Post 11/30: Running Errands Chic

Just been working on a budget-friendly wardrobe for a friend's friend who recently 'lost' her long term boyfriend to a younger and more sassy woman. I seriously doubt a new wardrobe is what Miss Heartbroken-And-Thirty-Something needs at the moment but I've decided that it's not my place to tell her this. It's not my place to tell her what I really think about women attempting to reinvent themselves after a relationship breakdown . I've learnt my lesson after a childhood friend of mine and I drifted apart following a heated discussion about her lousy (and I mean seriously lousy) dude. The calls stopped, the texts got fewer, our Facebook emails became one liners...

Working on Miss Heartbroken's Essentials for Single Hood has made me think about the basics missing in my own wardrobe. I spend a great deal of time researching key looks for other people and working out where I can find what. Funnily enough, my Saturday mornings often start with a search for clean and breakfast/brunch-appropriate attire. I usually can't find what I'm looking for and end up wearing gym gear or tracksuit pants I'm emotionally attached to. I've been known to leave the house in full gym gear, meet up with my girlfriends for brunch, go on a shopping spreeya (learnt spreeya from Blu Cantrell) then do late lunch with my brunch buddies and somehow end up in a trendy bar later that night. Yes in that same gym gear!

I'm ready to retire that look, run errands in style and socialise in real clothing. I've got so much to do this Saturday and will be far from looking like Dishevelled-But-Active Baldie. Thought I might share what I've termed Running Errands Chic.

Ciao bellos + bellisimas

Kain scoop neck tee
$90 - net-a-porter.com

TopShop black skinny leg jeans
$105 - topshop.com

Longchamp tote handbag
$125 - nordstrom.com

Vanessa Mooney red bracelet
$230 - editnewyork.com

ASOS gold tone earrings
$10 - asos.com

Orange shawl
$32 - topshop.com

Converse All Star Classic Lo-Top Sneaker - Red - Punk.com
$42 - punk.com

Post Mmm...

Forgiving people. I'm back after a f***** up couple of days.

The Background
I had a long term affair with Marlboro Golds during my uni years and for a few years after. About 2years ago I suddenly became seriously repulsed by all things smoking and smokers related and in all honesty, it had something to do with my mum expressing her disappointment in me after spotting a pack on ciggies in my handbag, the graphic ads and of course the increase in ciggie prices here.

The Issue
This past Saturday I woke up feeling super shit (unrelated to my hangover) and by late afternoon I was lethargic, having trouble breathing and feeling slightly nauseous. I had a quick lunch date with Mr Big-ish and Alex so had to perk up, put on a brave face and rest later. Saturday 6pm-ish I was curled up in bed.

Sunday I was wheezy and seriously phlegm-alicious but soldiered on. I tried to stop thinking about the wheezing by popping into my local pub to sample their new beer and catching a flick (Bridesmaids). Sunday night I was in bed early with a touch of the shivers. First thing Monday I called my doctor, aka Dr Deep-And-Meaningful from SA, to debrief him on my symptoms and what my phlegm looked like. Without thinking it through, I basically bullied him into agreeing that what I had sounded emphysema-licious. He instructed I come straight away. Mmmmm I tried to tell my not-so-sympathetic colleague about what I'd termed The Condition but he wasn't hearing it. As the day went on, I became more and more nutty because I had convinced myself I had emphysema.

TODAY
Today is the day I went to my doctors and found out that:

1. I need to take my health more seriously
2. I don't have emphysema but rather have a very serious throat infection
3. I need antibiotics
4. I need to stop flirting with anything Marlboro-related for good
5. I need to have a normal patient/doctor relationship with my doctor

Yes I also need to stop turning up at the good doctors with a list of possible ailments I have. Google is to blame for this behavioural issue.

Soooooooo... I'm back and to celebrate my throat infection and NOT the beginnings of emphysema, I splurged on something special to wear with a Diane Von Furstenburg Christianna jacket I recently snapped up on sale on Netaporter last week. Chrisette Michelle (below) rocked hers to The Apollo where she performed in May.

Got a girlfriend's birthday din din next Tuesday so I'll rock it with a wicked clutch, skinny jeans and Prada pumps that scream Who Run The World! Promise to take pics:)

Post 5/30: TGIF for real

Happy People it's been a gruelling week and Baldie's so looking forward to a quiet weekend. Two weeks TODAY until she's in Zim and she honestly can't wait.

I miss my family so much.
I miss my mother's cooking.
I miss my childhood friends.
I miss speaking Shona.
I miss getting 'gangster' on someone and it being completely normal when they've inconvenienced me.
F*** I miss seeing black people.
I miss being in contact with African people...my people.

I spent much of today thinking about the only place I call home and sharing what I call 'my truth' with Rania, my friend slash work colleague. Feeling a bit down in all honesty:(

Ciao bellas

Post 4/30 What to wear to dinner with your ex (the meaningful one)

So I've been asked by a super stylish girlfriend, someone I worked with many many moons ago, to come up with what she should wear to dinner with her ex, also known as Mr Shoulda-Coulda-Put-A-Ring-On-It.

I swear every woman (except for some hardcore no-penis lesbians) has that one man who they envisioned a happily ever after life with who still rattles them. Yes 'rattles' is the chosen word. My friend, lets call her Fever, is a wholesome Miss Independent who I always thought 'had it altogether' on all levels. Funny thing is Mr Shoulda-Coulda sent her an email letting her know that he'd spent this weekend with their ex-friends, was thinking of her and would love to catch up over dinner at a swanky London restaurant. Suddenly Fever forgets that she hadn't even thought about him in months and in a mad panic rings me in the wee hours of this morning to tell me the news. YES - Fever woke me up to discuss what she should wear to this bloody dinner with that twat this Saturday. Fever wasn't listening to me when I was telling her that buying a whole new outfit for one dinner is ludicrous. It doesn't make sense and I still can't understand why she cant wear something she already has, perhaps a new lipstick (MAC's Ruby Woo), maybe get her nails + the hair 'did' and be done with it. Believe me I really love shopping but I'm all about recycling key pieces and switching it up with show-stopping footwear and inexpensive accessories.

Bottom line - my girl needs an outfit quick. Nothing like a good-for-budget red dress to steal the show. This is what I came up with.

TopShop sleeveless dress
$95 - topshop.com

Nine West sparkly sandals
£90 - houseoffraser.co.uk

Diane von Furstenberg pewter handbag
$295 - net-a-porter.com

Kenneth Jay Lane 14k earrings
$45 - charmandchain.com

Amazon.com: OPI NLW42 Lincoln Park after Dark: Beauty
$5.20 - amazon.com

Post 3/30 - Wifey's back

Ola!

My flatmate a.k.a, Wifey, got back this morning after a trip to Singapore, Hong Kong and Shanghai for a l'il business mixed in with a lot of pleasure and I'm thrilled that she's back home safely. Just got in from din din with her, our ngoch friend and our responsible-adult-girlfriend so dinner was hella funny with everyone talking about developments (or the lack of developments) in their lives since she's been away. Feels good to sit down with people in my inner circle and openly talk abut whats been going on with me without judgement. Its been a great night!!!! I feel so blessed to be loved by people who love me for me. They accept my boisterous nature, multiple personalities, the hermit tendencies and don't judge my actions. If only they could see me in my element at Shisa Nyama slash Bizi's Corner slash Cubana slash Cotton Club slash Teasers slash Mereki slash Judgement Yard. If only (sigh)...

Lina a.k.a My Sister Under The Skin

I've been drinking for much of the afternoon and the evening so I might sign off here. Mr Big-ish hasn't called to apologise for Monday's drama so I'm in a somewhat fragile state. Thank God (and The Ancestors) that Wifey is home to cook authentic Chinese meals before sharing 'her truth' about my messy relationship sagas. Thank God she's back to veto some of my purchases, pick a suitable colour for my nails, decide on where we should holiday next and to screen calls.

Thank God My Sister Under The Skin is back. She has a touch of food poisoning from Shanghai but she's back. Hede huri (beaming Baldie)

Post 2/30

What a day! Work was hectic and my boss was in a mood so I was keeping a low profile which in my case actually involves doing some work and speaking when only spoken to. Today was not a day to take personal calls, read the latest Harpers issue back to back, hang around in the staff kitchen drinking copious amounts of tea dissecting each trend and each brand's campaign. Today I earned my money! As I sluggishly walked home, I couldn't help feeling like shit is clearly not going according to plan career-wise. Need to take my side hustle to a whole new level. Mmmmm...

Thought I might share with you my day to day easy chic bag and what its contents.

I've been a Longchamp fan for a few years now and I can't imagine using anything else on a day to day basis. I love the functionality and durability of the Le Pliage product line and i encourage you to check out Longchamp's website http://www.longchamp.com/ and see what catches your eye or simply what would work for you. I highly recommend the shopper styles but some aren't as secure as you might. Frankly, my bag doesn't quite work in a developing world setting.

What's in the bag?

I always carry a piece of fruit for when I get peckish between meals and just in case a crackhead asks me for money. It may sound harsh but I don't believe in giving cold cash to a junkie. I give fruit and fruit only.

Book
I recently picked up a new fashion bible, Parisian Chic, by Karl Lagerfeld's oldest muse. I adore well-written fashion books by non-celebrities that discuss personal style, subtle sexiness etc. In addition to this, books that let readers make up their own minds about their fashion choices.

Makeup case MAC powder, Sephora powder brush, Lady Speed Stick, YSL No 6 lipgloss, Lipsmacker, Dettol hand sanitiser, Aesop handcream, paracetamol and a mirror

• Wallet
  I've had the same wallet for five years. Sounds kookie but the day its completely falls apart is the day a part me dies. Okay that's actually ridiculous isn't it?
  


• Sunglasses
  Classic Rayban aviators are yet to fail me. Steep-ish price point for what they are but amazing lenses.
  



• Beyonce's cd
  I'm dangerously in love with all things Beyonce at the moment (apart for her bleached skin and almost Barbie-ish-wannabe-white-woman thing that she's got going on).
  




• Discman
  YES!!!!! I still use one because I'm convinced some songs sound better on my discman.
  





• iPhone
  I have my brother to thank for this unreliable piece of crap. Do not buy one! Try to get a loved or pre-loved one to buy if for you *wink*
  





• The O.G iPod
  





• Keys
  





• Work swipe card

Feel free to tell me whats in your bag (smirk)

Post 1/30

Just got in from a disaster dinner with Mr Big-ish and I've got serious Panda eyes from chemzing that no Neutrogena Oil-free Make-up Remover can remove. The funny thing is as soon as I got back into my apartment, I :

1. immediately put on Keisha Cole
2. poured myself a tall glass of red (for both health and sanity reasons)
3. sent Mr Big-ish what I call a 'grown folk' text
4. laid out my fluffiest robe and slippers
5. hopped into the shower and belted out I Shoulda Cheated as I exfoliated
6. moisturised like I'm a Nivea brand ambassador and I get freebies
7. started thinking about writing like I hadn't had a minor meltdown just minutes before

Mmmmm... its important that y'all know now that I'm a mere mortal that has a somewhat demanding job, needy but interesting groups of friends and an ex that I can't quite shake off. Sometimes I'm not into all things fashion because I'm actually thinking about food prices, the current state of the Australian economy, my superannuation, global warming, this country's immigration issues and which political here party believes in what. Sometimes my first love, fashion, is secondary to real life things and issues. You've been warned.

Back to fashion stuff *hic*.

This is what I was wearing dancing to Beyonce's Countdown after gym in a pair of Casadei heels I undecided against wearing to work. Nothing like boogie-ing in a pair of pumps to see if you can walk, run, stand and sit for long periods of time on marble.

Casadei grey patent pumps

This is what I wore to work

Clothing - Scanlan and Theodore trench and DKNY tunic dress
Accessories - Chanel classic pumps, BVLGARI ring + earrings and eyewear from China
Makeup - MAC errrthang except for the YSL lipgloss (No. 6)

Shona Vixen dedication

Baldie finally succumbed to peer pressure and decided to buy Beyonce's new album. Shona Vixen, a London-based Zimbabwean blogger and Twitter extraordinaire, had a part to play after tweeting about Beyonce's (or her album's or a particular song's) ability to make her 'act a fool' on London's Oxford Street and I knew then that I had to buy it. I myself HAVE acted a fool many a times in broad daylight on a number of major roads because of a beat, a song or a voice. Yes (chuckle) and the last time was a couple of weeks ago when I was walking to work and I stopped as I was nearing my favourite cafe to listen to my jam and boogie like the Collins Street was mine and mine alone. Like Beres wrote those words thinking about me. Only me. And sang those words for the whole wide world to know that it was and will always ever be about about Baldie and Beres. It sounds crazy doesn't it (laugh out loud like no one else lives in this building). I haven't been the luckiest in love but I listen to his music and I'm hopeful. I am.

So... [PAUSE]

If there's one man I'd leave my true love one for its Beres Hammond.

Baldie in a Beres slash Jodeci moment at my girlfriends' apartment in a Phyllis Boho caftan

Yes its Sunday night and I should be with my girls talking utter shit and debating what went wrong with whichever eligible-ish bachelor or should be having Sunday dinner with my Mr Big-ish and his son. Nope! I'm home. I'm home alone listening to Bey, drinking a bottle of wine I bought as a welcome-home gift for my flatmate who's currently in Hong Kong and debating calling my mum tonight. She's so used to my tipsy-slash-drunken calls. Its Sunday which is a sacred day so I might leave it and ring her tomorrow in my responsible Monday to Friday voice.

Back to Beyonce album

Bills...bills...bills

Had a fantastic day until my phone provider called me about my phone bill. I've always had this thing about calling my nearest and dearest whenever I've feel like a chit chat but that has to stop now. I need to think about the Great Move (the move back to Zim). I need to resist the urge to just pick up the phone and ring my mum for that thrice-a-week 45 minute whinge about the change in weather, my career and a dear friend that I worry about. I need to think before I pick up the phone and dial my dad's number for that adult chat about living within one's means and the importance of humility. I need to think before I walk through the door, toss my bag on the floor, open the fridge for that wine and immediately dial Nigel's number for that Harare social scene and business world update. Mmmmmmm...

Bills aside. This is what Baldie wore today.

Clothing - Country Road knit, Levi jeans and Belstaff leather jacket

Accessories - Cheap and cheerful sunglasses from Marie Claire magazine giveaway, pearl earrings and pendant from Hikari, Bottega Veneta bag and Bruno Frisoni heels

First casual date outfit

First casual date outfit by ZimSponono featuring fitted jeans

Diane von Furstenberg short top
$275 - net-a-porter.com

AG Adriano Goldschmied fitted jeans
$148 - revolveclothing.com

Christian Louboutin studded heels
$1,095 - net-a-porter.com

Bvlgari Aviator Sunglasses
225 GBP - harrods.com

Fear of Failure GONE

This past Friday's heart-to-heart with my dearest friend Mervin (popularly known as Moo) got me thinking about taking my blog seriously and the importance of contributing to other fashion blogs when asked. A 'Fear of Failure' had gripped Baldie. Little did she know that all she needed was a trip to Borders, a new pair of good quality tights, an overdue heart-to-heart over a good bottle of wine and a walk in the rain to get back on track.

This is what I wore on the day of my enlightenment. Moo, someone whose sense of style I really respect and whose love I doubt I could do without, was the photographer.

Clothing - Country Road knit and Isabel Marant skirt
Accessories - Prada sunglasses, BVLGARI earrings, ring and watch, Sportsgirl cuff, Louis Vuitton bag, Chanel flats and Jonathan Ashton tights

Saturday night fever...

Saturday night and I'm home alone drinking the finest French white my money can buy and listening to bootleg reggae cds I bought on a recent-ish trip to St Lucia. I had an amazing time and one day soon I'll write all about it. I'll write about the flight there, the natural beauty of the first St Lucians I saw, the landscape, The Landings where I stayed, the beaches, my first Friday night in Gros Islet, the Naija beats I heard when I was chilling on the patio of a not-so-upmarket but tight bar called Castros, the prostitutes, the rastas, the food and my toothache issue and about an amazing, almost supernatural, beauty therapist who changed my life. She had an aura. Perhaps a power. When I was in her presence I felt at peace like I had met my guardian angel slash beauty therapist. She paid me the biggest compliment and since then I've never looked at myself in the mirror and been so unkind to myself again.

I've been fortunate enough to go to one of the most magical destinations in this world. I plan on going to Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad in a few-ish months. Come with me!

What's a girl to do?

Sunday afternoon and I'm confused as usual.

Should I stay in, paint my nails and read my favourite blogs all afternoon? Should I call my dear friend in Shanghai who's never been (and never will be) romantically interested in me and who I've neglected for months? Should I begin the process of tracking down a Naija fashion commentator I highly respect? Should I walk approximately 600metres to my second home, Kino Cinema, and watch Sofia Coppola's Somewhere? Should I walk three blocks to MYER (equivalent of House of Fraser, Macy's or whatever) and check out homewares? Should I pour myself another glass of this good-for-budget Sauv Blanc I snapped up at Vintage Cellars yesterday afternoon and make a plan after the last bit of it is gone?

I might pour a wee bit more, check on some mince meat I've taken out of the freezer to thaw and text Mr Shanghai. I never thought I'd be planning my meals like I am but budgeting does incredible things to a city girl. My ex, Mr Big-ish, is away skiing in Vermont so I'm not fine dining or dining period. This l'il mama is heading home straight after work and attempting to recreate her mum's dishes. Dishes cooked with love. Real love.

PAUSE

I might just hang out at home for a couple more hours and then call her before I head out. She'll be up in 2ish hours and I can't wait to talk to her. I can't wait to hear her voice and her contagious laugh. I can't wait to tell her exactly whats on my mind career-wise, moving-home-wise, relationship-wise, travel-wise etc. I can always count on her for the absolute truth. How many people can give you that?

Thought I might share my goddess with you.

The parents (Elliot and Eve)

My mom 'keeping it gangster' on a fishing trip

Compliments of the New Year!

Happy New Year everyone! I hope this is the year that so many of us celebrate our uniqueness, accept our flaws and count our blessings.

This is the year I hope to permanently move back to Zimbabwe so I intend on taking time out each day to be still and reflect on the day's happenings. I live in the city sharing my treasured spaces with so many different people - I hope to remember names of baristas, waiters, sales assistants, cashiers, couriers and the two or three street sweepers I see almost everyday. I hope to remember that the footpath isn't mine alone and the crab-walking isn't cute. I hope to remember to smile instead of hiss at people I catch staring at me (its the bald head) and to refrain from cussing people out at work.

• I hope my boss approves my leave so I can travel to London this April.
• I hope my parents get-it-together and sort out their UK visas for April.
• I hope I'm invited to a hush-hush Prada sale later this month.
• I hope my iPhone doesn't die on me any time soon.
• I hope something comes up social-scene-wise so I can finally wear my Hermes Lilanga scarf.

Hermes Lilanga scarf (inspired by George Lilanga's artwork)

PS - I, like you, also hope for good health and a pay-rise:)