Fashionably Ditch your Stilettos

It is not that I don't like attending Receptions, I do, really. It is that I am one of those people who can't stand for a long time. I would want to mingle and meet new people but my shoes would be killing me, refusing to let me be great.  There is never a chair in sight and if there is , I think of the dignitaries, elders etc. It becomes an issue because all I think about is "when are the speeches going to be done? will it be rude if I leave just after speeches? Or but you must have something to eat , have some manners" . I have decided that when attending some functions especially the afternoon receptions I will trade-in my high-heels for flats. Yes I said FLATS.

In this post I will show you one way to ditch your stilettos and still look incredibly stylish.

Of course if you are going to replace your 4-inch shoes with flats you better choose stylish and beautiful flats.  Looking for a pair of gorgeous flats may be  a daunting task if you don't know where to begin:

• Choose the colour, it will be best if you stick to primary colours.
• The body and the upper part of the shoe is important, whether it is glossy, animal print, suede, mohair etc.
• You can go for a flat shoe that is either bedazzled or has a bow. Or any kind of embellishment.

 

I found these faux-mohair bedazzled flat pumps. I didn't have to spend á fortune on them since I got them at Mr Price. They are also a perfect colour that goes with everything.

Once you wear a pump/ flat shoe you have to add other accessories to make up for it. Also to show that you take the event and the host seriously.  Carry a beautiful clutch and wear statement jewellery.

 

 

Pair your pumps with a clutch bag instead of a normal handbag, to give your outfit that modern chic look. When choosing a clutch, look for  a structured clutch in a strong silhouette.

Choose equally beautiful pieces of jewellery like a brooch for your dress, shirt or jacket and statement earrings. I would suggest that you do not wear too many pieces at once. A wrist watch is enough when you already have a brooch and earrings, there is no need for a bracelet. 

 

 

 

With this combination of a beautiful flat shoe, statement clutch and jewellery plus a gorgeous outfit ( and attitude/ mood) you will not go wrong. After all it is said that "accessories make the outfit". Now put on a bold lip colour and attend the damn event.

 

*All photos are mine unless otherwise stated*

Pulsating Pretoria!

A few years back I lived in Pretoria CBD, except for the State Theatre as far as I know there was nothing much going-on in the city centre then - I could be wrong. We use to go to Brooklyn, Menlyn or Hatfield for fun, night life fun that is. Sometimes even Johannesburg. This is slowly changing as the inner city is becoming a place to be. All the cool kids  (the creative lot) spend more and more of their time in the city centre. Art galleries are popping-up in places you'd never have thought of six years ago. As I surf the internet I see more picturesque images of the city captured by young photographers. There is life in the beautiful City of Tshwane ( Pretoria).

There is this inner city revitalization hype going on at the moment, property developers are renovating old buildings creating urban spaces usable for a variety of functions.  You will be amazed at the venues available in the inner city these days, whether you are looking for space to host an intimate party, a corporate function or an art show etc.

 Image: 012central

One of the buildings revived is 012central, this building block is right in the city centre on a very busy street in Pretoria. I have no idea what this block was called or used for prior its renovation.

According to their website "012central comprises a number of closely situated buildings that enable diverse, rich experiences for people or companies that need a venue for their event. Whatever you can imagine can be brought to life in one of our multipurpose venues".

 

 

 

012central hosts The Social Market every first Sunday of the month from 11h00 to 18h00 and every last Saturday of the month hosts a market from 11h00 to 18h00 organised by the Market at the Sheds. The market hosts a variety of stands selling and showcasing clothing, arts & crafts, gourmet street food, wines & cocktails etc. Plus, there usually are live performances from Afro-soul, jazz, rock & blues singers and bands. 

On Saturday, 25 June, my friends and I went to the 012central for the first time. Best believe we had a good time, the place was inviting, vibrant and colourful. There was so much to see,  photos below tell a story of how our day looked liked. 

 

 

 

The food

 

I ate the most delicious Beef Prego Roll. There were a few food stands, everything looked delicious. There were also stands selling drinks only, from coffees to cocktails to wines.

  

 

 Marvelas Works

This young man was selling these beautiful leather and beaded goods, find him on instagram @marvelasworks

 

 

Hesey Designs

 

Beautiful African print designed bags by Hesey Designs. Find them on instagram @heseydesigns_sa

 

 



 

Afro Tunics from Lu Pearl Designs

 

 

 Azura

 

Handcrafted jewellery from Azura, find them on instagram @azura_luxury_handcrafts.

 

 

There were more stands that I didn't go to, some I did but I didn't take any pictures. I would say there were not less that sixty (60) stands at the market day of 25 June 2016.

 

 

The Muffinz gave a stellar performance

 

 

The spacey 012central provides facilities for children and for those that prefer the outdoors. Outside the main hall you will find a small courtyard - suitable for family picnics, more tables& chairs, jumping castle - for kids entertainment and another dining space where more food and drinks are sold.

 

 

 

If you are in Pretoria, do take time and visit 012central during one of its market days.  You will not only enjoy a beautiful afternoon there but you will also get an opportunity to sample and buy goods at affordable prices. You may also meet some of the instagram / online boutiques and be able to purchase products you can see and feel plus have an advantage of direct customer engagement. 

 

 

Image: 012central

 

 

 

If you are looking for a venue or wish to exhibit your product/s visit the sites linked below.

http://012central.co.za/

http://www.marketatthesheds.co.za

http://thesocialmarket.co.za

 

 

 

 

 

*All photos are mine unless otherwise stated*