My Top - Inspired Living SA

Be Inspired, Couture, Fashion, Fashion, My Top, Pret-A-porter

My Top Fashion Designers

As you may have guessed fashion is a great passion of mine and I love pouring over the latest fashion offerings, by the Top International Designers.

I have always said that one day when I grow up(hopefully sometime soon) I will own a Elie Saab creation!

These are My Top fashion Designers:

Elie Saab

He is definitely my favourite designer, I love his dreamy almost fairytale style of designing. Elie Saab’s signature has to be his exquisite beadwork and his use of lace and tulle. He named his Spring 2013 collection “An Ode to Delicateness”, with illusion necklines and sheer sleeves, his creations seem to almost float down the runway.

Marchesa

Marchesa’s 2013 RTW(Ready To Wear) collection has a definite exotic Indian flavour with hints of Bollywood – elaborate threadwork, sari draping and fringe are front and centre. The collection features rich tones such as Chartreuse, peacock, bordeaux, or eggplant tones tipped with gold. The structured sari gown below is my favourite – I love the rich tones and stunningly sexy lines of the dress.

Oscar de la Renta

The name Oscar de la Renta has always been synonymous with high fashion and his 2013 RTW collection delivers on all fashion fronts. The collection has something for everyone, from day suits in doily lace and the unusual use of fuchsia Astrakhan, to party dresses in feather-embroidered tulle. Super feminine and so pretty!

Zac Posen

Zac Posen’s 2013 RTW Collection has a definite Vintage feel to it with 1940 Skirt-suits and old school floral day dresses but my favourite part of the collection are the exquisite gowns! I particularly love his use of satin and tulle to create a dramatic contrasting silhouette.

Who is your favourite Fashion Designer? If you would like to read more of my Top 4 Series click here

Source: Style.com

Be Inspired, Fashion, Fashion, Kids Fashion, My Top

My Top SA Fashion Stores

I am definitely what is more commonly known as a Shopaholic! I love fashion and enjoy keeping up to date with the latest fashion and style trends, not to say that I only shop the seasons trends but I do think that it is fun, to have a few fashion items in your wardrobe!

I have been blessed with two mini fahionistas as well, so needless to say shopping is a big part of what we do. This is a list of My Top SA Fashion Stores, for adult and tween fashion.

Cotton On – This is probably more a favourite of my eldest daughter as their clothing does tend to be aimed at the 15+ age group. I have on occasion managed to find a few items there for myself but their trousers tend to be quite a narrow fit, not good if you have “womanly” curves! Cotton On also has great accessories, at very reasonable prices. The only negative is they do not cater for the in between ages, their kiddies range stops at age 8, so my 9-year-old cannot shop there. Cotton On also have a great men’s wear range!

Mr Price – Mr P is a great place to find awesome fashion items, at prices that will not break the bank! It is perfect for fashionable clothing that you can wear for one season and not feel too guilty getting rid of, if it is not trendy next season. I must admit I find their children’s range a bit bleak, I do however love the fact that my eldest daughter can quite happily shop from their adult range, as their items are young and fresh and not OTT.

Woolworths – Woolworths is probably the store I frequent the most, especially for items for myself. They have great classic items and although they keep up with the fashion trends, their clothing is still great quality. Woolworths also caters for a great variety of shoppers with the various clothing ranges they stock such as Studio.W, Trennery and Country Road.

Zara – I have been shopping at Zara long before they landed on SA shores and have always loved the brand. I was thrilled when they decided to open a branch at the V&A Waterfront! Although a bit more expensive than the other stores I have mentioned, you can find great quality fashion items as well as great classic pieces. There international sizing can be a bit confusing initially but once you get the hang of it there is no going back!

I will do a similar post in this series, in the future focusing on Kiddies Fashion Stores, so keep a look out for that! For more posts in My Top 4 Series click here…

Be Inspired, Lifestyle, My Top, Travel, Travel Wishlist

My Top Dream Destinations

I have always been a very enthusiastic traveller but it does become more difficult to jet off to places unknown once you have children to consider. This fact may deter me slightly when it comes to planning travel but I still have quite a few destinations, which I would like to visit and I have compiled a list of my top dream destinations! A girl can dream can’t she!

Italy, especially Tuscany, is a dream destination for both me and the hubby! We have decided that this one will probably be sans children as we would love to do a culinary trip to Italy. A gastronomic experience, holidaying in a villa in Tuscany surrounded by vines, learning to cook authentic Italian food. A while back I shared about Tasting Places, they offer an “informal yet intensive exploration of inspirational cooking”, which sounds like exactly what we would enjoy. Combined with the beauty of the country setting, the promise of wine tasting and a demo of cheese making – what more could you ask for. Eating, drinking and soaking up the splendor of the countryside! This is a dream I am hoping to make a reality later this year!!!

Thailand, was actually a consideration for our honeymoon but way back then we had to watch the pennies and opted for the Maldives instead, which was a truly amazing place! So Thailand is definitely still a place I would like to visit, the scenery is beautiful and Thai Cuisine is one of my favourites. I could think of nothing better than lazing on a beach sipping on a cocktail, with the warm ocean water lapping at my feet!

The next place on my list may seem a bit odd to some but I think Croatia looks like an amazing destination to visit and I have heard so many great things about this beautiful country, from people who have travelled there. With nearly 2,000 miles of coastline and 50 inhabited islands, Croatia definitely has plenty to offer, if like me you are a lover of sea and sunshine.We would definitely travel in summer, the beaches look stunning and I love the thought of mixing a unique cultural experience with a beach holiday!

Last but certainly not least is Austria, partly because I really would love to see snow before I die and yes the wild-one in me would love to learn to ski! I have spoken to quite a few of my friends, who live abroad and the consensus is that the ski resorts in Austria are some of the best! I would need to find one that caters for beginners – something of great importance for a novice like me! This will definitely be a trip that would include the girls, an experience that I am sure they would love!

To see more images from my wish-list see my Travel Wishlist Board on Pinterest.

Image Source: Pinterest

Be Inspired, Beauty, Beauty Products, My Top

My Top Summer Nail Polish Shades

As most of you will know I am a tad obsessed with nail polish and yes I am a bit of an Essie girl, I do use other brands but I simply love the Essie shades. Their polish is also the longest lasting which is super important for a busy mom, who likes to look good but does not have the time to redo her nail polish every few days!

These are My Top Summer Nail Polish Shades, which coincidentally all happen to be by Essie:

Mint Candy Apple – I have featured this polish before but it is still my favourite pastel shade, which is perfect for summer especially if you are wearing white. It is also gorgeous with lace, which is a trend I am adoring at the moment!

Fondala Gondala – Is such a soft pretty mauve shade, which I wear if I am trying to achieve a more neutral look. It looks equally good on your hands and feet, giving you a subtle effect.

Tangerine – Is a vibrant deep coral shade, ultra sexy and it gives a great pop of colour on your toes. I do probably prefer this shade on my feet unless I am wanting to make a loud fashion statement, then its perfect on my hands too. Tangerine looks amazing paired with gold accessories.

Jam ñ Jelly – I love,love, love this gorgeous fuchsia shade which has a slight iridescent sheen to it. Pink is my favourite colour and this is my favourite shade to wear with black, especially in the evening but it goes well with just about anything. It is probably the nail polish I have worn the most this summer!

If you would like to see more fun posts from My Top 4 Series click here…

Be Inspired, Gift Stores, Lifestyle, My Top, On-line Shopping

My Top Online Gift Stores

Whether it is a gift for a special friend, a wedding gift or simply a spoil for myself, this is my list of top online gift stores in SA…

Heart and Home

Heart and Home is an online gift shop, specialising in home accessories, soft furnishings and accessories for children and adults. Product styles vary from vintage chic to contemporary. Each product is carefully selected to ensure a unique selection of gifts. I have been snooping around all the online stores since renovating my kitchen and fell in love with these gorgeous red canisters! To visit the Heart and Home Website click here.

Skinny laMinx

Skinny laMinx products are fun and quirky with a definite South African flavour. Skinny laMinx products are 100% South African, with design inspiration lifted from nature and everyday objects. You will find gorgeous Wild Flowers, Pincushions, Duikers and Flower Feilds in shades of Framboos, Blueberry, Cocoa to name but a few. Truly unique and exceptional designs at very affordable prices. To visit the Skinny laMinx Website click here.

Utique

Utique is an amazing on-line gift boutique, which is all about showcasing the very best of South African creative talent by carefully selecting products from local designers, artists and small businesses. To visit the Utqiue Website click here.

Yuppiechef

Yuppiechef is my favourite online kitchen store and sells the world’s best kitchen tools from leading local and international brands. From knives, cookware and bakeware, espresso machines(I have my eye on a pretty red one) – they stock my favourite brands such as Kitchen Aid and Le Creuset. I love my Kitchen Aid and I am very keen to start adding a few of the attachments to my collection, especially the pasta attachment! They also offer free delivery anywhere in South Africa. To visit the Yuppiechef Website click here.