Memo 180: The Braai-ght Side of Things

To: All

From: Me

Date: April 17, 2015

Subject: Chaf Pozi and N'em

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No visit to Johannesburg is done right without a proper Braai. We stopped over at Chaf Pozi (on a slow day) in Soweto and got our entire life. Lucky for us, this didn't take hours upon hours. See, you first have to choose your meat (kind of like at a butcher shop) and then they put it on the braai (better known as the barbecue). If it's busy this can take up to 6 hours to get your food. Six. It's worth it though. You just have to plan accordingly.

What's a Braai without the perfect summertime relaxed and casual look. We were doing a lot of touristy things and I wanted to make sure that I was comfortable for the occasion. I lasted the entire day in these Jeffrey Campbell Gladiators (my designated shoes for the week), H&M Seersucker Shorts and Tory Burch Tunic.

And of course the Bo Derek inspired cornrows were the perfect icing to this look. I forgot how low maintenance braids can be. Who doesn't appreciate a get up and go hairstyle. Just pray for my edges. Amen.

The South Africa Travel Clique in front of the Orland Towers. They were used to supply power to the surrounding suburbs and caused a great deal of pollution in Soweto who was not able to actually benefit from the power supplied by the towers. Now the towers are used as a landmark and for bungee jumping.

Get the look:

Tory Burch Tunic - Similar here, here and here

H&M Seersucker Shorts - Similar here and here

Michael Kors Belt Bag - Similar here

Halston Heritage Hobo Bag - Similar here

Jeffrey Campbell Gladiator Sandals - Sold here

ASOS Necklace - No Longer Available

Memo 145: Tunic(les) for your Thoughts

To: All

From: Me

Date: August 1, 2014

Subject: Fashion and Father Time
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I won't even address the fact that it is August 1st of 2014. Nope, I won't even mention it. Like, I won't even acknowledge the fact that time waits for no one. Time gives not one care about any of us. The more that I think about it, time is really kind of disrespectful and selfish. Because of that, we should be diligently trying to stay present and thankful for each moment. Most importantly, we should be relentless about living a life that will truly make us happy and getting there now!

Stepping down from my soapbox and on to the look...

This look is about comfort and prints. When it's 115 degrees Fahrenheit outside (yes, it gets that hot in Arizona), no one over here at The Werk! Place is trying to wear anything that doesn't breathe. I want freedom to move and pathways for air to circulate. That's exactly what this look provides. 

Easy, breezy, beautiful, Tunic Girl.

Get the Look:

Zara Dress - Similar here and here

Burak Uyan Sandals - Similar here

Nneka Saran Clutch - Similar here

Bronze Double Cuffs - No Longer Available

ASOS Necklace - Similar here, here and here

Memo 123: Patent Leather Skirt Lover

To: All

From: Me

Date: March 13, 2014

Subject: Keeping It Neutral
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I was at the flagship H&M store in London on Oxford Street when I first saw her. She was hanging out with the others just sitting there maxing and relaxing all cool. When I first laid eyes on her, I was a little bit apprehensive. See the way that my luggage was set up, I didn't know if there would be additional space. So, I left her there with the agreement with myself, that if I wanted her I would return.

I wanted her. So, I returned.

Get in my luggage you, sexy patent leather midi skirt, you. 

Hat: H&M, Trench Cape: H&M, Sweater: COS, Skirt: H&M

Turban: The MCB Shop, Sweater: COS, Skirt: H&M, Necklace: ASOS

Skirt: H&M, Clutch: Zara, Shoes: Stella McCartney

Hat: H&M, Trench Cape: H&M, Sweater: COS, Skirt: H&M

Get the Look:

H&M Hat - Similar here

H&M Trench Cape - Similar here and here

H&M Skirt - Similar here and here

COS Sweater - No Longer Available

The MCB Shop Turban - Sold here

Zara Clutch - No Longer Available

Stella McCartney Shoes - Similar here

ASOS Necklace - Similar here, here, and here

Memo 075: Shopping My Closet

To: All

From: Me

Date: July 30, 2013

Subject: Fashion Rule! of the Moment
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Aren't you proud of me?

Just nod your head "yes".

I've been following this Fashion Rule! to a tee!:

DO shop your closet. Sometimes, all you need to add is a new piece here and there to create a completely new look with some pieces that are already in your very own personal boutique.

I've had this Zimmermann (I know...) Jumpsuit, the ASOS Clutch and the Report Signature Sandals for a couple of years. The MCB Shop turban and ASOS Regal Dog Necklace are newer pieces that have given this jumpsuit a different look.

What's your favorite Fashion Rule? Have you discovered any new rules? 

Feel free to share!

Jumpsuit: Zimmermann

Turban: The MCB Shop, Necklace: ASOS

Clutch: ASOS

Memo 064: I About (Tie) Dyed!

To: All

From: Me

Date: May 31, 2013

Subject: Spring Cleaning

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"You and me, us never part makidada..."

Every couple of months, I do a little spring cleaning to welcome a few new friends into my closet. Mostly, I take my gently worn designer rags to my local consignment store and the rest to the Goodwill/Salvation Army.

Now, this dress here, I've had for literally over 10 years. I just can't let it go! Every time I try, it keeps calling me back.

Come on, girl. Let's get you back on the hanger...

Dress: Kate Landry

Cuff: Portland Boutique, Rings: Banana Republic

Bag: Flea Market Find

Memo 053: So Nautical

To: All

From: Me

Date: April 5, 2013

Subject: Blue Stripes + Loafers

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Picture me on a yacht off of the South of France sipping wine, laughing heartily and schmoozing with some of my favorite people.

Ok, picture me on a yacht.

Ok, just look at this picture of me looking like I should be on somebody's yacht. Jeez. 

Blazer: J. Crew, Shirt: Liberty for J. Crew, Shorts: Burberry

Necklace: ASOS, Rings: H&M and Belle Noel, Belt: Nine West

Clutch: Kenneth Cole, Shoes: Miu Miu

Sunglasses: Chanel

Memo 023: Candy Coated Dreams

To: All

From: Me

Date: December 26, 2012

Subject: Cobalt Blue and Circles, My True Loves.

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Two words: COBALT. BLUE!

If you follow me on Instagram (@thewerkplace), you'll see that I've recently become obsessed with this color blue. It like tickles my insides a little when I see it.

And now added to my obsession list is CIRCLES! I just thought that is was a mere coincidence that I had a few circle inspired pieces in my closet here but no I'm clinically obsessed with them!

Here's what you get when my two obsessions procreate and give birth:

Coat: H&M, Top: Madewell, Skirt: French Connection

Bag: Gucci, Shoes: Kate Spade, Necklace: ASOS

Memo 016: I'm Neutral on the Subject

To: All

From: Me

Date: December 7, 2012

Subject: The Natural Neutral

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Random side note: I think I single handedly keep ASOS, Zara, and H&M in business. I mean, I knew I liked these retailers but I do believe that I am independently keeping them thriving and profitable. 

My daily routine is wake-up, check ASOS "New In: Clothing" and "New In: Shoes & Accs", check my saved items to see if anything is either "Low in Stock" or on sale, peruse Zara online for anything that is "New This Week", then get out of the bed, do a few little personal morning rituals and contemplate stopping at the mall to see if I "need" anything from H&M. I am crazy with this! I need help...

Moving on, this neutral collaboration is a great option for upcoming holiday parties. Wear head-to-toe neutrals with a pop of color, add a show stopping maxi skirt and you're the bell of the ball. Please note, this outfit is sexy and stylish with little to no exposed skin. Yes, it can be done folks...

Blazer: Maison Martin Margiela for H&M, Sweater: H&M, Skirt: ASOS

Clutch: BCBG, Necklace: ASOS, Belt: J. Crew

Memo 015: Funny Faces

To: All

From: Me

Date: December 4, 2012

Subject: Having a Little Fun with Prints and Faces

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Anyone who knows me knows that I may or may not be a little silly. What they may not know is that even as silly, funny, charming, and debonair as I am, I can sometimes take myself a little too seriously.

I'm serious about my dreams, my feelings, and my thoughts. Making a joke or laughing out loud all day long (because my number one goal in life is to laugh all day long) doesn't mean that I'm not serious, I just have the ability to take a serious thought or situation and make it silly and fun. However, it doesn't change the fact that the thought or situation is in fact serious.

This often time carries over into my outfit selections. I can go from classic funk cutie to mixed print maven at the drop of a credit card on Black Friday. That versatility in outfits is often reflective of the mood that I am in at the moment of conception. I'm serious, silly, fun, happy, sad, funny, sarcastic and a whole gamut of emotions but mostly silly and fun! My clothes reflect that.

So, on this day and forever from now, I will continue to keep it silly and fun. Why not? Life is a little too short (and serious) to not have a little fun, play with prints, and make some silly faces.

Sweater: J. Crew, Shorts: Burberry

A little rag doll for the people...
Fauxtography Credit: Natesha Sanchez

Shoes: Miu Miu, Necklaces: ASOS, Bracelets: Dillard's and Angie Gooderham, Clutch: Kenneth Cole, Ring: Forever 21
Fauxtography Credit: Natesha Sanchez

Lip: Dior Mysterious Mauve w/ MAC Date Night Dazzleglass
Fauxtography Credit: Natesha Sanchez

Memo 012: I Fedora Michael

To: All

From: Me

Date: November 26, 2012

Subject: Remembering Michael Jackson

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You cannot tell me that I am not Michael Jackson in this fedora hat. 

I'm talking about 1979 - 1989, Michael. "Rock with You", "Bad", "P.Y.T", Michael. My first boyfriend, Michael. Moonwalking, anti-gravity leaning, finger snapping, hee-heing, white glove wearing, Michael. 

All it takes is one thing, one thought, or one song to take you back to a memory of yesterday.

Excuse me while I moonwalk across my living room. 

"Yooouu knooow I'm bad..."

Fedora: H&M, Cardigan: Zara, Top: Gryphon, Shorts: tba

"You've been hit by....a smooth criminal!"

Clutch: Nneka Saran, Cuff: Oregon Boutique, Ring: Mango, Shoes: Elizabeth & James, Necklace: ASOS, Nail: OPI Ski Teal We Drop

Memo 006: A Vicious Circle

To: All

From: Me

Date: November 8, 2012

Subject: The Circle of Life

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Did I ever mention that I LOVE mixed prints? Well, I do...

I didn't recognize the theme initially but the majority of the pieces that I am wearing have...you guessed it...circles. 

AND my pinky ring makes me feel like a old school playa from the Himalayahs! Loves it!

Top: Max Studio, Skirt: Boxing Kitten
Fauxtography Credit: Venroy Porter

Clutch: Nneka Saran, Bracelets: Dillard's, Ring: Forever 21, Necklace: ASOS
Fauxtography Credit: Venroy Porter

Shoes: Burak Uyan

Fauxtography Credit: Venroy Porter

Memo 002: Dressed In All Black

To: All

From: Me

Date: October 31, 2012

Subject: Halloween Flow

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Literally, every year, I miss Halloween. It's like I don't know what day it falls on or something. And this year I missed it again. No costume, No party, No nothing. So, my tribute to Halloween this year is my ode to black.

This ASOS Dress just spoke to me. It catches wind for God's sake! I live for clothes that catch wind because they make me feel like a super hero. I added some shoulder pads for a little extra effect and the shoes....no words.

Dress: ASOS
Fauxtography Credit: Venroy Porter

Necklace: ASOS, Shoes: Versace, Cuff: Armani Exchange
Fauxtography Credit: Venroy Porter

Fauxtography Credit: Venroy Porter

Fauxtography Credit: Venroy Porter