brands and of course swoon over the tried and tested brands. It is almost impossible for me not to buy something that I either think will work really well for my needs or for my clients.

I have been on the search for an amazing lip gloss that adds colour without fading and moisturizes my lips at the same time. I know quite a few people don’t like gloss as it can be quite sticky but I must admit I love the smooth feeling gloss creates and the youthful appearance of the shine. I loved my Plump Potion- Needle Free Plumping Cocktail that I received at the Jozi Blogger Meetup last year so much that I was keen to try a few more products from the range.

I liked the packaging and what attracted me to the lip gloss was the claim that within 60 seconds, the matchmaker gloss uses “photochronic powders- light adjusting pigments that adapt to your environment so the color looks the same indoors & outside” and into my basket the product went. I was like a kid on Christmas morning when I discovered there was more to this gloss than meets the eye. Ladies, seriously I had a squeal when I figured this out. I saw that not only does the lip gloss have a little mirror on the side, the gloss has a light that when you hold to your lips, perfectly illuminates your lips to apply in dark areas or clubs. So friggin awesome. Now that I have a new toy, the actual product is super cool too.

 

I put on the gloss before going to bed (I was too excited and couldn’t wait till the next morning to try it) and I was super impressed that the next morning I woke up, my lips were still full of colour so not only is this the most amazing little gimmick, the colour is long wearing. It comes in three shades and I chose the light pink which actually comes out a rosy pink colour on my lips. Perfect for photos and a bit of quick application of colour when I don’t have the time for the whole lip treatment. Thank you PH Formula for making such an awesome cosmetic gloss. I will definitely continue recommending this to all my clients. With Mothers Day coming up, this could make the perfect gift for all Mom’s.

A tip from a makeup artist for lips

• To exfoliate dry lips, try brushing your lips at least once a week with your toothbrush and apply a thick coat of lip treatment that contains beeswax or argan oil. Let this soak in over night.
• Lining the lips with a nude color liner primes the lips for any colour and gives the appearance of a neat application which exudes “put-together” for any occasion and also saves you the cost of investing in too many colours.
• It is always a good idea to ask your make up artist for a touch up kit, at the very least with your gloss or your lip colour that they use.
• Apply foundation on the lips to create a smooth blank canvas for color to prevent lips from changing color due to natural pigment of the lips. This will also prime your lips and give your lip color longer staying power.

Till Next Time

Keep your lips soft and beautiful

Xoxo

#WithMyGirls Conference Early Bird Special Tickets on Sale

Dear Mothers, Daughters and Girlfirends. Join us to celebrate Mothers day at our #WithMyGirls Conference happening the 10 May 2014. Book your tickets online at quicket.co.za. Take advantage of the early bird special and get your ticket for R300.

Till Next Time

#WithMyGirls

xoxo

@HermannaRush New Winter #Fashion Collection – Flattering for all occasions

I visited the beautiful Hermanna Rush boutique store in Parkwood dressing room to check out their brand new Winter season arrivals. I have always had bumps and curves and it can be quite challenging to find styles that fit a fuller figure with a large bust line and I am so glad I have found a store that caters for the everyday extraordinary woman with clothes that are just as flattering  for fuller figures as they are on the more streamlined figures. The Hermanna Rush clothing line is suitable for office, evening and casual wear with versatile chic pieces that can be dressed up or down no matter what the occasion.

Flattering for all types of figures and colouring without compromising on any of the beautiful elegant fabrics and style, Hermanna Rush have a beautiful winter range. Hermanna Rush Parkwood sales assistant Ana helped me with the styling and photographs.  I have officially fallen in love with Hermanna Rush all over again.

I have always loved the clothes at Hermanna Rush but have often felt that the styles and fabrics were made for model type figures. I was wrong, some of the outfits really worked well with my figure. Have a look for yourself and let me know which you like the best. 

Hermanna Rush offer a lovely wrapping service where they will gladly wrap your special purchase with love and care.

Recently they have started a card-less loyalty program. You give your details in store and Hermanna Rush will add you to a database. Any purchases you make, you gain points that can be redeemed with your next purchase. Another fantastic new initiative is the Hermanna Rush  social media discount. Visit  Hermanna Rush at either Parkwood or Bryanston, Tweet, Instagram or use Facebook to upload their beautiful clothes and you receive an instant R40 discount on your purchase.

My favorite of all the outfits that I ended up buying was a flattering monochrome piece that I can dress up or down with heels or flats.

Till Next Time

Love your Style

Xoxo

#BellfieldSA Winter launch with @Stuttafords_za and @JoburgStyleMag

I attended the #BellfieldSA launch last night at Stuttafords  in collaboration with Joburg Style Magazine. We were treated to delicious drinks and eats and entertained by the dreamy Connell Cruise (OMG! Yuuuuuuumy) whilst getting the chance to mosey around and check out the new range of Bellfield winter clothes for men.

The clothes that I had a look at all showed great quality workmanship and it was evident in the colours and textures that the brand has traveled extensively for design inspiration, exuding a fun and adventurous style.

The brand is not exclusively a mens brand and has some lovely woman’s clothes as well and I think the style could be effortlessly worn by many but still make the wearer stand out from the crowd. The models and Connell were dressed in Bellfiled outfits and definitely stood out from the crowd. I like the casual but sexy style the clothes exuded.

It’s no wonder the brand was nominated brand of the year by the Fashion Trade Magazine last year. This will be the third season that Bellfield has been in SA and is available from Eastgate and Sandton Stuttafords in Johannesburg as well as Gateway in Durban and Canal Walk in Cape Town.

Competitively priced, the brand is accessible to the everyday person while still maintaining a high quality product. I love the rustic look this season and would definitely take a second look at a gentleman sporting this look. The clothes felt “fresh” and evoked a romantic awe in me that I don’t usually get looking at gentleman’s clothing. Paired with a good whiskey and sophisticated smile, this range will be sure to make any man feel and look put together whilst maintaining a sparkle of adventure. I am sure some of my fellow fashion bloggers would agree.

@irinadoman and @Le1ghlo

@Tamsw9 and @AnneDoli

Till next time

Stay in style, Joburg Style that is!

xoxo