Fashion - Inspired Living SA

Ready-to-Wow! ™ Spanx Structured Leggings

I seem to live in either leggings or jeans during the week, unless I am attending an event, as they are comfy and practical. My go-to leggings are usually black, because they go with just about anything and black hides a multitude of imperfections! When I received an email to review the Ready-to-Wow! ™ Spanx Structured Leggings, I was super excited to try them!

Spanx Structured Leggings

The Ready-to-Wow! ™ Spanx Structured Leggings have a built-in, shape your silhouette waistband and are completely opaque. The shaping waistband fully flattens your tummy, which is great for those wobbly bits and love handles. The Spanx Structured Leggings keep your butt and thighs looking better than ever and enhance all your “assets”. This is particularly appealing to me as I have always had a bit a larger “bootie”!

Made from deluxe fabric, they feel as amazing on, as they make your body look! The Spanx Structured Leggings are an extremely versatile wardrobe essential. You can wear them with boots and a loose fit knit in colder months or with trainers and a cute T-shirt in warmer weather.

I love the”sports luxe” look, especially as a busy mom, who is in and out of the car most of the day. Although functional, the look is still sexy and put-together!

The thing I love most about Spanx leggings, is the extra body confidence they give you, as they fit in all the right places. As well as flattering all your good bits, they hide your potential problem areas, which you are less confident about. The most important aspect of body confidence is to love the body you have and to learn how to dress it, to help accentuate your best features! So all in all the Spanx leggings get a big thumbs up from me!

Have you tried any of the Spanx products before? If you have or would like to know more about the leggings, please leave a comment below.

Product details:

RRP R 1,455.00. For a list of stockist please visit the PDL Distributors Website. Fabric: 89% Polyester, 11% Spandex/Elastin. Exclusive of Trim. Care Instructions: Machine Wash Cold, with like colors. Do not use fabric softener, Do Not Bleach, Tumble Dry Low, Low iron if needed.

Disclosure Ranking: 2

Celebrity Fashion, Fashion, Fashion, Style Inspiration

Winter Fashion Inspiration { Fashion Friday }

Winter Fashion 2015

I always thought that my favourite season was summer but over the past few years I have really gotten into the winter vibe – especially when it comes to Winter Fashion! I still do not like running around in the rain but Winter Fashion almost makes it bearable.

A recent trip to the UK sent me scurrying around trying to find a few winter essentials before I set off on my trip. Even though it was March in London, the weather was still rather cold! Certainly cold enough for thicker jackets and boots. I will do another post, which will features a few of my Winter Fashion Finds. For now, I thought I would share my Winter Fashion Inspiration, as you can definitely feel the chill in the air in Cape Town and winter fast approaching!

My ultimate style crush is Jessica Alba – I really love her casual, yet chic, “I woke up like this” approach to fashion. She never looks over-styled, just well put together, projecting effortless style.

She also happens to the queen of “the hat” – she loves hats and somehow always manages to pull off the look, no matter the outfit or season!

Winter fashion is all about layering! Starting with your basic long Tshirts or thin knits and building on that to create and overall well put together look, which is both warm and stylish.

Last but certainly not least! It is all about the boot! Whether they are long, short, slouch or classic – you need to have a selection of boots in your shoe wardrobe! My favourite at the moment, are slouch boots but lace-up ones, similar to the pair Jessica is wearing in the image below.

I hope you find some inspiration from the post for your winter wardrobe. Please check back for more fashion and style inspiration soon!

What do you think about these trends – yay or nay? Do you have any winter fashion favourites or items you are currently coverting? Please share your comments below!

Check out the Inspired Living SA for more Lifestyle Inspiration.

Accessories, Fashion, Jewellery, Style Inspiration

My Favourite Jewellery Trends for 2015

Favourite Jewellery Trends for 2015

I am definitely not a slave to trends or high fashion but I do like to keep my eye on exactly what is current or trending, for any given season.

As well as clothing and shoes, jewellery and accessories, form a very important part of fashion trends and can take a so-so outfit to the next level! My taste in jewellery and accessories has definitely become a bit more paired down over the past few years – the whole less is more approach. I like having a few key pieces which I mix and match with various outfits.

I thought I would share a few of My Favourite Jewellery Trends for 2015 with you.

Stackable Rings ~ This is definitely a trend, which I think can go wrong, if you over do it! I love the trend but be careful not to go overboard – in my opinion rings on every finger can look a bit OTT. Also put some thought into which rings you pair together. I also think it is a great idea, to have some sort of theme running through the look. In other words, perhaps stick to one metal but change up the style and texture of the rings you are stacking together.

I love these stacking rings above which are from WHY Jewellery. They are all gold but the shape and texture is different. It can also be fun to include a ring with a stone or stones in it, for a bit of added colour.

Get the look: WHY Heart Stack Ring R600, WHY Colour Stack Ring – Citrine R700, WHY Twist Stack Ring R500.

Gemstones ~ This is probably one of my favourite trends at the moment! I really have enjoyed my ring from WHY Jewellery, which you can see above. The gemstone is a Smokey Quartz and is set in white gold. I have wanted a coloured gemstone for ages and am so happy to finally own one! I think gemstones are a great way to add a bit of colour and interest to your look. If you get the setting right, I think it is a piece of jewellery, which can be timeless.

A few gemstones I love for the season ahead are – Citrine{yellow to golden colour}, Blue Topaz, Rhodolite {rose pink to red and a member of the garnet family}and naturally the Smokey Quartz.

Get the look: WHY Oval Scallop Collection – Rhodolite Ring R1200, WHY Big Oval Scallop Collection – Topaz Chandelier Earrings R5500, Heart Gallery Collection Smokey Quartz Ring R2000.

Rose Gold ~ You will find rose gold splashed all over the catwalks and glossy mags – everything from clothing and shoes, to bags and jewellery. This seems to be trend, which is set to be around for a while. I have always loved rose gold jewellery and once upon a time owned a russian wedding band, with a rose gold band!

It has been great to see this gorgeous metal make a big comeback in both high end and costume jewellery. It is definitely one of my Favourite Jewellery Trends for 2015 and I hope to add a few more rose gold pieces to my collection!

Get the look: Africa Collection Diamond Hammered Pendant and Chain R1500.

Vintage Inspired Jewellery ~ Think romance, intricately cut diamond rings, chandelier style earrings and layers of pearls! I love this trend and have even dusted off my wedding pearls to get in on the trend.

Vintage Inspired Jewellery is pretty and feminine. It can be a welcome change from the very hard linear lines, of some of the very popular jewellery trends around.

Get the look: WHY Bridal Collection Triology 9ct Gold and Diamond Ring R12000, WHY Pearl Stud R1200, Floral Collection Diamond Chandelier Earrings R1700.

These are my Favourite Jewellery Trends for 2015, do you have a favourite?

All items featured in “Get the Look” above can be found at the WHY Flagship store and workshop in the Cape Quarter Lifestyle Village or shop online from the WHY Jewellery Website.

Contact Details: Metaxia Sterianos {Head Designer} tel: 021 4257770 or via email: [email protected]

Photo Credits: Real 1950s styled bride from Vintage Bride Mag, photographed by Feather and Stone, WHY Jewellery and Inspired Living {© FAR Photography}

Disclosure Ranking:3

Fashion, Fashion, Look of the Week, Style Inspiration

{ Fashion } Tailored Shorts

One of the fashion trends I am really loving for summer, is tailored or structured shorts. I am not the tallest person in the world and always feel slightly self-conscious wearing short-shorts but recently discovered that wearing more tailored shorts can be very flattering.

I think the key, for me anyway, is to ensure the shorts are not too short but not too long either. If they are too long they tend to cut off my leg in the wrong place and make me look even shorter! The key with fashion, is to always dress your body shape and showcase your best “bits”!

This is a look that can be very casual or quite chic, depending on how you style it. There are endless possibilities as far as tops go, either a short sleeved blouse or a long sleeved demin shirt work well. As far as shoes go, you can pair tailored shorts, with a pair of ballet flats or strappy sandals or you can glam it up a bit with a pair of sexy wedges or heels.

If shorts are tailored correctly and styled well, you can carry a great shorts look from morning to evening.

After a bit of hunting around, I found a great black pair of tailored shorts at Country Road. I have been wearing them non-stop since I bought them. I love pairing them with a pretty blouse, tucked in at the waist or a more fitted T-shirt or tank. To smarten up the look for evening, you could simply slip on a blazer or denim jacket.

What do you think of this look? Is it something you would wear?

Disclosure Ranking: 1

Accessories, Fashion, Fashion, Jewellery

WHY Jewellery by Uwe Koetter

WHY Jewellery

I was recently invited to the launch of a very exciting new jewellery range called WHY Jewellery. One word – STUNNING! I fell in love with the range at first glance – it is jewellery, what’s not to love??!!

A little bit about the brand ~ WHY Jewellery is backed by the internationally renowned Uwe Koetter Jewellers. Uwe Koetter for those of you unfamiliar with the brand was established in 1968, they fast gained a reputation for cutting edge design and master craftsmanship, which has resulted in numerous prestigious awards. These awards speak volumes and clearly place Uwe Koetter as an innovative world leader in jewellery design. Clients of Uwe Koetter range from royalty to heads of state and celebrities as well as loyal local and international clients. The overall philosophy and ethos is simple with a focus on excellence in service, design and quality and this same philosophy is integrated in their new brand – WHY.

Uwe Koetter developed WHY Jewellery in response to constantly changing consumer demands with a specific focus on Generation Y consumers. The brand epitomises affordable, top quality, trend setting jewellery – each with a unique sparkle. Let’s face it jewellery is one of those luxury items which we rarely buy for ourselves because it is so expensive! This is one of the things I love about this brand it is affordable, as well as being on trend!

Head designer of WHY Jewellery, Metaxia, has always had jewellery in her blood, instead of playing “teacher-teacher” as a child she played “jeweller-jeweller”. After following her childhood passion, Metaxia is now a multiple award-winning designer! Winning the prestigious De Beers Shining Light awards, in 2009 and 2011, as well as an award for the most evocative design in the PlatAfrica student category. Metaxia has now realised her dream, of one day creating her own jewellery range by heading up the WHY Jewellery Brand.

The WHY Jewellery brand consists of four sub brands which will be continually updated to ensure the brand is always on trend.

WHY Her is the everyday collection to make you feel confident and gorgeous. This collection is the perfect jewellery to wear to college, work or even a romantic dinner. This is a range which will coordinate perfectly with anything you wear.

The collection was designed for everyday functionality, with an added “little something special” to each piece. The geometric trend is very popular and a large part of the collection consists of jewellery showcasing different shapes.

For those with a creative flair, the WHY stack rings will you allow you to create your own look. Choose as many stack rings as you desire and then mix and match each day to create an original ring which suits your style and mood.

The Her Collection would not be complete without including our South African heritage. The small African range is simple yet stylish and can be proudly worn to celebrate a beautiful and vibrant continent.

WHY Him showcases a men’s collection for the young, trendy and adventurous man. The collection consists of rings and pendants designed to be urban chic and with a contemporary twist. WHY Him will no doubt leave an impression.

This collection was designed around the theme – “The Secret within”. If you do not enjoy “over the top” designs but still like a point of difference, this range will cater to you. The designs are simple on the outside, yet mystical within.

WHY Love caters to all ladies celebrating love, treasured family and friends. The WHY Love collection focusses on stunning jewellery for the bride, bridesmaids and the mother of the bride. All ranges offer a wide selection of rings, pendants, earrings and bracelets to compliment the dresses and ensure flawless, picture perfect beauty.

The bridal range of engagement and wedding rings are contemporary yet timeless. Vintage is a strong theme running through this collection creating rings which are ornate and exquisite.

The bridesmaid range is the perfect gift for your special friends and family chosen to be by your side on the most important day of your life. These designs were inspired by the latest trends which exude love and true friendship – the heart and infinity knot. Inscribed charm bracelets are perfect if you would like to add that personal touch.

The Mother of the Bride range radiates the magnificence and sophistication of a mother. Soft and feminine, this collection exudes style and elegance. Inspiration for this range came from everything a mom stands for – all time beauty, classic, pillar of strength and unconditional love. This inspiration can be seen in the pearl and floral designs, as well as the Circle of Life collection.

WHY Fun showcases a vibrant, contemporary and fun collection for an elegant cocktail party or a night out on the town. If you want to stand out in a crowd and be the fashionista among your friends, this range is for you. The designs are bold, brilliant and beautiful and are a vibrant celebration of youth culture.

The inspiration behind the Fun Collection was “What a wonderful world”. The pieces have been inspired by colours and objects surrounding us every day. Collections include colourful stack rings, angel wings, playful colours and vivacious styles.

Limited editions

To complement the four on going collections which will be constantly updated with the latest trends, WHY will also be offering limited edition designer ranges not be missed.

WHY is manufactured using sterling silver which is white gold, yellow gold or rose gold-plated. The jewellery is manufacture in plated silver to keep the brand affordable. If you love one of the unique WHY designs but would prefer 9 carat gold they will gladly manufacture it to your individual request. Each jewellery piece will embody at least one diamond for that extra sparkle you deserve.

WHY also offers the unique service of being able to work together with their design team, to create a unique jewellery piece designed only for you, no matter where in the world you are.

Have you picked your favourite WHY range? WHY Her, Him, Love or Fun? We will be running a WHY giveaway soon and I would love to know which range you LOVE! Please let me know in the comment section below.

Location and Contact: Visit the WHY Flagship store and workshop in the Cape Quarter Lifestyle Village or in the Alfred Mall at the V&A Waterfront or shop online from the WHY Jewellery Website. Metaxia Sterianos {Head Designer} tel: 021 4257770 or via email: [email protected]

Jewellery Featured: WHY Her Stax Rose Gold Ring R1000, WHY Her Africa Collection Diamond pendant + chain R1100, WHY Him Double Groove Ring R3000, WHY Love Heart Collection Pendant + chain R1500, WHY Love Bridal Trilogy Collection 9ct Gold & Diamond ring R12 000, WHY Fun Topaz Chandelier Earrings R4800.

Disclosure Ranking:2