Lifestyle - Inspired Living SA

Cape Town Lifestyle, Fashion, Fashion, Lifestyle

Zara To Open In Cape Town

Exciting news! Spanish retailer Zara to open in Cape Town! Zara will open in the V&A Waterfront, in Cape Town! There has been a great deal of speculation as to whether this major international retailer would actually be opening a store, in Cape Town but the good news was announced earlier this month. As I mentioned in a previous post, Zara is one of my favourite stores to shop at, when I visit London – not that I ever need an excuse to shop! I have bought some truly classic items from the UK stores in the past, so I hope that the local store lives up to my expectations.

David Green, CEO of the V&A Waterfront, says this popular, high street fashion brand will be an exciting addition to the already impressive line-up of internationally acclaimed brands in the V&A Waterfront fold. The new Zara store will be located in the Victoria Wharf, in the V&A Waterfront’s main shopping centre. The brand is felt to be a good fit for the Waterfront which is said to be Cape Town’s premier retail and entertainment destination.

So we eagerly await the opening, which is scheduled for later this year. Further details are still to be announced, so I will be sure to keep you undated on any news.

Images: Zara

Celebrity Fashion, Fashion, Fashion, Lifestyle, Look of the Week

Look of the Week – Jessica Alba

Look of the Week ~ Jessica Alba

I absolutely love this look, it is definitely something I would wear and Jessica Alba makes it look effortless! I love the tailored taupe jacket, simply worn with a pretty blouse and skinny jeans. She rocks those heels as well, I think overall the look is smart and sassy – she does casual with class!

Image: FabHunter

Be Inspired, Cape Town Lifestyle, FAR Photography, Featured Posts, Gift Ideas, Gift Stores, Interviews, Lifestyle, Real Women.Real Life

Coco li – Exquisite Boutique Gift Store

I never need an excuse to shop and I absolutely adore the Cape Quarter Centre in Green Point, Cape Town. It feels as if you have crossed the Rubicon when you step into the centre; it has a wonderful cosmopolitan air about it and I was certainly not disappointed when I popped in to the centre on Monday, it was a hive of activity. The main purpose of my visit was to interview the lovely Leigh Tzouvanni, co-owner of the beautiful boutique gift store Coco li.

Tell Us A Bit About Coco li?

Coco li is a joint venture started by myself and my sister Lana Goslett. We opened our first store, in 2004, in The Paddocks Centre in Milnerton. We both have a background in Interior Design and architecture and the business was born out of our shared love of all things beautiful. Having a united vision and passion made establishing Coco li an easy venture; what better way to spend your day than surround by all the creative flare and beauty that feeds your passion. Five years later, in 2009, we opened our second store in Greenpoint’s Cape Quarter extension.

“Coco li is the perfect little boutique where you will not only be inspired to spoil someone else but you will also have free rein to spoil yourself. Come and get lost in our treasure chest…” You can expect gifts to be adorned with exquisite wraps that are then tied with vintage lace ribbons and perhaps even finished off with a rose – something uniquely Coco li and a real treat for the recipient of your gift.”

What Type of Products Do You Stock?

We stock a vast array of gorgeous upmarket goodies which range from unique homeware pieces, jewellery and stunning designer clothing, including some vintage pieces. I have even managed to source a few vintage clutches!

When asked what her favourite products are, Leigh’s response was fitting – I love it all!!

Where Do You Source Most of Your Products?

We maintain that 90% of our products are local and we import a few items to fill the gaps. We are lucky to live in the country we do and have access to such talented designers and such well-made local products, which include unique clothing collections from a selection of SA designers.

What Would You Say Your Personal Décor Style Is?

My personal style is definitely quirky with vintage inspiration, a great deal of what you see in store will be mirrored in my own home.

Do You Travel for Business?

I do not do much in the way of business travel at present but as the business grows I would love to travel to source more unique items of interest to add to our growing range.

You Have Developed Your Own Body Products – Tell Us More About Them

We have developed a range of local bath and body products, with the help of a friend of mine Tanya, who has her own range of natural body products, called Naturals! We worked on fragrances and bottling together and our labels were designed by Bridget from loveletterstationery! The Coco li Body Range includes Himalayan Bath Salts, Salt & Sugar Body Scrub, Body Butter and Hand and Body Lotion. These products come in soothing fragrances such as “Chamomile & Rose” and “Vanilla” and for something more invigorating, a vibrant “Ruby Grapefruit”. I am very excited to announce that we are currently in the process of developing a range of diffusers and massage oils.

Thank you so much to Leigh for giving me the opportunity to interview you and learn a bit more about Coco li, it is a beautiful shop filled with exquisite products! I wish you every success with the further development of your Coco li Body Range and we will definitely keep readers up to date with any new products that are added.

Images: ©FAR Photography

Cape Town, Cape Town Lifestyle, FAR Photography, Lifestyle, Photographic Equipment

The Fuji Instax Wide

My new toy, the The Fuji Instax Wide 210, shoots Polaroid size, high quality, images and prints instantly, it is so much fun! I am really enjoying my photography and this is just another medium to express myself. It is certainly not in the same league as my Nikon Slr but it is not meant to be, it is a point and shoot with instant gratification, it does of course mean that you really need to put some though into your subject matter! I must admit I am still getting the hang of using it but I think I have become quite spolit having digital, which does a great deal of the thinking for you.

Well I am definitely building up my stock of photographic equipment and next on the list are new lens and filters. I have come across a great photographic shop called Exposure Gallery, they stock a vast array of inspirational photographic products, Lomography cameras and Lensbaby lenses, as well as showcasing original photographic art. Now you know where you will find me on Saturday mornings!

Photography: ©FAR Photography

Beauty, Celebrities, Fashion, Lifestyle

Hairstyle Trends 2012

Diane Kruger

Hairstyle trends for 2012 are definitely going in a more minimalist direction, looks vary from sleek, slicked back styles, side braids, french pleats (chignons) to groomed and styled ponytails. My favourite is the ponytail. They have made a big come back recently, you will find this style everywhere – on the high-street, the catwalk and even on the red carpet. Slicked back or pulled to one side, there are high ponytails, low ponytails – you can even add a bow if you are feeling adventurous! Mostly the look is simple, sleek and polished, with fresh clear skin to compliment the look.

I picked a few of my favourite A-list styles to share with you, for some celebrity inspiration.