MONOCHROME LOOK + TIPS ON BEING PRODUCTIVE

Dress-Mr Price/Shoes and Socks- Topshop

Walt Disney said “The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing”. This quote resonates with me because I have fallen victim to the “more talk, less action” syndrome. It is so easy to speak on things that we want to do and plan on doing, but actually getting down to doing them is a whole other ball game. We waste so much time on unnecessary things like social media and TV, when we could be using that time to get tasks done. We purposely find everything else under the sun to do except what we actually need to do. You know, looking at that white wall that looks so interesting when you have to study? Procrastination has taken over our lives and it is time to set ourselves free from the chains that we find ourselves bound by.

I remember many times in University where I left my tasks for the last minute, which in term resulted in me feeling so overwhelmed and stressed because they all caught up with me and other tasks that arose were added. This resulted in me not producing my best work and doing something just to get it done and not to get that high mark. How many of you’ll have experienced that? As of late, I have been practising productivity in my daily life and really keeping track of my time. I work a 9hour shift every day and that has become a challenge for me as I have to schedule personal daily achievements before and after work. I have been using it as an excuse to not get things done but have soon realized that I cannot keep complaining about it, instead look for solutions and find ways to adapt to the situation. I have not gotten this right 100% but I make sure every day to try and improve on it.

Tips To Maintaining Productivity

1- Wake Up Earlier Than Usual

Your morning really has a significant impact on the rest of your day. If you continuously pressing that snooze button, finally waking up and rushing through getting ready for the day, your mornings will not be productive. I really hate rushing and being late because it puts me in a disoriented state and I cannot function properly that way, it also throws me off course therefore I don’t get a positive start to my day. If you find waking up early difficult, try 15minutes earlier than the time you usually wake up. This way you are not drastically changing the time you have been accustomed to waking up, but that small change can have a positive impact and once you okay with that 15minutes earlier time, add another 15minutes. I am naturally an early riser but I still try to wake up earlier than usual (5am, 5:30am) this way I have ample time to get ready and to plan my day ahead while still having time to reflect.

Because I usually always have tasks and deadlines I need to meet for my freelance work, I like to get to my workplace at least an hour earlier to give me time to complete my personal tasks. I am normally too tired to do an excessive amount of tasks after a long day at work, so I leave the harder tasks for the morning when I feel most productive. I also utilize my lunch breaks and get some work done.

2- No Such Thing As The “Perfect Time”

It is as if we are waiting for a big sign in the sky to reveal to us “Its Time”. Life doesn’t work that way. We need to stop waiting for the perfect time to do things because that time will probably never come. Waiting for the perfect time to do certain things is also another form of procrastination and can really cripple your productivity levels. I remember when I kept waiting for the perfect time to launch my blog, I had all the excuses in the world and one day a friend said to me “Just launch it; it will never be perfect the first time round. Just get it out there”. Get used to jumping head first into tasks and not harbouring on the right time to start.

3- Say NO to Distraction

I am so easily distracted and I am sure a lot of you reading this are too. With social media and all those cool series to watch, how can we not be? I must admit, I have not quite mastered the art of blocking out distractions. As I sit in bed typing this post, I have been picking up my phone every 10minutes to check social media. I keep telling myself that it is just to take a small breather from typing, but we all know that’s a lie. Turning off wifi/cellular data is a good way to forget about your phone and stay productive. Also placing your phone far from you helps as well. That way your phone isn’t reachable and you’re more likely to forget about it… at least for a good 30minutes. (*As I go leave my phone in the next room*)

There is a huge difference between being busy and being productive; you can be busy doing nothing. Value your time and the things you spend it on. Stay focused and in tune with your goals in life, both short term and long term, and do something every day that gets you closer and closer to those goals. Your potential to become the best that you can be can be measured by your daily routine, so spend your time wisely.

About This Look

I am not a fan of dresses but I am particularly in love with this one because it’s a boxy fit. It is comfy, loose but still chic (just the way I love my clothing). I finished this look with these adorable frilly socks as I felt they added a pretty element to the overall look. This dress is perfect for winter and it will definitely be in the forefront of my wardrobe. You could also change up the look by adding knee high socks or chic black stockings and a pair of boots. The dress is a statement piece on its own so I love the fact that I can play it down with my accessories and not have to try too hard to elevate the look.

What are some of the ‘time leeches’ in your life? And what helps you stay productive? I would love to hear from you guys.

Xoxo

Kendra

Back To Black

Shirt- Cotton On/Pants- Woolworths/Shoes-Topshop/Fringe Bag- Cotton On
Okay guys, I tried to steer away from all black as I possibly could, but I failed. DISMIALLY! What can I say? I have gone back to my roots and just could not fight it anymore. You are looking at an ensemble that I feel most comfortable in, where I feel most myself. Black, Loose fit and Simple Silhouettes is all I am about. I am usually drawn to the 'effortlessly done look', you know, those looks that don't seem too overdone? Its as if you just threw together an ensemble without batting an eyelid and it turns out to be one of the greatest pairings... I love those looks, and I always try to create them. Even though sometimes putting those kind of looks together isn't so "effortless"

I purchased these chunky slippers at a sale at Topshop (For only R250) they have a Birkenstock vibe but I love the simplicity of the front and the chunkiness, Its not a shoe I would have normally opted for but I wanted to try something new. I don't wear open shoes much (Boots and sneakers is all you would see me wearing)so getting these was a big deal and I am glad I did.
I hope you all enjoyed this post and I would love to hear your thoughts :)
xoxo
Kendra

#MRPDENIM CAMPAIGN

Mr Price brought together influencers from all around South Africa to take part in their campaign where we needed to express our connection to denim either through video or imagery, and I was so honoured to be amongst those they chose (So Major!). Taking part in this campaign was a no-brainer as denim is a huge part of my life. Denim is something that NEVER goes out of style and can be incorporated into so many different looks.

I had a vision of being on top of a high building as if I am on top of the world, being so high up and yet not being afraid. Denim is bold, and that’s exactly what I wanted to depict in my pictures. So I called up my photographer friend,Kevin, and we shot these pictures on the rooftop of a random building in Durban CBD. The whole concept came to life even better than I expected. “Denim is fearless and excudes freedom” is the message I went with and I think my chosen picture for the campaign fits it perfectly.

After the campaign went live, Mr Price invited us to Braamfontein, Johannesburg for an epic street party. From a pop up store, to charging stations, then to cosy blankets to keep us warm, Mr Price literally thought of everything! This was my first time being in the same space as all the amazing creatives and bloggers that I really look up to and it was so inspiring sharing stories and creating relationships. Thank you to the Mr Price Team for the love

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I would love to know what you guys think. P.S you can see my picture displayed in the window of selected Mr Price stores.

Photographers by Simphiwe Kevin Mkwanazi

Gothika Vibes + Chit Chat about Judging

Top- Topshop/ Shorts- Thrift buy/Boots & Socks- Topshop/ Sunglasses- Spitfire

Do me a favour- Take a few minutes to think about the last time you judged someone in some way. Was it yesterday? Last Thursday or just a few minutes ago? After gathering this information, ask yourself what made you come up with that particular judgement? In what way did judging that person impact you?

We judge people on a daily basis, from judging someone’s choice of makeup and clothing, to judging their choices in life. We are constantly judging, without the slightest realisation that we’re doing it. We walk around tossing our opinions and conclusions about other people as if we have halos orbiting above our heads.With social media playing huge roles in our day to day lives, it has become far too easy to judge others behind a keypad. A day does not pass us by without someone being judged, ridiculed and mocked on twitter, facebook (or any social media network for that matter). A girl who may post one, too many thirst traps on Instagram ( for those of you who may not be acquainted with the many ridiculous cool-kid slang words, when I say “Thirst Trap” think of someone who posts semi-nude-ass out- pictures) is generally perceived as a hoe. What if she’s just comfortable in her own skin??? What if she just loves her body and embraces her sexuality? When did we, as a people, become so entitled to throw daggers of judgement towards others? What makes us so righteous?

The world is full of Judge Judys ( and Judge Jacks too) and I can definitely raise my hand up high and say that I am sometimes a Judge Judy. Maybe all the time… We need to stop putting each other down and planting labels on people, thinking its OK to form opinions on others. It’s Just Not Okay!We subconsciously form biased ideas of others from specific actions or situations. Before we have even greeted them, we have already formed a whole thesis on their entire lives and who they are. Ever wondered how people perceive you? How you are being judged? What opinions and conclusions others have come up with concerning you?

This has been a topic that I have been dealing with personally within the realms of my own heart, because I too judge others. I’m learning to become more aware of my judgmental character traits and I am working very hard to rid myself of this negative mannerism because I wouldn’t want to be judged by others and lets face it, it makes for a very ugly and unattractive persona. The kind of human I want to be in this here life is not aligned with my judgemental conducts so I have become a work in progress of ridding myself from this terrible and bigoted trait. I know this might sound like some cliché World Peace crap, but I truly do believe that this world would really be a better place if we just stop being so damn judgemental. I am still a work in progress and I will be a very long time because I’m human and it’s very difficult to unlearn bad habits, especially those habits that we are not even aware of it consuming us.

So people, let’s be more conscious of our thoughts about others and how we treat other individuals… One day at a time.

About The Look

I was feeling abit rebellious with this look. Its not really me, but as of late I have really been trying to branch out and take risks with my style now and then- seeing as I gravitate towards more of a minimalistic approach to style. So, here I am channelling some goth/hippe- festival vibes. Hope you guys like it. I had fun shooting this, even though it doesn’t seem like it haha. Side Note- I have this problem with constant ‘MeanMuggin’ in my blog pictures, guys I try to smile now and then, I really do. But, I guess this is what I feel most comfortable doing. I must say, I have been making leaps and bounds and as you will see- I cracked one huge colgate smile in one of my pics.:)

Until next time.... xoxo

Kendra

Shirt- Mr Price/Three quarters- Thrift buy/Shoes- Cotton On/ Bag- Gift from the UK

It’s been a while, I must say. I am still battling with finding time to get these posts out there to you guys. Seeing as I’m free on weekends, I have dedicated them to shooting for the blog and dealing with any part of admin that comes with it, so please do bear with me. Also, I’m starting a great project with a close friend, so do keep on the lookout for that.

I have never believed in limiting oneself. Why should you only close one career path? Why should you be only great at one thing? Why should it be either or, and not both? You can do anything you want to do in life. I remember when I was younger and my family would ask me what I want to do when I’m older, I couldn’t make up my mind on one thing. I would mention like more than 5 things and I was told that I don’t know what I want to do because I want to do too many things. As I grew older, I embraced not wanting to stick to one thing. I have so many passions in life, and even if I don’t succeed in all of them, just following my passion would be enough. I rather do something and realize I’m not that good at it, than being afraid of taking that leap and live the rest of my life wondering. I don’t want to live like that.

About The Look

When it comes to clothing, comfort is the most important thing to me. No matter how amazing a piece of clothing is, if it’s not comfortable I will not wear it. Because, if you not comfortable then you will not be confident, and if you not confident in that ensemble then what’s the point? I love simple silhouettes and styles, so I have to really rely on confidence to give my simple look that “Wow” factor.

I purchased these oversized three quarter trousers while out thrifting and you could not believe my excitement. I am not big on shopping, I must admit. I don’t enjoy going to the mall, simply because I can never find what I want and I find myself just settling for what’s accessible. It’s just so uninspiring to me, and BORING! Now thrifting is totally different, going to thrift stores makes me feel like such a big kid. Digging through heaps of clothing, as if you digging for treasure, is just so thrilling. This might sound gross to some of you, but there’s something special about purchasing second hand clothing. That piece of clothing has been through journey’s that you could only imagine, that item may have been loved, hated or just unappreciated. The fact that it was worn by someone else just adds character to the item, it makes it special. ( I’m probably sounding so loopy right now lol) It has become my new hobby, my very own treasure hunt- I Love It!

What is your take on second hand clothing? I would love to hear your views.

Until Next Time Loves

Kendra

Sexy Much?

Bra Crop- Topshop/Pencil Skirt- Anisa Mpungwe for Mr Price/Heels- YDE

Today’s post is somewhat different for me. I decided to do more of a sexy flirty look. I must admit though, it’s not really my style. I am more of an oversized-comfortable-not too tight kind of girl when it comes to clothing; I hardly gravitate towards body hugging silhouettes. However, for this look post I just wanted to look and feel sexy. I think my decision may have to do with the fact that I have recently started gym because I was not feeling good about myself at all. I was at my biggest I have ever been and just felt uncomfortable in my own skin. Although I am nowhere near my goal, I felt the need to stop beating myself up so much (atleast for now) and just embrace my extra curves.

Okay, I know most of you might think that I am absolutely crazy, because I am fairly slim, right? I constantly get the “are you insane? There is nothing wrong with your body” talks. There might be nothing “wrong” with my body, but I am the one who is unhappy with it. There is this notion that if you are not what society deems as overweight, you have no right to complain/be unhappy about your body, that’s total bull if you ask me. I overheard someone say “ I don’t get why skinny people go to gym”- so is gym only for people who want to lose weight? Fact remains that I am not comfortable in my skin and I want to make a change so I can feel better about myself. (Rant over)

Anyway, I am always so fatigued and have trouble sleeping, I decided gym in the mornings would be good for me and boy was I right. I immediately see a significant improvement in my sleeping patterns and my energy levels throughout the day have increased. I am really proud of myself for finally taking the plunge and joining the gym, I have been like a broken record about this for years and my friends can attest to that LOL. 2015 is all about doing those things I said I was going to do,but never really got around to doing it and I am glad I am off to a tremendous start.

What item of clothing makes you feel absolutely sexy? Id love to hear from you :)

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