Royal Tea Party Pics

Hello loves,

As promised here are the pictures from the party. I hope you get inspired to throw your own soon; and maybe send me an invite (lol)

 Dress and Bow                     : Popstar's Ladies Boutique
Pearl earrings and necklace   : Mr Price
Fur Shrug                              :Foschini
I went with a pale pink heel to compliment  the bow and lipstick and also bring life to the dark shade of the dress
Hope to see that invite soon,

smoochies,
Gugu

Royal Tea Party

Hello loves,
It's weekend and most of us have a fully booked weekend or just opt to stay in; either way make sure you rest enough so you can conquer the coming week.
As you might have guessed, i am attending a Royal Tea Party this weekend- so today we talking the Queen's type of tea (yes not your usual cuppa!)

So here's a bit of background for you:
 The original tea party began as an “afternoon tea” by royal Britain’s Anna, the Duchess of Bedford. Anna started drinking tea and eating light refreshments in the afternoons, since it was typical to eat only breakfast and dinner at that time in Britain, and she began inviting friends to join her and soon the afternoon tea tradition was born. The most famous historical tea party is the Boston Tea Party which was instrumental in creating America and was an impetus for the American Revolutionary War. Who would have thought a cup of tea could accomplish that!!!

Tea Party Etiquette

Just like the royalty and upper class did in the original tea parties, it is important to use proper etiquette when attending a formal tea party. Here are a few tea party etiquette tips to remember:

• If you like to have milk in your tea, add it to the teacup before the tea is poured. Also, do not use lemon in your tea if you are also using milk to avoid curdling of the milk.(YUCK!)
• Hold the handle of the teacup using your thumb and your first one or two fingers. There is no need to stick out your pinky; this is an exaggeration ! (SMH). Do not loop your fingers through the teacup handle or cradle the side or bottom of the cup with your hands.
• Take small, quiet sips of your tea. Do not blow on the tea if it is too hot.
• When you are not drinking tea, place the cup on the saucer.
• Make sure to place the napkin in your lap and never on the table; if you leave the table put the napkin in your seat.
• It is fine to eat most of the foods with your fingers, taking small bites; however, use a fork when trying to eat messy foods.

Menu Idea
Keep it light, you do not want to get all blotted, especially if it's a low tea like the one I'm attending because lunch is still going to come.High Tea is served usually after 6pm and can incorporate more heavier options to the menu.

CAN WE SAY YUM

Now let's get to the fun part: attire !!!

Of course no one says chic & class like the Duchess of Cambridge, so here are a few of Catherine's outfits for inspiration.

Kate attending the Royal Tea Party at Buckingham Palace which amongst 8000 (yes! it's still tea) guests saw the Queen,Camilla and Prince Charles in attendance.

Kate wore a gorgeous Emilia Wickstead dress and nude heels with matching clutch with her signature hat in tow, absolutely loved it.

 

And a little Michele Obama won't hurt!

50s Look- think Dita von Tees

 

Modern Look

 

More and more dresses

 

which is your favourite style?

But remember don't go cray cray on us as demonstrated below............ uhm dumbfounded.................

  NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And watch your hem length

See Monday's post on the pictures from the event, till then ching!
 Au revoir

smoochies,

Gugu

The Sensation that's Lupita Nyong'o!!!!

Hello Loves,

I knew I just had to write about this exceptional young woman the first time I saw her face on one of my friend's profile pictures. I didn't know then what I know now about her, and she hadn't yet won that Oscar that got her onto everyone's lips and made the whole of Hollywood want a piece of her; and I must say she deserves the limelight and attention given her because of her exceptional work, and the education she has put into her skill.

So here's my tribute to Miss Lupita

Born Lupita Amondi Nyong'o in Mexico on March 1st 1983, she is the 2nd born of 6 children to Kenyan parents of  Luo descent. She is of both Mexican and Kenyan citizenship; having moved back to Kenya when she was barely a year old. She grew up in Kenya before attending college in the States. She is a film and music video director. Amongst her accolades she holds the following in her name:

IB Diploma 2001                                   - St Mary's School         :Nairobi, Kenya
Bachelor's in Film and Theater Studies - Hampshire College     : USA
MFA 2012                                              - Yale School of Drama: USA
Herschel Williams Prize awarded to acting students with outstanding ability in 2011-2012
Winner 1st Prize Five College Film Festival  for the doccie In My Genes which she wrote, directed and produced.
Academy Award for Best supporting Actress

2014, one of the  Faces of
Mui Mui Spring Collection
April 2014, announced the new face of +Lancome USA

Okay enough with the talking ladies, I give you the beauty that's Lupita...........drumroll.........

smoochies

Gugu

OOTD - THE ANDROGENOUS LOOK

Androgyny is the combination of masculine and feminine characteristics. Today I opted to dabble with the style and it's make-up free Thursday as my skin is breaking out from the harsh weather we have been experiencing here in East London. I loved the shoes because they gave my feet a break but were still formal for the office- plus I'm not a lace up or sneaker person so it was refreshingly pleasant how comfy they were. But I still wanted to keep a piece of femininity to the outfit by adding a delicate chiffon shirt and jacket with a chiffon back.  So girls I hope you are inspired to don a power suit and show who's the boss.

smoochies 
Gugu 

Photos           : Gugu Khoza
Shirt&Shoes : Mr Price
Jacket            :Popstars Boutique
Pants              :Olive De' Olive

Winter 2014

Winter is no longer about drab-looking clothing- no this winter you can still look your best while bundling up to keep the chill at bay. South Africa can be very cold in some parts and here in East London unfortunately we get wet winters so one must bundle up.
Here's a few tips from the who's who of the fashion houses collections of Fall/Winter Fashion Week 2014
1.Street Grunge
Think prints and different textures layered in relaxed fits.
Worn leather is the hype and a leather jacket is a must in every closet, preferably a tailored fit because you do not want your biker looking 2 sizes bigger!
Plaid (as seen on Salvator Ferragamo) -shirts, skirts, cardigans: incorporate plaid in your look even if its just a shirt tied around your waist for that street cred.

2. Leather accents
Black on black is here to stay: you can even dress it up with more feminine silhouette for extra chic. The leather look is trending on all forms from faux leather, quilts a' la Chanel, patents- your can get it from leggings to jackets to achieve this style.

3. Go Goth or go home
No I'm not one to start putting black lipstick on my lips but you can still achieve the look whilst still staying very feminine. Black being the obvious colour can be bought in different textures like chiffon to still feel chic and sophisticated with just a touch of leather and maybe a smoky eye and black nails to give you the edge. You can also include a few studded pieces like belts and bags.

 4. Monochrome and Animal Prints

Monochrome is always classy but can still be played fro the boardroom to the classroom. It is timeless: ask Coco Chanel and Aubrey Hepburn they will tell you!! Some animal print accents were seen in Salvator Ferragamo's collection and this can be achieved with more subtle pieces like cute pumps at Rage SA.

Make sure you have these staples this winter: 

 

the over the knee boot that can be taken from runway to the street like Angelina Jolie

the biker jacket as seen on Alexa Chung and Jess Alba

The pink coat replaces the traditional black coat as seen on Ralph Lauren

the neutral colored cardigan for layering

the chunky infinity scarf to protect your neck.

the leather pants to channel your Vic Becks persona!

the plaid shirt- don't worry just go into your man's closet!!! who said he's clothes are not stylish?! Wasn't me

studs and more studs- aren't these booties just cute

Remember don't be afraid to layer girl. This can be achieved without adding extra bulk to your body: here's a few looks for you to try