SHOPPING IN THE NATAL MIDLANDS

I recently went on a drive to the Natal Midlands to test out the Posh Shopping Tours tour itineraries and do site inspections of the hotels offered on the overnight combo options.  

I must say that I was extremely impressed by both the level of service of the shop assistants and the restaurant staff, as well as the quality and selection of the goods on sale. The one thing that I did find upsetting was that a lot of the people I spoke to all had the same complaint… that the number of tourists visiting the area has considerably decreased over the last few years.

I find this quite strange, as the area has so much to offer a tourist to South Africa.  There is also a lot to interesting things for a South African who is visiting Natal, as well as people who live in Durban and only visit for the day. There is shopping, animal farms, local produce, restaurants, fishing, horse riding, walking trips, beautiful views, clean air and award winning hotels and guesthouses – and the list can go on.

These are some of the things I think deserve a special mention:

·    I had the most delicious R15 Cappuccino at the Bistro in the Nottingham Road Junction Complex, as well as extremely good service from their waiter.

·    The viewing balcony at the Howick Falls is a must see… You don’t have to climb up any rocks or hike anywhere to see the falls, you just drive up and step out of your car – Beautiful (see the photo below). The road leading up the falls is lined with stunning little shops, so consider parking at the top and walking down.

·    The best shopping centre goes to The Piggly Wiggly Country Centre, it is on the R103 just past the Midmar Dam in the Lions River area. There are probably about 20-25 little shops, all selling something different, as well as a coffee shop. Well worth the stop!

·    The Fordoun Hotel and Spa is breath-taking, and the spa stays open until 6pm each day. Each room has under floor heating throughout and the fine dining restaurant is stunning. The surroundings are so peaceful, this is where you want to stay if you need some decent rest and relaxation!

·    Tsonga Shoes and Handbags is a must see – not cheap, but the quality and selection they offer is just too good to miss. (I found a pair of black leather boots there that I need to go back for, and have also been dreaming of their animal skin handbags).

If you stay in the Durban area, please do yourself a favour and plan a trip up to the Natal Midlands soon – just travel prepared with the warmest clothing that you own – it is at least 10 degrees colder than Durban during the winter months, and snow is expected there soon. 

To book a Posh Shopping Tour, or to get more information about the Posh Shopping Tours on offer, please see the website http://www.poshshopping.co.za/Shopping+Tours or email info@poshshopping.co.za

Happy Shopping!

Gorgeous view of the Howick Falls for the viewing balcony.

Dusty car after 12km of dirt road to get the Linga Lapa Butchery & Deli.

DRESSING FOR YOUR SHAPE: RECTANGLE

If this is your shape, then similar to the hourglass shape, you have shoulders and hips that are the same size, but your waist is not defined. You may also have a small bust line and a flat bottom. Your arms and legs are normally slender and long. Generally your body type would be described as boyish, some people refer to this as the ‘Banana Shape’ – I like to use the term ‘Rectangle Shape’.

If this sounds like you, then you share this shape with celebrities like these ladies:



To create the illusion of curves, you should be wearing these styles:

·   Short sleeves, or sleeveless tops and dresses – this is a great look for you if you have firm upper arms. It emphasises your shoulders and brings attention up to your neckline, rather than to your small bust-line.

·   Medium to high necklines – also try adding extra fabric here to increase the look of your bust line, such as shirts with a large collar or a gathered cowl neckline, or a blouse with a kitten bow.

·   Semi-fitted clothing.

·   A dress that wraps around your waist, and if you are very slim - also dresses with flowing fabric that can be belted at the waist – this will make the extra gathered fabric on the top and bottom of the belt look like curves.

·  Slightly flared flat fronted pants – this adds shape while still keeping your tummy area flat.

·  A-line shirts – this has same effect as pants above.

·  Look for patterns and detailing that end on you hip line. Stick to lighter colours around your bust and hip line, with darker colour at your waist.

·  Best jeans for you is the skinny flare or bootleg – both these add curves

·  Blazers that are tailored to create shape, with nice big shoulders are also great for you.

Stay away from styles like these:

·  Tight fitting clothing – this emphasises not having curves.

·  Low necklines.

·  Baggy tops and pants – you want to add curves not all-over bulk.

·  Narrow skirts.

·  Pants or skirts with high waistbands – these will emphasise your undefined waist.

Have fun with your clothing and don’t be afraid to try something new. Remember that your shape is one of the easiest to dress, as you can get away with adding details and layering to create curves. It is more challenging to downplay a large area than to create interest.

Let me know if you need any more help.
I am only a click away info@poshshopping.co.za or follow on Facebook www.facebook.com/PoshShopping

GIFT IDEAS - BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES

Do you sometimes get totally confused when trying to pick out a gift for somebody's birthday or anniversary?
See this list beow, it can often be the start of great inspiration.

BIRTHSTONES & FLOWERS

MONTH	STONES (MEANING)	FLOWERS
January	Garnet (Constancy)	Carnation, Snowdrop
February	Amethyst (Sincerity)	Violet, Primrose
March	Bloodstone, Aquamarine (Courage)	Jonquil, Daffodil
April	Diamond (Innocence)	sweet pea, Daisy
May	Emerald (Love, Success)	Lily of the Valley, Hawthorn
June	Pearl, Moonstone, Alexandrite (Health & Longevity)	Rose, Honeysuckle
July	Ruby (Contentment)	Larkspur, Water Lily
August	Sardonyx, Peridot (Married Happiness)	Poppy, Gladiolus
September	Sapphire (Clear Thinking)	Aster, Morning Glory
October	Opal, Tourmaline (Hope)	Calendula, Cosmos
November	Topaz (Fidelity)	Chrysanthemum
December	Turquoise, Zircon (Prosperity)	Narcissus, Holly

 

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY GIFTS

	TRADITIONAL	MODERN
1st	Paper	Clocks
2nd	Cotton	China
3rd	Leather	Crystal, Glass
4th	Linen, Silk	Electrical Appliance
5th	Wood	Silverware
6th	Iron	Wood
7th	Wool, Copper	Desk Sets/Pen & Pencil Sets
8th	Bronze	Linens, Laces
9th	Pottery, China	Leather
10th	Tin, Aluminum	Diamond Jewelry
11th	Steel	Fashion, Jewelry, Accessories
12th	Silk	Pearls, Colored Gems
13th	Lace	Textiles, Furs
14th	Ivory	Gold Jewelry
15th	Crystal	Watches
20th	China	Platinum
25th	Silver	Sterling Silver
30th	Pearl	Diamond
35th	Coral	Jade
40th	Ruby	Ruby
45th	Sapphire	Sapphire
50th	Gold	Gold
55th	Emerald	Emerald
60th	Diamond	Diamond

Posh Shopping also offer the service of reminding you about important upcoming birthdays and anniversaries - If you use our gift service, you can get up to 4 reminders of events a year emailed to you. You can then choose the type of gift (or we can help you choose a gift) you'd like to purchase, and we'll source it for you and deliver it as well.

Email info@poshshopping.co.za for further details.

 

DRESSING FOR YOUR SHAPE : APPLE

Some people call this body type ‘oval-shaped’ and others call it ‘diamond-shaped’. I like using the term ‘Apple-Shaped’. Apples are quite a sexy sweet scented fruit, so I think it's the best word to describe a body type that most woman have at some stage of their lives.

Now I'm not talking about being pregnant, as that is a shape you shouldn't try to disguise at all.
What I am talking about is a little extra weight around your tummy area, and sometimes also on your upper thighs and bottom.
Whether this is caused by eating too much fast food and sweets, or by stress - you can create a slimmer silhouette by choosing the correct clothing.

‘Apple-shaped’ celebrities:

Queen Latifah

Kate Winslet in 'The Miracle Dress'
by Stella McCartney

Clothing styles you should be wearing are:

·        Big earrings and necklaces to bring people’s attention upwards to your face and shoulders instead. Make sure your makeup and hair is always looking its best in this case.

·        Shoulders pads (done in a fashionable way – not 80’s style) add definition you’re your upper shape, and help balance out a wide waist line.

·         Semi-fitted clothing to help create a slimmer shape.

·         A good fitting bra – go for a professional fitting if you haven’t gone recently.

·        Support underwear – this is such a quick and easy trick, everybody should be wearing these. Most of the chain stores at the mall stock these at very reasonable prices.



The best shaped bathing suit.

·         Try stick to tops and bottoms in the same colour, or at least very similar.

·         Low necklines are best – this elongates your neck area.

·        Tops and dresses that flow through your waistline, and never tuck in your shirts. Also choose dresses made from fabric with a small patterns - this is very forgiving of unwanted bumps.

·         Straight fronted pants in soft flowing fabrics.

·         Straight and slightly fared skirts, also with flat fronts.

The pattern on this dress
makes the body look slimmer

Vertical pattern of this dress
will make you look slimmer and taller

Clothing styles you should never wear:

·         Tight fitting clothing or clothing in sizes smaller than your actual size.

·         Fabric with large patterns.

·         High necklines – this makes your front part look even bigger.

·         Belts – for your shape it’s best to not try to define your waist.

·         Tucked in top and shirts, dresses with defined waist bands in a different colour.

·         Pleats on anything – this add bulk.

·         Narrow or tapered pants and skirts.

·        Stay away from shoes with skinny tapered heels - rather choose styles with thicker heels.

Remember to contact me on 082 666 8211 or email me at info@poshshopping to book a wardrobe consultation or a shopping trip. Sometimes all you need is a different outlook to realise where you are going wrong.