My Oratane Journey

I was that girl with the fruitcake face, the one who had a long term relationship with bad skin. It started at the end of primary school and sadly it carried with me through until high school. I wasn’t the one to pose for pictures because the result was always disappointing - to the point where there’s a gap between baby pictures of me and recent pictures of myself. It was a painful journey. I thought I could just wait it out, drink more water or perform my facial ritual as often as possible, but no…just like a persistent stalker, it just kept coming back.

So I finally decided to take matters into my own hands and seek help. I visited the dermatologist, and we decided that I should try the Oratane product. I’m sure many of you would be afraid to be popping any hormone pills and I’m sure the process is different for everyone. But, I am pleased with the results and I can confidently recommend this for all those who are also struggling with teenage acne following you into your adult years.

Oratane is a tablet that controls your hormones. It decreases the secretion of the oil glands in your skin. So you will find that your skin will become extra sensitive to the sun. I had to avoid the sun as much as possible. I pretty much became secluded to the outside world. But with any life changing processes, there are always a couple of sacrifices you need to make in order to get what you want, right? Sunblock needs to become your best friend. The thought of having to paint my face in white sunblock everyday killed me but I found a product that actually enhanced my skin complexion. Pop into dischem or your nearest pharmacy and ask for “Bioderma” sunblock.  It’s a block that has a tint, so when you put it on it will look like you have a light layer of foundation. Killing two birds with one stone I say. So, number one rule, AVOID THE SUN.

The second tip I can give you is to keep Lip Ice on you at all times. You will find that your lips will get chapped and if you don’t continuously maintain it, it can become painful. I became obsessed with Lip Ice, I had 3 or 4 at a time. Also, this may seem like a weird concept but your eyes will also dry out a little bit. Try and get eye drops to help you out when they get a bit irritated. Lastly, you will find that headaches and backaches will be frequent. It is one of the unfortunate side effects from taking Oratane, but the effects are different for everyone and also to a different degree. These are the few that I experienced when I was on Oratane.

Usually the doctor will prescribe it to you for 4-6 months. I suggest you do it during the winter season so it will be easier for you to avoid the sun, without missing out on all the fun. For some, the side effects may put you off. Think of it this way, you are sacrificing and dedicating a few months of this process for permanent results and a lifetime of great skin. Just remember, it always gets worse before it gets better – don’t freak out!

I know for my part, those couple of months were highly annoying for me, even frustrating. But I’d do it again to get the results I have today. Acne is a thing of the past. I can’t remember when last I had a little visitor on my face. I can eat what I want and not have to worry about the effects it will have on my skin. The sacrifice was definitely worth the wait. I can guarantee that a new level of confidence will beam across your face when you know that your skin has been taken care of, FOREVER! 

Adios to bad skin days.

XOX

Trend Alert: Nike Free Runs

Another trend is dominating my twitter and Instagram timeline – it’s the funky range of Nike Free Runs! I must say, usually I’m the sensible shopper, buying only the necessary. However, someone once told me that if you’re constantly going back and forth deciding on whether to buy the item or not, you should just buy it. That’s how I became the happy owner of these beauties. I checked high and low at the different Nike stores, compared prices and compared colours. I just could not give it up, especially when these ‘tumblr girls’ or fitness models kept reminding me of how pretty they look - a pure example of how the media can manipulate you into buying the goods.

Guilty as charged, I found a watermelon pink pair and it was even on sale. After all, their logo is “just do it” so I couldn’t resist! It’s a pretty delicate sneaker, so I wouldn’t advise doing mountain climbing or anything drastic of that sort. But it’s incredibly light, so it would be perfect to tackle those 101 UCT stairs that I will be climbing once again.

Hoping that this pretty pair will get me back on the road - mastering that 10km in no time. Here’s to training in style. 

Witness the fitness. 

XOX 

Trend Alert: Colourful Lips

Another must have this season is bright and bold lipsticks. Tis the season where a pop of colour is essential, be it make-up for the day or night. MAC has a wide variety, offering you different shade textures. I have been fond of the Matte collection because it has this subtle femininity needed for any occasion. You don’t have that unnecessary shine - something that could rather be worn during the evenings. With Shashi Naidoo's new fashion blog, we have seen how she plays with different colours that just add an extra bit of glam to her outfits. MAC offers a fairly decent price of R185.00, giving you that great quality you need to look fresh the entire day. 

I have picked a couple of shades that could match up with what Shashi is wearing. Also, I’ve included a few of my favourites that I have added to my collection.

Style Inspiration: Kardashian sisters

South Africa has Lee-Ann Liebenberg and America has Kim Kardashian. I’m talking about the hottest and the most stylish mommies out there. I have always admired the utterly sophisticated style Kim K has and for many years this reality star has graced the covers of fashion magazines, making numerous appearances on the ‘best dressed’ list. After giving birth to the adorable North West, you would assume we’d see Kimmy in track-pants or the easiest outfit to slip into. However, this fashion icon has showed the world that style does not need to take a backseat when motherhood calls. She has been my style inspiration for as long as I can remember, coming out with the blazer as her iconic piece. They say you’re either born with style or you just don’t have it, which is safe to say that the Kardashian Klan has indeed. Kourtney Kardashian comes in a close second with regards to my style inspiration. Kourt is more of a daring dresser, opting for outfits that go on the eccentric side – something I’m not too confident to pull off. But, she does have amazing pieces that are well co-ordinated with the sleek look Scott Disick pulls off. 

After teaming up with Kanye, the world saw Kim's wardrobe take a 180 degree turn with Black being an everyday colour. Thankfully she has put the gothic look at the back of her wardrobe for now and has come to her senses. What is great about her recent collection is that the outfits are not over the top, because as we know, less is more. Replicas can also be easily found in more affordable stores for people like me who work on a budget - a budget that is very difficult to stick to! Nonetheless, she gives me great ideas for both formal and casual wear. These are some of my favourite outfits...

Cream top by Velvet, White jeans from J Brand Jeans,
Saint Laurent shoes 

Hermes Birkin bag was a Christmas
gift from Kanye

My favourite colour, Coral works
well with a tan belt. Perfect colours
for summer.

Curves and a big booty has never stopped Kim from flaunting what her mamma gave her. She works well with her figure, choosing items that best accentuate her hour-glass physique. This pencil skirt neatly carves out her body and with a simple shirt/top. She also brings back the pointy stiletto making this outfit look sleek and sophisticated, fit for any occasion during the day.      

Vintage Alaia mint skirt,
Celine top, Manolo heels



Top shop top, Kardashian Kollection
skirt, Gianvitto Heels, Bottega
Veneta bag

Kourtney Kardashian has given birth to two incredibly cute children, Mason and Penelope. She has bounced back into her gorgeous shape. Both Kourt and I share a petite figure - something that is not always easy to maintain. I'm always having to dress in a certain way that gives me extra length. The worst is to look short and plump. One of the ways I do this is to wear skinny jeans, short shorts, leggings or a petite dress. I love following Kourt's mixes and matches. Unlike a few celebrities, she's not afraid to use and reuse certain fashion items. 

Kim and Kourt differ in that Kourt dresses down to family outings, where as Kim has to make a fashion statement everywhere she goes. I guess, people turn to her to get fashion inspired, but for people like me who cant afford or simply don't have the energy to doll up to perfection every time I leave the house - I adapt to Kourts laid back style. 

Kourt is wearing a Current/Elliot denim jacket with Vince leggings, a Lanston tshirt, Ralph Lauren cashmere beanie and Dita sunglasses. I love this whole beanie look and I've been waiting for winter to wear one. I would pair this outfit with black combat boots and perhaps add a gold linked necklace or a gold statement watch to bring some pizazz to the outfit.

She is wearing Alexander Wag shoes, a Prada diaper bag, black Orchid jeans, Kymerah top and an Elliot Label leather baseball cap. Kourt blends a punk rock look with a classic black shirt. I love that the peak-cap look is coming back in style, adding a tomboy edge to it.

This is a simple outfit that anyone can pull off. Short shorts elongates your legs and that is what I need for my petite size. Kourt shows a bit of leg with a vintage Levi's jean shorts, Chanel espadrilles, Lna tshirt from Dash, Hermes bag and Kardashian Kollection sunglasses. This has been my summer look so far. I either match it up with white converse, the shoes or the boot. But if i want to be more feminine, I mix it up with thong sandals and a statement necklace to finish it off. A great wedge sandal would also add a great deal of femininity.

Although Kourt and Scott may have not yet tied the knot, they do make a great fashion statement as a couple. Scott is known for his well-tailored suits, like the real life Chuck Bass. Scott has opted for the street casual look that I absolutely love on a guy. Kourt is wearing a Kardashian Kollection top, Bardot pants from DASH, Dita sunglasses, Hermes bag, Roberto Cavalli  booties. I adore this outfit from top to toe - just the whole colour co-ordination and the sophisticated ummf it exuberates. The high waisted pants also elongates her figure. A++ Kourt!

The Kardashians are bringing back the pointy heels. I'd say it disappeared for a while, being replaced by the pump heels. I like how Kourt mixes femininity with the masculine bow tie. Her dress is the key item in her outfit so, she made a great decision to go for a low-key hairstyle and natural make-up. It can easily be transformed from an outfit for the office to a night out on the town by adding a blazer or enhancing her make-up. 

We don't need Cavalli Booties or Ralph Lauren beanies to steal some style tips from Kourt. I love how I can pop into TopShop or Cotton On and get the same outfit for cheaper and still have a thousand dollar look. Campus is around the corner and having to choose a suitable , comfortable outfit everyday can leave me lost in thought the night before. So best believe I will be posting these pictures up in my cupboard for my daily dose of Kardashian style inspiration.

  XOX