Trosalynn's Closet Envy

Did I say How Much I Love This CK Coat Dress!!!! It feels like butter and fits like a glove. Let's just say my aunt knows my size all too well. This is one of the dresses my aunt got for me on her recent travels to Dallas, TX last month... This dress is fast becoming on of my go to dresses. My Look Dress : Calvin Klein Coat Dress Shoes : T Strap Nine West Belt: Calvin Klein ( It comes with the dress ). Watch : Grandmother's Quartz Jewellery : Swarovski Make Up Foundation : Mac NC45 Pressed Powder : Mac Minierlise Dark Lipstick : Mac Up The Amp Eyeshadow : Mac Frosted Bronze, Mac Carbon I just Love Black... Share your stories of why you also love the colour!!!

We all know I love them Bold Beautiful Lips (BBL’s). I must say there are a few tips I use to keep the lip colour looking kissable and smudge free. I for one have somewhat of a defined lip line although sometimes I do notice feathering, streaking or fading in certain areas. I’ve come to learn that if I add a few dab's of foundation or concealor on my lips it sticks like glue and lasts longer. I use wax based lip liner at times to create more of a barrier from lipstick seeping through but not on a day to day basis when I am doing my 5 minute face, although you can use it. Here’s a step-by-step explanation of how to make sure your lips look amazing!!! What you’ll need: Lip balm Foundation Lip liner Lipstick Instructions: 1. Chapped lips are not attractive with or without lipstick. So ladies please apply enough just to moisten and even your lips so you have a smooth surface to work on. 2. I use my finger and/or a wedge to dab on a small amount of the foundation using y...

I have an undying love for African prints... And if you know me well enough, I have lots of the African outfits that i have racked up in the last 7 years. I am always trying to create a show stopper look. I often play off modern and traditional pieces together, although on certain special occasions such as traditional weddings, I wear the African look from head to toe. It was last week Friday and I wanted something to go with my jeans that would look cute but not over the top. I decided to wear this African print top from Congo with my mango collection jeans (might I add they are super comfy). I decided to throw on my nine west shoes that complimented the green in my blouse and navy in my Zara tote. Pictures By : Busi My Look Top : Congolese Print Fabric Blouse Bottom : Mango Collection Jeans Shoes : Nine West Belt: Mango Frame : Diesel (Prescription Glasses) Watch : Grandmother's Quartz Jewellery : Swarovski Nail Polish : Essie Cute As A Button Make Up ...

My borther Imran (Imy), Miche (he's prom date) and I My borther Imran and I with our Mummy My Mummy and I Miche , Imran, and I Mac's Up The Amp is exactly what I am when I am turned up, bright and vibrant in other words the life of the party on my lips in this case. This is my summer colour I bet everyone would agree... I love that it glides on smoothly and keeps my lips moist throughout. This was at my brothers graduation in September 2012. My Look Jacket : Tuxedo Zara Dress : Massimo Dutti Gown Shoes : Ninewest Clutch: Kenneth Cole Makeup Foundation : Mac NC45 Pressed Powder : Mac Minierlise Dark Lipstick : Mac Up the Amp Eyeshadow : Amber Lights Eyeliner : Smolder

I am so in love with these absolutely amazing CK Jeggings my Aunty Mwa and Uncle David recently got me 2 weeks ago while in LA and TX... I have a few looks to share with you. I can't wait to show you all the cute look, I saw Eva Marcille rock that I will be recreating with these jeggings... Stay Tuned!!!

Odds are you're not taking good care of your feet on a regular, and yes there are times when I skip a few feet pampering sessions myself in the month. I must say I am fortunate to not have problematic feet. I’ve always made sure my nails look neat while I was growing up and used that food scrub as often as I could. It’s only after I was a young lady and living in the US that I got hooked to bi-weekly pedicures. I came to realise that monthly pedicures are simply not enough to keep them callous-free and soft, and I love me some soft feet and pretty toes. Here are a few simple tips I use on my foot care routine. I think of foot care just as I think of my hair – they both need to be washed: It must be done regularly. To be honest I have a thing about feet and hair and both just have to be clean. Just as one exfoliates the face and body, your feet are no different you need to at least do this three to four days per week. On my foot spa days I was always told to take just a few minute...

Coconut Oil : Coconut oil is a very light product that helps in not weighing your hair down as it easily absorbs without clogging your scalp and as a result can be used daily on your hair and scalp. This product also contains Vitamin E which is great in supporting a healthy scalp. A lot of oils are good to use as a pre-shampoo treatment for a dry scalp, as well as a leave-in conditioner for damaged ends – Guess what Coconut Oil is one of them. I have also come to learn that it’s great to use as a moisturizer for skin and as a healthy alternative for cooking – I haven’t yet tried these last two options but will do so I bet in the future. Try it out and tell me how it worked for you. I usually use virgin coconut oil that I buy at Clicks Pharmacy. Argan Oil : I am obsessed with this oil. This exotic oil from Morocco does wonders for my hair – I have found the perfect hair oil. It hydrates my scalp, my hair strands glistening shine and it also helps in smoothing and controlling frizz. I...

I am missing my braids. I haven't really been braiding as often as I used to while in the US and in SA as my hairdresser (hair-braider) moved and it really takes me a long time to warm up to another persons hands to take care of my hair the way I want it to be taken care of. In all honesty I trust myself better and over the past 15years I have gotten better at managing my natural hair pretty well - I visit the hairdresser when I need a cut, weave or braids. Rest of the time it's all me styling away. This picture was taken a few years ago when I would braid my hair like clockwork. I never keep braids for longer than a month, I always get bored and end up changing up my look more often than not. Picture By: I can't remember who took the picture but it was at Cedar Square Fourways in South Africa

Hey Dolls! If ever you have wondered how I get the dewy, glowy look on my face on my pictures, then here is the answer to your question. I use bronzer and possibly a highlighter depending on my mood. The minute I started using these little babies on my face they just transformed everything and I have never turned/looked back. These two products come in different forms, but whether it’s liquid, powder (used with a makeup brush), it will instantly brighten up your face. Personally I use the powder form of all of them. And because many people don’t use these products I figured I should share. 1.) Swish On and Above The Cheekbones : Blush and Highlighters/bronzers are different. I love it when my face looks as though it’s glowing from the inside out as the light reflects off the highlighter and bronzer placed above and on the cheekbones. To put it simply it helps give a sculpted, defined glow to the whole face. There is a slight cusp underneath ones lower eye lid that is almost shaped ...

They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder but skin beauty affects us all. It may be more than skin deep, but having had a background of bad skin (acne) while growing up, I have learnt that having nice skin sure doesn’t hurt and have been better at taking care of that as the years have gone by. Let’s just say I went through quite a few products that I experimented with and researched before finding a solution to my problem and in the past few years it has actually worked although every now and then I may stray from the norm to give myself a break in between. I know a lot of you might be going through the same thing, so here are six easy tips I’ve picked up that help make a difference with my skin through the various seasons. Personally I prefer winter because my skin seems to thrive, come summer extra skin loving is necessary and for us in Africa, that time is now until I see winter again next year. I have moments where my skin seems flawless but let’s just say I am not there...

MakeUp is always one of those things that has a lifespan I tend to say and think... Here are a few ways I tread through what to keep or not based on hygiene. Liquid foundation : I’ve recently come to learn that most liquid foundations which is what I use are water-based, meaning that bacteria can breed easily in them once you break the seal. You need to replace foundation at least every 6-12 months, in my case it never lasts that long given the sizes Mac makes so I don’t worry on my part. Tip: Try to keep your foundation out of moist, hot environments like your bathroom because it speeds up the spoiling process! Just think of it as nail polish after a while it looks clumpy and is no fun at all to look at. Mascara : I live by this and have come to the understanding that one should replace their mascara frequently because the bacteria that develop in it can be irritating to the eyes hence causing redness, itchiness, pink eye and sties. I wear contacts, so I make sure I don’t share...

I miss you GranMa (mbuya) more than you know... The past few days have been difficult since you left us on 6th October 2013 after a year long struggle with cancer. It's still so hard to believe. Now as I read your diaries of the little stories you wrote about all of us, I realise that I got my creative writing talent from you. I Love You Always...

Hi All, I've been a little under the weather the past 2 weeks and just trying to get back to my normal self. I may not have the beach but I'll make the best of the sunny skies. Here's to hoping we all have a fabulous weekend!!!

Hi All, So every once in a while a few of my girlfriends and I get together and enjoy each others company. Last weekend we settled on Kong Roast. One of my favourite restaurants I might add. The food was amazing, conversations were flowing and all the ladies looked absolutely stunning. Kong Roast is one of my go to restaurants and I must say the service is usually impeccable. I hardly go a month without visiting this hot spot. Miss Olga and I Mubanga, Mutinta, Njavwa, Rutendo (Tendi), Pam and I Njavwa, Mutinta and I Me, Tendi and Pam. Me Photography by Olga ( Thanks Hun ) My Look Dress: Mango Cobalt Blue Jacket : Tuxedo Zara Shoes : Ninewest Clutch : Kenneth Cole ( Had it over 10years ) Jewelery : Swarovski Make-up Foundation : Mac Studio Fix NC45 Powder : Mac Minerlise Dark Bronzer : Mac Gold Deposit Lip Color: Mac Up The Amp Eye Shadow : Mac Olive, Bronze Frost and Carbon EyeLid Contour : Concealor NC45 Mascara : I actually didn't put...

Hi All... So the pictures I posted earlier in the day are from yesterday. I figured I should try and have a little more spring in my step today and opted for this Cream and Grey dress from Mango. Let's just say I had a light button down cardigan from Mango on and I had to eventually do away with it for the rest of the day. Needless to say I braved my winter rolls altogether, wake up call to hit the gym on a regular. The wind did start to pick up again while we were out there , so please don't mind the flapping sleeves all over the place and hopefully my legs are not looking ashy seeing as they've been covered up for a while. My animal print pumps seemed the perfect fit for this dress. Pictures: Thanks to Busi. My Look Dress : Mango Belt : Mango Tank : Express ( Part of The Limited USA ) Pumps : Nine West Jewelery : Swarovski MakeUp Foundation : Mac Studio Fix NC45 Powder : Mac Minerlise Dark Lip Color: Mac Tinted Lip Conditioner in Soothing Beige ...

Spring is finally here. To be quite honest we really didn't have a winter this year and summer is literally knocking on the heels of spring. It's already starting to get unbearably hot. Hopefully in December I'll be in MD enjoying the winter. My friend decided to take a few pics of me although the wind was having a field day while we did this. These may not be the greatest pictures but I figured it was worth posting seeing as I won't be wearing this knit dress from Mango in a long while and I love my go to open toe booties with a croc, suede and leather look that I wear pretty often through out the months with stockings or without. My Look Earrings : Diva ( SA based Store ) Dress : Mango Booties : Ninewest Belt : Mango MNG ( Purchased in CPT 2 weeks ago Love The Colour - this dress actually comes with a brown belt but I decided to change it up this time around ) Glasses : Diesel

Hello Dolls, I've been in Cape Town on a work trip like I usually do for the past few days. Let's just say having tried out various restaurants such as Rick's American Café, Saigon, Ob's Café etc, yesterday's option in Woodstock certainly left my taste buds craving for more. Next trip out here in the near future definitely will have me going back there for more. From the lovely hostess to the pleasant waitress, I could not ask for anything better. The icing on the cake was certainly the amazing food and vintage eclectic atmosphere, I just could not get enough of Don Pedros - You will be seeing me again real soon.

Hello H Dolls... I have been trying to keep active with updates on the blog but just as I settle, here I am off again on a trip sunday to CapeTown. Just thought I would share my current read that i'll take with me on my travels. A kindered spirit cousin of mine called Tendi suggested "Americanah" for me to read as we are both aspiring writers by night. To get the ball roling I was able to get " Purple Hibiscus" by Chimimanda that I just started to read. I can't wait to get onto the next one. Love as always from me to you!!!

Hello Dolls, I bought these booties from Ninewest more than 8 months ago and decided to finally wear them before the winter ends(which actually wasn't as cold as always this year). Pictures By : Busi (You're a Star) My Look Top : Zara Woman Pants : TRF (Zara) Jacket: Mango (MNG Suit) Shoes : Nine West Booties Make-Up Mac : NC45 Studio Fix Powder : Dark Eye Shadows : Bronze Frost & Pearl Veluxe Sumptious Olive Lipstick : Mac Embellished Mascara : Mac Extended lash Gigablack Glasses : Diesel (Prescription)

A few months ago I mentioned how much I love Essie nail colours from the post of nail colours I like and have recently purchased as a result. I mean I still use my Revlon and Opi colours but Essie just has more of a variety that I am into right now. Only snag with Essie is they JUST DON’T LAST sadly enough and as a result I paint my nails a few times a week just to keep them looking good. I’ve been on a mission to figure out a way to make them last and so far, this is the best option I found and thought I ought to share with everyone. Here Are My Few Tips: 1. As I will share in my Sharing Is Caring – Words That May Touch Your Heart Post, I am getting quite good at giving myself manicures. I’ll admit while in the US, I got them done at the various nail spots, SA is just recently catching up I feel with amazing places such as Sorbet on the rise. I suggest after giving oneself a good manicure and buffing ones nails clean of dirt and oils, is the best way to get the process going. 2....

I must say I enjoy having a blog, it’s similar to my old fashioned diaries just a little modern. Recently I was going through some old pictures from back in the day, I actually missed one of myself because I thought nah that can’t be me vacationing in Durban in the 90s while on school holiday from Nashville Tn , I had flawless caramel skin from head to toe, wearing a size 6 Gap floral dress I used to love, with a short pixie Halle Berry / Toni Braxton hair do that I can’t imagine seeing myself do in this day and age. I actually pulled it off. I may have to upload that picture. I guess with my 3 year old blog, the best and possibly worst part about keeping this timeline of moments in my life through fashion is that it is a public diary. Don’t get me wrong it’s a fun thing to do but also funny when one looks back on older posts and sees how much has changed and even how different I look . The early posts are slightly embarrassing though they help me see where I have progressed in my l...

I tend to turn to Grey when I need something to pair my black colour pieces with when I have exhausted most options or am bored of my look. Funny enough I have a few grey tops and bottoms that I usually wear in winter and want to spruce up every once in a while for those dull winter days. It is usually not an easy colour for most to pull off but like I always say in fashion anything is possible. Jazz Up That Colour… A few suggestions I have tried and hope to explore in the near future:- • I like adding a little bit of shine to my grey pieces when I purchase them like having a few pieces that have some sequins in them, satin or threading that shines(glitter thread)through usually helps take away that dull look of grey skies, • One of my favourite options that I use on a regular as well as in this posts picture is grey and black although grey and white also works just the same. In my case the skirt is more of a charcoal grey and pairs well with my black top as shown. Though not a...