Derryn Semple Photography

My good friend Derryn of Derryn Semple Photography asked The Boyfriend and I to pose for some pics.
I admit I thought I'd feel like a tosser posing on a beach, but we didn't pose. We frolicked and had fun and in the end happened to get some really cool pictures.

If you're getting hitched and looking for a wedding photographer, give Derryn a call. (Just to make it clear, Dane and I have not sneakily eloped. Mom, Dad - relax)

Derryn joked around with us and made us feel so comfortable with a camera in our faces (usually a very awkward situation for us non-models) that we really actually enjoyed it.

A few snaps from our hour on the beach...

We love Durban.

My Gorgeous.

Dane's turn behind the camera...

See more pics here.

Meet Derryn:

 

Find Derryn on facebook too.

Feeling Nautical

With summer slipping in I am in a nautical mood. 
Now if only I could rather be on a yacht than in my office...

Cardigan: Betty Scott, Top: Miss Selfridge, Skirt: Mr Price, Shioes: Linx (from Zando), Sunnies: Bondiblu

If you like it then you shoulda put a bow on it...

Because everything looks better wrapped in a ribbon...

Dress: Ideals, Cardigan: Mr Price, Ring: Asos, Belt: Gifted, Bracelets: Gifted

 

Thrills, Grilles and high speed Skills (My first Top Gear!)

Denim Shirt-  Mr Price, Shorts -Woolworths, Bag - Gifted, Sunnies - Lundun

 

This year for the second year in a row, TOP GEAR (as in the British TV show) came to our fun little city of Durban for their Top Gear Live Festival. A weekend dedicated to fast cars, terrifying stunts, gravity defying bikes and everything else car related (as in speakers the size of small cars, tightly packed into the back of big cars. I still don’t quite understand this. Your ears bleed if the sound goes louder than soft. Why?)

Just a few Ferraris

Last year I had no interest in going. This year I had no interest in going. Cars aren’t really my passion. I drive one so I can get around. That’s why I have a car. If public transport was reliable in Durban I might even consider it over driving…

But, even with my clear disinterest in cars, The Boyfriend and I got offered tickets to the festival. And boy was I glad we went. What an experience!

The thrill of the stunt men drifting high speed vehicles within less than an inch of each other, the sound and smell of a Formula 1 car racing around the track just metres in front of us, the excitement of a bungee jumping car (yes this is Top Gear, expect ‘silly’ stunts too) and the awe of multiple motorbikes all flying through the air, their riders flicking their legs above their heads, was enough to convert me. I had so much fun. 

 

Just you know, doing a quick can-can while flying through the air...

I even got so into the spirit of it all that I became a groupie and had Formula 1 racer Antonio Felix da Costa sign my chest! ( I didn’t have an autograph pad or anything and well, I’ve always wanted to be like, 'OMG sign my chest!' Inner rock star groupie wannabe in me sneaking out there.)

 

OMG! Sign my chest! heehee!

I think this could suit me...

Everything is just, well, BIGGER!

The Moses Mabhida Stadium

I am a changed woman. If Top Gear comes again there is no way I am skipping it. If not for the cars, for the thrills. The adrenalin pumping, heart racing excitement is just what I love!

 

I LOVED watching these guys. The one man isn't even touching his bike!

Yes, its a bungee jumping car!

 p.s. Yes, we are right in the middle of winter! This week is the winter solstice and we are still in shorts and slops! I love my city! It seldom gets cold!

 

Something blue...

The boyfriend and I.  Dress: Motel Rocks (Through Zando), Belt: Vintage, Earrings: RichBitch, Shoes: Ideals. Dane is in Shoes & Trousers: Topman, Blazer & Tie: Carducci, Shirt: Trenery.

I adore weddings. The build up before, the sharing of heartfelt vows, the speeches, the abundant love and merriment and... the Dancing! Oh my goodness do I love the dancing at weddings. There is always high celebratory spirits and everybody wants to just have a good time, spinning, twirling and getting down all in the name of love. 
This weekend we attended a good friends wedding at The Durban Country Club and the following morning my thighs felt like I had run a marathon. Heels and dancing are clearly a fantastic work out. From now on I think I'd rather shake and twirl rather than squat and lunge thank you very much!

Got the Blues...

Cardigan - Mr Price, Top - Miss Selfridge, Skirt - Bianca Kim Clothing, Shoes - Mr Price, Necklace - Lovisa, Bangles - Assorted.

Western Whimsy

Dress - In Love with Fashion, Jacket - Mr Price, Boots - Kelso 

Taking inspiration from the way Isabel Marant effortlessly pairs soft girly dresses with cowboy flair, I thought it was time to pull out these boots I so love and give them a run as Autumn starts creeping up on us...

Isabel Marant - www.style.com

By the book...

Scarf - Woolworths, Cardi - Mr Price, Top - Woolworths, Leggings - Edgars, Boots - Mr Price

Winter is sneaking up on us and I am so not ready! Yes I do love boots and scarves and jackets, but truthfully I far prefer dresses and skirts and cocktails on the beach...
At least winter lends itself to red wine, fluffy blankets and cuddling up with a  good book...

 

Happy Weekend!

Jacket - Gifted, Gloves - A very lucky find in a boutique in Livigno, Bag - Jimmy Choo, Jeans - Jay Jays,

Happy Friday and here's to an awesome weekend ahead.
Being our first weekend back from holiday, The Boyfriend and I have a few things we have to do:
1) Relax and hit the beach
2) Washing up
3) Getting to all those things I meant to do but put off because we were going on holiday (like spray painting my photos frames)

This pic was taken outside our spot in Livigno. It really was so cold (-19 degrees) that layering was no longer about trending, but necessity! On this evening I really did not have enough layers on! (I was however excited to bring out my oxblood jeans - in SA it is so not cold enough yet so this was just the opportunity!)

No Mo' Please

Jacket - Mr Price, Dress - Gifted (unknown), Shoes - Rage, Necklace - Vintage

I am counting down the days to the end of the month. Not because of payday, not because December is when I can start putting up Christmas decorations, but because I just want Movember to be over with!

On 1 November I was keen and supportive and even encouraged ladies to support the men. I take it back! I am currently living with what looks like a 1980's policeman. There is a big fluffy blonde caterpillar strolling across The Boyfriend's top lip and I am just not getting used to it. Some girls love it. I thought I might. Turns out I don't.

2 days to go.

Balancing act

Cardigan - Mr Price, Blouse - Gifted, Skirt - Cotton On, Brogues - Boutique Find

Yes, this skirt was probably too short to wear to work. So I wore a covered up top. This is me trying deceive my boss into thinking it's totally acceptable. I think it worked. Or they're humouring me.
 

Excitement vs Panic

Jacket - Jay Jays, Top - Rich Bitch, Skirt - Thrifted, Belt - Mr P, Shoes - Rage

EEK! I just worked it out... there is pretty much one month left before Christmas! This puts me in two positions.

1 -  Super Duper excited!  Christmas trees and decorating our home, festive parties, celebrations, friends, family, food, pressies, a (short) break from the usual 9-5, days spent on the beach soaking up the hot summer sun, and generally high spirits from everybody everywhere...

2 - Panicked! (somewhat). Last year I promised myself that never again would I leave everything to the last minute rush. I would have all my pressies sorted by the end of November and I would start the festive season relaxed. HA! Do you think that is the case?  Nope! I've not bought a single present nor have I even decided what I am going to get everyone (at least if I had my list down it would just be a matter of  finding everything).

Oh dear. I need to get cracking...

Happy Weekend!

Shirt - Mr Price, Skirt - Betty Scott, Belt - Mr Price, Shoes - Rage

True love is like a pair of socks: You gotta have two and they've gotta match - Erich Fromm

Wrong Avenue

Cardigan - Truworths, Top - Woolies, Skirt - Mr Price, Shoes - Rage, Belt - Mr Price

On Friday night The Boyfriend took me out for a lovely fancy dinner but, in his excitement, booked us in at the wrong restaurant (oops). So as we arrived I started walking one way (towards the restaurant we had booked a table at), and him another (towards the restaurant he meant to book us into.) After his cursing and my hysterical laughter he sheepishly walked into 9th Avenue Bistro and explained to the manager that he had somehow got the restaurant names mixed up and booked us next door when he really wanted to dine in style at 9th Avenue Bistro. They were thankfully really accommodating about his mix up and manged to set us up a table within 15 minutes (even though they were quite fully booked - as is expected). 

If you're in Durbs and you've not yet been, do make a point to dine at the 9th Avenue Bistro. The food is incredible (expect dishes from rabbit to duck) the wine selection is top notch and the service is outstanding. It is no surprise that they have won multiple awards for being one of the top restaurants in SA.

Halloween Sneak Peak

A little sneaky peak at some of my Halloween outfit...
Can you guess who I am dressing up as?
Full outfit pics to follow soon...
xx

Still Got the Hots for Dots

I know this summer we are pastel obsessed and our prints are all aztec or floral, but I must confess I have been having a small fling with polka dots too. There is just something so quirky and fun about spots. Big dots and small dots, they all make me inexplicably happy....

Madame Zingara

If you haven't been yet, and you are in Durban, then you HAVE to make a date with Madame Zingara, Theatre of Dreams.

When this circus rolls in to town, I feel like a 6 year old again. Madame Zingara is an extravaganza of incredible entertainers, from singers to contortionists, strong men to gymnasts, all performing feats that had me squealing with excitement and covering my eyes with nerves. 

Madame Zingara is an evening not to be missed!!

The incredible mirrored tent, and enormous chandelier

The super-glam mermaid

Ushers

Face painting...

Playing around in the dress up shop

The girlies and Mr C, the evenings host

Decor? We see props...

This car would have been awesome at the drive-in!

Dress - Inlovewithfashion, Shoes - Foschini, Clutch - Vintage, Belt - Mr Price

Postbox Blues

Scarf - Mr Price, Jacket- Mr Price, Bodysuit - Moth, Skirt - Mr Price

I bought this scarf with no plan how I was going to wear it, but just knew I had to have it. The texture, the colours, the design... it was just begging to belong to me.

Then quite conveniently, my bestie sent me a picture of her wearing a scarf on her head, with a suggestion that we must try this look. Well that was me sold.

An outfit inspired by my bestie, and the gorgeous 1950's rockabilly ladies.

Formally Floral

Shirt - Mr Price, Skirt - Cotton On, Shoes - Rage

The Boyfriend and I were not in the mood to cook dinner so we headed out to La Bella for their R40 pizzas and pastas. Florals and a collar were the ideal combo for an early dinner as summer starts to approach. (Although I am entirely biased as I love florals, so I kind of think they are the perfect print for most any occasion...)

Please pardon the nasty quality of these pics. An iphone camera and dusk are not a good combo...

Weekender

Shirt - Mr Price, Shorts - Edgars, Shoes - Mr Price, Suspenders -Knicked from The Boyfriend, Bracelets - Lulu Belle, Mr Price, New Look