Heritage Day

Happy Heritage Day!

This is always a vibrant day in the life of a South African. It's a time where we are united in celebrating our cultural differences. Living in a country where our diversity previously wasn't accepted, and is now treasured is beauty within itself.

A kaleidoscope of colour and prints is something that marks this special occasion- more so than other days. Everyone tends to get dressed up and we learn more about each other and ourselves.

I decided to wear what is known as a 'huis rokkie'. As the label suggests, it is mainly a kaftan worn in the house. However, I realised the print and colours had to make their way to the office. I was surprised at the appreciation this garment received. It's hard to see the beauty in something you are accustomed to seeing daily. You see it as 'normal' while it is adored by others. I think you can see this as something relevant to all aspects of your life and not only your clothing or your culture.

I was supposed to spend this Heritage morning running a 10 kilometre race. I was really excited for it as last year's race was not only pleasing to the eye but one that I was well prepared for. As a result, I managed to run it in a time that made me so proud of myself and the hard work I'd put in. Imagine the disappointment I experienced when I realised I was ill and now unable to do it. I will admit that I've been in bed, upset about this but I will look at the good in it. At least I can stay in bed, relax a little bit and start a new book. Reading fixes lots of things. ❤

Kaftan: Something I acquired on a pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia

Scarf: This was a free gift in a magazine a few years ago.

Clogs: Cotton On

Wind Beneath My Wings

I thought this title was suitable as Spring is here - a semi windy time for us Joburgers. I'm quite chuffed with these shoe wings. I first saw them in an Adidas ad a while back and wished I could have them, luckily found them the other day whilst doing store visits away from work. 

I'm not the type of woman who wears dresses often. It's something everyone points out and I wish they'd get over it. However, this dress appealed to me. From time to time I feel the need for unusual items and was drawn to this dress for the fabric, cut and colour. I am quite a denim fan and there are many options to choose from seeing as though it's quite a trend but quality must always take precedence. Since it's a simple style, I decided to add some badges to funk it up a bit. This new badge and patch trend has me so excited. I love being able to customise what I wear as it speaks to my need to creatively express myself. 

I added the tights to brighten this outfit up and thought it was the perfect transitional piece seeing as tho it's still windy and I get cold so easily. Lastly, I love my shoe wings! My family members seem to think it's slightly juvenile but my inner child needs to be expressed from time to time. 

I don't have much more to say today but I hope you enjoyed. 

Eid Mubarak to those celebrating. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

... And one more of the shoe wings because I just can't resist. I know there are paint stains but I refuse to part with these sneakers on this basis. I feel it gives them a comfortable, worn in look and some character - although, I'm vigilant about which clothes I choose to wear on painting days and expeditions. 

 

Dress: River Island

Tights and Earrings: H&M

Badges and Shoe Wings: Cotton On

Superga's: Sportscene

Casio Watch: Superbalist 

Photos: Ziyaad Osman 

Harry Potter And The Cursed Child: Launch Party

Let's get this out there, I love Harry Potter. In fact, words cannot describe the way this wonderful series makes me feel. It's a mix between excitement, immense joy but has the ability to make me relax and focus on something beautifully enchanting. 

I'll admit that I found the first book hard to get into. I was ten and - very honestly, I was lazy. My English teacher sung the books praises but I was hearing none of it, until the first movie came out the following year. Yes, it captured me. I immediately started the first book that night and soon, finished all the books that were released at the time. 

Later, J.K Rowling launched a few more and I remember the excitement it brought about. Waiting in line to get our copies, having discussions with my school peers trying to figure out what would happened next. It was exhilarating and we'd always make sure we were the first to watch the movies when they came out. 

We were most definitely disappointed when it all came to an end but it made for wonderful memories which we cherish today. 

I was so happy when I heard about The Cursed Child Launch Party. I roped my nieces in and we got dressed up and at 11pm on Saturday 30th July we Ubered to Exclusive Books in Hyde Park. 

The queue to get the book was one of the longest I've seen, taking up two whole floors of the mall. Coffee shops and a few restaurants stayed open to cater for this. The fans created a wonderful atmosphere while the Exclusive Books staff dressed up, enacting their favorite characters and giving out prizes. 

At 1am the queue started moving past a black curtain. After the curtain, a wonderful experience was created while we waited to get our hands on the book ...

 

 Hogwarts students 

 The errr ... Boy who lived.

 Professor Dumbledore and the sorting hat.

 

 Past the black curtain.

 

  Dementors everywhere

 Professor Snape teaching potions

 

   Time for the Bean Boozle challenge.

 Finally! 

 

We had some well earned pizza after everything. Life Grand Café was open until 3am and had a Harry Potter themed menu. It was needed after the long and enjoyable night we had.

I know lots of fans were disappointed by the party, I guess I was too but at the end of the day it's what you make of it. I walked out of the mall exhausted but fulfilled and happy that this wonderful series can follow me into my adult life. Here's to more memories and endless Harry Potter discussions!

Eid Mubarak

Hello Everyone

I know I haven't posted in a while; if you can call two years a while? Let's say I ran into MANY technical difficulties however, I haven't backed down and here I am again. 

Ramadhan has sadly come to an end. It was truly a blessed month and Eid is a celebration which marks the end of this month. It's hard to think of it as a celebration when there are so many humans around the world who aren't able to celebrate due to many factors - war and poverty, to mention but a few. I hope we can all remember them in our prayers.

My day was spent with family which is what is most important to me. I hope you had a beautiful day with your loved ones. Here are a few pictures of my Eid outfit. 

Let me know what you think?

All my love,

Raeesa

Scarf and Earrings: Accessorize

Coat: River Island

Polo Neck: Factorie

Pants: Mango

Socks: Topshop

Boots: H&M